Grace

We spent the last week down in Grace chopping corn, which is to blame for my blogging absence. It it always a change of pace and scenery for us to make the 1.5 hour drive with my in-laws camping trailer in tow. The kids and I set up "camp" and busy ourselves with feeding the crew of six, running parts, and checking out the local attractions.I was especially surprised to find that the water lines had all froze and broke, so long running water. (Someone got in big trouble for not winterizing it properly.) And Monday night I went to bake some lasagna and the stove didn't work. uugghh!

We tried to make the best of things. The kids and I would have to haul water. We became little pioneers in our own right (which was fitting since the valley was settled by early Mormon pioneers.) I washed potatoes in the headlights with a garden hose and heated water on the stove to "wash" my children. Some meals adapted so we could fix them on the stove top skillet. My skillet apple crisp got rave reviews.

The job took a day longer than expected, so we rationed food and fed leftover. Finally at midnight on Thursday, we rolled back into town. I used the bathroom and washed my hands with warm, running water! I have never felt so spoiled in all my life. My home seems like a mansion and my kitchen is such a dream to use (with working appliances and all.) As for the modern day comforts that I take for granted, I'd have to agree: Absence makes the heart grow stronger.

I've added some pictures of the photo shoot in front of buildings on an old homestead.

Peaches and Pears

My dad had a bumper crop of peaches and pears. His poor peach tree was breaking limbs trying to carry all of the weight. The kids enjoyed helping me pick. . . the first bushel. Finally after filling all the baskets, I decided I'd better go in. On the way to the house I was met by Hudson who scolded "no more!"

It took the majority of the day to get the fruit sealed up in bottles. I'm used to canning by myself, but an undertaking of this magnitude was greatly aided by some good company. Read Deidra's account of our funny story. It was time well spent.

Cheap Fun

I picked up a few Halloween accessories at the dollar store. The kids have been having so much fun with them. I'm pretty sure they'll be broken or worn out by Halloween, but oh well.

In other news, corn harvest continues. I never would have thought that not being "needed" as a truck driver would be hard. Having two kids in the truck would be insane and well. . . dangerous (although I've done it before.) I have to keep reminding myself that it's a good thing that we've finally gotten enough help. Some days I just really miss feeling a part of all the harvest hustle. In the meantime, the kids and I will keep delivering food to the crews and try to feel needed.

Magic

We've got a little Houdini at our house.

He performs on a regular basis. And everyone enjoys the show.

Yesterday he waved his wand over Sissy while saying "disappear!" If only problems were that easy to get rid of.

Harvest

After weeks of waiting for the corn to mature, we've finally started chopping. The kids and I have assumed our positions in our food wagon. Yes, my little Passat is part truck and we beat through the fields trying to catch up with everyone. The kids love being involved. The afternoons have been so beautiful. Food deliveries are the highlight of the day. "One for me, one for them."

Sissy- waving and cheer leading to passing trucks.

Rain On Our Parade

Shorty after the annual Spud Day parade started, the sky opened up and it poured. It slowed and continued on for most of the parade. While Brother sat in the stroller for cover, Sissy was out retrieving candy and waving. The rain didn't stop her from enjoying things.
After the parade, we made the pilgrimage down to the park and waited in line for the free baked potatoes and Gossner's milk. I think the entire town was there because the lines are always very long. I about decided to take the kids somewhere else for lunch, but it's become a tradition.

Thunder Cake

This week the kids and I read Thunder Cake. It's a folksy book about how a Grandma (Babushka) helps her granddaughter over come her fear of thunder. So when storms cloud rolled in yesterday, we decided it was a perfect opportunity to make our own Thunder Cake.I highly recommend the book, but here's the recipe in case you can't track down a copy.

Big Spender

This morning Brother woke up with a hankering to buy something. You see the other day he got himself a thrifted wallet. It's a fine wallet indeed. Complete with leather punching and name. Too bad it used to be "Ky's." Well, he earned a dollar to put in his wallet and somewhere along the way he found a quarter too. This wallet has gone everywhere with him. Joy School. The neighbors. On the four wheeler.

As soon as the money was tucked into the wallet, it's been burning a hole in this little boy's pocket. So this morning when I asked what day it was he replied, "store day." We did have to run to town, so on the way there I was telling him things that we needed to buy. He would listen and every time I mentioned some thing he would offer, "I'll buy that too."

