WAHOO

Meet Wahoo. He is the coolest, bouncy puppy you've ever seen. Aunt DW knows what will be fun for little boys. After all, she has two boys of her own. She got one of these for the cowboys, the superheroes and her boys. It was wild puppy riding fun at our Christmas gathering.

If you remember, we live above Grammy and Pop. They are in the downstairs "apartment" and we are on the main level. Anywho, I can only imagine what it sounds like down there when Wahoo is out. Cathunk, Cathunk, Cathunk!!!!

Where do they come up with this stuff?

This morning, Bubba, Wubba and I were having a snow ball fight in the barn corral.

Daisy and Huckleberry kept trying to get in on the fun. As you know, Daisy is our naughty dog. She kept knocking the boys down and aggravating them. That's when I pelted Daisy with a snowball.

I said, "Bubba, I got Daisy with a snowball!!!"

Bubba, "What a woman!"

Taking on the Hill - Snow Sledding 2009

Welcome, Snow!! When it came in enough quantity to possibly provide a little fun, Pop insisted on purchasing some sleds before we gathered for our family Christmas gathering...Way to go, Pop! Not everyone from Four Sisters Farm could make the trek up to the hill; but those of us who did had so much fun!
The boys were fearless...they made a run down the hill before we could lay out any ground rules (like wait for other people to be out of the way before you go). Pop is hanging onto the reigns for a down-hill safety check before Bub, Southern Gentleman, and Bubba took off again!

Lou Lou and Pretty Princess were ready for fun.

Farm Chick and EJ snuggle up for a ride.

Pop and Wubba teamed up!

Pop had to go on a reconnaissance snow angel mission on the other side of the hill when the Southern Gentleman, Bubba, and Wubba took a break from sledding.

Farm Chick geared up for her first run down the hill...

and promptly adopted the "agony of defeat" position...
rolling...and rolling...and rolling... She laughed all the way down and only pretended to be defeated by the hill for our photo shoot.

Thanks, Pop for the idea and the sleds...let's do again really soon!

Merry Christmas 2009

2009 has been a year of changes
for the Four Sisters Farm Hands...

Pop and Grammy moved from South Carolina to Kansas and are happily adjusting to farm life. Doc changed jobs and now has a long commute but more family time which DW and their family are happy about. EJ, Farm Chick and the Cowboys (aka Bubba and Wubba) made room in the farm house for Pop and Grammy. PhoJo, Rock Star, Superman, and Spiderman welcomed Super Girl into their home. Pretty Princess has healed from her broken leg and she and Romeo are going through all the trials and tribulations (so far) as they work toward their spring 2010 wedding.

For all these changes and blessings, we are thankful to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, "Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:6-11)

Apart from God, we ARE nothing of value and we HAVE nothing of value. The Christmas Season brings us once again to the recognition that Christ CHOSE to come and save us. He is our reason for being and we find our purpose in Him alone.

Our prayer is that you know the fullness of Christ and the joy that comes with knowing Him as Lord and Savior. That ONE change in the life of a person brings about unspeakable peace and joy that no other change can bring.

We love you and hope all the joy of the season is yours...no matter what your circumstances are right now...we have the hope of eternal life that began as a baby in a manger and that hope is what we build our lives on at Four Sisters Farm.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

No self-esteem problem here

On a recent car ride, EJ noticed how close I sit to the wheel when I drive.

EJ: "Why don't you scoot back a little?"

Me: "If I did I couldn't reach the pedals."

EJ: "Well, grow your stubs."

Me: "If you wanted a long legged woman you married the wrong gal. Instead you will have to settle for pure perfection."

Not JUST a Grammy.... SUPER GRAMMY.

My mom is an undercover Superhero. I think I've always known that, but I was recently reminded of her amazing super powers this past couple of weeks. She always takes time from her schedule to stay with each of us girls as we bring home a new baby and need an extra hand. She cooks, she cleans, she takes care of all the kids. Here are some pics to show just a few other things this supergrammy does:

She loves our babies in a way only she can...

