Random thoughts

What a busy and speedy month this has been. Tomorrow we begin March, and I find myself really looking forward to going to a bull sale with Von. I am excited to spend some quality time with him as we drive to southern Utah. Our short snatches of trying to catch up only work for so long. During calving, it seems that we both go our separate ways with Von trying to keep calves alive at all hours of the day or night, while I try to take care of kids and house as much as I can to try to do anything I can to reduce Von's stress. I pretty much feel helpless when Von is discouraged or beyond exhausted, so I tried to muck out the barn when I could, take down food for him when I could, and encourage him as often as I could. He works so hard, and I am always so proud of him. He is wonderful. His skills with the cows and calves always amazes me. This is such a tough time of year since our livelihood depends on a few short months. Each calf born alive and kept alive is so important. Von doesn't count the money loss as much as he just feels bad when a calf dies. He takes it personally when any calf dies.

I heard Von laugh today during a movie, and it struck me that I haven't heard him laugh for a while. (Probably since calving started.) It was such a treat to hear. I love him so much.

So, Spencer is winding down his senior year. I can't believe it. He will be at USU with Katie next fall, which will be fun for them. Then in the spring, he will leave on his mission. He doesn't know whether to live in Utah this summer or the summer after his mission to work on residency. This is such a hard time in life because of all the decisions that need to be made.

Rebecca will think she is picked on between Von and I both needing her to help. As the oldest child in the home, she will be the chief cook, the house cleaner, the babysitter, the runner for Von, and tons of other things. : ) Hope she is up for it. I can't imagine what it will be like when Rebecca leaves, so maybe I won't let her. I hope be then, that Baylor's energy will have been contained a bit, and that he and Camia will enjoy being together more.

I am ready for spring, though. Warm weather and sunshine will be a boon to my soul. I can't wait for the garage to be warm enough to work on a wood project again. I also can't wait to see which yard projects need done. Hopefully, they don't require Von's help since he is always so busy. I keep telling him to teach me how to run the backhoe. : ) He just looks at me like I lost my marbles. He doesn't know I am completely serious. I have rocks that need moved. Bye for now.