When You're the Best of Friends

I have loved watching my two little ones interact with each other lately. The toy snatching and crying have been replaced with sharing and compromise. It's heaven on earth.

Most mornings they excitedly greet one another (usually with a kiss.) "Hey Sis! Did you sleep good?" "Yep." Their lop-sided conversations continue throughout the day. Brother knows just how to phrase things so Sis's limited vocabulary can keep things rolling.

They love reading books, playing house, and working together. I'll often hear them talking and giggling. Many of Brother's jobs have now turned into a team effort, like setting the table. Somehow Sis always makes the mess, but they work together to clean it up.

Sis is at a loss if Brother isn't around. He's the first person she asks for when she wakes up from her nap. "Bro-burh?" And who wouldn't want him around? He is the first to tell her how pretty or fancy she looks when we're getting ready to go somewhere. He has also started coming up with his own rewards to give her as incentives. "You can have this sticker (or wrapper or folded piece of paper) once you go potty.

Sis loves to kiss Brother goodnight. It's become a sort of game because he likes to play hard to get. She'll climb up on his bed and wait for him to pull back the covers, then she'll pounce.

Here's hoping their sweet relationship continues with the new baby, through adolescence, and into adulthood.

This Is What You Get

Brother insists on picking out his own clothes. His outfit usually consists of a John Deere shirt or button up plaid one, a pair of Wranglers, and a hand-me-down, holey pair of John Deere cowboy boots. I'm beginning to realize that all of the cute clothes in his closet will never be worn and there's no use in buying things in the future unless it meets his criteria. People will never know of my attempts to try to get my kid into something less hick. Hopefully he outgrows this before he has to go to school.

Consequently, he helped Sissy pick out her outfit the other day. It was love at first sight when he beheld one of his old pairs of Wranglers, that were now Sis' size, in her drawer. So when your four year old becomes the fashion consultant. . . this is what you get.

hip, HIP, hOOrAY

After some very long hours and a week of working out of town in Grace and Preston, the crews finished chopping corn on Tuesday! And it was just in time because it rained that night, leaving a huge muddy mess. What a big sigh of relief. There were times we wondered how it was all going to get done. We fought with the choppers most of the season. Once we realized that praying for things to go "smooth" wasn't really going to happen, we realized that the safety of everyone involved was paramount. And for that blessing we're truly grateful.

I love how harvest requires the help of everyone in the family. Reminds me of the olden days when everyone had to pull their weight. We all have to be involved, so it's a major feat for the kids and me when Brent finishes "his" work . The kids and I were able to go down for a day and a half (much less than anticipated because of all the dr. appts.) They were happy to get some "home cooked meals" and my sister did an awesome job of feeding them when I couldn't be around.
When the kids finally heard the garage door slam and the mudroom door open Tuesday night, shouts of glee and running and jumping could be heard throughout the house. Sissy had been planning on "rarrhing" (scaring) Dad all day long and she did just that. It was absolutely priceless. There was no question that the kids (and I) were happy to have Dad home.

In The Clear For Another Week

Thanks for everyone's thoughts and prayers. I saw the Dr. today and he doesn't want to see me until next week! So no transfusion this week. We'll wait it out and see what next week brings.

My Helpers

We had so much fun gleaning potatoes from the neighbors field. There are so many fun shapes and sizes. Sissy loved finding the tiniest ones, she affectionately calls them baby. They're not real great to peel, but she loved picking them up.
Brother thought he was pretty big, climbing the ladder to pick apples. He found a humongous one. Later that day, he filled up my dehydrator with apple slices. He sat at the counter for over an hour. When he was finished he said "Wow, I did more than I thought."Sissy bagging up treats to take out to the crew.

Catching My Breath

Things here have been nonstop during harvest. Conference weekend was a needed blessing so we could cozy up in the house and recoup while the rain came down. But another week has brought it's fair share of running, cooking, and filling in to help keep corn harvest rolling forward. It's been a test of my endurance, my own marathon.

As our crews moved to Grace and Preston, I lagged behind for my ultrasound. As soon as it was over, I was hitting the road with my well stocked Suburban to keep people fed.

Or maybe not.

The baby's blood continues to thin and the trajectory looks as if a blood transfusion might need to happen within the ensuing week(s). So all of these IFs have thrown me a curve ball. IF a transfusion is necessary, there's the slight risk (5-10%) that the baby could reject the blood or struggle otherewise and need to be taken caeserean. Since I will only be 32 weeks, the specialist wants me to get the steroid shots to help the baby's lungs develop just in case. So instead of continuing at my frantic pace, I've been forced to wait around get in to see my doctor for the shots.

