Down on the Farm

Welcome INSTE friends!

2012-01-31T19:00:00.000-06:00

We are honored to have visitors from the INSTE family from all over the world visit our blog! We hope you will stay awhile and learn more about Iowa farm life!

If you have any prayer requests, feel free to leave a comment. In the meantime, God's blessings to you all as we help others take their next steps towards Christ!

A little quiet time...

2012-01-22T06:35:00.000-06:00

Aiden woke up at 5:45...sigh. Like clockwork. It's his thing. Change my diaper. Smile. Then he plays with his tractors! Vrooom Vrooom, til all of a sudden he cries out "DADA!" and then he wants his Daddy and to go back to bed. He's going to be mad this morning though, we are out of bananas. Not only can he say "nana", but he can yell for nanas at the top of his lungs. The kid loves them.

First birthday on 1/20...this is his squishy face. I get out the camera and this is what he does!

I finally looked at all of the pictures I have been taking since Before Christmas...I am going to Walgreens to print them off and send them to grandparents - they are just too cute. Looking at them made me miss Cody. He is loving campus life. Was not able to make it home this weekend because of all of the snow. So, we postponed AJ's baby dedication and birthday party.

Add to that the fact that we are all sick! I have been on a hand washing crusade in this house - signs, verbal warnings ("You get back in there and wash those hands - NOW!"), pleading and lots of spraying with Lysol. But we lost the germ battle this weekend. I refuse to stay down for the count haha

We celebrated Daddy's birthday with a John Deere cake! (and a messy table, but that's called REAL LIFE!)

My Christmas Angel
When I loaded pics, it surprised me, I don't remember taking it

Love.

Happy New Year

2012-01-08T08:18:00.000-06:00

Once again, I am remiss in my blogging. Do you want to know how my days are filled to overflowing? You already know that.

Aiden is settling in. Cody is at Iowa State sniff sniff. Jaima is growing up way too fast. Jaiden is as energetic as a calf that gets to run in the pasture for the first time (i.e. BUSY) and me, I am the consummate housewife and mama.

Where are the pictures? Wherever my camera is hiding. I spent the last week cleaning the house because we had our first adoption homestudy visit yesterday. Three hours of questions and inspecting.I won't complain because we are one step closer to finalizing the adoption. But dang, they ask the weirdest things...we are blessed because we already have the guardianship finalized and that makes it move a little faster.

The house is as clean as it is ever going to get...and it lasted exactly an hour...how do I teach my kids to PUT THINGS AWAY? I guess by showing them each time until it becomes a habit - so ingrained in them that it becomes second nature...which means more patience...sigh...

I promise there will be Christmas pics soon, unless they are magically on the last post I did? Probably not, soon...soon.

Busy week...and it's only Wednesday.

2011-11-09T19:16:00.000-06:00

Jaiden had Parents Night at dance class Monday.

Did I post Halloween pics? I can't remember a thing anymore. Jaima was a cowgirl. She really wanted this pony.

Such a serious face.

Aiden's play area. Note the spelling change of his name? He is now Aiden John. More on that in a sec...

Ok, so Aiden has to have his own room once we begin the home study for adoption. I had to move the family room to where the formal living room was. (Fireplace would be on the left of this pic.) I see that the two dogs are on my couch. Dumb dogs. The girls are playing with playdoh - thanks, again to Heather M for the awesome playdoh table!

Diaper station (thanks to Heather M!!!) and Jaiden and AJ's clothes. Yep, those are our parakeets on top of the dresser. Jaiden loves to help take care of them.

Jaiden's bed. Behind the dresser is the play area. AJ's crib is still in our room. I like to check on his breathing at night. I ordered John Deere bedding and curtains for them today. Can't wait!

Not very clear, but this is a pic I took tonight. He is growing!

He is getting stronger every day. Loves to eat. But his favorite thing to do is crawl all over as quickly as he can.

Cody is finishing up his semester at community college and making plans to leave for Iowa State after Christmas. I'm so proud of him! Will you join us in praying for guidance in his decision making for his future? He's just night sure what God is calling him to do.

Our next step with AJ is a home study. We have to have that completed before the adoption can be finalized. A lot of parents change their new babies names when they adopt. After much discussion, prayer and seeking advice from trusted friends, we decided to change the spelling of his first name to match the girls. (Had we gotten him earlier in life, I am sure we would have named him Caleb.) But he knows and responds to his name. Now he is protected with a new spelling and middle name. There is so much to do when adopting! Paperwork, getting the house in order...smoke detectors, childproofing, etc etc...they don't care if your house is spotless thank goodness haha if you know me, that will NEVER happen, I don't have time. lol But, they need to see that his needs are met and that he has his own room. There are three bedrooms in the basement, but the kids are too young to be down there. So, we made do with what we had!

That's more than enough for tonight. Thank you for your prayers. OH and thank you for the birthday cards, presents and visits! It made turning 39 a whole lot easier!

2011-10-31T08:00:00.000-05:00

Jaima, the cowgirl, who desperately wants a pony!

Little Man, dressed up as Little Bear

JaidenIlo, who always has to pose, dressed as a Snow White Kitty Cat

John, with Lisa and Ayden, he's got big arms and is very useful for holding babies
when it comes to Mommies digging in diaper bags and whatnot!

Ian, my little oliphant

We had a great time at Open Bible's Harvest Party. I admit I ate too much cotton candy. (Note to self: Never ever drink Mt. Dew and eat cotton candy!)

Today is my 39 forever birthday...I don't want to celebrate anymore...haha...

Happy Harvest!

2011-10-29T12:27:00.000-05:00

And now we are six...

2011-10-22T09:47:00.000-05:00

Well, there are a lot of questions about Ayden, and I will try and answer them here.

Ayden Michael is 9 months old. He joined our family on October 2. We are permanent legal guardians, and his birth parents have terminated their parental rights, which means we can adopt him after we have a "home study" done by a social worker. Of course, a judge also have to approve the adoption. So, although things are not finalized as of today, we believe that Ayden is here to stay.

His birth parents made a very brave decision in seeking help for their son. We ask that you continue to pray for them both.

Ayden has some medical issues with his breathing. He requires nebulizer treatments up to 5 times per day. His nine month checkup yesterday showed remarkable improvement and his lungs were clear for the first time in months! He is also growing and becoming more active. Which means I have had to childproof the house all over again. He also loves to jump and stand up, and is very curious.

We have been asked a lot of questions, and upon doing some googling, I have found that they are typical questions asked of adoptive parents. I have also learned that people can be quite blunt in their questioning.

Yes, we "already have three children". Yes, we know that "some families have been waiting a long time to adopt a child". But Ayden is not a puppy, his birth parents asked us to raise him, asked us to give him a better life. We have lawyers and social workers and home health all involved in this process.

For those of you that really know us, you know our home has always been a welcoming place for kids to come! There is almost never a time when we haven't had someone visiting. From toddlers to teenagers, we love and clothe and feed whomever God brings to our door. So, us taking Ayden in was no surprise to you! We thank you for your prayers and gifts and support and love!

God knows what is best for Ayden.

2011-10-07T08:11:00.001-05:00

I went to Wloo last night and had Ayden's birth parents sign the permanent guardianship papers. Our lawyer will go before a judge this morning and get everything finalized.

This has all happened so quickly, but we know that this is something only God could make happen. We certainly never imagined becoming parents again!

Ayden is Zoie's cousin (see previous post) and I have been praying for him for a few months. We were asked to take him last Sunday...now 5 days later, we are his parents.

Please pray for his birth parents. And rejoice with us as we get to have a huge impact on the life of a precious little boy!

Something wonderful...

2011-10-06T16:08:00.000-05:00

This is Ayden. We are in the process of making him a part of our family. We have guardianship of him right now.
He is 8 months old and we think he is beautiful!

Stay tuned...and pray!

2011-09-28T10:10:00.000-05:00

Ok, I honestly forgot I had a blog! But always, the fall causes me to start reflecting on the year, and I started thinking about sharing again.

The sounds of fall have begun...corn dryers running 24/7, a constant reassuring hum...tractors in and out of the driveway, grain carts bumping along behind them...calves bawling for their mamas, who are busy eating...dirty boots marching along my freshly scrubbed floor coming in for a cup of coffee or a bite to eat, and I don't care that they are dirty because it means a few stolen moments with my man...

Our days are full, blessedly full. Cody is in college, with a full load of classes. He drives to Wloo everyday. Chase is still his roommate, and so much like another son to me, and he goes to classes full time as well as works in the kitchen at the local country club. Both boys are still in the band together and they tour all over the state. Which this mama thinks is way cool! Cody works full+ time here on the farm. He will be doing field work soon. John said that with the new steering system on the tractor that Cody will really be excelling because that kid knows computers and video games!

Jaima is busy with 4H, dance and school. She joined the school choir, too. Her daddy already got her a calf for next year's fair and soon she will be spending lots of time teaching him to lead and making him her pet. No names picked out yet...

Jaiden is finally potty trained and very independent...loves to dress herself...and watch Backyardigans! That's all we hear about and we all have to pretend the character from the show that she assigns us...today she is Pablo and I am Uniqua...tomorrow I might be Tosha and she will be Tyrone...it's a blast! She continues with her speech classes and has a vocabulary that shows me that God truly answers prayers! We work on s, f, g, j and y sounds. Teacher Carrie is teaching us fun ways to practice and we love making snake sounds together!

And now, there is Zoie added to our family. We have her 4-5 days a week. She will be two on October 5. And what a joy it has been to have her here. She is so little, especially compared to our clan! We are helping her mommy out. Zoie has a three-year-old sister and a newborn sister, and mommy is young. John and I decided to do all we can to ensure that Miss Zoie gets to grow up never knowing what it is to be without. A loving home, plenty of good food, and love beyond all understanding. Will you pray for Zoie and her family with us?

Me? My days are full to capacity! Cooking, cleaning, laundry, picking up after the two little ones...I have found toys in the weirdest places! I am also teaching/leading a college Bible class on Tuesday evenings, the one I recently graduated from. John and I are also teaching Sunday school every other month. Wednesday is church night for all of us. Both girls are in dance. I spend a lot of time in the truck, but I don't mind...this is my life and I love livin it!

Fourth Grade!

2011-08-24T12:05:00.000-05:00

Jaima Lulu - actually this is from day two since it rained on day one!

She doesn't know what to do without her sister home!
Jaiden twirls her hair when she's tired or nervous.

Stuffed Pepper Casserole

2011-08-01T12:07:00.001-05:00

Preheat oven to 350.

2 lbs hamburger, browned, seasoned with 1 TBS taco seasoning and 1 TBS pepper steak seasoning, salt and pepper. Add one chopped onion and 1 cup chopped peppers (I use yellow, green and red - but if you only have green that's fine!). Drain grease if needed.

Puree one can stewed tomatoes - or use fresh - and add to mixture. Drain and rinse one can black beans and add. Add 1/2 cup taco sauce or salsa.

Prepare 2 cups rice according to package directions. Stir in.

OK - here's the fun part: Spray a 9x13 casserole with cooking spray. Pour in the beef mixture. Top with shredded cheddar, pepper strips and tortilla chip strips (found in the salad toppings section).

Bake 30 minutes or until cheese is bubbly.
Serve with hot sauce and sour cream if you like.

