Stuck in the mud. Stuck stuck stuck

Did I write about the “favorite things” party we did for RS last week. It was hilarious and a blast but this morning Tanner was giggling reading a book and I thought: Now hearing that is one of my favorite things! He’s hooked on the Mercy Watson books—they are so fun! 

Ok and that was a nice happy pleasant want to start the blog—right cuz we’re going to get to muddy and stuck! 

And another favorite thing is when everyone else is asleep—it’s just so peaceful! If I were trying to be productive I’d be frantically cleaning my house but…these people might be sleeping now but they’ll all be home tomorrow so that would be pointless. I guess I’ll pass and blog instead😉

Now let’s get to reality-I decided the blog title last weekend. Good grief! Something is ALWAYS stuck around here! Isaac has to deal with all of it but somehow it’s exhausting for me! 

It’s ridiculous! 

The podcast I’m listening to that I mentioned a few weeks ago and really like, I would say the big message of it is you take all the crud that happens in life and you learn from it and turn it into wisdom. I mean-that sums it up. (I realize thats not a very compelling description but whatever my point right now is not to sell you on the podcast) but if that holds true at all…we should have a lot of wisdom about being stuck/getting unstuck by now…but at some point shouldn’t that turn into enough wisdom to keep you from getting stuck? Doesn’t that make sense?  or maybe it’s just me… Ug! Anyway

So Saturday—our first completely free Saturday since November! Yay! 

And Here they are… stuck. But Addi got to ride in the Skid steer ;)

Cannon’s coat isn’t so bad but use your imagination on what Addi’s little pink hoodie looked like after it was up against Isaac! Did I tell about him talking about that coat and how much filth spreads in his 5th Sunday lesson. It’s been a while-maybe January but I was like HE DOES KNOW!!!!! Because around here I always get “it’s not that bad, it does not, … bla bla lies”  anyway yes I used degreaser on Addi’s hoodie. Enough of that though. 

Oh and the skid steer wasn’t even close to getting them out either. 

But

It was a beautiful day! So we went on a bike ride. Just up the road there is a pond that they have built a slide into -when I drove by the other day it looked so fun!! I wanted Isaac to see it so we rode to  go check it out but overall I think he was unimpressed…could’ve been that it was way more uphill that I thought and he had Seth AND Addi attached to his bike 🤷‍♀️

Later I ran to the grocery store and they got serious about getting that stuff unstuck—look at the rut! They  used the excavator! 

On to Sunday. We are struggling with Sundays being a delight. Why do they fight so much???? And I do love that we have combined children and youth with the first ward because I just think it’s good for the kids to have more than one kid in their primary class or in Cannon’s quorum (oh that was a neat thing that happened Sunday Cannon got set apart as the deacons quorum president-I hope he wrote down notes from that blessing, I did not, whoops.) but I hate having sacrament meeting after primary. I know we have to take our turn and the 1st ward did it at the end of last year -but it is awful! 

Oh but Addi had a new dress on and then later that night some new jamas and Isaac came home and said “every time I see this girl she’s in new clothes” I shrugged laughed and said “I told ya this one was going to cost you” 

We made Seth a cake Sunday night and Monday—we have a 4 year old!!! 

Thankful for this little guy-we love him. 

We took his new bike down to the church because it was so muddy here but I forgot to pump up the tires so we had to do it again Tuesday for him to actually get to ride it, whoops. He has to ride a bike before he can ride a motorcycle though so I think he’ll do it. 

They told me that she was sitting up in her car seat I had gone back to get a coat or something in the church and didn’t realize that I hadn’t finished her buckles before I went back in —anyways I thought she was buckled but she wasn’t! The boys  told me she was sitting up but by then we were almost to the dirt road and once she’d figured out sitting up it didn’t take her long to figure out standing up. Thankfully we were just  going to feed cats, so actually past our driveway. 

I found this in Tanners backpack this week—well intended but this goal has not been met. Darn. 

We did redo goal boards the other day though and he wanted to learn how to make cookies. So we made that happen and it was fun. He was super pumped about it. Maybe I’ll have to find the Marco he sent Grama…

https://youtu.be/8KcRwXFQ_lw

And yesterday was a great day here in the land of somethings always stuck and all of the mud comes IN our house—Isaac got a load of gravel! (Actually 2) 

Here is Isaac telling Cannon which wires to touch together to get it to open…

But he held them too long and it all dumped out in one spot and…you guessed it—he got stuck. 