She cuts hair and bathes stinky boys....

She even plays secret agents until she's exhausted... and then plays more.

She is a hero to me, my sisters, our husbands and especially our kids. Thank you for taking care of us grammy. We love you more than we can say.

G.B. stands for...

A) God's Blessing

B) Great Baby

C) Girl Baby

D) All of the above



She is sweetness and light. Oh, yeah...she cries (but only a little), requires feeding and diaper changing (of course), and keeps her parents up during the night (but not excessively)...she is an incredibly good natured baby. Our little Super Girl (or "Gril" as her Super Hero big brothers say) is wonderful. Her entire family is smitten by her and you have to wait your turn to snuggle her.

She is fitting into Rock Star's and PhoJo's family just fine. Of course a 3 year old and a 2 year old have some adjustments to make and some questions about what all this baby business means in their world...they say the sweetest...and sometimes funniest things...

The oldest and wisest Super Hero is a natural at this big brother business. He is genuinely concerned and interested in the new baby "gril" at their house. His mom and dad did a great job of preparing him before she was born and he takes his job as big brother seriously and wants to do everything just right. He was talking to his mom at bed time today and asked if she fed him and snuggled him and took care of him like she does the new baby. She assured him that she did the same things for him and that she understands having a new baby sister requires some changes in the way things go at their house. Just in case there was any doubt about his motives, he matter-of-factly let his mom know that he is "trying to have good manners."

The two year old Super Hero is VERY verbal already and a tad bit opinionated about things. He takes everything in and then expresses what he thinks. When he and the three year old Super Hero met Super Girl at the hospital, they were so excited to hold her...they climbed up on the couch and their mommy put a pillow on the lap of the oldest sibling before gently placing baby sister on it. Not to be left out of anything good, he grabbed another pillow and proclaimed "I hold him! I hold him!" (He's used to all the "hims" in their family.) But so far, the most hilarious thing he's said was on the day Super Girl came home from the hospital. He was very interested in everything about it - he wanted to be sure in his sweet little way that his baby sister was taken care of. When she got hungry, Rock Star sat down to nurse her and as he watched, his expression turned from concern that the baby was hungry to near horror and shaking his head he said, "We don't eat that!!"

This last picture is just in case you have forgotten that Super Girl comes from a family of Super Heroes...she is practicing flying here...up, up, and away! (Hang on, Pop!)

We can't wait to discover her other super powers. If sweetness is a super power, she already has that one mastered!

Starbucks Stinky Pants

Starbucks has this promotion going. If you purchase a bag of Starbucks coffee at the grocery store, use it up and then bring the empty bag to Starbucks they will give you a free tall brewed coffee.

If you who don't speak Starbucks, this is how the sizing works...
Short= 8oz
Tall = 12oz
Grande= 16oz
Venti= 20oz

For all you light weights out there a short, tall or grande may sound appealing but not to those of us who are heavy drinkers. We go straight for the Venti.

So, yesterday I took two of my empty bags to the Starbucks inside my Target. I presented both bags and asked for one Venti in leui of two talls. Now, if you are doing your math you notice that I was actually asking for less coffee as 2 talls would yield 24oz and a Venti is 20oz. Not to mention I was conserving on cups as well. Only one cup to throw away versus two. I was willing to sacrifice those extra 4oz for one cup to carry.

The lady behind the counter told me that my bags were good for two tall coffees only. Not one Venti. She said that any other Starbucks wouldn't allow that either.

I looked at her and said, "Well, there is just one of me and it would be sort of difficult for me to shop with two coffees in my hands and a cart to push with two pre-schoolers inside. Not to mention that I'm actually getting less coffee than I would with two talls."

She sort of huffed and then told me she would do it just this once.

Come on people.

A party saved

Our little Bubba turned 4 this past week. We LOVE birthday parties around here. It is so much fun to celebrate these precious lives God has given us.

