5.24.22 FFA banquet

End of the year is bittersweet. The last FFA banquet for Aliza her second thanks to COVID. Mark and John's first. They all worked hard and found a lot of success at the state level with their competition efforts. They grew more confident, had grand adventures and look forward to another year. They performed as the barnyard bucket band one more time. Aliza also opened the banquet with the national anthem her last time in high school. She can sing and has a great control of both her voice and volume which are tricky to pair sometimes. 

Mark presented the FFA creed. He gave a great performance, I expect a lot of winning from him and John in the future. 3 state banners is pretty impressive for a freshman. John had 2 state banners. 

He and a friend both received the star Greenhand. I think that makes 4 star greenhands at our house now. 

She will be his competition for star through the years, she works on a feedlot and puts in a lot of time. He has plenty of hours worked it's just a matter or record keeping and the advisor believing the amount of time he truly puts in. 

John receive his chapter award and honor award. He is not much for records but will be a strong candidate for winning state proficiencies as well. 

Aliza presented her prepared ag speech at the banquet. I swear she could read how to change a diaper instructions and people would be mesmerized. Her tone and poise captivate. A nice compliment from a friend was "My dad stopped looking at his phone and listened to your whole speech Aliza." "All my parents paid attention to you that never happens." I think we found the points she needs to refine, she has gained much in her speaking style and abilities. Speaking at least 3 times in church since January and the FFA and American legion contests she's really become expert. 

The graduating Seniors her nemesis and friends. 

After the banquet each showing their styles. John with yet another tie he could not find one in his mad rush to get cleaned up and back to town, probably there were four buried in his room. 

 Ugh the signs that are his trademark in pictures. They are all growing and becoming who they will be. They are unique and they are fortunate to have places to grow and shine. They were not the most talked about but they showed with their accomplishments and presentations. I tell them leave no doubt you are the winner. They definitely did this year. We are blessed when we work hard, and while sometimes we loose that is part of the process as well. On words we shall go. 

5.17.22 Another trip around the Sun Uncle Archie funeral trip

I completed another trip around the sun a day after this lady. She was gone the night of her birthday and her requested Costco cheesecake wouldn't arriving until after she wanted to sleep so the next day she orchestrated a nice birthday for me and maybe her too. We are back to back. It was so nice to have completely healthy baby I walked right out of the hospital with. She was pretty chill as a baby. She's been a delight to discover as she has grown. She's always been happy, loud, organized, and unique. She's an old soul with a lot of depth and quick understanding. She is intuitive and friendly. I love her smile I love her ability. I rely on her heavily. She is what makes our home full of kids more peaceful she is a master kid person. She  knows how to love them, teach them, get them to work, and makes life calm.  

The American legion guys had one more tribute for her a special commemorative plack celebrating her speaking accomplishments this year. We had a slight conflict that I wrestled with all week. My Great Uncle Archie the remaining sibling of my grandmother was having a memorial service on the same day 6 hours away. WE could have maybe done both Greg drives fast, but it would have been very tight. I decided to forgo the funeral but still wanted to go. Conferring with Greg later in the week he said we were going. My Grandma went with Aliza to the legion ceremony and sent me the picture while we were cruising along in this. 

Pouring rain the entire trip. It's funny the things we talk about and notice are the farms the soil types the cattle and breeds. We notice industry or lack there of. WE google economics of areas and how to find people we know. We eat what we know pizza hut usually sometimes ice cream.

I was looking for some lunch and found deluxe peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for 2.00. What? I did not buy it that's a lot of peanut butter with no milk to wash it down. I do love a peanut butter sandwich but prefer fresh hand made on homemade all loving made bread. Apparently I'm super spoiled by the ultra deluxe peanut butter sandwiches I've had all my life. Seriously I love peanut butter sandwiches.

At the funeral it was very thought provoking to listen to others recount their experiences with Archie. he was a diverse dynamic man. He had so many talents and skills and a laugh that lit up the room. Nothing was impossible or too far. 

I think my Lia looks like him with her curly hair and toddler roundness. 

