Where does time go????

I ask myself this question often it seems like.  For instance, I can remember everyone always telling me in high school to enjoy the time, because it only goes faster from there.  Again in college this would be repeated to me, after we were married, and then again after we had Mallory, and Jaclyn both.  I can remember thinking to myself I don't understand how it can go any faster, it is flying already.  Well it does somehow continue to go faster, and I'm sitting here now looking at my almost 4 year old, and my little one who will be 2 on Friday.  Holy cow!  Where does it go?  I've been married to the love of my life for a little over 6 years already, and we continue to learn, and grow together everyday, but gone are the days where there is "nothing" to do.  There's always something keeping our schedule full, (which we're thankful for), but a little break from time is nice I will say.
With all that being said I also find myself from time to time wanting/wishing time to move forward, (I think we all do this from time to time without even realizing it), but here's why both Derek and I have been lately.  Don't get me wrong I do my best to appreciate and absorb all of my precious time with my babies as I know they will not be small for long.  But we have entered to "stage" of drama with Mallory, and boy is it hard sometimes to not "wish" this time/stage away to a time where she has learned and understands not to throw a tantrum, or stomp her feet, or just cry in general.  I know it's a phase, and that 99% of kids go through this phase, but it sure is frustrating sometimes feeling like you're talking to a brick wall and nothing is sinking in.  Then some days it's amazing that is all seems to click.  We'll get there I'm confidant with that, it's just the little bumps on the road can be trying sometimes that is for sure.  In the meantime we both try to not wish away this time as they are growing so very fast and I still can't believe or wrap my head around the idea that they will be 2, and 4 in under a month!!!! 

It's been a while......

So it's been quite some time since I have posted to the blog here.  Sorry I guess it's best blamed on life, and the speed at which it all seems to go.  That and I just haven't thought about doing it.  Life is good.  Going way to fast, and my little ones just keep getting bigger, but it's good.  After having a very dry summer as you all know, now fall seems to be starting off quite wet.  Not a huge deal yet,  but really hope we can fit harvest in between the rain drops at some point.  I'm thankful that we are getting some rain now, as the water tables need it desperately, but this cold that has also come with the start of fall is a little extreme.  That seems to be the theme to the weather these days.  Not a lot of gradualness, just one extreme to another.

I've decide to start a new thing in the house.  We'll see how long the girls enjoy it.  I'm going to try and turn Wednesdays into no disney (aka no cartoons) mornings.  So far they seem to be playing nicely together and getting along well.  I am however in the room though.  I'm sure if I would step out into the kitchen and work on dinner, they would start arguing over a toy or something.  They always want the toy the other one has.  I'm also attempting to finish laundry, and figure the rest of the meals out for the week.  I LOVE cooking, but hate coming up with things to make.  I need to try to start menu planning and maybe that would help with the grocery buying as well.  It just always seems that when I try to get in the habit of doing menus for the week something always comes up and we can never keep the schedule.  Hopefully this will straighten out some once we finally sell this place and get the new house.  Oh yeah, we're still trying to sell the house.  It is listed now through Doug Walton Realty, so if you know anyone needing a nice place with 6.6 acres send them our way.  We'd love to help someone get into their house, and be able to get ours started as well.  I hope all is well for everyone and maybe I'll get back into this blogging thing since the weather is cooler and wetter and we'll probably be spending more time inside now.......

Clothing a three-year old......

I love my little girls to bits!  They never cease to amaze me with all the things they explore and learn each day.  I have two little girls that aren't afraid of anything, and very independent.  I LOVE this!  There are trying times and will be many more to come I am sure.  We will argue and butt heads many times in the future, but I wouldn't change them being the confident, independent, secure little girls that they are becoming for anything.   That being said, one particular battle we (I) have daily is with Mallory and keeping clothes on her.  I know that all little kids go through naked phases, but this kid seems to enjoy it way more than I ever expected a kid to enjoy it.  Now that she is potty trained she tends to leave her panties off after going potty.  Not a big deal to me, I guess it makes it easier the next time she needs to potty, but since she learned how to take off her shirt too, it's almost impossible to keep this child clothed!!!!  She is such a free spirit I think we are in trouble :)  LOVE them to bits and more!