I started asking Bubba several weeks before the big day what kind of party he wanted to have. He settled on a Toy Story party. I asked multiple times to be sure that my pre-schooler really meant what he was saying. Not only did he want to have a Toy Story party but he also wanted to be "Woody." So, I went to work. I found a Woody costume right after Halloween. Then I found a Buzz costume on ebay for his little brother to wear at the party.

The party planning continued as I scoured the internet for Toy Story paraphernalia. I ordered the dvd of Toy Story 2. I bought cupcake toppers. I purchased toy story stickers, stamps, fruit snacks, etc. for the cousin's treat bags. I even found a Buzz Lightyear party pack and ordered it. I finished up my shopping with Toy Story PJs for both the boys to wear to bed after our rockin' party. I was ready to roll!

Then Bub and Southern Gentleman had their birthday party. It was a Star Wars theme. My children have never seen Star Wars. However, the influence of an older, cooler cousin took over. All the sudden Bubba was saying, "Mom, I don't want Toy Story. I want Star Wars!" Hmmm..."maybe next year" I would say. This continued for a while. Then for some reason he started asking for a Batman party. I can't figure out where that one came from. He just kept saying that he didn't want Toy Story anymore.

I was seriously messed up in my business. The Toy Story invitations were out. I had planned and purchased all things Toy Story. I had recommended Toy Story toys to the grandparents. I was in too deep!

As his birthday approached I made one last ditch effort. EJ and I gave him his Toy Story 2 movie. He was pumped! He and Wubba watched that movie several times before the party. By then, he was rip roaring ready to go. With only one problem. He wanted to be Buzz now, not Woody. I could deal with that. On party night we stuffed Bubba into the Buzz costume I bought for his little brother. Then rolled up the sleeves and pants on Wubba's Woody costume that I bought for Bubba. Hey, a Buzz Lightyear wedgie is a small price to pay for birthday bliss!

Bubba, we love you "TO INFINITY AND BEYOND!"

Your going to feel like your peeing your pants

What?

I had some troublesome abdominal pain this week. Not sure exactly what was causing it. The Dr. wanted to be sure it wasn't serious so she ordered a CT scan.

I drank some nasty "smoothie" that was supposed to provide contrast for the pictures. I figured that was all I would have to do.

When they got me on the table, the nurse informed me that she would be starting an IV. Oh Junk. I didn't realize an IV was involved. She told me that the liquid placed in the IV would also provide contrast for the photos.

I bravely laid my arm out and looked away while she found a vein. This is the actual conversation I had with her...

Nurse, "Now, as the contrast enters your body you are going to feel warmth and perhaps a copper taste in your mouth. You will also feel like you are peeing your pants. Don't worry, you aren't actually peeing your pants. It's just the sensation you will feel."

Me, "Come again?"

The nurse then repeats herself.

Me, "Thanks for the heads up on that one."

Good heavens, she was right! You totally feel like you just peed your pants. I wanted to laugh out loud but I figured I better behave myself so I could get this test over with.

You know what kept going through my head, a line from Christmas Vacation...

Cousin Eddie: "They had to replace my metal plate with a plastic one. Every time Catherine would rev up the microwave, I'd "pee" my pants and forget who I was for about half an hour."

Welcome Super Girl!

The scene depicted in the photo below does more for me than all the roses, candlelight, and romance in the world...
To see the man I love with the grandbabies we love makes my heart pitter-patter in a way that it never did before. There is a deep and abiding love in his heart for each of our precious grandbabies. I have always been a pretty emotional person but I have to tell you that I go into "super-grammy" mode when our daughters are in labor and delivery...it's Pop who cries when he first holds them - he can't help himself . I am so busy watching over the mommy, baby and everything going on around us that I don't have time to cry...until later...

Rock Star warned me about timing my reading of Farm Chick’s account of Super Girl’s birth so I could manage the emotion that would certainly come with it - she was right. I snuck my peek while Pop, Rock Star, PhoJo and the super heroes were in the living room...but Rock Star caught me at the computer with a big lump in my throat and eyes brimming with tears.

