AFTERNOON at the FARM

 We spent the afternoon at Kay's farm.

We admired her pigs that are filling  the entire valley with the smell of the country, or poop.

Those pigs are as big as horses.

(Meet Mable and Shot Gun.)

We helped rake the yard.

Madison loved raking and made her own pile of leaves.

James walked around and taste tested everything.

Kay gave my two little ones Greek yogurt. They gobbled it up.

It was so good to get out of the basement today and breathe fresh air.

I can't wait to have a yard again.

Listening to this today. Jennifer, Michelle, and Karalee let's go to the beach?
Memories....

 

POUNDING ON PANS

I have had a weird day today.

I woke up motivated to do something awesome.

Nate was even surprised as he left for work that I was up and dressed and had make up on and my hair done.

He looked at me with raised eyebrows and asked, "What is going on?"

Then it went downhill.

My phone died.

It won't hold a charge.

I have had it plugged in all day and nothing is happening.

Then I couldn't find the keys to my car.

Nate mentioned as he left for work that I had left the windows rolled down on my car all night.

It started to rain.

I couldn't roll up the windows

I had walked Sierra to school but had no idea how I was going to get her home.

It was freezing and raining.

I couldn't call a friend.

Luckily, I found Barbara on facebook and begged her to help me and as always she rescued me.

What will I do when I move to LOMA?

Who is going to be my go-to-girl?

Scared.

 

I found my keys, but still no phone.....

 

Around four o'clock, when I was panicking about how I was going to get Sierra, these two pulled out the pans and started banging on them with spoons.

I don't know why, but something about their obnoxiousness, calmed me.

Weird Day.

PARK TODAY

We went to the park today after school

It was such a beautiful day.

James was so happy to be outside.

Madison slipped on the merry-go-round and scrapped up her elbow.

She was bummed about it on the way home

Sierra kept offering her solutions to help her elbow feel better.

Madison snapped, "Just let me be Sierra!"

I started singing, "Let her be. Let her be. Not letter B, but let her be. Speaking words of wisdom, let her be, not letter B. Not letter A or letter D, just LET HER BE."

Until Sierra put an end to my impromptu song.

Soon, she is going to realize how truly awesome I am.

GRAND JUNCTION KID FRIENDLY DENTIST

My fisherman plays a dentist in real life.

He started his own practice, called Yes! Dental, a year and half ago.

He is amazing with kids.

I have found him singing in his office to kids that are scared.

I have over heard him talking to little girls about their princess teeth and little boys about their dinosaur teeth.

Last year he presented, during dental month, to Sierra's 2nd grade class.

Her 2nd grade teacher invited him back again this year.

He dressed the kids up as teeth.

Then stuck plaque bugs all over them.

Then gently pulled the paper plaque away with an oversized tooth brush.

They were all giggling.

Nate made his oversized tooth brush.

I made the teeth.

Sierra made the plaque.

Too cute.

BEST DRESS UP EVER!

 Madison was a unicorn, kitty, princess with a cell phone and a micro phone and a magic wand.

All complete with her footy pajamas.

She has worn holes in the feet she wears them so much.

She won't take them off.

Her friend Brooke came over the other day and said, "Why are you always in your pajamas.

She looked hurt.

I answered for her with a big smile, "Because she loves them."

DONE!

 There is no turning back anymore.

The house is ours.

We still have a few more pieces of the puzzle to lock in but it appears that on March 14th we will be official owners of the Amish paradise.

Just wait till you see it.

I hope you have the same love hate relationship with it that I do.

We can commiserate about the house and rejoice in the beautiful land.

It is going to be a grand adventure..

 

Today was activities days.

(Activity Days: A program in our church that allows girls ages 8-12 the opportunity to meet together twice a month to fulfill goals that help increase there faith in God and his Son.)

 

This girl loves activity days.

She is such an amazing peacemaker, her silliness is contagious, and she is a natural leader.

It is amazing, as a mother, to watch her grow.

Today we planned for up coming activity day.

I am excited and sad.

The girls are going to have so much fun together, but we will have to say goodbye soon.

 

Afterwards Sierra piggybacked Madison through the ran.

