4.8.24 Owyhee

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4.7.24 Winning Speaking

We had another jaunt across the state this weekend for the annual American Legion Oratorical contest. Addie was reluctant, to say the least and was there to please her dad. We arrived in the daylight because we traveled early in case the roads were unfavorable. Thankfully there were no hazards to our journey, besides the many cars on the road. We saw more cars on this trip than all of the other 4-6 trips we've made in the last 2 years. After a nice rest at the hotel, we had one less practice session. 

All warmed up we went to the legion hall where we dropped Addie off and we headed to Walmart. The nice optometrist tech assured me that my very mangled unusable glasses could be repaired. Somehow they had fallen off the nightstand and Addie's feet had found them in the morning. I need my glasses for day-to-day living. I was beyond relieved and thankful when after a mere 10 minutes the technician had them better than before.  They weren't constantly sliding down my nose and were tight and secure as glasses should be. She would not accept payment but we thanked her again and again for her service.

We arrived back at the legion hall to find only three contestants of the possible ten. At the last minute, the young man arrived unbeknownst to anyone, and the candidates were whisked away to seclusion so the contest could start. After more than an hour of speaking the judge's scores were tallied and the results were read. The pictures were taken. 

I thought this was a fair ranking. The top girl shown had an interesting speech and her amendment was also full of information. The second girl was a more clear speaker and mastered the use of the pause I found her information less strong, but still she did a good job. Addie had a very optimistic patriotic speech and she was the best presenter. Her voice fluctuated and had emotion, she controlled her body movements and did a fine job presenting. Her amendment is sweet and wholesome while also addressing the components of the 5th Amendment. The young man forgot his speech and really struggled, but he did not quit and made the time requirements. 

As the results were announced two lady judges behind us said that's not right we had your daughter first. I shrugged my shoulders anything can and does happen at these events. Well, the head of the state stopped the meeting and said I need to talk to you the contest director. She came to the back of the room and they clarified the writing on the paper. She then announced that Addie had won and switched her and the other redhead the one they first announced as the winner. 

Oh, that was a hard moment for all involved. There was no clear stand-out winner in my mind. I knew the boy was 4th but the girls all had different strengths and weaknesses. Honestly, Addie was absolutely fine with 3rd. This picture was about as fast and as ceremonious as the correction was. The new 3rd place was extremely poised and gracious. We had visited with her and her family for the past two years and are not gleeful at the swap. But it stands as it was corrected. We spoke with and thanked the many legionnaires who spoke to us. It is a generous scholarship offering. 

I demanded one picture of Addie and her dad who spurs this participation on. We have a lot of figuring out to do. State track is two days before, and the coach thinks they may have a chance to win state as a team. I think that's a really big if. Graduation is on the final day of the speaking competition. However, the competition is also great preparation for going further in FFA. There is little to no money in the FFA speaking competition, but your peers are around and have a small understanding of what you are doing. American Legion is pretty lonely and not familiar to any other kids- hence the reason for winning the scholarships. A lot to weigh and work out. We are trying to agree, support, and advise, through the murky water of our own understanding, her desires and abilities, and many out-of-our-control variables. 

We got on the road, and when the business of travel is over my heart longs for home and I have no desire to linger far away. We found this on top of the blues. Thankfully the road was clear but there was a fresh few inches of snow from the night. 

Out on the high desert, there were many signs a lot of water being laid down on the vast prairies. Addie was getting driving experience and I was very thankful we were not in any too hard-to-handle situations. The road kept skirting the water deposits and besides navigating corners and the one car she passed the road was just long and open. 

There are many differences between the two pictures. Team and peer support are becoming more obvious motivators of participation. From running relays to the Ag Issues team, Addie likes to work with and for her peers. 

This banner and the top honors at American Legion worked hand in hand. I don't know what she will choose, I'm sure there will be a lot of fireworks in the future. And maybe a very happy 2nd place winner going to Nationals. I'm pleased with the way she has challenged herself in all areas of high school competition and learning. She has grown so much and gained confidence in the two years she has been in high school. At this rate, I'm sure there are many more banners and awards coming. We just try to hold on for the ride and give her space and counsel that helps her continue to succeed. We are blessed. 

