Days With the Duerksens

It was that time of year again -- Halloween. I have to be honest and say that I've never been real giddy about this holiday, but it is fun to see the kids dressed up. This year, Caiden had the idea to be a cowboy (even though we couldn't find cowboy boots to borrow), and Cambry had a perfect cheerleader outfit that she got as a Christmas gift (thanks McCabe's)! They both had a great time trick-or-treating while Delaney slept in the van!

At almost 3 months old, Delaney's neck is getting stronger -- she can hold her head up for quite a while!

We finished the fall harvest yesterday -- Yay!! The kids and I walked to the field for one last ride, and Delaney's FIRST ride in the combine! The cab gets kind of crowded with 5 of us, but did enjoy ourselves. We even saw 2 pheasants, 1 coyote, and 3 rabbits in the field! Caiden's spot on the floor of the cab Dad in the driver's seat Delaney's first ride

It's not very often that I get "crafty," so when this idea popped into my head today, I got excited to craft with the kids! We went out looking for leaves of all sizes, and then we created pictures with them. I know it's not a new idea, but I was proud of myself for coming up with an idea the kids actually liked! Cambry's Creation My Creations! Cambry helped with the mouse. Caiden decided to make our whole family -- including Grandma/Grandpa and Grammy/Papa

Today was pumpkin-carving day. We had one small pumpkin that Caiden had picked out on his field trip. He actually carved some of it himself (after planning out what he would carve with a marker)! He's getting to be so grown-up! Caiden worked very diligently! Cambry worked on sorting seeds from "guts" This is about all Delaney could contribute to the project -- a cute smile with the finished product!

Except for a male teacher I observed in college, my experience with boys and handwriting has been that it's usually not very good. So, I was so pleased the other day when Caiden exclaimed from the kitchen, "Mom, come look at my beautiful 'a'!" When his report card came, I was delighted to see an "E" (for excellent) next to Handwriting! Will this continue, or will it disappear at some point? I guess we'll be finding out over the years!!

Yesterday afternoon, I actually enjoyed about 4 hours away from home without the kids! I was attending a mentor/mentee activity at Bethel College with Aimee, my mentee. We had a great time, and it looks like the kids had a great time with Dad while I was gone! Caiden decided to put on these goggles so he could literally dive into the pile!

I LOVE Fall -- especially this one! I had a very alarming morning yesterday -- Cambry was standing by my bed, I looked at the clock, it was 7:23! The bus comes for Caiden at 7:27 -- YIKES! You'll be happy to know that Caiden was out the door with a pear in hand right on time! Our kitchen has been invaded by fruit flies. Our solution? The vaccuum! Sowing wheat, combining soybeans, and combining milo all at the same time definitely takes a long time -- especially when you're not the one in the field! I love it when the kids bring home book orders -- almost more excited than they are! I'm excited to go with the 1st graders to Papa's Pumpkin Patch on Monday. I haven't gone on a field trip with him yet! He's actually happy that I'm going!

Delaney turned 2 months old on Saturday -- wow, how the time flies! She had her check-up today, and she's grown 3 inches and almost 4 lbs. since she was born. I'm glad she's growing well despite her spitting up issues! She has recently begun to rub her eyes when she's tired -- a rather helpful clue for us! And her smiles continue to capture our attention! The biggest news of all is that last night she slept from 11:00 p.m. - 6:00 a.m., a whopping 7 hours!!! Woo Hoo!

At 7 weeks old, Delaney is finally starting to give us those long-awaited smiles!