Farming Folks

Edith

2011-04-23T09:40:00.000-04:00

Snow bomb 2010

2010-12-09T08:43:00.003-05:00

The BIG snowstorm of 2010 resulted in almost 5 ft of the white stuff here where we live. And it's still snowing as I post this. Kids were off for 3 snow days so far, and this morning we're waiting to see if the 2 hr delay becomes day 4!

Hope y'all are staying warm!!

Final Wedding On the Farm

2010-10-14T08:54:00.006-04:00

This is Dwights sister on her wedding day...Isn't she lovely? The wedding was here on the farm and although a bit drizzly it was a wonderful time for family to gather. This was back in August, and because I'm such a poor blogger ... well you know.

This was the final wedding of the Garrett girls, all 5 are now in wedded bliss. Dwights mom is now considering a full time postition as a wedding planner, as she's got it all down to an art :)

The bag lady..

2010-07-18T07:19:00.002-04:00

I'd like to say she takes after her mother....but I REALLY shouldn't take the credit for this.

You see, my little strawberry head has a fetish for bags, purses, sacks, and pretty much anything that can hold stuff....loads and loads of stuff.

Recently as I was cleaning I found at least 10 bags full of junk...and by junk I mean toys, papers, writing untensils and so forth. She's got a problem my friends. It was time for an intervention. Upon the last cleaning of the playroom, I hid each and every purse I came across. I thought we were home free for a bit .....then she found an old clinique bag, and loaded it with every bit of makeup she had been given over her few years. (my cast-offs, my mothers cast-offs, and my mother in Laws cast-offs...she's got more makeup than the avon lady..)

I'm off to hide her school bag and lunch pail ... who knows what she could fit in those.

In all things (or temperatures) give thanks!

2010-07-05T21:10:00.004-04:00

Feels good to post on this here blog....might have to try this a little more often :)

It's been 40 degrees with the humidity here and the AC upstairs quit working ... isn't that so typical. Sooo our house is muggy and sticky and we are ever so thankful for Grandmas pool next door! In all things give thanks.... so thank you Lord for the heat and humidity, (and the HUGE tomatoes I shall be harvesting due to this greenhouse like temperature!)

Cabinets

2010-07-03T08:52:00.008-04:00

Well I did this the wrong way and you'll see the latest photos first, so go to the other ones and see the progression!

The walls appear green but they actually a taupe or stony colour. Granite is still to come, as well as fixtures and some lighting.

We tried to save money and ordered our cabinets through an amish gentleman who has done a few kitchens, but hadn't tried glazing or painted finishes yet. Thought we'd take the risk, and we're over the moon with the results. The crown moulding isn't on yet, there are still other cabinets to be put up...but this gives you an idea of the finished look.... can't wait to post the done deal!

Before Cabinets..

2010-07-03T08:46:00.003-04:00

Pictures of the house disorganized but beginning to take shape!

During...

2010-07-03T08:12:00.007-04:00

Just to give you and idea of what we lived through....ugg....

2010-07-03T07:47:00.006-04:00

Wonder where I've been?? ...didn't think so :)

Thought I'd throw up some pictures (which make me want to throw up after all this...) of what we've been living and breathing these past couple months. It's been quite a journey but is now within reach. About 3 more weeks until completion. Whew!

Our 60 year old house has been needing some updates...and so the hubs and I began with a larger than life dream of putting on an addition for a new kitchen. The price tag on that dream was far beyond our means, so we beat our dreams into submission and came up with something far more reasonable and yet still dreamy enough.

What started as 3 small rooms (dining, kitchen and playroom) became one large open concept living space.

Here are some before photos....

Dining room (during reno)

Brick wall between Hallway and kitchen (during reno)

Playroom (I'd like to say during reno....but sadly it typically looked like this!!)

I'll post some during and after photos on another post... picasa is giving me trouble!

The big B-B-Budget...

2010-02-01T20:06:00.004-05:00

Not the Jet Set

Click on the above link if you've ever wondered what my budget consists of now. For all you Dave Ramsey fans, we folk are currently on Baby step 3. It too will take us a while...but we're in this for the long haul.

I'm currently on the look out for an envelope system that'll fit nicely in my purse and that will take a bit of abuse. Ramsey himself offers a planner with envelopes in it, but after reading the comments, I've decided to try to find something that is made from plastic or fabric, not paper as it tends to rip easily...(umm. duh ..)

So as the Hubs is at his Bible study, I'll be scoping out a cash envelope system that works for me!! Hope y'all are having a great Monday!

Snow much fun...

2010-01-28T16:59:00.006-05:00

There've been a few snowy days 'round these parts, not too many though....which is just okily dokily. The small hill outside our patio door has been claimed as their 'Caboggening hill' as miss Ashy calls it. The path down is slick and pressed nicely, in good crazy carpet fashion. Half an hour of 'Caboggening' for them = Half an hour of silence for me.

Thank you oh sweet hill.

Even the big guy enjoys a ride...

2010-01-22T15:02:00.004-05:00

I'm fuzzy in my thinking...just awoke from a glorious nap with my baby (who is still snoring..). It's been a lovely stay-at-home-mom kind of day, sun shining in the windows, Eden giving each of her dollies a diaper change and a dance (....even the freaky one with the broken eye and the backwards head...she's an equal opportunity kind of caretaker, just as any real mommy would be) And I've been dilly dallying... at little of this and a little of that.

We were out to feed the cows for a bit, throwing their hay back into their mangers, then we headed over to the heifer barn where the calves and smaller cows are. I haven't been out to the barn in a bit as I become a complete hermit in these canadian winters, and was shocked at the size of the bulls. Dang, those are some big boys. Eden and I were throwing their hay in too, and she whipped off her mitten to feed the big guy some hay, with no fear.

Moving here when I married Dwight, brought a whole new existence for me. As I had not been near livestock on any given day...except maybe the local fair or that time I leaned over a fence line to pet a horse and was given the eye-opener of a lifetime through the trusty electric fence. If the electric current wasn't on a pulse, I'd a been there all day, pettin' that pony with my eyes rolling back in my head.

The longer I've lived here, the more the familiarity I've felt with the cows. But there still comes a time when I feel that ol' fear creep back in.. like today standing in front of that big ol' bull with his oogly eyes and mammoth head. Eden stood there like he was a labrador retriever and she was giving him his treat. He sniffed that little hand with some serious wind, puffing and huffing in those big dew-y nostrils. She giggled.

Guess that fear is developed. Good thing big scared momma was there, or this 2 year old woulda been riding this big bronco to town.

Oh, and while I was in the barn I happened upon a great future blog post. Cows and their hair do's. ohh-ho-ho, are you in for a REAL treat when I get that one posted.

Until then.

2010-01-17T05:46:00.002-05:00

been awhile.

How y'all been?

Nothings changed but the picture around here. Since things have all but stopped in the farming department (the hubs may not agree as he is still tending and milking the herd twice daily) .. I decided to try my hand in blog land again. For today...no guarantees on tomorrow.

To shed some rust and break in these knuckles (*crack, crack*) thought I'd post the top 10 list of updates.

1. Gabe is now in SK...reading very well and enjoys each and every day at the institution of education.

2. Ashlyn is in JK ...socializes very well and enjoys each and every recess at the institution of education. (and will be attending full time next year, as the school board has just changed the schedule of every other day to every day learning)

3. Eden is at home and is learning her ABC's. The soother is long gone, and soon will be her naps as well...just not worth the fight any longer. She'd rather be watching little bear anyway.

4. Dave Ramsey has blessed us with his fountain of financial wisdom, and we are making headway.

5. The treadmill found its way into our bedroom..and it stares me down morn and eve. I am new in my resolution, and vow it will not become a clothes hanger....my negative side says it's only a matter of time.

6. I am fighting the dirt craving as it's January here in snowbelt Ontario and there's none of the black gold to be seen. Soon enough though potting soil will find its way beneath my fingernails to begin the seedlings.

7. Christmas was wonderful...glad to have put the decorations away now, regular routine and decor has a certain comfort.

8. We're attending a new church.. a Harvest church, and it's fantastic. Sunday is a defining day in my week, as I actually have to get dressed. (hee hee ho ho...what I MEAN is .. get dressed in clothing that is acceptable to wear out of the house or barn...)

9. My child is talking my ear off, and I'm finding it difficult to think of a ninth update... how about, the house is a wreck and the laundry is in piles....oh wait... that's nothing new.

10. uh. ya. ummm.

So there ya have it folks. A real waste of internet. My next update will include an exhaustive and detailed listing of my meal plan...for the month. (oh wait...some of you might actually find that interesting...)

Tante..

2009-03-02T09:09:00.001-05:00

For my gorgeous Tante.
You've inspired me!

Piano...

2009-02-10T15:38:00.003-05:00

Red heads unite on the Heintzman.

Patiently teaching 4 hands.

'I'll be just like her one day...'

Aunt Vicki came over the other to tickle our new ivorys. Well new to us at least...
Gabes lessons have been going quite well, he says one day he'll play just like Aunt Vicki. The Hubs has realized a passion that had been tossed to the wayside many years ago. Since the piano has been moved in, I've been listening to him recalling all his black and white memories through his hands, and he's quite good. Until he has to play with 2 hands, each with it's own rhythm. Then his very white, very un-rhythmic side comes out, and we both have a giggle.