It's been kind of nice. We'll know on Tuesday if a transfusion will be needed or if we just wait for another week. Until then, the kids and I ate dinner in our kitchen, popped popcorn, and had a sleepover in my bed last night. It was really fun. Afterall, being a mom is my most important job.

Recruits

Somehow we managed to recruit my BIL to come up and help drive for a week in corn harvest. It's especially great because my sister and nephews came up to play for the week too. Play probably isn't the most accurate word, since I've had her in the kitchen plenty cooking for the crews. I've loved the company and she's been a lifesaver.
We found a pair of Brother's old boots so both boys sport them around on the "farm." I'm glad the kids get to spend time together. It's always more enjoyable after they've all had naps, but we're all surviving.

Holding Down the Fort

There are a lot of things that just have to wait until harvest is over. But some things can't wait. Like returning the traps we had borrowed during the days of our skunk invasion. I felt bad we'd had them for so long, but every time I tried returning them, along came another critter that needed caught.

After the owner's asking, I knew it was time to get them back. Only problem was, there was a skunk in one of them. Brent has been working such long hours I knew he wouldn't have time to take care of it. By default it became my responsibility.

I felt like a Sarah Agnes Prine as I rode my extermination vehicle down to the site. Being that close to a skunk made me jumpy for rest of the afternoon, but I did it. I took care of it.

It's probably silly how something like that gives me confidence, but I felt on top of the world.

Something For Myself

I heard about the University for Parents event long before we started in to harvest. As a parent, I really wanted to attend. You know, kind of like a continuing education course for my career. The line up of speakers was phenomenal, the real professionals in child rearing.
The event approached quickly, just as things were falling apart with harvest. I was tempted to pass up the opportunity to attend, it would just be easier. As a Mom it's easy to let everything else take precedence in your life. But then I made some arrangements and sacrifices and went.
I'm sure glad that I did. I came home with a new perspective and mission. Raising my children should be more fun.
(If you're not familiar with Love and Logic, you need to be. They Eyres have a great website with all sorts of help too. Just thought I'd pass along the word.)

Late Night Parts Run

It becomes quite necessary and urgent at times to go to Jerome (3.5 hours away) during harvest. It's the parts place so we can keep the choppers running. After packaging up the last of the lasagna and bread stick dinners to take to the crew, I heard the door open, and in walked Brent. That's never good news.
Immediately we aborted the dinner mission and began making hasty preparations for a parts run. Brother rounded up things for his overnight bag while I finished washing up the dishes. Before long the kids and I were out the door and on the road. At times like these I send up a little prayer of thanks for such cooperative/understanding kids. They realize I count on their help, especially during the crazy harvest, and do their parts. Before long, both kids were asleep and I was getting a bit tired myself. Well, Baby #3 kicked into action and jabbed something in my ribs for the remainder of the trip. No dozing off for me.
If I didn't know better, I'd think that Brent's marrying me was pure strategy. You see, my parents live in the middle of us and Jerome. They make the perfect pit stop on our parts runs. We crashed at their place and my Dad got up early the next morning to fetch the parts from Jerome so the kids and I didn't have to.
Who knew it took so many people to run parts? I couldn't have done it without them. Thanks.

Today While the Sun Shines

Although we're in the middle of corn harvest, we managed to enjoy some time out in the beautiful weather. What could be better than running around in your panties, eating sweet, sun ripened blackberries? Brother would have to argue that catching bugs is a lot more fun.The highlight of the day was taking dinner to the crew and eating in the trunk of the car. The kids were begging to get back in.
*** Hmmm. . . I just noticed that the last few posts all have Brother wearing this same shirt. Pretty obvious it's his favorite one.

Controversy

My baby sister is committed to marriage. I couldn't be more excited for our family to grow (without me having to be pregnant.) The kids and I were able to spend some time with the future BIL.

Here's what Hudson had to say about Mr. Ty:
When I grow up, I want horses like Ty. And a wagon like Ty. And a hat like Ty. And a Dodge like Ty.

Whoa! Back that horse up little boy. Really, you just said that? Don't you know your Dad is staunchly Chevy and John Deere. He might have a bone to pick with this Mr. Ty.

Tooting Our Own Horn

Sissy earned her dancing baby from an accident free day. Turns out to have been a fluke, as she's still not officially potty trained. It's mostly the case of me forgetting and not being persistent enough, but we're still a lot closer than we used to be. Both her and Brother have been enjoying tea parties with the new doll.
And now for your viewing pleasure: Brother and his "flatbed" wagon. It might look like an ordinary Red Flyer, but don't be deceived. Notice the bungee cord holding on the plywood and lawn chairs? All part of Brother's genius. Now it's a real work wagon. He straps on just about anything he can think of. And below, in the box, the perfect storage place for his [insulated] coverall, gloves, and extra hat.

