Just a few days left . . .

and then the Kallas family will be back in Leola again! I am so excited to see my aunts, uncles, and many cousins. My mom is one of 12 siblings, so getting together once a year is always quite a "big" deal. I will even meet a new cousin, baby Logan Kallas, who was born this past spring. I have such a wonderful family and I am so blessed to be a part of it. We are an extended family that actually likes to be together, and for that I am so thankful.
This year is Leola's 125th Celebration, so we are preparing for our parade entries. We are hoping for some more float competition this year from other area families. I cannot divulge any information on this top secret project--you will have to come to the parade on July 4 or wait for the pictures. :o)
Nathan has the whole weekend planned out. First he is going to ride the jelly bean train (barrels pulled by a lawn mower) and ride the ponies, then throw candy in the parade, and finally go to Carter's house (his cousin in MN) the next day. Carter's sister Lily, our goddaughter, will already be 2 years old on July 7.
So, it is a week of anticipation and preparation as we get ready for the busy weekend ahead.
If you hear a roar coming from around Hwy 10 later this week, you will know the Kallas family has arrived.

What a Thursday

David said this morning he heard that the Internet was close to crashing yesterday with everyone Twittering, Facebooking, and searching for information on the deaths of Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson. I read of the people in Times Square reading the news feed and instantly taking out their phones to text. I'm sure that was a sight in itself. I think the last time there was such a need to instantly communicate was September 11, 2001--before Twitter & Facebook even existed.
I was brand new to this world (or maybe getting ready to make my appearance) when Farrah was an "Angel." Likewise, I was somewhere around first or second grade when Michael was crowned as King of Pop. I vaguely remember his performances and the birth of the "moon walk." Suddenly, it seemed like everyone, including myself was walking backward to music. Bruce Springsteen was more my style, but worked just fine for doing the moon walk next to my parents' record player. Like most people, was left confused and unimpressed by his increasingly strange appearance and behavior in public as the years went on.
Neither of these people made a huge impact on my life, nor did they ever cross my mind unless the media brought them to my attention. Still, I audibly gasped as I learned of each of their deaths yesterday.
Why? Perhaps it is that I am still somewhat under the illusion that entertainment icons are immune to real life problems and disease to which the rest of us are still susceptible. Even if they are suffering, surely they will pull through and live for many years to come, right? I fully expected Farrah would get that miracle she was praying for. Even when I saw that Michael Jackson had been rushed to the hospital, I assumed it was yet another publicity stunt.
May we live each day appreciating our health and the presence of those we love. Yesterday we were doubly reminded of the mortality of rich and poor alike. That should be nothing new, but judging by America's reaction, these reminders never cease to find us unprepared.

Swimming Pictures

I took my camera along on Tuesday and managed to snap some quick pictures while all three heads were above water. We all had fun again. Today is the last day of lessons and it is 90 and calm--another perfect pool day!

My Take on Jon & Kate

I can live in a world with disease, famine, and sticky floors. I just don't know if I can live in a world where Jon & Kate Gosselin cannot make their marriage work. I guess I was one of those that fell into using a celebrity couple as a sort of role model. I mean--look at their large family and the stresses they faced together. Their marriage wasn't perfect, but they kept it together. They were two very different people, but they seemed like a good team.
With one tabloid report, that all changed. Suddenly we heard that all was not well in Pennsylvania with the new house and two new puppies. They weren't going to face this world together forever after all, as they pledged to do at their vow renewal last year in Hawaii.
It's similar to when you hear a seemingly healthy person is diagnosed with cancer. You absolutely didn't see it coming and are shocked when you hear the news. After the smoke clears, you hear that, yes, the person hadn't been feeling well for quite some time and it was just getting worse and worse.
This divorce seems to be falling into a common theme with those who suddenly become famous. Remember the young, innocent Beatles? In a few years, they were long-haired drug addicts. Remember sweet and tastefully dressed Britney Spears on the cover of her first CD? Soon she was out of control as well. Check out the Gosselin family in Season 1. Jon & Kate looked just like the rest of us. Now we have Jon showing off on his ATV and Kate sporting designer hair and a different bikini with each trip to the beach. Has this show REALLY been for the kids? If it was, they should have enough saved up for their college educations, or at least a start by now. A good friend of mine was one of six and she and her siblings all went or will go to college. Their parents never had a reality show on TLC. It's called financial aid.
My days of watching the show are over, not that anyone at TLC will notice. It just isn't inspiring or entertaining to see two parents shuffling their kids between each other as they lead seperate lives. In a world where so many marriages end in divorce, that's just too much reality on TV for me.