If God blesses us with a hundred grandchildren nothing could ever diminish the miracle of each birth nor the swelling of my heart with gratitude, praise, and grandmotherly pride. It’s been 20 months since Ladybug came along and the excitement of another granddaughter was certainly welcomed – not just by Pop and me but by our whole family…welcome Super Girl! Welcome into a big, loud, and loving family who could hardly wait for your arrival!

Nothing I have ever heard, done, said, or thought has prepared me for how incredibly blessed I feel by our children and grandchildren. To be allowed the privilege of being present and involved in the lives of each of our nine (can you believe it?) grandchildren is nothing that I take for granted.

To see our daughters as great friends of one another and allies in this journey we call life has significance way beyond anything I ever thought to ask God for. Nothing in my life has been as wonderful as sharing this time in life with Pop and with our family. All I can say is that I am so grateful to God for daughters and sons (in-laws – a term for clarification purposes only as I consider them my sons) who walk with the Lord and who are quick to give Him the glory and the praise for the gifts He has given us.

To share this journey with the man of my dreams is a bonus I don't deserve. I love you, Pop - here's to livin' the dream. Thanks for letting me live it with you.

I'm just praising God.

From Life's First Cry

As I drove to the hospital for Super Girl's birth, I was totally overcome with emotion. I praised the Lord and cried out to Him as I drove. Mind you, I was very careful to blot my tears with a tissue as to not mess up my make up. After all, I wanted to make a good first impression! (Do not burst my bubble and tell me that Super Girl can't actually clearly focus on my mascara stained face yet. I still wanted to look good)


I asked God for a safe, quick delivery for Rock Star. I asked for a healthy baby. I praised Him for her life! I was thinking about how much we already love her. Do you know that God's word says that he knit her together in her mother's womb? Knit her together. He formed her. Conception, pregnancy and birth are not an every day hum drum experience. Life is a MIRACLE every single time. He ordained Super Girl's life. He wrote her days in His book before she even took a single breath.


Psalm 139:13-16
13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, 16 your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

When I got to the hospital it was 10:30am. Rock Star and PhoJo had been there since 6am. Grammy and Aunt DW were in the waiting room (they have one within her birthing room). Grammy told me that they were about to break her water. I told the girls I was a mess! I was already fighting back the tears and the baby wasn't even here yet. I told them that I had been thinking about God's promise to be faithful to a thousand generations to those who love Him and keep His commandments. Grammy shared that that verse was very important during a time when she fasted and prayed for our family. I can understand why!

Deuteronomy 7:9
Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands.

PhoJo was a solid source of support, always at Rock Star's side. He is so gentle and loving with his wife. They were so good at labor that you'd think they have done this a couple of times already. :)

It appeared that her contractions were coming one on top of the other pretty quickly. By 11ish or so they were cranking up the meds in her epidural to try to catch up to the pain. By 11:30am it was pretty obvious that this baby was going to make her entrance very soon! I stepped out of the room and called Pop on my cell phone. He was leaving work and headed directly to the hospital.

I stepped back in the room in time to join in as Grammy prayed over Rock Star. I noticed out of the corner of my eye that her nurse had gently laid her hand on Rock Star's leg and joined us in prayer.

PhoJo, Grammy, DW and I were all near Rock Star as she was laboring hard. At one point I realized that her legs were shaking. I caught both DW and Grammy's eyes. We know what this means. Transition. Rock Star was amazing through this stage of labor. So calm and controlled. At one point I heard DW gently touch her head and say, "Don't be afraid, you can do this."

Around 11:37am or so Pop came through the door. I motioned for him to come on in and see her before they broke down the bed and prepared for the birth. He quickly made his way in to encourage her. Then he headed to the waiting room within the birthing suite.

DW grabbed the video camera. I grabbed the camera. The medical team all got into place. PhoJo was on one side of Rock Star and Grammy on the other. The Dr. asked Rock Star if she could push through the next contraction. Rock Star said yes with a look of sheer determination on her face. A few more contractions and Super Girl was out at 11:45am. Rock Star was AMAZING. She looked like a runner sprinting through the finish line of a marathon. I'll tell you what, she is aptly nicknamed. That girl is a ROCK STAR!

