Christmas Season of celebrating

These are the rewards of older chidlren. Them recognizing you had their best interest in mind as you raised them. I'm thankful for the great young man Harold has become. He is a leader and so capable at fixing and figuring out solutions. We have really appreciated his work for us this month. 

For Christmas Neighbor gifts we used over 50 lbs of flour and made over 600 donuts int he month of December. Bruce and Reed helped with the last two cooking. They are pretty efficient and great quality control guys. 

Bruce fried and Reed dipped and managed. H's preparing glaze here. 

Plated and ready to go. 

I was asked recently what my scripture study looks like. This is part of it. All squished together relaxing or the last item before bedtime. 

I like how close everyone is. I like that it's our wind down. I love that I get all these people in my life. 

We miss this lady and are so thankful for the wonderful fulfilling experience mission life has been for her. Please excuse the poor picture. 

A sweet lady worked to make Christmas special for her. This is her personalized pillowcase. We love the color selection that is so Aliza. 

Christmas is so much more than one day here. It is the month of anticipation, of thinking of others, of singing songs of joy and praise of JEsus Birth. It is loving our neighbors and reaching out to them. It's taking time to be together enjoying rest. There is much about the gospel of Jesus Christ but those things, rest from the work of the days, love for others, joy are prime words describing my thoughts of Christmas this year. We are thankful for the Christmas Season. Life is good. 
 

New phase for Christmas

We entered a new realm this year for Christmas. We were able to put presents under the tree days before opening them. For years actually all but the first year we were married we have had children that would open the presents thus we didn't put them out until the night of Christmas Eve or really close to then. This year Andrea is a big lady and left the presents alone. That made me sad and happy. One more sign our family is getting older. There was no seminary on the last day of school so the older kids wrapped presents. They have been so busy wrangling cows and barb wire fences this was a nice reprieve. 

I picked the kids up from school so they could go get some vaccinations. Livy was excited to show the prize she received from a classmate in the gift exchange. I flopped on that requirement. While the kids did take presents to exchange they were not exciting. Oh well. Gift-giving is not my love language and a big stretch but we got it all taken care of. 

We also spent time at the farm taking care of animals throughout the break. This is a nice day we were just feeding the animals. A few days later after a lot of rain we loaded many out and sold them. That was a mess but we worked together and got it done. 

 Livy and Lia have enjoyed having Anna here to snuggle and pay attention to them. She helps them with their natural curls and teaches them how to care for their wild unique hair. As Anna has spent more time with us she has found her place again as the oldest. That's a hard spot to navigate as life changes and everyone grows in independence and maturity. I'm very thankful for all the time of this Christmas break. Two full weeks allowed for us to catch-up, dig-in, relax, and get it done. Life is good with all these special people. I am blessed. 

Caroling and grandma homecoming

We were at a neighbors door caroling and I thought I could take a picture so here it is. The kids enjoying candy canes from another neighbor singing along as we roamed our neighborhood. This year with flower deliveries it hasn't been that long since we saw most of our neighbors. 

We got a call asking Greg to come help give his mom a blessing for her blood pressure. We returned and she told us about her surgery and showed us the wound in her wrist. 

After our visit and the blessing we continued our singing and visiting with neighbors. At home Merle showing off his bacon and eggs socks and his muscles. He's growing up too. 

Friday Sue went to the hospital because she had been feeling poorly. She got sent to another hospital and had a catheter procedure to look at her heart. they found her aorta valve is hardening and needs to be replaced. This is restricting the blood flow which caused a heart attack. She will have surgery in January. life can change quickly. But the heart attack was managed and she has hope the surgery will help alleviate the general weakness and breathlessness that has been creeping in over the years. 

 

Cows and christmas

I often question why we live like this. The guys had moved the cows in a few minutes earlier in the dark and were digging the ice blocks out of their water troughs so the water could rain and the tanks removed. It was cold. Thankfully I just got to watch. Then fill the moved troughs. 

This is a benchmark picture. Since the nights have been longer than the days it's inevitable to be outside working in the dark. Bruce did not like the dark at all and would cry and try to not have to go out in it alone. However, a lot of his responsibility with Reed is holding cows in one place, plugging or unplugging something in, in short standing alone in the dark. He won a flashlight at the turkey trot and I got him a headlamp. The two together illuminate the darkness and with much brotherly assistance, his fears have receded. This is him walking to me after he found his lost glove, I was impressed he wasn't fearful and is learning the dark is not the danger. 