DollarOma.

2009-01-24T10:59:00.004-05:00

I 've found her.

Forget Nanny 911. Super nanny? nah, she ain't got nothin' on my source. Even parenting books haven't got the wealth of kid know-how that this lady bestowes.

Who is she you ask?

DollarOma. The one and only.

Not only is she the single greatest source of all things cheap and thrilling (let's not confuse that with cheap thrills now you naughty readers....ahem) from the Dollarama dollar store, she is also the Fountain of parental guidance for those who are at their wits end.

Self-acclaimed DollarOma is my number one disciplining resource. You need to know how to silence that back-talker? Or perhaps how to teach some r-e-s-p-e-c-t (sing it Sista..), maybe you're still dealing with a bossy betsy, or even a sucky sam...wellllll look no further. Help has arrived.

For me at least.

Within 1/2 an hour she help me lay down the law. It was the Garrett Smack down. ( I say this without really knowing what a smack down thingy is) And the best part? It took the red-neck parenting style straight outta me.

Explain you say. Well Shure darlin.

Gabe the babe has become quite a mature lil man. Sometimes a little beyond his years. Sometimes a little beyond my years. Sometimes a little beyond Methuselahs years. You get the idea. It took DollarOma less than half an hour to teach me how to nip this little know-it-all in the bud. And the best part, it wasn't her making me feel like my parenting was headed down the tubes, she could see that I was drained from the lack of r-e-s-p-e-c-t (Go Aretha...) and only after I had ASKED her, did she give her golden nuggets of granny advice.

My parenting had become worn out, it fell in some ruts and quite often I was resorting to my red-neck style of parenting. 'Hey yous' and 'Git over here' and 'Git 'er done'... no wait... not that last one. In the end, I was shouting and he was shouting and it was like an all out brawl some days.

Now we have peace. I don't shout. I ask once. If he doesn't obey he gets a time out on the landing. then we discuss it and hug. Simple really. So why the heck couldn't I think of it? Sometimes when you're drowning in the everyday monotony of disciplining your children it's hard to think of the simple solutions, and instead just fall into the quick blow up. Yelling or spanking and both parties feeling really down after.

Thank goodness for DollarOma, she helped to remind me life can be a lot quieter and more loving.

Advice? remember that grandparents have a wealth of knowledge to give, you've just got to ask!

2009-01-24T10:53:00.001-05:00

The ewwww face.

Biblical Parenthood

2009-01-20T08:34:00.002-05:00

A blog that I read had this to write this morning, and it struck me ... my parents have done exactly this. And I can't thank them enough. They've helped to foster a wonderful marriage for Dwight and I, at times it's not easy as a parent, having to 'let go'. I feel like this blogger has taken the words out of my mouth!

A BIG thank you to Mom and Bill!!

Here is her blog : Resolved to Worship

"I've always had a wonderful relationship with my parents ~ I never had times of "rebellion" growing up. We had dis-agreements... but really, very rarely in my 19 years at home! I got along wonderfully with them. Since getting married, my relationship with them has only deepened, or rather changed even for the better as it's no longer a child/parent relationship. They have become trusting friends who have more than anyone in my life, loved me, accepted me and encouraged me. And a long with me, my husband and our children.They have respected Robert and I as a married couple, with Robert having jurisdiction as head of our household. They have respected our marriage, our privacy, our lives, our decisions, and supported us with unconditional love. They have somehow found the balance of being interested in our lives, yet letting us live our own lives - and it has made for a healthy, God centered relationship. I praise God for that... He knew that though I thought myself least likely to be back at mom and dad's after marrying, it would be me that would be back. And a whole lot more than just once.When I left home at 19 and married Robert, I LEFT. Not just physically, but emotionally, and mentally - wholeheartedly following and transferring my everything to my husband. I never felt "homesick" or this need to live next door to my parents. Robert was to then be my counsellor, my head, - I did the "leaving and cleaving," as the Bible commands husbands and wives to do when they marry and become a new family of their own. It was natural for me. It was right.I appreciate my parents words of wisdom on this topic and guidance as I lived at home. I appreciate my mom's example... and I appreciate the bad examples the Lord put in my life before I married to show me what was not His way. I am very grateful for my parents allowing and releasing, and trusting.----------------------------~Speaking of married children and parents - a little side note:I've talked to hundreds of young married women who come from homeschooled families. A huge plus to homeschooling is the close relationship that can develop between the parents and the children. One of the biggest down falls in the parents having invested so much into their children, often times making them their whole life, an idol, and not being able to release them in God's way when they our young adults and when they marry...It's not always just the parents ~ often times, the young person, after marriage, in not able to fully "leave and cleave" as they should to their spouse because they feel constant guilt for not continuing to be/ or do what their parents still expect of them, want of them, continue to "counsel" them. It's an unhealthy and ungodly relationship.I can't help but advise that if you have come from a tight knit family, whether homeschooled or not, and you marry - take some time AWAY - maybe a year, maybe more - leave the city and state, or just get distance, whatever - as a couple become one, apart from your families. Make leaving and cleaving a priority. Let your folks know, let them know your vision as a couple to do as God commands. Start your marriage right with the two of you learning to go to God and learn to hear from Him, together. I've thought a lot about how good it would be too to encourage our children- as they are growing -in their relationship with Jesus, A Part From US -- to go to Him, to hear His voice, to read the Word and discover what He is speaking to them. If we encourage a relationship with the Lord and yet are always teaching them, telling them, to constantly rely upon us to tell them what He is saying, what He is wanting of them, what we feel is right or wrong for them... (of course this would be the case when they are young, I'm speaking more of when they become pre-teen/adolescent)...Then they become husbands and wives one day who do not have a real/breathing relationship with the Lord... or maybe they do, but it can not mature and grow as it should because they are controlled by/led by the continued control of their parents. Often times it also caused these grown adults to still act like children or rather much younger than their age because they have not matured in the area of decision making and seeking the counsel of the Lord.They've not learned the wonderfulness of listening to the Holy Spirit and His voice, but rather seen their parents as the "holy spirit." Their parents are their conscience, not the Lord. Their consciences have just been trained by their parents, rather than molded by God and by a true and breathing relationship with Jesus. Their parents are still their top counsel, not the Lord. Their parents are who they fear, not God. Persons who are in this situation, when they marry, often times they continue to look to their parents to "counsel" them in every little thing from their housing, to their income, to their job, to what standards they should have for their family, to what church they should attend, what kind of foods they should be eating as a family, should they get close with that person and their family, should they not? Who and who should not be their friends. etc, etc, etc. and etc! They are merely programed robots, even as adults, and not married couples with Christ as the center of their relationship. Really, outside influences, fear of man, parents beliefs are the center of their relationship when it really comes down to it."Therefore a husband should leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife..." - "Wives submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord." (notice, she is no longer to submit the her mother/father, but to her husband - in essence, a leaving and cleaving as well.) Eph. 5:22,31-----------------------------~

2009-01-19T11:10:00.000-05:00

Rain storm in summer 08

2009-01-18T11:24:00.000-05:00

Jersey Girl.

a- HA!!

2009-01-17T18:12:00.002-05:00

(read previous post 1st)

I listened. He answered.

Not 20 minutes after writing that post I began to read a book by Francis Shaeffer and read with me what he writes.

(He speaks of how God used Moses' shepherding staff to preform miracles, victories, and judgements : Book of Exodus)

'Consider the mighty ways in which God used a dead stick of wood. "God so used a stick of wood", can be a banner cry for each of us. Though we are limited and weak in talent, physical energy, and psychological strength, we are not less than a stick of wood.' ... 'The Scripture emphasizes that much can some from little if the little is truly consecrated to God. There are no little people and no big people in the true spiritual sense, but only consecrated and unconsecrated people. The problem for each of us is applying this truth to ourselves: is Frances Shaeffer the Francis Shaeffer of God?'

Is Leanne G. the Leanne G. of God?

and here's when I knew God wanted me to read this very page right now...

'No little Places' (!!!!!)
But if a Christian is consecrated, does this mean he will be in a big place instead of a little place? The answer, the next step, is very important : as there are no little people in God's sight, so there are no little places. To be wholly committed to God in the place where God wants him - this is the creature glorified.' .... 'This means being what He wants me to be, where he wants me to be.'

Darn tootin. if that wasn't the answer I was looking for then I don't know what is.

Amazing!!!

If you're more confused then ever, my apologies.. sometimes I like to shake the place up :P

Going back...

2009-01-17T17:01:00.006-05:00

Back to the roots.

Here I am again .. in this place. 'Things' (oh the elusive conclusions that such a word as 'things' can bring about) are changing here. Big things, and smaller things.

Changing can sure leave you in a whirlwind if you don't take hold of at least a moment in each day to recognize where you are in life.

Realizing God has you in your place for a reason is certainly something to continue to recognize. But more importantly, recognizing why or what exactly God has you in your place for, is sure nice to know. Ain't it? I guess sometimes those reasons are as elusive as that shady word...'things'.