I invented this recipe because we love stuffed peppers but hate all the work of stuffing them! You can also put a cup of the casserole in a tortilla and eat it that way.

Enjoy!

Sweet tea and zucchini pie

2011-07-23T19:45:00.000-05:00

and grilled pepperoni pizza...

Zucchini Pie

2 ready made pie crusts pre-baked as directed. Or make your own!
Preheat oven to 325.

Saute 1 clove minced garlic in 1 TBS olive oil.
Chop one onion and add.
Stir in 1 sliced zucchini and 1 sliced summer squash. Saute until tender. Add salt and pepper to taste.

In a bowl combine 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella, 1.5 cups shredded cheddar and one cup mayonnaise.
Slice 1-2 tomatoes.

Layer in each pie shell: tomatoes, zucchini mixture, top with half the cheese.

Bake for 40 minutes.

YUMMY!

I got a new cookbook - Country Cooking with Trisha Yearwood. Amazing recipes that my Grandma cooked and my Mommy. This recipe is from there - only I didn't put in the water chestnuts because John doesn't like them.

The pie in the back has a cup of spaghetti sauce instead of the tomatoes. It turned out a little sweeter. I like the one with tomatoes better.

John hardly ever buys himself anything. Today, he got a smoker grill. So, Jaima and Daddy went through the recipe book that came with it and decided to grill a pizza since we didn't have any beef thawed. It turned out EXCELLENT and we ate it before I could take a pic. Jaima is one good cook!

I also love a good glass of sweet tea. I usually make a homemade syrup, but I cheated today and made it with my Keurig coffee maker. I like to drink the first glass right after it's brewed, when it's still kinda warm. Trisha Yearwood said that in her book, too. Then, I have to have tons of ice for the rest. I figure since I don't put sugar in my coffee or hot tea anymore, I can indulge in my summertime favorite!

2011-07-21T08:12:00.000-05:00

The clouds are rolling in and I hope that means rain. We are getting a little relief from the heat this morning. Last night, even with the air on, it was too hot to sleep...

I swept the garage this morning and cleaned the pool, I am sure Jaiden will be in it within ten minutes of waking up.

I'm thinking of having another chocolate party, lol, but maybe a veggie party instead? I'm really feeling the need to get back on track - maybe when the heat wave is over...maybe right now...depends on what is in the fridge for breakfast haha

Indoor Pool!

2011-07-16T18:26:00.000-05:00

I caught Chloe eating my cucumbers!

Indoor swimming hole!

John went and bought a plastic cattle tank for us to swim in today! We put it in the garage so it would be out of the hot sun (and so no one can see me in it haha) and filled it with water from the basement faucet so it would be warm. It is filled to the third line now, and Jaiden and I were in it most of the afternoon.

Jaima is at cousin Kennedi's for the weekend. Ken had a softball tournament and tonight they are going to a baseball game complete with fireworks. She is going to be one tired girl when she gets home tomorrow!

Sent John on a sweetcorn quest today and he says there is none to be found! Disappointing! I wanted to have grilled burgers and corn for dinner.

Jaiden is begging me to get back in the pool but I am a little tired lol "Maybe tomorrow?" "Maybe tomorrow, Jaiden!"

Happy Nappy

2011-07-16T10:44:00.000-05:00

Today is the kind of day where you just stay in your comfy clothes in the living room and watch TV - or in my case, Cody playing Guitar Hero Metallica! He plays and I sing along lol - I used to play Metallica to him when he was in my tummy! He just smiled at me and said, "Look, Mama, I got five stars!" Sometimes, it's great knowing that I raised him right and he still loves me and enjoys hanging out with me. "Her children will rise up and call her blessed." Proverbs 31 something.

Jaima Lulu is at Kennedi and Kaiden's in Wloo for the weekend. Sure is quiet around here. Jaiden is lounging in the Big chair, combing her hair and watching her brother. Daddy is on ther hunt for a plastic cattle tank for us to swim in...I have bought way too many cheap plastic pools in the last ten years, it's time to get something durable - and we have a high heat warning for this next week and I want to be able to cool down...

My friend, Sue, was teasing me this morning because I am not taking the kids to the parade in Waverly. I hate parades. When I worked at the radio station I had to ride in every parade in Bremer County all summer long. Waving and smiling and tossing candy. Pretty much killed my love for parades. And besides they can't miss what they don't know? Right? lol

Chocolate Par-tay!

2011-07-15T09:29:00.001-05:00

Last night I invited my friends, new and old, over for a chocolate party. Sometimes, you just need to let go and do something unexpected. Take a risk. Open your heart and the front door. Show your friends how much they mean to you. Everyone had name tags that said, "HI! I'm Carolyn's friend_______"

Sue, Rhonda and Cheryle

At our house, if you can't get this comfortable, then we've done something wrong. Sitting at the kitchen table with your feet up means you're like family! This is me, Jaima and Julie.

Cody, Jaiden and Jaclyn, eating brownies with ice cream AND hot fudge

Daan and her dorky face!

He was licking the plate but my camera was not cooperating!

So, I challenge you, have a chocolate party. Overindulge. Be yourself. Open your home. It was a great excuse for me to clean! Invite everyone you know.

You'll find it an uplifting reminder that you are never alone!

2011-07-08T10:33:00.000-05:00

Just had to add these two photos taken by the Butler County Fair.

Today is Friday, although I woke up not having a clue as to what day of the week it was! Nothing is on the calendar today and that is a good thing! I'm working on my floors, which takes quite a while since we have all wood now. But I enjoy the end result. As I continue to PURGE my house of all of the clutter, I feel so free! Free to decorate more. Free to set up an area for me to finally work on my scrapbooking. I never finished Cody's and neither of the girls have even begun. I have every supply known to man and have yet to devote any of my free time to doing one of my favorite hobbies.

I do have a prayer request. The woman (and friend!) of mine who has been taking my INSTE classes with me has decided not to continue on to the next level. There has to be at least two students in order for the class to be held. Will you pray that God will stir the heart of someone who has been contemplating continuing on in the INSTE program? Will you pray that I will listen for God's voice, and that if He is telling me "no" that I will obey him? I really want to finish this and get my Degree of Ministry. I want to be able to teach the Bible with more understanding. I want to lead others to Christ, plain and simple, and if God is telling me "No more school right now." then I will accept that. I can disciple right here at home, at the grocery store, anywhere I go. I can teach Sunday School ( which I have been asked to do, and even John has agreed to help! if God leads me to do that). But my heart is calling me to lead. God hasn't given me a spirit of fear when it comes to stepping up and speaking! lol Thank you, my friends, for praying for me. And let me now how I can be praying for you!

For the past week, I have been working with the girls on cleaning up after themselves. Putting things back where they belong. etc etc. They are beginning to see that Mommy has done a lot for them. That the initial cleanup is awful, but picking up each day is a lot easier. I've had to remind them a lot, but it is working! It's a real breakthrough for me to acknowledge and admit that I CAN'T DO IT ALL! So we are working on the family room this week. Next week, their bedroom, and I may have to call in extra help for that one - what a mess.

Sigh...

2011-06-29T19:32:00.000-05:00

Sometimes, life lets us down. Like having your heart set on getting away and then having to be a grownup and be responsible...we have to postpone our Arkansas getaway...too many new cattle here to take care of and other farmy things...

On the bright side, I can attend my 20th high school reunion on Friday night - oh boy - I get to go see how old all of my friends have become. Because, of course, I haven't aged a bit. Just sayin.

2011-06-28T15:25:00.000-05:00

Get your feet off of the table, silly girl! This isn't dance practice!

The calves, being let out to pasture for the first time, kicking up their heels!

Chloe, being cute!

Big Dummy, being dumb, getting caught sleeping in my chair AGAIN!

Apollo, looking sad, because he got caught on the couch AGAIN!

John and the tenHoeve boys at Roland's birthday party, I'm sure they were talking farming!

I love this picture of Liesbeth, I accidentally cut off Lisa, but I love this smile!
We had a great time last Friday at tenHoeve's.

I was out in my garden this morning and two goldfinches flew right in front of my face - it was beautiful!!!!I figured I had better pull weeds before we go on vacation! Then, i came inside and paid bills, which made me not want to go on vacation lol - it's all good. We head for Arkansas Friday morning. I went to Walmart today and got everything we might need for the long drive. John used to be a truck driver, so there's no stopping along the way. One of us girls usually ends up crying about how bad we have to go potty before he will stop hahaha. Dan-o will take care of the farm while we are away. We haven't left since our last trip to Arkansas So, I am excited. John and I will be staying at a bed&breakfast and the kiddos with Grammy and Papa.

John and Cody just pulled in the yard with the last load of hay for the day. It's 3:30, I think they started at 9am. Looong day, too bad I just ate the last piece of cheesecake lol

Jaima exiting the show ring with a stubborn calf

2011-06-27T12:54:00.000-05:00

Fair!

2011-06-27T12:41:00.000-05:00

Daddy helping get the halter ready!

Today's Motto

2011-06-16T07:45:00.000-05:00

"Today I will not let anyone get me frazzled. Today I will reply positively to any negativity I receive. Today I will zip it, instead of snap back. Today I will let some things roll off my shoulders. Today I will remember that the best teaching moments are quiet moments, not the reactionary ones."

courtesy of one of my favorite blog's Clover Lane

I will also add:

"Today I will pray without ceasing and know that you are my God. Today I will turn to You before I open my mouth, make a decision or be tempted to scream!"

This is one of my favorite mom blogs to read because she is so real. She is raising 5 kids and she admits she yells sometimes and that her house isn't perfect. That's reality...love it!

VBS week

2011-06-16T07:32:00.000-05:00

I've been helping out with Bible School this week in the preschool room. Almost 50 three and four year olds! And it is so fun! Today, I am not feeling well, so am resting at home. Don't know if it is allergies or what.

The girls spent the night in town at Jaclyn's last night. What a treat for me! I can't remember the last time I had a night to myself! I guess they both slept in Jac's bed with her and Jac ended up on the floor!

My little ballerina...

I loved their hairpieces!
These pics taken with old camera

I found a really good deal on a camera yesterday so will be trying out taking pics around the farm. I love my morning view and wanted to capture it to share with you all. The girls' had dropped my old camera so often and the lens was scratched. Let's call it my anniversary present to myself. Nine years on June 2nd!

Jethro, the first thing he does when I let him inside is run and jump in my chair! Taken with new camera...

Picture Day!

2011-06-16T07:23:00.000-05:00

Danielle and I in the hammock - notice which side is lower? hahahaha
Hammock photos taken by Liesbeth, who just thought this was the funniest thing.
You can see part of Roland, he just had to listen in to the girl talk!

Divas! Relaxing on a Sunday afternoon

Chloe - I was trying out my new and improved camera - this is one spoiled dog!

Jaiden's always posing for pics - att-it-tude!

My sweet angel, Jaima, she is growing up way too fast!

2011-06-11T08:46:00.001-05:00

Good morning, world! John told me he is going to take me to the greenhouse I have always wanted to visit after chores are done. His chores, not mine! Lol

2011-06-10T08:05:00.001-05:00

Wow! Did you know I can blog from my cell phone?!

Recital 2011

2011-05-27T20:07:00.002-05:00

Well, that's it

2011-05-27T17:11:00.000-05:00

Last day of school. My baby girl is officially a fourth grader! Cael and Emma got off the bus with Jaima and we have been having fun all afternoon - even a trip to DQ.