It almost broke my heart to tell him he really didn't have enough money to buy much. So after running errands and me footing the bill, we stopped at the dollar store. (I knew I loved these kinds of stores for a reason.) Brother had a tiger by the tail, he could choose anything he wanted. And that's how we ended up with glow bracelets hanging from his bed post tonight.

Proper Introduction

Meet Peach and Pear, our new adorable little kittens. Hudson loves to feed them and Dalanie just wants to kiss them. We hope they will be an enjoyable addition to our family.

Answer Plot

Something exciting came to the farm yesterday. Croplan's Answer Plot. They brought in corn experts, a tent, and the makings for a steak dinner. We helped set up and Hudson couldn't wait to get back. Dinner was supposed to be at 6:00, but the Knowledge Event lasted quite a bit longer. It was windy and cold, the kids were starving, and Hudson kept yelling, "I am hungry and want to eat!" We survived and got ourselves some new hats and t-shirts out of the deal.

Joy School

Today's was Hudson's first day of Joy School and he was pretty excited. (I think he might already have a girlfriend in his class.) I had a hard time deciding whether I should get him involved already. I know once I start, running and chasing kids all over won't stop for a long time. But I finally committed and I think it will be good. We have a great group of kids and moms involved. Once the craziness of harvest is over, I'm sure it will be the highlight of the long winter days.

The Secret

To my horror, Hudson announced that he needed to go to the bathroom while we were visiting the Eastern Idaho State Fair. I knew there was no talking him out of it because he was already doing a little dance. Naturally he insisted that I be the one to take him. We made our way through the crowd and into the women's restroom. The line was winding to the door way and I knew we were going to have an accident.

Just then a woman came out of her stall exclaiming, "That's nasty! There is no toilet paper and the toilet sprays water all over the seat.." With that news, everyone hunkered in line. Except for us.

"We'll take it!" I said as I pushed Hudson toward the stall.

"Oh, and did I mention- the seat is all wet," the lady reminded.

"That's fine he stands," I informed. My audience in line chuckled with envy.

And that my friends is the reason there is never a line in the men's bathroom.
They don't care about toilet paper and wet seats are never a bother.

Babysitting: Part II

As mentioned before, I still have no life . . . and enjoy babysitting. Hudson loves when kids come to play. The other night we had 4 extra kids over. I found enough vehicles for all of them to decorate and ride in our "parade." They each got a piece of candy and could decide whether to eat it or throw it. We rounded off the evening with a lot of Duck, Duck, Goose (Hudson's latest craze.) We all had so much fun.

So Moms, thanks for trusting me with your children. And call again.

But don't expect me to call you. Because I'm weird like that.

Babysitting Blues

I can remember back to when I babysat for several different families. I know, I must not have had a life. Now that I have kids of my own- I HATE the entire babysitting ordeal.
First off, I never have more than a few hours notice to find one. I feel really stupid asking someone to watch my children and the possible candidates all have way more of a life than I did. Girls are busy. So for me to get my nerves up to finally call someone takes the majority of the few hours I have. As soon as someone is busy or not home, I usually give up. But for the entire 4 times I have gotten a sitter, I worry the entire time that my children are being horrible (which is usually true.) And then we usually get home later than I told them and I have to figure out how much to pay them. I just HATE, HATE, HATE it. If you have any helpful tips or know what the going rate is these days, please let me know.

The other night Brent and I had volunteered to work at a food booth at the fair. I was trying to decide who to call since our shift lasted until 11:00pm and it was a school night.

"Hudson, who do you want to come babysit?"

Without hesitation, "Grandma!"

"But she probably doesn't want to have to watch you again (for the 3rd time this week.)"

"Yes she does, she loves me!"

So lucky for us, Grandma lives just around the corner. I just hope she always loves my kids because I would never have a babysitter if it weren't for her.

Canning Day

The kids and I have been busy canning. We devoted an entire day to the project. On top of finishing 2 batches of salsa, freezing 20 quarts of corn, and feeding the missionaries we managed to take a few hours away from the kitchen. I decided we needed to get out of the house and enjoy a little fresh air. Hudson loved eating his roasted hot dog and Dalanie got a good nap in.