'I've got you there for ... 'Things',... My 'Things' Leanne.' ' Have a little faith would ya?'

So here I sit. With my faith.

Patience is a virtue, and it is one of those 'things' I haven't yet mastered.

I've been reading lately and the themes that continue to stick with me are: keeping good people silent and complacent are keys to Satans attacks. Whether it be through fear, lack of communication, idleness, anger, or lacklustre ...

Y'all, I love Jesus and I just want you to know it. I'm sick of the idleness..

I'm ready for a re-vamp. An over-haul. A Tune up. Whatever you wanna call it, I'm gearing up for some serious listening.

Listening and patience. Ohhhh me.

Trusting... and Patience...and Listening.

And then suddenly...

Can't... resist... the cuteness.....

2009-01-06T16:33:00.004-05:00

These are older pics of Eden ... but I see them I cringe with that pain of utter cuteness. I've always loved leaving the kids shirts on their heads like this... It somehow brings out their features. And makes them appear ready for the convent.

Cousins...

2009-01-03T20:45:00.002-05:00

Here are the girls...Eden (L) Lily(M) and Ava (R) All born within a year of eachother. It's gonna be a great time watching these munchkins grow up together!!

Big Red.

2009-01-03T20:31:00.007-05:00

My Children were shocked to see the man in red show up. My Aunt and Uncle threw quite the party this year..the food was endless, which of course kept me happy, and the kids were treated to the spectacular surprise of Santa. I just love Gabes expression. It really says it all...he's just can't believe Santa Claus has his arm around him.

images from the hollidays...

2009-01-03T20:22:00.003-05:00

Here's my dorky brother, Ava was going in for the kiss and Steve always has to act like the obnoxious twit when the lens comes out. Makes me giggle though...when I need a good laugh, I either look at pictures of him, or the pictures of myself after just having had Eden. Those are some Doozies...the glazed look of a deer in the headlights on a puffy new mom are really something to behold. and No. I know what you're thinking, but they're only funny because I look at them alone :)

Here's the cute one. They are such sweethearts. I really am so glad God had this in store for my brother and I.

Christmas 2008

2008-12-29T07:23:00.002-05:00

He loved it!

She loved it! (thanks to Rebecca for the design!)

Sisters..

2008-11-28T09:09:00.002-05:00

There we sat. My legs propped on the coffee table, his dangling over the side of the loveseat. I held my juice glass and listened to him recount the events of his day at school.

This, being my most favourite time of the day, I tend to try and prolong it by asking more and more questions. Try as I may to have it seem to be a nonchalant, natural communcation between mother and son, it occasionally becomes more of an investigation style interview. As soon as the boy has detected this, it's game over, with any further questioning to be answered with the typical ' I dunno...'

Here's a snippet of yesterdays daily review. You'll see why I'm so captivated.

Gabe- 'We had a supply teacher today. Her name was Mrs. Pranger'

Mommy-'Ohh, did you like her?'

G-'yup, she was nice.' 'I told her about my scab.'

M- (snapping my head in his direction, nearly spilling a wave of juice on my lap) 'Oh? which scab?'

G- 'You know the one in my ear..'

M- (oh my goodness) ' oh ya. What did she say?'

G- ' she said 'oh'.' 'Then I told her how scabs are Gods bandaids.'

M- 'mmm, I bet she was delighted.'

G- 'She was, she even looked in my ear'.

What would life be like without these little people in my life?

Foggiest.

2008-11-20T19:59:00.004-05:00

A foggy day back in the summer. As it's snowing here right now, I just relish in the memory of slipping into my crocs, grabbing my camera and heading out into the morning mist. The dense humidity in the air, my nostrils inhaling both fog and oxygen.

I couldn't see the cows in the field, but as I quietly called them in the thick blanket of silence, they appeared one by one. Trotting out of the clouds to investigate.

Gabe on Trike. Enjoying the 'smoky' day.

2 girls in the field.

Well worn road and line of maples.

Driveway.

Opa and Eden

2008-11-11T09:00:00.000-05:00

punkin night.

2008-11-05T16:47:00.008-05:00

Here are the hollowed punkins...

Hollowed by this bulging forearm...be still my heart...

Reached in by this little character...

Scooped out by same said character... (for the record she almost choked and died on a pumpkin seed that evening...I was too busy watching her hands than her mouth.)

Lil fairy princess....

clown. (seriously folks, I needn't hear about the absolutely horrible job I did on her eyebrows. Ashlyn doesnt' have eyebrows on a good day (being a red head and all) and these just made her look so freaky ... Icould hardly bear it. But we were rushed and with a slip of the hand , there they were. She's the kind I dream about...shiver.)

And the grand finale. Mr. FBI himself. At every door we went to he said " FBI agent at your service!"

... I just about ready to ask him if his forensics kit could remove makeup eyebrows.

2008-11-05T14:29:00.002-05:00

So thar's me man and I. I liked this photo so much, I ordered it in a 20x20 size. It turned out nice, but I haven't the slightest idea where I'd hang such a large photo of myself and the hubs. If it was in the front entrance, it may act as our greeting party...perhaps I could record my voice to say "C'mooooon In!" Admit it though, you'd be freaked. The best would be if I could get my mouth to move.

Or I could hang it over the fireplace, but anytime I was sitting enjoying a fire, I'd feel not only the heat from the flames but also the heat from my little beady eyes burning into my flesh.

I think maybe I'll just cut the eyes and mouth out of it and use it as a life size mask. I'll hide behind it watching people then suddenly stick my tongue out of the mouth hole and scare the pants off them.

Ha. Getting my scissors...

Beauty.

2008-10-29T16:57:00.002-04:00

Some days I just can't handle it folks. I get lost in those big brown jewels. It's probably a good thing she doesn't stare at me all day...I'd get nothing done.

2008-10-08T20:09:00.004-04:00

My Ashlyn holds a very dear part of my heart, my sweet, shy, little strawberry head.

She's three now. She doesn't need her Daddy anymore. She's big enough to call those cows up, all on her own.

She's never far from those loving hands though...

You show 'em little one ...

First Day

2008-09-08T11:09:00.002-04:00

Just look at him. Happy as a clam. This boy doesn't need his mama anymore.

This was Gabe coming off his first official bus ride at the school. Yes I followed the bus. Yes I watched his every move. Yes I am over protective. Yes I am a nutcase.

I believe his first day of school is pretty high on his list of 'Best Days Ever'. The kicker was that his teacher sent him home with a pack of dunkeroos.....bribery??? He now loves her. Perhaps even more than he loves me. Lets just say the kid loves cookies.

More pics to come!

Bucker-oos.

2008-09-02T14:34:00.001-04:00

Our latest family portrait

(I just can't get enough of the teeth,... this is the last one, I promise)

More holiday pics

2008-08-30T15:19:00.007-04:00

These are the Hollyhocks on Dwights Aunt Sheila and Uncle Earles farm. They, Sheila and Earle, were our hosts for the week we went northern, and what gracious hosts they were. To sum up the week in a few words: bon fires, poodles, fresh baked pies and afternoons by the pool. Sheila had some bee-utiful gardens with many perennials I've admired in seed catalogues. They quickly became a source of some nice snapshots. (a small reminder that there were over 600 photos to be downloaded after the holly-daying...sheesh.)

Miss Muffett surely enjoyed those evening bon fires, one guess as to what was her favourite part... :) (it certainly was not my camera in her face, lol)

You can see the pond in the background of this photo, it was also a favourite for the children. Uncle Earle took the kids to feed 'Scruffy' the duck and that sealed the deal for Ashlyn....Uncle Earle was now her favourite uncle.

This one was taken in the Museum we visited in Ottawa, the dinosaurs awed the children, who would stand with mouth agape just fathoming the life that once lived.

Although there wasn't much for Eden to enjoy at the museum, she sure didn't mind being held in Daddys arms while roaming the floors...sure looks like Daddy didn't mind either :)

Nephew...

2008-08-30T10:28:00.002-04:00

What a Doll.

Ottawa

2008-08-28T11:28:00.007-04:00

Our big holiday this year has come and gone, and like other recent years, holidays are really more about the anticipation than the actual holi-daying. I tend to forget all the gruesome details of past vacations .... (Frankenmuth) and focus on the party in my head. Which includes a wonderful assortment of positive thoughts and adrenaline packed possibilities.

Why don't I learn?

Truthfully? It coulda been worse. We decided to venture on a day trip (from where we we staying) to Ottawa, the lovely capital of our Country. It's so rich in history, culture, and business, and THAT just screams 4 year old, 2 year old, and 6 month old huh? Right. See thats where my head party takes over and allows for no rational thought. *sigh*

Anywho, on this day trip to Ottawa, we decided it would be fun AND educational for the children to view the changing of the guards. It did turn out to be fascinating, ... for the first oh ..20 minutes..., it was the last 45 that were the BEST. (I'm kidding. I really wish there was a way to smear my sarcasm on the screen...but alas...)

So there they were pointing out the big hats and shiny buttons, the booming drum and the squawking bagpipes. It was quite a show.

Ashlyn and I in front of the Peace Tower...

(check out my hat, It should say 'I'm a dorky tourist' *sigh*)

More pics of our week long holly day extravaganza to come!!

Buckers.