 

4.4.24 Piggies

We are pig farmers again. We got the fair pigs this weekend which meant the kids had some work to do on the pig pens. The biggest upside to this whole experience is giving the kids something to do that's real and meaningful and time spent together. Bruce had a rough spring break because he was so bored. That's one side effect of school and lots of schedule and learning new things is free time at home is not so fun anymore. We are working to find age appropriate responsibility for him but he had some hard correction because of his poor choices during the week. Seeing pictures of him working on a pig shelter give me some ideas of what to have him do next. 

Afton and Millie are about the same size they are shown moving the water barrel freshly cleaned back to the pig pen.

Reed and Merle freshly securing the door so the pigs don't get out. The bigger kids were all gone, but Reed is a masterful animal guy even if he is still being instructed in patience and kindness with his sisters. 

I was hanging up laundry today and heard the water running. Merle was down in the pen making a mud spot for them. 

He had also fed them a lot of feed. These pigs only need 120-140 more pounds to be fair weight. They will not be eating all day everyday until the fair.Thus, he had to scoop the trough mostly empty.

Instead he can feed them fresh barley grass. Most animals really like barley. It regrows at an amazing rate and consistency. We will be planting more soon. 

HE has a lot of plants to choose from and will be sharing with them quite often I think. 

Well loved pigs grow the biggest. Merle is off to a good start making bigger pigs. 

Reed made sure they had plenty of straw to burrow into. The spring weather is hot then cold and pigs like to be warm so this was good to see also the fair-skinned pigs will suburn so seeing them in the shade was also reassuring. 

Merle was also splashing around in their mud pit. I told him to get out and not do that anymore. Pig stink is unique and strong. He will need a bath when he comes in. Lia was pounding away on something in another pen. This is the goodness of childhood. 

Sunshine, time and space to explore, create, and imagine. I'm amazed we don't get sick from all their animal encounters. I'm thankful for the real need and response of animals to kids. They enjoyed hours outside today showing promises of summer. Life is good we are blessed. 

 

4.3.24 Boise museum

 The younger kids love to look at some picture books I have of the older kids at their ages. One place that has captivated them is the Baker History Museum and Burger Bob's big milkshakes. I have been wanting to take them to Baker for a while but the museum is closed for the winter and the interpretive center is also closed. Finally, the City Museum opened but I decided Boise was closer and I could get more accomplished going to Boise than Baker. So Friday we loaded up after a quick final sort of stuff to drop off at the donations center and we headed to Boise. For these farm kids going to see all the sites along the way is an experience. From all the cars to the multistory buildings, to the huge shopping center, they were gawking. We stopped at Winco in Boise to buy lunch supplies because I knew all they would say in the museum was how hungry they were if not fed before entering. So sandwiches chips and fruit for lunch in the park. 

The museum was pretty great. I think Greg would really enjoy it without kids so we could actually read the exhibits. I did not read much mostly just broke up fights and kept track of everyone. 

It was pretty interesting though and had several interactive portions. 

We were surprised to find a whole room display about Bob Hope.  I have no idea what the connection was but the kids did stop and watch a movie about him. I loved him as a kid. 

Downstairs they had a small model steam engine with sound effects the kids really enjoyed. 

And the one exhibit I wanted them to see the two-headed calf. I remembered this from when I went as a child long ago. 

When I got home Mark and Greg informed me our local vet clinic also has a stuffed two-headed calf. I was bummed we may have just done there and got milkshakes in town. Oh well, we got rid of a lot of excess at the donation center. 

The kids had a good time looking and learning a little. It's a lot to keep the 7 headed in the same direction. We had a good time though and enjoyed milkshakes at home. As inflation keeps driving prices up I'm trying to teach the kids how buying at the grocery store is more economical than the fast food places. So we had our bucket of ice cream bought for $6.00 and milkshakes for 10. Instead of $10 milkshakes at $5.00  a piece. And we got home sooner! Life is good. 