Super Girl is perfection, pure perfection.

After Pretty Princess finished her final she rushed to the hospital to meet her newest little niece. (Stinkin' finals!) I waited until Pretty Princess made it before I left. I wanted to take a photo of the Four Sisters in that moment. These women are so precious. What an amazingly proud moment as we all gathered around Rock Star and baby Super Girl. We are sisters and best friends. We are so privileged to walk through this life together.

On my way home, I was listening to the song "In Christ Alone". One of the lines in that song goes like this..."From life's first cry to final breath, Jesus commands my destiny." Father, that is my prayer for our little Super Girl! Thank you for her life, Lord. You are too good to us. We don't deserve your grace and mercy but you give them anyway. I ask that you would continue to bless our family. We love you Lord! In Jesus Name, Amen

God's Blessing

Super Girl is here!!!
7lbs 6oz and 19 1/2 inches of pure perfection.

Pumped & Ready

I better get my two cents in about something before baby Super Girl arrives and steals the show (and blog)...

You know how sometimes you get a gift and it just tickles you. Makes you grin from ear to ear. My dear sweet "goddess" girls always hit it out of the park when it comes to gifts. It's the beautiful thing about knowing someone for so long. You just feel it in your bones when you find the right gift for them.

Let me introduce C.C. short for Coffee Cup. This little beauty was a gift from Miss Independent. I cannot tell you how much joy I get from drinking my morning coffee out of this pink, high heeled piece of art.

EJ said, "I never would have thought to get you that." Of course he wouldn't. He is a man. Men have no need for fru fru girly gifts.

Look at her darling black pumps. I mean honestly, who thinks up this stuff?

I am starting to realize that perhaps I have a bit of an unhealthy obsession with this little lady. The other day I spilled some coffee over the side and felt genuinely upset that her shoes were dirty.

Don't be too quick to judge. You all have your issues too.

I will kick you in the head to get out of here!

This weekend I had the privilege of attending a conference with about half of the ladies from my women's bible study group. We went on a little road trip, stayed in a great hotel, worshiped the Lord, learned from His word, ate some delicious food and had some big laughs.

As you all know, we are waiting for our newest niece to be born. This sweet little girl is on my mind constantly (as well as her momma). I knew that my trip this weekend could be risky. If Rock Star went into labor I would have to find my way 3 hours back home. I kept my cell phone on me at all times in case I got "the call."

On Friday night, we were sitting in our seats listening to Kay Arthur teach out of Hebrews. You have to understand that I was sitting at this conference with around 9,000 of my closest friends. It was a huge group of women. We were in stadium seating that you could hardly get in and out of. You know the kind...your knees are almost touching the back of some other lady's head.

Low and behold, my cell phone rings. I look on the caller ID. THIS IS IT! It's from Rock Star. My mind starts to race. I look to my left, women. I look to my right, more women. How am I going to get out of here fast? Then I look above me. There is no one in the seat above me or the seat above that. If I can scale those two seats I can get out.

All right, it's on.

I stepped on my chair with my cowboy boot and whipped my other leg up to get over the back of the seat. I practiced that move two more times and I was out! I don't think I kicked anyone in the head but I can't be certain. It's a matter of life people. I'm not missing my niece entering this world!

"Sis?" I say, as I catch my breath.

Rock Star, "I have the worst timing!"

Me, "What? Are you in labor?"

Rock Star, "No, I totally forgot you were going to be at that conference. I'm so sorry!"

Me, "Well, I needed a break anyway. What's up?"

Rock Star, "Nothin'"

Waiting for Super Girl

Rock Star, PhoJo and the super heroes are anxiously awaiting the birth of little miss Super Girl.

Waiting on this little blessing has me thinking...

We haven't had a new born baby in this family since Ladybug was born over a year and a half ago. For a period of time were having babies ever 6 months or so. It was a whirlwind of babies and it was a lot of fun!

