My Baby Bump

The conversation on the way to school made me want to cry and then go get a gym membership. Okay, honestly it went like this... First a look of disbelief, then a few tears, then I wanted to head to Krispy Kreme to make me feel better, and then to sign up for a gym membership. So getting back to the exciting conversation in the car - the twins wanted to know when I was having the baby. I quickly corrected them that Aunt Rachel is having a baby in March. They then proceeded to tell me that's not what they asked. They wanted to know about the BABY IN MY TUMMY. Yikes! Unless they know something I dont know, it is time for me to get back into some kind of exercise routine or be like Jennifer Garner and rock my bump with pride. 

The kids were heartbroken when I told them for the 100th time there was no baby. They begged and pleated their case for a new sister. They think it would be the best thing  - they say that now and I'm sure they would change their tune with the crying and stinky diapers that come along with the baby. 

Life is Precious

Tonight I write with a heavy heart and so many questions as to why? I know God has a perfect plan, but when life seems to be taken so soon or so fast it is hard to understand. I started the day finding out about a young man who was trying to turn things around was murdered and end the day finding out that my cousin's best friend is battling pancreatic cancer. He has a 18 month old little boy -  I break down crying just thinking about what his family must be feeling and dealing with. What can you say to him and how can you comfort him? How angry he must be? How angry  I am that there still isn't a cure for cancer. I have said it before, but how can we send a man to the moon, create a pill that has video camera in it, but still no cure?I have no words for what they must be dealing and I will not even pretend to say that I could find the right words to say to them. Yes, I am praying for them. I am sure at this stage they are angry and don't want to hear that. I pray for time - precious time, for peace, for his doctors, his family, his sweet baby boy who can't understand all of this, and comfort. I pray that he can take this time and enjoy his family.

Poplar and Selk Road

Today we did our final walk to the road sign that has the family name.  I also got my final look at the farm. Walking the farm all I could think was how much my kids would love it. Okay, so Caden might panic when he hears there is no wifi, internet, and my Uncle has never owned a computer, but even he would love it. Emmeline would love all the treasures she could find in the basement and attic. Jackson, would just be in heaven. I can see him as a farmer. I can just picture the kids running in the grass and along the fields like we did. And I can only imagine their awe at spotting and catching their first lightening bug. I'm heartbroken to think it may be gone. I am leaving with a renewed mission and quest to see if there is some way we can hold on to the farm that my Great Grandfather ran and that his mother started.

Barn Diving

Today we woke up to another beautiful day in Iowa. We decided it was time to tackle the barn. My Great Uncle thought us California girls were INSANE for wanting to pick through the barn.

We found lots of junk, lots of mice, chipmunks, I touched some pretty gross stuff, but it was worth it. We found some really cool things. Some of the things my Uncle shook his head. He could not get over the fact that people collect old windows and canning jars. They were in a pile of junk that he was going to have someone cart away. I can't believe it!!!! We found some really cool old tools that got my Uncle telling us some great stories. My Dad and Uncle had fun putting together the old milk separator and explaining the pickling jugs. What a way of life back! As much as my Uncle thought we were crazy I think he had fun picking through things and telling us how things worked. I kind of begged for him not get rid of the chicken house windows when that comes down and I really want the old door knobs in the farm house. Again, he gave me a weird look.

After picking we spent some time on the farm and had professional pictures taken. It breaks my heart that my Grandma will never go back to the farm. I love going back there and hearing all the stories and seeing the house that she was raised in. It will always be so special. I am so sad that my kids may never get a chance to see it. There is nothing like it. The gravel road, corn and beans all around, the sound of the crickets, the old water pump out back, and the small main street with the famous broasted chicken. Life is different and beautiful there.

Iowa Here I come

Today I am traveled by myself to Iowa. I am excited and heartbroken at the same time. I am going to miss my babies so much! I know they are in AMAZING hands, but I haven't left them for a few days in a long time and never during the school year. Little Miss Em was slightly nervous that Daddy wouldn't have the outfits ready or the schedule down, but I assured her all was good.
Well it turns out all my reassurance was for nothing because by the time I landed in Iowa the madness was in full force. Chris was stuck at home with two kids that were in need of having a bathroom nearby. Thankfully they didn't feel bad they just needed to not travel far. Talk about Mommy guilt.

This Mommy felt guilty but couldn't really do anything so I decided to make the most of it. I enjoyed a great afternoon in one of my favorite spots on the farm.

I love the old tree that by the farm house. I have fond memories of the old water pump that is right there and all the old chairs that the adults would sit in and shoot the breeze. It was weird being the adult in the chair and not the kid running around in the field. It was a great afternoon to sit under the tree and reflect on God's beauty on the farm and to do a little reading.

#2

The tooth fairy lately has been very busy at 148. Today at pick up Emmeline showed me all the tricks she could do with her extremely wiggly tooth. It was enough to make my stomach churn. Luckily at lunch the tooth came out. She is very excited that the score card with her brother is now even. 

Craft Faire Crazy

I am not sure what Tiffani and I were thinking when we decided to host a BIG Holiday Craft Faire Open House??? I wish I could say wine was involved, but I am guessing it was really lack of sleep. It is going to be a blast, but it's the prep that is going to kill me. Between work, kids, and helping with a first birthday I am busy painting, sanding, staining, and gluing - but truth be told I love every minute. It is such great therapy for me!!!
If you aren't busy on November 2nd stop by Tiffani's house and visit and shop! We have some other local, super talented moms lined up to showcase their things. I love the idea of supporting some local moms this holiday season!
Here are a few of the things I am working on.