After the funeral we visited then moved back to the Tri-Cities area to visit an old friend. Greg discovered a youtube video that our sons like to watch. I'm thankful my boys are sharing and learning to love and understand automobiles like their father, grandfather and uncles. They know people by name and cars they drove. It's a quirk but also a thread linking them together. 

The lady we went to visit. LaVern Larkin a family friend whom we knew for years here in Vale. She has moved to be closer to family in Washington. We joined her for church. It was lovely. Her ward members asked if we were family? We said no just friends. I mused over the fact that none of these people knew LaVern as Mrs. Larkin they did not know her husband and his unique gruffness and fondness for rodeo and trains. She's been a sweet generous friend giving me her clothes pins when she moved I still use them all the time, sharing bob's clothes with my sons who wear his coats all the time. 

Yet though we knew Lavern for a space of time here we don't know her there. I write her letters when she writes me filled with chatty farm life info. When we visited with her post widowhood we found she had known my grandmothers ex husband when he was a grade schooler. 

The funeral for my uncle was interesting. Five or six men spoke 4 formally. Each knew a different part of Archie. Each shared different versions or episodes. There were common themes and shared remembrances. As I visited with my cousin it was a bit awkward. He was a driving reason I Went but the actual face to face conversation drew me back in time to who I use to be the frustrated cousin whom they teased because I tried to be accommodating and not a wimp. I would enthusiastically sign on for whatever adventure they dreamed up saying "Let's do." 

They were older and guests they dreamed big. We worked for years building a never finished or safe tree house. We raced bikes for years the boys won and the puncher vines they plowed through left me with flat tires and elation of having a great weekend playing with cousins. I loved the trips to the swimming pool. I loved seeing various parts of Oregon as they moved often. I was awed when we bought pumpkin pie at the grocery store for thanksgiving dinner. We had shared remembrance of the very late thanksgiving the year my mom worked to pit roast a turkey. It was delicious and took forever. While we shared those days of our childhood I haven't seen or spoken to this cousin for over 20 years. I have changed and grown. How does one express that in 10 or 30 or 60 minutes? How do I say I'm an adult, I'm doing fine, my pleasing attitude is good and my worst enemy? How do I say I hope you approve of me. Do you know I made sacrifices to come see you today? 

The drive home again trying to capture the scenery to show our kids how breathtaking the vast tracks of farm land are. 

So tired after being gone. I'm so thankful Greg has made Sunday a day of resting. He's around and with us all day most the time it's made a big difference the kids love time with their dad. 

MY favorite is a break from Andrea. I love her and love taking care of her but its so nice to know she's ok with someone else and have some solo time. 

After our naps we enjoyed the golden hour outside. John was lugging this huge limb to the fire. It was perfect for sitting a spell and visiting with my super strong son. 

Then it looked just right for a family picture. Our young family. All seven of them they match up in gender to my growing up family. Should be a fun whirl. 

Walking to stop John from rapid fire photo taking. 

Then we went for a walk to move some blood and spend time together. Livy and Bruce chasing/poking frogs MArk and I trying to find the lunar eclipse again in the skyline. 

Addie capturing the moment. She and I were going to go alone then the others also wanted to join. She was not so happy to share but we were all moving so that's a good thing. Most parents put their kids to bed earlier than us. I guess I just squeeze to much into everyday to quit early. 

Scripture family together time. 

It's hard to come back from being gone the onslaught of needs and have to do's are overwhelming on a tired mind and body. We did better after naps but the night piled up with more and more. The times together that are captured are what I am doing, they are where I'm at. I'm not overly structured I don't get many personal goals accomplished. I do love a lot. I do care a lot. I have a lot who count on me. I have big hopes and dreams for them we are working our plan of giving them the tools we have found to allow for success. We are blessed, we are righteous, we work hard and long, we sign on for a lot of responsibility.

 I've had Greg in my life for half of the time I've been alive. He's anchored, calmed, and loved me truly unconditionally. We've made a life that is ours. As I look back I wouldn't rewind time I don't want to be unsure or too sure of myself from my 20's. I don't want the insecurity of 30's my time learning that others didn't like me and processing that. I want where I am at now. 

