mrsmomdragon

Ever since we moved out to the farm, I casually talked to Ray about “someday” having chickens. I’m not sure when or why I decided that chickens needed to be in our life, but I knew my “someday” would come. Who wouldn’t want an animal that poops breakfast?? Kidding…kind of.

Back in May, we had some friends of ours offer us their 3 chickens as well as their homemade coop! I was over the moon excited, or as one might say, pretty clucking stoked. Anyway, the day before I graduated the chicks were dropped off. Since there were 3, obviously each of the kids picked one. Emaleigh picked Nugget, Elijah picked Ash, and Eydan picked Hei-Hei.

I still giggle because when we put them in their coop I remember my sweet husband asking if we needed to let them out “to go potty”. We are so used to how dogs operate, we still needed to all familiarize ourselves with how chickens work.  The kids and I would sit outside in their little pen for hours watching them and (eventually) holding them. After a few weeks, I decided to make them a shady area in their pen. There was some wood on top of the coop that I used to hold down a corner piece of a tarp that I had tied down on the opposite side of the fence. The kids and I were all in the pen when all of the sudden the wind picked up. Seriously, the next 30 seconds were like in slow motion so I’m going to tell it just like that.

I looked over at the coop and the wind picked up the tarp (remember the wood on top?) Yep, you guessed it. A piece of the wood flew up and before I could even catch it or reach for it (I’ve been told I have the reflexes of an elephant) it landed…on top of Ash’s neck. As quickly as I could, I picked up the wood and she began to hop up and down with a very loose neck. I ran inside to tell Ray, thinking he might have a great idea. Nothing. So, I ran back outside and within 10 seconds she stopped jumping and just died. I looked up at the kids and we all just started bawling. By this time, Ray comes outside and says, “Well, shall I get the crockpot ready?” For those of you that know Ray, you know he likes to joke…but, we weren’t ready for any yolks quite yet. So, Ash got a proper burial and Ray got a kick to the shins. Sad day. Down to 2.

A few weeks later, I came out to see Nugget eating her food and noticed drops of blood around the coop. Lots of feathers, but no Hei-Hei. I wish I knew what happened to her, but maybe it’s best that I don’t. We suspect it was fowl play. Down to 1.

A friend had told me that we should get more chickens because they need friends. So, like any other woman would do, I found a chicken on a group on facebook and met a lady to swap money and a chicken at a gas station. Seriously, I felt like I was part of some underground chicken on the down low type of swap. I literally brought a box (with no lid) to bring her home in. As Eydan and I were leaving for the cluck deal, Ray said, “Really? You’re not taking something with a lid?” Being the professional cluck dealer that I am, I assumed I would be ok. Eydan may or may not have had to put his feet on top of the chicken on our ride home, but we made it, and we welcomed home Patty. Back to 2.

The previous owner said that Patty laid eggs so I was pretty excited. Her first egg was as big as a little robins egg…but I was still pretty pumped! I was able to make 1/2 cupcake with that egg! Totally kidding (it only made 1/4 cupcake). Well, we had Patty for about a month and at the beginning of the school year, we came home to find Patty sleeping behind the coop. Not a clue what happened to her, but she also got a proper burial. Back down to 1.

Nugget. The lone survivor. The kids joked around and said that maybe Nugget was actually the killer of the other birds because she enjoyed being by herself. She’s the bird that would get out of her pen during the day, and then when it got dark, she would put herself to bed. Such a responsible chick. Every time I would go outside, she would follow me around (always chicken me out…get it?)

Just within the last two weeks, she even let me pick her up. She started to get a little nosy and walk up towards the road, so if I was home, I’d pick her up and bring her back by the house…15 seconds later she’d be waddling as fast as she could back by the road. Unfortunately, yesterday she made it all the way to the middle of the road and died. Down to 0.