Now for some mouth-watering entertainment.
Home grown melons! Best and juiciest I've tasted (but I might be a little biased having raised them from seeds.)

Life's Not A Fair

And thank goodness, hallelujah!

We took the kids to the Eastern Idaho State Fair so they could experience the culture (or lack thereof.) Although we had a really fun time during the 3 1/2 hours we were there, I'm glad life is not A FAIR. Here's why:
-instead of college savings, your kids would have stuffed animals and wristbands from the carnival
-we'd all have heart disease and obesity from the fried this and fried that called "food"
-following the carnies' lead, we'd all think having 2 or 3 teeth was cool and the norm
-lung cancer would afflict all of us non-smokers just because of all of the 2nd hand smoke
-years of our lives would be spent in lines

My Creative Idea

Since living in our house, I've wanted to hang things on the exterior. But with it being vinyl siding, I knew my husband would flip if I drilled right through it, leaving an ever lasting scar. So I finally came up with a solution. I used the hooks made to go in the pre drilled masonite board (still can't find a technical name for them), and slid them up underneath the siding. Best of all, you can move them around quite easily until you get the look you want.
This one has been modified. A pair of pliers and wire cutters and you can get the exact length and angle you want.

Heterozygous: When am I ever going to use this?

After my blood test at my last doctors appointment, I was informed that my anti E levels were above the tolerable level. So what did this mean for me and the baby? It meant that we'd be meeting with a Perinatologist for a specialized ultrasound for a closer look at what was going on.

Here is my watered down explanation. Besides certain blood types, there are several protein types associated with our blood. My E protein type is ee (or recess) and my husband's is Ee (heterozygous). We each pass one on to our offspring. During the course of my baby bearing years and blood trafficking between me and my babies, I was introduced to the big E. My body recognized it as foreign (since it wasn't a little e) and started producing antibodies against it.

My first two pregnancies, no problem. But now with baby #3, my body is producing higher level of antibodies that are fighting against the baby. Luckily the E protein mismatch isn't nearly as severe as others. So we will continue to have weekly ultrasounds to monitor the blood flow and velocity in the baby's brain. If the levels stay within the tolerable curve, I carry the baby to term and no problem. If the levels rise considerably, the anti E has been destroying too many of the red blood cells and the baby runs the risk of being anemic. In which case, the baby can be given a blood transfusion.

So for now, it's a bit of a waiting game. Dr. Belfort was awesome about answering our questions and quelling our concern. Although I am now labeled with a "high risk pregnancy," we feel blessed with the prognosis.

Nipped

After playing outside and surveying my garden, Hudson came in and asked "Who burnt your garden?"

"It's not burnt, it got froze."

"Why didn't you cover it?"

"Because I didn't realize it was going to get that cold."

"Don't you want it anymore? The guy on the news told you you needed to cover it."

Wiring

Sissy loves getting her nails painted and enjoys showing them off even more.
She is tackling potty training in hopes of earning a "dancing baby." She doesn't say dancing, she just twirls around.
Her favorite word is "NO!" and is shouted in conjunction with "Mom".
The dancing baby leverage has helped her compliance a lot.
So have mermaid panties.
Where did this GIRL come from?

Wilkins Reunion

Labor Day weekend always means the Wilkins Reunion. We look forward to it all summer. It's always great to spend time with our awesome family. This year we had a series of challenges as a team and as individuals. First up, a 3 mile run or walk or ride. Any way it happened, we had 100% participation. Some even hitched a ride on Grandpa's train.There were adult-sized trike races, shaving your uncle, casting competitions, and canoeing.Some were more able participants, but we all had fun competing and being together.

Idea for Change

Brother had a sleepover on Sissy's floor last night. Too bad she bailed before the night had really even begun. . . Her sleeping arrangements have really become a problem.

But it did get me thinking about how much I enjoyed sharing a room with my sisters. So much in fact, once I got my own room I'd bribe a particular sister to sleep with me. I liked the company. So I think I'll give my kids the same experience and put them in rooms together.

First up, Sissy and Brother in bunk beds. Not quite sure when, but in time to free up the nursery for the baby. (And I'm hoping the longer walk will keep her in her own bed.)

Mom Project

Brent and I have cleverly devised some projects to help teach our kids the value of hard work and a dollar. So far I've decided that it's far more profitable to be involved as a kid. I can still remember all of the projects "we" did as kids, where Mom did the bulk of the work and got none of the profits (4-H steers, sweet corn patch, spud cellar brackets.)We had a large sweet corn patch, so we took some of the bounty to town to sell. Brother loved keeping track of the people that came and Sissy enjoyed the treats we packed in the cooler. She was a walking billboard, walking around with a cob of corn in her mouth.