In all my travels after the task is complete I so wish I could just zip back home. But travel takes time and there are delays. Kind people have been part of the delay and I look back on our waiting interactions with fondness. But my heart wants to be with my people on our spot just being. I'm leery of what comes next what fire is about to consume us? What trial will be our next? 

I fight to get the most time I can in this mom spot right now like I did ten years ago, like I hope to ten years from now. As Aliza prepares to leave our home I'm struck maybe this is the last shared birthday we will have. I hope not. I'm excited for my kids to also grow, develop, change, and become. Each year brings new lessons and new people who know us then. 
 

5.16.22 Blessing Day

We rarely wait to bless our babies. This time life has been full of the older kids and we have been busy and resting in-between busy. Thankfully my sister in-law was blessing her baby so we joined in. We used Aliza's dress as it is the biggest and didn't have any stains. She was a pretty blessing baby. 

This picture is a tribute to Anna with her little tongue stuck out. I didn't realize she had it out until looking closer later. It is rare we have a baby that is old enough to be smiley in pictures. 

After taking pictures of her the kids decided to practice dancing. 

Oddly enough we planned ahead and had a family dinner following church. We really enjoyed the time with our family. Thankfully the weather cooperated and kids could eat outside. 

The kids make their own fun when left alone. 

The boys getting ready to go work. Merle is adamant about going to the farm. One major part of our life is independence. 

We turned the table to accommodate more eaters. The kids enjoyed the change. This may have been dinner after a large lunch cold cereal was a nice night cap.

Her blessing was special. She was blessed to develop her talents and that she would live close to the spirit. She would be an example to others throughout her life. We love her and are thankful her needs are becoming less demanding and she is more content between nursing. On our way to church I told Greg we are so blessed to be able to be blessing our 14th baby. Yes it is different and takes a lot of time but how thankful we are to have her in our home. We are thankful for the opportunity to learn with another baby. Life is good. 
 

5.16.22 FFA Update another round of State

With Spring is a lot of FFA activity. Mark has been getting initiated working on contests and getting his official green hand. 

After the green paint the speeches began and the members voted. Mark was very worried he would not get an office. The healed yet precious leg has changed his course and FFA is probably going to be his major activity in high school. The new officer team. Mark is treasurer. 

Like Harold John and Mark are interested in shop skills. I reached out to Mrs. Chamberlain offering to set up guest teachers to help them prepare after a rush experience at district shop skills where they placed 2nd. Mr. Noble the past ag teacher had already offered to coach and train these guys so all was good. They spent several early mornings and time after school working to learn some hands-on surveying, gas cutting, and electrical skills. 

The benefit to the extra time invested was a trip to Corvallis and the Oregon Coast. The girls had obviously been before and dressed appropriate. The boys all first timers to the ocean ran back and forth from the waves in their work boots and jeans. They had a great time. Notice the piece of sea kelp that John found and brought home. 

The dairy products judging team. We are working on Mark smile.

Mark placed 6th overall in Ag Mechanics. The team placed 4th. John and Daniel joined him for honors. 

After 3 years of competition the team of Aliza & Helen tied for 6th with Mark being the 3rd team member. They were happy and disappointed with a red banner. This has been such a great contest over the years. The trip to the ocean each time is a major incentive to taste yucky milk and expensive and yet yucky cheeses. 

While the workers were away the corn was needing to be planted. After a frustrating day of trying to make the new planter work Greg got some more pointers from my dad and the parts man. We needed bigger seed tubes thankfully some were found in Caldwell. Parts are becoming harder and harder to find. The tubes were installed and planting began. I drove the trac tractor with disk one evening. The next I graduated to con planting while Greg worked on moving pivots and other odds and ends I didn't know how to do. 

Modern farming is amazing. No hands is the rule. Only at the end  does the operator take control of the tractor to make a gentle turn then push the button and let the tractor align itself and go again. There was so much less strain and fatigue with this awesome improvement. 

I was super worried to leave this lady but she was in good hands and did just fine. Her smiles are priceless. She is a doll. 

Addie with a phone captures so many moments I would never see. These two working on cleaning out weeds. There is something so good about shared work. 

Time to just be is a gift of farm life. Bruce placing dandelions in the ditch to float away. We are blessed so much more than we count! I love our rural life and pray we can sustain it. Life is good.