2008-08-23T13:09:00.000-04:00

I just had to.

Mighty Man.

2008-08-11T16:50:00.004-04:00

Gabe recently discovered he can pull the big wagon with his John Deere Trike. He is officially cool in his own books. He's also a huge hit with his sister and cousins as you can well imagine.

He brought the kids back and forth on wagon rides for the morning, Jada and Ashlyn laid down holding hands and nearly fell asleep....so sweet.

The trouble makers...just look at the mischief dripping from those faces :)

Eden Evangelines Eyes.

2008-08-11T16:45:00.001-04:00

Mommy??

What are you...??

Doing?

Mister Tree

2008-08-11T16:38:00.002-04:00

He keeps watch over our property, beware strangers .. he may stare you to death.

Lotte

2008-08-08T11:38:00.002-04:00

This photo pretty much sums it all up. Lotte was visiting from Holland for a week this summer and is was truly a joy to have her. She's a world traveller, you can enjoy her trips here : http://waarislotte.blogspot.com/

There are a million more pics to come, some from Lottes stay, some from holidays up north, some of the kiddies, and some more random ridiculous ones.

Stay tuned!

2008-07-30T12:15:00.002-04:00

Reading of the Day:

Luke 12:8

"And I assure you of this: If anyone acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I, the Son of Man, will openly acknowledge that person in the presence of God's angels. But if anyone denies me here on earth, I wil deny that person before God's angels."

Imagine that. Acknowleged by Jesus in the presence of God's angels.

Wow.

The Wedding of '08

2008-06-30T16:50:00.008-04:00

Well it's over. The lovebirds are on their honeymoon, and I've since gone on a gardening strike ... it should last about a week. (No mom, I won't let things go downhill after the extensive weeding and edging we did... whew...)

Here are some pics of the lovely day....

Ashlyn getting her hair in curls..

The chairs and aisle set up...

The Angels holding up the Brides dress...

The pretty ladies ...

Angel Boy Gabriel performing his duty...

My family...we were all there!

Eden and I...she was hamming it up for all her admirers...

It was a lovely day, the clouds broke as Patti came down the aisle and the sun shone, What a blessing!

2008-06-30T13:55:00.000-04:00

This was Gabe on his orientation day....it happened, and he loved school. I was elated until we went on the mini bus ride and within 5 minutes in motion, he told me he felt sick. I told him he was like his mother, and we both stared out the window holding eachother until the 20 minute ride was over.

2008-06-30T13:51:00.000-04:00

I think this cookie gazer is beginning to look more and more like the cookie eater. Same colour eyes at least.

2008-06-30T13:49:00.000-04:00

So much for looking like me huh? She's definitely the Hubs. So that's 0 for 3....

2008-05-01T09:28:00.002-04:00

Just an Update.

haven't been on here in a dogs age so I thought I'd let you know what's going on around here :)

I planted some seeds (tomato, thyme, basil, various flowers...etc) back in February and they were coming along quite nicely, until I decided to put them into my greenhouse, and BAM the frost hit, and there they were the next morning, limp as linguine, hanging over their pots. I shed some tears, then threw them in the manure pile, like any other farmers wife would do.

We've all come down with a super cold that has the kids and the hubs and I hacking like donkeys. It attacks the lungs, and it's been quite....productive. (barf-o-rama on the mucous, keep a kleenex within 2 feet of Ashlyn at all times, or you'll be covered....that's all I have to say about that.)

I started feeling a bit better yesterday and was back into the gardens, and made a chicken dinner, blueberry muffins, blueberry cake, and chicken soup in hopes of kicking this cold...as they say, stuff the cold....

Eden is doing well, caught a bit of the sniffles with the rest of us, but it seems to have hit her the least, Thank you Lord. She had a bit of a dilemma last week where she went 10 days without a bowel movement .... I've never wished to see poop as much as I did last week. The Dr said to try a suppository and .... then I began wishing to not see poop... he, he, suppositories work, and that's all I have to say about that.

Sorry about the bodily functions/fluids posted here today, particularly if you're just sitting down for a snack of say some peanut butter or squeeze cheese....

I'm getting 11 stumps removed of the property and I can't wait to re-claim the land and plant some grass seed. There's another wedding here on the farm this summer, Dwight's sister Patti will be wed on the 28th of June. Thus I'm trying to get things looking presentable for the big day. Seedums, hostas, and peonies have been transplanted and I'm now onto edging. Yippee. No really I enjoy getting out there and getting dirty, particularly when Eden is sleeping soundly in her stroller and the other 2 are in the dirt heap, filling and dumping their wheel barrow. Loads of fun for all!

Anyway, that's it for now, my apologies for the randomness, Hope you're all doing well!!

Eden ... you're looking a little stiff.

2008-04-17T09:17:00.002-04:00

I came around the corner the other day, wanting to check on my wee one, thinking she'd be rocking back and forth in dreamland.... when I saw this... ACK!

I had forgotten that I had laid Eden in her cradle and Ashlyn decided to pick up where I left off, and put her baby in the still warm swing and covered her up nice and snug.

Steve and Eden

2008-03-26T11:11:00.000-04:00

This is my brother holding Eden. Can you say 'Heart....melting' ?

The Other Day.

2008-03-17T09:32:00.006-04:00

I've been getting out more lately....a feat in and of itself. Not too long ago I took a breather from the kiddies and got to snap some photos of the stunning snow trees. Our laneway really lends itself to good shots.

On another note, yesterday was our Palm Sunday service at church. It was held at our bigger sister church and it was really nice to get together with another large group of people who all love the Lord. The worship time was great and so was the speaker. Dwight and I walked away from church feeling renewed and satisfied once again. I must say having 3 young kids can pose some challenges on Sunday mornings, but every time I feel like not going, because of being too tired, or not wanting to get everyone ready, I think about my children's spiritual well being and that's all it takes to get me out the door. My mom always made a point of getting us to church every Sunday and put us in Sunday school...I learned so much from those years, and I can't take that away from my kids. They came home yesterday telling us all about Jesus riding on a donkey on Palm Sunday, and lifting the palm branches in praise, shouting 'HOSANNA!!!'

...it was music to my ears, nothing makes me happier than to hear my little ones speak about Jesus.

Her.

2008-03-03T08:25:00.008-05:00

I know it's all about her lately .. .but I can't resist. I'm so in love. Again in this picture, she just had a bath and her hands were chilly, so I wrapped her up and only her little peepers were showing.

Here she is with Fat Cat, he decided she needed another bath, so after a good sniff, he went ahead and licked her...sometimes I think he thinks he's a she. (got that?? lol)

2008-02-25T17:03:00.000-05:00

She just had her bath and needed to be warmed up, so Oma snatched her up and snuggled. I love this photo.

2008-02-25T17:00:00.000-05:00

Who's the cutest little nephew in the whole wide world?? Zachariah!!!

Twin lovies..

2008-02-14T13:00:00.002-05:00

Hope you're all enjoying a lovely Valentines Day!

(Eden on left, Ava on right...My SIL Aliesha was given 2 of the same oufits for Ava and we decided to have a photo shoot with the little ones, more pics to come :)

2008-01-31T08:37:00.000-05:00

hello munchkin.

The jaundice is slowly but surely leaving her ... but it seems to dwell in her eye whites. For a while there, they were a flourescent yellow...a little frightening. She's up to 8 lbs 9 ounces now and her cheeks are really starting to fill out.

What a good little baby, I cannot sing her praises enough :)

blush

2008-01-30T14:28:00.001-05:00

Picture it. My living room. Yesterday.

There I was sitting in my well used recliner ... (well used since pregnancy and breast feeding) I was watching Ellen...a feat in and of itself, as the girl child was playing by her lonesome, and the boy child was outside helping his daddy-o with some farming chores.

Ellen happened to have a young guest who was a champion guitar hero player ( for those who don't know, Guitar Hero is a Nintendo game that has become a VERY popular pastime for some people....we don't have any video games as of yet in this household, and I'm gonna try to keep it that way for as loooong as possible...anywho) This boy was playing incredibly fast and my eyes were wide with amazement.

I had been having a slow day, hadn't yet got dressed, and was still sporting my fuzzy blue housecoat and pink slippers. Oh and a nursing bra...of course.

So there I sat wide eyed and with my incredible multi-tasking abilities I was preparing to feed Eden. I checked my wrist for my 'feeding bracelet' (a reminder as to which breast she fed from last....I have no ability to recall such information...my brain is fried from 3 pregnancies..) I whipped open the clasp on my bra and let 'er all hang out...you know, cause it's my house...and I was multi-tasking. No need to hid her under a bushel..no, I'm gonna let 'er shine.

Anyway, I wasn't absolutely positive that I had switched the bracelet to the proper wrist...so I went ahead and groped myself...to feel for fullness....(again, home alone...no need to be careful..)

Here's where it gets good. The music from the tv got louder, the boy was playing a heavy metal type song .. dee del lee del leeeeeeeee...waaaaaaa..... it was wailing and screaming out the speakers and there I was with my hands full (ahem) so I didn't bother turning it down.

Gabriel came waltzing into the living room and I said 'oh hi bud...where's your dad?'