If you are keeping track Super Girl will make girl #3 and we already have 6 boys. Looks like the girls are still out numbered.

Maybe this is God's way of making things a little more even. After all, Pop was outnumbered by women for a very long time!

Super Girl, you are so loved! We all can't wait to meet you!

Standing up to the mom

On a recent car ride back to the farm, I laid back my boys' seats. We have built in car seats in our minivan and they rock for car naps. The problem...my boys hate it when I lay back their seats because they know I want them to rest. As we all know it is against some kind of "childhood code" to actually admit that you need a nap.

I explained to a hysterical Bubba that he just needed to rest for a while as I drove us home.

The weeping a wailing continued for what seemed like an eternity. Then Bubba regained his composure and looked at his brother.

"We're not going to sleep, are we Wubba?!?!" In his most obstinate voice.

I felt like the song "We're not gonna take it" was playing in the background. Isn't it a little early for them to form a rebellion and attempt to oust me?

The mutiny was short lived as both boys were lulled to sleep within the next 5 minutes or so. It was a fantastic attempt on their part but once again...

Win one for momma!

perfect

Grandma, I couldn't figure out what to do with these ornaments. I wanted them displayed prominently this Christmas. Your gift is perfect. Thank you. I love you.

A man and his TV

TVs seem to be very important to men. They need them to be large and clear and noisy. Women don't tend to worry about it. As long as we can see the shows we wish to watch we are generally fine with whatever TV is around.

My husband has been VERY patient. We haven't upgraded to a decent sized TV for a long time. He has watched football games without being able to read the score. He has watched movies without being able to read the subtitles.

Why has he been so patient? Why not just run out and buy the TV you want. I have two words for you...Dave Ramsey. We took financial peace university last winter. We have been following a budget and meeting goals. The TV didn't even come close to being a priority. Until now.

EJ's birthday is coming up and we have set aside some funds for his big day! He is turning 30 in January! Also, EJ's parents were willing to kick in his birthday money for this big purchase. He researched, he compared, he shopped and then today (on Cyber Monday)...he pounced!

Sad EJ, with this pitiful little TV.

Happy EJ, with his new girl. She is 42inches of pure plasma beauty. I'm not even going to be jealous tonight when he spends more time with her than with me.

Of course, when you are Daddy, you let your little ones watch their special movies on your new big TV. The first movie to be watched on the plasma? Veggie Tales: St. Nick. You are a good Daddy EJ!

Pioneer Woman

OH MY STARS!

DW, Pretty Princess and I had a big day today. We drove to Ponca City, Oklahoma to meet Ree Drummond aka Pioneer Woman.

She is even more lovely in person.

Pretty Princess begged me not to be a big dork when it was our turn to meet her. I played it cool and let DW do most of the talking.

DW's blog has all the pics from the day. It was a memorable one for sure!

We missed Rockstar and Grammy. Rockstar is due to birth little supergirl any day now! Grammy didn't want to be too far away in case she got "the call."

While hunting for red bridesmaid dresses

We found this little jewel. Well, at least she looks happy.

Case Closed

Bubba would really prefer that Grammy take care of him...at all times. He loves that lady.

The other night, we were at Grammy and Pop's house finishing dinner (aka downstairs). I told the boys that we needed to head up and get their bath.

Bubba, "GRAMMY...can you take me a bath?"

Me, "Bubba, it's Mommy's turn to give you a bath. We will have so much fun. We can play pirates!"

Bubba, "NO! I want Grammy to take me a bath."

Me, "Bubba, Mommy is going to do the bath tonight. Grammy needs to feed Pop when he gets home (Pop was getting home late from work that night). Plus, Grammy and Pop need to spend time together sometimes."

Bubba, "They spent time together last year!"

Me to Grammy, "Grammy, did you spend time with Pop last year?"

Grammy, "Well, we did spend time together last year when we were in the same state."

Case closed. I guess he has us there.

May the force be with you

At a recent family gathering I found myself in an all out battle with the boys...Bub, Southern Gentleman, Superman, Spiderman, Bubba and Wubba. I was trying to keep these young 'uns from running up stairs when the party at hand was down stairs. When you have six boys ages 2-5 you try to keep them contained as much as possible!