Top Of Utah .5

Yesterday was the day. The day I'd been preparing for all summer. Turns out I wasn't the only one, some other 1200 runners started the race. Some were well seasoned runners, others were amateurs. We all had one goal though, to FINISH. And I did it!

And as soon as I crossed the finish line I just kept thinking "If only. . . the race had been one week earlier. Before I got sick, before my knee started hurting . . . I could have finished under 2 hours, closer to Chod."

And so, my running career isn't over. Maybe just on hold.

Hudson woke up at 5:30 so he could tell me good luck.
Looking for Hudson.

Mom reaching out to give me five as I cross the finish line.

Cold Feet

So here I am, less than 24 hours away from running my half marathon and I've got a serious case of cold feet. The past week I've been suffering from a nasty head cold. It is finally subsiding, but has gotten me quite nervous. I used to have aspirations of finishing in a specific amount of time, but now I just want to finish.

Wish me luck!

Need An Idea

This time of year I run into a brick wall, total mind block on how to use up all of my zucchini. I mean you can only stomach so many zucchini muffins, zucchini breads, zucchini stir frys and the likes. If you find yourself in the same predicament, here's a tasty recipe.

Savory Zucchini Squares
1 c bisquick
1/8 t pepper
1/2 c finely diced onion
1 clove garlic
1/2 c freshly grated parmesan cheese
1/4 c vegetable oil
1 t dried parsley
4 eggs; well beaten
1/2 t salt
/2 t dried oregano
combine all ingredients
add 3 c thinly sliced zucchini

Spread into a gread 9x13 pan. Bake for 30 mins and 350 or until golden brown.
Cut into squares and serve warm.
Next time I'm going to add cubed ham and make it a complete meal.

In A Pickle

So what do you get when your neighbor gives you two grocery bags full of cucumbers?

That's right, a whole lot of pickles. 10 quarts and 14 pints to be exact. The kids were pretty cooperative. Hudson was great about packing the cucumbers into the jars. His little hands were perfect for pushing them down into the jars. He kept the assembly line going by reminding me to get some more cucumbers cut.

But by our last batch he said "Quit canning Mom!" He needed me to read him stories and tuck him into bed. Canning will do that to a person.

Budding Photographer

Back in the days when I was the one buying the film for my camera and paying for it to be developed, I'd never think of handing my camera to a 3 year old. But times have changed and Brother has been fascinated with taking pictures lately. Of course, quite a few of them turn out like this:
But then you get a few like this.
It's kind of fun to actually have pictures taken with my children since most of the time I'm the one hiding behind the camera.

My Birthday

I had a very simple, but awesome birthday. For most of my married life, we've been busy in straw so working was the main objective. But this year was a little different and Brent was able to do something in the evening. We decided to go up to the cabin and go 4-wheeling. Two of my sisters were able to come with us. After an alfresco Cafe Rio dinner, we hit the trails and did a little riding. It was so much fun to spend time together.

Garden Time

I love this time of year when I can create meals directly out of my garden. As a matter of fact, my high school friends and I would skip school so we could have these garden fresh meals. Real rebels I know. It seems as though Sissy enjoys it as much as I do.

Working Man

To a three year old, the concept of money can be kind of illusive. It's generally what makes the adult world go round. With Hudson's first job came his first paycheck. He was excited to give some to the bishop for tithing. We had him save the largest portion of it, and he got ten dollars to spend.

As soon as he saw this Cars umbrella, he knew what he wanted. I insisted on him looking around, even at different stores. Still he begged for the umbrella. This went on for a day or two. Finally we went back to town so he could make his purchase.

He confidently walked up to the cashier and placed his money on the counter. You could almost see him grow as he swelled with pride from being able to buy something all by himself. And the best part, the cashier gave him money back for buying something!

If it's not raining, it's pretend raining and Hudson is carrying his umbrella around.

Free Ice Cream

Since our children are destined to be Aggies, I figure the sooner I get them acquainted with free ice cream the better of they'll be. After our hometown parade on Saturday you could get ice cream at the park. Dalanie handled her cone like a pro.
Hudson savored almost every lick of his chocolate ice cream. Never fail, a few drips always get away from him. He absolutely loves chocolate ice cream. He's only stained a handful of shirts this summer.

100 mile club

It's taken me 25 runs to get here, but today I finally arrived. I now join the ranks with Chod. Maybe one day I'll be as cool as him. Here's to another 100.