January 31.
The first month of 2011 draws nigh.
Time seems to escape like Houdini, and I am am never sure where it has gone.
Nonetheless, I sit here quietly tonight. The dryer is tumbling. My big girls are sprawled out doing their homework around me. My little girl is sleeping. My boys have also drifted off to dreamland.
Thus I sit and reflect on the day. Another busy day, but it was good. My littlest bug's enthusiasm for learning as she sounds out words from the backseat of the car. The smile of my little boy as he showed off his terrific test score. Kiahra's beautiful eyelashes batting as she animatedly shared details of her day. The twinkle in my husband's eye as he teased his oldest daughter about her first day of track and her smile and giggles in response to her daddy.
Ordinary moments to be cherished.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
My dad had surgery yesterday. He slipped on the ice and broke his leg last week; however, the surgery was on the ankle that he severely twisted which is what caused the fibula to break. He now has a couple screws in his ankle, which I am slightly entertained by...because everything that keeps the farm running has a screw or two in it, and my dad is very proficient at keeping things running.
Anyway, now he is home with his leg elevated. He doesn't like his crutches,
AND he has to stay completely off his foot for 8 weeks. Kade just pipped up to inform me that is 56 days...well it is 55 now, Grandpa.
I believe this is the first broken bone my father has had. I know this is the first time he has been immobilized in my lifetime. For those of you who don't know my father, he is always busy. He is not a man that sits well for long periods of time, so I suspect each day will be a challenge.
However, he is in good spirits. His prognosis is good. If he is patient, he will be back up and "running" again soon.
In the meantime, I am so grateful my "little" brother is there to keep the farm running.
Anyway, now he is home with his leg elevated. He doesn't like his crutches,
AND he has to stay completely off his foot for 8 weeks. Kade just pipped up to inform me that is 56 days...well it is 55 now, Grandpa.
I believe this is the first broken bone my father has had. I know this is the first time he has been immobilized in my lifetime. For those of you who don't know my father, he is always busy. He is not a man that sits well for long periods of time, so I suspect each day will be a challenge.
However, he is in good spirits. His prognosis is good. If he is patient, he will be back up and "running" again soon.
In the meantime, I am so grateful my "little" brother is there to keep the farm running.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Nikela went for a run the other day. Duke (our dog) went with her. She was a bit inconvenienced by her cell phone, so she found a clever hiding spot for it. When she returned, Ron saw her walking in circles with Duke. He was worried about her mental health, so he stopped and asked what was wrong. He discovered she couldn't find her phone.
"Whew!" Ron was relieved to learn she was not lost since she was across the street from the house.
Then Nikela interupted the conversation, "I remember now! I put it on Duke's collar!"
"Whew!" Ron was relieved to learn she was not lost since she was across the street from the house.
Then Nikela interupted the conversation, "I remember now! I put it on Duke's collar!"
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Hockey. It means dressing for the cool rink temperatures when it is warmer outside in January (try in the upper 60s). It means lacing skates...perfectly. It means slipping gloves on at the last minute. It means a harder good-luck pat. And it means managing sweaty hockey gear.
Yesterday, I was a hockey mom, but while Kade was on the ice I was sewing pointe shoes. I love my versatility. Amidst all the rough and tumble hockey gear was a ballet mom, but don't let ballet fool you. Those shoes are tough, my thumb is still tender this morning.
Kade didn't appreciate my versatility properly though, he thought it was a bit embarrassing.
Isn't that my job??
Monday, January 24, 2011
Just in case you missed the game yesterday, the Steelers are headed to the SuperBowl...again.
It is official, my family has become faithful fans. Someone even found the Terrible Towel.
Today I had lunch with a friend who was proudly wearing her Steelers sweatshirt. She is passionate about her Steelers--has been since childhood in West Virgina. No SuperBowl party to interfere with her watching the game. There are not very many faithful fans here, so it is fun to share a mutual love.
I have to admit I am not a big football girl, but slowly I am learning the game, and I watched a lot of football in Pittsburgh--even had the opportunity to see one game from a box seat (which is definitely the way to go) as the snow drifted down. Now I am curious enough to tune into the game. Okay, so I don't just sit and watch the entire game, but I do check in from time to time and check out the replays if my household audience response makes me aware of a big play. It is very handy that way.
Conversation awareness is generally compromised during these games, so it is an excellent time to ask for things because the murmured response will be generic and in the affirmative. Right ladies??
