111 days until my due date! And a day to myself!

I am now approximately 111 days away from having the baby. This is very exciting!
To answer Carol Aimee's question. YES! I am about to explode with curiosity about the gender of the baby.
The ultrasound is January 7th. If we don't find out, I think I will resign myself to picking everything gender neutral. This shouldn't be a problem. The baby crib set I picked out can be made to go either way, depending on accessories. I haven't ordered it yet, but I will soon.
We have to make a trip to Fargo soon. Menard's has a sale on insulation and we need to get a move on the room upstairs.
Today, with my day to myself. I am actually working on various house cleaning and catch up stuff. I know, not very interesting, but interesting to me. I'm pretty relaxed with it. Laundry really needs to be done.
I am currently cleaning up the desk in the office. It isn't organized, but in appropriate piles at least. I have so much bookwork to do for 2008 that I need to start and the only way to do that is to get this organized enough to be able to spend time in the office. I use to have a TV in here, I miss it, it helped the process. I didn't get so stir crazy. I may have to move a TV in here and hook up the DVD player, that would help.
Also, I have gotten a few last cards ready to mail. I received a few cards from people who's addresses I had misplaced or people who had moved, I decided since we still are in Christmas (day 4) I am allowed to still send them. I have until Epiphany, Jan 6.
I really wish we could get out to the grainery easily, there is tons of stuff that could go in storage, which would make me feel really good.
We are going on two weeks with the puppy this Wednesday. We have had two good days of housebreaking. Today, those two days came to a screeching halt. She just isn't putting it together today, but we'll get there.
Molly and Gracie (the new puppy) are starting to play, which is good for both of them and very fun to watch. Gracie is very much a biting puppy and that is the hardest part to deal with because we don't know how to break her of it. She's just a puppy, but her teeth are sharp and she has very powerful jaws that will only get stronger.
I was thinking earlier today about pregnancy. I am not one who loves it, who says they have never felt better. I also am not one who is completely miserable. I just am kinda here. I am excited and fascinated by what happens to my body, but really, it seems that day after day goes on and will continue.
Well, the puppy is awake, so I better get to watching her.

23 weeks, 6 days!

I haven't written forever. Christmas and a bunch of life just didn't make it possible. I brought Dustin into the ER on Christmas Eve. He got the stomach flu and was getting so dehydrated that we needed to get some fluids and some anti nausea meds in him. Have no fear, I am doing fine and appeared to have dodged the bullet. I am giving credit to the prenatal vitamins (these things rock, I don't know if I have ever felt this good) and an extra couple doses of Vitamin C.
Dustin was better by Christmas day night, which allowed us to go to family Christmas. I really missed church though. Dustin was supposed to play, luckily the church was able to find someone.
It was a mess. Dustin and I were also supposed to host his parents and mine on Christmas Eve and they were left celebrating together without us. We were so excited and I still trying to get rid of the extra food.
I will not find out what the baby is until Jan 7. My appointment was postponed because of the holiday, so we'll find out in a week or so.
Soon though, very soon.
Have a great day everyone.
Lucinda

Packing up! Cleaning Up!

I have one major thing on my list and when Dustin gets home we should be almost ready to go. We are going to my mom and dad's today. Dustin had a meeting this morning, so he'll be home some time after dinner. After that, a few loose ends and off we go.
I went and got new tires on the truck and an oil change, so we are ready to head out, other than cleaning out the truck.
I paid bills this morning. I have one final load of laundry in the dryer.
I made the bed.
I watched some tv.
I am feeling pretty good about my productivity.

I think I may be starting the "nesting" phase of pregnancy. In the last two days I have been on a mission to get the house cleaned up.
I would look at baby proofing stuff too, but Dustin would freak out because I was doing it so early, so baby steps for him.
I announced to him the other day that I had picked out an infant car seat. He was less than interested.
Truthfully. He wants this stuff done, researched, etc. etc. He doesn't want to be the one to do it, so, I will do it happily and he can catch up when he panics that we are having a child and he's not ready.
I think that will set in as he begins to get working on the attic again. We need insulation, drywall, have I ever mentioned that we need to get a stairwell in. The stairwell better come soon because I will not be able to do the ladder stairs much longer (my balance may be getting a bit shaky).
I am trying to decide of the pain in my upper right quadrant of my abdomen is the baby hitting or kicking of something. It is kinda sporadic, It is in just the right spot to be uncomfortable. It happens when I sit down.
I've been fascinated by the hard spot in my abdomen. It's the baby of course, but while I don't notice the movement all the time. I do notice how the hard spot moves, I'm assuming it depends on the acrobatics of the baby at any given time. But there really is someone in there. Hmmmm.
Less than 10 days now and we get to find out what it is. Hopefully. Baby has not been cooperative in this research, we're hoping.

22 weeks, 0 days

I know it has been awhile, but alas it could not be helped. My birthday ended up kinda sucking. I didn't get dinner, as was promised. Someone (my husband) lost track of time and by the time he was ready to think about it, it was 8:30, I wasn't showered, I was tired, I was crabby, and I was too tired to wait to get to town.
I had a complete meltdown over it. Dustin felt horrible. It wasn't good.
This corn harvest really has put dampers on every plan I have tried to make as of late. We are still not done and I fear with the current blizzard, we may be done until spring.
I have no idea how we are going to harvest, plant and have a baby this spring, but things will work out.
The blizzard is still here full force it seems. We came home yesterday afternoon at about 4:30 from Dustin's mom and dad's. We haven't left since and won't until maybe some time tomorrow.
The interstate is closed. Windchill is 60 below zero. Yes, I said below. The weather channel is in fargo and talking about the 35 below wind chill. Hello, if the interstate wasn't closed you could come 90 miles west and find out it gets colder. Crazy.
I am going to clean up the office today. After the movie that I want to watch is over. I am not going to get any more bookwork done before Christmas, so I might as well organize it and enjoy the holidays without having to look at the disastrous mess.
Dustin is taking advantage of not being able to go anywhere and is still in bed. Lazybones. This never happens, so I really can't blame him, it's not like we can go anywhere.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

I got a call last night at 11:53 p.m. Good thing I wasn't asleep yet. My cousin Sean (he's a freshman at a local college wanted to be the first one to wish me a Happy Birthday. So, he called before so he could do it at midnight. What a great kid. We had a good talk. How funny.

Expectations vs. No Expectations

I am being a bit of a baby right now.
Cookie baking today was an absolute blast.
Dustin kinda made life sting. Our dinner plans, if you read my previous post, were changed. So, we didn't have a dinner at home. We instead were to go to the grill.
When I got to Jmst, there was a transfer, so he had to work 1st. Now, I know this happens, but I probably wouldn't have gone in if I knew this. Instead of a birthday dinner at a great restaurant, I got a sandwich at Perkins with Dustin and his partner for the night.

Now, if I had no expectation on the day, I wouldn't be disappointed. I know he can't help having to work. Not his fault. I just hate feeling like I am an afterthought. I really don't know if I get a birthday outing any more. Tomorrow we'll combine corn, I'm sure all day if we can. It will be a non-birthday.

Why do I always set myself up this way? I get excited about something...then disappointed. This seems to happen on my birthday every year. I have thoughts that it is going to be wonderful...it ends up just another day...no big deal.
I know I am going to be 33 years old and that birthdays really shouldn't matter anymore, but for me, I guess they still do. Sometimes you want to be made a big deal out of, well at least I do.

I guess my thought is that if I didn't have expectations of what was supposed to happen, I wouldn't have been disappointed. I probably would have enjoyed my sandwich and not thought twice. The fact that I was told I was going to get a lot more and that I got "downgraded" is what is bothering.

So, is it better to know what you are missing or not?

20 weeks, 2 days

I am finishing the Christmas decorating today, with the exception of the cookies. dustin was going to try to surprise me with birthday dinner tonight, but he got stuck working. Tomorrow, I turn 33 and I will most likely be in a combine.
To get me out of the house, so he could make a wonderful dinner for the two of us to celebrate my birthday, he arranged for a neighbor to have me over for a cookie baking party. So, even though he got stuck working, we are still baking cookies, it will be a blast.
Since Dustin is on second call, if he isn't busy I will go to Jamestown and he will take me out to eat at the Buffalo City Grille, YUM! I love that place. So, that will most likely be my birthday celebration.
Cookie baking is at 2:00 PM. So, after that, I'll come home, get dressed up, go to town.
It has been fun cleaning up the house and getting the Christmas stuff finalized and out so I can put the boxes away. The house should look cozy by tomorrow.
Baby is really picky the last couple days. Food has been a battle. I tried to eat some fish yesterday and it tasted fishy, so I didn't eat it. I ordered nachos last night, (usually a food I love and they don't even give me heartburn) and I hardly ate any of them. Just blah.
I have eaten fruit and multi grain cheerios quite a few times since yesterday. Those have gone down very well. So, I got a box of clementines. (love them), pears, apples, bananas. All very good. I've eaten two pears already, so they won't last long.
I really haven't had a lot of food aversions lately, so it's kinda crazy to have one show up. I just taste food more clearly, smell things more strongly. All my senses seem to be on overdrive. I feel like superwoman. A very fat, pregnant superwoman.