SG (age 3) was with Wubba and they were once again trying to "break out." I headed up the stairs to get them.

Aunt FC: "SG and Wubba, you get back down here."
SG: "I'm Yoda"
Aunt FC: "Okay, Yoda, get back down here."
SG: (with his little fist pointed at me) "I have the force!"
Aunt FC: "Well then use your force and get your fanny down the stairs!"

I'm pretty sure his love for star wars has given him the false hope that he can move his aunt with his mind. Didn't work that time but it was a valiant effort!

I love you, SG! Can't wait to share this with you when you are all grown up. Of course, by then, you may have perfected your mind-control skills. I better watch out!

P.S. to fully enjoy this post, you must see the pics of SG in his Yoda hat.

EJ's Reflections

So here are some of the thoughts swirling thru my head...

Chickens: Well, we have three old hens and a young dude walking the "streets" of our coop. They're not long for our bowls of chicken soup, or chicken and dumplings, etc. I'm going to skin them instead of plucking them...it's healthier and easier. This will cut my costs also, so I'm not having to feed 4 extra mouths out there. The rooster is definitely coming into his own. I was out hunting down by the pond and I could clearly hear his pipes crowing through the evening air.

Running: So you all heard about my heavy half marathon on the trails that I ran...I am for sure going to run the OKC marathon in late April. While I was out on a 10 mile run this past weekend I was thinking about planning out my running schedule for a while longer than just that marathon. I thought that I'd see how I felt after it and then try to run another race on the trail series. They have a late July "midnight marathon." From what I understand it's a marathon that you run on the trail after dark. So you have a headlamp and a flashlight and the course is marked by glow sticks. Kinda cool sounding! That race is about 9-12 weeks after the OKC race. Then in October (at the same time as the half that I just ran) is the 50K ULTRA marathon (an "ultra" marathon is anything that is longer than 26.2 miles...they come in many denominations...the ones that I have heard of are the 50k, 50 miles, and the century or 100 miles). So this would mean that in my 30th year I would run 3 marathons! One for speed, one just to see if I could live and not fall off a cliff at night, and the last to see if I could run that far! Each different and unique.

Ok so I bought some trail running shoes! I bought Salomon's XT Hawk. I like them, however I don't think that they like me. They have a bit higher achilles heel than my other shoes and when I went on my first 8 mile run on then they rubbed my achilles to the point of bleeding! So I had to wear band aids on both my heels. Well on Tuesday and Wednesday I usually run longer than on Monday and Thursday. Tuesday I had run 6 miles and my cousin BTY texted me and said that he had done the same and averaged an 8:30/mile pace. That's pretty good, in fact much better than my 9:10/mile pace that I had done that morning.

So the next morning I was set to run 6 miles again. I started out and was on a GREAT pace; sometime early in mile 4 I got a small rock (large sand size) under my foot in my shoe! Normally I can arch my foot and move it around and get it out of the way...however with these new trail shoes I couldn't because they were nice and formfitting! So instead of being a wuss (SMART) I just ran through the pain for the last 2 miles. I finished and immediately stopped and sat down to get that rock out (felt like a huge rock by now). I didn't think that I found anything, and put my shoe back on and started my cool down.

The last two miles were extremely painful, and so I was hoping for relief...NOPE, PAIN, DESPAIR, and AGONY! So I stopped again and searched for the dang thing, nothing there for sure, but I looked at the bottom of my foot trying to figure out why it felt like a knife going through the bottom of my foot every time I stepped down. There was an inch long by 1/4 inch wide blister. Well, I ran an 8:20/mile pace! That's all that mattered! So I had to sit out a couple of days to recoup and epsom salt bath my foot, it'll all be worth it!

Dee Hacks

It's hunting season in these parts.

I am not a hunter myself but we have plenty of them in the family.

I was on a walk with the boys this morning. We walked down to the pond and back. On our way there I noticed some deer tracks. I didn't say anything about them, just took a mental note.