No plans for the holiday weekend. I'd like to plant the rest of the garden, but it is cold and rainy. We usually bale hay on Memorial Day but I don't think it is ready yet.

Got the master bedroom done yesterday - moved the bed got rid of all of the junk and totally impressed sis-in-law Jen - lol - she said, "Where's all your STUFF?" I said, "G-O-N-E!" and it feels so good to have a nice and peaceful retreat to share with the hubby at night - we slept so well last night. I also have a new glider rocker in front of the window now that I will use for my God time each morning. New as in 5 bucks at the thrift store. I am going to go buy fabric and sew new slip covers for it. After I try and remember how to use the sewing machine. I bet I beg Danielle for help - HINT HINT

Tomorrow, the girls and I will work on their room. I ordered Miss Jaima a new bed because I slept in hers one night and it was the most uncomfortable thing ever. Poor girl. Jaiden wants the bunk beds put back together, and then the entire house will be DONE! I have hauled three carloads of stuff out and don't plan on bringing anymore in!

Pictures of Jaima and her bucket calf tomorrow - only three weeks til fair time!

2011-05-25T17:47:00.000-05:00

I can't believe I am sitting in the living room - one, because I NEVER get to sit down and rest at night and two, I am watching the Weather Channel with the hubby, which I always laughed at my grandparents (in a respectable way LOL) for doing!

We had supper at 5 tonight because I want the girls to go to bed early. Which I doubt will happen, but a mom can try, can't she? Last day of school is Friday. We had the school picnic today:

JaidenIlo unpacking our picnic

Jim and Jen

EmmaLynn tring to avoid Auntie taking her picture

Indoor end-of-the-year picnic, rainy day!

John andCody, who always makes this face when I want to take his pic

I don't have any pics of Cael and Jaima because they didn't sit still long enough. It was nice though to have a chance for all of us to sit down together and share a meal.

I will sign off with this photo, one of my favorites. Jaiden and her Daddy's boots, lined up at the end of a long, hard day of farming.

2011-05-23T19:22:00.000-05:00

Jaima just keeps bursting out into different songs! "Shining in the light of His glory!"and dancing around and being silly! She is a little sad because she went on a school fishing trip and didn't catch any. I have a feeling it was because she never sat still long enough!

Jaiden just went to see her Mimi with Daddy. I made Hamburger Helper for supper because it is my all time favorite comfort food! John won't eat it - and I don't blame him,but hey, I needed it today! Had a temporary crown put on and I am kinda grumpy. It's not a princess crown, it's a dental one.

Cody mowed the lawn BEAUTIFULLY today. When I do it, it looks like it got massacred. I planted tomatoes, cantaloupe, cucumbers, and peppers today. I'm not feeling too ambitious about having my big garden this year, but maybe this weekend I will feel more motivated. Because I want eggplant, radishes, carrots, onions and maybe some kohlrabi. I DO want to put a watermelon patch in next to wherever the sweetcorn is planted.

FIND OF THE DAY: So, I pull up to Trinkets and Togs (thrift store) and dump off a car load of stuff to donate. And sitting RIGHT THERE is the rocker/glider I have had my eye on for weeks with a sign on it that says "MAKE OFFER". They originally wanted $45 for it. So i offered 5 bucks and that chair is MINE! I will go to Hobby Lobby and buy some fabric to recover the cushions and foot rest - and then I will have one more thrifty treasure!

Addendum to previous post...dedicated to Shannon K for being my inspiration, Always!

2011-05-22T08:29:00.001-05:00

I like big words like that - I read the Webster's Encyclopedic Dictionary once, the whole thing. Ask my Daddy. True story.

My blog is in no way meant to be the sole means of communication between the White Family and the rest of our friends and family. It's actually a journal of sorts for me and my kids, I am going to print it out one day, and give them their story and the story of their hard-working, loving parents. So, if you read something I've written that offends you or you have a question, talk to me or my hubby. You know, that's why I hate Facebook, too...it's a way for family and friends to check in on you and not have any real contact.

And now, for the rest of the story...Did you know?
My sweet Sugarbear hauled manure for another farmer for three days to pay for my glorious floor? It brings a tear to my eye to know that he did that for ME! I don't need diamonds or sparkly things, and my man knows that. And he works soooooo hard for me and the kids. Because he loves us!

Did you know that we live in the home that John grew up in? That means a lot to us. There is a history here on this farm that people we know and love have worked hard for, bled for, almost died for. We have been flooded, tornadoed (not a word!) and had the fire department here more than once. We have fought and cried and fought some more, but NOT ONCE have we ever wanted to walk away from this. NOT ONCE have John and I wanted to quit this life or this marriage. That's the honest truth. We love our life and we love our home. There are a few rocks thrown at us every once in awhile, but we duck and as John always says, "We'll get through it." and I believe him because he believes God.

So, after 10 years, we are finally able to make this house our own. It is a beautiful home. And we love to fill it with family and friends. I have Abbi, Kaitlyn, Renae, Kennedi and Kaiden for the weekend. Five extra kids. John and I love it. Some have called our home chaotic and questioned us taking in so many kids. We also have teenage boys that live with Cody in the house downstairs. We also have Khyle and Hannah and Dan and the list goes on...John and I promised God 9 years ago that if He would let us stay here and keep this farm that we would use our home to be a blessing to others. And we have kept that promise. Have others questioned our sanity? Yes. Has my house been a mess? Most of the time. How do we afford to feed all of these people? That's a God thing. When you visit will it be noisy? You betcha. But someday, it's just gonna be Johnny and me in this big ole house and it's gonna be real quiet. And I hate to think of the quiet. So we fill our home with laughter and love. If you visit, be warned.

Someone asked me how my own kids feel about always having others here. Well it's all my kids have known. We lived with Jim and Jen for the first five years (us in the basement house and them in the upstairs house). John's Daddy is here for planting and harvest and in between every year. (And I love it because we eat pie for breakfast!) My brother once lived with us for six months - twice. There has never been a time that lasted more than a few weeks in the 10 years we've lived here that we haven't had someone else living with us. My husband and I have never really had a time when we were alone in our home. More than once, someone has come in the front door and seen me dancing all by myself in the big room. Or interrupted my prayers or God time. But, we make the best of it. You can call CHAOS we call it LIFE.

I know, usually I write fluff. But John and I felt the need to tell a little of our story this morning. I run everything by him. He's my best friend, my mentor, my sounding board and my protector. You mess with Mama, you get the Bull.

And by the way, I got a 32 on my ACTs - just sayin. That's proof I ain't stupid. HAHAHAHAHA

Tomorrow, maybe I'll tell you about my dream of being a farmer's wife and how God brought me here...or do you want me to go back to pretending that my life is perfect and just show pictures of my kids?

I am so excited!

2011-05-20T11:08:00.000-05:00

It feels like all of my little girl dreams are coming true all at once! I finally have a home that has my own design and feel to it! Bonus, it's clean for once! haha

I love little projects. Yesterday, I painted the doors to a craft cabinet with blackboard paint.

Today, new lights in the hallway. The guys have been hitting their heads on the old ones for years and it's time to have ones that "hug" the ceiling. Plus, I found some CHEAP and they are the brushed nickel that I love! I also, rehung a broken door - which I fixed! - in the hallway. Hannah helped me clean the living room. It was a mess because a few certain family members seem to think it is okay to throw their wrappers and cans ON THE FLOOR! I won't name names...I just clean it up when I can't stand to look at it anymore. I used to hang huge signs up all over the house: TRASH GOES IN THE TRASH CAN! WHEN YOU ARE FINISHED THROW IT AWAY! YOUR MAMA DON'T LIVE HERE SO CLEAN UP AFTER YOURSELF! Of course they never worked...and my guys work hard, so I clean HAHA

Jethro, always in the way!

Marv is finishing the wood floors in the hallway today. I also cleaned the girls room and got it "summer" ready. They each have a quiet spot to sit and read or play. I also surprised Jaima with some new lime green curtains. The only room I have left is ours, and it has been a catch-all for a very long time so it will take a day or two. I have a whole pile of stuff for a charity garage sale that I am waiting to deliver. Dan worked on my kitchen sink today - one of the pipes was so old it fell apart. What a mess, but a good excuse to clean underneath the sink.

Niece Emma is here with me today. She has had a really bad allergic reaction to something and her poor little eyes are all red and her nose is stuffy. So, we are having a play day. I don't think she is complaining about missing school!
Speaking of school, next Friday is Jaima's last day. Then it's SUMMER! We will be homeschooling a little this year. Jaima wants to work on geography and science. We will go on field trips and also practice writing short stories and poems. Who knows, maybe Miss J will have her own blog someday.

Cody has a show tonight with the band.

Too exhausted to take pictures...

2011-05-17T14:55:00.000-05:00

"My dogs is tired" I said that to my late friend, Claudette, once. She laughed and laughed. Then she said, "Carolyn, what on earth are you talkin' about?" When I say my dogs is tired, I mean that my feet are so sore and worn out that I don't think I can take another step! It's a good kind of tired. A tired that comes from working hard all day.A tired from a job well done.

My new wood floors were put in this weekend. I LOVE IT! No more dirty, stinky carpet! I took all of the furniture out, all of the pictures off of the walls and totally redecorated my house without spending a dime. I just finished, I think. I know my Daddy's gun cabinet is in the wrong spot. But I will have the boys move that.

Oh, and I confess, I danced all over this wood floor this morning...danced and worshipped my God, through whom all things are possible!

2011-05-13T12:46:00.001-05:00

I forgot! I got my grades. Got a B on my final and got a B for the semester - now I have a Ceritficate of Minstry. Start my Pastoral degree next fall!

Another week lost?

2011-05-13T12:44:00.001-05:00

Apollo, he's been a little depressed since Zeus died, but is finally going outisde and playing again!

Cael's calf, Buddy

Buddy and Cookie, Emma's calf

Woody, Jaima's calf...Daddy's feeding Franklin, Jaiden's calf

photos by Jenni White with her SUPER cool camera

Where did it go? What did I accomplish? No idea. But guess what? I am not perfect and I don't have to pretend to be anymore! Learned that at church last Sunday - eye opener for me!

Tomorrow, new wood floors installed and I can put my house back together. Never, ever, ever start a project during planting season, it will take FOREVER to get it done!

FINAL(ly)

2011-05-03T09:04:00.000-05:00

My final went VERY well. I don't know my score yet - but I feel good about it!

My morning has been weird though because I haven't spent two hours studying. But I DO have an apple pie in the oven!

The guys planted corn yesterday and are back in the field today. Rock picking continues - now that's a crop we don't want haha and I will cook a big lunch for hte crew. I really need to go to the grocery store this morning but I am waiting for the DISH guy to get here. Can you believe that if you move a receiver to another room they have to come out for a service call to get it working again? I am MAD! Maybe we should become a TV free family? Like that will happen.

I just caught Jaiden drinking my hazelnut coffee creamer. "Mom, I love these!" Crazy kid!

Today I will dance for my Prince of Peace!
"You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing.
You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy,
that I might sing praises to you and not be silent.
O LORD, my God, I will give you thanks forever!"
Psalm 30:11-12
Do you know the Prince?

Soon...

