Kinda nuts

 

Today has been a strange one.  I went to my hospital appointment and was told my incision is mostly closed.  That was good news. No more daily trips to Topeka for me.  Actually, the timing couldn’t be better since we start back to school in a few days, and I honestly don’t know where I would fit it in.   I was supposed to have this surgery back at Christmas break.  It was supposed to be a small surgery.  I am so thankful that I put it off.  I would never have been back to driving the bus in 2 weeks!   This has been a 6 week ordeal.   I am so happy to be wrapping it up!   

Cameron came home this evening, and he and Jim went to a Royal’s game.  It has been a long time since Jim got to go to a game, and he was very excited to go.   I had plans….

I managed to get my bus riders all notified of times, and I found my new stops.  I got a lot of laundry done.  I was feeling sort of accomplished.  

I let the kids order a pizza for dinner.  After we ate, Quincy ran up the road to take care of the neighbor’s animals that she is pet sitting.  My bus boss called.  While I was talking to him, Quincy called me 6 times.  I guess I didn’t realize she was gone, and I was sort of irritated that she was calling me from the basement.  Turns out, she was having trouble.  The neighbors dogs got into a fight.  She had a hard time breaking them apart and ended up having to kick them apart.  Then she discovered that the older dog was seriously injured.  I would hate for anything to happen to anyone’s pet, but I am beyond thankful that Quincy wasn’t hurt breaking up the dog fight.  I had to quickly  get dressed, (because I thought I had an evening home so hello pajamas!).  Then I discovered that  Jim’s keys were locked in his truck.  I borrowed Cameron’s car and flew up the road.  Quincy’s van broke down earlier in the day.  She was panicked because she had Preston’s car - and she said she couldn’t use it to take the  dog to town because Preston won’t even let her drink a milkshake in his car!    The neighbor told me to use their truck.  We managed to get ahold of our vet.  We think the dog will be ok.  She is going to need some major stitching up.  The vet was going to get her pain under control and then work on her.  Luckily our favorite vet is the vet the neighbors use, so he was familiar with this dog already.  

Quincy shed a few tears, and although it is totally not her fault, she feels bad about it.  The dogs had been locked together in the yard all day.  There is no reason that this should have happened.  Just weird animal stuff.  I hope she will heal up quick.  I also hope that this day is done with me, because I am feeling exceptionally done tonight!   

A day of rest

We had a good day, with not much going on to rest up after the fair.  I found a couple of pictures on the extension page that I really love!   After having a little bit to reflect, this fair felt a little disappointing to start, with none of the animals making weight.   It turned out to be one of my favorite fairs ever.  The kids are growing up too fast.  My work load for fairs is almost to the place you could call it easy.   Jim and I managed to get through the fair without a single disagreement. Truly a good fair!   We got most of the equipment put away, cars cleaned out and prizes stashed.   Then we had a nice Sunday lunch with Colin, Mallory and Madison and her family.   Jim bought Kentucky Fried chicken while I was at my wound center appointment and so we didn’t even have to cook!  

Evie wanted to swim.  We had a little episode with the pool pump this week and I thought it was broken.  I told her she could swim but it might be for her last time since the pump was broken.  Preston went out, plugged it in, and it fired right up.  I have no idea what was wrong earlier, but it seems to have resolved itself.  I am glad!  I was hoping for a few more pool side days before we go back to school!   The kids had fun swimming with Colin.  He has a way of making things fun (aka dangerous).  He had to head back to Wichita this afternoon.  I am so happy that he and Cameron (and Lauren) were  able to come back for Jim’s recognition.   We missed Spencer, but hope to see her next weekend.  

After everyone left, I sat down, realized the house was completely quiet, and accidentally took an after fair nap!   It was delightful!   

This evening, it is absolutely beautiful outside, so Preston decided to project a movie on the side of the garage.  We are enjoying a movie with the dogs and the goats.  The goats seem relieved that they are all back home.  They spent the day grazing the yard and pooping on the front step.   I am not sure they touched the brush that Jim wanted them to eat!   

I feel summer winding down.  It always makes me feel a little sad. It has been a great summer!    I am ready to get back on a schedule and to have my Evelyn back though!   