Cann was kinda in an “I know I know I got it” mood so he didn’t listen when Isaac told him to just touch them quick. I was like seriously ya can’t fault the kid, he’ll 11 sitting on the trailer rigging it up in true Isaac fashion…sigh… but then later that night he did the “I know I know I got it thing to me” on something different I can’t even remember what but he didn’t do what I asked so I thought ok maybe I can fault him he really doesn’t listen! But  after dinner he started to read but fell asleep -probably around 6- and was out for the night!! Maybe that late YM’s night Wednesday followed by early morning weights Thursday is tough! I think it caught up to him. So maybe being so tired makes it tough to listen…

Anyway they used the excavator to drag the truck and trailer up over the belly dumped pile. It worked so well Isaac might just plan on doing it next time…whatever that means. 

But it is so so so good to have some gravel! We’ve needed it for YEARS. Seth said “this is beautiful!!! Our dad is the best dad ever!”😂😂😂 but TRUE! 

Tonight was Glow Night at Colts school-he had fun!! It was students only so the rest of us hung out at the church gym next door—except Tan, he was Isaacs helper!

Oh and I almost forgot (cuz no pics) but Tuesday was so good because I got to go to the Temple—by myself! It was amazing!!!! I took Cannon into weights and headed for Nauvoo. Isaac got Colt and Tanner to school -maybe late but who cares?- and then tended and took Seth to school. And I got to enjoy myself and the peace of the temple. It was fantastic. I’m sold—I think we should do it more often!! I told him I like to go with him too but…not taking kids or having to worry about them was pretty good! And I was back by about 12:30👍🏻

I don’t know if that’s everything I’m but I’m ready to join the quietness out in dream-land around here so I’m out! 

Well we survived the 5 day weekend. My friend -who I love- is pulling her kids out of school. (Yeah! Another one.) Around here though prayers Tuesday were “we’re thankful the kids went back to school” Our kids are growing up in a sketchy world. I’m not saying no home school ever because…I could see it happening and being what’s best for us, I’m just saying I’m thankful it’s not now for us! 

Anyway back to the weekend. Tanner finished up basketball they won 40-0 and 37-1. Good riddance! I think that is beyond ridiculous—not only do I disagree with completely humiliating another team (or two) of 1st graders like that. But in those two games Tanner had ZERO points! He did shoot three times but missed. He played hard but when he’s in at the end up the game and we’re up by 40 he really looks like a horses butt stealing the ball after they cross half court (that’s the rule-you can’t press) ugh! So I’m done with that. And next year that team will move up to the 3rd 4th grade division but Tan needs to stay and play with and against kids his own age! Will I find him a new team? Or start one? Or say to heck with it…??? Being a (casual) assistant would be perfect for me—Isaac doesn’t really love it when I’m married to basketball. 😏 Time will tell! But for now, just glad it’s over! 

Wednesday they had a pizza party instead of practice and I let Tanner choose if he wanted to go or not, he hummed and ha’d and ended up not going but I got THE BEST version of Tanner that night-it was amazing. I think his agency and not feeling like he Had to go was part of it, but really he was fantastic!! 

Ok back to Saturday—they worked a lot on their pond project. I dunno what else but they brought the equipment back this week so presumably they are done…or close. 

Then Sunday, this is what breakfast looks like with 4 big brothers. 😂

I don’t know what else—I guess we got out on a little walk…

And realized for the first time that Rich (our new or who we are feeding his cats while he’s in Florida) has a basketball hoop…why have we never noticed this before????

So Monday when we went to feed the cats we had a little fun. 

Cann and mine were movies he picked the still shot on mine and I picked his…he never quite got it down but he was close. I told him he better keep trying that will be a good way to tell if he’s really getting stronger by going to weights or not😉 then it was a moratorium this week-dang. 

Other Monday shenanigans…Seth got a little bit too excited about French toast sticks for breakfast and put his lip on the pan. 

Ouch. 

She thinks she’s a big shot on the stairs.

Tuesday Isaac had Everyone helping work on the belly dump. He’s out there again tonight working on a tire on it. It’s always something. 

Hours and hours and hours somethings. 

He thinks he’s going to make money with it—not if his time is worth anything!

But he enjoys it. So it’s fine. And ended up doing alright with his pump trucks…

Tuesday was actually my beloved celebrater hater’s birthday. Look at those pictures— I have evidence of us all out there helping him so I guess we were speaking his love language—happy birthday! 