21 weeks, 0 days

I realize I didn't post yesterday, but I was exhausted and didn't want to. It was a horrible day as far as getting any corn done and the baby was very inactive.
It's back today.
Today, we skipped church! Can I just say how blissful this is once in awhile. I usually like to go, but this morning. I didn't want to, I wanted to stay in bed, so did Dustin, so we slept in and had a nice morning at home. I loved it. The animals loved the extra attention. I got up, made coffee (decaf for me). Had yogurt and fruit and toast, it was the perfect morning.
I am having printer issues tonight, so I am trying to get Dustin's computer to load on the printer, so I can print off my gingerbread barn template.
Can't just make a house, no sir ree. I want to make a barn, and I am going to. Tonight, I will just back the walls and roof. We'll put it together tomorrow night.
I was hoping to have it in the ovent forever ago, but getting the template printed has been a challenge, I'm very frustrated, but we'll get there.
It will be a late night, but not a big deal. tomorrow we are hoping to get some more corn off.
This week...I turn 33. I have not decided how I feel about this. I feel a little weird about it, but usually I don't care about the birthday, I like to celebrate them. Dustin says he has something planned, so we'll see what it is. Back to my baking.
later

20 Weeks, 5 days--calves and mad mommies!

Today we sorted calves from their cows. The cows were not happy and neither were the calves. We got the calves off the cows and then sorted the calves into their groups. Heifers and bulls. The bulls will go to my bro-in-law's feedlot. The heifers we kepts, will stay here and will become replacement heifers and eventually cows...The circle of life.
I was a bit nervous being in the cow lots. This is probably not considered the safest pregnancy activity. But have no fear. I was given very boring jobs that I couldn't get hurt doing. I also let some animals get past me rather than risk getting too close to them. The risk of getting kicked was going to be kept very low.
Sorting went better than I thought it would. Better than all of us thought it would.
In pregnancy news. (Other than my cow chase workout)
I felt the baby kick. On the outside!
I have been feeling the baby churning inside for a couple weeks now. Today, I totally felt movement with my hand on my stomach. After lunch I had laid on the couch to catch a little nap. I was laying there and my hand was draped across my stomach. I was laying there and all of a sudden. There is was, a little jump. I felt it three times. Nothing since. Just a lot more churning of baby today. But if felt so cool to know that there really is someone in there.

20 Weeks, 4 Days...Emotional

I have had quite the emotional swing range since I have been pregnant and in the last week it has gotten much worse. I may have to call my doc and see if this is really normal...Because, really, I'm a mess. Currently I feel I can write about it because I am off the crazy emotional ride of the afternoon and I'm home waiting for my next move of the day.
I just can't seem to handle more than one thing at a time and I have a hard time when plans change suddenly. It takes me so long to digest it that I just become an upset mess.
The best way I can explain it is.
2+2=3
I know, that's wrong. But that is how I feel when things start to overwhelm me. I feel like I keep adding 2+2 and keep getting three. I know that it is supposed to be 4, but no matter how many times I try to add the numbers, I get three and since I know that isn't right, I just have a meltdown.
I live in a state of befuddlement and I'm am usually able to roll with the punches. Lately, I just can't.
I read and have had friends tell me that it's not just me. A lot of women start feeling stupid and out of mental sorts when they are pregnant. I'm not talking just emotionally unbalanced, but rational thinking seems to go out the window as well.
Today, I came face to face with a change of schedule and day and it did not go well. I had a complete meltdown. And I mean, a hysterical, crying, girl entered my body and was obsessed with how unfair life is. All because the plans and schedule of the day were changed. It was nobody's fault...No reason to fall apart...Yet, as I rationally tell myself I am being ridiculous, I can't stop getting upset and off kilter. 2+2=3...and I know that's wrong!
There is nothing worse than feeling completely out of control of one's emotional responses. I don't respond to anything, I am in a constant state of reaction...Raw reaction...And it is driving me CRAZY...Wait, I'm already there.
I wonder if my depression has something to do with my ability to deal, or lack there of. I am on my maintenance dose of medication, no big deal. Have been fine since before I was pregnant, but I wonder, do the hormonal changes effect me differently. I don't feel normal depression feelings (And I mean, how I feel when I am not on medication, my normal).
I think what is scary is that, it feels like it will never get better. I try to say, this will pass. I will not always feel this way, but I get scared that it's permanent.
that is the only similar feeling to the one I had before I went on depression medication. I was so worried that I was broken and that no one and nothing could put humpty dumpty back together again. I did get put back together again. I wasn't broken...I just needed help.
I'm just not sure what help is this time.
I'll talk to my doc at the next appt. if not sooner. Right now...I just need to say...This too will pass and stop thinking about math or other problems that seem to be easy.

20 Weeks, 3 Days

I realized the other night that I want to write more about the pregnancy. Not so much for the 5 people who actually read this, but for myself. Just thoughts I have and where I am at during the days.
I use to journal a lot, but I have stopped, but this would be a way to journal and write some and for those who want to come along on this journey, you can read it. I live a pretty boring life, so, reading about it won't be that exciting, but you will get corn harvest updates on a regular basis, especially if we finish...
I was up this morning at about 8:AM when the phone rang. Eric calling and checking on something. Dustin had to work last night, so I had the bed to myself, well, by to myself, I mean, Me, the Dog and the Cat. It was cozy to say the least.
I need to run out to my vehicle this morning, I have one of my miniature Christmas trees out there and would like to get lights on it and up by the fireplace. I have an idea of putting it in my new knitting basket (Thank you Reyna for the basket!) I don't have a lot of knitting stuff in there and I think it would be cute by the mantel.
This morning, baby is not to active. Usually I feel the baby in the morning, but sometimes not. It isn't always noticeable if I am not still because the movement isn't very distinct yet. So, sometimes I notice it more than other times.
Dustin is still at work this morning, so I called with a grocery list. I NEED APPLES. They have been one of my favorite foods lately and it has been three days since I have had one.
I haven't been eating enough, so today I pulled out the check list. I have a pregnancy diet check list and with life being the way it is, I haven't eaten enough.
I lost 15 lbs in my first trimester. Lost another pound in the last month. This really isn't a worry. Because of my weight, if I can keep my weight gain to 15-20 lbs, that would be fabulous. The nurse and I think a lot of it is because I have been eating healthier. Cut down in soda, not eating so much junk food and fat. I have to thank Carol for helping with the eating. Ask yourself if you would feed it to your newborn. Then decide if you should eat it, because you are feeding it to your baby. It's made me very aware of my diet. It really hasn't been bad. The last days I know I haven't gotten enough veggies. So, that is what I need to pay attention to right now. The family is not a huge veggie eating bunch, so to get them, I think I may need to bite the bullet and just make them for myself.
We eat tons in garden season, but winter we slack. I didn't get any carrots this year, so I haven't had my home grown frozen carrots this winter and I miss them. I think I may need to do some vegetable experimentation to get some more in my diet.
Fruits and whole grain, proteins and iron, I'm good. I have been getting the fish servings I should have and have added an Omega 3 supplement (actually readded). I stopped taking it when I had all the morning sickness because fish oil and vomiting didn't mix. Now, I think I can do it again.
I am starting to look a little pregnant. I have been wearing maternity for a long time, but not looking pregnant. I have read that the first pregnancy, some women don't look pregnant until the 6th month. I might be one of them. I have lost weight in my face, but my stomach is starting to round out more. I kinda look like a ball for a head, ball for a body and two sticks for legs.
I know I should take some pictures one of these days, I just don't think about it.
We need to do a Christmas picture soon. As in yesterday, so maybe we'll get there yet.
later all

Update!

I am 21 weeks along in pregnancy. The baby is making me sea sick. (It kicks at my stomach sometimes and I get really queasy.

Last Friday I had my OB appointment. Good news. Baby is healthy and doing well.
Bad news. Baby is shy and we were denied knowing the gender...AGAIN!
I am having one more ultra sound at the end of the month, if we don't find out then...we probably will have to wait until the birth.
The baby needs to lay on it's back and not cross its legs to get a good view. So, hopefully...

I turn 33 a week from tomorrow (or today) Wednesday anyway. I am digesting this a bit. It has never bothered me to get older before. I was ecstatic to turn 30, it felt like an accomplishment to survive the B.S. of my 20's.

33, I don't know if I have any feelings about it at all. I'm more nervous about becoming a mom at 33 than anything else that could come my way.

I can't believe I am awake right now. I have been so tired and once I tried to go to bed, wide awake. I guess I will go try again.

I started decorating for Christmas last night, not much. Got the tree up and lights on it. No decorations yet. I also decorated the mantel of the fireplace, that looks pretty cool.

Tonight, I rearranged the TV, Dish, DVR and VCR cords as well as untangled the routers from the mess. It looks better, but seriously, something that takes that long should look like it's an accomplishment, not like I did nothing. Which was the point, get the cords put away again. We got a new LCD TV, it's awesome, hangs on the wall and it the perfect size for our tiny living room. Now, I am trying to find a cabinet for all the A/V equipment.

Good night. I think I can sleep now.

I'm making pie!

I have a pumpkin pie in the oven and I'm not talking about the baby. I am actually baking. I froze apple pies last week. Today, I am making a pumpkin, as a gift. Our friend Tyler is having Thanksgiving with his family tomorrow because he works on Thanksgiving. I don't remember how I offered or why I offered this service, but I am making his pies for him.
I have to say, the smell in the house is absolutely captivating and I won't end up eating the whole thing, it is a perfect trade off. I'll eat my pie on Thursday.

I am preaching this week at a couple churches. Since Dustin will be home tomorrow and I have been busy with corn all week, I am hoping since I am home tonight that I can get my sermon done. This will be the first time I have preached since leaving my call. I'm nervous. I hope it will be a piece of cake, or at least pie.

Auctions sale! A day with my dad! Lunch at Crackerbarrel and a Dilly Bar at DQ. Priceless!

The last week has been difficult, but today ended up being a good day anyway.
By Saturday night, Dustin will have spent 120 hours at the ambulance working. Most of them on call or primary duty. That has meant that I have been not only missing him like crazy, but also working really hard to help keep harvest going and our life as we know it happening.
Can I just say, this is hard enough when I am normal, when I am incubating a baby. This is nearly impossible. I am tired anyway, but I am close to exhausted.
Have no fear my friends, I am quite good, sleeping wonderfully well and find that I am sometimes capable of far more than I knew. The fact that I am doing all this stuff while pregnant, I have decided makes me superwoman. (Please let me have my delusions of grandeur...Thank you)

My dad came down last night to go with me to an auction sale today. With Dustin at work, someone needed to go to an auction about 140 miles from here and look and bid on a no-till air seeder. I was elected (I was also the only one available or capable, so more likely I lost)

My dad went with me to look at the air seeder and make sure it was good. (how would I know) I actually did know, but he also came with for moral support. You see, up until now, the most I have ever bid on at an auction sale is a table and chairs and I paid $120. Today, since I was going to be spending over $80,000, I needed a bit of moral support. Dustin also needed some moral support about sending me to spend the money.

