Branding Day

The calves are all big enough that it was time for their vaccinations and to be branded. We had quite the crew of cowboys and even one cowgirl to rope the calves and bring them in to be doctored.

The kids and I had the assignment to bring in lunch. We rolled in just before lunchtime and stayed the rest of the afternoon. It was so fun to sit on the back of the flatbed in the sunshine and watch everyone work.

The mother cows were crying so loudly for their babies that you had to yell just so the person right next to you could hear. The Kraupp Livestock brand:

The mother cows watched very carefully from the other side of the fence. This entire winter has been full of neat opportunities to watch the instinct of a mother.

The suburban doubled as a buffet.

Our fearless leader

Justin had the time of his life. He loves the cows.

Jake enjoyed pretending to be a bawling baby calf.

A few shots. Doesn't look much different than vaccinating the kids!

Our Perch. Poor Meg wasn't feeling her best. Darn that strep throat.

Justin enjoyed a little cowboy time.

Within seconds of heading for home:

Softball

Softball season is here!!! We love cheering on Emma Lou and her team. She was just a toddler when I pitched her a wiffle ball and she smacked it across the yard with her little plastic bat, and so began her love for the game. She did have a little learning curve when she started t-ball, smacked the ball, and headed right from home plate to second base! Those days are long gone, not only is she fantastic at bat, but she is always looking for a play in the field. She is so fun to watch. I have acquired the gene to really yell and cheer for my kids from the stands. I try every game not to embarrass them...too badly.

Gegan and Dustin

With the video of the adorable jabbering twins all over the morning shows and the Internet, there has been a lot of talk about twins and their connection. Just the other morning I was talking to my mom about Justin and Megan and their special bond. She encouraged me to write down how tender their relationship is. Years from now I want to remember how much they needed each other when they were two. They don't have their own language, but 90% of the time they do poop within minutes of each other. I'm waiting for the call from Good Morning America.

Justin needs Megan. He just does. They have had their own rooms since summer but still need each other to have a good night's sleep. This past weekend while visiting Grandma and Papa I tried to have Justin sleep by me. He slept very restlessly, calling out for "Gegan" even in his sleep. "Gegan" is always looking out for "Dustin". Really, I wouldn't mess with him if I were you or you will be answering to her. Just ask the doctor at Quick Care. I took Justin in for a prolonged high fever and when the doctor pinned him down to look down his throat, Megan stepped right up very sternly telling her, "Hey! Stop that!". Megan is not afraid to let Justin have it, but she is the only one allowed. He never fights back, not physically. He's such a gentleman. He's been Megan's biggest potty training cheerleader (after he decided it wasn't gross), and one of these days I'm sure she will decide he needs to stop wearing a diaper and just boss him into doing it the right way.

Though they keep me on my toes, there is no greater blessing than to have two spirits come at the same time. They have always known each other and separation just wasn't an option. We are so lucky to have them.

Mickey Mouse Died

True story. I needed to run errands tonight while the girls were in gymnastics. Ali came to stay with the three younger kiddos. When I returned home, Justin wasn't feeling well and was cuddled in with Ali. Ali and I were talking and I looked and Sophie, or Soapy as Meg calls her, and she had perched herself on the couch. There was something curious in her mouth. It took a nanosecond for me to realize what that something could be. I yelled. I jumped up. I ran to the corner (strange but true). I put my head between my knees because my world was beginning to blacken. Sophie was going in and out of the garage while I brought in groceries, and she caught herself a mouse. She could not understand why I wasn't proud of her. When the kids realized there was a dead mouse on the couch, each had a unique reaction. Annie split, Emma started problem solving, Justin could care less, Jake worried, and Megan wanted to talk about it. "Oh, Mickey Mouse died", she kept saying. Ali did what anyone would do. She grabbed the camera. I gathered my courage and A LOT of paper towels to gather up the mouse to run it to the garbage. Emma, in all her wisdom brought the garbage to me. Wise, because I surely would have shrieked and thrown the mouse somewhere between point A and point B. Past experience tells me I probably would have thrown the mouse at an innocent child. The mouse barely made it to the garbage. I rushed it outside. Ali disinfected the couch. We washed our hands and I remained jittery the rest of the night. BAD DOG SOAPY!

The D Word

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Dear Grandma and Papa

Thank you for surprising us with a visit! It is so nice to have you here and watch you smother the kids in kisses. It is nice to have someone to laugh with when Justin takes the eggs out of the fridge and ever so quietly throws them to the floor one by one. Would you mind coming every two weeks to get the girls started on their piano music? Also, if Papa could just stay here to ride along with Travis as he works that would be great. We love you!

P.S. In a few days we are coming to your house. Please hide all your breakables, including the eggs.

Cabin Fever

We are ready for Spring! I am blaming all the trouble the twins seem to find on being cooped up in the house. I truthfully rotate calling plumbers. It is far too embarrassing for one plumber to know all our adventures in clogging and flooding. Just proof of the power of example--I caught Meg not long ago on the "phone" with the plumber trying to fix the toilet. So sad, so hilarious. Justin has an amazing sixth sense. A door is unlocked, he senses it and is gone. The food room is open, he knows it and begins tearing down the cans. I put jam out to thaw a little and well...I needed an entirely new carton of jam.

Back to that sixth sense...here is an escape attempt:

When all else fails. I stick them in the trees.

Hooray for Meg!

It has been almost three weeks since Megan wore a diaper!!!

It took only a few days for her to love going potty on the toilet. Having only one toddler in diapers is amazing! On the other hand, it is sad to see her grow up. But, growing up she is. Somehow potty training has caused her to have a deep interest in her wardrobe. Maybe it was the few days she spent sans clothes, but she can't put enough layers on these days. Her favorite things include pajamas during the day, skirts (sometimes two at a time) and boots--always boots. The way she says both boots and panties with her lisp absolutely melt our hearts. I thought the pajamas with a winter vest and boots was a lovely combination.