His colleagues at work got him a cake- but he doesn’t teach on Tuesdays and he doesn’t have office hours so the only reason he had to go into work was to “celebrate” and have cake… it was so nice of them but they didn’t know they were actually torturing him🤣🤣 and really not  helping my case.  

The sun was shining though so happy birthday Isaac. He got to be outside and work and putter all day…except the forced “celebration” so I guess it was a win 🤷‍♀️ As we rode into Menards Saturday he clarified that he doesn’t hate celebrating he just doesn’t want anything to do with the ever present consumerism that our culture has become. Ok but opposites attract right? I love him. I think I’ll go shopping. Just kidding. The boys did want to know what he got I said new shoes and new temple shoes and showed them the proof-that never got wrapped. And I said just kidding but…I did do some shopping and when the Talls are on sale…I have some new shirts for him when he ruins these with greases. See if was a happy birthday for him AND me. 

Often times we go to lunch on Tuesdays but I was like “no no it’s your birthday do whatever you want” so he worked on his  projects and we’ll go to lunch another day😉 

Cake at work—cheesecake at home! Look at Sister’s face—who you make’n celebrate?!

Wednesday both Tanner and Colts classes got to go to the FFA petting zoo. I totally forgot but my ministering sister works and Seth’s school and sent me these! 



Thanks Marie!! 

Addi getting in on the fort project. And she just has the best grins! 


Yesterday Isaac worked in the temple. He took a member with him so we didn’t chit chat on his drive at all, it was a long day but I had him pick up pizza and then I went to the RS activity with NO kids!!! It was a good time! 

Not much to report on today.  I know I’ve got more that I can think of but I don’t want it to be a late night so…good enough! 

Saturday morning we headed to Nauvoo-Isaac vetoed spending the night that morning. I didn’t care because it simplified things for me. And thankfully the broadcasts have significantly improved so we still got all of stake conference. Win. It was cool to go in the baptistery with Cann again-last time I just made it to the confirmations this time I was just there  baptisms then I left to go tend but it was neat and I actually even got to serve as a witness. That’s was cool and a first. 

Sunday we were going to watch at home until I realized Isaac was using our computer at the church so we either had to go or huddle around my phone. So we scrambled and went to the church-just in time. Addi is at the beginning of the wave and mimic stage so every time they would sustain someone she was waving her arm by time they asked if anyone was opposed and all 4 brothers were cracking up! It was pretty cute but they were pretty loud and I was a little embarrassed. 

We got Colt a Valentine box made-barely-the hot glue gun bit the dust. I think I bought it at the dollar store in college…it did it’s time! But he had to take in Monday-

And Grama hooked these guys up with Valentine donuts on Tuesday! 😋 Yum. 



Wednesday we went down to Colts music & art show. 

And I don’t know if you can read it but I found this note in his backpack. Kinda cute.



And when I look down during scriptures and she’s found a baseball-I had to take a pic. That’s my girl! It was better when her hand was up like she was going to chuck it 😉

There might have been more to the week than that but I don’t remember. It was a snow day yesterday -weak- but after last week I think they were going to error on the side of canceling no matter what. So we’re in the middle of a 5 day weekend but nothing fun planned. Bummer. We have been enjoying some “Leave it to Beaver” reruns though. They’re pretty funny-and better than most garbage out there. 

I haven’t had a story this good to tell since Isaac was standing in a burning tree trying to cut the burning limbs out… That was of course after we had tried throwing water balloons at it🤪

But I’ve got another classic! 

We could start with a picture:

Zoom in

The boys were over working on their pond project Cann and Colt started out helping but then Colt brought the 4 wheeler back and got the grease gun —And Tanner! Then made another run to get Seth. 👍🏻 Addi and I were golden! Actually with only 2 hands to undo everything I’d done I was kick’n tail at getting this place cleaned up a little -not that you’d ever be able to tell it now - anyway a few minutes later Cannon came back on the 4 wheeler and I helped him find the grease Isaac had sent him for and back he went…

Well a few minutes later I got the call “I’ve got two kids crying and two kids laughing and I’m just scratching my head trying to figure out what happened I’m going to need ropes and chains.” ….so apparently what happened was they took a break to grease the equipment and then he decided to do a little showing off on the 4 wheeler and it “would’ve been fine if he hadn’t stopped” but after spinning a 360 he did stop…to ask the boys what they thought or something???? And in he went. 😂😂😂

We decided I better just come get them and then he could get what he needed to get it out. 

