5.20.16 shoveling ditch

I got a call early Friday morning from my brother asking if I had a kid or two free to come shovel a ditch. Now I have to admit I have never shoveled ditch, or not far enough to seer into my memory. I said sure but I have to get some kids to the dentist first then we will come. So after another fun trip to the dentist. Anna to get a retainer to hold her teeth in while she sleeps and Addie to get an abscessed tooth pulled, and lots of town errands we got home. We hurriedly ate and rounded up shovels, gloves, and boots and headed out. Because I had been gone all morning I took all the kids knowing our success rate would be higher with fresh hands and arms to trade-off and on, and I would be happier not worrying about what was happening at home. It turned out fine fields, ditches and mud are dreamy play places for kiddos.

It was a cloudy cool day. Thank goodness this would have been way harder in 80 degrees plus. And so when we got to the field they started shoveling.

Onion skins had piled up in the ditch catching the fine silt allowing weeds to grow. It was deep in places. And mud is heavy.

However the younger ones got sick of merely watching and had to try a few scopes themselves. They got mud out. I love their little piles.

I know why we have child labor laws I get the need to go to school and play. I also know the curiosity and challenge that builds confidence comes from being able to work. Reed, shoeless and all, hung in for the last half of the adventure.

 

John got the perfect shovel and would not trade. Harold was quite put out and tried many times to get it away from John. But to John's credit he just kept working to prevent that from happening. All the kids did a lot of shoveling but I think John may have been the steadiest just because he was protecting his shovel. It was just the right weight and size.

 

 

 Everyone was a muddy mess. Livy had a great time playing in the sloppy silt. Afton thought she was in heaven running around playing in dirt and mud and falling and rolling in it too. Millie spent a lot of time in the car reading books. Thank goodness for washers and baths. 

Finished!! We raced to the end to be able to show Uncle Kevin our completed work as he too drove out of the field. Yay! 4 + hours of 5-7 kids shoveling. A great feeling. And for all their tiredness the kids did run to the car.

Of course being near the donut town we had to take the edge off their ravenous hunger. So we got two boxes of donuts and a gallon of water and headed fro home. After a donut or two most of the kids took a snooze. 

When I was younger I was the strong worker. I tackled hard projects and got them done. Now as the mom I feel old and weak. Carrying around Afton for a couple hours and calling out "Work, get to work" is a big change. I played to roll of boatswain. You know the small person who sits at the front of the boat calling out the rhythm to keep the rowing crew in time and moving best.... yes mom the boatswain keeping the crew safe and moving. A lot different than just jumping in and doing it. But I'm proud of my kiddos, I'm thankful they had the experience- often- it seems to take on big hard projects and get them done. I told them they should be nice to each other because alone or even with two this would have been a nightmare.

5.11.16 the real story

Update:
We have come to learn John's only blame in this was needing further instruction on swinging between the kitchen counters better. Anna was actually demonstrating how to swing better when she got to a superman like position and  lost her grip and landed face first thus dislodging her tooth. A purely silly accident. That hurts and looks terrible. No school today unless she dresses like a bank robber to cover her duck like lips. And maybe she'll be wearing a helmet for a few weeks to protect that tender mouth of hers. Growing up is hard!

5.10.16 Another First

This strong confident beautiful daughter of ours gave us another first tonight. 

 

We were just wrapping up a lovely evening of mowing the lawn. I was outside putting sprinklers in place when I started hearing some weird moan yelp gasping from the house. Aliza first then Harold in almost the same tone. I wondered what in the world had just happened. I find it good to listen to the voices to prepare to handle whatever the emergency is that's coming.  Soon Harold ran out and said "Mom come quick Anna's lost her front tooth!" I hurried in and saw Anna lying face down in pool of blood crying!
I instructed her to calm down and to get up. She sat up with blood gushing down her face. I handed her a clean rag and instructed her to apply pressure. Then I wiped up the blood and found a full front tooth in the mess. I hurried and called our fabulous dentist who was out, but his wife instructed me to put the tooth in milk and head to the office. Bless them for no ER cost.