Mother Nature

Wow!  What a weekend.  We have had very high temperatures this past week, and with that as you know come storms.  And boy did we have a storm!  Friday we saw a storm come through that was amazing.  Truly we are blessed as we did not have any real damage, and only lost our power for three hours.  Many around the state will be without power for most of the week.  After hurricane force winds, and sideways rain for roughly 45 minutes the girls and I came up from the basement to find that really we only lost a few branches, and our sweet corn was flat.  I can say in the last two days the corn has pretty much stood back up, and the sticks are picked up for the most part.  After Fridays storm though the heat has continued.  We decided to go to the lake to swim last evening around 5:00, boy was that a mistake.  We got to the lake and saw a front moving in, it was spinning and ended up pouring rain down on us.  We were lucky that we got under it, and through it before any tornadoes touched down.  We later found out Marblehead (which we were about three miles from) was under a warning.  We saw some more damage as places got high winds again, but still not to the degree of damage the girls and I found after the storm on Friday.  We were lucky!  As we were driving home Derek and I were discussing just how powerful Mother Nature is and how small we all are.  Also how much Karma can get people.  There are so many people in the world that get upset because it may rain on a day that they didn't want it too, or just rain in general.  For those people I say, "Embrace the rain for it is what creates crops, and food for everyone.  Whether it's for plants, or animals we all need the rain, and can't survive without it."  I know it is hard to be without power, but remember that the men working out in the sweltering heat having to clear trees, and restore the power for you are really risking a lot so that you can live comfortably.  So instead of getting angry with them why not call and thank them for what they do.  I'm sure everyone knows someone with power that would be willing to help out if they need it.  We have been drastically dry for the past six weeks, and everyone will feel that over the next year or so if farmers can't get a good crop.  Also the heat is going to continue for a week or so, more storms could be on the way.....But that still just proves my point, at the end of the day we are nothing compared to what Mother Nature can do.  She can and will do as she pleases, we just need to do all we can to stay safe when she brings all her fury front and center.  Have some respect for the powers out there that are greater than any of us!   It's truly amazing!!!!!

Books that are addicting.......

I absolutely love to read.  I always have and hopefully will pass this down to my girls.  I can honestly say that it has been a while since I have had the chance to read much more than an article, or small magazine.  The majority of my reading these days belongs to children's books, while I do not mind this at all there are times you just want a good read.  So I have been known to read a few romance novels in my day and I can say that is usually my preference.  I don't usually get into anything that is full of gore, or out of the ordinary, and usually don't get into a series.  However, on the suggestion of a friend I started to read "The Hunger Games."  Thanks!!!  It is not only one of the best series of books I have read, I find that I can't put it down.  I'm sure many of you have read these books and enjoy them as well.  It seems that a large portion of the population has.  They are very addicting in my opinion, and very well written.  A very easy read for anyone looking for a good book.  I actually read the first in about 4 days.  The second came last week one day, and I put off starting it thinking it couldn't be as good as the first.  I was wrong.  It was just as good, and I finished it in two days.  Thank goodness my girls take long naps, and my hubby has fallen asleep a little earlier on the couch, thus allowing me the time to read.  Now I can't wait for the final one to get here, and dive right in.  I guess if the conditions are right I may finish it in one day...lol  Highly doubtful, but who knows.  So to anyone reading another good series let me know.  When I'm done with this one I may be looking for another to start.  I've missed reading and am glad to be at it again.  Give it a try, it's relaxing, stimulating, and fun if given the chance.

Gardening......my favorite hobby

Yesterday was a huge day for my back and legs.  The girls and I packed stuff up and headed to my parents house to help plant their garden.  This garden is not your average back yard, half dozen plants type of garden.  We work this garden up with our tractor and disk, and plow that we use out in the fields.  So when I say that my back was sore when we finished it's because it took a brutal 6 hour beating in the sun and dirt.  My girls were troopers though.  Jaclyn played with her toys, and in the dirt.  Mallory helped plant things as we got rows dug up and holes dug for plants.  By the time the day was over we had in potatoes, corn, peas, green beans, lima beans, onions, radishes, cabbage, eggplant, tomatoes, kolorhabi, peppers, zucchini, and squash.  Still have melons to plant, but when my kids were so tired and dirty that they practically fell asleep outside I decided it was time for baths and to head home.  Now today we are trying to catch up on a little rest, but getting ready to head out to plant our own garden once the girls wake up from naps, and the sun isn't quite so hot today.  I love planting things and reaping the benefits of what comes from the hard work and time put into the garden.  There are so many things you can do with what you will harvest.  It is amazing what God creates and what you can get from such small plants and seeds.  That is why Derek and I both love farming as well, as many farmers do.  The ability for so much to come from so little, God truly is amazing and so powerful.  It makes you appreciate things so much and respect those that do all this for a living.  If you have the ability to plant a garden I highly recommend trying it.  The results are mind-blowing and amazing.  It gives you a feeling like no other. 

It's Raining!!!!!!!

It's raining, and I am extremely happy about this.  We have been working ground and getting fields planted and were ready for for moisture.  All the corn is in and sprayed, so some rain will help greatly especially with the heat we are supposed to be getting the rest of the week.  Mallory and I spent 5 hours in the tractor today and had a good time working ground.  She rode very well and enjoyed singing in the tractor with the radio and mommy.  And just like her mommy used to when she was little she fell asleep while riding in the field.  There is just something about a tractor that can put you to sleep, especially when you're little, lol.  She is getting so big so fast.  On Sunday our little girl will be 3 years old already.  The time goes so fast.  We're having so much fun watching her grow up and turn into such a nice little girl.  We look forward to the future with both of our girls and our family.  Enjoy the evening rain.