4.2.24 Spring break bikes

The kids like burgers and fries. Thankfully we still have some fries from t he great train cleanout last year. Addie went to get it and Merle was told to bring it in the house. IT was too heavy he said so Andrea helped him. 

The bike riders. Alia is 5 and old enough to learn to ride a bike but training wheels disappear soon after they are used. So I bought her a new bike with strict instructions to the other kids to stay off it. Well she loves to be pushed and balanced while she "rides." Thank goodness for an in shape Addie. Oh the beauty of teenagers!!!  Merle runs along his bike and goes all over the farm with it. He has few bounds and listens only sometimes. But daily outside for fresh air was a requirement of spring break so they rode and ran bikes everyday. Country living is so nice. 

Andrea also walked along she is strong and determined. I carried her one day after she made it half way on our walk I figured it was good exercise for me as well. I was so thankful that all the days of weight lifting made it possible to walk the 1/3 of mile with her on my back. 

She loves when she gets a pony tail. Addie gave her an exercise up do so she could see while learning to balance. 

Sometimes I think we should go to other places but really just what has to be done on our farm and home taking these moments to ride fast on bikes they are the good days. Sunrises and sunsets are pretty beautiful again. We see both often. Life is good. 

 

4.1.24 Easter

The recent suggestions from President Nelson asking church members to focus more on Easter and raising to a holiday more like Christmas has caused a lot of thinking. Last year I tried the Easter tree. This year it just wasn't worth it. We did speak of Christ and the Holy Week throughout the week but coming right out of FFA Convention mode I wasn't ready for the Holy thinking. It was a contemplative week for sure. With spring break layered on top and the looming springtime, there were many expectations. 

Coming down from the convention and feeling very much like I let Mark down, it was a hard week. I think of myself as a good writer, not always evident here, but still with some polish and attention to detail I think I do well. To be judged differently is hard. Very hard, and coupled with your kid being so disappointed it is very uncomfortable. Midweek a teacher asked for a letter of recommendation for their State Teacher of the Year nomination. I'm still formulating that and hoping I can come through for her. 

So one activity that is part of our easter is filling eggs. The kids really enjoyed this and were delighted when we thought only some of our candy varieties would fit in the eggs. Thus free sampling!

Addie persevered like she always does and found a way to squish and fold all the candy to fit the eggs. So we pulled candy from hands and stuffed it in plastic eggs. 

Andrea thought this was a great activity and was happy that we had a box of candy on the table for the next 4 days. I had to buy one bag of candy as a replacement for what she and Lia ate. I found some eggs refilled with marshmallows. 

We donated about half to the community easter egg hunt as a community service. The other went to the family easter party. 

Easter day we had bunny-shaped pancakes with blueberry noses and eyes. We added maple syrup whip cream and coconut in layers to make the rabbit. 

The easter party was hosted by my parents at their new house. Everyone fit, no thing was broken, and we all had a nice afternoon. And there was plenty of candy and sticky hands for all. 

Back at home Merle and Andrea wanted to be held and held they were not sleepy at all. Andrea was playing on my phone and Merle wanted a picture. Such problems to have. So we snapped a picture and then demanded they go to bed. 

 And thus starts another week! Another season down. The sacrament meeting was profound and beautiful I really like when there are more speakers speaking shorter. The musical numbers were powerful and well done. The speakers and singers were mostly youth and children. Addie spoke about Gethsemane, a friend spoke about the cross and how the last moments when Christ called out "My God My god why hast thou forsaken me?" It was the only time anyone had truly been alone on earth because Jesus is always with us if we let him. That we never have to be alone. I thought that was profound.

We had a good conversation while tasting grape juice and tortillas for activity days. We sang songs and talked about the last supper, the atonement, and the resurrection. I really enjoyed the spirit of talking about Jesus with the boys. We always start with a moving activity then the actual project then another moving activity. The boys are less squirrelly that way.  

At home, we watched the videos of the same events including Christ appearing in the Americas. It was good. 

It's always good to think, talk, and follow Jesus. We are blessed to know Him and by His great gifts and examples. Life is good.