Grandma came down to manage the freaked out home crew. We headed to Ontario stopping to pick Greg up on the way. I love the new 70mph speed limit. We covered her in a warm fleece jacket and tried to assess what had caused this sudden hillbilly look, and to keep her calm.

She and John were rough housing and it happened so fast she didn't have time to stop herself and her face took the brunt of the fall on the tile thus knocking out her good front tooth. (the other one was broke intwo playing football 3 years ago and is now crowned). Honestly I'm thankful she doesn't have a broken arm. And so thankful she doesn't need braces because those two front teeth of hers have and will cost more than braces.
Back to the story-
 The dentist met us at his office with his soon to be married daughter. It was so good to see her, and so kind of him to take care of us so late. I cleaned the blood off her face a bit, while he got situated. He then numbed her providing some needed relief. He took an x-ray and confirmed it was a clean removal of the entire tooth. Then surprisingly he took the tooth from the milk and shoved it forcefully back into her gum. I held her hand and man is she ever strong. Whoa! He said it's best to shove the tooth right back in when it happens. But if not then put the tooth in milk or put it under your tongue to keep it moist and clean. Wow! HE glued it to her remaining real tooth gave her another long lasting numb shot so she could sleep and we came home.

I told Anna it was good we didn't know the shove it in tip or we may have laid her on the table and had Grandma replace it. Grandma said she was very thankful we didn't know that because she wasn't really wanting that experience. We probably wouldn't have... but first aid is always good to know!

Not the way I wanted to end my day. I had spent an hour in his chair earlier today getting my first crown and some fillings. However, I am so grateful for his assistance and kind demeanor when working on us poorly genetically endowed Corn-Saunders. So Anna is resting with a very FAT lip and some discomfort from shock. Root canal to follow and hopes and prayers that her body will re-grab the root of her tooth.

5.8.16 Millie's Goal

This last conference D. Todd Christofferson concluded his talk with this admonition:

Alma testified to his son:

“Behold, I say unto you, that it is [Christ] that surely shall come … ; yea he cometh to declare glad tidings of salvation unto his people.

“And now, my son, this was the ministry unto which ye were called, to declare these glad tidings unto this people, to prepare their minds; or rather … that they may prepare the minds of their children to hear the word at the time of his coming." Alma 39:15-16

This really struck me when I heard it again while studying talks. That we as parents are being taught so that we might prepare our children for Christ coming. Wow! That's real, and that's soon.

So tonight on the heels of some of my children's needs and their growing maturity and lingering time in our home I felt impressed to start teaching about goals and the importance of determining now what you are going to do so you don't waste your life away in idle pursuits. We had a great discussion aided by a funny all too true story of a distracted farmer. Then we got done to setting 1 long term (4 years out or more), 1 mid-term(happening this year), and 1 short-term (happens this week) goal. I worked with kids asking them to plan out one of their goals. Greg sat with Millie and Reed helping them write their goals.
I read Millie's short term goal- learn to cook eggs, and smiled happily informing Greg she is a whiz at that already. She adamantly makes Afton her scrambled egg each day. Millie loves to crack eggs and is about 90% shell free!

I told her good job and sent her back to dad, he said no read her list the top of it. Well that caught me by surprise. Millie's first goal of her own choice is "See Jesus."

And when she got back to her dad she asked him to show her where it was on her paper again. I have to admit we were both pretty quietly humbled at her faithful sincere goal. Her and Livy talk often about Jesus and God. At first I was a little surprised but as it became their habit I stopped thinking about it until tonight.
Somewhere in one of the talks and scriptural accounts their is record that the children's mouths will be opened and they will speak things that astonish their parents. I think tonight we witnessed that. I'm pretty confident these kiddos of mine will see and welcome the Savior back to earth. That is a hugely humbling statement.