A voice very different from The Hubs piped up a foot behind me, and said 'Oh no, it's just me Leanne, .....WHOOOO, So sorry, so sorry, so sorry... oh ..ummm... uhhh''

It's was Dwight's uncle... his truck driving, macho, gruffy, old(er) uncle. And he'd seen. It. All.

Now don't get me wrong, I'm not a real prude when it comes to feeding, but I do like to cover up when other men are around...any other men..... And here was a man who'd try his darndest to never witness such an event as a momma nursing her babe, and he'd gotten an eye full...darn near got his eye poked out really...(my girls have grown, to say the least...ahem.)

Just picture what the poor guy saw. A tired momma, sitting in her la-z-boy, with her old housecoat flung open, exposing not only her legs, but her tired boobs... Her hands feeling and groping her girls, while the heavy metal music blasted from the tv set. My eye makeup had not been removed from the previous day and my raccoon eyes and matted hair were dy-no-mite.

What a sight to behold.

Then came the uncomfortable conversation after the viewing.... I kinda wished he'd just ran for the door screaming. But, no. He had to try to make it better by attempting a regular conversation. It was ... delightful. ack.

Some pictures of the little ones...

2008-01-22T19:37:00.001-05:00

Oma and the twins.... (Ava on right, Eden on left)

Eden and Ava (Eden is the yellow one ... :) ( in case you're wondering, Ava is my brothers daughter, born 3 weeks earlier..)

Miss Munchkin

I'm having wayyyy too much fun with her. When she's not eating, sleeping or pooping.

2008-01-18T17:50:00.000-05:00

Eden Evangeline

8 lbs 2 oz

January 13, 9 pm.

Can't wait to share all the details....you'll have to gimme a little while though...the feedings, siblings and lack of sleep are weighing in, I'll up in superior blogging form soon :)

Hope you're all well,

Leanne.

BIRTH-day!!!

2008-01-12T07:07:00.000-05:00

Well, well, well, ... where to begin.

The last week has brought some good and bad days and in the end we have a BIRTHday now scheduled.

Starting last week I began getting VERY puffy (hands, feet, and face) and when I saw the Dr. my BP was steadily rising. My readings were 140's / 90's ... and in this pregnancy so far I've been in the 120's/ 70's. So that signalled a red flag to my Dr, and I was sent to the hospital for a Non-Stress Test. (can I just say those are quite possibly thee most boring tests known to woman?) Anyway, everything came back good except the BP, so they had me come back again on Wednesday, and again yesterday.

Wenesday readings were 150's / 100's (151/107.. and higher) so they decided to put me on BP meds to try to bring it down... These little pills really knocked me for a loop, and I was down and out within an hour of taking them. They are similar to percoset, or valium to anyone familiar with what those drugs feel like. I was OUT! Thankfully my mom was here, as Dwight was away in TO at a meeting for 3 days!! I was totally thinking he was going to miss the birth...

Back to the hospital on Friday and my BP reading were still in the 140's / 90's so the Dr's weren't happy with that AND protein is now spilling in my urine. They threatened to take the baby out then and there, but allowed me a day's grace and the induction is scheduled for tomorrow!!!! Yup, Sunday January the 13th.

I am sooo nervous and excited, but thought of labour has got my palms all sweaty and butterflies in my stomach. I'm praying it's quick and the the epidural takes well! Please pray for me!!!!!

I'll be posting again with a good story and some beautiful pics sometime in the very near future!!

Already... the desire for sun...

2008-01-06T10:45:00.000-05:00

Stunning sunset at the cottage beach

I've been shuffling through some pictures today and there are certain ones that are making my retinas burn with envy......envy of the warmer months gone by. Already I'm hit with the blatant desire for those moments to come again, I didn't' think the craving would hit me so early this year, what with a momentous occasion soon to arrive, but still I see these photos and Gaaaa.... I'm wishing away the snowing and blowing far far away.

My kids have already built the snowmen, slid the sleds, tasted the snow and drank gallons of hot cocoa, .. so perhaps we could be granted an early spring?? Like maybe next week?

Anyway, here are some of those impossibly delicious photos of warmer days gone by....hope they liven that little spark of desire in your stomach too.

Ashlyn dipping her toesies in the cool cottage lake water

Spring Celebrations ~ Victoria Day Weekend, on the farm

The Garden of 2007 in its beginnings...oh the possibilities..

My nephew Owen and his papa, meandering their way to the vineyard

Gabriel popping a red nugget of squishy, tomatoey goodness in his mouth, straight from the garden.

Big, leafy hostas....freshly chipped.

The girls, on pasture. A beautiful time of year.

The lake at Pinehurst....what glorious summer days those were, spent with the kids and the ladies ... picnic tables, egg salad sandwiches, and sun tan lotion.... bliss.

The wedding of 2007, my little man in tails with his princess, cousin Jada.

The seasons of a swing set..

2008-01-06T10:07:00.000-05:00

It first arrived in summer, making fast friends with our 2 toddlers. Big momma sat her pregnant fanny in those chairs, whiling away the hours as the chillun ran up and down the ladder, sparking each other with the electricity from the plastic bump slide. (Oh, to sit in those chairs again, with a babe on my lap and corn husking to be done....)

My son learned to climb a ladder this past summer, my daughter learned to spin in a swing. Both very momentous childhood moments.

Here it sits in Autumn. Surrounded by a crunchy blanket of fallen maple leaves. Rubber boots plowed their way to the play set, running back and forth from the silo to the slide, using the ladder as 'home free'. Another childhood game learned by it's side...

Sadie the dog now knew this was a place to find her little friends, and would come running at the sound of laughter...

Alone, but for the snow perched upon it's rooftop, the playset seldom feels the warm bottoms of my children or the grasp of their tiny hands. The chairs now sit frozen and empty, waiting for my girth to reside in them again.

I see you lonely out there dear swing set... We're in here, waiting...waiting for that first thaw, those crocus and daffodils, and the muck that shall adorn your lovely green slide... And our first spring together shall bring a new face and new tiny hands to grasp your ropes.

Till then....we'll while away the hours inside..

Holidays and homecomings...

2007-12-31T17:26:00.000-05:00

Here we are already! Moving into the year 2008, I'm still trying to wrap my head around this...it sorta just snuck up didn't it?

We've been keeping busy these past few weeks with many a celebration, feasts and welcomings. It's been a very fun filled time of year, that is now winding down.

I'm thankful for the blessings and the time spent with family, but I'm now gearing up for the month of our little one's due date!!! Whewy, I thought'd never come.

We have been blessed with another anticipated arrival in our family....one that came a little earlier than her due date....my brother and his wife (my best friend) had their baby girl, Ava Grace on December 27th. What a sweetheart!!

The happy family!

Ava and her Great Oma

The proud Grandparents!

Aliesha's mom and the new arrival!

We went to visit them today and I was instantly reminded of my own two hooligans when they were so tiny....I had forgotten how small they actually are when they first come out!!! It sort of jolted me into a reality that this is soon what I'll be bringing home :) It made me even more excited!

I'm sharing a photo of my torpedo like appearance ... it's sort of amazing that I'm actually able to walk upright. you'd think this belly would make me fall forward. I'm still not ruling out the possibility of twins...(but my doctor has..) People at church on Sunday were making shocked expressions and oogly eyes when they saw me walking about....saying, 'WHEN are you DUE??' It was just so .... ahem.... wonderful.

And of course I look like a dork, as the hubs was trying to make me laugh like a hyena. niiice.

Oh, and if you've ever wondered what cankles look like....here's your chance...

You'll notice how the toes have a very typical appearance to them then suddenly...BLAMO, there's the cankle. I've now been made to wear my big ole' barn clogs... in a beautiful shade of baby blue, you can just imagine how that looks with my sassy black pregnancy dress pants. I've entered fashion critical, and it's a slippery slope to me soon appearing in a moo moo and flip flops.

Sheer elegance.

2007-12-24T07:58:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas to all, hope your days are filled with love, laughter and ... hugs !!

munch, munch, ... Oh! Hello!

2007-12-13T13:14:00.000-05:00

Well... Hello there, let me introduce myself. Farmers Wife, pleased to meet you.

If we've met before, you'll no longer recognize me. Or perhaps I should pluralize that to ...Me's. I have juuuust about doubled in size. Oh yes, that's legs and all. It's something to behold. 'Cept there ain't a soul that could be-hold me if need be. I'd crush 'em, with my mighty fine cankles (calf-ankles, they've melded into one and are no longer distinguishable as seperate body parts) and my h-arms (I just made that one up, clever huh? .. my wrists are no longer visible either.)

It's sad really. The puffing, water-retention, braxton hicks, pelvic pains, and tight shoes are beginning to wear on me. And let's not even get started on the waddling. Oh Gracious, this baby's head is so low, I feel as though I'm walking with a bowling ball between my thighs most of the time. It's very feminine to say the least.

I haven't much to say these days ... 'cause you know, hanging around in my recliner watching 'Oprah', hasn't led me to any real life sharing moments....except that I wished I lived in Macon yesterday....Dang she had some nice 'Favourite Things' huh?