2011-05-02T08:17:00.000-05:00

These past two weeks have been a blur. Rain and cold. Windy and Eeyore-ish. I have been studying for my final on the New Testament and tonight is the night. Tomorrow morning I will wake up and breathe a sigh of relief and will greatly look forward to having a break from studying two-four hours each day. I will have my Certificate of Ministry after this semester. Next fall, I am hoping to move on to Level Two, and in three years will have a degree in Biblical Studies.

I can't wait to have time for friends and family! Planting is just about to start. Hopefully, my new wood floors will be in by the end of May. School will be done on May 27th - the first time in a long time that we are dont before Memorial Day! I cannot believe that it is here almost.

I am asking you all to pray for my dear friend, Julie, and her family, as they make plans to travel to the Netherlands. They run the dairy down the road, and need to return to get their visas renewed. Could you please pray that they will have a good journey and will come home with their documents? Thank you! Also, she will be traveling with her children on a long flight, will you pray for that as well? :)

Time to change laundry loads, make beds and start breakfast for my Man! What a beautiful day...

2011-04-22T09:14:00.000-05:00

Sunshine...top of my wish list. I feel like I'm in Scotland - not that I've ever been there - but I've read about it heehee but, as I look out over the hills around our farm, I long to see the sunrise.

Yet, Sunday we will celebrate the greatest Son rise of all!

We are supposed to go pick up baby chicks in Hazelton today - 50 or 100, I can't remember. We will keep them at D's in his chicken house. My dogs would have a chicken feast if I kept them here. D also supplies me with eggs everyday. We go through a dozen eggs each morning and a 10lb box of bacon every week. Breakfast of champions! One of these days I'm going to cook a big pot of oatmeal and see what they will do. I bet I will be eating oatmeal by myself! Breakfast is my favorite meal to cook for the guys. They all sit around and plan their day, drink coffee and tease me.

Jaima is on Easter break. They lost a few days because of snow days from this winter. She took off in the semi with her Daddy this morning to haul corn to the ethanol plant. We take a load in whenever we can because they are not always open or their hours are weird. Makes it hard to get corn delivered.

We ordered our wood flooring this week. Right now my house if tore up from the floor up lol. I am hoping to have it installed by the end of May. Then we can rearrange the big room. I will have a space for home schooling Jaiden until she goes to kindergarten, and for Jaima this summer. John will reclaim the big office, and I will set up a study area for me. I also want to put my leather chairs in the library and have a reading area. Dreams...

Wherefore art thou Spring?

2011-04-19T06:31:00.000-05:00

Ladies and Gentlemen, Spring has left the building.

S-N-O-W. That ugly four letter word has invaded my landscape. No, it is not inches, or even feet, but how dare it fall on my green grass? Poor little robins are going to have to eat worm popsicles. There's nothing worse than a frozen worm for breakfast.

It's 6:25am and you would not believe the quiet that is around me. Well, except for that Dutch cat who is trying to eat the parakeet. The bird is dancing and talking to him. And he just sits there, staring, like he's going to get a tasty morsel any second. He would sit there in front of that cage all day if I would let him.

Back to the quiet...which will end in exactly three minutes. Jaima will be up and running around the house looking for...her shoe, her brush, her hairspray...oh, they are all in their usual spots, she is just not a morning person. So the next 45 minutes will be a whirlwind. I will put her on the bus and SIGH and come back inside and want to go back to bed. Want to and get to are two different things. But I can't wait to see what this day has in store for me...thanks for sharing a few minutes of my world with me. I need more coffee!

LOOOOONG, but awesome, weekend!

2011-04-17T17:11:00.000-05:00

Me...the diva...going to Cody's AWESOME&AMAZING concert Friday night!

Jaiden...looking EXACTLY like Grandma Austa...dance recital pics.

Jaima...looking like me?...dance recital pics

Jaiden Ilo did her own makeup Saturday morning. She gave herself a unibrow!

Chase, Cody's roommate, our "Adopted" son, and lead singer!

Cody, and a fan, at his show! There were 200-300 people there. I lost my hearing needless to say. But it was worth it! Other people's kids wrestle or play soccer, mine ROCKS!

Goodbye, Zeus...

2011-04-13T10:54:00.000-05:00

Zeus, laying on Apollo - one last cuddle

I had to put my sweet puppy to sleep on Monday. He would have been 10 in May. John brought him to the farm back when we were just starting to date. I know he got the dog so I would fall in love with him and have to come to the farm every weekend. It worked. On September 14, 2001, Zeus asked me to marry John. I said "yes" because I wanted the dog and the new washing machine - haha. He was my constant companion. People who have never loved a dog just don't get that connection. It's like having a child that can't talk back. I will miss you Zeus Michael White. You run and jump in heaven now...chase those golf balls and eat those t-bones.

One More Day...?

2011-04-07T08:37:00.000-05:00

Jaima is finally feeling a little better - she seems to get really tired around 4pm - I'm sure she has mono - and after I spoke with the nurse, got some tips on how to keep her hydrated and give her enough energy to get through the day. I am hoping we can go to school after lunch tomorrow so she can turn in her homework and take her spelling test. Dance class pictures are Saturday and I would really like her to be able to go and at least be in the group picture!

We have had FOUR heifer calves born in the last 12 hours! "Cupcake" is Jaiden's and "Rosalina" is Jaima's so far. They love naming them. Cody has "Persephone" picked out and will go out and claim her after breakfast. Billy, the firstborn, is doing great. The weather has been good and dry and they are all up in the hoop building safe and sound. Only 25 more to go! This will be a busy 5-10 days. I can't wait for my Katie and Lily to have their calves. Last year John, Cody and I delivered Katie's baby - it was amazing! Katie is 10, she was Cody's first show heifer. She is one bossy cow! Lily is my shorthorn. When she was a calf she always got out and came up the house and looked in the windows. She has not had a calf survive past a few weeks and I am praying that this is the year I get my shorthorn baby...if I was on my other PC I would post a pic, but this seat is too comfy this morning...

Jaiden is still snoozing. That girl like her sleep...too bad she doesn't know how to go to bed and stay there at night! Her cousin, Emma was the same way. You never know what you will find in Jai's room in the morning. One night, she got up and ate a carton of sour cream. John and I stood there and laughed and then wondered if she would be sick all day - not our Ilo - she's a human garbage disposal. We lock the fridge now, but I see last night she climbed up on the counter and got a few of my Weight Watchers cookies. When she was two she once sat at the foot of our bed and took a bite out of every piece of fruit in a Christmas fruit basket! John and I are sound sleepers, maybe I should install security cameras? lol

Time to start my day, did I mention that I FINALLY got all of the laundry done? I will not tell you how many loads but I will say that I used a whole bottle of Tide and I promise I will never get that far behind again.

2011-04-06T13:11:00.000-05:00

I walked a mile today - in ten minutes! I am in training to run/walk a 5K on May 4th. That's 3.1 miles. I have 29 days to train. I am so excited about the changes I am making in my life!

Jaima is home for the third day. She is still exhausted and coughing. She has worked on a little of her homework so that she doesn't fall too far behind.

Cody and John are getting ready to burn ditches. Last night, we saw fires on both horizons. It was beautiful. I wish I had a better camera so I could have taken pictures.

John got the pasture plowed and seeded last night - we are sooo excited that Spring is here!

Knocked Down Again

2011-04-05T09:21:00.001-05:00

Jaima has got a bug of some kind. She slept for 16 hours yesterday! Sure was quiet around here lol and she has a cough. A few kids in her class have it too. Just one more icky to rear it's head before the warmer weather comes.

Cody's band is shooting a video today at the skate park in Wave town. They are in the JEL Battle of the Bands again this year. I want to go but I'm the mother. Yep, I'm cool most of the time, but not for the rockin' stuff. I will post the video as soon as it's available. You can find the on Facebook as Graduating Summer.

I feel like I'm in slow motion this morning. Trying to plan my day. John has started working at the landfill again, now that they decided to replace the "hauler" truck. Cody's doing chores. He and John have been working so well together. It's strange to see their relationship taken to the next level. And, it's hard to admit that my son turned 19 on Saturday!

Ok, it's an hour later now and I've treated myself to an instant Starbucks coffee! That Via is AMAZING! But, I only buy it once in a great while because it's three packets for like @ bucks. BU, that's what I'd spend on a coffee at the shoppe.

So, I'm ready for my day now. Weight Watchers weigh in tonight. My scale says 8lbs so we will see. I like the dedication it requires and I am enjoying learning to eat more fruits and veggies.

Jaiden wants a corn dog for breakfast. I feel like the race is ready to be run...go go go

And we're off...

2011-03-30T08:34:00.000-05:00

Running the rat race of another day. I am just taking a minute to catch my breath. It's 8:30 and I feel like I've already done 8 hours! A semi just pulled in to load feeder steers. John's already taken a load of corn to the ethanol plant. We've got meetings. I have a test tonight for my class. Laundry. Laundry. Laundry.

So, I'm having a cup of coffee and catching my breath...instead of gasping for air. Sometimes you've just got to step back and access the situation. It's a bright, sunny day - thank you, Lord! Everyone is healthy again - thank you, Lord!

Jaiden is up, so we will build castles and read books and practice writing her name. The FUN stuff. Thank you, Lord, for letting me stay home and be a mommy most of all!

Bald Eagles

2011-03-28T11:09:00.001-05:00

I love this website - live bald eagle cam, click on the Ft. St. Vrain one, the Decorah eggs haven't hatched yet - my Aunt K sent me this a few weeks ago - the first ones have hatched! The nest is huge and I could watch them for hours - but of course, real life calls...

Lysol and bleach

2011-03-28T07:56:00.000-05:00

For weeks, the two White houses have been battling fever, sore throats, coughs and other various ills. I woke up today with a fever and sore throat - third week in a row! So, I've been bombing the house with Lysol and bleach trying to kill these bugs! I really should just go back to bed, but it is so beautiful outside. The sun is so bright and I can see a little bit of green in the yard. I can hear John in the skid loader. He'll soon be in for his eggs and bacon and coffee. Chase, Cody's roommate, just left for school. Cody will be coming upstairs in a few minutes and I will get a few sweet moments of time alone with him. In spite of the ickies, life is good.

New Life

2011-03-27T08:27:00.001-05:00

No, this isn't Mama! Billy was a little confused on who to get his breakfast from. That's a steer, Billy!

For a few weeks all we've heard from JaidenIlo is, "Daddy, you bring me new baby cow?" "Not today, honey."

Well, sometime last night Ilo got her wish. Meet Billy. He didn't know how to drink, so John and I got Mama SallieMae situated and gave Billy a lesson on milking! I can't wait to tell Danielle that I milked a cow! He finally got the hang of it. And I feel blessed to have had a beautiful morning in the barn with my man.

Even though he shot me in the eye with milk. And sat in the manure. And I have to wash his clothes. I love that man!

Pause...

2011-03-26T16:55:00.000-05:00

A few weeks (months?) ago, I hit the "pause" button on my life. I stayed home and focused on my family. My life was going a zillion miles an hour. I never finished anything. Laundry was piled up higher than the washer, and I was miserable. I was trying to please everyone else. And when Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy. Thus, the big pause, as I like to call it.

Sure, friend's feelings were hurt. Some thought I had lost my mind. But what I gained was sweet peace. Control of my home. Rejuvenation. And it was so worth it. Even though I gained about ten pounds from chocolate and Gardettos. Anybody ever had the cake balls they make at Starbucks? I bought some bigger pants.