I didn't get the air seeder. It went way too high. Well, probably not, but more than we were willing to spend at this time. It was in great condition. I did get to bid a few times. Still, way to rich for our blood. I hate trying to bid on machinery, I hate the responsibility of spending that much money. I will stick to antiques, collectibles, and used kitchen gadgets. I really am not meant to spend large amounts of money at sales like these.

May I also mention. Pregnancy brings on the need to pee all the time, as many of you know. Having to go pee all the time in a port-o-potty when it is 5 degrees out, is sheer torture.

After I didn't get my air seeder. Dad and I drove back to Bismarck before going home and ate some lunch at Crackerbarrel.
We Then came back to Jamestown, stopped at DQ and bought Dilly Bars for the ambulance crew and hung out for a while.

We're now at my house and he's occupying himself with vacuuming my kitchen and living room. This use to bother me, but I am now too use to it to care. We listened to progressive talk radio all the way there and back. Talked about how the Bush administration has screwed up our country beyond all measure. We talked about how we hoped Barack Obama would be able to change things, even though it seems like emptying the ocean with a teaspoon. But we are still hopeful. It was a great day.

I got a great day with my dad. It was priceless, even if the air seeder wasn't.

Now, I'm going to go play with my dog.

Corn harvest!

So, today Dustin was called into the ambulance, so that left my in-laws and me to harvest corn. Now, the elevator is a bit slow with corn because they can only dry so much at a time. Last night we parked the semi in line and that was this morning. The Freightliner wasn't going to be ready until 3:30 p.m. This information came to me at about 8:30 a.m., so it tells you how backed up things are.
So, we decided not to start until after dinner. (My FIL and I made an executive decision, Harriet was at the dentist, so she didn't get a vote)
After dinner, I ran combine and filled trucks. We got the semi filled and the Freightliner, after it came back from the elevator, was filled again.
Those are now in line again at the elevator, we should get them back tomorrow.
The fact that we have a really good corn crop is great. The time it takes to get the corn crop is a pain. In a couple days we should have the second semi going too, but until then, I will enjoy the fact that I am done harvesting by 5:30 today.
I am now going to Jamestown to have supper with my husband and his EMT partner, who was in my EMT class, and we will then work on cardboard reindeer for the town holiday parade of lights, which is the day after thanksgiving.
I will try to take and post pictures of corn harvest soon. It is so cool. I comes into the combine really fast and in the sunlight, it looks like we are harvesting gold. It's so fun.
later

Fun Day! But I'll share the other stuff first.

My last post was less than happy. The tax appointment went great. The best one I've ever been involved with and this year I didn't cry. (I didn't cry in years previous, just left feeling crazy) This year with pregnancy hormones, if it was tough, I would have cried. But that was yesterday.
Today....
Dustin has been at the ambulance again today and tonight. So, kinda weird not having him at home for 48 hours.
In other news. Dustin was elected to church council on Wednesday. Dustin and I didn't make the annual meeting. Dustin was getting ready for a state inspection and needed help with a couple projects and I stayed to help him.
After the projects were done, we called his mom and dad on the way home. Harriet greeted him with, "You and your father were both elected to the church council." Heehee. It makes me laugh because we've been attending there for about 6 weeks. Dustin grew up in this church (or it's sister church actually) but this was a bit funny.
Now...Fun news of the day.
Tonight, without a doubt, I felt the baby kick. I didn't know if I would for awhile, but I'm pretty sure the fluttery feeling my my stomach was the baby kicking. I'm so excited. It was so cool.
I can't believe that the baby is getting big enough for me to know that it is in there. (We really need to know the sex so I can assign an appropriate pronoun).
Some days I really hate this pregnancy thing, I'm moody, crazy, hot then cold, I can't think straight and keep a thought in my head. Today...I love this pregnancy thing. To know that this little person is growing inside of me is the most humbling experience. I never thought I's know what it was like to be part of a miracle, but now I do. This is a miracle. Life is.

I still hate bookwork! I'm getting a flu shot today.

So, I'm not very far in the farm book fiasco of 2008. Dustin pointed out that we don't have to have all our ducks in a row yet, this is just a preliminary appointment. Maybe so, but I did mention, actually having an idea might be nice.
He agreed. If he loved me, he would do this himself.
Okay, I know, he does love me. We would maybe be worse off if he was doing this himself.
grrr.
Jeans are still good.
I get a flu shot over lunch today. The county nurse is in town today. whoohoo. I don't have to work hard to get the shot.

I hate bookwork! I love new jeans!

This Friday, we have our pre-tax appointment. This is the appointment where we go see our accountant and look at expenses, how much we made, etc. etc. And well. Try to figure out what our tax bill will be. It gives us a chance to also prepurchase seed or equipment for the next year and figure out how it will effect our taxes.
This is how it works every year. Figure out you profit, loss, expenses, etc. etc.
Now. I am in charge of trying to get this organized. I suck at this and I have to basically figure out the entire year in 4 days because I haven't worked on this stuff well....all year.
I will get this done. But I guarantee that I will cry at least once a day until it is done.

One the flip side of hate is my new jeans. I love them. I ordered maternity clothes on Friday and the first package, with the jeans, came today. I was down to one pair of jeans that fit and they didn't fit great. So, for the weekend, other than church, I was wearing yoga pants. I was relieved when the clothes arrived today. It saved the day.

Well, that is my life of love and hate.
later

A New Picture!

This is the newest picture of the baby. The head is to the left of the image, it's got a circular shape, you know, like a head. To the right of the head is the spinal cord. Fully formed, looks good, no spinalbifida. The abdomen is fully formed and enclosing all the internal organs now. The doctor could see all this. I could see the head, the spinal cord and the legs kicking like crazy! I can't feel anything yet, but I'm sure once I do it will be crazy.
Baby was breach in my womb when the ultrasound was done, so we get to have another ultrasound because there are a few things that the doctor can't see when the baby is in this position. We were also unable to see the sex of the baby because of the position. We will hopefully find out at the end of this month at my next appointment.
The baby is now about 5 inches long. I can't believe it. It's healthy and I'm happy.

Here's to sleeping like a baby and waking hopeful!

I went to bed watching the election results come in and I haven't been this happy in a long time. McCain still took ND, but it's the best I've seen a democrat do in the state in my lifetime. It was so peaceful to go to bed happy and hopeful for the future. I woke up and was thrilled to know that our next president had been chosen and it meant that our current president was on his way out the door.
This is a good day and a great start to a wonderful future.

Go Vote!

Today is the start of something good! GREAT! actually. Today we will elect Barack Obama as president. I'm so excited.
Now, in NoDak, I admit, usually my vote doesn't really count. It's a red state and blues like me are few and far between. But for the first time since LBJ, we may give our electoral votes to a democrat. North Dakota is a statistical dead heat, we are even considered a "battleground" state this year.
Obama even did advertising here! That never happens, the only reason I usually see presidential adds is because we live so close to MN.
Today could be a very good day...Even better...I feel like my vote really mattered. It's close and maybe, just maybe, if all the good Obama supporters show up at the polls, we can have a North Dakota win for the Democrats! I gives you a chill, doesn't it?
GO VOTE!

Sometimes I don't know if the extra hour is good.

Yesterday was a bit up and down for me.
Morning--Great. Our pastor is back in the pulpit, he had a heart attack about two months ago and has been recuperating. He looks great and his sermon was wonderful. I knew him while I was in college, though not well, anyway, I loved listening to him then, still do. So glad he's back. Church was just good.
All Saints--A little sad, we've had some tough losses this year and even longer ago than that and thinking of them brings a little joy and a little sadness.
Afternoon--Okay. My mom came and got my dad and then had lunch and went home in the afternoon. My dad and my father-in-law had a bit of a misunderstanding and well...all is fine now, but I think my dad had to go home and get over it a little bit. My dad is here so long during harvest that it can get a bit hairy to have that much family.
Later Afternoon--Great and a little sad. I know you will all find this ridiculous, but I had to finish cleaning out my Toyota with the last remains of my office at church. Yes, that means that my vehicle has been a storage unit for a month, there just hadn't been time and since I have some lifting limits (sometimes pregnancy really cramps your style) it hadn't been done. Since it was so beautiful out today, I could work on it and carry stuff in small bundles and put it in the rubbermaids that I had reserved for this in the grainery. I feel a great sense of accomplishment, but a tinge of sadness to watch this huge part of my life go into storage. I went through a lot of memories, good and bad. Now, ask me if I miss church work. I really am loving this time off. I don't know how long it will last, but for now...Great. I was worried and now I don't know why, it's crazy. My life is still full and vibrant, just in a very different way. I wonder how I was doing everything as long as I did.
Evening--Awful. Dustin and I got in a fight. All was fine by the end of the evening. I just hate it when that happens. It was my fault, I can say that for sure, I was an ass. I knew I was and as I went to apologize he was still mad and yelled and well...much crying from me ensued. There was a lot of apologizing on both sides, but all was good by bed.
This morning--finally. I have had a headache since Friday afternoon. This morning, while still a little bit there, it mostly has gone away. If it continued and maybe if it comes back today i will call my doctor and find our what else besides 1 Tylenol I can do for it.
Other good news. Doc put me on Zantac for the heartburn, such a lifesaver! This man is my new hero. He said it will likely only get worse. If this stops taking care of it, we'll put me on something stronger, but right now this has the best safety use rating for pregnancy, so we'll start here. Right now my OB is on my list of favorite people.
More on the new baby later.

Baby

I have been going to post this forever and a day. Since I will most likely be getting a new one on Friday, it seems silly, but here is our baby at approximately 11 weeks.

O what a beautiful morning!

It is absolutely beautiful out today. I want to get the old grainery cleaned out. We are hoping to store the stuff from the attic out there during the attic renovation. A lot of it will most likely be able to stay out there, especially all the stuff that we are "storing" for Dustin's aunt who we doubt will come get it, but it is a nice hope. She claimed a bunch of stuff after Dustin's grandma died, but we don't know when or if she will come a get it.
This morning I am watching Clarissa while her dad is bow hunting. She is engrossed in Dora the Explorer right now. I would try to babysit w/o TV assistance, but I don't have a lot of entertainment for a three year old and she was here at 6:30 a.m. She slept until 7:30 a.m. and then she wanted to get up, so we had breakfast and woke Dustin up, played with the dog, Gus. Eventually, we ran out of stuff to do, so...TV it became.
Tyler came at 9:00 and he and Dustin are finishing the roof shingling. YAY! We are going to stop with the one dormer because we have addition plans too and where we think we will build on would require then destroying the dormer, so we decided t leave it out and finish the room for now without it. It will still look great.
We need to get the rest of the stuff cleaned out of the attic so we can pull out the rest of the wallboard and insulation and get it cleaned up. We decided it would be better to do it before we put the stairwell in because then the dirt would be confined to the attic. (well, more confined than it would be.)
There's the morning. I'm sleepy. I can't wait until I can maybe get some energy back.