(I know, I know, -insert “why did the chicken cross the road” jokes here). As crazy as it makes me sound, she was seriously the coolest chick around. She had quite a personality and we were so used to her greeting us outside that it’s now weird to not have her out there. She was my costar in some of the silliest videos I have made…honestly I make myself laugh alot harder than I really should.  A few days before she died, I made the joke that this ugly duckling was the reason that she was going to the road.

So yeah, my first time at this whole chicken mama thing was kind of rough. I get attached to animals and maybe you just shouldn’t with chickens because you just never know when the wood will drop. (Face palm). But, Nugget made all of the frustration and tears worth it. We enjoyed having her around for the short time that we did. She may have been a free loader who never laid any eggs , but she was a legit mother clucker.

Next spring we will give it a go again… Tender, Molè, and Mary Poopins comin’ in hot.

     This blog was written by my 13 year old daughter, Emaleigh.  It was written as an essay for class and she presented it in front of her school. Thank you to all of the veterans. 

     Joyce Grenfell once said, “There is no such thing as the pursuit of happiness, but there is the discovery of joy. ” America gives us many gifts, and one of them is the pursuit of happiness (or should I say the discovery of joy). Joy can mean many things; a good job, money, family, or even just a nice house. America gives us joy in disguise. To one person, joy can be money and a good paying job. To another person, joy may just be family. We can all pursue happiness and fail because with true happiness you don’t have to pursue it. Or, you can discover joy. Discovering joy could be having your first child, or getting a dog, heck it could even be getting married. America gives many gifts to our generation, but what I think that the most important gift that America could have given us is the discovery of joy.  

     Another gift that America has given to us is liberty. Liberty, in the dictionary, is defined as “the state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one’s way of life, behavior, or political views.” So basically, it is having freedom. Freedom can have different meanings, but to make it short, it is having the right to do or say what you want. I believe that liberty is sort of like this and America has given us the amazing gift of it. In the pledge of Allegiance, we say at the end, “… with liberty and justice for all. ” This shows that we all have liberty and justice. 

     One of the last gifts I believe that America has given us it the gift of life. We have the right to live however we want. Whether it is pursuing your happiness, or using your liberty to live your best life, you need to get out there because it is life. Life doesn’t last forever, so you need to take care of it while you can. If pursuing your happiness is traveling the world, then go travel the world! If your idea of liberty is running for president, then run for president! 

Live the best life you can live; it doesn’t last forever! 

It’s not easy leaving my Dad. The visit part has gotten much easier, and although I hate to say it, pretty routine.  But, leaving? I don’t think that will ever get easier.

This weekend we went to see him and on the way home I had some time to think as everyone else was fast asleep.  I was thinking of the excitement that we all experience when we visit…and then it’s time to leave and so many of the original emotions flood my mind. I get angry wondering why this happened. I get sad and feel sorry for everyone involved. I want to shut down.

I never knew I’d find myself here. I never knew I’d be the daughter of an inmate. I never knew that my kids would know what it’s like to go through security to visit a prison. I never knew I would sit in a room full of families, just like mine, visiting their loved ones. I never knew the hurt that could fill a room. I never knew the pain I would feel to hear my youngest ask why Grandpa never comes to visit us. It hurts. And, although leaving will never get any easier, there is now a peace in my heart. There are many things that I never knew I would experience in my life, but…

What I do know, is God has met me here. Every single feeling, God has felt with me. Every tear I have cried, God has wiped away. Throughout every part of this chapter of my life, He has been there right alongside me as each page has turned. It was in the darkest and saddest point in my life that I felt God more than ever. The part of my life where I found it difficult to get out of bed because I was so sad. The part of my life where I didn’t want to answer the phone because I was embarrassed. The part of my life where I was so afraid of what was going to happen to my family. He was there, and I know that now.

As I was driving and thinking, a song called “Find You Here” came on the radio and I couldn’t help but just cry and be thankful for everything He has done in my life. My Dad being sent to prison was never about me, and I’m not trying to make it be…but, going through this, God has shown me things about myself that I never even knew existed. The part of my life where I realized the importance of grace? Again, he met me there.

