Confusion in the Barn

It's that time of year when our number of pigs and cattle begins to multiply. It's always exciting when we wake to new babies. We got word that two cows gave birth this morning at my grandparent's farm. We keep some of our herd at his place because Grandpa loves farming and is still a young cowboy at heart.

When we got there Grandpa had the new mommas and their calves in a pen away from the rest of the expecting cows. One calf seemed a little shy and her mother was not being very motherly. In fact, so unmotherly we questioned her maternity. You'd think as somewhat seasoned cow farmers we would know all the marks of a new mother. The signs weren't all there but Grandpa saw her with the calf.  The biggest red flag was she didn't seem to have milk.

We let the poor, unwanted calf go out with the soon-to-be-moms hoping one would claim her. She went from one cow to the next trying to nurse. Not one was interested in her and some were down right mean.  We were starting to wonder if we would have to bottle raise her. Before we decided, Court was determined to find out which cow was orphaning her baby by manually milking each of them to see who had the goods. (They are all previous 4H heifers or that task would have been a little tricky.)

While Court was taking inventory, the real momma stepped forward. It was the same momma as calf number one. Twins!! The thought crossed our minds but Grandpa was sure that big Momma was locked in the pen before almost-orphan Annie was born outside. Grandpa must have overlooked her until later in the day.

It's all good now. Mom and her twin girls are together and doing well.

My Birthday Boy

Week 7:

Austin Matthew:   Gracious.   Loyal.   Giver.   Adventurous.   Intelligent.   Generous.   Compassionate.   Energetic.   Hopeful.   Responsible.   Encourager.   Honest.   Mischievous.   Charming.   Easy-going.   Respectful.   Determined.   Funny.   Independent.   Loving.   Courageous.   Industrious.   Reliable.   Faithful.  

I'm blessed to be your mom. Keep seeking God's will for your life. I love you and am so proud of you.
xo

Best Apology Ever

Am I the only mom with sassy teens? Surely not. Am I? Secretly, I like a little bit of sass. But please, let it come out respectfully. Sassy respect....is that an oxymoron? It's not back talk that I like, it's witty responses. (It's a good thing that I am amused by them because I'm married to King Cheeky Monkey.)  I know I wasn't the most pleasant-mouthed teen either but I knew when to bite my tongue. Right, Mom?

Tonight one of my saucy gals (blondie) didn't know when enough was enough. She was sent to her room pronto. During her go-upstairs-not-another-word-or-you'll-really-be-sorry downtime, she wrote a little ditty.

I've been given permission to share, in exchange for an extra hour of computer time for her. Come on! I won this, not her. You decide.

"Sitting right here.....writing this song.....thinking of what I might have done wrong....to get sent away...on such a fine day....today."

I should mention that this apology came complete with singing.

"Maybe I spoke out of my place?.....Or maybe my parents were just tired of seeing my face?..... Although I wish someone would text me.....so I wouldn't be so bored and lonely......I think these words are so convincing...... I should have just shut my big fat front door.......and then I wouldn't be lying here so bored.
To conclude this song......I'd like to say.....that I'm sorry......I wish I could go back and erase...those...things that I said so meanly..........It really doesn't define-------------me--------! Please accept my apology!!

Apology accepted.

My Brown Eyed Girl

I love having a house full of girls. The boys aren't so bad either, but in this house pink and purple dominate. There is a constant hum of giggling and singing. Hearts and rainbows can be found doodled on foggy windows. Skirt twirling is the dance of choice, along with jitterbugging from one room to the next. Sometimes my girls dress girly and fru fru and other times they are farmy or sporty. They have challenged me to redefine style.

I'm regularly engrossed in the teen scene of my big girls;

 dealing with things like make-up, geometry, future plans, facebook, algebra, relationships, volleyball, youth group, literature, boys, texting, science, clothes, history, morality,.....did I mention schooling?

And, of course, I'm up to my eye balls in toddler shenanigans.

Often there is a little girl who feels left out, and rightly so. First off, she got "stuck" with the brown eyes while all three sisters have baby blues. I know where she's coming from. I, too, had the boring brown while my sister's eyes are a stunning sky blue. But I look into those dark brown eyes and all I see is beauty,

a deep beauty that goes beyond her outward appearance.  Her compassionate heart and love for Jesus shines for all to see. I don't purposely neglect this tenderhearted child of mine. She does well at staying out of trouble and entertaining herself. She doesn't require constant attention and rarely does she seem to need me. She feels left out from jokes and secrets from her older sisters who think she is too young to understand. And she feels unwanted from her baby sister who is too busy to be bothered by one more bossy caretaker. Em is trying to find where she belongs in this family and where she fits in life. I pray that God helps me be the  mom that she needs and that she sees her value and worth through His eyes. I love my little M&M. She is a blessing beyond measure. You're an angel waiting for wings, Emmaly.

My Toddler is Perfect, How About Yours?

Who says raising toddlers is a difficult job? Not me. I have a dream child.

She treats her brothers and sisters with the utmost respect and kindness.

She is obedient when I tell her not to touch things that are special to others, like Mommy's camera.

photo courtesy of Toddler Photographer

She is a modest child whom you will never see streaking across the room....especially not more than once a day. Her clothes are always put away where they belong because she loves order. She rearranges her drawers, unfolding all her shirts and pants, because she is trying to learn to put together her own outfits. She is perfectly well behaved, never making messes.

There are no toddler temper tantrums in this house. The few times she needs redirection she is compliant and understanding. "Let's be friends." is her favorite thing to say, not "Leave me alone" and "Go away!"