It's been forever! Wow!

I'm having a bit of a lazy morning at home. I'm doing a couple loads of laundry. cleaning the bathroom (I know, very glamorous), then I'll head to Jamestown to meet Dustin for lunch and then a road trip in the semi-trailer to pick up the new grain trailer in Bismarck. I know all of you are jealous.
Yesterday was my first Sunday sitting in a pew. It was good and not that strange. I think I may be able to get use to this.
I have to preach in a couple weeks for confirmation at my old church, but that shouldn't be too bad either.
It rained all weekend and today it is overcast, but we are supposed to be done with rain. It is making everyone nervous about getting beans done. We'll have a couple days to work on our roof, but it is would be better to be out in the field.
Tyler will be out tomorrow for three days to help, so that will be good as well.
Busy, busy, but going great.
Baby is doing well. I have another appointment in a couple weeks, so we'll find out more than, although, other than eating right, I don't really have any control of this process.

Week One!

So, I had my first Sunday of not being in a pulpit. It went well. I slept in and didn't even think about going to church, just to see how it felt. I think I would have felt a little sad if I had gone to church somewhere.
In the afternoon, I had to go to a gospel jamboree for a group Dustin plays piano for, so I had music in the afternoon and it was great.
The week has been a bit crazy.
I met my new OB. He is great. The only one within 50 miles. Otherwise it is family physicians that handle deliveries. I would have been fine with my old doctor, but her hospital is not handling labor and delivery after Jan 1. So, I had to regroup and find someone new. After I talked to everyone I knew and some I didn't know so well, I came up with trying Dr. Z (as he will be referred). I have never had a male doctor, at least since I was little. But he is great. I feel very comfortable with him and he makes it very easy to ask questions and get a hold of him 24 hours a day. I feel really good about my decision.
Another bonus! He has his own ultrasound, so I don't have to make an appointment for one. He just brings you in and does it. So....I will get tons of fun ultrasound pictures, not just one or maybe two that insurance hates to pay for.
So, now I have fun ultrasound pictures.
The baby is crazy active. Which he says is a good sign and all looks healthy.
Also, we have a new due date. April 17. That isn't firm yet. It will be at our next appointment.
Also accomplished in week one.
We bought a new semi and grain trailer for bean and corn harvest. It rocks. (I am hoping not to have to learn to drive it, but we'll see)
We still have no roof and I had to do some creative waterproofing when it rained yesterday. Hopefully today or tomorrow we'll get the flashing up.
And...today I have to can tomatoes. Yum. They are so good in the winter.
I will post a picture of the ultrasound (although right now it looks like a kidney bean). After I get my scanner working again. It is being dumb.
Here's week one.
I'm outta here.

Last Sunday! Great! Hole in my roof! Not so great!

So, my last Sunday was super. I cried a lot, but so did everyone else. It was a great day. I'm pretty sure it won't be real until next Sunday when I don't have to lead worship, but I'm excited too. I have yet to decide if I will go to church or enjoy a very guilty pleasure of not going to church because it's been a long time. We'll see.

Now, on to the hole in my roof. Dustin and my dad and our friend Tyler are putting a dormer in our attic. It will be great. It's the first step in the remodel before we have a kid list. We have to get the dormer on before the weather turns bad. AAAHHHH!
It's dark outside and they are still working, putting on half the roof. Crazy. Wish us luck. I'm scared.

My Last Sermon! for now.

I am trying to write my last sermon as pastor of my churches. I am struggling and haven't gotten far at all. I decided to choose my own lessons, I just didn't want to use the lectionary and try to make it "fit." I picked my scripture to hopefully provide encouragment as part of my sermon.
It's hard to believe that Sunday is my last day. I have packed up my office, just need to have Dustin come over an load it up. There are three boxes left to pack, but that will take a matter of minutes.
Yesterday was my last confirmation class and I am going to miss those kids a lot, but I'll see them at there games and the like.
It's weird because I'm not moving, so I'll still be around a lot of the school activities. We'll get use to it.
I'm so exited for next Monday. The first day of my farm days. I can't wait. So, I guess there is always joy and sorrow, gain and loss, doors open and others close. That is the nature of life. I have made my choice and I'm happy with it, but it meant leaving some good things behind as well as some bad.
I can't wait to see where I'll be in a year from now. I wonder

Emotional Train Wreck

I am moody, moody, moody today. I don't know why. I've cried 3 times. If asked what is wrong, my answer is the compelling..."I don't know." "I don't know" is such a profound answer.
It could be hormones, it could be that I am wrapping up my last days at my call. Whatever is going on, I am just weepy.
I came home from my in-law's and now I am working on my final confirmation class. I think I might miss teaching confirmation. I love these kids.
Up, down, Up down. There's the day.

Canning Tomatoes!

My mom and dad came today and my mom helped me can some tomatoes from my garden. I am so excited about it. She taught me to use a pressure canner. It cuts down the time quite a bit. Canning tomatoes in hot water bath takes 50 minutes. With the pressure canner, I can do it in 25 minutes of processing time. I have to watch a bit closer, but it is great.
Tomorrow is my second to the last Sunday at church. I am amazed and terrified by this prospect. I can't believe it has finally come, but it is a wonderful feeling.
I know I have made the right decision as the time has approached and I am feel an incredible sense of peace. I don't know what is next, but I know everything will be okay.
Good night.

Afternoon Break

Even though I don't feel like I've started anything to break from right now.
I am trying to get motivated to work on my sermon for Sunday. I was going to go to a volleyball game tonight, but I'm exhausted, so I am leaning toward staying home tonight. We'll see.
Anyway.
My morning sickness is getting much better. It's been 4 days since I've felt really sick, so that is exciting. For me anyway.
I should get back to work. Thrilling.

Sorry for the delay.

My internet has been down at home people and when I am at work I have been too busy to post.
I'll get in the swing eventually.
But...I have news to share. I have been waiting for the appropriate time.
I'M HAVING A BABY!
I'm due March 27.
I can't believe it.
I'm past 12 weeks, so I'm starting to share.
dustin and I are absolutely beside ourselves with excitement.
Monday, I had my first big appointment and everything seems to be going well. i didn't get to hear the heartbeat yet. She says that is pretty common to not hear it this early.
She says it's fun when you do, but nothing to worry about when you do.
We are having some birth issues to figure out, but I'll share that another day.
Morning sickness is starting to go away.
Time to go home. I have to make supper for the family tonight.

I may have to change the name back!

My husband finds my change of blog name...boring...Fine.
I'm not sure if I will change it back or not. If he added to this blog once in awhile, I may have more compassion for his want of changing the name back, but he doesn't.
So...I'll leave it for awhile.
His point, I'm still a pastor. technically I will still be a pastor for several more years. I'm still rostered, just not in call.
I just wonder sometimes what this will do for things like, my theological reflection. I don't think I turn that off, I never had before, but I am curious to see what my new outlet will be for my thoughts.
I've never really put those thoughts here. I've always put them into my sermons and education components. Interesting.
I may need to find an outlet.
As my last Sunday approaches, I am getting more and more excited. My big excitement is October 5. I look forward to going to church with Dustin and sitting in a pew and not doing anything. How can it get any better than that? It's something that Dustin and I have only done two times, I think.
I am at the office right now, waiting for a meeting at 7:00. It is freezing in here, but I don't think it is worth changing the heat for such little time. I'm not even sure if the furnace has had its check yet.
I am looking at my office right now and wondering how I am going to get everything packed up. There are so many books and keepsakes. I'll get there eventually, I just hope it is sooner rather than later. I'm getting boxes from Jamestown tomorrow, so that can get me started on a second load.
Well, I think I will make some popcorn so I can eat before my meeting.

Dustin is Home!

And it is AWESOME! We are both thrilled to be in the same place again. It's my day off, but Dustin had to come to town for ambulance call, so I came into town too. Just to have people around is good, even though they are all doing other things. I've spent a lot of alone time and it is nice to not be alone for awhile.
I'm fairly introverted by nature, but even I have my limits. I'm camped in a recliner with TV and internet and I'm working on worship planning.
I know it is my day off, but since I am leaving, there are lots of things to get done and I have another day I would like instead this week, so that's my prerogative.
It is a good day.

Dustin Delayed!

Dustin will not be home until tomorrow. Oh well. They had another break down and didn't get to leave TX as soon as they planned.
I was at Red Willow Bible Camp this weekend. We had our quilt auction this weekend. I spent just short of $400. I got some great stuff. Three quilts and a bench (long story on the bench). When Dustin gets home with my camera I'll have to take pictures and post the fun stuff.
The quilt I wanted went way past my price range. $600. And another one I wanted was great, but went for about $750-900. In the end, I decided to buy more stuff for less money, but I got a lot of great stuff. It's a good cause.
I finished my sermon tonight and should probably give it a look in the morning, just in case. Knowing that these are the last days at my church is a little surreal.
Rumor has it that the strike team will get back, get their stuff washed and then get sent to the coast with another activation. Dustin is hoping to figure out how to talk to his boss and get him to let him change out. I have my last weeks at church and a doctor's appointment that he wants to be here for. He just wants to be home and we think we should be together for these big life changes. We'll see what happens. Wish us luck and pray for the hurricanes to slow down.
Good night all

Dustin's coming home! Dustin's Coming Home!

Good news. The strike team leaves TX tomorrow by noon and make their way back. Tonight they are staying in a nice hotel with a bar and real showers. Dustin said he's taking two. One tonight and one in the morning, even though he'll be clean.
YAY. They are coming home. Dustin will be home by Saturday night.

Dustin is still gone.