So, whatever storm you are going through, He is with you. It might be the last place that you’d ever think He’d be…but He’s there. You just have to look…and listen.

“It’s not the news that any of us hoped that we would hear
It’s not the road we would have chosen, no
The only thing that we can see is darkness up ahead
But You’re asking us to lay our worry down and sing a song instead

And I didn’t know I’d find You here
In the middle of my deepest fear, but
You are drawing near
You are overwhelming me, with peace
So I’ll lift my voice and sing
You’re gonna carry us through everything
You are drawing near
You’re overwhelming all my fears, with peace

You say that I should come to You with everything I need
You’re asking me to thank You even when the pain is deep
You promise that You’ll come and meet us on the road ahead
And no matter what the fear says, You give me a reason to be glad.”

I’ve always wanted multiple kids. Ever since I was a little girl, I had it planned that I would have one boy and one girl; Tristan and Shelby. Shelby was the name of my great-great grandfather and Tristan…well, that was one of Brad Pitt’s characters. Don’t judge.

Anyway, right after Emaleigh (yep, my childhood dream names went right out the window) turned a year old, we found out that we would be having another child the following June. I was excited, but I was so scared at the same time. How in the world was I supposed to split my love between my kids? I pray I’m not the only mom who had those thoughts go through her mind. Opening my heart up to our first child seemed so seamless and so easy and since we loved her SO much, how could I possibly have more love in my heart to give to another child? “Sharing my love” seems so trivial and silly now, but I can honestly say that I lost sleep over it as we prepared for our 2nd child’s arrival. We hadn’t been a family of 3 for too long, but long enough for it to be our normal.  Would Em feel less love? Would the baby get more love? Would the baby get enough love? Would Em feel left out? Would the baby feel left out? Crazy, I know.

That February, we found out the 2nd baby would actually be a boy. Wait, I’ve only had a girl, so will I know what to do with a boy? Yes, I am the little sister of 2 boys, so I know how they are…but I don’t think I’m capable of raising a boy…I’ve only began raising a girl. Yes, pregnancy brain is a real thing here people.

Well, the time came for the baby to make his arrival, and let me tell you, he was ready! We had time to get up to our room, lay down for a few moments and he was ready…I was not. After Emaleigh I swore that I would never get an epidural again, but as the contractions were getting stronger with the 2nd baby, I was beginning to have second thoughts. But, it didn’t matter what I wanted, it was too late for any medication at this point.

I don’t remember how many times I pushed with him, but it wasn’t many. At 1:23am on June 29, 2006, Elijah Augustine was born.  He was such a beautiful little…who am I kidding? He was beautiful, but he was definitely not little. He was 9 lbs and 21 inches long with a single dimple…big boy! Immediately, all of those thoughts that kept me awake so many nights before, escaped my mind. How could such a fragile little baby already have taught me so much about myself as a mama. He believed in me and knew I was capable of doing everything with no meds, and at his first breath of life he proved to me how important it is to have confidence and believe in yourself. I will forever be grateful for my Bubba (yes, that’s your nickname for life when you’re a 9 lb chunk of cuteness) and the lesson that, as a baby, he never even knew that he taught me.

Today, that same 9 lb baby, turns 11 years old. I am still in awe of all of the lessons that I have learned through his sweet spirit. He is my boy who still wants to hold my hand, snuggle his family, and use his imagination. He is the best little brother, best big brother, greatest inventor, builder, and still has his adorable dimple. He is sensitive, yet bold. He’s not afraid to take chances and is always the first in our family to suggest an adventure. He’s our Bubba.

You’ll never be able to prepare yourself for the birth of your child, and even with all of the preparations in the world, you still won’t be able to completely be ready for the love that overwhelms you when you first meet your child’s gaze. Just know that you will have infinite amounts of love in your heart, no matter how many children you have…you just do. 

Happy 11th birthday, Elijah. You are SO loved, and we Thank God for you every day.