Bugs Bite

By now, with the official start of summer, you should have used your summer survival lotions and potions quite often. You know, the SPF 50+ sunscreen (we're on our 2nd bottle already), the bug spray, the hemorrhoid cream. That's right--hemorrhoid cream--Preparation H or its generic counterpart should be in your survival kit, too.
We had a crew working on our duct work a few years ago and they shared a little tidbit about Preparation H healing bug bites over dinner one day. Landen was about 1 and just so happened to have a bug bite swelled to the size of an egg on his forehead. Wanting to see if these guys knew what they were talking about, I borrowed some cream from my neighbor. I spread it over the swelled area after he was asleep so he wouldn't rub it off, and the swelling was completely gone by morning.
We haven't had many mosquitoes around so far this summer, but for some reason the biting flies have been very fertile. I'm not sure of their technical term, but growing up we called them "horse flies" or "deer flies." They are big, striped, and nasty.
By the time I feel the pinch of their bite, it is too late. Even if I don't scratch the venom around (and they immediately itch SO bad), I will still have a welt and a huge, hot swelled area around the bite for days afterward. I've already had a few of these this summer. I would take a mosquito bite any day. (Unless it is carrying the West Nile Virus, that is.)
That brings me to today. I went outside to bring Nathan's bike across the yard this afternoon and in that time was bitten by one of those nasty flies. Since I was close to the house this time, which was not the case with the previous bites, I came right in and rubbed the cream on it.
It took a couple of hours, but the welt from the bite has now gone away and I can't even feel the bite at all. I still, however, can feel the one from a couple of days ago.
I am tempted to carry a tube around in my purse for when we're out and about, but I am afraid Teresa may pull it out while she's rummaging around. "Sure, Laura, it's for bug bites--riigghht!"
So, if you have a bad reaction to any type of bug bite, be sure to stock up on hemorrhoid cream--and a big bug zapper.

Pool Bums

Ever since my bright idea to go to the pool early last Wednesday, the kids and I have become pool bums. Last week we got rained out on Thursday, so had to go back on Friday. We were all SO disappointed.
This week we have lessons today, Tuesday, and Thursday. As long as the weather cooperates, it works out very well to go early, play at th park for a half hour after the pool closes, and then return to the pool a half hour later for the boys' half hour lesson. It sure has been fun watching them all splash around. Even Teresa likes the water this year and loves the zero entry pool. She walks in a little bit, climbs out, and then walks back in--going a little farther in each time. It's great until I have to keep her OUT of the pool during lessons. She thinks she is taking lessons, too, and wants to do everything the big kids are doing.
If we're lucky we'll get to the pool once a week or less after lessons are over. It is a long way to drive to swim for an hour and, as I've posted before, is easier to just give the kids the garden hose for awhile.
I am glad that the original indoor swimming lesson idea did not work out. Since the lessons are held in the afternoon, the boys haven't had to shiver at all--except for the first chilly day.
As an added bonus, I have the best tan I've had in years.

What to do with those herbs . . .

I was checking email and saw this article posted on Yahoo! Since I am just venturing into the world of herbs, I was excited to see that the herbs I have planted not only taste good, but may have health benefits, too.
According to Dr. Maoshing Ni's "8 Commonly Used Herbs and their Healing Properties," my garden is a virtual pharmacy. The herbs discussed below are just the herbs I have growing. I have summarized each of them, as it was a very long article, so visit the following link to see everything Dr. Ni had to say and the other herbs that make up his top 8.
http://health.yahoo.com/experts/drmao/19028/8-commonly-used-herbs-and-their-healing-properties.

1. Rosemary
Rosemary stimulates brain activities and brail alertness. It also helps digestion and the immune system.

2. Mint
Mainly, Dr. Ni says it helps with digestion. (So there really is something to the old remedy of sucking on a peppermint candy to soothe a stomachahe!) It is also an excellent source of antioxidants that aid vision and helps to remove toxins from the body by cleansing the liver.

3. Oregano
When steeped in hot water, oregano vapors are "antibacterial, antiviral and decongesting." It is also supposed to help with digestion.

4. Chives
Chives contain vitamin C as well as potassium, calcium, iron and folic acid. In Chinese medicine they are used to "clear stuffy noses, prevent bad breath, ease stomach aches, strengthen the lower back, and improve poor circulation."

5. Basil
In Dr. Ni's words, "Basil's scent can perk up your energy level and it is filled with luteolin, a bioflavonoid that studies have shown to be the best protection of cell DNA from radiation."

6. Cilantro
Cilantro also boosts energy, aids the immune system, and can smooth digestion.

Have a wondeful weekend everyone!

