Lessons we learn on the farm

The one thing I loved about growing up on a farm is seeing the new baby animals being born in the spring. I remember lots of times running out to the barn before school to see the new calf or colt born in the night. After a long winter, it was starting to warm up, the sun would shine, and new life was all around me. It was and still is my favorite time of the year.

About a week ago Dad called and asked if Saul was still around and said that he needed his help to pull a calf. Saul ran over and luckily all turned out well...the mom and baby were both OK.

Justin was over at Dad's helping him move some things to get ready for the new irrigation pipes to be put in. He was working right next to the pen with the calf, ever so often reaching in and petting him. After several hours of working, Dad came out to do chores. He was going to open up the cow's pen to let her and the calf out for water, so Justin offered to do it for him. He jumped in and then turned to talk to Dad...just then the cow started to charge. Dad saw her coming at him and yelled at him...Justin turned around just as she hit him. She hit him several more times before he could catch his balance and scramble out of the pen. One lesson we all learned farely early in life when growing up on the farm is that you are always leary of a new mother...whether it was a cow, horse, hen or other! We were on the run numerous times from different animals that thought we were getting to close. The cow hadn't shown any previous signs of being mean... Dad and others had been in there numerous times since she had her calf and she had been fine. Justin called me laughing and told me about, saying it hurt a little but he was ok. I laughed and thought back on a few of my experiences. Later when I was over at Dad's, he asked how Justin was and told me the story...only showing quite a bit of concern. He said that the cow really got Justin pretty good and that he would probably be pretty sore. I found that a little interesting...usually it was Dad that was laughing while we were crying over things like that. It made me a little more concerned for Justin, but when I asked him again if he was ok, he just started laughing again and assured me he was fine. He was a little sore and bruised the next few days, but it doing good now. I think he will have a little more respect for the animals when there is a baby involved...chalk it up to another lesson learned on the farm!

My Sob Story

Ok, so here is my sob story. I got the cold/flu crud that has been going around clear back in Oct. I thought I got over it, but a couple of weeks later I got it again. It has been going that way for months now. I know that all of my family and friends were starting to think that it was all in my head (and actually it was!). So on the Wednesday before we went to Utah, I started feeling sick again! I was so mad. All day I tried to get ready to go, but just couldn't get things done. My throat hurt, my nose was plugged and my ears hurt. On the way up to Utah Ariel drove to Moab for me, then I drove the rest of the way. The whole time up there my throat was all groggy, and I just didn't feel well. I got to see the family and some of Megan's friends at the baptism. But I just didn't feel up to calling and visiting with any of my friends. It was such a bummer. Then on the way home I felt so rotten. Ariel drove from Price to Chinle for me- I don't know what I would have done without her. With all of the altitude changes I thought my head was going to explode!! So when I got back I decided it was time to go in and see what was going on. I went in to Wayne Hardy and found out that I have double major ear infections and a major sinus infection. He thinks I probably had it since Oct. when I was first sick, and just never got over it. So he sent me out with some antibiotics to go home and go to bed for several days to get over it. I don't know why I put off going in for so long. I never really had a fever, so I just didn't think I had an infection. I guess I did have a low grade fever, just not high enough to really worry me. Hopefully I will just get over it now- I am tired of being sick!! So I'm done whining now- I'm going back to bed.

SUPERBOWL

We watched the superbowl while we were in Ogden. I knew it would be interesting with Lonny such a Steelers fan. But there were several of us cheering for the Cardinals also- my kids & I, Benda & Barry, and Darrin (Jessica was cheering for the Steelers). Because the kids and I were sick, we didn't go to church with Meg & Lonny. So while they were gone Justin decided to round up all of their Steelers gear- jerseys, jackets, blankets, cups, chairs, pillows (Lonny's been a fan for a long time!)- and hide them. He got the Lego's and made a cardinal head and set it on top of the TV, made a sign saying- no Steelers' fans allowed- and put up all red. They got home just before kick off and went to hurry and change into their steelers' clothes- no where! They started looking for their chairs and cups- no where! All of a sudden they started realizing just what was going on. After a little bit of wrestling, Justin gave in and told them where he hid it all. It was pretty clever and funny. The friends started showing up, the food was done, and the party started! It was such a good game. Even though we lost, I am glad that we atleast gave them such a good game. I was worried at first, but I thought the Cardinals pulled through well. And I could think of worse teams to lose to- like the Patriots or Giants. We will look forward to next year! And yes, Lonny and I still love each other.

Congratulations Cameron

We went to Utah this last weekend for Cameron's baptism. It was really fun to see the Gould family. When we lived in Ogden, it was like our families were one. We did so much together and called each other several times a day. We celebrated every holiday together and had so much fun. We just felt that we needed to be there for Cameron's baptism. It is hard to believe that he is already 8. We are really proud of him for chosing to be baptized. Good job Cameron. We love you and are proud of you!

GO CARDINALS!!

Can you believe it?! Who thought that they could make it to the Super Bowl? I am way excited! It has been so fun watching them in the playoffs, beating the odds. I can't wait to see how they do against the Steelers. My kids are a little worried though, we will be watching the Super Bowl in Utah at Megan's. We are going up for Cameron's baptism on the 31st- yeah Cam-my-man! The thing is- Lonny is a huge Steelers fan and has loved them ever since I have known him. My kids are worried that he and I are gonna get to each other, and we probably will. But we can both handle it. I will have Sherry, his step mom, there to help me cheer them on. GO CARDS!