Dustin had to leave last Thursday for TX. His strike team was activated for emergency response to the hurricane. They evacuated hospitals before Gustav and now are waiting in TX for further instructions. The will most likely be sent to Louisiana tomorrow, he said. FEMA wants to keep them down south until Hanna and Ike arrive or until they know what is going on with the hurricane and tropical storm.
I miss him like crazy. It has been hard to face my last month without his support. My mom and dad came to visit so they could be in church with me on the Sunday after my resignation announcement. It has been hard.
Dustin won't be gone very long in the grand scheme of things. I can't imagine if he was part of the National Guard and would be deployed. This is definitely hard enough.
We're lucky that we are in between crops right now, but there's still in between stuff to do. I have to order a new sickle for the flex head and check on some sunflower contracts. It's a little crazy to do all this on top of trying to get things together to leave my job, but I guess life isn't always calm. It might get there some day.
I doubt it.

Life is changing...A lot!

It has been hard to write because life has gone so crazy and I have made so many decisions about life. A lot of things I wasn't comfortable writing about until they were made public. I didn't want anyone to stumble across a post and find out before I had announced my plans...So here it is...
I have resigned from my parish. I had struggled with this decision for quite a long time. I had decided about three months ago, but had to come to terms with the decision. What it meant, was it what I wanted.
I didn't tell anyone, not even Dustin, for about a month. One night, I came home from church, started crying and said to Dustin, "I want to quit."
I have loved being a pastor and I think I may return to ministry eventually, but right now, I just want to be on the farm. I have been spreading myself very thin for a very long time and I finally had to make a decision that would make me happy. I want to farm.
I am hoping that I will still do some pulpit supply, I still enjoy preaching a great deal, but the daily parish life has been difficult for me. I have lost my passion.
I will be going on leave from call. I will be done September 28. I am relieved.

Funeral is done...now...wedding

Finshing cleaning the office, a wierd family funeral, and I need an oil change!

The countdown is almost up. i currently trying to put together a graveside service for a weird relative. I have to drive about 16 hours tomorrow for the funeral. I have to get up at about 4:AM to get ready, drive 2 hours and pick up the widow, who I have never met.
Drive 5 hours up to my mom's home town. Meet my mom and dad, my aunt and uncle, and maybe a few cousins. Eat lunch, drive to cemetery about 30-45 minutes away, bury weird relative, drive the 5 hours to drop off the widow and then drive the next 2 hours home.
I am exhausted thinking about tomorrow, so I'm not quite sure how I am going to pull it off yet.
Today, I have to finish up cleaning the house, put together the funeral, put together the wedding service for the wedding I am performing on Friday, and some time today I need to put Sunday together.
Just your average day.
Hopefully I can give an update tonight.

Today is the day I'm going to start flying...again!

I need to get to work on cleaning the guest room and the house. I have pulled out my journal and am going to start with 1 hr weekly clean and then take the office on in baby steps to have it ready for the weekend.
So, it's time to start.

REYNA'S COMING! REYNA'S COMING!

Reyna called this afternoon and she's coming on Friday. I can't wait. I have a wedding on Friday, which is a bit sticky, but it will be fine. I can't wait.
I'm really hoping we'll have fresh tomatoes while she is here. It's the one thing that she mentioned, so hopefully.
I have to get the guest room ready for her visit. My mom and dad stay at my inlaws, but Reyna would rather stay with us, so we'll set up a mattress in the office.
YAY! Reyna's coming.
On the Sunday front. My sermon went great. Church went very well. After that we went out for dinner.
After we got home, I took a 3 hour nap, blissful

Saturday

So, it's 10:00 pm on Saturday night. Do you know where your pastor is? This one is heading to bed.
I picked beans in the garden and have them ready to blanch and freeze tomorrow. I picked the wax beans and Dustin will make pickles out of them tomorrow as well. I picked the sugar pod peas and a few zucchini and made a wonderful stir fry for supper. All in all, I'm feeling pretty good.
The kitchen is a mess and I can't figure out how it would be, but somehow, my spotless kitchen from yesterday is a disaster again today. I need to figure out some sort of system to keep our house under control, it's ridiculous.
I asked Dustin how I could sweep the living room floor two times yesterday and it would look like a disaster today. He pointed out that it's most likely because we live in such a small space. Everything is so compact and our traffic patter is always the same. If we had more space, the same two people who make the same amount of mess will see the effects of it less. I think he may be right.
I will figure out a system though.
Good night.
Sermon is ready, I'm ready for bed.

Today...Small accomplishments...

Sometimes need to keep you going.
I have tons of things left for Sunday, but didn't get there. I was inspired to clean, so my entry is clean, our bedroom sheets are changed and sprayed with my favorite rose linen spray. (Dustin will love that...heehee, not so much, a bit girly for him). The bedroom is cleaned up, but I still need to get a little dusting done.
I have the livingroom clean, the storage room rearranged and even the dusting done.
I got good news today, my friend Reyna might be coming for a visit. She isn't quite sure about her schedule yet, but it's looking promising. Dustin and I are so excited.
I'm not sure about tomorrow's plans, but Dustin just got home. He and E were working on one of the rentals. It was late. So, I better give him a little attention.
Later all

Here's What I did in NoDak today.

Today....Drumroll...We painted a barn.
Above you will see Dustin and I in the genie lift. The picture was taken by Dustin's mom.
This is a neighbor's barn and we said we would paint it about 3 summers ago. Yes, I know that is way too long to wait, but it is a project we should not have taken on the summer we were getting married and Dustin was in the midst of a political campaign and going to school. Let's just say, life was full and while life is still full, we have now gotten to finishing the project.
Dustin got called into work at the ambulance in the afternoon, so it was just me on the lift trying to finish. The life started acting funny at about 7:00 and wouldn't go up anymore, so I had to quite.
But at least most of the front of the barn is done.
Now tomorrow we finish in the shade. YAY.
good night.

Check in

I really don't have anything exciting to report.
Sunday was the service in the park and it went really well and it was lots of fun.
My mom and dad came for it and stayed until today. it was a great day and we had a really good visit. Mom helped me with beet pickles yesterday and we also worked on my garden. It was fun and we got a lot done.
We are now eating peas and beans from the garden. The zucchini is just a day or two away from being the right size to use. I like them when they are small and a good size for stir fry and they are still tender. The cucumbers are looking terrible, they just aren't growing. My tomatoes are absolutely beautiful and while they haven't turned yet, they do look like they are going to be wonderful. The roma tomatoes are going to be really nice and my early girls are going to turn fairly soon, I believe.
The corn is tasseling, but it will be a bit of time yet.
I am happy with my garden this year.
It's such a great time of year.

I'm Home!

I've been home since Sunday and it is great to be here. I got home Sunday afternoon, Dustin met me at the airport and he brought the dogs! It was so fun and it was so good to be with Dustin again. I must admit, I missed him.
We got home and it was time to load the pickup and go to the neighbors for the "block party." We put it on with a couple other neighbors, now, mind you, our block is the township, so it is several miles. It was fun to meet all the new families that have moved it. We actually have young neighbors that we have never met before, how fun.
Monday was laid back.
Tuesday, we painted a barn. We still have another day, but it rained today, so we couldn't do anything about it and it will have to dry out before we do any more.
Today, back to work, I lead chapel at the nursing home.
It is good to be home.

Charles E. Cheddar and Why I hate Vegas

We just got back from Chuck E. Cheese with the kids. The kids refuse to eat the food there (I can't blame them) So, we went to play in air conditioned comfort and then take the kids through the Burger King Drive through. Mark and Carol were nice enough on the way to the drive through to drop me off at Chipotle and I went and got my dinner to go and then they picked me up. I just finished my steak burrito and boy was it fabulous.
Carol and Mark are wrestling the kids down for a nap then she and I will retire to the basement to finish some of my cropping so I can start packing.
Anyway. Chuck E. Cheese. I know kids love it, but it is totally sensory overload and I get absolutely dazed and exhausted, add running after children and it is a miracle that any parent comes out alive. I feel the same way about Las Vegas. I like the concept, but all the lights and constant movement and noise is way too much for me. I've gone and since I am not a gambler, I don't feel the need to go again. I would, but I wouldn't go on purpose.
So, I hate both places, but the first I will at least tolerate for the kids. Vegas, well, not so much.
Less than 24 hours and I go home.

Tomorrow is my last day here!

I am leaving Sunday morning, so tomorrow is my last day with Carol, Mark and the kids.
Mark is at his monthly poker game tonight and Carol and I spent the night scrapbooking after we put the kids to bed. I have gotten quite a few pages of the scrapbook done and supplies for my vacation one.
This scrapbooking thing is not something I thought I would enjoy, but it actually has been fun because it's a good excuse to go through pictures and remember stuff and express it.
tomorrow morning I think we are going to some dinosaur wold thing that the kids like. After that lunch, naps, dinner out and then they are going to mass, so I will go with them. After mass, Carol and I will go out for ice cream.
This trip has been wonderful. I realize to most it would have been boring, but I have had the best time spending time with Carol, getting to know her kids. Her oldest kids have the best personalities,they say the funniest things. Her son is very sensitive and loves cars and tractors, her daughter is all attitude and sass and loves playing dressup, being a girly girl and her baby doll. Her newest the baby, really doesn't have a personality yet, at three weeks old, she is still a loaf of bread, but she will get there. She's perfect. I took care of the oldest two while Carol and Mark took the baby to her 3 week checkup and I had the best time taking care of the kids.
This morning and afternoon. Carol, the baby, and I went looking for a dress for Carol for the baptism in her post baby body. We found a great dress for Carol. I found a designer purse at a great price and as a hemmed and hawed, Carol decided to buy it for me as a thank you for coming and helping this last week. She didn't have to do it, but I have to say, I love the new purse and I will switch my stuff so I can use it on the trip home. YAY! New Purse.
This trip has been great. Now, I am excited to go home. I miss Dustin like crazy. I bought his anniversary gift the other day and I can't wait for him to see it. It's hard to be away from him this long.
I can't wait to play with the dogs and go for a long walk in the country.
Life is good. Friends, Family...Life is a blessing.

Everyone is napping!