No More Training Wheels

Landen decided this morning that it was time for the training wheels to come off his bike. He has been riding around the yard and up and down the road ever since. He is loving the new freedom and Nathan is liking carting the training wheels in the back of his tricycle.
Next on our list is learning how to tie shoes. I keep forgetting to teach him since we live in sandals all summer!

Overlooked

When developing our house rules, David & I seem to have missed one--"No going potty in the bathroom garbage. Especially on purpose."

Spinach & Swimming

The garden produce of the day was spinach. We all like spinach--not the big, wrinkly variety, but the baby leaf kind. We have always eaten it raw in place of lettuce, but I will probably have enough to freeze and use in future lasagna. Landen & Nathan helped me harvest that this morning.
I decided after dinner that going to the pool to play before the boys' swimming lessons would be a good idea. It was warm and humid from the recent rain which made for perfect swimming weather. Besides, how cruel was I to take them to lessons, but not let them actually play in the water? I did not get any pictures at the actual pool. We only get water fun pictures when David is along. Otherwise I am too busy constantly counting 3 heads.
However, I stumbled upon the following scene as we were getting ready to leave. Teresa knew she wasn't supposed to go outside alone with Nathan. When I heard the door close and no more Teresa noises were coming from the entry, I marched down the hall, around the corner, threw open the door and saw this.

I am guessing she thought that if she put on her hat first, she wouldn't get into trouble. She was right.

Old German Honey Cookies

In the end, the cookies were still a success. Here is the recipe from allrecipes.com:

Old German Honey Cookies

1 cup white sugar
1 cup shortening
1 cup honey
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground ginger
OR 1/2 tsp. nutmeg & 1/2 tsp. ginger (what I did)

In a saucepan over low heat, melt together sugar, shortening and honey. Let cool.
Mix together eggs, vanilla, baking soda and ginger (or 1/2 nutmeg & 1/2 ginger.) Gradually add to cooled honey mixture.
Slowly add 4 cups of flour to mixture. Stir until well blended. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto cookie sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake at 350 degrees F until golden (about 12-15 minutes).
They taste like soft graham crackers. If using all ginger, they would probably taste a bit like gingerbread cookies. The spice flavor is very light. Enjoy!

Into the Jungle

I took a class on Vietnam in college as part of my history minor.
For some reason, one thing that sticks in my mind (besides the video of people drinking snake blood for pleasure), is the fact that the soldiers went from complete boredom, sometimes for extremely long periods of time, to life or death combat in just seconds. This took an awful emotional toll on them, contributing to some of the mental health problems some soldiers experienced after their return.
Now, I am not a solder, nor could I ever claim to be, but this little history lesson came to mind this morning.
Teresa and I were flipping through a magazine together by the kitchen table. David & the boys had just gone outside. It was in that quiet moment I remembered there was a honey cookie recipe I had been meaning to try. Even with Teresa's counter climbing habit, mixing up a batch with her help would be feasible.
I hadn't even scooped the sugared honey into the measuring cup that the door opened and Landen sprung inside. Of course he had to jump up on the counter and supervise, too (after washing his hands). A few seconds later Nathan followed, thankfully (and almost miraculously) shedding his muddy boots by the front door before running into the kitchen. Within seconds, I had three kids precariously perched on various levels of the counter and high chair, all trying to get a glimpse of the melting honey concoction on the stove.
It didn't take long for little fingers to start poking into the mixture and then all were sent away to play.
Where had the potentially quiet mother/daughter cookie baking experience gone? Another peaceful moment had succumbed to the chaos.
I cannot count the number of days I have worked to get all the laundry done or the house completely cleaned so I could have an "easy" day the next day. Of course other things usually fill in instead, but even when I do manage to squeak out an easier day, I've found that I would rather be busy than lazy.
When I have five minutes to myself, I start to think of all the things that I could do--like baking, scrapbooking, knitting, walking on the treadmill, or watching that Netflix movie that has been waiting for weeks. Just like my cookie experience today, I can predict that as soon as I settle into one of those projects or get the treadmill up to speed, a little head will pop in the door and it will be all over. This makes me frustrated and I inevitably turn into grouchy mom.
As mundane as it seems, it's better for me to be folding underwear or pulling weeds outside as they play. That way I feel productive and I keep my mind off of that fun stuff that will have to wait a few years (or until after bedtime if I still have the energy.) I've also found if I am busy moving around, my children have a more difficult time catching me. The hardest thing about being on modified bedrest in my last weeks of Teresa's pregnancy was sitting. I knew as soon as my butt hit the chair, I would have two little boys climbing on top of me, using their elbows on my tummy as leverage to better position themselves, and requesting their TV shows of choice. At least standing in the kitchen kept them at bay.
Feeling bored when I will potentially be home with the kids by myself for 12+ hours can be practically unbearable. Maybe bored isn't so much the word as lonely. When I am already feeling overwhelmed, the fighting, screaming and yelling that pierces the quiet affects me that much more.
What do moms like me have to do with the heroes of Vietnam? Perhaps nothing. Perhaps a little something. I'll leave that up to you.

