Crying

I helped Richard put the chickens away tonight.  I went into the chicken coop and swung the inside door shut, my mind on other things...the garden, putting up the pea fence, making jam.  

I heard the flap of wings, and the squawk.  I knew what it was before I felt it.  I shouldn't have been so scared.  But when that 10 pound chicken landed on my head, and embedded its talons into my messy bun hairdo, well.  Well.  I screamed like I was on fire.  I screamed bloody murder for my husband to save  me. 

He heard me from the green house, shrieking his name.  By the time he made it into the coop, the chicken had disengaged its legs from my hair and flown to safety.  I was standing there with my face in my hands, crying like a little girl.  My chest was heaving, the tears were flooding my face and I couldn't breathe.  I can't remember the last time I bawled so hard.  

What could he do?  He had missed the action, and he couldn't make out what happened through the squeaks and hiccups and sobs.  So he just held me.  And we just stood there.  And I just cried.  

Potato Bug Scam

It's gardening season!  We have our very own potato patch this year, and the potato bugs are just starting to discover it.  The kids are employed as Official Potato Bug Catchers, at a rate of 1 penny per bug.  Doesn't sound like much, but at the height of the season, that's about a candy bar per day!

This morning, Graedon collected all his bugs in a bucket so I could count them.  He watched them for a bit, and a crafty smile came to his face.  "Hey, Mom!  They're mating!  I'm going to let them.  Then, there will be lots and lots of bugs and I'm going to win!"

He's a smart little bug-ger.

Help Wanted

We've had quite a few people ask how they can be of help during Richard's surgery and recovery.  We're not great on-the-spot thinkers, and there's always the temptation to say, "Oh, no!  Don't bother!  We'll be fine."  Truth is, we really could use the help, and we're  more than thankful for the offers.  This isn't the time for pride.  After all, it's more a blessing to give than to receive, and who am I to stand in the way of your blessings?  I take the same stance with Christmas presents.  :)

I also know what it's like to want to help, but then feel at a loss of what to actually help with.  Here's a few ideas:

1)  Pray for us.  Very easy, and super helpful.  We're praying for a safe surgery, no complications, a smooth transition to being home with a new hip, and the kids coping with all the changes.

2)  We'll be housebound for quite a while after Rich gets home, so we'll no doubt get a bit shack-whacky.  If you'd like to come visit and keep us sane and socialized, you're welcome!  Please, call first.  We want to make sure we're dressed :)

3)  Coming to visit?  Give us a call and see if there's anything we need from the grocery store.  Rich can't drive, and my time out will be sporadic.

4)  Meals....always welcome.  And delicious.

5)  Are you more the practical type?  How about mowing some lawn, weed-whacking or weeding the garden patch?  Muchos gracias.

6)  The kids love the park!  They love doing crafts.  They like playing with other kids.  They like eating.  If that sounds like that you love to do, invite them along.  Rich and I might enjoy the rest, and the kids will love the change of pace.

7)  Just be there.  We love you and appreciate you!