Best Organizer EVER!

2011-03-25T23:08:00.000-05:00

and it's free!

I'm notorious for writing lists...and leaving them behind or losing them, or forgetting about them entirely.

This site the pocket mod is a free, foldable sheet that you can customize for the stuff you like to keep track of everyday. It folds down to the size of a a 3x5 card! Try it, you may like it!

Now, I'm really going to bed. And to my friends I have been negelecting unintentionally: yes, I really am that busy - I am so focused on hubby, kids and farm right now, that I hardly get to think of the world beyond my barnyard! Someday, it will slow down, until then, stop by or call. It will give me a chance to take a break!

Happy Birthday, Mom!

2011-03-25T21:51:00.000-05:00

Just got home from Waterloo. Celebrated Mom's 50something bday with pizza, cake and ice cream. Dad got her an iPad, so I spent some time helping her get that set up. Hope she enjoys hers as much as I do mine!

What a busy busy week - I am exhausted! Had to clean carpets today after all of the muddy boots, dogs and kids have run through my house. Tomorrow is laundry all day -hubby had no clean socks - and I got the LOOK. lol Shel came up this week and helped me sort through tons of the girls clothes - the rest will be donated to a charity garage sale for a teen mission team.

Niece and nephew here for the weekend - so we will take BB guns out tomorrow and work on our prolific pigeon population. Splash in the mud (at least that's what we tell them it is, personally I call it "poop soup") and them come in for hot chocolate. Not sure what the weather will be like. We need one more good freeze so we can finish hauling manure!

The planter is hooked up to the tractor in the yard. Hopefully, we'll be in the field by April 15. That's not that far away! I've already gotten my garden planned and can't wait to dig in the dirt.

Sis-in-law got me some cake balls from Starbucks...one bite and I was hooked - but I better wait til tomorrow to indulge because I had cake at Mom's tonight - you gotta go get you some of those cake balls, though - get me one too while you're at it!

My sleepnumber bed (I'm a 45) is calling me - so sweet dreams my blogworld friends...

I smell like poop...

2011-03-25T07:29:00.000-05:00

manure, that is. Went out at 6:30 to check on John and Dan. They are hauling manure because the ground is partially frozen. Sitting here at my computer I can smell that sweet odiferous smell. The smell of money. lol

The girls are sleeping. Jaima wasn't feeling well before bed. I am letting her sleep in and will check on her in a bit to see if she is able to go to school. Lots of strep and other springtime ickies going around. Jaiden sleeps until 8 or so each morning, which is nice, because it gives an hour of quiet time.

Last semester of INSTE, so I will get my Level One Certificate in Ministry Training in June. My final is May 2nd. I have applied at Northwestern College in St. Paul. For the summer semester. I will be able to finish my AA degree online. Then I will continue with a BA in Biblical Studies. My goal? To teach at Wartburg someday. But I will pace myself, because Jaiden doesn't start school for two years. Another goal is to begin a women's ministry and hold seminars.

So, this isn't witty or even newsworthy, but I blogged, and will try to do so more consistently. This is a record of our lives: the celebrations, the ups and downs, the hard work and the occasional mess up.

Jaiden just woke up and said, "Will you read me a bedtime story?" How sweet. And I will,because some things are too precious to miss all in the name of busy-ness.

"Spring" cleaning...

2011-02-23T19:22:00.000-06:00

Well, I finally got sick of the dirt. I started at the back door yesterday morning at 8. Cleaned every nook and cranny. Baseboards. Trim. Everything but the windows. Sorted. Filled garbage bags. Mopped. Steam-cleaned. Put all of the stuff we had piled up in it's place. And, oh boy, there were lots of piles!

John had a meeting at 2 yesterday, so I stopped at 1. Then this morning, I got up and started on the sunroom/family room. Four hours later, bliss. I sorted toys mainly. And filled a couple of huge boxes to donate. Tomorrow, it's the girls' room - last time it took me eight hours. Yeah, I let it get that bad. But I am gonna throw most of it away and donate - because we have too much stuff and I am sick of the mess and the chaos and doing laundry all of the time.

I've broken my addiction to thrift shopping. Just because it's a bargain, doesn't mean I need it! And after sorting through all of the toys and games today that never get played with, I was a little ashamed of myself. But I'm over it now and am just gonna keep on cleaning!

Has it really been this long?

2011-02-11T14:08:00.000-06:00

Here it is February something already and I have meant to blog several times - often thought, "I should put that on the blog...", but no dice, we have been so busy!

Taxes and now I am handling all of the farm bookkeeping and payroll...not my area of strength or expertise - but I welcome the challenge. Jaiden will go to preschool a few more days each week until I can get a schedule set up. She loves to play with her friends - and I love that she takes naps there and I can have some quiet time!

In January, Cody had a slight farm accident - his finger got crushed and partially amputated while he and John were using the new skidloader - today, the finger has totally regrown without surgery, and I just know it is due to answered prayers! Cody thought he wouldn't be able to play guitar again - and right now I am listening to him rock out with his friend Chase. Sweet sound to my ears! The boys' band, Graduating Summer, is once again entered in the Iowa JEL (Just Eliminate Lies) Battle of the Bands Competition. They are also playing at the WSR prom this year - I don't think their dates were totally thrilled at that, but it will be a shorter set.

The girls' are doing great - Jaima is still not a morning person, and never will be - and Jaiden is still not potty trained, but I know she won't be wearing diapers to kindergarten, so I'm pretty relaxed about it. My last "baby" and I will let it progress naturally - she does really well in preschool, but at home is another story - maybe we just have too much fun haha Right now, she is sitting in my office with me and reading a kitchen decorating book - she tells me, "Me love that one!" She loves to read books and can even "read" a few to us. She also sings all of the time - and never goes to bed before 10:30 - she is one unique kid!

Jaima is loving third grade - she played "hookie" yesterday and stayed home with me - it was a half day and we kinda had fun just hanging out. She loves to do Word Searches and is also learning how to help me around the house. I am enjoying the extra help. Still not caught up on laundry - probably never will be unless each of my friends comes over and gets a load and does it for me...HINT HINT

After many below zero days, we are slowly warming up. Now, we have to keep an eye on the sump pump to keep ahead of the spring thaw - we think we have most of the problem solved...knock on wood...but time will tell. Cody and two friends are living in the basement house...they have done an excellent job of helping me clean up all of my clutter - we have one room left to tackle...less mess to clean up if it does flood.

I will have to post some pics soon...but right now, I sense a happy nappy is calling my name!

Makin a List, Checkin it Twice...

2010-12-23T18:13:00.000-06:00

Creatures stirring. Check.
Stockings hung by the chimney with care. Check.
Sugarplums dancing. Check.
Brains settled. Ummm.
Kerchief? Not.

But it's definitely Christmas here at the farm. I have a house full of kids actually behaving for once. "Canta Caus is coming!" says JaidenIlo. I took a long winter's nap this afternoon so I can stay up all night wrapping presents. I do this every year - wait til the absolute last minute to wrap because I despise wrapping. One year I stuck everyone's presents in gift bags and they hated it. Said it wasn't any fun. Well, let me tell you, sitting on a cold floor wrapping presents for hours ain't no pleasure cruise. hahahaha

But seriously, I hope you take a few moments to reflect on the true meaning of the season. GOD sent his Son, to a humble manger, to grow up to be a King. Not a king with a crown of gold, but a crown of thorns. The best gift ever. For you and me. Merry Christmas - share the love.

Late start

2010-12-21T08:54:00.000-06:00

Sweet bliss, I got to stay in bed until 8 this morning! School is on a two hour delay, so the bus will be here at 9:10. The kids are arguing because Jaima took the last of the milk and left a half bowl of cereal on the table - I always run out of milk on snow days - lol - but I leave them to work it out themselves. Have a poptart son. And, Jaima, let's not be wasteful....I never say stuff like that because sometimes, I just don't fell like the parent. I could write a whole book on what it's like to become a parent at 18 1/2. How I've been a parent for 20 years and frankly, I'm tired of using the same old cliches. "Go to your room." "Clean up your plate." "Quit pinching your sister." "You'll shoot your eye out." blah blah blah. So, I sit back and observe, let them figure it out. Cody taught his sister a lesson on wastefulness - and had leftover pizza for breakfast. That's my boy!

incapacitated!

2010-12-17T17:18:00.000-06:00

I woke up Wednesday morning with a plan! I was all set to clean house - I had a list. I had goals. I had energy. I bent over to unload the dishwasher and...out went my hip. Electricity shot down my leg and I was down for the count. Feeling much better here on day three - but the house is still a mess. I keep waiting for some little magic fairy to swoop in and save the day...still waiting. Wait. What was that? Nevermind. Just one of the dogs. I am hoping to start my list tomorrow - otherwise, I know some kids that are going to be buuuuuusy!

So, I will try and sit here at my computer and read some of my favorite blogs. Farmerboy took off to go to the bank two hours ago - left his phone on his desk so I can't call and ask him to bring me a frozen pizza and a Diet Dr. Pepper. Guess I will just starve and drink the last Mountain Dew. (insert evil witch laugh here)

Cody was so hilarious when Jaima got home from school. He picked up his guitar and started singing, "I'm on Christmas break. I'm on Christmas break. You have to go to school on Monday, cause I'm on Christmas break!" I got some of it on film, but she started throwing things at him and yelling, so we'll keep that in the private family collection haha

Snow everywhere, more on the way. Sounds like a good weekend to watch our pile of Christmas movies - we'll start with Christmas Vacation tonight. Minus the frozen pizza. Sigh...

My little elves...

2010-12-13T17:50:00.000-06:00

Plains Blizzard

2010-12-12T15:14:00.000-06:00

I want to shout at the wind, "You'll never get me!" Just like Pa Ingalls did in the Long Winter. We are in the middle of an honest-to-goodness Iowa blizzard - and it's not even Christmas! We are blessed to be warm and have plenty of food and entertainment. The dogs hate to go outside, however. Cody's roommate, Mychal, thought he was going to go to work in Waverly at 6am - I wouldn't let him and besides he would never have made it out of the drive.

The sun is shining right now, giving a false sense of warmth. Cody and John went out to feed cattle and check the waterers and came inside freezing and red-cheeked. I am still in my pjs - lol. The blessings of being the farmer's wife!

Jaima and I are listening to classical Christmas music on Pandora . Sugarplums and Hosannas and Emmanuel as we dance around the house. Beautiful! I have pics of my little Christmas elves to upload but blogger is rejecting them right now for some reason.

So, I wish you warmth in your heart wherever you are today, warm or cold outside - be blessed!

Thrifting...I'm not the only one!

2010-12-10T12:14:00.000-06:00

One of my favorite blogs is written by The Nester. She's just a middle-class at-home mommy (which btw, we are numbered more than you realize!) and her post today is on her Goodwill finds. It amazes me how many people never think to stop at their local thrift store before they go to Walmart to buy something! I've found: electric pencil sharpeners, dog dishes, pet cages, Christmas decs, chairs, tables, toys, jewelry, CLOTHES!, dishes, antiques, school and crafting supplies...anything you need for the home - for cheap...plus it's recycling! When one of the girls decides she likes Polly Pockets, I go thrifting. The next month it might be Littlest Pet Shop - and when they are done with that phase, we donate them back!I call it "blessing another family."