Everyone here is doing well, we've survived several Christmas parties already, and have several left to go. I've yet to complete the nitty gritty of the shopping...I still need to get fillers for the stockings, and wrap all the glitzy gear ... but other than that, I'm ready. Which I guess isn't really ready at all huh? huh.

Hope (if you're still clicking on me) you're enjoying some serious Holiday fun, and that you're in a blogging blitz of happiness. I'm still reading you all, even if I don't comment (for fear that I may actually have to use my fingers to type, rather than feed my gaping mouth...)

PS- (I can't wait to show y'all a picture that is yet to be taken of a sweet little calf that was born not too long ago....shoot, he just makes my heart all dizzy....seriously resembles a teddy bear...and I'll walk through snow and ice just to get to that calf barn to take a picture)

Peace Prayer

2007-12-10T14:52:00.000-05:00

Hello All,

Still alive. Still Pregnant. My due date cannot come soon enough.

I've some wonderful things to post about, just not right now .... Instead I thought I'd give you a little prayer that makes sense this time of year.

Here 'tis:

Prayer for Peace
by Joni Anderson

Peace begins with me.
I'll find the stillness within the quiet of my mind.
There You'll be waiting patiently,to help me on my way.
I'll be peaceful, and go out in the world, smiling from my soul.
I'll greet someone's eyes as we hug soul to soul.
This greeting will continue with everyone I meet.
Soul hugs from one to another, soon fill my street.
Then a multitude of hugs overflow my state.
So it is with countries, hugs from soul to soul—bring out the peace in everyone, and peace throughout the world.
Thank you God, for loving me, in the quiet of my mind, filling me with peace.
Remind me to live Your peace every moment of my day.
Amen.

Woe to the fat lady...

2007-11-14T13:48:00.002-05:00

It's getting bigger. And bigger. The belly I mean.

These days I don't much feel like blogging as I know it'll just be a vent to my heightened pregnancy emotions, my fat pregnancy woes, and my super pregnancy cravings. You know, the boooooring stuff. So, instead, I sit read your blogs and feel much better about not having turned you all off with my ranting.

I look at my fingers as I type and I think of the Simpsons episode where Homer realizes he needs to type with the end of a pencil as his fingers are too thick... and when using them he types several letters at one time. asdf jkl;. doh. Honestly I don't really watch the Simpsons, but I gotta tell ya as of late, the big pot-bellied, donut eating, mind numbing cartoon man and I have waaaay too much in common.

I'm at 30 weeks and some moments I'm telling myself I better start enjoying this as it's probably our last, and other moments I'm secretly wishing for pre-term labour.

The waddling has begun, the pelvis has thrown itself open and my hips are snap-crackle-popping. It's quite amusing for others I'm sure...watching the fatty try to put her socks on. The groans alone are worth seeing the scaring image.

Anyway, I'm off to plunk down in the recliner and try to catch the tail end of Oprah...(gotta keep my goals high afterall...)

2007-11-08T08:57:00.000-05:00

It was blood red, and so beautiful.

Wee Ghosties..

2007-11-02T17:28:00.000-04:00

Aunt Vicki came over and helped carve the punkins... Gabe's is the small square eyes with only one pupil (darn big knife), Ashlyn's is the small triangle eyes with only 2 teeth (same knife)...mine is the far left large one, and Aunt Vickis is the one on the right.

That's her trick face. As in the tricky of the trick-or-treat.

Here he is, working on his patient. Dr. Gabe has diagnosed her with having a heartbeat. Thank goodness.

Here he looks as though he's the one needing the Doctor. Poor Gabriel had a cough and far be it for me to tell him he couldn't go....I wasn't gonna ruin the event he'd been building up for days. So instead I just had to put up with the hacking, my grimacing at every cough...just waiting for the tell tale gags. He lasted until we left the last house, and then it was all over. his costume I mean. Dinner that is. you get my drift.

All in all it was a fun evening!

Conservation Area Pics...

2007-10-26T12:47:00.000-04:00

Cute pic huh? If it weren't for the huge contusion on my boys head, I might have ordered it to be developed (and check out the elfen child behind her brother...what a stinker) . We went to the Conservation Area the other day and it was truly one of the most beautiful days we've experienced, in these parts, all year. The Hubs and I sipped our coffees whilst the children played about in the endless piles of leaves, and investigated the nearby stream. It didn't take long before Gabe and his 'shuffle gait' found a huge tree root and took a fall, only to bonk his forehead upon the next tree root, a perfect 2 feet above the other. It put a damper on the walking portion of the excursion, which, you know, is most of the time at a conservation area. But daddy was a willing horse, and put Gabe on his shoulders.

Here I am trying to convince the unwilling hooligans to look into the lens...

And this one just kills me... It makes my heart a little dizzy. I can't handle that sly grin playing on her lips...she was about to laugh at how the leaves felt on her cheek while she was riding the Daddy horse. Those bright leaves just make those dark eyes pop out.....ahhh sweetheart. (Nevermind the chocolate donut on her chin :) )

2007-10-24T13:41:00.000-04:00

Thar' She Blows! well .. almost. 27 weeks along now, and feeling like I should be more like 37. The babe is kicking lots and everything seems to be healthy (haven't heard whether the placenta has moved yet).

I was talking on the phone and snapping the photo (you know, like any typical mom...multitasking) sorry you can't see my gorgeous face...I didn't do it on purpose...ahem.

Attic Reno Cont'd....

2007-10-20T20:04:00.000-04:00

I purchased the bedding set for our new 'love nest' and I decided on browns and blues... the walls match the blue colour you can see in the duvet colour ( bottom of photo) and the polka dotted fabric you see is the curtain. We have walnut stained oak furniture and I think it'll look alright once it's all put together.

The carpet will be arriving on November 6th... and then I guess it's up to us when we'd like to move in! Whoop, whoop, I can't wait!

The Mother Load.

2007-10-17T19:44:00.000-04:00

Tee hee.

Please excuse the titter. I'm in one of those moods. Thus...I'm writing this post.

When I first became a farmers wife, I knew very little of the goings on of the agricultural sector. Very little. I think the Hubs may have been a little surprised that his new bride was so ....ahem.. daft in the world he knew so very much about.

It must have been hard for him to explain the details he took for granted, but, he did and with loads of patience and a very few eye rolls.

As we were married in October, (harvest time...I'm sure his family thought I was completely nuts requesting a gala during this, the busiest time of the year....) one of the first 'events' I was exposed to was the 'Emptying of the Burm'.

Let me learn all ye city folk.

The 'Emptying of the Burm' could also be called the 'Stinkiest Event of the Year' or 'The Draining and Spreading of the Manure Pit' or 'The Time in Which You'll Not be Able to Stand the Scent Emanating From Your New Husbands Clothing'.

It's sure something I look forward to. Let me tell you.

This year, I decided to share the special moment, with you, my people. I'm certain you'll find the fun in it all...(at least you didn't have to stand 10 feet down wind of the 'Burm' whilst the manure was being stirred up ... my nostril hairs are still burning.)

There are 3 different spreaders here on the farm. One is for the liquid or 'Slurry' as they call it. (Mmmm. Slurry. ..oh wait, I mean Slurpee.) The other two are for the ..ummm...more solid variety, you know, the intact manure. They are known to my 3 year old son as, The Flingers. 'Cause they ...well... fling.

Here is an action shot of the skid steer loading the spreader that has been backed down into the burm. The Hubs does the loading and his father or uncle typically drive the tractors.

If you maximize the shot, you might even see some corn kernels floating around in there. ...Sorry.

Ahh, there she is in all her loaded glory. It looks as though her cup runneth over....that'll be on my van tires as I bring the hubs his next coffee. Have I told you my van is white?.....you'd never know it, it's always sporting a lovely shade of beige.

Here we go off to the open 'fifty' (the fifty acres down the road that needed some 'fertilizer')...

And here we are. You can understand my standing so far back...I was afraid of needing a toothpick to get the corn kernels out of my teeth, if I stood any closer.

Thank heavens my camera has zoom.

Now how's that for a screen saver. Almost pretty in a dirty sort of way, isn't it.

Possibly titled ... 'The Ballet of the Paddies' or 'Who Flung Dung?' perhaps even ' Manure Mania'.

Whichever, I hope you feel a sense of honour now that you've 'Emptied the Burm' with me. I know I feel a lot lighter having shared my ...(ahem).. 'load' with you.

Tee Hee.

Falling .... leaves and parts.

2007-10-13T08:23:00.000-04:00

Fall has fallen here on the farm. We're blessed with a multitude of very tall, very old maple trees that provide incredible shade in the summer, and a beautiful back drop come fall. The kids have been enjoying running through the crunchy heaps and picking up all the colours. With every gust and breeze comes a shower of yellow, red and brown...it's absolutely my favourite time of year, and thus we'll be celebrating our anniversary next week. The weather now is like it was on our special day, sunny and cool, filled with colours and lady bugs.

The cooler weather has also helped with the pregnancy woes. In that last heat wave, my fingers were becoming sausages and my ankles could be likened to oranges. But that fluid retention has now passed (ahem...literally...)and I'm back to my old, perpetually swollen, self.