Bumper Crop

It's a bumper crop for me anyway! It is exciting to see our garden starting to produce. Today we picked enough strawberries for the kids' afternoon snack. I was hoping to eventually get enough for a pie, but I think they will all be eaten right from the patch before that can happen. I hope the mixture of "June bearers" and "Ever bearers" will continue to give us strawberries for most of the summer.
I also used a couple sprigs of Rosemary for my slow-cooked chicken today. That was very yummy as well. I recently received some yummy recipes from cousin-in-law Jan that I am excited to try once my tomatoes, cilantro, onions, and basil are all ready to eat. This is my first year for herbs and I'm not always sure what to use them for, but I have been trusting my nose so far. If it smells like pizza, it must be good in Italian cooking. Salsa? Must be Mexican. I'm still not sure what I am going to use the spearmint for, even though that was the herb I first planted and most wanted. I might have to try some new iced teas or summer cocktails that include mint.
So far so good for this summer's gardening projects. Except for the blueberry plant. I regret to inform everyone that it did not make it. It's probably for the best--my family all likes strawberries better anyway.

This Means You

You would think that after 5 1/2 years, I would know that having just one child awake in the morning just doesn't happen.
But still, I try.
Landen is usually the first one up. Unfortunately, this never lasts long. He knows how to take his own bath and get dressed, so I suppose this is what always trips me up. He should be able to go about his business and play quietly for awhile until his siblings wake up. He is reminded several times every morning to be quiet because he sister is sleeping in the next room. Somehow he thinks yelling, "MOM!" from the bathtub is being quiet. Singing original opera-style songs and "We are the Champions" at the top of his lungs must also fall into the quiet category. Inevitably, Teresa is soon awake. Let's not forget turning the lights on in his bedroom as he gets dressed. "I didn't wake up Nathan," he has told me, "I just had to turn the lights on to see what I was doing!"
For some reason, he just doesn't seem to realize that commands such as "Quiet" and "Do Not Enter" apply to him. When I was cleaning up the utility room after our water heater adventure, I had the door closed as I swept water down the drain. It didn't take 5 minutes for Landen to open the door. "I do not want kids in here right now," I told him. It didn't even phase him as he proceeded to walk into the room with Teresa at his heels. "Is it OK if Teresa's in here?" he asked. I don't know who he thought I was referring to when I said "kids." His friends a mile up the road maybe??
I hope this is a lesson he learns as he grows up. I am sure school will help in this area. If not, when you are out and about in 15 or so years and see signs posted warning people not to enter, not to sit on wet paint, or to turn off their cell phones followed by "This means you," look around for a red headed young man with a big smile.
Landen will surely not be too far away.

Women's Ag Day

The invitation first arrived in the mail in the form of a flier. Faulkton was having a Women's Ag Day on June 10. I had too much agriculture in my life already, I thought, and into the trash it went. The next week there was a front page story in the newspaper. I decided to pass it by again. Besides, I didn't want to get a babysitter for a whole day. The next day my phone rang. It was my cousin-in-law Nikki asking me if I wanted to go to the Women's Ag Day. I still resisted until she told me what had piqued her curiosity--lunch and wine tasting. After that brief conversation, it didn't take long for me to find a babysitter and commit to the day-long affair. I can endure pretty much anything if there will be lunch served at some point. And free wine? Bring on absolutely anything.
I am so glad I went. The speakers were informative, entertaining, or both. The vendors (local photography, Stampin' Up!, the Quilt Shop, the Purse Closet, etc.) were fun to browse through. The lunch was FANTASTIC and the wine was yummy. Two bottles of wine from ChrisaMari Vineyards near Pierre were my purchase for the day--one grape blush and one pumpkin.
There was a time when I resented the label "farm wife" or "housewife." They still aren't my favorite words, but I learn at events like yesterday's that those labels can look very different depending on the person. Some farm wives work alongside their husbands outside. They love to tag calves and till the land. To them I say, "You go girl."
Others, like Nikki and myself, hold down the fort inside for the most part and keep the meals coming--a half hour early or two hours late, of course. We all share some of the same frustrations. Interpreting our husbands' confusing hand signals as they drive by and putting up with their seasonal moods fall into this category.
I hope the Women's Ag Day will be held again. It is nice to have the camaraderie with farm wives of all types. They might not even have to tempt me with lunch or wine next time.
But it wouldn't hurt.