When I told her to get in the car she just smiled and rain through the puddles.

GIRLS ON THE RUN

 I signed Sierra up for girls on the run this year.

She loves it.

It really has changed her attitude about everything.

She doesn't come home crying after school every day saying, "It is the worst day of my life."

(Which she has consistently done for about a year.)

 

I miss her.

I hate that she is at the school an hour later than normal, but she loves it.

She runs two or three miles each time.

She spends the time with her friends.

I think she likes socializing with them outside the structure of school.

 

I am proud of how hard she works and that she tries to consistently run the whole time.

 

While I stepped out of the car to snap a few pictures, Madison locked the car doors and pushed the panic button.

I think it scared her.

She couldn't figure out how to unlock the door.

It took her a few minutes to calm down and focus.

Giggling.

Life.

EVERSON NOVEMBER 20, 1918

 It was a beautiful day today.

The sun was out.

Sierra begged me to go for a walk around the graveyard.

 

My friend once mentioned her kids loved to do gravestone rubbings.

Armed with a crayon and paper, we went to the graveyard and made a few rubbings.

They were less interested in making rubbings than they were about learning about every person buried.

They asked me to tell them how old every person we passed was when they died and read any quotes written on their headstone.

 

The last two picture are of a small gravesite that always makes me stop.

I think of the mother who lost so many of her babies within the span of four days.

My friend Kay says that most likely they died from the Influenza Pandemic of 1918, although I have no idea how they died.

Dorothy 11

Ruth 8

 Gailen 3

 Preston 1

 

My babies are exactly the same year span apart.

I have two girls and one boy.

When Sierra is 11

Madison will be 8

James will be 3.

Maybe we will have another baby.

 

I was just so grateful to be in the sun with my beautiful babies.

I can't imagine going home after burying my babies to the silence of an empty home.

I wonder who their mother was.

I wonder how she went on.

I am glad she is with her babies now.

 

Nothing like a walk in the light of the day to help you see how truly blessed you are.

 

 

 

 

SUNDAY

 

Today is Sunday.

I love Sunday.

I love having a day to reflect on the purpose of life.

My Savior.

Why we are here.

Where we all go when we die.

 

(I will be completely honest today was long.

James was fussy.

Sierra may have rolled her eyes at me during the first hour of church.

I may have pinched her for it.

I may have spent most of my meetings walking the halls with a fussy baby.

Nate was home sick.

He is usually better at handling the children at church.

He doesn't revert into a two year old when they disobey.

I missed him.

I need him to get better.)

 

However, it was still worth going.

I may have only caught a few words here or there.

I may have only sang two hymns.

I may have only heard part of a Relief Society lesson.

But, I was inspired to try harder to be a little better. 

(Our Relief Society lesson was on the Plan of Salvation. If you want to learn more, you can watch the video below.)
 

WARMER?

The last few days have been a bit warmer.

I am so glad.

It has been such a reprieve from this long, dark, cold winter.

My girls wanted to go push there brother in his stroller.

I was happy to let them. I was busy making hair bows.

Sierra has a birthday party today and I wanted to make something.

My sewing machine has been sitting idle for entirely to long.

I had to bring it out and dust if off.

I am done caring for a sick baby and cleaning.

Funny thing is that as much as I clean there are still messes, lots of them.

I will clean some more.

I don't mind.

I kind of like it, but just let me sit and sew for a few more hours. 

(Don't be scared of Madison's bow! She stole two off the table and doubled them up. She has her own sense of style and I kind of like that about her.)

PERFECT SYMBOL of OUR LOVE

These three are the culmination of the love Nate and I share.

They are the living legacy of that love

They are the immortality of that love.

Long after the earth has claimed Nate and I as it's own, the love we share will go on living and breathing, because our love is them.

It walks and breathes and giggles.

When I look into my James's face I see my Nathan.

When I see my Sierra's determination I see my Nathan.

When I see my Madison's quiet, peaceful ways I see my Nathan.

And so much more.

When I see James's mischief I see myself.

When I see Sierra's need to make everyone laugh I see myself.

When I see Madison's happy ways I see myself.