As the anniversary approaches, it brings a reminder of my younger days (albeit only 6 years ago...) These years with children can be likened to dog years....1 equal to seven years for every child....that would be putting me in the 21 year bracket. And, really, it would seem more plausible that the bodily changes that have occured in this body of mine, should have occured over a period of 21 years....rather than 6. It's a downright shame that things can go south (ahem ...again with the literal) so quickly.

I can only hold onto my last hopes that things can be reversed just as quickly..... until I've exhausted every last weight-loss, body tightening, part lifting, tooth whitening, head hair-beautifying, body hair removing, cellulite toning and skin conditioning product there is on the market.... I will hold out hopes.

(whistle) Milking Time!!

2007-10-11T16:25:00.000-04:00

It's time girls, Milking Time. C'mon l'il Doggies!!!

These old 'Country Roads' lead 'em home.....

Here they come... Clip Clop. They know the path well.

Sadie the farm dog know her place when the cows are coming. Behind the fence. She's even part cattle dog....still haven't figured her out.

There they go...tails a'swishing. Thems happy cows. (or the flies were biting..)

Oh. ummm. thanks girls. (They're a little camera shy...makes 'em nervous....a little irritable bowel when they see the lens.)

We're Having Twins!!!

2007-10-09T18:04:00.000-04:00

Or perhaps I should clarify, seeing as I'm pregnant and all....Ahem...what I meant to say is, We Had Twins!! ...here on the farm.

This is Bess and her new brood. Another soon-to-be-momma stepped in to help Bess get her little ones up and running, but they are both hers.

I gotta tell ya, it was a sight to behold...the birth of course, and the big fat pregnant woman sneaking under the electric fencing to get a few shots of the new family. There was grunting and groaning in both events.

She's happily resting in the pasture with her babes, and will until tomorrow, when they'll all be moved into the barn.

Hope you enjoy the pics....it was laborious (heh) just getting them.

2007-10-08T15:52:00.000-04:00

Peek -a - boo.... I see you too little one.

2007-10-05T17:48:00.000-04:00

We have so much to be thankful for, hope you enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving.

2007-10-05T08:59:00.000-04:00

Perhaps you'd like Fluffy stuffed while you peruse the shelves of cheddar and jalapeno havarti. Or maybe you're just looking for some authentic head cheese..whichever the case, be sure to stop by Mapletons Taxidermy and Cheese Store.

Oh and I almost forgot to mention the 'Hats for Hides Depot' ..... (I was going to get quippy about this one...but I just really don't get it. )

Lemme know what your best guess might be...

The 2nd birthday of the 2nd Child....

2007-10-02T09:26:00.000-04:00

A cake fit for any Dora fanatic

She just couldn't blow out those candles, ...big brother had to step in..

'Oh daddy, just give it here, I can do it...'

'And if I throttle her like this, will she stop crying?'

'My turn....lots please Aunt Paula...'

'No, no, Aunt Paula...squeeze it like this..'

'I said come here! I have a strawberry kiss for you...'

'Happy Birthday Sis'

Fluff...

2007-10-02T07:49:00.000-04:00

Silence.

That seems to be the theme in my brain since I became pregnant. Oh sure, there's that odd cricket chirping, and perhaps a breeze that blows from one ear to the other...but for the most part..it's just quiet.

It's not that peaceful sort of quiet either. It's rather unsettling, a void of sorts. I can no longer put together many coherent sentences.

Thus ... the blog has suffered. I mean, how can you keep an written audience entertained ..without writing?

'Cause I mean really, those posts about re-calls and window boxes are so very stimulating...and I'm sure you're hanging onto your seats for more of that fluff,... but I'm aching for some real meaty subject matter.

It's hard to believe this is my 294th post. It's true. I was a writing machine for a while there, a daily blogger, and on a good day..sometimes 2.

But now. Alas. *sigh* I must regress to photo posts and things others are reporting...like recalls. If perchance my brain decides to kick back into high gear, I'll be sure to let you know.

Recalls...

2007-09-26T17:33:00.000-04:00

Just an FYI....

I found out that Thomas the Train toys have been under a recall since June...and I had NO CLUE! so I thought I would post the website for the recall for any other concerned parents that might not have heard about this specific recall...

http://recalls.rc2.com/

We own several of these toys, and will be returning them promptly!

Window Boxes..

2007-09-24T09:30:00.000-04:00

It's been bugging me for over a year now, and I knew it had to be done, but was putting it off...

The window boxes over my livingroom windows were drab...just a plain ol' brown and I knew they needed a little extra something, so this weekend I grabbed momma and we went to Winter Wheat. It's a inspirational little spot nestled in a forest...a folk decorators dream come true.

Here are some pics....

Well it was a beautiful day, and I was wonderfully inspired ...so here's a before and after for you. My goal was to create a warm and cozy look that I can enjoy year round...and particularly in the evenings once the children have gone to bed...

(I do still have to fix the cord and fiddle with it a bit .... but you get the idea) ah...one more thing to cross off my list...slowly but surely this is really becoming my dream home. I am thankful for everything we have, and as a woman I enjoy making this space something I can be proud of..it makes it easier to for me to follow through with what I know is expected of me as a stay at home mom. When my house is put together properly and prettily, I feel good about having people over and I feel that I'm providing my family with a nice space to enjoy.

Anyway...hope you're all enjoying your spaces too... Have a wonderful day!

Placentas and pastries...

2007-09-20T15:01:00.000-04:00

Today I had my doctors appointment following my 20 week ultrasound, and it looks as though I'll be having to go for another ultrasound as I have a low-lying placenta. It's approximately 1 cm from the cervix opening and will pose a bit of a problem come delivery. BUT the good news is that it should move up just enough before the big birthday arrives, the doctor seemed pretty confident that everything would work itself out by then.

The other good news is that I now have a better chance of finding out the gender of the baby. At the other ultrasound the baby had its legs tight together and was being quite modest (which makes me think girl!!) and enough so that the tech couldn't decipher the gender. So we'll keep our fingers crossed that the legs WONT be crossed at this next ultrasound which will take place in one months time.

After gaining 5 whole friggin' pounds at this app't (since my last app't one month ago) I've decided to swear off pop for the remainder of the pregnancy ... (that was, after I went to the local bakery and purchased a fresh supply of pastries...ahem.)

So I may be slightly less caffeinated next time I post to you, and a lot less sugary...so the posts may become slightly brazen, and candid.

Consider that a fair warning... ;-)

Sugar...

2007-09-18T19:48:00.000-04:00

Little Sugar. He's been having a rough go with a respiratory infection, and his litter mates are far too spunky for him...so as luck would have it, he found my front porch just in time for me to take him in and we're currently working together to make him feel better. He holds his little mouth open, and I pour in the drops of medicine... he curls up on me, and I keep him warm.

Hopefully, before long he'll be bouncing around and annoying the heck out of us, but for now, he's a sad little soul needing some real loving.

Please Don't Judge...

2007-09-18T12:12:00.000-04:00

WEllllllll you asked for it. So...you can't complain about how nasty it looks in the photo... I posted this just to give you an idea of how short I cut it, not to show you how I style it.

Officially this is one of thee worst pics I will ever post of hair, but I have to guarantee you that it actually looks quite fabulous when I've freshly washed it and I'm not 2 minutes from going to bed after a long day of trying to pull my hair out from the daily frustrations of trying to raise two little ones .... please folks...I emplore you to have some compassion.

I may re-think this and remove it shortly...so yay to those of you that have seen it.

EDIT - sorry. I couldn't take it any longer. Particularly when I blew the picture up and noticed the skin condition amplified by 3000. It was just not good for my self esteem. I'll try to post a worthy pic in the next few days.

the Attic...

2007-09-18T11:56:00.000-04:00

Here's what we've been up to as of late, which has been the reason for the lack of blogging.... We've been renovating the attic....well two of them actually. They were both chalk full of things from past and present. The Hubs Grandparents had stored many a box away in these attics and it was fun to go through and see their past. Once all the boxes and clutter had been sorted and donated, or stored...we had two large rooms that were ready for whatever we could throw at them....or in them. The upstairs attic (for the record, neither of these rooms are officially 'THE' attic, but rather large triangular rooms that have been used as attics would be) has a lower ceiling and allows for standing only in the center of the room....so we chose to use this room as a storage room...or a very large closet.

The second 'attic' room had much higher ceilings and is now officially going to be our bedroom.....or 'love nest' as I like to refer to it as. Here it is pictured above in it's previous state...

Here it is all cleared out....ready for some TLC...

Here it is as the Hubs was working on it....

And here it is in it's current condition...waiting for it's new window, a fireplace insert (on the wall ) some paint, carpeting and furniture!

Can't wait to post pics of the completed project :)

Amy Wilhoite

2007-09-10T19:20:00.000-04:00

Please pray for him. And thank the Lord for saving her.

http://wilhoite.blogspot.com/

Hairless..

2007-09-05T14:54:00.000-04:00

The Farming wife's 20 minute makeover

The kids were glued to the television and I saw my golden opportunity arrive. It was now or never. I briskly walked to the shower and undressed in a flash.

Lathered, rinsed....no time to repeat.

After running a brush through my sad hair-do, I decided it was time to take matters into my own hands. Renovating an attic is no small expense, and hair styling is the first "unnecessary cost" to go, as voted by the Hubs....just wait 'til he sees what I can do with a pair of scissors....Hair styling may promptly return to the top of the necessary list.