Times are a changing and amazing this mom tonight. Best to you in your preparations and pondering. 

5.8.16 Mothers day

I am most definitely a words of affirmation love language. So while I value the creative offerings their cute stories and responses are what really melt my heart. This year did not disappoint. The patriotic table toppers were patiently made at school with the assistance of some ever crafty moms and my kiddos. We were ready for summer until the little girls worked their creative fingers and minds and now they are mostly good memories via pictures. 

The green cards though held some precious stories from John and Mark. 

From John:

I love when you make brownies for us to eat... I love when you help me with my homework because it is sometimes hard. Finally one of the best about you is that you make good meals. So mom, I hope you can see how much you mean to me. I love you. Happy Mother's Day- Love John.

From Mark:

I love when you make Hamburgers for us to eat. You know I like the pickles.. Also you know I like mustard.

I love it when you spend time with my by helping me with my homework. Finally one of the best things about you is that you love me. Happy Mother's Day- Love Mark. You are a great mom.

The picture of me drawn by Mark. Thank goodness I'm smiling in his rendition.  

Aww! They notice that I notice. John saved his red ruby decoration just for this project. He was so happy to be able to share something so pretty. I love that the most important thing is the food we enjoy together. True young men.

The blue from Addie- complete with picture of us:
Thank you mom for taking care of me when I get hurt, for forgiving me when I make a mistake, for sticking by my side when I am sick, for spending time with me, for planting the seeds of faith in me.... Can I say how grateful I am for teachers and administrators who aren't afraid to say Thank God, and Faith! Maybe I shouldn't even write it for fear of getting caught. How sad is that.
And my Reed-o:
My best meal pie and eggs.
All the kids reported the things I'm always saying is do your work or get to work. Hmmm.

Some beautiful flowers a most faithful mom gave to me in exchange for flowers to her. So many mothers are prime examples of long suffering and everlasting faith and hope for and in their children. These  flowers were so beautiful in her yard , she had just cut them as we pulled up. It was so kind of her to share.
And my crew making our feast for dinner. I told Greg he was a picture of fatherhood with his children playing at his feet while he grilled us some vittles!

And the crew getting dinner pulled together. We are working on the middle three learning to be more capable in the kitchen and life in general. The older three are doing pretty well taking a task from start to finish but John, Mark, and Addie and sometimes Reed are ready to be instructed and have the chance to be the learners.

Mother's day was fun. I love Sundays when we just enjoy being together in one place. I love my kiddos. They have taught me patience, respect, love, kindness, and tolerance. They love me, the enlighten and challenge who I thought I was and what I thought I knew. It's the most intense experience I could have ever dreamed and I'm so thankful it's mine to have. Thanks to my mother for setting the example and teaching me this is a true path to happiness.

5.3.16 Mother's Day Warm-Up

The mother's Day presents have started to stack up. With multiple children I get lots. It's cute to see their excitement as they give. Today I received from my cub scout-

A birdhouse complete with bird food, and two lovely marigolds. I'm so bad with the flowers.  I will try for my sons sake to make them live. I almost gave them away already to someone I knew could care for them. My grandmother was the lucky one in years past but she is gone now so maybe I'm going to have to give it another go. Vale dirt is so different and difficult compared to the heavenly soil I was raised on.

The kids peppered me with what my favorite desserts are and what my favorite food is. honestly I make what I'm in the mood for, I don't hold back a lot on any of it being pregnant and nursing I have to go with what I can stomach and or the baby tolerates.  So they have to suffer through lots of rice (this pregnancy) and Mexican food when I'm missing the spicy deliciousness I can't stand potatoes and gravy anymore. Likewise, I endure spaghetti and fettuccine both of which make me gag at the thought, but in the end are ok to call a meal when all is said and done. I laughed when John named his two or three favorite desserts and demanded I choose. I told him none of those were my favorite he said "that's ok just choose one." Yep that's being a mom.