And so much more.

They are a living symbol that Nate and I are one.

They are everything good about each of us individually coming together.

I love them so much.

Because I love them I love Nathan.

Because I love Nathan I love them.

They are perfect.

They are mine.

They are the best Valentine's present anyone could give me.

Happy Valentines.

MIRACLES

I love this little face.

I have been reminded lately how important it is to stop and enjoy it.

 

I have been so busy running around with the house I have neglected her most of all.

I have been on the phone or the computer for about two straight weeks.

I am trying to slow down.

STOP.

Be less scrambled.

Especially on the inside.

 

House Update--

IT WILL BE A MIRACLE IF WE GET THE HOUSE

I want to remember that.

I want anyone reading this to remember.

 

We have had one mountain to climb after another.

We have one more to climb.

IT WILL TAKE A MIRACLE.

 

Then it will be over.

I thought today, at least it won't be 40 years.

It took the children of Israel that long.

It will only take till March 10th...

 

By March 10th....

IT will be OVER.

What a beautiful day.

VALENTINES

I love conversations with my fourth grader.

We got to chat as we made her Valentines.

She has neglected doing her homework a few times since we got back from Christmas break.

I am usually on her case, but I am done.

Whether it is the long winter or being tired of having the only exchange between my daughter and I, be arguing over homework... I am not sure. I just don't care anymore.

 

When she forgets to do her work, her teacher makes her sit on the wall during recess.

For a child who loves moving and being outside, being made to sit still, is the worst punishment imaginable!

I was frustrated at first.

I had a momma bear moment with her teacher.

I realize she is learning self discipline.

It is painful to watch.

 

She told me over making her Valentines, how much she loathes sitting on the wall.

I asked her if any other kids sit on the wall.

She said, "Yes, some kids sit on the wall every day."

I said, "Like who."

She named a few kids and then a cute girl that I love that goes to church with us.

I visit taught her mother.

(Visiting Teachers: Every Mormon woman is assigned someone to visit and teach every month and some is assigned to visit and teach every Mormon woman. It is how we care for each other.)

Both her parents work long hours.

They live in a three bedroom trailer, in a trailer park.

They have six beautiful children.

I almost cried as I thought of this poor sweet girl on the wall every recess.

Then I thought, It is okay that Sierra has to sit on the wall because then our sweet girl from church doesn't have to be alone on the wall.

Then the mother bear melted out of me.

 

She told me about all the kids in her class

She talked about a boy who all the kids call the dumbest kid in the class.

She said, "Mom, I don't know why anyone would say that. He is really smart. He knows all there is to know about MIND CRAFT and I love that game."

I had to suppress a giggle.

I thought she was so sweet.

 

She told me about a boy in her class that no one likes.

He always plays by himself.

She said, "I am going to give him an extra piece of candy in his card."

Then she said, "Yep, buddy extra piece of candy for you because you deserve it."

 

I loved all of her stories and her sweet gentle ways.

She is the best oldest daughter anyone could ever ask for.

 

 



WE NEED YOU!

I have been in a crappy mood.

James has been so sick.

I have been under the weather.

I have been up to my eyeballs in paperwork with this house.

Running here there and everywhere.

Last night as I crawled into bed next to Madison to read her bedtime stories I said, "I quit!"

She said, "Mommy you can't quit. We need you."

I thought it was the most precious thing and exactly what I needed to hear.

 

As she snuggled in close to me she said, "Who would make us dinner if you quit."

Good point.

"I tried daddy's dinner once and it was gro-O-sss!"

True.

CHOCOLATE SYRUP

Dear Mortgage Lending Lady,

 

You are amazing.

Thank you for trekking out in the cold to bring me all the paperwork and pick up our earnest money.

You were patient while Madison giggled so loud I couldn't hear you.

You were patient with my baby whining because he is so sick.

 

I am sorry we repaid you with chocolate syrup.

When you stood up, I saw the chocolate syrup on the back of your pants.

My daughter spilt it on the chair you were sitting on this morning. 

Maybe I would have seen it and wiped it if I hadn't been so frazzled trying to clean up the house, and care for my sick baby boy.