Once I had the shiny pair of scissors in my hot little hand...there was no looking back....there were clumps folks. Clumps and piles.

Anyone with curly hair knows there isn't much damage you can do .... until you finally get around to straightening your hair...and then ...well... I haven't got that much time on my hands so, I kept cutting.

The entire bottom layer came off so easily, I decided to tackle some layers of my own...I would have to say the back of the head is certainly most difficult....but heck ...I can't see back there anyway.

I threw some gel into the mop and I'd have to say it turned out fantastically....it's still wet mind you, and there is a good chance I'll be kicking myself once it dries and curls up like a poodle on a humid summers day....but so far.. things are looking good.

Next, came the removal of raccoon eyes from last nights mascara...it never comes off in the shower....so I treated myself to a cold cream application...and even styled those shaggy eyebrows.

I ran upstairs to find some clothing to cover the ever growing belly...the choices are few and far between these days...and while I was going through the drawers, I stumbled upon an old nail polish bottle and decided to sit on the bed and give myself a pedicure...it had to be quick as I shook the polish hoping it would congeal into something usable.....I could hear running water on the floor below, and knew that the TV was no longer babysitting the hooligans.

Beside the nail polish was a rusty hair clip and a blingy watch (with several stones missing) ....so I threw them on, and by golly...I was starting to look dy-no-mite!

I came downstairs and realized I had forgotten to shave the armpits....they needed a haircut worse than my head hair .... so off I went to find the razor. There was no soap left in the pump...so I stole the little bit that was residing on the dispenser, and Ta-daa there was just enough for a lather.

Within 20 minutes I had unveiled a whole new me....it was fabulous. It was a good thing I had done all this dolling up as I had a hot date with the rice box that had been dragged into the living room and been dumped.

Bliss I tell you...

2007-09-03T15:29:00.000-04:00

Check it out: http://heatherbailey.typepad.com/heather_bailey/2007/02/the_studio.html

I'm coveting. And she posted this in February, so you can see how long it's been brewing...This truly is the most creative and glorious working space I have ever seen. we're in the midst of some home renos ...again...this time we're creating our 'love nest' in a secluded attic above the play room. It's about 20' x 12'...so it has ample space, it's just the figuring and the placing of things.

Today we have the lovely project of completing the baseboard trim in our office...and all I could think of was the above link....and it's got me all hot and bothered about making it look like a pretty and inviting work space. It's currently the dumping grounds for my stampin' Up gear, the scrapbooking debris, and all the office and computer supplies that one requires in an office.

And I got to thinking ... what if I went to the local Salvation Army and found a used beat up dresser or armoire with a mutil sectioned/shelved top that could neatly display all of my project stuff. I could paint it up and make it all purdy, and paint my current book shelf to match....

Can you tell I'm nesting?

2007-08-27T13:22:00.000-04:00

The Man.

The boats the Man saved.

The shoes the Man wore.

The keys the Man tapped.

My sweet peas.

2007-08-27T13:01:00.000-04:00

Giants and Pixies...

2007-08-27T12:23:00.000-04:00

It's not usual that my brother ,the Giant, can be fooled. Rare in fact....but we had him going...he may well deny it, but we'll always have the photos.

It was a beautiful night, mid-week through our cottage stay... Brother giant was building a roaring fire, Oma was making hot chocolate, and Aliesha (Giant's wife) and I were discussing pregnancy...as was the norm for us during our stay, as we're both expecting in January.

Just as we got settled in our chairs for our lakeside fire, Oma decided to play a little trick on the Giant. She placed 2 fire colour packets into the flames while he wasn't looking. We were all aware of what had happened..and waited for the beautiful coloured flames to appear.

First he thought it was the pressure treated wood .... it must be that....the chemicals are burning and making the beautiful display. So...he threw in another piece....

The colours stayed but didn't get any brighter....so he began speculating that perhaps the sand was providing some kind of reaction as it hit the flames.... like ...ahem...pixie dust.

And here it is folks...the 'pixie dust' being ever so gently flung on the flames by the giant. (there ain't no denying it now...)

It's okay Giant. We knew you didn't actually buy into the whole pixie dust theory.......

pixies aren't real.

....It was those fairies.....

The best way to travel

2007-08-27T12:13:00.000-04:00

How the 'Hick Family' loads up for a trip to the ice cream shop while cottaging.

The Ostrich.

2007-08-24T12:18:00.000-04:00

Here is my profile. My name is Osama The Ostrich. I weigh in at approximately 120 pounds, have a long neck and can run at top speeds. My favourite past time is scaring little children at the African Lion Safari, as I really have nothing better to do. My favourite snacks include cheesies and stale bread.

Ahhh, Here we are ...an unsuspecting group of four, 2 children, a driver and a lady with a camera. Perrrfect...lemme get a good look without them suspecting me. If I just raise my chin a little and just get a little closer here....

Hee hee...it's perfect ... already they're hooked, look at them stopped with their noses pushed against the windows trying to get as close as possible, before I peck those little eyes out!

AAAACCCKKK!!! peck, peck, snap, snap....come a little closer my pretty!!

And for the final phase of my plan, the STARE DOWN. Keep looking little one, keep looking. I will win, I tell you....

Ha-ha! Success....let the tears flow...they are but medals 'round my long neck, my pretty.

Off to find my next victim....sweet dreams ... I expect to see you again around midnight as I awake you in a cold sweat!! peck...peck...

The passing...

2007-08-21T08:19:00.000-04:00

We're back..and some of you didn't even know we were gone...except, perhaps for the lack of posting on the blawg. We went a'cottaging last week, sort of a last hoorah for summer, as now that we've returned, the weather is mighty fall-like and I am loving it.

I sit here sipping an ice cold glass of grape juice, pondering whether I should begin downloading the photos of the cottage, OR ...share with you a mighty fine story that unfurled in true Garrett fashion. I believe the latter will win ..for today.

It was in the evening hours, the dusk was giving way to the darkness, and I sat alone in our white mini van. I had come prepared to this parking lot, awaiting the return of the Hubs, my book in hand. As I sat totally engrossed in my new read, the tears began to flow, it was 'Chicken Soup for the New Mom's Soul'.... and dang, it had me all up in my emotions..lucky for me there was a full box of kleenex still in the van from our trip.

I began telling myself to calm down, I slammed the book shut, upset that it had gotten me in this state with it's,

'...And the mother knew from this moment on, her life was changed, she would give her all and everything and devote her life to this new child..she could feel her heart growing, and saving her child's life was now her main priority as he fought for every breath...'.

My main priority at that given moment was to wipe every tear from my weeping eyes and plaster a good clown sized grin on my face to try to chase away the impending hiccups that come from a good cry. I was worried that as the Hubs was in the chiropractors office, he would unwittingly invite the chiropractors wife to come out to the van as I would surely love to see her. Surely.

I turned the key on the van to get the air moving, and pushed the grill on the blowing vent to point directly at my face...I blasted it onto cold and let the unrelenting tears dry up. Just as I was faced the other way peering at the neighbouring houses' garden..(telling myself I was as HAPPY! as the BIG! PINK! FLOWERS!...The Hubs made his entrance.

He plunked down on his seat with a bright red face and a sheepish look saying 'Well....THAT was embarrassing.' I couldn't wait to hear what could possibly embarrass the man that could find humour in just about anything.

He went on to tell the story.

He was talking to the Chiropractor (Dr. S) and as they were going over pleasantries and discussing the weather, The Hubs mentioned how he's been wanting to drop a few pounds and he has been struggling to do so. The Dr. had a simple solution....eat less.
As they further discussed weight loss and the sluggish effects of extra weight, Dr. S had the Hubs lay down and began his magic. He was pushing and cracking, heaving and ho-ing..then he asked Dwight to sit up.

This is when the Hubs magic began.

As he strained to sit up ...it happened....he had no control. He passed gas in such a way that it (and I quote) "fired out of me".

At this point my tears had changed from sadness to disbelief, I couldn't believe what he was telling me and I made him tell me again and again in more detail. I made him mimic the noise and the Dr's face. The exact sound was crucial to the story...I needed to hear the fleck, the intonnation, the cadence and the rhythm of the toot...Was it explosive? Was it undeniably a ripper? Was it unquestionably a stinker? .... Fortunatley for me, it was all of these and more. The tears flowed, my ribs hurt, and there certainly were deposits of saliva on the interior of the front windshield as he replayed the sound over and over with his mouth.

He said "it was awkward." "I said 'OOPS!' after it let loose, and the Dr. being the ever professional dismissed it and continued talking...." (I'm sure they were no longer discussing 'pleasantries')

I asked why he didn't just hold it in and he replied ' I just couldn't, I didn't even know it was there, then whoops....Boom!... it was so loud it nearly fired through the wall behind me. Oh hun, I need to lose weight, that's just awful....I couldn't even feel it coming....'

I couldn't stop laughing. It was truly just desserts for the man that typically takes pride in his gas and it's passing.

2007-08-11T17:11:00.000-04:00

My heart in black and white.

Timeless...

2007-08-11T13:52:00.001-04:00