The best thing I get is learning and growing with all these hooligans. I'm not the type of mom who exclaims with tears and unabashed enthusiasm that I love being a mom. I've spent a lot of time wondering why I just don't conjure up those feelings. I love each child, I have chosen this path and I know it's right for me I think to me extreme emotion is just not practical or available. I'm doing the job. I'm trying to do a good job. I'm holding the fort and keeping the stockade alive. I try to support them in things that will benefit them and introduce them to opportunities where they can learn and grow and become better.

When I think about being a mother I think it is a lot of sacrifice and my love and passion is shown in the fact I don't jump ship and don't give up or quit. I work hard to notice and pay attention to needs both the first three primary- food shelter water- and then the next love, security, learning? (I might have made those up). Those 6 necessities pretty much consume my existence. So do I love being a mother yep cuz I do it. 

My little babies are getting big and my most recent babies are getting independent. I think this time may be passing even more quickly than I realize.
 Tonight as I enjoyed and savored every moment of 3 bodies massaging my tired feet and legs I thought this is glorious! They are wonderful, messy, hungry, invigorating, giving, loving gifts from a much more Knowledgeable God who knew when He gave women this responsibility He was actually giving them an endless supply of learning and love. God is good and so is motherhood.

5.2.16 Hens

This has been a terrible horrible no good weekend. Starting on Wednesday I have been working to file a measly quarterly payroll tax. This has involved over 20 hours now of sitting at my computer googling, texting, remote access explaining and cleaning and most of my nails bitten off, lots of chocolate consumer and leave me alone comments to my children. And I am still working on this craziness. I seriously HATE taxes!

But the hens title is more what I wanted to think about. I most sincerely thank God for Sunday. To take a break to leave the problems where they lay and to think about better things. More hopeful, worthwhile, important things. Which brings me to my hens thoughts.

As I've mentioned we have two batches of chicks this year on the farm. The purchased hen-less cooped up, prone to die or trample then eat each other chicks. Who are doing pretty well I think they are locked in the chicken house so I just hear reports from Reed and Mark. On the other hand I observe with fascination and wonder the 5 little chicks who roam freely, learning daily from their mother hen. A most unlikely mother figure. No arms to hold or coral no feeding mechanics on her body and she's not particularly loud in her communication. The constantly crowing Rooster is much more noticeable. Yet her babies learn and are healthier, wiser, and much easier to house. She is a master teacher and protector.

After bearing my testimony on my heightened understanding of Christ through his scripture "How oft would I have gathered you as a Hen gathers her chicks but ye would not hearken to my voice..." This hit me like a ton of bricks. It was a true ah-ha moment. I've watched the hen gather and teach and protect her chicks. As I gave Afton the water cup during the sacrament and likewise watched and assisted my other children also partake I thought I am a Hen taking my children to church showing them this is good. Establishing this habit and routine that will bring them peace and joy and eternal life. So many of my habits as a mother are to share joys I have and to warn them from dangerous delays that set them back or could make them sad.

I realized that if I listen to that soft call of Christ I too am lead to happier safer places. I am safe if I heed and come running when He calls me because He senses danger. And in the wide free world cats, dogs, hawks etc are real dangers. Yet the hen is very good at teaching her children how to aviod danger and protecting them when it is around.

We further expounded the difference of freedom and skill development on those that obey the hens call and those that are hen-less. Raised in a coop unsure of what to do if let out and completely lacking Agency. There are plenty who profess there is no God and there is nothing more to mortality I believe in a pre-mortal, now, and after life. I am teaching my children that truth. The little chicks are less than a month old and fly already! They don't have wings but their mother taught them how to get over the rough spots in their daily rotation and they have developed muscles to accomplish crossing a ditch!

Always amazing to me how the scriptures relate to life and how much there is to learn from all different experiences. How thankful I am for the scriptures and more importantly for a better understanding of Christ and his mighty atonement and concern for me and my family. Now back to taxes I have about 8 more hours till I will be late. Oh joy.