Independence Day Project

So this was bright and early Tuesday morning. Tori and Sarah were assigned to video, and I was assigned to photograph. Here’s a glimpse of the morning -

Up she goes.

It’s huge. Laying on the hill, it didn’t look as tall as the barn as Jacob kept insisting it was. He was right. It is as tall as the barn.

That whole process took only took a couple of minutes, and then the real work started. These guys mixed and poured cement for a long time.

They had quite the set-up going. A generator powered the cement mixer and the sump pump which was in the lake (in a bucket with holes drilled in it so no gravel would get sucked up) pumping water through the hose to the cement mixer.

Was a beautiful morning but very very hot.

Amazing how hard a crew of boys will work for the fun that follows.

Some cleanup while the concrete set, and then Jacob pulled the tele-handler away.

Not sure why it took four guys to hook up the rope. I think Jesse actually got the honor.

Ornery Jacob wouldn’t let them down right away. Kept telling them to jump.

Which they did once their phones and glasses and wallets were safely ashore.

Not sure why all operators had these big grins. Must be the big boy toy thing.

First jump.

Micah went up really high.

Jr. jump for littles.

They loved it too.

Crazy kids. Kept wanting to go higher each time.

Ben.

I missed the video of the first swing, which of course was done by Jacob.

Umm. That’s a big drop.

Jacob did the highest swing of all.

Crazy high!

Busy Monday

Had a great crew of helpers to finish up applesauce.

Helpers need a break now and then, you know!

Blayne thought the applesauce was too sour,

but Kennedi ate it right up.

Applesauce done, cherry juice in the freezer, and beans picked, we headed to U. Mark’s for awhile. Jacob brought this tele-handler home for yesterday’s project, and Dad was home from work early, working on some fencing then trying to trim dead branches off this grand old ash tree which we suspect is being killed by the emerald ash borer .

Time for a few rides.

Monday evening was beautiful, and kids slept out overnight. Sarah and Jacob were already up and gone before I got this picture taken yesterday morning.

that’s all

Weekend

Sweet Kruz loves the trampoline with Sarah.

Friday night we enjoyed the annual 360 picnic and fireworks as usual. Tons of fun on a beautiful evening.

Saturday was a beautiful morning for butchering.

To Uncle Dave’s for Sunday supper and evening.

Special evening with special people. Good weekend.

FB Birthday Post

Jesse posted this on FB on my birthday last week -

Came across this poem by one "Anonymous T. Irrelevant". He seems to know our family pretty well...here are his thoughts on Mom, in honor of her Birthday today.

A Day in the Life of the Worlds Greatest Mom

Wake up early, start the day,...
Kids asleep, she hopes they stay.

Take a shower, comb the hair,
Waterheater broke, call for repair.

Stumble to kitchen, cook Dad toast,
Discover on counter, last nights roast.

Call the dog, throw it out,
Back inside, kids are about.

Start making breakfast, Kate burns the biscuits,
Nothing new here, takes Mom to fix it.

Clean up the kitchen, Sarah and Josh,
Disaster commences, whole kitchen needs wash.

Ten minutes later, kitchen now clean,
Time to start school, kids six through eighteen.

Jewel plays piano, Sarah guitar,
Creates quite a racket, heard near and far.

Read Josh a story, then time for some spelling,
Going quite smoothly, until she hears yelling.

Cow has found freedom, hole in the gate,
Ben on the four-wheeler, lunch has to wait.

Lunch time is hectic, Henry came over,
Jack’s along too, all listen to Drover.

Afternoon lingers, day getting long,
Tori gets home early, on piano plays song.

Say prayer for Jesse, big test ahead,
Levi stops by, pick up Echo some bread.

Post picture of Kiowa, get lots of likes,
Kruz comes on over, She sure loves small tykes.

Jacob gets home, needs help on paper,
Mom helps him out, she’s a life-saver.

Kids start arriving, home for the night,
Everyone’s outside, can’t waste the light.

Darkness soon settles, things quiet down,
Sit on the patio, no time for a frown.

Discuss the days happenings, the good and the bad,
Prepare for tomorrow, its Friday, we’re glad.

There’s not much can stop her, her type’s hard to find,
Mom we all love you, you’re one of a kind.

-Anonymous T. Irrelevant

Since he posted this around midnight, most FB-ers thought my bday was Friday. So I had another day of sweet FB birthday wishes. Was a great two days of birthday.

THANKS JESSE!