Traditions

Traditions are half of what makes the holidays.

Thanksgiving in Burley means the Turkey Trot 5K. It's always freezing cold but we go prepared. This year my husband was up against stiff competition as 2 of my BIL's have been avid runners, even marathoners. But without an ounce of training, Brent came in first out of our family. (He forsees no running in his future.) The kids and I were more cheerleaders than participants.
The day after Thanksgiving we headed out to find a trophy Christmas tree. The $5 permit is easier to swallow than the lofty tree stand prices, and it's much more fun. Snowy conditions, brave husbands, and a steep and windy road out led to a little more suspense than usual. Thanks goodness for experienced drivers and 4-wheel drive. It was memorable nonetheless.


Some traditions were revised this year. Instead of loading everyone up and traveling to Christmas in the Nighttime Sky, my Dad let off a few fire works and we watched from the front porch. There weren't any lines back inside for the hot chocolate.Grandma and Grandpa gave us gifts early and spoiled us as usual.

Full of THANKS

Over the years, the food has become less important, the company more important, and the reason even greater still. I enjoyed a beautiful meal with my family and could not dismiss my feelings of gratitude this year.

My life is richly blessed by a husband and children that love me. They give meaning to my life.
I am grateful for. . .
a loving Heavenly Father who is responsive to my humble pleadings.
the gift of life and health that my family and I enjoy.
a living prophet--A leader who guides by faith, example, and God's divine assistance.
my husband's occupation and our way of life.
parents that continue to invest so much time and love into me and my family.

Must Be A Mom Thing

We left the kids behind and headed to Utah after my Dr. appointment on Thursday for a pre-baby anniversary getaway. It sounded perfect in the planning stages. No kids to scream on our drive, noone but myself to take to the bathroom, absolute freedom.

It all changed on the drive down. I became reluctant to go for fear that something would happen to them or us. Brent thought I was irrational and tried talking me through it, although it didn't really help. By the second night, I couldn't even call the kids because I knew I'd cry. Sure enough, Brent handed me the phone and I heard my little's voices and broke down. Definitely experiencing a heightened homesickness hormone. At every turn I'd imagine how they'd be enjoying the trip and worried about how they were struggling with being left behind.

I was so excited to get home and see them. Turns out they didn't even miss me. Maybe, just maybe Brent was right and it was just the hormones talking.

As a side note, we did have a fun little culinary adventure including free dinner at the Timber Mine, chocolate dipped fruit, awesome sandwiches from Jason's Deli, and a pastry packed breakfast.

Turkey Gobbler

My son has a serious addiction. Every time we go to the paint section of a home improvement store, he starts itching to grab as many paint chips as possible. With a little coaching from me, we picked out some fall colored- leaf shaped ones.

I had an idea brewing. For a clean and simple craft, we simply wrote what we were thankful for with a silver sharpie on the "leaves" (which also make wonderful tail feathers.) A stapler made quick work of attaching them to a pumpkin. I concocted an over-sized turkey head and mounted it with a toothpick.
He's been a good sport, proudly displaying our blessing for us to see and remember.

Mind Block

My pregnancy continues to roll along. All the doctors are ready to get this baby here as soon as possible. As for me, I ready to not be pregnant but having a Thanksgiving baby, not really. Baby and body willing, we'll probably be having this little guy/gal (I promise I still don't know-even with all the ultrasounds) in less than two weeks.

With that in mind, I have a serious mind block about Christmas. Like no gift ideas, no scheduling and calendaring, planning and anticipating, nothing. Hopefully I will get over this soon or it will be a sad little Christmas.

Mask of Pregnancy

me, 35 weeks

My Dr. visits became more frequent just in time for flu season. Health care professionals are pretty good at putting the fear into a person, especially one that seems to have a big bulls eye on her belly. So I've been sporting these masks around hospitals and Dr. offices for a few months now (even an occasional grocery store now and then.) Instead of feeling completely silly, it's become part of the routine. My increased vulnerability to the swine flu also prompted a long wait for a H1N1 shot.

With this pregnancy winding down, I decided I better document a little of it before it fades in my memory like the other two.
-excited to be expecting another little one and pregnant
-lost excitement for the pregnant part a day later when I started feeling yucky
-morning sickness from start to finish, although it's not constant, I still feel puky a lot of the time
-aerobics drop out, by the time I felt well enough to go, I was getting bigger and then harvest happened
-felt more in control of my emotions until. . . the last trimester. coincidentally the same time we learned about the "minor" complication that required frequent and expensive monitoring and lots of dr. visits
-grateful for all the thoughts and prayers in our behalf. the baby has done surprisingly well, as the perinatologist thought a transfusion was inevitable. two visits ago he asked, "What did you do to get this baby to start behaving?" I'm sure his scientific mind wasn't expecting my humble and truthful reply "prayers."
-sweets make my head spin, if only I had enough self control to stay away from them
-so much fun to watch the kids' love and excitement for the baby to grow. when we told the kids that we'd probably have the baby in 2-3 weeks, Hudson could not control himself. he was beaming.
-despite all the difficulties and discomforts of pregnancy, I finally realize what an honor it is to play such a critical role in our Heavenly Father's plan, bringing His spirit children to earth.