June 9, 2001

It doesn't seem like David & I have been married for 8 years already until I look around at all we have accomplished. All in all, our marriage has been hard work, but also fun. These early years have been filled with many changes--on our farm, in our home, and with our family.
We have smoothed some of the wrinkles from our early years, learning slowly what is--and what is not--worth arguing about. What I think we both have learned is that a married relationship is always moving. It takes constant communication and effort to make sure that we do not move apart. We are not always successful in that, but always manage to pull it back together again.
We have been blessed with tremendous faith, family, and friends who have been an integral part of our married adventure. Thanks to God and all of you for your support and encouragement throughout these first 8 years!

Monday

I see I haven't posted since last Tuesday. I guess I was busier than I thought getting ready to go on our Melius couples' vacation to Valleyfair & the Cities. The weekend was so great, although sometimes I wonder if I have anything in common with my crazy inlaws and husband who love the roller coasters. They can plummet from Wild Thing & Steel Venom, but cringe when I even mention my favorite--the Tilt a Whirl. David rode on it with me once and it about did him in. If I ever had a sense of adventure when it came to amusement park rides, and it never was much, it is completely gone now. Any amount of height above the ground about put me in near hyperventilation. I had fun watching everyone else, though, and marveling at their courage.
Saturday we girls went to my type of thrill ride--a huge outlet mall. I thought I had died and gone to heaven when we arrived in Albertville, and then we turned the corner and saw another huge building. We all had so much fun and found great bargains. After meeting up with the husbands and David's cousin & wife, we went to a wonderful dinner at Ciao Bella.
The entire weekend was a breath of fresh air . . . and one I think we all needed. The only problem is now my parents and sister need a similar vacation after spending it with my little Melius miracles!

Sneaky Snacker

Nathan loves snacks. He asks for snacks from sun up until sun down every day--in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad. He has even asked for a snack as I was clearing the table after a meal. His snack of choice? Candy.
Thanks to Landen's being in school this year, we had a steady supply of candy from the Homecoming parade until Easter Sunday. The kids get to eat their candy (whatever Mom & Dad don't take first), but we ration it out. They might get one or two things for their afternoon snack if they ask for it. This obviously was not enough sugar for Nathan.
For awhile, he was getting into the candy cupboard in the morning before David or I got up. Landen became the candy police and Nathan got his snacks taken away for each day we caught him chocolate-handed. With that not working anymore, I had to do something else. Sleeping in the kitchen was not an option. Neither was electric fencing. (Too close to the sink.) I happened to have an extra child safety lock, so I put that on the cupboard door to deter him.
A few weeks, maybe months, passed and he obviously hadn't been able to sneak any Fruities or chocolate baseballs. I thought he wouldn't notice if I took the lock off. That little guy is more sneaky than even I give him credit for.
I started occasionally finding candy wrappers under his bed. The next time I vacuumed, I found several more wrappers behind David's recliner. Most recently, Teresa told on him without saying a word as she brought out three granola bars from behind the rocking elephant in the living room. A look behind produced more Tootsie Pop wrappers and sticks.
The lock is now back on.
Where would my sweet little boy come up with such devious behavior?
I will have to ask the man who, may years ago, hid cookies under living room chairs to save them for Saturday morning cartoons.

Golden Peach Pork Chops

It's recipe time again! I had bought some pork chops on sale last month and came across them in my freezer this morning. I decided to make them, but didn't quite know what I wanted to do. I went to my favorite recipe site--www.allrecipes.com--and found this great recipe. We give it 6 thumbs up so far. Nathan didn't like it (but he doesn't like much) and David hasn't been in to eat yet. I lost count how many times Teresa wanted me to refill her tray. Trust me. It's very good!

1 can (15 oz) peach halves or slices, drained
5 bone-in pork loin chops (1 inch thick)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1/4 cup cider vinegar
DIRECTIONS
Drain peaches, reserving 1/4 cup juice (discard remaining juice or save for another use); set fruit and juice aside. In a large skillet, brown pork chops on both sides in oil; transfer to a slow cooker. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
In a bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon and cloves; mix well. Add the tomato sauce, vinegar and reserved peach juice. Pour over the chops. Arrange peach halves on top. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the meat is tender.

*I did not brown the pork chops first. Also, I baked them in a 300 degree oven for 2 1/2 hours instead of the slow cooker.