All the sudden Wubba stops walking and bends down close to one of the hoof prints and says, "Dee Hacks! Dee Hacks! DEE HACKS!"

"That's right, little man, those are deer tracks!"

Apparently someone in the family is already grooming my 2 1/2 year old to be a great hunter one day.

Partying like a RockStar!

So, it's almost time for baby to get here! And this shirt came as a gift at the right time... I feel like anything but a rock star at the moment, but I'm glad I still get to keep the title! I've had my birthday, a birthday party for our little Spiderman (turns the big 2 soon) and now soon we'll have another addition to the superhero crew. Life is good.

I promise I am not giving birth in this last one... I refuse to birth a baby at the farm.

No thank you.

The Pumpkin Patch Trip from H-E-Double Hockey Sticks

EJ's company does a yearly pumpkin patch event. We help organize it and are therefore always present. This year was no exception. What was different about this year was the temperature. It was FREEZING. We had a strange cold snap in mid-October and good heavens it was cold!I take a pic of each cowboy in front of the big pumpkin every year. I am a stickler for tradition and I was going to get a pic of them each with that stinkin' pumpkin.

"Bubba, if you just stand there for a minute I will give you some candy." I was not above bribery.
Wubba wouldn't even cave for candy. As you can see by the photo I am lovingly propping him up by the pumpkin. There may be something clinically wrong with me. Look at that poor, pitiful face.

I don't think we have ever been so quick to leave the pumpkin patch party! Better luck next year.

Look out for Cruella De Vil!

Super Hero Time Out

One of these things is not like the others...

One of these things just doesn't belong.

This summer we ordered a new batch of pullets. For those of you who don't speak chicken....that means girl chicks. They have been eating and growing for months now. We are anticipating eggs soon. It takes a while before they produce.

EJ says to me one morning, "I think one of those hens crowed at me."

Me, "You mean clucked?"

EJ "No, cock-a-doodle dooed at me. I think we got a rooster in our order!"

Me, "No way, you think?"

Ladies and gentlemen, meet the first Rooster ever to live at Four Sisters Farm.He should be a hen and look like this...

Please do not get attached to Mr. Rooster. He won't be staying long. Roosters can be aggressive and they also (here is your birds and bees lesson for the day) fertilize the eggs. No thank you.

I'm thinking chicken soup sounds good.

That's Handy

I am in the middle of making meatloaf when I realize I'm out of eggs. Stinkin! I live a long way from the store.

Then I realize...I have chickens.

I'll be right back.

Hooray for Pop's Candy

Bubba loves to get "Pop's Candy" whenever he is downstairs. Pop and Grammy have a candy jar filled with werthers originals.

I heard Bubba ask Grammy for one of Pop's Candies. She told him to ask his mom. Here was our conversation...

B: Mommy, can I have one of Pop's candies?
Me: What do you think Pop would say?
B: He would say, HOORAY!

Smart child.

Four Sisters Farm Family Fall Party or FSFFFP

I am aware that this is probably cheating but I don't want to leave you hanging. DW posted about the party on her blog so go check it out so you can see pics from that day. Am I a lazy blogger or what!

A Moonlight Hay Rack Ride

Twas the night before the Four Sisters Farm Family Fall Party and all through the house all the creatures were stirring...

At midnight Grammy was finishing flower arrangements.
Pretty Princess was cutting the cheese.I was trying my hand at pumpkin cream cheese muffins.This is what they are supposed to look like...Not this...Gift bags, check! Fall decor, check!

The Men, what were they doing? Building a hay rack ride. This is Romeo, Pop and EJ at midnight. Pop was determined to get it done!
Victory!

Around 12:30am Pop, Romeo and EJ invited Grammy, Pretty Princess and I on a hay rack ride. We couldn't say no. We dropped our flowers and food and grabbed our coats. It was beautiful! That moonlight hay rack ride put everything in perspective. The pre-party work would get done and the result would be fabulous memories to last a lifetime!