Guys. I know you all already know, but I graduate in 43 days. Forty. Three. Days. Holy cow!

It seems like just yesterday that I was trying to get all of my paperwork in order to get back in school. All of those presentations I whined about, I got through them. All of those late nights studying, I got through them. All of those group projects (cringe), I got through those too. All of those boxes of chocolate that helped me study…oh, I got through those just fine.

Well, today, I got an email about my name being on the “ticker” at Monfort College of Business. When I read the email, I immediately starting crying. It wasn’t like a cute sniffle-here-sniffle-there kind of cry…I was UGLY crying in the Walmart parking lot. I remember a few friends of mine whose name I would see on this ticker around graduation, and I couldn’t help but feel so excited for them! Then, I would think, “man, I can’t wait to see my name up there”…somewhat wondering in the back of my head if I would ever really make it. As I sat in my van today, reflecting on these last few years of my life, I realized why I was crying. It wasn’t just because I was happy, I was crying because I felt a sense of pride.  I feel like (other than birthing 3 beautiful children) this is the first time where I am actually accomplishing something great for myself. Yes, graduating high school was an accomplishment and all that jazz…but to go back to college, at 33 years old, with a husband and 3 kids at home, being scared to death, stepping outside of my comfort zone, learning so many things about myself…that is an amazing accomplishment for myself. I don’t like to toot my own horn, but I am excited.  I can honestly say to myself, “Caiti, you did it!”

I can’t wait to walk into the MCB and see my name scroll across that ticker. It seems a little silly to type that out, but my name up there encapsulates all of those late nights, tears, papers, melt downs, projects, and presentations. I did it.

If any of you ever doubt yourself with anything you have going on, can I please encourage you? Nothing is going to happen overnight. Just keep swimming. Keep moving forward. Keep pushing. Keep on keepin’ on. The rest will fall into place, and one day you’ll be able to look back and say, “Wow, I did it!”

Bonds.

No, I’m not talking about those pieces of paper in your safe deposit box (do people even use those anymore?)…I’m talking about relationships.

Relationships come in all different shapes and sizes.  There are those special bonds you had when you were a child.  Relationships that you lost and then those that will remain with you for a lifetime.  These bonds that I am speaking of aren’t even with other people…I’m talking about those lifelong bonds you have with your pet.

When Emaleigh turned one year old, Ray decided to get her a puppy. I was not happy.  I was not happy because I knew that the dog wasn’t really for her.  I was not happy because I knew that I would probably be the one picking up the dog poop.  I was not happy because the puppy he got was a boxer, so I’m sure you can imagine how big the dog poop would be.  I was not happy because we lived in a basement apartment and I couldn’t imagine what having a boxer would be like in our tiny living space. I was not happy because Ray did it without me knowing about it.  I was just not happy.  Ask Ray.  I think I gave him the silent treatment for at least a week. At least.

Shortly after he shared the news of our new family member, he took me to go meet him.  Ok.  I’ll admit.   He was cuuuuuute.  But, I wasn’t about to let Ray in on my soft spot for this dog.  Then, the dog made this noise that sounded just like Chewbacca from Star Wars…and that was it.  His name was Chewy.

Poor Chewy.  I was so determined to not give in and love him (openly) until about a year and a half later.  That’s when I noticed his unconditional love for our family.

The first time I noticed it was shortly after Elijah was born.  We were expecting some visitors, so I laid Elijah down on the floor and as soon as our friends walked in, Chewy walked over and stood directly over Elijah.  My first thought was, “You big dummy, why are you standing over my newborn baby!” But as I watched him closer, and then Ray explained…he was protecting him.

Time moved on and Chewy got bigger (about 94 pounds bigger). Yes, Chewy is a BIG boy.  I think his great grandfather may have been a horse…the jury is still out on that one.  Anyway, almost 3 years ago our family grew again and Eydan was born.  I watched Chewy be the same protector over him as he was over our entire family at this point.