The nursery workers at church rejoice when they see her walk in the door. They get to relax and enjoy their Sunday morning and not be vigilant about the babies not getting pinched. Or bit. 

I'm thankful for restful nights. I have plenty of room in my bed since she sleeps well in her OWN bed every night. She is a peach to get to sleep too. Just give her a smooch, lay her down and turn off the light. No crying and screaming until puke happens. When she has a runny nose, like today, she brings me tissues and patiently lets me wipe her nose. No pushing me away or wiping snot all over my shoulder.

What an independent girl she is. If bored she will make up her own games, like Pick Up Sticks. With pretzels.

 She is very good at feeding herself. Very rarely does she need a napkin.

I love her self expression! Her creative capabilities amaze even the finest artists.

She allows me to accomplish my daily chores without any interruptions. I consider myself lucky on the days she declares naps unnecessary. Those are the days I sit around with my feet up and let her entertain me with her quiet play. Unfortunately, she decided to take a nap today. How bored I am.

All these wonderfully fun pictures were taken this week. See how much fun I have? I suppose I could share the joy. If any of you would like to spend time (or a weekend) with my perfect toddler, give me a call!

Favorite picture (snot and all) for week 5:

Winter, You're Not So Bad

January has come to an end and, I must tell you, I'm not in the least bit sad to see her go. In fact, I'm hoping February and March quickly follow her into the history books. I'm not fond of cold weather and gray skies. I like color! I want warmth! I need sunshine!

All complaining aside, there are some things I enjoy about the cold weather. Any excuse to have a couch full of kiddos is fine by me.

I like how they cram together and pile on top of each other with no pushing, shoving, pinching, biting, kicking, hitting, yelling, crying........at least not that you can see.

Hearty meals taste better in the winter months. One of my favorite times of the day is sitting at the supper table with my favorite gang. We talk about our favorite part of the day or I ask a question about life and everyone has to answer. Sometimes the questions bring wonderful conversation, other times they are met with rolled eyes.

Ironic my favorite time of day is usually preceded by the day's most stressful hour. It's not easy to cook with little (and big) ones wanting my attention. Crock pot meals make me happy! So do helpers.

I employ kitchen help from all ages.

Why is it the ones who are willing to help the most are the ones who are the least helpful (defined as makes more work for Mom)?

Cold months are also good for snuggling up and sipping warm drinks. This winter I was introduced to Java. You can call him Coffee. We have become good friends. I regret talking bad about him behind his back all these years. He's a little boring on his own, but aren't we all? Pair him up with Flavored Creamer and he is the life of the party! Especially with Miss York peppermint patty creamer! Coffee, I'm glad we met. I'm sorry I snubbed you for so long. I have to warn you though, I may be a fair-weather friend. My warm months belong to Sweet Ice Tea.

When I'm not day dreaming of warm, sunny days, I try to live in the moment and enjoy the quiet of winter. I may not like the physical aspects the cold brings, but with it comes a renewing of the mind; a time to be still and refocus on life and to reorganize priorities.

Winter is a little confused today with temps in the 50s. Maybe he's trying to get on my good side. Even so, Jack Frost, you may not be my best friend, but really, you're not so bad.

Pictures for week 4 of 2012:
It is truly special that my kids have four great grandmas and three great grandpas still living. We don't see them all as much as we would like. My maternal grandparents, however, are very involved in my kids' lives. Grandma and Grandpa are blessed with good health and mobility, making it easier for them to play an active role.

No man rocks a purple shirt like Grandpa.

Emmaly got to listen to some of the old gospel records that  I remember
from childhood. She wasn't impressed. :)

I love how my kids get to play with the same toys that I did. This Fisher Price
town was my favorite. 

This Little Piggy

Let the 2012 4H swine project begin.

This litter of pigs is extra special to Brooklyn. Their mom was her champion Berkshire show gilt in 2009. She is hoping for good things for this little piggy too.

We were wanting a litter bigger than four, but we'll take what we get.

Speaking of piggies, I love pruney, baby toes.

 Faith would live in the bathtub if I'd let her. If someone is taking a bath and she is not invited, she is personally offended. I once had a little, pint-sized visitor jump in the shower with me. Fully clothed. In fact, watching me write this post, she is begging for a bath.

I could be nice and finish this while sitting on the porcelain throne so she can splash away, but I'm too cozy warm under my favorite, velvety blanket. Besides, Baby Girl had a bath this morning.... FIVE minutes before we were to head out the door for church. A big sister left a bowl of cocoa crispies on the counter "out of reach" of toddler hands. Even though I was irritated, I regret not snapping a picture before the chocolate pebbles were washed from her hair. (Does anyone else have more mishaps than usual on Sunday mornings??)

                   These little piggies sure find themselves in all kinds of mischief.

                           
                           They are also the reason the house often resembles a pigsty.

There is a secret that I know that helps me endure, even enjoy, the long days of messes, noise, chaos, and disarray. Besides the overflowing love I have for my delinquents angels, I know how quickly those little footsies grow and become the feet of big kids then teenagers.

In the blink of an eye, my first born baby turned into a young man. In less than a month he will be 17, the age his father was when we started dating.

My picture of the week isn't of good quality. It was taken through the window as I was watched my son drive away.

He wasn't alone; he was taking with him, his brother and three sisters. I'm one of those people who watch a loved one go until they are no longer in sight. Friday watching the truck until it was a little speck in the horizon did something to me. It made me all the more aware of how valuable time is and how I have little control over what happens to my treasures. I feel so fortunate to be able to stay home full time with them and I don't take it lightly. I know this is the plan God has for this time in my life and I am enjoying it to the fullest.