Yet after those cold times of frustration, there are bright spots. The kids chose another Christmas movie and snuggled up in blankets together to be entertained. I love the closeness of family. 

A podcast suggested one way to be safe is to daily have a ritual to reconnect and recharge our spirits. While this movie wasn't necessarily a feast of goodness the act of being together and sharing some time relaxing is good. We always end the day with some scripture and a prayer- even if no one listens that is the routine. 

So Christmas is coming we work to think of Jesus Christ and the goodness He is. We work to care for this earth He created and gave us commandments to till and take care of. We care for the creatures and each other. Life is good and we are blessed. 
 

Blessings

A few weeks ago my mom asked if a friend from my childhood could bring our family dinner. He wanted to give me a night off. I was surprised and agreed to a night a few weeks down the road. The evening came and we were overwhelmed with all the food he brought. I was also surprised by the food selection.  The meal was turkey with gravy. This is classic comfort food similar in taste to how my grandma made for Christmas dinner.

 It's always interesting to me how random things she did come out when life is getting heavy. We had discussed Angels on Sunday as a family and I could definitely put this in the box of angels on earth and above tapping us on the shoulder to say "I see you, keep going." Like Elias the prophet was offered a cake and a nap when his troubles got too heavy, throughout the years I have been offered a cupcake, or turkey dinner when life was feeling difficult. The last turkey dinner with perfect gravy was the night Merle decided to be born. 

Thanksgiving was pretty stressful for many reasons, and I didn't eat much. I enjoy the turkey dinner and have looked back longingly wishing I could have calmed my nerves quicker. Thus this meal was so welcome. The food was delicious, but it was more sweet to have been thought of. The man Leland Anderson was a family friend with kids close to me. We would go to his house after church occasionally and he would fry french fries for his family and me and my siblings. It was the best after church activity. We loved it when we got to go to his house. 

Fast forward many years and this kind soul felt prompted to bring us dinner. Little would he know that my mother-in-law would have had a heart attack and we would have been hacked and working through changing bank accounts and making good on debits that we needed to pay with our funds locked up. Fraud is such a terrible inconvenience. 

Bruce had a bit of time in the house on Sunday, he is usually out working with Reed. Merle, Lia, Andrea, and he made this area it was so busy and full of imagination I had to take a picture. Of course, the older kids made them put it all away, but I smiled at the heightened level of intricate play formations that Bruce brought. 

After talking for just a minute with this busy happy lady I was delighted to see some pictures in her Google Drive photos. She is just radiating peace and joy throughout her time as a missionary. This is just who she is learning, teaching, serving, and loving others. I'm thankful she has this time to be with God. 

I send the missionaries pictures like this. The kids were of course so happy to see the snow. 

I then found this picture of my Elder who is likewise super happy and at peace on his mission. I prayed a lot for him to feel the spirit to confirm why he was a missionary and to have friends on the mission who would see his Greatness.  I'm thankful he too is enjoying his time of service, learning, and teaching. 

Life is a jumble of good and bad. While I was so grumpy to have to go and rearrange my day, my bank account, etc etc. at the library a very kind librarian was so gentle and helpful with my long overdue books. I thought wow someone who cares and isn't just demanding something. Her profound understanding and helpful attitude totally changed my grumps. What a difference one person caring can make. I know these missionary kiddos, these two particularly, care about others. They have gentle hearts and strong bodies rounded out by very inquisitive minds. I'm sure they too are touching people and raising them up. I'm thankful for them in my life and all those who are so generous with their talents. We are very blessed.. 
 

Mud

My table is often full it is the second stopping point after the shoe drop. Lately, these lovely flowers have been adding color and love. Addie brought home the Christmas centerpiece from her ag class. These are nice reminders that life can be beautiful. 

Because just underneath the flowers are the mud crusted clothes drying for another days use. The weather is the worst right now. Not freezing continually raining and just sloppy. Last night we loaded cows for the sale always an exciting time. I could feel my adrenaline pumping as I entered the farm yard, you never know how cooperative the cows or kids will be. I enjoy working with my children and seeing them gain confidence and show their strength and courage. We work together guiding and coaxing the cows from one barb wire fence to a steel bar pen. The inches of manure and mud were an extra difficulty as it is slippery.  