I wanted to say something.

It was just awkward.

"Sweet lady... you have chocolate syrup on your backside. Let me help you clean it up."

I just didn't know how to form the words.

Maybe no one will notice.

You were wearing a long sweater at least.

 

You may find a small amount of satisfaction in the fact that my chair was covered in syrup too.

Maybe not, I can get a new pair more easily than you.

Sorry.

Awkward.

Sorry.

 

I will get those papers back to you as soon as possible.

 

Me.

THE MOUSE

My amazing, wonderful father and my beautiful, supportive sister showed up on my doorstep this afternoon.

They surprised me.

James and Madison are sick and have been sick all day.

James has been whining and crying and whining. 

Dad came to inspect our home.

Jennifer came to help.

She took the babies.

Nate and I and Dad ran over to the property.

 

When we walked into the house there was a mouse in the center of the living room.

A mouse people!

I am a suburban girl.

We don't believe in mice in houses.

It was squatting in our house.

Dad kicked it out the front door, literally.

Thank you Daddy.

I really didn't know what to do with it.

 

Dad walked around for a while and then paced a lot and looked a bit overwhelmed.

He said, "Is this what you really want?"

After I hummed and hawed a little.

I finally found my courage.

I said, "Yes. I know this is the right thing for our family. It is going to be hard, but it is going to be worth it. I know we could pay the same price for a brand new home in suburbia, it would be easier, but I don't think we would be happier.

This is where I want to raise my family.

 

Dad said there was no saving the floors, without a huge expense.

The house isn't worth the amount of money we would sink into it.

He said, "You will have to live on crooked floors. Can you do that?"

I had to find my courage again.

"Yes, for a time."

 

Then he laid out a plan to make it livable for a time.

It will take a lot of work.

It will never be perfect, but it will be enough.

 

After we close, we will start.

Let the adventure begin.

 

Thank you Dad and Jenn. 



NATE's FAVORITE PART

Cow's not included.

Maybe someday we will get a few.

Why not?

Not for a while.

We will first add a cat and some chickens.

We will see how that goes.

 

Nate says his first priority will be to expand the pond.

 

My first priority will be to fix up the house.

We will need a few miracles for that to happen.

This whole process has been a miracle, so I am counting on it.

 

New paint.

New carpet.

Jacking the floors?

Most importantly making the attic loft a beautiful bedroom for the girls and James.

 

I have slept maybe four hours a night for the last three nights.

I have torn out walls, painted, hung curtains, replaced carpet, jacked floors.

It is beautiful when I am done.

Then I wake and realize, actually, it is still a dump.

I don't even know where to begin to fix it.

Dad come.

At least give me a few pointers on what is possible and what isn't.

I can work hard.

I can do it.

I just need to know what to accept and what to reject.



OUR HOUSE..... MAYBE

Well, we put an offer in on this little beauty last week.

The couple selling the home took another offer that was slightly more.

The other offer couldn't get financing.

The house was back on the table this afternoon.

I was heading out tomorrow to look at other houses but when my realtor called back and said the sale on the Loma property fell through, do you want to make an offer?

I think I screamed yes into the phone.

I haven't been able to wipe the grin from my face all night.

 

Why?

Not sure?

This is not my dream home.

Promise.

Maybe it is the sinking floors.

The carpet in the bathroom.

The single pane windows.

The carpet period.

Every wall is made from a different material, sheet rock, plaster, wood paneling.

Did I mention the carpet.

The drooping ceilings.

Weird Remodels.

It's a hundred years old.

Well not quite but really, really close.

 

But, the land is beautiful.

It is a safe beautiful place.
We could build our dream home... eventually... hopefully soon.
I told Nate if we do get this home, which hasn't happened yet but is a greater possibility.

Then we will have to have his friend make a custom arch for the driveway, which is really a dirt road.

I said, what should we call our little homestead?
I suggested, Green Acres
or

Hole on the Green.

(Tongue and Cheek of course, but you really should see the inside of that house, which I will have to make do or make better at least for a little while.)

Nate suggested, Yes! Farm, giggling so hard, or Amish paradise.