We are preparing for a snowstorm that's supposed to hit tomorrow. Cody and John are bedding cattle and getting feed lined up. It's not too bad out right now, but I am really missing the sunshine. We are all stocked up on groceries and I am kinda looking forward to a weekend of family time and not going anywhere. If the weatherman is wrong, John and I will be going to the phone board Christmas party tomorrow night.

I am still waiting the results from my final exam. 233 questions on the Old Testament. I was totally not prepared for it - I thought I had studied all I needed to know - and I was wrong! It was the hardest test I have ever taken - even Physics was easier! I am sure I will pass the semester - well, maybe, I will have to wait and see. I really want this ministry degree - so, I will take the semester over if I - gulp - failed.

2010-12-03T20:06:00.000-06:00

My beautiful children...

JaidenIlo, Cody and Jaima

The new haircut

Future supermodel

Diva farmwife

The White Family

Merry Christmas!

p.s. I love you, Aunt K! Thanks for the gentle prodding to update!

Happy 50th Wedding Anniversary Mom and Dad White!

2010-11-18T22:28:00.002-06:00

Saturday, we will celebrate with family and friends.

I just got done with the slide show, so I thought I would share a picture.

It is sooo cold out! It felt like January when we were "checking" cows tonight. Thanks, KD, for not running her over!

Celebrated Ian tenHoeve's third birthday this afternoon. I love Dutch birthday parties. It's fun being the only American's there. haha Julie!

Please don't judge a book by it's cover...

2010-11-17T21:22:00.000-06:00

If you looked at my life and only assumed, you'd never know me. If you considered the basic facts about me i.e. wife, mom, stay at home mom, farmer's wife, etc . you wouldn't really know anything about me either. I HATE it when people assume I stay home because they think I don't want to work. HELLO! I DO work. 24/7 I am never "off". There are no vacation days. The money John and I make is ours. Those are also my cows, my buildings, my crops. We are a team, business owners and parents. I can do everything 'cept drive a tractor - because if I did that, too, I would never get anything done in the house! So, I've said my piece...be nice to me.

I also am thinking I despise Facebook. It is nothing but an excuse for people to pretend to be friends and avoid direct conversation or face-to-face visits. What's wrong with picking up the phone and issuing an invite? Or saying "hello"? And, if those 300+ people who are my FB "friends" were truly friends, they would have my digits. So, if you are my true friend, never send me a message on FB again - I'd take smoke signals, a telegram, even morse code over one more FB message!

Cody moved home this week and my home is once again full of teenage boys' laughter, Nintendo noises and heavy metal. I had to buy more food and I get to cook in huge batches again - as Jaiden says, "Happy Da

Rain and the blustery day

2010-11-12T20:11:00.000-06:00

Looks like I am going to have to give up my basement hide-away. Cody is moving back home next week - the apartment owner put their apt. up for rent...don't ask. Anyways, I've been hiding out down here with my big screen tv and old couch in the PEACE AND QUIET! Guess I will have to claim another space for me. While hiding I have been going through cupboards and boxes. The pile to take to the burn pile is huge. I had three sets of pans, enough furniture for a whole house and abandoned knick knacks galore. For those of you new to the story, John and I lived in the basement for the first 5 yrs of our marriage.(The Canadian guy on HGTV just said "Eh?" heehee but I digress.) There is a full house down here but it was a rough five yrs, mainly because of my attitude I admit. When we moved upstairs and got the house all to ourselves, we left a lot of STUFF down here. As our "kids" have gotten places of their own, I have been able to fully equip their kitchens with all of the stuff - Khyle's gf Hannah got a house this week and I sent a couple of boxes with her. I've made a lot of progress, so when Cody moves back in he will have his own house down here - but I'm definitely not cleaning it for him. When I first moved in, this place was quite the bachelor pad for John and Jim. And it looked the part.

Went grocery shopping for Thanksgiving today - whoa! - all's I have to say is they better enjoy their meal and eat every last bite - I think that it was the most I have ever spent on it - and I bought turkey breasts and not whole birds. I also bought a ham - I have double ovens which makes cooking a big dinner a breeze.

The weekend before T-day is Don and Austa's 50th wedding anniversary party. So, they will be coming back sometime this coming week so we can get ready to celebrate. We will have family pics taken that day - my fam is wearing hot pink, black and silver. Cody and John are wearing black with hot pink and black ties. The girls got new dresses and I treated myself to a spree at the new JoMarco boutique in Waverly. I walked in the front door and instantly felt like the shoppe had been built just for me! Bling bling everywhere! I certainly won't look like a farmer's wife at the party! If I could afford it, I would buy a whole new wardrobe - it was that awesome!

It is a true fall day today - rain, wind, chilly - the guys didn't get all of the chisel plowing done but I think they are satisfied with the progress they have made considering we weren't done with harvest at this time last year!

I am almost done Christmas shopping - mostly online this year - we are keeping it really simple and focusing more on the reason for the day, not the gifts. I can't wait to spend the day with the kids and just BE - does that make sense?

Will have to post some pictures when I get online upstairs. Jaiden's hair. Jaima's smile. Cody's goofy faces. These are a few of my favorite things.

What a day!

2010-11-01T23:22:00.000-05:00

Got up too late to put Jaima on the bus - could it have been the extra episodes of Roseanne I swore I wouldn't watch? hmmmmm THEN, I took Jaiden to the dentist only to find out the the appointment is tomorrow! I got back in my car and the battery warning light kept flashing - alternator was fried. Oh, there's more...came home and had to shampoo the carpet AGAIN! because Zeus (our 10yr-old lab) had gotten sick. And then, I shut off the carpet cleaner and walked to the girls room - and saw Jaiden try to hide something on her bed. That's when I noticed the HUGE pieces of blonde hair on the floor. I looked at her head. Bangs? Gone. Sides? Gone. Back? One little piece. My baby cut off all of her beautiful hair! I sat down and cried and cried. Called John and left him an unintelligible message. Called Wendi@ Hair Tech - on of my BFF's - and went in right away. It took both Wendi and Dawn to figure out what to do. You'll see pictures tomorrow. I have no idea where my camera is or for that matter, my IPOD. I'm thinking the bald kid hid them.

Scissors? Yeah. Jaima left them in her bedside table. oooooooooooops

Off to bed, because we have a dentist appt tomorrow. I hope. I lost my dayplanner, too.
UGGGGGGG

Perfect Day!

2010-10-31T23:12:00.000-05:00

I don't even know if this pic will be visible! John and I dressed up to take the kids trick-or-treating tonight. I am a Jersey girl with big hair and tons o'makeup and John is "Pimp Daddy Big J" - I am wearing a wig and a crown. It was a blast. Jenni my sis-in-law said I looked like I did when I first started dating John - and I had to laugh because I thought that same thing when I was putting on my face! The girls wore sequin dance outfits - Khyle wore a Star Wars storm trooper helmet, Cody wore an Iron Man helmet, Jaclyn was a cupcake and Hannah (Khyle's GF) went as a college student. I love that John dressed up with me - bc I love my bday being on Halloween - next year for my forever 39 party I am definitely having a costume party! I DID miss throwing my own party this year but still had an awesome day!

We all went to church at Open Bible, then to lunch at Pizza Ranch. Then I came home and got back in my jammies. Khyle came over and brought Hooters hot sauce so I had to fry up a few chickens. They butchered yesterday. It was YUMMY! Then trick-or-treating - I watched three episodes of Everybody Loves Raymond, and now I am watching JUST ONE Halloween episode of Roseanne. Just one, because I could stay up all night watching them!

Tomorrow, Jaiden goes to the dentist to get her teeth fixed. We had gone to a specialist and he had wanted to do surgery on her mouth - almost $7,000! So, I got a second opinion and our dentist office said they would be able to do it without anesthesia - they will do a few tomorrow and see how she handles it. For under $700!

So, I better get to bed soon - as soon as Roseanne is over - gotta love Nick@nite!

My Daddy called me tonight and told me he could remember the day I was born - me all pink and naked - and he said to himself "She's mine" - that made me so happy - on my desk is a picture of my daddy and me when I first came home and he is laying next to me and smiling - it is so great to be a Daddy's girl!

Perfect end to a perfect day - I don't feel 38 - more like 18 - and I hope I always feel this way!

Birthday Weekend

2010-10-30T23:45:00.000-05:00

I am 35 minutes away from being 38 years old -
1972 - born in Killeen, TX
1985 gave my life to the LORD and was baptized
1992 Cody Allan blessed my life
2001 met John, my sweet and patient Farmer Boy
2002 married John
2002 Jaima Louise blessed us
2007 JaidenIlo Marie blessed us
2010 pierced my nose hahahaha

What fills up the rest? Tons of friends, farm life, learning to be a good wife and mother, reading, working various jobs and trying new careers, more blessings from God than I could ever count...and here I am today a WOMAN, although not quite a grown up - and I really okay with who I am! I have great kids, more cows than I can count, pets who adore me, and a husband who should be nominated for sainthood for putting up with me!

Last night I went to coffee with an old/new friend. We finally juswt made time for each other and spent four hours talking and getting to know each other. Thanks, Heather, for some much needed girl time and laughter!

I slept in until TEN o'clock this morning. Got up, had coffee and Halloween candy. Stayed in my jammies all day. Watched the History channel because I was too lazy to change the channel, painted pumpkins with John and the girls, never cooked anything but BBQ smokies and drank Dutch tea all day! I napped from 2 to 6 with the girls. Took a bubble bath with Jaiden and put on my favorite pink silk jammies. I never talked on the phone or got the mail or checked my Blackberry or email - a day of me!

Tomorrow, we are all going to church and then out to eat for my bday.

Khyle and Dan butchered chickens this morning and Khyle showed up with 5 or 6 of them - put them on the counter and said it was my turn to do the rest. So, tomorrow I will fry chicken and make mashed taters and greasy gravy and have a feast. I didn't plan a party this year - I always throw myself one - and I don't know why. Maybe because I didn't want to clean? haha Next week, I plan on calling each of my special friends and ask them to each spend an hour or two with me, catching up and then I will have an excuse to go and visit them. Sue has already invited me to go to a cupcake shoppe with her on Thursday!

Hmmm what else can I ramble on about? Cody and Jacly came tonight and brought presents! Cody bought me a Willow Tree mother and son statue - I cried - and Jaclyn bought me a tea cup that says "prayer changes everything" and "pray without ceasing" - I cried, too - because my son is in love with a godly woman!

Off to bed I go - now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the LORD my soul to keep - my angels watch me through the night and wake me with the morning light! AMEN

Ahhhhh Saturday! Scattered Thoughts

2010-10-23T15:39:00.000-05:00

Farmer Boy and I are watching the Iowa game. Jaiden is napping on the floor where she fell, exhausted. Jaima is in my purse closet looking for just the right bag and wallet - she becomes more like me everyday - Cody is at a concert in Iowa City - and the air smells like rain - lovely - I walked outside this morning and breathed in th fresh smell of rain - we haven't had a drop in over 30 days - and to have no more dust and hardly any flies - I love fall ya'all!

Made chicken noo-nuls for lunch - and am thinking of going to the fridge and sampling some leftovers...too lazy to get up - Big J and I haven't sat in the living room together in forever - I am pretty sure my chair was missing me - I swear she sighed when I sat down - or was that a groan?