Addie was out building foot after foot of fence. The cows sqaush the cornstalks into the mud in this weather so the fence building goes all the time right now. We are so thankful for good boots. They mostly keep our feet dry and are pretty comfortable. A yearly gift is rubber boots because they get torn up and worn out in a years time. 

And the assorted gloves drying on the stove to be useful later today. 

With the right gear, it's not terrible to work in the elements. They say it's very good for mental health to be in the fresh air, accomplishing tasks. 

Last night Millie, Bruce, Reed and I were working to keep a lone cow in the steel pen she was very nervous being a part from her herd. The rain was a drizzle the ground was a mix of mud, manure, left over hay, and some gravel. As the cow circled and tried to wedge itself through the steel polls she got sick of us hiyaahing her back to the top of the pen. She rushed me and when she was a foot away I decided she wasn't turning and I didn't want a ride I dove away landing on my side in the slop. To get up I had to roll over getting more wet and covered in stuff. Reed came over to check on me and gave me a compassionate squeeze on my shoulder as I told him that was scary. I was laughing because it was funny. I've never had a turn in the slop before this. The kids were surprised but reassured when I laughed. I did not cry although it was a consideration. We got all the calves loaded in the dark. The more awrnry ones made another cut of not going to the sale although we all would love to get them gone. Another day another try in the future. 

I was speaking with someone earlier this week about the differences in farm kids and I think a major factor is responsibility coupled with accountability. Having real duty and then maybe more importantly having to account for the way the duty is performed. Get the job done correctly all the way ie. keep the fences hot, don't let them short out, keep the fencer plugged in- means 95% of the time the cows stay in. If the fence is cold for whatever reason the cows get out. If you do your irrigating on time and check the rows the crops are pretty good. If you don't and cause floods the ditch washes away and you get to fix the cement and the dirt and replant the crop. This real cause and effect and having to solve the problems you make is very grounding. Meaning we never leave the ground we work on. But it also teaches the reasons to do jobs correctly. We aren't travelers, or known for fun, but the moments in the dark all a little bit soaked singing silly songs about mud and cows to my kids and the cows, working together are pretty special and unique to us. 

Life is good and we are blessed to be together.  

FFA and Fences

Bruce made his debut talking to the school board. He was asked to report to the school board about the Christmas Around the World Unit she's been teaching for the past few weeks. The other boys read their letters to Santa. Mrs. Mulvany has taught 7 of my kids. She works to be patient, engaging, and thorough in her teaching. I'm always impressed with the ground she covers in class. 

Addie participated in the job interview contest. This is a great real-life skill. She did not place because of some errors on her Resume. Live and learn, she did enjoy interacting with members from around the district. Addie is an excellent people person striving to make friends and help all to feel included.  

A big winner of the day was this up and coming freshman lady. 

Finally, Addie got to stay long enough to be part of the fro yo after competiting. 

 Addie, Mark, Reed, and Bruce have been working every day on keeping the cows in pens. That's no small job. I'm impressed with all the other activities she manages so well. I'm thankful for the many other opportunities my kids have. 

Addie's work horse all loaded with more posts to move pens. 

The impressive ice before everything turned to deep sticky mud. Ice is much preferred. 

First calf is on the ground. Angus calves are so so small. We run Charlois which are about double the size. Thankfully even though it was rainy and muddy the calf got dry and was running around the next day so should be fine. 

A very rare winter sunset we are generally locked in to white sameness so seeing color again was glorious. 

In between building fences the FFA club had a gift exchange Christmas party. I'm always surprised my kids just go as is. I wasn't alert to make them change. Oh well, life happens they had a good time. The top gift was a pair of trump socks complete with wild hair and a tin brush you could comb the hair with. And a pair of socks with the teacher's face embriodered into them. 

I'm thankful for my own siblings who share what is going on in their school districts. A direct result of that was my sister raising a warning voice so I was able to visit with my superintendent about an issue and then write a letter of recommendation for the school board. There is a lot of darkness in the world but there is also a lot of good. I believe parents are guardians of children's virtue and safety. Being informed and working to understand what policies are coming and the direct effect on the classroom. Good teachers make a world of difference. We are blessed.

Fourwheeler

We are working on end-of-the year business decisions and decided one of the most used items on the farm is our fourwheelers. We use them hard and they get worn out. Thus we decided to purchase a new big machine. I took care of the details and finally had clear weather to go pick-it up. They had toys in the store which helped hold these girls attention for a few minutes. The process took longer than I liked. All the shaking hands and congratulations and all I could think was I wonder how many ears of corn this represents. 