He was in a bit of a hurry but they all had lunch and then he Cannon and Colt headed back oh he changed into shorts too knowing he might have to get in  (he was wet about up to his knees-from getting out the first time. This pond their deepening was supposedly only 2 ft deep) 

I don’t know how long they were gone but a good long time. Disaster is and understatement! He came home wet up to his shoulder he’d been in that ice water who knows how long-blood all over her legs that were cut up all over from the ice and “shivering” is a massive understatement! I wanted to take a picture but it just felt mean. 

Oh it was so bad and his fingers might still be tingling??? Not sure. 

I guess he crawled in the excavator and cranked the heater up when his hands stopped working. “Borderline hypothermia” was his diagnosis. Yeah-probably so! 

I really wish I’d written it down last week…it just loses something with time…maybe with enough time it will gain something too 😉😂 

And you can read the kids version that I made them write on Sunday – best mom writing assignment ever!

I took Tan to basketball while he slept/tried to recover in the chair. 

And I love scripture pics!! 

We survived the day. 

Everyone was safe—ish

Sunday:

I bought Addi this dress thinking her bros would love it but I kinda do too so I wanted a pic -since it’s already too small 😏 stupid sizing! The first one is what the brothers took for me…then I tried…

See that blue sky! 🙌🏻 We loved getting outside! Then that night we went to the basketball game because it was youth night. 

Kirksville will never be good at sports until they lose the “all about me” they are plagued with  (both players (and their parents) it’s really awful! But oh well. 

Oh and check Colt he’s obviously thrilled to be there. He took his kindle to read. 

The smile above vs the grouch the next morning! Ouch. This pic is a pretty good representation of every morning -he hates to have to get up for school! But Saturdays—first one up! 



It is late and I am tired but Thursday can’t go undocumented. I’ll just talk to text.  Isaac left just before six and headed over to the temple and it had rained all night but then started snowing so I called to check on his roads and see what he thought I should do but he thought my roads would be fine. So we headed into school and it was slow going I bet Cannon and I checked my phone 15 times to make sure I hadn’t missed that School had either been canceled or two hour delay like they sometimes do but there was nothing there-so we kept plugging along. We were definitely late but we were safe so that’s a win! Coming home I had to pull over and shut the door because it had bounced open when Colt tried to slam it and it was pretty slick I wasn’t work sure where I should get off but I just found a parking lot and it was fine no big deal. Once I got on the bypass there was crazy tracks in the snow across the center lane back are crossed I was just taking it really easy but definitely aware of how slick it was and that other people had been sliding off. The end story is that we made it home safe will cash in on that temple blessing thank you Isaac for serving! Holy cow though it was awful once I got off the highway we did OK on the first turn but the second turn so much spinning I’m pretty sure we were perpendicular to the yellow lines the whole way through that curve and out. -And I was praying my guts out because I had two kids in pajamas and if we ended up in the ditch Isaac is in the temple I can’t even get a hold of him and we do have a good neighbors and nice neighbors but I was just picturing myself walking that mile and a half home with a kid in pajamas in each arm. It was so stressful and getting straightened back out when I got back on the straightaway and then just kind of inching along but trying to keep moving and making sure I didn’t touch my brakes and then we did OK on Kilmer‘s curve but I started to slide off again right at our dirt road. I stayed high but it was just so slick anyways I didn’t make it but that one was so traumatic because I slid off right there the day we found out Riz died so it was just awful!  Once we got home Oh the driveway was a whole nuther nightmare and  Trying to park —my goodness —what a circus. But once we got home and we were safe I was shot for the day I did nothing else I was just so rattled and so worried about having to go in and pick the kids up! They  did cancel Seth’s  school talk about a day late and a dollar short but as it turned out when I went in at 2:00 ( I gave myself a ton of extra time) but Isaac actually called on his way home from the temple and he said his roads were great and so getting out of the driveway was kind of a disaster but after that it had warmed up and melted enough that the roads really were great it was no stress and I was so thankful! 

Then tonight—see this truck? It’s stuck. Are you surprised? probably not!  Isaacs idea of a date was me helping him get it unstuck… good thing we were not a real lunch date on Tuesday! 



Sethy’s  excitement when we started to get it to move a little bit (probably 5th or 6th attempt 😩) and him telling me that I was a good semi truck driver might’ve made it worth it… na-but Almost. 

And we worked on Tanner a Valentine box tonight! 

With any luck I’ll read through this a little and edit -especially the talk to text part- tomorrow 

🤞🏻