I stayed up til past 1am watching Keeping Up Appearances on Netflix - man, I love Netflix! - I don't remember falling asleep - and I slept so well, til 8 - can you believe it? Then Jaima and I went to the Beauty Shope for some Steel Magnolias time and then to Togs - the thrift store! Fall decor was half off so I bought me some - and they had Christmas decs out so I bought me some, too. I love gingerbread men! Also scored an awesome denim jacket.

Jaiden just woke up - so I better get some cuddle time!

2010-10-22T23:19:00.002-05:00

Football - yeah Go-hawks! Jaima danced with the Dance Team before the game - Jaiden didn't want to leave - and since I am working on a new blog template tonight that's all you'll get for now. Blogging has moved up on my priority list - Aunt K is smiling I just know it! - now if only I could get my laptop to cooperate - she's running a little slow! I am working on photo editing at picasa.com and hope to make a custom header - so give me time- I drank a Mt Dew - yee ha - so will be up for awhile...stay tuned

Harvest is Complete!

2010-10-16T18:21:00.002-05:00

I just spent 15 minutes typing and lost my post! MAD

In summary: harvest is complete, fieldwork next, Jaiden's bday tomorrow, Cody visited today, Jaima's been reading alot and Jaiden is TALKING!

I will retell in detail tomorrow because I am off to watch a movie!

Harvest Time!

2010-09-19T15:06:00.002-05:00

Blessings to you for putting up with my ineptitude with blogging! I have so many stories to tell - and I could easily blog from my Blackberry - but time just slips away from me!

Taught Sunday school today - 1-5th grade boys and girls - we talked about "God our Rock" and painted rocks that I found here on the farm - some had fossils because I picked up limestone from around the outside of the barn - they loved it! Jaima and I went out to lunch for Chinese at Hyvee after church - and we invited some single elderly folks to sit with us - one woman reminded me so much of Grandma Wagner that I could have talked to her all day!

So, now we are home in our jammies and I am listening to podcasts and blogging and thinking about taking a happy nappy.

Jim got the combine out yesterday and started on the corn to the west of the house - it was AWESOME to see Daddy Don pulling in the drive with the first load of golden corn - we are so blessed to live this life - in good times and in bad - rain put an end to the harvest process - so Cody took me out on a date - we went to HuHot - you fill up a bowl with meat, noodles, veggies and sauce and they grill it Mongolian style right in from of you - yummy! We also went and bought new earrings for each of us - yep, picking our jewelry with my son was fun :) only he calls his gauges or something - if he knew I called them earrings he would roll his eyes! I even listened to his music all the way home - and enjoyed it!

I have been helping out with Junior High youth group on Wednesday nights - a big change from the high school group I'm used to - but I love it - even though Pastor Kent introduces me as "Crazy Carolyn"! I would say exuberant not crazy!

I picked the last of the cherry tomatoes yesterday - I had planted them inside clear back in January - and they just now produced! It was a hard year for gardening - too much rain and then too much heat - my pumpkins and peppers never produced - come to think of it neither did my beets or carrots - and I only got one zuchinni - and I would have had cukes but Jethro, the big dumb dog, dug them up. (He also ate a carseat last night, but we won't go there!)

John had a close call at the landfill this week. He parked his dump truck to empty it and a semi loader parked next to him - Thank You God for John getting out of that truck! - because the semi fell on the cab of the dumptruck - right where John would have been sitting! One blessing out of this? He has a few weeks off because the County is not sure if they will replace it - so he will have plenty of time for the Harvest!

Sleep beckons me - sweet afternoon dreams...

2010-09-05T21:55:00.002-05:00

We are definitely back on our Fall schedule - Sunday School, both girls are in dance, youth group and the girl's Wednesday night activities...

John is finishing up his concrete wall project in the barn. We also poured cement in a few pens in the hoop buildings - with more to come as we find time (and $) to clean out pens and pour the cement. We sure are rich in manure. "Smells like money, honey!"

Today I went to a baby shower for my best girlfriend's (Kim) daughter, Rachael. I took my other best girlfriend Laurie with. When I say best girlfriends I'm talking about junior high and high school - I love Facebook - it's brought us all back together.

Jaima and I are staying up for the third night in a row watching Camp Rock 2 on Disney - I love this movie! but don't tell anyone. k?

2010-09-05T21:49:00.001-05:00

Jaima first day of school, Khyle being Khyle, Chloe, Jaiden and "Me cook!"

more pictures - we sure did a lot this summer!

2010-09-05T21:43:00.002-05:00

Random pictures

2010-09-05T21:35:00.004-05:00

Cody's band Graduating Summer playing at the Bremer County Fair - Cody is on the right (Blue plaid on the hottest night of the year) Rock on!

The girls and I at the Sparrow Family Reunion - picture by Daddy

Jaiden playing in the rain!

Migrating Monarchs

2010-09-04T20:29:00.003-05:00

We saw hundreds of monarchs roosting in our locusts trees tonight. It was so beautiful - and awesome to be a part of their journey south to Mexico!

The girls have been running me ragged - with preschool, school, dance, Sunday School, my class, Wednesday night youth group and my house and farm duties I have to be on my toes - and keep a good calendar! We have gotten rid of most of the "stuff" that was taking up space in the house. Too many clothes, toys, gadgets, books, junk, dishes and pans, not to mention furniture - it all got donated to the local thrift store. Less laundry, less mess, less washing up. We also have a pretty strict after school schedule - and the nights I am not here John has a checklist - lol - I have no idea what we are going to do when harvest starts. Cody has class Monday nights. But I will handle that when it comes!

Cody moved out a few weeks ago to an apartment in Waverly. I am still grieving - I had no idea I would feel so empty and wounded with him gone. My Mom says it gets easier and I am trusting that. It's not like he's hundreds of miles away - but the fact that I am no longer his main focus depresses me. Oh, I know I should say that I am proud of a job well done - especially when there were those that said Cody and I would never make it - and I should be proud that he is in college. But it still hurts, and I would love to have him come back home! One positive - it sure is easier to divide my time between two instead of three.

I love fall - and really feel alive this time of the year - will try and post pics soon - but for now I have to go chase Jaiden Ilo who is running through the house naked - she DID have jammies on and was in bed!

2010-08-14T19:43:00.002-05:00

Sitting in a hotel - eating Taco Bell Nachos Supreme - KFC chocolate parfait and watching Transformers 2 - redneck vacation - we came to Osceola to pick Jaima up - she has been in Arkansas with Grammy and Papa all week - I forgot how much this girl can TALK! We swam in the hotel pool for awhile and will try to sleep in past 7 tomorrow haha then we will breakfast at the casino buffet - and head home- I wanted to go to the zoo or Living History Farms but the Farmer can't be away from his cows that long - so no time to visit our dear relatives in DM either - I will just have to drive myself down next time!

Peach Parfait

2010-08-08T18:46:00.002-05:00

2 cups oatmeal
1 cup brown sugar
2/3 cup melted butter
1 cup walnuts (optional)
I like to add a dash of salt

Mix all and press into bottom of 9x13 pan

2 boxes peach Jell-o
2 cups boiling water
Add one quart vanilla icecream and stir until melted.

Places four cups of diced peaches on top of crust (If using canned, drain juice)
Pour Jell-O mixture over all. Chill until set.

Yumm-O!

one more thing...

2010-08-07T21:35:00.001-05:00

tomorrow i will post an awesome recipe for Peach Parfait - that's "parfay" for you non-frenchies!

2010-08-07T21:25:00.002-05:00

Oh my goodness, I think my blog is sooo boring compared to the ones I've read today - I used to read this blog when she first started The Pioneer Woman- and John Deere Mom reminded me of the blog today in her post. I originally started reading PW's blog back in the day when I was a frustrated-I have no idea what I'm doing - farmwife. She sure is AWESOME! Calls her husband Marlboro Man - I call mine Cooter - you know from the Dukes of Hazzard? She has a big ranch and horses and talks about manure and castrating calves. I have a big farm and lots of bulls**t and manure and castrate calves also. See, we have a lot in common. Only she has an amazing blog - she wrote a book and got to be on the Today Show - just because she's a farmer's wife! Heck, I can do that! Me and John Deere Mom are going to wear our JCP outfits and joo-ler-rey and impress more young women with our country knowledge - yeee ha!

Trying a new way to blog…

2010-08-04T21:58:00.000-05:00

Windows live writer…we’ll see if it increases my blog rate :)

2010-08-04T20:38:00.001-05:00

i only have a second to type because the girls just pulled in the yard with Papa! Cody shows steer and heifer for the last time tomorrow - my hand is healing - but it hurts ALOT - i have very limited range of motion - the good news is most of the feeling is back in my hand and thumb - today, i did too much and right now fingers are tingling - so off to bed i go...NOT - still have to recap days with my princesses and give them baths!

It's Hot and Stinky

2010-07-24T10:21:00.002-05:00

More rain last night. more humidity, more wet manure - and to top it all off, John is cleaning pens in the big buildings today. I am NOT going outside.

Tomorrow is the Sparrow Family reunion in Zearing. I love to go - lots of sweetcorn, fresh peaches that Mama Austa brings, salads, PIE! I hope it is not so hot that we cannot enjoy ourselves.

Jethro is adapting. His newest thing is taking one of Chloe's toys and running through the house with it with her barking and chasing him. He is like a million times bigger than her. I think he is in love.

Daddy Don showed up here this morning with a bag of peaches! I ate one before I could even say "Thanks!" I am going to make a cobbler to go with dinner tonight. It's a recipe that Tricia Yearwood had in Good Housekeeping magazine. Uses TONS of butter. I think we will have grilled burgers and sweet corn, too! And a gallon of sweet tea.

Jaiden is starting to TALK! All of a sudden yesterday she was repeating words I was saying. She is even using some 2-3 word sentences. She still uses some signs - for swing, bath, juice, milk - I love it when she signs "swing" that is her all-time fav thing to do. We have a tree swing out front and she climbs up herself and swings side-to-side. We are trying to teach her to pump her legs - but she gets mad because it isn't as fast as her way! Some days you open the front door and she runs outside naked as a jaybird and jumps on that swing!

I have surgery scheduled for this coming Wednesday for my right hand. I have carpal tunnel that I have left untreated for over 10 years (DUMMY CAROLYN!) So, there is a lot of nerve damage and pain. I pray that the surgery will be successful - and I can regain the use of my hand! I am on antibiotics for a staph infection right now - and that needs to clear up before I can have surgery - right on my chinny chin chin. How lovely! That hurts a lot less today so I am praying the meds are working. Mom and Dad White are here to help. I gotta remember to ask her to make me Ribbon Jello! you know, the one that takes all day to make with layers of Jell-O in a 9 x 13 pan? My favorite! And I am going to have her make Chinese chicken salad, too - yummy!

One thing God has taught me through all of this is that I need to let others help me and take care of me. I have always been the one to "do" and have always hated to "receive". Now, I have to have help and I pray that God will give me a quiet, gentle and accepting spirit.

My Dad hasn't been doing too well in his recovery from shoulder surgery. He has had blood clots in his lungs, and has taken a fall down the stairs. So, I ask that you would lift him up in prayer, too - he's a "do-er" just like me! In fact, everyone has always said that we are too much alike. Stubborn and bull-headed.