Picture with Greg who won't use it much but provides so well for our family. The untold hours he works to take care of us. The thought he puts into making us better and giving us health and strength is truly awesome. He is a man of vision and reality. I'm so thankful he's mine. 

We also got the makings for a chacuterie board. Merle had seen a reel about these and thought they looked pretty appetizing. He was upset the week earlier when I did not buy crackers for his tummy. This week I figured why not? So when we got home from town we cut up cheese, ham, oranges, and apples. We dumped out the crackers and the kids stuffed themselves on foods they like best. Snacks. Easy for a bit of happiness. My grandmother always served cheese and crackers she and my grandfather would have got a kick out of this. And would have said well of course, that's good food. 

The lights of Christmas are so warm and inviting especially standing outside in the ice and coold. I love the picture of love this signals to my mind while I water. 

It makes me so happy to come home to see my kiddos doing their homework (they were probably watching movies before I came in the door- or maybe reading!). But I'm thankful for the program of the teacher who makes them stretch and become thinkers. I'm so pleased they are independent learners. And it is a powerful example to little siblings that learning takes time and effort. 

We work a little, learn a little, eat often, and find joy in the journey. Life is good and we are blessed. 
 

Strong people and Christmas concert

It has taken a while to digest the loss and thus picture sharing was a little slower. These from fellow mom Jesse Cox were too good not to share. She captured Mark blocking for the running back. All year I harped on the need to block to help each other out. I love how they got that down. 

The amount of strength and determination in this one shot is amazing. I love how pictures show what happened. The stillness really expose what the players were doing. The hardest part of going to games is catching the action and understanding what just happened. 

It surprised me time and again that Mark was running to get guys. It also surprises me to see the many positions players get put in throughout the game. 

Mark talks to everyone refs, players, teammates I'm not sure about other coaches but he is communicator. 

At the end of the game getting ready to receive the trophy. A few weeks after this they had a gear check-in final meeting. The seniors got to share a final piece of themselves. Some who had injuries said "NEver take for granted playing you never know when it will be your last time." The strong man on the team "#44 said don't be a wus." Mark told the team "Work hard and play hard you won't have any regrets." Another said "find someone to learn from who will teach you how to improve. "This is shaping their hearts and character. Mark is just fine and has low patience for those who are wallowing weeks later. 

These are my guys they are encouraged and developed to be strong men, protectors, and defenders. We work to teach them to be reliable and generous, mindful and meaningful. IT is appalling to me when I hear other young men raised differently and not so genetically strong put them down. It really bothers me. 

My guys look like defenders. They are not skinny and should not be. They are strong. I lift around 30 lbs of water hose a day and ache, they lift over 1000 and it's no big deal. 

At the grade school, there is some hard stuff going on on the playground.  A fellow parent lamented that no one would help her small daughter. I told my kids look-up from your books, pay attention. Protect your classmates. They shouldn't be chased or sat on or hurt. You don't need to beat anyone up just pay attention tell kids to stop being mean tell a teacher. My kids are bigger than their peers, they are strong, they are confident and have been raised to be strong. We expect them to do physical work everyday. 

Some of that work is just being peaceful, being kind, and not being self-centered. This lady protects others by being kind and oblivious to the drama they like to create. She just moves on and doesn't care to be drama back. She is reliable oil on troubled waters. She enjoyed seeing Santa after the concert. 

The younger kids also waited to see Santa. We don't hype up Santa here. The kids know who he is and know the legends but I don't believe in deceiving my kids so I tell them he is a kind man who loves to make children happy. That's it. He doesn't truly bring gifts it's just a enjoyable story and experience to pretend he does. 

There are so many lessons to teach these kiddos I forget to re-teach lessons. I remember being so proud of myself after I gave the sex talk to Anna and HArold long ago then realized a few months later I had to talk to Aliza then the others in succession. We teach it, we talk about so many things now they are spur of the moment as the days require. My thoughts have broadened and yet refined. Parenting is not a one conversation and done process. It's daily listening putting pieces together and being present to have time and inspiration to teach what needs to be understood. Parenting is just a lot of time at the cross roads, when kids come home, right before bed, when events happen. I'm thankful for the continued guidance of the Holy Ghost to help me know what to say and who to reach out to. I work to encourage and bolster the teachers and administrators that work with my kids when they are gone. I value their personal values and honor they bring to their work. I am blessed and our life is so good.