Picture Perfect

The kids and I had the funnest evening last night. It was perfect. Perfect to the point that you hardly want to exhale for fear that things will get mixed up and change. But as a mother I've come to learn that things do change and little kids never quit growing. Here are a few of the things I always want to remember:
-how in love I was with being a Mom and how much joy my kids bring me
-Sissy crying inconsolably from spilling the parmesan cheese
-Brother sporting his new camouflage hat that Grandpa had given him earlier in the day
-eating spaghetti worms for dinner with a chunky vegetable sauce (full of garden goodness) on the tiny kids picnic table outside
-dirty little kids enjoying the time outside playing in the dirt and eating gigantic garden carrots
-the beautiful sunset and swallows flying over the corn field and our maturing garden
-Sissy eating icecream and fresh peaches with her wet hair after bathtime
-Brother thanking Heavenly Father for the resurrection in his sincere and heartfelt bedtime prayer

Wishing It Was Back To School

We had Brother screened for a special preschool, crossing our fingers that he'd qualify and receive a little help with his speech. No such luck, he was off the charts. Before we headed out the door to the tests he asked "are they going to poke me?" and "do they have to weigh me?" (Obviously he's been to too many dr. appointments with me.)

So ever since his encounter with "school" he has been asking/begging for his school to start. He will be going to a preschool at our local HS, but it doesn't start until after spud harvest break (October.) I thought it would be perfect and explained how he will be able to help through out harvest, help me take lunches, ride with Dad, and then he'll start school. To which he retorted "I already know what they do in harvest!"

He is so eager to learn. Looks like we might have a long month ahead of ourselves.

Date Night

Somewhere during the course of having kids, we traded in date night for a "dinner at a restaurant, with kids." Since Brent had to spend his 30th birthday at my class reunion, I decided to take back date night and plan something.
We rented Segway's and cruised around Snake River Landing, Downtown, and the Greenbelt. We rode to Sonic and had burgers alfresco. It was the perfect summer night to spend together. It was nice to do something out of the norm, something to make us feel young and completely in love again.Segways are easy to ride and a blast. I was surprised at how well they handle hills and rough terrain. It just so happened that we had them until 9:00 this morning, so the kids even got a turn on them (although I'm quite sure it's totally against the rules.)

Love/Hate

I love seeing all the "free" fruit and produce this time of year. It kills me to think of it going to waste, so I can it. This canning thing is a real love/hate kind of thing for me.

I enjoying being productive and listening to the sealing jars pop, but this spending all day in the kitchen on a nice day about drives me crazy. My kitchen gets taken over with boxes and bottles and big boiling pots. Once I've labeled the last of the jars and am off my feet, my little helper will ask "is tomorrow another canning day?" In the back of my mind I'm thinking "I hope not." To him it's good quality time. This week we made applesauce and chokecherry syrup. You just can't buy this kind of goodness in the store.

As a side note, I've found a way to make my canning day a little more productive in other places in my house. Instead of dumping the hot water from my water bath down the kitchen sink, I'll pick a "sticky" drain elsewhere and give it a good soaking. In between canners I'll put in a few tablespoons of baking soda and a cup of white vinegar. Wash it all down with the remaining canner and you're good to go. I also have lots of wet towels hanging around in the kitchen. They're perfect for wiping down the cupboards, bar stools, windowsills or appliances.

Whew!

I just survived playing event planner for our 10 year class reunion. (Although it's not as glamorous as a job as I had previously envisioned -- especially without any sort of a budget to work with.) It all turned out great and you'd think I'd learn not to stress so much. In conjunction with the reunion I decided to host a 5K to benefit Mr. Call, BHS drama teacher whose been battling cancer. It was a bit of a headache to coordinate, but turned out to be such a fun event. We had lots of community support.

Some fabulous people were on the committee and it was great working with them. I'm just glad there's 10 years to recover.

Celebration

This year my birthday happened to be shared with some of my favorite people as we celebrated the life of my Grandma Wilkins. She passed away last Thursday. I always love being around the Wilkins family, so despite the loss it was actually a good way to spend a birthday.

As I sat listening to my Grandma's life sketch, I noticed many similarities to my own life (the wife of a farmer, a mother, "Quast cheeks," and a notable work ethic.) Although I still have a long way to go before I am as proficient as a seamstress or crocheter as her.

She left behind a great legacy.

My little Hudson stood with rest of the grandkids to sing "I Am A Child of God" as part of the services. He belted it out with conviction. How blessed I am to know that I too am a Child of God.