Anyway, my daughter is shopping for a jersey. She was the sole supporter of the Steelers in her class, so now she has to make a point...or two. Hopefully, with her passionate support the Steelers can bring home another Superbowl title. I know she has California covered and making converts daily :)
It is official, my family has become faithful fans. Someone even found the Terrible Towel.
Today I had lunch with a friend who was proudly wearing her Steelers sweatshirt. She is passionate about her Steelers--has been since childhood in West Virgina. No SuperBowl party to interfere with her watching the game. There are not very many faithful fans here, so it is fun to share a mutual love.
I have to admit I am not a big football girl, but slowly I am learning the game, and I watched a lot of football in Pittsburgh--even had the opportunity to see one game from a box seat (which is definitely the way to go) as the snow drifted down. Now I am curious enough to tune into the game. Okay, so I don't just sit and watch the entire game, but I do check in from time to time and check out the replays if my household audience response makes me aware of a big play. It is very handy that way.
Conversation awareness is generally compromised during these games, so it is an excellent time to ask for things because the murmured response will be generic and in the affirmative. Right ladies??
Anyway, my daughter is shopping for a jersey. She was the sole supporter of the Steelers in her class, so now she has to make a point...or two. Hopefully, with her passionate support the Steelers can bring home another Superbowl title. I know she has California covered and making converts daily :)
Friday, January 21, 2011
Birthday Breakfast
At eleven, Kade meticulously arranged his berries before adding a generous topping.
At six, Chayse thought, "Which one has the most whipped cream? This one..." as the fork descended and a smile crept across her face as the sweet treat tantalized her tongue!
"Yumm! Perhaps my sweet sister and dear brother aren't so bad today..."
"Even if I did have to get up earlier than usual!"
An impromptu, unsupervised photo shoot with adoring sisters was next before we headed off to school, where Chayse and I shared a birthday book with her class from our personal library, "The Dragon and the Unicorn." I read the same book to her oldest sister when she turned six... complete with my unicorn mask and furry hooves. I love kindergarten!
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Country Lanes
Our weekend adventure rejuvenated me. The natural beauty and suprises in the great outdoors are good for the soul! Well, particularly when accompanied by a good visit with family.
After we had ventured through Muir Woods, we drove the winding roads along the coast and through state parks to the marine reserve, our conversation turned to how we learned to drive. My uncle revealed his first memory of driving on the farm. It all started on the back 80 (acres) when my grandfather put the truck into first and let him drive it back to house with strict instructions to shut the key off as he approached the house. Of course, he could not touch the pedals. My memories were similar. Dad would let the pickup roll forward in the lowest gear before jumping out, and then all I had to do was steer while he threw hay off to the livestock. Generations learning to drive on the family farm.
And the scariest part...we survived. More than survived probably...why else can I drive my big ol' rig around proficiently?
Speaking of big rigs...please indulge me one more memory. When I was a young girl, I visited my uncle's job site in Gillette, WY where the equipment is giant-sized. I remember sitting in a one of those giant haul trucks. I like to think it was my uncle that lifted me up, so I could clamor up the steps. Equipment operation is his forte. I suspect through the years there isn't much he hasn't operated. I remember occasionally hearing comments from people who had worked with my uncle through the years that he could drive anything. I am sure this is true, but now I know he can ride anywhere too..even with me at the wheel!
And he survived...again.
After we had ventured through Muir Woods, we drove the winding roads along the coast and through state parks to the marine reserve, our conversation turned to how we learned to drive. My uncle revealed his first memory of driving on the farm. It all started on the back 80 (acres) when my grandfather put the truck into first and let him drive it back to house with strict instructions to shut the key off as he approached the house. Of course, he could not touch the pedals. My memories were similar. Dad would let the pickup roll forward in the lowest gear before jumping out, and then all I had to do was steer while he threw hay off to the livestock. Generations learning to drive on the family farm.
And the scariest part...we survived. More than survived probably...why else can I drive my big ol' rig around proficiently?
Speaking of big rigs...please indulge me one more memory. When I was a young girl, I visited my uncle's job site in Gillette, WY where the equipment is giant-sized. I remember sitting in a one of those giant haul trucks. I like to think it was my uncle that lifted me up, so I could clamor up the steps. Equipment operation is his forte. I suspect through the years there isn't much he hasn't operated. I remember occasionally hearing comments from people who had worked with my uncle through the years that he could drive anything. I am sure this is true, but now I know he can ride anywhere too..even with me at the wheel!
And he survived...again.
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