Well, another load of laundry is calling my name - only I am imagining it is Neil Diamond "Sweet Care-o-line da da da Good times never felt so good!" Thank you to the hubby for having two sets of washers and dryers for me- I love that man!

Day Four With Jethro...

2010-07-20T08:18:00.003-05:00

otherwise entitled "Jethro Finds the Cat"

Yes, my dear friends, I am writing sarcasticly today. You will hear a crazy tone of humor in my words. I just chased a 97 pound dog through my house, because he decided it was Cat Hunting Season. He moved the Hoosier (which I can barely move). He broke glass milk bottles, He knocked over the TV and my plant. Tried to jump through a closed window and...it was like a horrible retelling of The Gingerbread Man, "You can't catch ME!"

And John wonders why the regular housework never gets done!

It's a...

2010-07-17T18:04:00.003-05:00

BOY! Meet "Jethro Gibbs" - our new baby who weighs 95 lbs and is three years old. We saw him on the Today in Iowa show on KWWL this morning and John fell in love. SO, we went to the Humane Society and adopted him. He loves the kids and the dogs and is fitting in just fine here in the crazy house.

2010-07-15T23:15:00.002-05:00

Cody got registered for his fall classed and ended up being able to take all of them at the Waverly campus! So, now I won't have to worry about winter driving to Waterloo! Right now he is taking gen ed classes and will be exploring what he wants his major to be. I told him not to worry about it and just enjoy his first year!

Yesterday was so hot! I have no idea how the guys survived working in the heat - I felt guilty for staying inside...kind of:)

I just realized that school will be starting in a month - school supplies are already in the stores - can you believe that?! But I did snag a few good deals for our school supply cupboard - you know 15 cent folders and notebooks - you can never have enough of those and 45 cent boxes of crayolas - I am a sucker for a good deal!

All for now, John has asked me to stop staying up so late - he always knows what's best for me!

2010-07-13T09:59:00.001-05:00

Here I am blogging from my Blackberry! We are at Hawkeye Community College registering Cody for fall classes. This is so surreal to me. I was a student here 19 years ago when I was pregnant with him! All for now!

2010-07-07T11:39:00.002-05:00

Where has July gone? Here it is almost fair time.

Jaiden had speech therapy today. She didn't really want to talk to Jackie or Carrie. But she did tell them a few of her new words: pink, blue, cut, yellow. Pink is her favorite color. If you give here scissors she will cut every piece of paper she can get her grubby little hands on!

We went to the Shell Rock parade on the 3rd and watched fireworks that night on the gravel north of SR. We sat on the top of my Denali and ate licorice and had a great time. But the stars on the way home were even more beautiful to me!

Jaiden and I have both had strep throat. I also had a tooth pulled and it promptly got a dry socket and then infection set in. So, I am on another week of antibiotics.

We haven't seen real sunshine in days! Another hot, sticky and cloudy day today -I think we will watch movies and color - read books and not do too much.

I am going to be having carpal tunnel surgery on my right hand in the next few months. I also have a rotator cuff injury on my right shoulder, so will be doing physical therapy and light duty for awhile. The rough and tumble life of a farmer's wife!

We have been to the pool for the first time - the girls and I had so much fun - we stayed for two hours - and had to leave when my shoulders started burning in spite of the SPF 50! We now have golden tans and have plans to go back as soon as the sun shines again!

John and Cody and Dan have been hauling manure, making hay and work work working! We have all of the buildings full so we are RICH in manure. Flies, too - which I really could do without. I hung a sandwich bag with pennies and a little water in it (I am sure you all have seen that email floating around!) and it seems to work - EXCEPT when the kids or the dogs leave the front door wide open! OR when Cody parked the manure and fly covered skid loader in the garage!

Rainy days wouldn't be complete here on the farm without the basement flooding - this time the water was over our ankles and covered every room but the room I keep my Christmas decs in! The deepest it's ever been - turns out the electrical cord shorted out on the pump. John replaced it and the water drained in a few hours. Then they cleaned up the mess for the 100th time. Cody will be moving to his apartment as soon as fair is over and then I won't have to worry about his things getting ruined. If I could, I would fill that basement up with concrete!!!!! One blessing - the water is always clean!

All for now, the couch is calling my name!

2010-06-20T21:48:00.003-05:00

Do three or four entries in a day make up for not blogging regularly? I love to write, and one of my "life changes" is to write more. (I hate the word "goals" those are for someday - life changes are immediate!)

I taught Jaima's Sunday School class this morning. We made shirts and ties out of craft foam for Father's Day. There were scraps and glue everywhere and I loved every minute of it.

I won a contest! One of my favorite blogs is John Deere Mom. Seriously, I never win anything! I won a beach towel, book, Target gift card and Starbucks gift card. I am going to Target in CF as soon as I receive it and getting my Starbucks fix on!

Jaiden is progressing with her speech. Some of her new words are: poop, toot, yellow, tent, goose, goat, gate...Some she uses on her own like toot and poop haha and others she repeats when we are reviewing her phonetics cards. She can count with her fingers. She tells us how many pigtails she wants. How old she is, how many objects are in front of her. It is amazing that she can do that but still not talk.

I have been staying up late every night, so tonite I will retire to my boudoir posthaste and read my Kindle. Night ya'all.

2010-06-20T20:23:00.002-05:00

Noah and Jaiden playing bean bags

Andrew taking Jaiden to see the show heifer...she was kinda scared!

"Hi, Grandma Austa!"

Homeschoolin...

2010-06-20T20:12:00.004-05:00

am I crazy? Nah - I just need to work with the girls this summer. Jaiden with her speech and Jaima with her math and concentration skills. Yes, that's Cody sneaking into the pictures. I had the area all cleaned up once, but Daddy watched the girls yesterday and you know what that means...chaos.

Time for pictures!

2010-06-20T20:04:00.003-05:00

Chickens!

The White House

Ground cherries

My little garden...yeah, I know you see weeds. I will get to them, eventually. If it would stop raining. Or if I would get some energy. Hmmmmm

It's So Hard to Say Goodbye...

2010-06-20T07:51:00.003-05:00

My sweet Aunt Lorena went home to be with the Lord last night. She fought a courageous battle with cancer. I rejoice that she is in Heaven - singing and dancing. We will celebrate her life sometime this coming week. My Uncle Ross and Aunt Lorena had a love story that inspired me to find true love in my life. They dated when they were younger. Uncle Ross went on to marry another. Aunt Lorena waited for her true love. He came back to her and they married and lived happily ever after! Aunt Rena was the most truthful, loving, AMAZING woman I have ever had the priviledge of knowing, and I will miss her - but I will see her again, because she led me to the Lord.

Goodbye, Rena, I love you forever.

Deep Sigh of Relief!

2010-06-07T15:50:00.004-05:00

some of the pictures I put up for Cody's party

Proud grandparents!

(The dates are wrong on the pics because we were using Jaima's camera!)

The school year is over - let the relaxation begin! There is nothing on my "to do" list - I plan on sleeping in tomorrow and then who knows!

I finally got a new camera so I will share some pics now!

Graduation and such

2010-05-31T22:18:00.002-05:00

Well, we survived the graduation ceremony...barely. It was 95 degrees outside and even hotter in the high school gym! Oh, I was so proud of my son! And his friends and all of the great choices they have made! I was proud of the people who showed up to love on him! And, I don't have any pictures to show you because Shannon K. has not emailed them to me yet - HINT HINT!

Cody's party is this Saturday, so this week we will work on his picture displays, dust off his trophies, and I will dig out the Barney videos and Power Rangers stuff I saved all these years for this special day!

If I have learned anything about raising kids these past 18 years it is this: Really get to know your children. Never say, "What do you want now?" to them. Love them unconditionally, even when they spill red Kool-aid on your white carpet. Love their friends. Open your home. Break the cycle of the past and vow to be a better parent. Attend as many of their events as you can. Love them some more.

I could go on writing forever...but my big comfy bed is calling my name!

I vow to blog more often - and post pictures soon. SHANNON! lol

Whoa, Nelly!

2010-05-02T17:16:00.002-05:00

Life just flies by sometimes - not that I haven't enjoyed every hectic minute the past few weeks! - but it sometimes gets away from me. I think I actually forgot that I have a blog. I read everyone elses - and tons of decorating ones, too! And then never take the time to update ours!

Corn is planted - beans are waiting for dry ground and a rain-free stretch. Calving time is almost done and school is almost over.

Plans are moving along quite smoothly for Cody's graduation party. Saturday, June 5th from 1-3pm at our church - invites to be mailed hopefully by Tuesday - HA! I just need to get the cakes ordered - finish the scrapbook, which I promised myself that I would do one page a week during the school year - guess who only has about 2.6 pages done?

Jaima and I are hanging out in my office right now - she is eating cold leftover Chinese and I am eating homemade caramel corn. She is talking and I don't think I am really listening - she talks more than I ever did!

JaidenIlo has once again emptied her popcorn bowl all over the floor - you would think I would learn by now - but I forget! Honestly, that child gets me so befuddled sometimes!

Life is good - God is greater - and I am so happy I could sing!

Be blessed.

2010-04-25T08:39:00.002-05:00

My good friend Maria says it's time to update my blog and when Maria says "It's time!" she means it's time! We had a lovely girls day on Friday...a start to a perfect weekend.

What's happened in April? I need to look at my calendar so I can recall because it has been a BUSY month!
- Lots of spring cleaning
- Gallons of coffee and Gatorade
- Planting corn
- Calving (Oh how I love helping or watching a new baby come into the world!)
- Cody's band played a show in DesMoines - missing Senior Prom, but what a great excuse to miss it!
- Jaiden goes to preschool two days a week and continues her speech therapy
- Jaima had recital pictures taken and is practicing for her big day in June
- John is working lots at the landfill as people begin to spring clean and clear out their junk
- Don and Austa (John's parents) are here for a few weeks

And on a more serious note, my dear sweet Mommy had a stroke two weeks ago. But our God is the Great Physician and has healed her. She is already back to work - much to my opposition - and making a quick recovery. Please lift her and Daddy up in your prayers. Daddy is still trying to heal from shoulder surgery. Probably because he can't sit still!

As I write, Jaiden is sitting at her desk, too - drinking coffee just like Mommy. I carry on a coffee drinking tradition (addiction?) that started with my grandparents. Coffee with sugar and more milk than coffee and a special little cup.

I will post pictures soon. I need to get to Walgreens and print some more for Cody's scrapbook - one month to graduation!

2010-04-04T07:10:00.005-05:00

Yesterday I got a break from being a mommy - I worked outside all day with John, and it felt like a vacation! Cody watched the girls for us.

Me, getting kissed by one of the new Holstein steers. 109 of them arrived yesterday - very healthy and pretty tame.

Me and Pickles took a rest on the hay bales. Yep, I got my nose pierced back in January. Rebel lol And yep, full makeup, a farm wife has to look good for her man!

109 steers waiting for vaccinations - we ran them through three at a time!

Happy Birthday, Cody Allan!

2010-04-02T16:25:00.004-05:00

My brother and his family, my parents, Andrew and Jaclyn helped us celebrate.

Jaclyn turned 16 Saturday, I made her a Sweet Sixteen cupcake cake!

(Note the Power Ranger cake!)
18 years ago today, my life was changed forever! I am so blessed to have you for my son!

We love you, mucho!