Then we could sing, we are livin' in an Amish paradise.

We will decide if everything works out, we will keep you posted.

 

 

DEAD

 My camera DIED

I was taking James first year picture.

Set the camera on the counter.

Tripped over the cord connecting it to the lighting equipment.

It fell on the tile.

IT's DEAD!

It won't even turn on.

I am so sad.

Look at how bad these pictures are.

But my old Canon Power Shot S21S will be the only thing I have to take pictures with for a while.

To say I am sad is an understatement.

 

My friend Jess from Pittsburgh gave me this camera when I moved here to Fruita.

I have used this camera exclusively for three and a half years.

IT was a good run.

Love you Jess.

Love the camera.

Love all the beautiful pictures I took with it.

SIGH.

Goodbye.

Hobby over till I can find the money to buy a new one, which maybe a while because I am trying to convince Nate to buy me a home.

1 YEAR OLD

 James is one.

I can't believe it.

He has brought us so much joy in the last year.

He loves to eat and he can't miss a snack or a meal without a melt down.

He has the cutest smile on the planet.

He flutters his eyelashes to flirt.

He loves his mom but his second favorite person is Sierra.

He walks everywhere.

He doesn't say a single world but loves to yell, "Ah. Ah. Ah." Just so we know he is still alive.

He is a fabulous sleeper but only at home in his own bed.

He loves his pacifier.

He loves all foods with tomato sauce, spaghetti, rigatoni, and pizza.

He gets into everything. EVERYTHING.

 

He had a thrift store birthday. I and the girls picked out his presents.

Then we brought them home and carefully sanitized each of them.

All his presents are pictures and we spent less than 10.00 on him.

Which is amazing considering the Little People plane and accessories were brand new and they thrift store wanted $8.00 for it.

All the books, the fisher price vintage play board, the fishing pole and microphone were all less than two dollars. He loved all his toys.

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CUTE BOY.

 

FRIENDS

 Madison and Brooke let me take their picture.

She comes to play sometimes.

We love it.

We love her.

BASKETBALL, SWIMING, and EXCERCISE

I have been taking the girls to the Fruita Recreational Center after school.

They love it there.

We have been swimming and playing basketball.

One night Sierra and I ran out of the house together and snuck up to the exercising equipment and ran on the treadmill.

Man, that girl has the makings of an Olympic athlete.

She cranked that thing as high as it could go and ran for ten minute intervals and stopped every once and a while to get a drink.

She must have exercised at full speed for thirty minutes total.

I finally had to convince her to stop.

The next day she was hobbling.

I asked her if her legs hurt.

She insisted they didn't and wanted to go back the next day.

 



LUCY and ME JUMPING ON THE BED

 Lucy came to play today.

Madison was so happy.

 

MY FAVORITE DAY

Yesterday was Sunday.

I had some errands to run.

Nate wanted tortillas.

I didn't want to make them.

Sierra volunteered.

Before I left she asked if the recipe said, three cups of oil.

I said, "No, a third a cup of oil."

I was nervous to leave her but I figure it was the best way for her to learn.

I came back and Madison was cooking tortillas.

Nate was eating them.

Sierra was rolling them out.

I asked her why she didn't use the press.

She said she forgot about it.

She did great.

Yeah for a daughter old enough to cook.

I went to bed thinking of all they amazing ways this was going to change my life.

I DON' T KNOW.... IT IS JUST FUN

A friend of Nate's owed him some money.

He asked if he could settle some of the debt with some camera equipment.

I am not into eighties backdrops and studio lighting.

My first reaction was I don't want it.

Nate didn't and doesn't care about the debt, it has been forgive.

When the friend made the offer I thanked him and asked if we could think about it.

I realized that he was trying to do the right thing.

He was trying to do it in a way he could.

It wasn't very Christian of me not to allow him.

We have been having a bit of a party with the lighting equipment, even the backdrop is kind of awesome.

I admit it has been a ton of fun.



Love this picture of James.

What are you doing mom?

Not sure, but I like it.

You don't have to use the backdrop.

Still awesome.

 Not sure what I was thinking in this pictures but probably... I am hot.

 

My favorite picture.