Today has been one of cooking, running back and forth for kids requests, and enjoying being a mom. Harold was given the opportunity for extra credit if he brought treats to class this morning. He had a new recipe he wanted to try out yet in his usual dash to the bus left the cookies on the counter. He called from school giving me 15 minutes to bring the treats so he could get credit. I of course jumped up from my warm chair and two almost back to sleep toddlers and rushed into town for Harold. Mark was home to feed the youngsters.
Mark was anxiously waiting for his turn to go to the stock sale at the local auction house. Every week I get tears for not taking him. So he made arrangements and happily skipped a day of school to go sit for 6+ hours watching cows, steers, bulls, and calves parade through the ring. He had a front row seat and was lucky to be close enough to get manure on his clothes. The Life!!
I was worried when I saw his host still moving cows so after and hour alone I went back to check on him. I arrived just in time to stop him from bidding on a pen of 3 bull calves. Phew Providential intervention!
We watched for a while then I encouraged him to go buy lunch. This was an exercise in independence training. We were surprised to learn that today was the buyer appreciation day and lunch was gratis! The little girls were in heaven with a buffet. I talked with some older gentlemen who come for the camaraderie of fellow farmers and "for a day off from caring for the wife."
I of course had to defend myself to the men, for truly having 11 children. Eschewing some of the wonderful positive aspects of such a brood while they run around, eat all the food and are generally normal kids. We didn't spill anything so that was an added bonus. It brought tears to my eyes as I drove home. Those men remind me of my grandfather. I honestly love the ribbing, swearing, and general honesty of these older men. I will miss that generation when they are all gone. Each encounter reminds me and pierces my heart with memories and love for him. He holds a very special place in my heart.
Mark was fine, we were fed, and the day continued to roll on. I felt bad for letting the girls eat so many of the deviled eggs. So the girls and I came home and quickly baked the treats for tonight's program while making more deviled eggs.
We went back to town and delivered the eggs and said thanks for lunch. Then headed back home for a quick nap
Bruce took his in the car.
Then the real race began. We zoomed to pickup kids to get them spiffed up for the nights program. I tried to pry Mark out of the sale barn but he would have nothing of it until the bull we had sent last night sold. So we left him and headed home to wash the manure smell from our hair and curl the performer's hair. Thank goodness for three boys who required no make-up, curling, or fanciness- or we would never have made it on time. We snagged Mark as we headed to the performance thank goodness the sale was medium size and finished by the time we needed to go.
Addie's handbell choir playing deck the halls.
The Program was delightful. Aliza and friend were the narrators. The storyline was the explanation of the Nativity to children who had never heard it before. I am so abundantly grateful for a community who seek out the good and actively work on promoting harmony. This was another great night of sharing love and fellowship with our neighbors and associates whom we are so delighted to be raising our children with. The girls were brave enough to visit Santa. Maybe because big sister Anna was their escort. They pretend to be her when she is gone at school. They just adore her. Another beautiful part of large family hood- sibling greatness.
And my desire for tonight to be asleep. Such a great picture Greg snapped last week. He is so patient to stay in love with such charming elegance. But seriously it was a great day making memories doing what my kids wanted and needed to do! Being a mom is tiring and wonderful. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!!
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