Do you ever feel God tapping you on the shoulder and saying, "Stop and see the beauty of THIS moment"? I had a few of those this past weekend.
Early Friday evening, my best friend Rachel and baby Brandon arrived to a very excited household. We all love when Rachel visits because, well, she's Rachel! Anyone who wouldn't be ecstatic for her visit is CRAZY. And now she has a baby which makes it even more fun--if that is possible. (She also has a fun husband--we hope to see you next time, Eddie!)
Shortly before her arrival, the kids and I had been dancing in the future dining room, which for now hosts a long hardwood dance floor. We came across the song "Beautiful Life" from the Dance Party 1997 CD. (Class of '97 RULES!) Anyway . . . Landen decided all of a sudden that he LOVED that song. As soon as Rachel arrived, he couldn't wait for her to hear it. We made him wait through supper, ice cream cake, and the opening of Christmas gifts (yeah--we need to see each other more often). Finally, I said we could listen to the song.
Nathan, as is his usual habit, cranked the stereo and we all entered the dining room like it was once again Homecoming in the Eureka gym.
That was the moment. There we all were dancing like it was 1997--my best friend and both our children running, jumping, or bouncing up and down (depending on age) and for that song all was right with the world. The name of Landen's new favorite song had to be more than just a coincidence.
I felt the tap again on Saturday midway through the MS Walk. I realized that God has blessed me with the ability to walk and raise awareness for those who cannot. We never know what is going to happen in the future, but for now I have that ability that I often take for granted.
And, finally, tonight on the way home from my in-laws' house, God reminded me that life's minor unpleasant surprises are nothing to stress about as I tend to do. We were just a few miles down the road when Nathan suddenly got sick. Thankfully he gave us a few seconds' advance warning, so the mess was minimal. This was not a pleasant moment, and one that I always avoid at all costs, but after he was cleaned up I realized how minor a little spontaneous puke really is. Incredibly icky, but minor. We will all survive and life will go on.
Sometimes I daydream about how life will be when my children are on their own, or even to a lesser degree when they are all in school. Then I have more freedom to move around--even in my own home. How wonderful that will be! But, that is not my current reality.
So, I am thankful for the occasional friendly taps on the shoulder from God. It IS a beautiful life--right now.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Exciting News!
No--I am not pregnant. Which, in itself, is exciting news. I have been thoroughly enjoying the nausea-free spring & summer so far!
My exciting news is that our team has officially passed the $1000 mark for the MS Walk this Saturday. Wohoo!!!!!
It looks like the weather is going to cooperate for us on Saturday as well. The next couple days include cutting out 122 footprints tonight with my aunt & sister (over pizza, of course), having my friend Rachel & her baby here overnight on Friday, and walking with everyone on Saturday. I am SO excited for it all!
My exciting news is that our team has officially passed the $1000 mark for the MS Walk this Saturday. Wohoo!!!!!
It looks like the weather is going to cooperate for us on Saturday as well. The next couple days include cutting out 122 footprints tonight with my aunt & sister (over pizza, of course), having my friend Rachel & her baby here overnight on Friday, and walking with everyone on Saturday. I am SO excited for it all!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Just One of the Boys
Today Teresa watched Nathan do one of his favorite things--go potty in the grass. A few minutes later, she walked over to the grass, lifted up her shirt, and stuck out her tummy! She tried it a few more times before we went inside, but try as she may, she could not get any potty to come out of her belly button.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
The Farmer's Wife
The Aberdeen American News covered farmers' wives on their front page the other day. As one of these wives, I can say there are definite pros and cons to this specific vocation. I have come up with a short list . . . I am sure more will be added. I am aware that some contradict each other.
Pros
1. My husband is his own boss, so his hours can be flexible if need be.
2. There are certain times during the year when all I have to make for supper are bologna sandwiches and Pepsi floats.
3. Once in awhile, David needs me to go to Redfield or Aberdeen for a part. I make sure to do something I want to do on the trip, too, even if it is just grabbing a coffee.
4. Farming brings something new with each season, so life is never dull.
5. David is frequently able to take one of the children with him. Grandpa can usually take another. Teresa will soon be in the rotation as she is starting to notice that she is being left out.
6. No matter what I need for a craft project, I can usually find it in one of the outside buildings.
7. Our children have a huge yard to play in and explore.
8. We have a freezer stocked with home-raised beef. Yum.
9. When in doubt, I can buy David or any one of the kids something John Deere for a present. Yes, we even own a John Deere Barbie.
10. Talking farming can be a conversation starter almost everywhere. Even the farmers' wives start their conversations with a question such as, "Is your husband done planting wheat?"
Cons
1. There is no 8-6 schedule in the spring, summer, or fall. Even Sunday afternoons are fair game for work during these seasons.