I'm still at Carol's. I have to admit, I miss home something terrible. I always forget how much I am going to miss Dustin and the dogs and everyone else when I go away. It has been a long time since I went on vacation by myself and while it is great, I also know that when I get home I am going to hug Dustin and tell him how much I love him and remind him every day for a week how glad that I married him.
I talked to Dustin last night and I can tell that he misses me too. He's not himself. He had a crazy day at the ambulance too, so that made it a bit longer too. He got to eat at our neighbor's last night, which I'm sure was wonderful.
Carol is going to help me find some scrapbook stuff today for me to get working on the wedding book, we'll see how it goes.
Right now, the kids are all sleeping, and Carol has fallen asleep too. toooo cute, with baby on her chest.
I just wanted to check in.
Later

Kids! Krazy!

I am at Carol and Mark's. Carol is the best (no offense Mark, you are great too). The kids have been put to bed, Carol is checking laundry, I am posting this.
Today, slept in. Went swimming. Played farmer with Colin. Cuddled baby Tara.
Good day.
Time to relax.

Go! Go! Go! I leave tomorrow!

The dogs woke me at 5:30 this morning and after letting them out, I couldn't get back to sleep, so I stayed up. I'm a bit drowsy, but thought it best to attack some of my list for the day.
I leave tomorrow at 7:AM, airport earlier, for my trip to DC. I'm so excited to see Carol and the kids. Mark too, I guess, sorry, you really are 5th in line after Carol and the kids.
There are things that have to be done today.
4-H pictures are a t 4:00. Dustin has been taking these pictures for years and it's about $300 we get paid. Dustin poses the kids with their 4-H animals (mostly steers), we take the picture and then print it in a document of thanks for the person who buys the animal at the premium auction. The business that does the premium auction gets the picture in a frame. I don't know how it all works, I never had animals while I was in 4-H. Dustin was even his county's "alumni of the year." I had to find a way to secretly get him to the awards ceremony, because he didn't know why we had to go. Luckily, Dustin's family sponsors a 4-H award called the "herdsman." so, I said it had to do with that. Sucker.
Anway. In addition to getting the pictures printed this evening, I have to pack the toys for the kids, pack my clothes, do some laundry (so I can pack my clothes!), email some last worship stuff, and get a bunch of other stuff together.
So, this 6:00 in the morning thing is quite relaxing right now and apparently necessary.
I will try to write while I'm gone and include pics of the kids, but i don't know if i'll have time.
I'll try.

Weekend is over! Ladies start your engines!

It was a nice, but hectic weekend. We thought we would run around, but ended up deciding that being home was best. I worked in the garden, Dustin and his dad did some haying, we ate great meals prepared by either me or my MIL Harriet and relaxed.


Today I had to move my hair appointment until tomorrow, thank goodness there was an opening. We had a family funeral to go to and I forgot about my hair appointment. It wouldn't be a big deal any other week, but I want a fresh cut and color before I go to see the wonderful Carol Aimee (whoopie!).


So tomorrow I run to church, run to town for my hair appointment and then run back to church for a meeting. This is going to add an additional 80 miles of driving to my day, but it can't be helped as far as I can see.


I have to get worship things ready for my time away and then I have to work on some hymnal things in the evening. It will all go, but it takes some work, that is for sure.



I have to be packed by Thursday for the most part because I am helping dustin with fair pictures on Thursday and they have to be printed adn ready to go by the time I leave on Friday. I have a 7:AM flight. I have to make my list tonight so I can conqueor things one at a time so I don't get overwhelmed.



Dustin is making watermelon rind pickels right now. He's got them in the jars and just needs to hot water bath them.



I have laundry to get done for this trip, although I know I can do some at Carol's and will have to so I don't have to pack so much.



it will be nice to have a hair appointment, I'll get to just sit for a couple hours.



Goodnight all,

Must gor for now.

Happy 4th of July Everyone!

Peace

I fully admit that I am not ready to share in this format what my major decision is. If you want to know, please email me and I will get back to you. I know that some of you who read this know. My family knows, Dustin is great. It's just not for public consumption yet. I don't know teh details yet.
Anyway, I went to my neighbor carolgene's today to talk. Carolgene is a neighbor/dustin's cousin. Her and her late husband were one of our host couples for our wedding reception. He passed away this last year.
Carolgene is very wise. She was an education instructor at the college I attended and she is a rock and one of those peopel you go to when you need to talk things out. She is a great listener, she asks great questions to help you voice your feelings and sort them out, and she is honest and affirming and caring.
so, this morning, after two hours of sleep and much tossing and turning through the night, I called Carolgene and asked if I could come over for coffee.
We talked for two hour, drank coffee, at her increadible rice crispy bars (these are a gift because mine always get hard because I let the marshmallow go to long)
Anyway. After our get together, she asked to pray with me, and she prayed for me, gave me a hug.
Anyway, after the visit, I feel the most peace I have felt in months.
What a blessing. Life will be okay. I know I am finally on the right track. Peace. Wonderful Peace.

Decisions

I will write more as it becomes more clear in my head, but I have made some decisions about my life. I'm not happy and I have figured out the decisions that will make me happy. Dustin listened to me for hours and hours tonight and it was amazing to know that he and my mom had talked about this already and were waiting to see what I would decide. Now I know.
I will sleep well tonight. I have made a decision.

Long Evening at Church and I'm in Trouble with the Post Office

I have council at 8:30 pm tonight. Late, but it works for the farmers who would feel it would be quitting early if we met earlier. It isn't so bad because it is light outside until later.
I didn't come in until after lunch because I knew I would be here late.
I am taking bites out of my worship planning for the next weeks. I want everything ready for the worship committee this weekend for when I am gone.
It will be a bit of work, but worth it if it goes together. I would like to get things put together for the week I get back too, so then the whole month is complete. That would rock
My worship committee is great about leading worship, but they are not big on helping put it together. They'll get involved for Christmas, Easter, Advent, Lent...Summer in the long green season, that seems to be my territory.
I think September will be a sermon series to break things up.
I have a plan for Wednesdays in advent, some people will love it. some will hate it. All will think it is fine for the Wed night services. It will be based around the 4 spiritual types and we'll create the service around these and experience advent worship through these lenses. It should be a lot of fun.
On the other side of things. I'm in trouble with the post office because I haven't been good about picking up the church mail this summer. It's mostly because my summer schedule has been so varied and I haven't had my own vehicle. I haven't always been coming in during the regular hours so the post has been closed. I have had a lot of things during the day away from town, visitation has been mostly in the nursing homes and in the country. So, unless we have a plan for picking up the mail, she will not renew our box. So, I have to talk to council tonight because I've been a bad pastor and got reprimanded like a 10 year old by the postmaster.
The council will either be annoyed or amused. Honestly, we just need to get through harvest and then I won't have a problem. It's just this time of year. I would also like to point out that this is another reason I should have a secretary!
We have a couple options, we'll see what they want to do. (Sadly, one will not be a secretary)
My council president is actually going to think this is funny because he was reprimanded by the postmaster too.
This wouldn't be an issue if we didn't get so much stupid junk mail. If the fundamentalist companies would stop sending me weird product catalogs, it would cut down immensely, we get these magazines for each church, so 2 x the junk mail.
Life is weird. Hymns (check), Bulletin (check), Return phone messages (check), get yelled at by the postmaster (check). Just another day in paradise.

The Planner was lost, but now is found, was clueless, but now I see.

I found my planner this morning. I ripped Dustin's messy pickup apart and there it was. Jammed underneath the middle console all the way to the back seat. (hard to explain). Anyway. I found it, including my paycheck. My Soc. Sec. Card was in there, which had me terrified, I needed it for a second form of id for my test on Thursday and since that was the last day I had the planner, I was positive that I was well in my way to id theft and a lot of drama.
In other good news. I brought my 4Runner into the autobody shop today. I will be driving my own vehicle soon.
I am working at home today, worship and phone calls mostly. Since I will be gone for 2 weeks, I need to get worship together as well.
Wish me luck for a productive day.

My Planner is Missing! I'm in so much trouble!

From the title, you can tell that I'm totally panicing right now. I saw it last time on Thursday. I am planning on tearing Dustin's truck apart when he gets home. I was sure that once I finished cleaning the house that it was sure to turn up, but no such luck.
I am completely paralyzed. I have no idea what I have been missing. Today I know I am safe. I do write most stuff down on our big calendar in the kitchen so D and I can keep track of each other, but I have some important stuff in that planner.
I think I saw in Saturday to bring to a meeting, but I was sure that I forgot it at home. I can't tear about the house anymore, I've done it.
So, if everyone could put out some prayers, good thoughts, whatever, I would be totally appreciative.
Dustin was supposed to be home awhile ago, but he had to stay at work for awhile longer. I really hope he gets here so I can rip his truck apart.
I will take pics of the fountain and post them later. I have quite a few of the progress, so will share them later.
i better go feed the fish. Maybe they have seen my planner.

Monday! I love Monday!

Monday is my day off for those of you who don't know. I wish I felt better to enjoy it. I have had terrible heartburn since last night and today I am nauseated.
Dustin went to the ambulance this morning to get caught up on some of his paperwork. He'lll be home later this afternoon adn my guess is this evening he will spray some crop.
I got up when he did and took advantage of the cool morning and went and weeded garden for a couple hours. Hopefully I can get more done this evening.
In fun news. We put a pond in behind our garage in this pretty shaded area under some trees. It is starting to look great. I planted some more impatients around it last night. The waterfall sounds beautiful, the water is starting to clear up adn the fish seem very happy. We bought some cheap goldfish for now, they are a little tiny, so not the easiest to see, but actual koi are pretty expensive for each fish. We thought we should start where the money investment wasn't going to kill us if they died.
I cleaned our living room last night and today I am going to do the scary job of sweeping under our bed which is occupied by dustbunnies that I know must be carnivorous because they sure look they want to eat me.
so, back to work I go.
I better find something for lunch, then back to work.

A Shower and Laundry!

I went to a bridal shower today for a cousin of Dustin's. We rent land from her parents too, so I went with the women of the family because none of us can make the wedding. Befoer we went to the shower this morning I went to town to meet with a couple who's wedding I'm doing and we needed to go through the ceremony.
My MIL and I went to lunch with my SIL first and then the shower. I got home at about 4:30 and came home to find that Dustin made banana bread from the blackening bananas on the counter, YUM.
Now...Laundry...Laundry...More Laundry...