Wedding Highlights

We spent the weekend bouncing around from one venue to the next for my little sister's wedding. It was a beautiful fall wedding, with perfect weather. The entire ordeal was decidedly country and I loved it.

I loved that my sister wore my Grandmothers wedding dress (the one my mom also used.) The thought never crossed my mind because I never would have fit into it. She had the cutest little birdcage veil and a simple pair of pearl earrings and a bracelet. And what kind of wanna be cowgirl would wear anything but a new pair of boots on her wedding day?A sunny fall day was perfect for kids to play and run and jump during all the picture taking. Later a horse drawn carriage wisked the wedded couple down golden tree lined streets to their wedding luncheon. It wasn't part of a paid off fairytale ending, it was the groom's actual team and carriage.
The week before while we were in Burley, Hudson loved helping with the barn facade for the backdrop. His job was to pull out nails and he took his job quite seriously. "Where is Bentley? I could sure use his help." It took an entire day and small village to transform the cultural hall for the reception, but it looked great.One tough critic gave the cinnamon rolls and chocolate milk refreshments his stamp of approval.
There was a dance following the reception. Besides a sweet first dance accompanied by my BIL's singing talent, the best part was when cousins and friends flooded the dance floor to perform Hannah Montana's Hoe Down Throw Down.

Overall it was a great weekend for a fun couple that has just begun their life together.

Fair Weathered Cowboys

Ever since rounding up started last week, the kids (especially Sissy) have been begging to go "help" Dad with the "Moo-Moos." This week the weather has been a lot better, so we agreed to take the kids. They were so excited! We even spent the night in Grandpa's cabin which is always a highlight- more for some than for others.

Brent and I spent a sleepless night trying to catch a very obnoxious and busy rat that had taken up residence in the cabin. It completely spooked me out, but Brent finally caught it. Funny how it's not nearly as scary once it's inside a trap. We rode the 4-wheeler looking for cows, took a walk at sunset, roasted marshmallows, ate sunflower seeds, and helped sort the cattle.It's hard work being a cowboy and winning the West. We came home exhausted.

Halloween Preview

We completed thrashing corn on Monday, so the "official" harvest is finally over.

It feels good not to have that hanging over our heads any longer, especially since the weather has turned yucky.

We've been able to enjoy some of the Halloween festivities with our Dad.Monday night we carved pumpkins. Sissy liked cleaning the guts out, Brother preferred the carving. There's something about knives that intrigues that boy, luckily we had the little saw-type ones that come in the kits. He carved his entire jack o' lantern by himself.
The next night the mutual helped host a Halloween Carnival in conjunction with the Primary. Brent felt obligated to dress up since he was helping with a booth. And . . . well, I look for an excuse to get dressed up.

Quiet As A Church Mouse

Our church had a visitor yesterday.

Although the scurrying creature was quiet as can be, the congregation experienced a bit of an uproar as it zigged and zagged under the benches. A few squeals later and it had found it's way out of the door. A gentleman quickly followed it and put and end to the distraction.

Upon his return to the chapel, he signaled to the bishop: A slow index finger drug across his throat.

And that was that, a bit of excitement that lasted for a few minutes and had us all talking for the rest of our meetings.

Sissy Scissorhands

She had been complaining about her tag bothering her.

I was obviously pre-occupied and on the phone with my Scouting for Food assignments.

She took matters into her own hands.

The tags were still intact as was all of her hair, but she did manage to mangle her collar.

Now for a better hiding spot for the scissors.

"Real" School

Brother has his first day of pre-school today, so we served up french toast with whipped cream and sprinkles. It's taught at the high school, so he thinks it's "real" school. Without being naggd, he left his gloves, hat, and worn out boots at home. It was quite a shock.

Sis and I left him behind for our own little "preschool." We picked apples, read apple stories, and had a photo shoot.
I questioned him all the way home about what they did (I'd secretly love to have my own Preschool.) They played, colored, painted, and learned about the letter "a." He didn't make any new friends and didn't learn a single name. But he did assure me that he was the only one that shares. "The other boys wouldn't let a girl borrow the tools, but I let her have some."

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.