A good finale day

This last day had a little different feel to it.   We had no animals to sell at the auction, which meant we were done with everything by noon.  Saige entered Carlos and Boomer in the pet show. Evie entered her dog Bailey.   The pet show was busier than I’ve ever seen it before.  It was crazy.  Saige and Carlos got a purple ribbon.  

Saige and Boomer got a blue ribbon. 

Jim helped out a family by holding their chicken.  I love this man.  He is always willing to help everyone.   He is kind hearted.  And he is a good   Dad to our kids.   He doesn’t really like having pictures taken, but I like this one a lot.  

Evie and Bailey also got a blue ribbon!   

One thing I forgot from Wednesday, Saige got a purple on her cut flower bouquet.  Harper got a purple on her single stem annual, and reserve champion overall flower!   They had some help from Mallory on this little project!   

Tonight, the Park and Rec board honored Jim by naming the baseball field in town for him.  He was very touched by this.   Mallory managed to have all of his kids there (except P and Q were in the band), as well as Jim’s mom and brother and my parents.  He was very surprised.  It was a nice surprise.   

Since none of the goats made weight, we enjoyed the parade without having to rush off to get ready for the auction!  

The band sounded amazing!  I am so proud of Preston and Quincy and all of the kids and the work they put in!   

We also spotted my niece Emma-Kate in the parade!  We had a nice dinner at the fairboard’s concession stand. Saige then went off to ride the carnival rides with Andrew’s brother, Patrick.  

Evie rode a little bit as well, and mastered all the carnival games!  

Jim and I enjoyed the dueling piano people.  I was a little surprised when we walked over and they were singing a song about Quincy and she was on stage playing a plastic guitar!   

I honestly love the county fair.  My best memories are all fair memories.  I think my kids would say that some of their best days were also fair days.  I am glad we had this time together as a family, and I am also happy that it is done for the year!  

Band picnic

Today was a day we didn’t have any shows at the fair.  We did have our club meeting, a pancake feed and games for the kids though.  The kids seemed to enjoy this a lot!  And of course we had to run in and out making sure the critters had food and water.   An easy day for sure!  

This evening, the band had their parade preview and the band boosters served dinner.  In the past, this has been fun, but is usually sort of miserable due to lack of shade.  This evening, it was beautiful out.  Last nights storms made for a nice evening!  We managed to get the burgers and hotdogs cooked, served and even got to sit down and watch the show tonight!  It was a good night!  

Quincy is back in band!  She has been playing the tuba, but for the parade she is on the percussion line playing cymbals.  She was very happy not to have to March with the tuba!  (Quincy is in the above photo wearing the green shirt). 

Preston is playing the trumpet.  He is in the front line of the above photo in a white shirt.  Tonight’s photography is brought to you by Saige.  I’m happy they are in band.  I love the band program, the director, and music education.  Also I love the group I am now serving with on the band booster board.  Such fun people!   I can’t wait for the parade tomorrow!  

A day for birds (or bird lovers)

Today was the poultry (and rabbit) show day.  My friend Dusty and I are somehow the superintendents for these shows.  It means a lot of work, running and paying attention to a lot more than just my own kids.  I enjoy it, but I will start off saying I am very thankful for Quincy who worked her buns off to help the girls.  

**Some show highlights - 

-Quincy was the reserve champion senior showman.  Since I was sitting with the judge, I got a front row seat to her presentation.  I honestly was impressed.  She knows an incredible amount of chicken knowledge.  

-Quincy, Harper, Saige and Evelyn all got blue ribbons form a judge that was pretty tough on birds today.  He had good things to say about their condition.  

-Harper’s goose was the reserve champion goose.  Quincy’s was champion goose.  Quincy’s was grand champion waterfowl.  

-Saige and Harper both did great on their showmanship today, both earning blue ribbons.  

- My cousin’s daughter won grand champion poultry with a chicken she named Dollar General, and that just about made my whole day!

**Some life highlights-

- watching Quincy give showmanship tips to literally every little kid in the barn.  As well as helping them learn to properly handle their birds. 

-watching Harper overcome her anxiety and put on a pretty good showmanship presentation.  

-watching Saige overcome her fear of carrying the chickens and do a good job with showmanship. 

-watching our girls make life long friendships.  The giggling, robbing each other’s coolers, cheering their friends on, encouraging each other and just making county fair memories.  Jim and I are so happy to be able to raise our kids in this community!