I Passed! I Passed! I'm an EMT!

I took my test at 10:00 this morning. It shut down some time during the 70's as far as questions. The last time I had looked I was at 68 questions and I know I didn't have more than ten more questions. It was a computer adaptive test, so you know what you are doing bad at because you get more questions in the area you don't get questions correct in. I seemed to get a lot of pediatric, so that tells me that I screwed up on my first pediatric question so I kept getting them. I had looked a lot at my adult stuff, but I got my infant and children things backwards, but it's done and I passed. I'm very excited!
I was hoping to celebrate tonight, but I forgot that Dustin had an regional emergency management meeting. I'm hoping he'll be home before the storms come up, we are in a thunderstorm warning and it is really dark to the west.
So, instead of a celebration, I'm drinking a beer and folding the laundry, hmmm, not so great a celebration. So...I am definitely owed a celebration.
So, I passed! YAY!

My EMTB exam

I am off to take my EMT exam. If all goes well by the end of the day I should be a nationally registered EMT. If not, I have to take the stupid test again. I'm a bit nervous. I feel like I know nothing.
Wish me luck and a few prayers would be appreciated.

I thought I'd be sleeping right now? Hmmm

So, I am on my own for the next couple nights. Dustin is working at the ambulance. He called forever ago to say goodnight. I had intentions to go to bed shortly after that...it didn't happen. I was in the middle of folding some laundry and an episode of "Law & Order." (I know, I am still that predictable and watch L&O like the show is brand new.)
Anyway, I kept getting involved in one project after another and now I can't sleep. I did get some of the laundry caught up and some great time to myself.
Being away at con. ed. last week threw me off a bit. I usually need a day or two to regroup and I didn't get that, it was a mad run until tonight.
So, maybe now it is time to sleep.

Saturday night! Sermon Writing! What a Week!

First of all! HAPPY BIRTHDAY CAROL AIMEE. I hope you have a wonderful day and that you are having wonderful last days of being a mother of two and I hope you are ready to be a mother of three. I know you are great and I can't wait to see you in July!

Tonight I am sitting in my livingroom finishing up my thoughts for my sermon tomorrow. I am not a fan of the Saturday night special, but some weeks it happens. I was at a continuing education class on "Leading from within." It was about knowing our spirituality as pastors and how it effects our leadership and how we interact with people. I am a 1 on the enneagram. We did some work with our persona and our shadow sides and then were lead on a guided meditation to "encounter" our shadow. I was a bit overwhelmed, but it was an incredible exercise. I learned a lot about myself, especially how I deal with failure and betrayal and what I do with things that bother me. I also learned some things about myself that I find a bit too personal to share here, but it was valuable to unearth some things that I hadn't known about myself.

I also had some fun throughout the week. I stayed with my friends D and J on Tuesday night and it was fun to see their kids and see how grown up they have become. On Wednesday, I stayed with my friend R. She and I have have been friends since we were about 3. That's at least from when the first pictures are available, our parents knew each other a long time, to say the least. We went out for a fabulous dinner, talked until late, drank two bottles of wine. It was such a fun time. I didn't know I needed to get away until I did, it was fun. I also got some great new clothes on sale. A couple summer shirts. Two pairs of crop pants, one denim another cotton. I also found two pairs of pants that were on clearance and will be perfect for summer and year round. One pair is black, the other pair is narrow striped with black, tan and white. I have to hem those by about an inch, but that is easy.

Now, I'm home and that's good too. Dustin is busy spraying crops. I have helped move water tanks with my day off. I kept up on most of the church duties while gone, so, except for an unfinished sermon, I have done well.
Tonight was two weddings to attend. We went to one wedding, stopped at the reception of the other. We came home early so Dustin could still go spray and I had the church stuff. So, that was good.

Tomorrow is a day of rest, but it won't be much of one. I get to lead worship in the morning. I don't like the summer 8:30 a.m. schedule, but less than three months to go now. Tomorrow night is a going away party for a colleague who is taking a call in Chicago. I am happy for her, she is from there originally and has been in ND for close to 20 years.

I am off for now. I am living on too much caffeine and not enough sleep, so I think I will try to reverse the pattern tonight.

A Few Days Away!

I am in a hotel tonight. I am at continuing education. After my class ended at 5:00, I went with some of my fellow educationers (yes, I know that is not a word) out for dinner. We went to an absolutely fabulous Thai restaurant in Moorhead. I had straight up Pad Thai noodle. There were other things on the menu, but pad thai is one of my favorites and I have a feeling we might end up going back, I'll get adventurous then. The four of us then ordered two deserts. Sticky rice with Mango and fried bananas with coconut ice cream.
Now, I realize that writing about my dinner is not very exciting, but you must understand how exciting this was for me. For actually all of us.
The four of us who went out this evening serve rural congregations. We live in small towns. We don't get ethnic food, unless you count knephla or lefse. So, I think the four of us will be trying to fit everything we possibly can in on the evenings we are out.
Another thing, my husband is not always adventuresome in his cuisine choices. I believe he would have tried Thai food with me, but I also believe he would be completely content to not try it. When we come to Fargo, for instance, there are plenty of restaurants that we both like and that are different than what we get at home, so we go there. That's fair. So this week, I am taking advantage of a culinary adventure and I will cherish it.
I am at the hotel right now, it's early and I could got out, but it's kind of nice to be in. I have been so tired lately that I feel like just vegging. I'm staying with a friend Wednesday night, so tonight and tomorrow at the hotel. It's kind of relaxing.
Good night. I'm going to enjoy my night. I feel like I'm on vacation, but really. IT'S WORK!

I walked 12 miles!

Today was the walk for Abby's team. She is a young woman originally from the town I serve. She is 34 and this year was diagnosed with breast cancer. The walk was to help raise money and we walked from Litchville to Marion, which is about 12 miles...It's also 17 activity points on WW.
My legs hurt, my feet hurt, my back hurts...I'm not sure how I will get out of bed tomorrow, but I am going to bed.
I feel very proud of my accomplishment of walking that far...I also know that it was for something great. There were 81 walkers and I can't wait to find out how much money. I know that it must be a minimum of 12000. Based on matching funds and the minimum amount that each person was asked to raise.
I also realize that I would have had an easier time if I was lighter. It was a wake up call. There are so many things that I could do better or not struggle with if I could become a healthier weight. Currently at my physicals I am testing healthy. I want to keep it that way.

Oatmeal cookies!

I have just finished up my last sheet of oatmeal cookies. they taste fine, but they don't look great...They kinda fell apart, but that is okay. I don't bake a lot any more because I don't want us to have the sugar, but I was in the mood to bake and Dustin wanted cookies. I want them to cool so I can put them in the cookie jar and then I think I'll go out and mow the lawn. I want to get the kitchen cleaned up too.
We got 4 inches of rain yesterday and my lawn was in desperate need of a mowing already, if I don't do it today, I may have to hay the yard. I just mowed and then the rains started coming, so it has been too wet to mow, but great for the grass...Today we finally have sunshine, so grass...get ready to be cut...

Run! Run! Run! Run! Run! After you hit the deer!

Last night I hit a deer with my wonderful 4Runner. I love my vehicle...I did not love the deer that I killed. It ruined my grill and front bumper and headlight. It was still drivable, so that was good. I am now driving the canary (that's our 75 Ford pickup in pastel yellow).
Today has been nonstop running. I have other stuff I should do tonight, but I don't feel like running around any more today. I went to the nursing home today with the VBS kids so they could perform part of their program for the residents. That went well.
Dustin called right after I left and said R was going to seed our CRP this afternoon, could I go check it out when he called. Dustin called again on my way home, he has a jug of chemical spill in the back of his pickup. After I get back from the vbs program, I drive the canary to town to meet Dustin for lunch. Lunch was pretty good, except they forgot the avacado on my salad. Dustin thinks I am the only person who would notice that, but since avacado was one of the key ingredients in the salad, of course I noticed it and missed it. R called after lunch, I went home, changed clothes and went and checked on R. I then went to my MIL's and we went and got spray and also brought the maps for the custom spraying we are having done.
I went back and checked on R again. Then I came home and cleaned the chemical out of the back of Dustin's pickup, which was sticky, gross, and took to long. That's now done too.
I really should go outside and either mow the lawn, plant tomatoes or finish my tomato juice that I am in the process of making from frozen tomatos from last summer, but I haven't gotten that far and I'm exhausted.
Oh well, maybe motivation will hit soon. I doubt it.

One Day Left!

We have just finished the 4th day of VBS and we have one day left...oh and then the program at the nursing home on Saturday and we're leading church Sunday. (Did I mention I don't have to write a sermon for Sunday? I believe I did...Many times.)
It's pouring rain...I think I'm going to wait a few minutes and go home.

It's Vacation Bible School Time!

I have yet to see the movie I have dreamed of seeing for months because evenings this week are dedicated to Vacation Bible School. But, I guess that is o.k. because the kids are having a great time, the adults are exhausted, but glad the kids are having a great time and because the sun is actually out today and it is not raining which means we can have games outside and run them for 20 minutes to get rid of some of their energy.
You see, I serve in a small church, no gym, no official classrooms, no space...So, the powerpoint display is in front of the altar, which is pushed against the wall of the sanctuary, the candles are put away, the pews are pushed around to give the kids space to do the actions...and yesterday I had the joy of watching one of the leaders help the preschoolers make mudpies in the kitchen while not getting the kitchen dirty because it was raining outside and the kids couldn't go out in it...
Two days of rain so far have made VBS a bit of a logistical nightmare, but it has still gone fairly well. YAY for us...
I am also thrilled that I will not have to write a sermon this week because the VBS kids are leading worship and we're having a joint service...So while I have to wear a t-shirt with a beaker ironed on it, while I have to sing loud and dance like an idiot, and while I have to probably explain to our altar guild that we will not be sentenced to eternal damnation for moving the altar, candles and communion rails. I do not have to write a sermon...That's a fun vacation...Whooohooo.
And as the beautiful carol aimee reminds me...I can officially say that I get to see Carol next month! That's even better.