But with Eydan, something is different.  Not only do I see the love that Chewy has for him, but the love that Eydan shows for Chewy is incredible.

Unconditional love.

Not a day goes by that I don’t witness Eydan walk by Chewy and give him a great, big hug. Every.  Single.  Time.  I’m not talking a one armed, limp hug.  I mean the type of hug where Chewy has to feel the love…atleast when he gets his breath back.  Don’t get me wrong…Eydan can also get upset with Chewy and bonk him on the head, or scream at him for eating his toast off the table…but it never fails, he walks by him and always gives that dog a hug.

And Chewy has the patience of a monument. Eydan can use him as a chair (sometimes a bouncy one), he has had his eyes poked, his legs pulled, balls thrown at his head, his tail nub yoinked, and his ears used as Eydan’s personal kleenex…yet, he still loves Eydan and our entire family all the same. We are his family.  All Chewy has ever known…is us.

Chewy has been the most faithful pet I have ever owned.  He is the pet that no other pet will ever compare to.

Yes, his farts are something fierce (seriously, they can clear a room), but his love for us is even fiercer. Even as I sit here typing this, he is in the other room audibly passing the most disgusting things ever…but it’s a smell that I will someday miss…ok, yeah, definitely won’t miss that.

But, all joking aside, can you imagine what the world would be like if we loved like our pets loved us? Or if we loved the way that Eydan loves his Chewy? If every time we passed someone, we hugged, or even just smiled at them? If we just put away all of the anger and the eye for an eye mentality and just…loved? Maybe we could actually learn a little something from our pets.

I can imagine it…and it’s beautiful.  It looks a little something like this…

So, I’m going to be real. I should have known when I didn’t have time to shower before class, it was going to be an “off” day. I can honestly say that this is the first time this semester that I haven’t showered before class…probably just like the rest of my fellow (and much younger) college students today. And, to make it worse, I went to boot camp this morning. I know, gross right? But, I had to get cakes frosted before my 8 o’clock class and there just wasn’t time.

Anyway, you’re probably wondering why in the world I’m sharing my lack of hygiene with you today. I’m just keeping it real…this is me. Today has been stressful and a I’ve had a bit of a knock to the gut. It’s amazing how it can go from one day being so perfect to the next just getting all of the air taken out of your sails.

You see, I’m an English major, therefore taking 2 English classes in that department.  There are only 4 weeks left in the semester and I feel so behind on my reading. I’m also a business minor (add 2 more classes) which I’m struggling to keep a B- in one of those classes right now. Today, we had an exam that I barely passed. I felt so defeated. Wondering, why am I even doing this? Just feeling completely overwhelmed with life and everything I have going on. So you see, just one of those days where I feel blah on the outside and it’s reflecting how I am feeling on the inside. It was one of those days where as soon as I saw Ray, I cried. You know those kinds of days right? I hope I’m not the only one.

Well I got home and as I was walking inside I glanced to the front of the house, where a bunch of little daffodils were peeking out of the dirt. I thought about how much crappy weather we have been having lately and yet, they still managed to make it. They have survived wind, rain, freezing temperatures, and snow…and they are still standing tall as and shining the most beautiful yellow I’ve ever seen. They persevered, pushed through the soil, and grew.

I want to be like the daffodils in my front yard. I don’t want a bad day to decide what is going to break me down.  It’s times like this that I have to decide what I will allow to break me and what I will allow to make me. The work that God is doing inside of me is so much bigger than a bad day (without a shower) and an almost failed test. I’m going to push through, pass all of my classes, and move on to next semester knowing that I can do this. I’m going to dust myself off…and try again. Today doesn’t define me. Tomorrow is a new day. The daffodils didn’t let the wind push them over, or the snow wilt their leaves. They grew into beautiful flowers. And, just like them, I’m not going to let these circumstances get in the way of the growing that God is doing in me…neither should you.

Just like the daffodils…push through the soil…feeling the sunlight on your face (the light at the end of the tunnel) will be worth the fight.

But first, I should shower.