Days With the Duerksens

In general, the beginning of school has been fantastic!  Both kids are enjoying their teachers, being back with friends, and getting back into the school routine.  In fact, I actually heard these words come out of Caiden's mouth on Saturday evening:  "I wish tomorrow was Monday instead of Sunday!"  GASP!  He loves Mr. Wiens! Last night, we went to the school for the annual "Open House" Night.  Some schools may call it "Meet the Teacher" Night.  Anyway, all was well until we were directed to the ELP room (Extended Learning Program, aka Gifted).  Last year, Caiden began going to that room with a group of kids to work ahead in math.  We've always known that he is a great problem solver and has good number sense.  He was excited about the challenge of working ahead, although he complained a little bit about missing other things.  Last night we found out that this same group is starting the year at the beginning of the 4th grade math b...

About 3 weeks ago, Chelan's sister discovered a kitten at the farm who seemed to be going up to anyone or anything - as if looking for its mother or for food or something.  She brought it back here and gave it some milk, and as soon as I heard about it, I went to track it down at the farm and brought it back here for good. We think something happened to its mother because we haven't seen it since finding the kitten.  As soon as I saw the poor thing, I knew it needed help - especially since it came right up to me.  The kittens on the farm never come up to people! So, we've been enjoying a new friend on our deck.  He's definitely perked up, his tummy is filling out, a gray tomcat has befriended it, and I think he's going to be just fine! I found Delaney reading a story to the kitten the other day.  As long as the screen separated her from it, things were okay.  She's not very fond of the kitten's claws!  I know I have a picture of me doing this sa...

On Saturday I received more proof that Cambry will be one to express herself in ways other than talking.  She came in from the shop so excited!  She had made a basket with the basketball - that's only happened about 3 or 4 other times.  She started telling me about it and then stopped and said, "Here, let me draw you a picture of it!"  I really do think it is difficult for her to express things with words - thank goodness for her creative outlets!

Yesterday marked the first day of another new school year - 1st and 3rd grades!  No tears shed, just excited, slightly nervous children.  The day before school, Cambry wasn't sure she really wanted to go back, but yesterday morning she said, "During the night I decided I want to go!" All reports were good when they got home - the first news being, "Mom, we're almost the first ones off the bus!"  That is big news since they are quite used to being one of the first on in the morning and last off after school.   Cambry told me there are 2 new children in her class.  Caiden was excited because he's sitting next to Logan and Jacob - two of his good friends.  Of course my response was, "Are you sure you can handle it?"  Once a teacher, always a teacher, I guess! I've been looking forward to quieter days with Delaney.  I wondered how Delaney would respond to them being gone all day.   It took her a while, but mid-morning she asked, "Where...

We caught the kids watering our garden the other day.  I immediately got out the video camera because, well, that NEVER happens!  It was fun to see them working together - so unexpected!

This summer's weather has been so odd, strange, mixed-up, or any other word you want to substitute for crazy!  It began in spring when the weather was so warm, so early.  My dad says it seems like we skipped a whole month somewhere.  A lot of people don't pay that much  attention to the weather forecasts, but for farmers, it's a way of life.  Chelan usually stays up until the weather segment is over and then he goes to bed.  The unusual weather has taken its toll around the farm.  Hopefully, next summer is a little different! I took some pictures a few weeks ago to try and explain: 1.  Corn harvest usually happens in September.  This year, we started harvesting corn at the end of July - way too early.  Surprisingly, the corn didn't do as badly as we thought it might! 2.  Because we haven't had measurable rain for about 2 months, most of the soybeans had to be swathed and baled for the cows to eat.  They just were...

Our little Delaney turned 2 on August 9th!  She is such a joyful, persistent, fun-loving, smart little girl.  She is extremely verbal, which continues to amaze us.  Her most current favorite phrases are:  "Mommy, where are you?" "I all done!" and "I want to try it!"  Right around her birthday, I decided it was time for her to get rid of her pacifier (or in her words, her "need that").  I put it off all summer because I had heard such awful stories about 3 nights of crying before getting through it.  To my surprise, there was never a tear shed over the separation.  I had planned on making a big production of it - packing it up and sending it to Baby Boden and then having her find a surprise in the mailbox.  None of it was needed.  I simply took away from her bed and that was it!  I'd say we were lucky! We have also begun the potty-training process.  Chocolate chips are working well as an incentive, and she can actually tell us...

Towards the end of the week, we had a shrimp boil.  This meal is fun because you simply combine seasoning, potatoes, corn cobs, sausage, and shrimp in a big pot.  When it's ready, you just empty the pot onto a covered table.  No plates, no utensils, nothing.  Just dig in with your hands!

This was hilarious!  Finn was hamming it up!

Finn turned 3 in June and Delaney was going to turn 2 a few days after the CA Duerksen's would leave, so we decided to have a little birthday party on Saturday evening.  Watermelon, crullers, and sloppy joes were on the menu - along with cake and homemade ice cream, of course!  It was fun to celebrate birthdays with everyone there! When I saw this card in the store, I knew Delaney would love it. Minnie Mouse is singing happy birthday to her.  You wouldn't believe how many times I heard that card opening up! 

On Saturday, the whole troop headed to Goessel for Threshing Days.  The parade was in the morning - which Caiden and Mace were a part of.  My dad had asked them to drive through with him on the golf cart and throw out footballs.  They were thrilled! Chayce, Cale, and Cambry assume the candy-catching position! Cambry's loot! After the parade and a good ethnic Mennonite lunch at the grade school, most everyone headed onto the grounds.  Although a cool front came through during lunch and cooled things down by 20 degrees, Grandma, Delaney, and I decided to go home.  I wish I had stayed because the kids all gave the pedal tractor pull a try.  When they got home, Cambry surprised me with her third place trophy!  My sister-in-law has great pictures of this.  Hopefully, I'll get hold of them sometime!

1 long roll of plastic + water + dish soap + a big hill = a lot of fun! Delaney preferred to watch from a distance! Even Grandpa and Grandma gave it a try!

We had a good time on Friday - swimming, pizza, and an outdoor movie!  The old pinochle gang and families were invited for the activities.  My parents and Chelan's parents are part of a group that gets together monthly to play cards - well, used to play cards.  I don't think they actually get around to playing anymore!  I remember looking forward to pinochle nights as a little girl because it meant good food and lots of playing - even though I was the only girl my age.  I think the boys might have been forced to play with me sometimes (from what I've heard)!  Anyway, this was a fun little reunion! Cale Caiden Mace could really fly! Chayce and Mace taking a rest Finn and Jenna A game of chicken Matt is assembling the movie screen - he figured out how to build this and has put it up several times for outdoor movies in Buhler, where they live.  This was such a treat! Boden is not quite ready to try pizza yet! playing o...