No Sex in the City for me ;(

So, I was supposed to go to Sex and the City tonight with my friend Kari and another friend of hers. My dad showed up. I'm glad he's here, but sad that I have to skip the movie tonight. We may go tomorrow, but I wanted to go tonight.
Well, that's the update for now.

A good ending to a tough start

So, even though I had a tough start. The day ended up being great. IT RAINED! Not a lot, but it was needed so badly and it has been misting ever since, so a good soak is appreciated.
The best news of the day. I booked my plane tickets to D.C. I am visiting the lovely Carol Aimee and her wonderful children, Colin, Erin, and new baby girl (name still being debated). Oh, I guess Mark will be there too, sorry Mark. I am excited to teach the kids the proper way to play with a farm set. I am going to cook Carol wonderful food too. She is going to help me put together a scrap book.
I don't scrap book, but was given an entire scrap book with paper and stickers and accessories for our wedding, it is of course, all wedding related. I thought of regifting it to someone, but as I don't know any other women who do this, it doesn't seem like the gift that would keep giving, more like the gift that keeps regifting. Anyway. Carol said if I brought the stuff, she would love to help me. She has all the scrapbooking toys, so that will be good.
I am looking forward to this laid back, hang out with my friend trip. I'm sure to other people it would be completely boring, but Carol and I can talk for days and never get board.
I spent plenty on my ticket, but considering prices lately I got a steal and only have to drive 17 miles to the local airport. I did the map with driving further and it was cheaper to not drive and go from home.
YAY. I get a vacation.

A little better, but not the best!

I am feeling better, but it is still a tough go today. My sinuses are still completely filled and making me miserable. I must admit, it seems that I am having a huge effect on my motivation. I have a list of things to do. Write out bills, balance check book (preferably before writing out the bills), mess with digital camera so I can use it for bible school next week and download pictures into the daily powerpoint, finish bulletin for church and get it run off, and make sure I have all my stuff together for Sunday, I wouldn't mind having the sermon done too.
Tomorrow night, I have my husband convinced that he can take me to the Sex and the City movie. I actually may not take him, but he said he would go. I actually would rather take my friend Kari, the movie really is a "girls night out" thing. Time will tell as tomorrow progresses. I just can't wait to go see it.
So, I better get a move on. I have lots to accomplish.

I hate my sinuses!

I am in the midst of the 3rd sinus infection in about 6 months. I feel like I just got over the last one...It started with the sniffles yesterday and I didn't think it would be a big deal. I even mowed the lawn for the first time. This morning, I woke up and my head has been throbbing and my sinuses have been hurting ever since. I also switched to the puffs plus with lotion. (I keep a box on hand for such nose emergencies)
This is such a bummer that I feel so crappy because the day was kind of mine to do with as I wished. I had plans of doing some window shopping and looking for a pair of black pants. Instead, I did the no nonsense shopping, like groceries, grabbed a bite to eat with Dustin, stopped and got a shot, and then I came home. I have been vegging in from of the TV ever since.
Not fair, but at least I am feeling better tonight. I hope this one goes away before I have to go on antibiotic. So far I haven't been able to shake these without meds. So, hopefully this will be different.

I can't believe it has been so long...

I have pictures to eventually download and post and stories to go with them, but there just isn't time now. I have to clean my kitchen so I can get some work done. I had two giant bowls of tomatoes that I froze last year. Yesterday I got them out, skinned them and today I should be ready to make tomato juice. After I get the juice made I will have to can it, but that shouldn't take too long.
I just fed Dustin and his parents and everyone went to the field, except me who is here on standby until they need me. I also need to get a pork roast in the crock pot. If all goes as planned it should be a productive day, but lately things have not been going according to plan, so I am refusing to get my hopes up.
I have to reorder my onions. My chickens got in my garden and ripped up most of my hard work and my onions and tomato plants are toast. Dumb chickens! Some days I would ring every little neck, but then I'd had to clean them...oh well.
I think I will close my eyes for a couple minutes in the chair and then get the show started.

I went for the desert! I was denied

I went to the nursing home today to represent my church at a volunteer appreciation. I thought it was at 12:30, but it wasn't in my planner, so I went to church to check the letter. The letter said 2:30. So, I did some work, getting everything for Sunday ready, except for the sermon. So, I went at 2:30 and there were no volunteers there, no dessert. The volunteer coordinator wasn't there. There was a program for residents going on, so I couldn't find out what was going on, so I left. So, I went for the desert, instead, I went to the bank, I ran to the store, I went home. I went and road with Dustin in the tractor. Eric and Clarissa came out and Clarissa wanted a tractor ride, so she did that and then I brought her and Eric to our house so she could feed the chickens. They just left and now I am going to go back out to the tractor.
Good news on the travel front. I believe that I can go see my friend Carol in July. I'm planning on leaving the 12th and hopefully can stay for a week or nine days. So far, I think I have found a reasonably priced ticket, so Washington, DC, here I come. YAY me!

Trinity Sunday!

Does anyone have any thoughts. I am just burnt out this week and the thought of having to think about Sunday has given me a few hives. Technically, I have been taking vacation days to farm, but I still have to think about Sundays. So, I have to take some time to make sure worship is together. It is starting to rain, so I am home right now, trying to catch up around the house a bit.
So, I send out my plea. If anyone has any thoughts about the upcoming Sunday. Let me know.
Ugh.

It's fun to surprise someone!

My mom was so surprised when I came into the house. She didn't see me pull into the drive, so she was in the kitchen and very confused when Molly went running in and jumped all over her. We didn't do too much of anything. We sat around and visited and walked around the garden to see what was finally growing. My dad gave the dog hair cuts and baths, they are are a lot cuter. I stopped in my home town on the way home to get local potatoes, they are sooooo good. I came home late yesterday afternoon. I stopped in Jamestown to have a pie at Perkins with Dustin and then I came home and got dishes in the dishwasher put away and got some supper ready. I made grilled fish with lemon and capers, rice with herbs and garlic, and rhubarb bars that my mom sent home with me.
Today I am home and will help when Dustin gets home from town. I want to clean up the kitchen and living room a bit. I have dishes to take out of the dishwasher and some papers to go through. I also want to get the bedroom clean and laundry figured out. Since our washing machine plumbing isn't right, I'll need to do a few loads at my inlaws' today. We are not sure how we are going to solve the plumbing problem yet. Apparently a front load can not be plumbed the same way as a top load because it uses so much less water. By the way, the idiot repairman's solution was for us to buy another new washer. Ummm, no, we'll just figure out the better way to plumb it. He was an absolute jerk. He was condescending and arrogant, just annoying. He figured out my problem, but really, that's about all.
Well, I better get to it.
later all

Happy Mom Day!

To all the moms I know and love. I write that now because I am going spend tomorrow with my mom. So, have a great day everyone!

I hate waiting!

I have taken some days off this week to help around the farm. Currently, I am sitting at our house waiting for the washing machine repair main. My brand new Kenmore is causing me problems. Like it won't want and keeps showing a code P35 for those who may speak Kenmore. Anyway, I looked up code in the book and it said, "Call your repairman." so, I am waiting for the repairman who said he was coming right now. Right now was about an hour ago and I live 20 minutes from town.
Oh well.

I'm sore, I'm exhausted, I worked my butt off!

Today I am one kick butt farmer. I have taken most of this week off so I could help Dustin get the new planter up and running because it should have been up and running last week. Anyway. I have been crawling up and down off the planter, I have been measuring fertilizer hoses, attaching hose clamps, putting stuff together and I ROCK!
I love it when I can actually do something to help and it makes a difference. I do not get in a lot on working on equipment. 1)I'm not mechanical 2) most of the time my contribution to working on equipment is, "Here, hold this." Okay and then I hold the part."3)I'm usually at work and not home.
Today was cook because Dustin said, "can you put that together?" And I did it, how I wanted and did a really good job. I'm so proud.
Good night.

Monday was great!

I just got home and it was a great evening. Dustin and I had supper with Eric and his daughter. After that, the four of us went to see friends who were in town. Dustin's friend Saul and his family moved to TX last year and were back for his grandfather's funeral. It was so good to see them. Saul's wife, Alexis, and I were just starting to really get to know each other when they left, it was good to see her. Her and the kids may come out tomorrow to see the chickens and some of the calves. That should be fun.

I LOVE MONDAY!

I know that it is a strange statement, but it is my day off and I love it! Dustin is at the ambulance today, so the day really is all mine. I like having days to myself, they are important and if Dustin didn't have work at the ambulance at least once a week, I wouldn't get them as much as I like. He doesn't always get that I like to spend a day at home without it being productive, sometimes, you just want to goof off. Today is that day for me. I have some little things I want to get done, but nothing pressing. I'm going to go out for lunch and enjoy my day. I have some things I want to go through in the house too, we are in the process of rearranging and so on, so it's better to do it and ask for forgiveness later. Luckily, Dustin has liked everything I have done, even if he didn't know I was going to do it. I'm going to continue enjoy my day.

"I'm glad you came out tonight."

It was a bit of a bumpy afternoon on the farm today, but it ended well. After having to lay under the corn planter pounding on bolts and getting really dirty. After getting the airseeder filled again so Dustin could go to the riverbottom, it ended up being a nice ending to the day.
Dustin went to seed the riverbottom field and asked if I could bring him food. So, I scavenged for food in my MIL's house and came up with a sandwich for each of us, a cinnamon roll to share and a squirt. I decided to ride in the tractor with Dustin while he was seeding. I hadn't done that forever, just gone out and rode with him, in the first weeks and even the year of our engagement, that use to be a date, it sometimes would be the only way we could see each other.
As we were driving the tractor back and forth and he was explaining the finer points of driving the airseeder and tractor, he got very serious.
"I'm glad you came out tonight. You know however bad a day goes, you are always the one that makes it better. You know me and you love me and you are always there for me. I'm glad that we are in this together."
It was a little mushy, but I have to say, this is one of the reasons I love this man. He isn't scared to be mushy sometimes, he tells me he loves me and he tells me how important I am to him. I realize lately that we have formed a great partnership, a loving marriage, a bond that I come to cherish more all the time.
I realize that when I have a bad day, I want him to be the one at the end of mine too.