2. Although David would disagree, I maintain that January is basically the only month that we can plan anything. Then, of course, it still depends on the weather.
3. Long working hours can get frustrating and lonely sometimes when our busy time is everyone else's play time.
4. Nearly every date night includes a trip to Runnings.
5. The problem with working out of or near your home is that the work is always there. Your husband does not clock out at the end of the day and physically leave the workplace.
6. Just as in any profession, I suppose, nothing is guaranteed. Corn can look great one day and be shredded by a hail storm the next. That means no pay check.
All in all, I am glad that I went back on my oath that I would never marry a farmer. Life is good. Really.
Pros
1. My husband is his own boss, so his hours can be flexible if need be.
2. There are certain times during the year when all I have to make for supper are bologna sandwiches and Pepsi floats.
3. Once in awhile, David needs me to go to Redfield or Aberdeen for a part. I make sure to do something I want to do on the trip, too, even if it is just grabbing a coffee.
4. Farming brings something new with each season, so life is never dull.
5. David is frequently able to take one of the children with him. Grandpa can usually take another. Teresa will soon be in the rotation as she is starting to notice that she is being left out.
6. No matter what I need for a craft project, I can usually find it in one of the outside buildings.
7. Our children have a huge yard to play in and explore.
8. We have a freezer stocked with home-raised beef. Yum.
9. When in doubt, I can buy David or any one of the kids something John Deere for a present. Yes, we even own a John Deere Barbie.
10. Talking farming can be a conversation starter almost everywhere. Even the farmers' wives start their conversations with a question such as, "Is your husband done planting wheat?"
Cons
1. There is no 8-6 schedule in the spring, summer, or fall. Even Sunday afternoons are fair game for work during these seasons.
2. Although David would disagree, I maintain that January is basically the only month that we can plan anything. Then, of course, it still depends on the weather.
3. Long working hours can get frustrating and lonely sometimes when our busy time is everyone else's play time.
4. Nearly every date night includes a trip to Runnings.
5. The problem with working out of or near your home is that the work is always there. Your husband does not clock out at the end of the day and physically leave the workplace.
6. Just as in any profession, I suppose, nothing is guaranteed. Corn can look great one day and be shredded by a hail storm the next. That means no pay check.
All in all, I am glad that I went back on my oath that I would never marry a farmer. Life is good. Really.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Spring Planting
The patio blueberry plant and blueberry food arrived this past week. The kids and I planted it this morning. It is a very tiny baby plant. Landen thought that maybe a blueberry would appear by tomorrow, but I told him we may have to wait until August. If nothing happens by August 1, I will hear about it--of that I am sure.
I have so many plants started by the south downstairs window, I'm surprised the police haven't showed up yet to make sure it is just peppers, herbs, and flowers that I'm growing!
I am getting excited to start the garden and so are the boys. Nathan was digging in the gravel today and telling me where he was going to put his carrots and green beans.
My father-in-law will till our garden plot when he has time, but it is a good thing that has has not had a chance to do it yet. Nice, black, freshly tilled earth would be WAAAYY too tempting for my little boys and girl until it warms up consistenly enough to plant our veggies and flowers.
Already this morning I looked in the backyard and saw Nathan in nothing but his shirt and underwear playing in a some mud he had made with his yellow watering can. (He has a BIG aversion to ANY wet clothing on his body. Last Sunday it was raining after church, so he pulled his pant legs up to his underwear for the walk to the van.) I tried to tell him that it was not quite warm enough for no jeans, but he did not believe me. Oddly enough, he came in the house just a few minutes later looking for hot chocolate.
Yes, whether it is wheat or corn, blueberries or black eyed susans, we have planting fever here at the Melius farm!
I have so many plants started by the south downstairs window, I'm surprised the police haven't showed up yet to make sure it is just peppers, herbs, and flowers that I'm growing!
I am getting excited to start the garden and so are the boys. Nathan was digging in the gravel today and telling me where he was going to put his carrots and green beans.
My father-in-law will till our garden plot when he has time, but it is a good thing that has has not had a chance to do it yet. Nice, black, freshly tilled earth would be WAAAYY too tempting for my little boys and girl until it warms up consistenly enough to plant our veggies and flowers.
Already this morning I looked in the backyard and saw Nathan in nothing but his shirt and underwear playing in a some mud he had made with his yellow watering can. (He has a BIG aversion to ANY wet clothing on his body. Last Sunday it was raining after church, so he pulled his pant legs up to his underwear for the walk to the van.) I tried to tell him that it was not quite warm enough for no jeans, but he did not believe me. Oddly enough, he came in the house just a few minutes later looking for hot chocolate.
Yes, whether it is wheat or corn, blueberries or black eyed susans, we have planting fever here at the Melius farm!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)