August was fair month and also a trip to Bicknell. My sweet husband also recognized that I was about to go crazy not being able to fit into any clothes, even my maternity clothes from the last pregnancy weren't fitting, so we took a trip out to Park City and he bought me some clothes so my busting belly wasn't always hanging out of my pants and shirts. It means so much to me when he takes care of me, even though I'm willing to suffer through it.
Our chickens started laying eggs in August, which was exciting, and our cat Squeaks had another litter of 7 kittens, all of which survived this time. Her first litter all died, which was sad. She wasn't quite sure how to take care of them I think. Well 1 lived- the all black one, but it's tail fell off from frostbite. She's the one we've kept and we call her Stubs.
In Wayne county we went out to collect wood with the whole family. It was really nice to be out in the mountains with Levi and grandma, grandpa and Dusty. We had a good time being up there chopping and loading wood. I love doing those things with Michael's family. I'm so glad Levi has a good family on Michael's side that's close enough to make those kinds of memories.
Michael was also asked to give the baby blessings of Kayla and Kelsie's babies in the Neola ward, so that was bitter sweet. It's been almost a year since Rollo passed away, and he was always the Priesthood holder that did that. I'm glad they can look to Michael for help in that way.
We had another homesteading group in August on guns and home protection that Jason Baker taught, but a bunch of people we didn't really know came and it devolved into a lot of discussion on conspiracy theory- yuck. So I decided to taper the group down a bit to people I know in Duchesne, and try to steer away from those topics as much as possible.
We also got our 20 week ultrasound at the end of August and were absolutely astonished to find out that our little boy was a little girl!! I was so excited! I've wanted a little girl so badly and am so glad that we'll have a little princess joining our family. It's been pretty interesting to think about how my mom must have felt the same way when she had me.
August was pretty heated politically too. A new independent candidate emerged- Evan McMullin, and I came out of my political hibernation to show support for him. Really anyone who isn't Donald Trump at this point could get my vote, but he seems like a pretty decent option. I wouldn't be surprised if he took Utah, he's surging right now in the polls and a lot of Utahn's like him.
Our civil discourse has gotten so heated and hateful lately though, it's been disheartening to watch. People don't know how to respect others with different opinions. They prefer to demean, demoralize and otherwise try to shame those who don't agree with them. It's disheartening to watch, especially among friends. I've been learning a lot about religious freedom and freedom of conscience lately and am realizing that it's in trouble because we don't know how to agree to disagree. Everyone is at each other's throats all the time and everyone is dead set that they are absolutely right as well. I will be so glad when this election is over.
September was a little more eventful- both Dad and David came into town and spent some time with us the first week of September. Dad came up to visit Grandma and Grandpa but stayed with us a whole week, and then David came up to do some training at the University of Utah with some economists and came out for the weekend. It was so good to spend time with both of them. Levi took a little while to warm up to Dad but eventually they were friends. David on the other hand speaks kid fluently and Levi really liked him. I remember that from our time in Missouri as well- David's a natural with kids. I got to talk to Dad about my concerns about David and some other stuff about mom and that was good. He's trying to be as open as possible about our past, he always says "ask me whatever you want", but I just wish he volunteered more information- I don't even know what to ask! I hope that I'm better at storytelling to my kids so they know more about me and our family history.
We went up to Rock Creek with him and did a little hike which we all enjoyed. He always tells us all about the geography of any place we're at and Michael's interested in that kind of stuff so he makes a great audience.
I got to have some really good conversations with David while he was here as well, which helped put me at ease about his spiritual state. He's still angry at a lot of his local leaders that are giving him a hard time about his provacative ways and comments about tithing, women and the church, how home teaching should be done, etc. But he's seeking the spirit of the Lord and eventually I think the Lord will help soften his heart. He's still a grumpy bugger, but he knows how to seek the Spirit, and he has started reading the Book for Mormon again and is getting answers for himself.
In September we also met up with Melonie and the kids and went to the Utah State Fair. It was fun to see them, but we ended up getting rained out after a few hours. Levi had a good time though. Also got to go out to Carrie Scoresby Todd's baby shower, and to Wen and Brian's reception one weekend, and Levi got to see grandma and grandpa. They sure love him.
In October, our big event was the Roundup. Michael took 3 days off of work and we decided it would be best if he just went down and helped the men on his own. Levi and I went down and spent time with Grandma in Bicknell and it was wonderful. Although we missed dad, it was sure nice to spend some time away from home and with Grandma, whom Levi loves. He also LOVED the 4 wheeler and all the animals and the crunchy fall leaves. It was a wonderful break from the day to day life, and we came home on Wednesday to take care of our animals, and Michael came home on Thursday. He loved being able to spend time with his dad and brothers and cousins. It's been so long since he's been able to do that, and he really appreciated me supporting him that way. I'm so glad that it's a tradition that he can still participate in and be part of. I was surprised that he could ride all day and not be sore after so long of not riding. He had a great time.
Now we're at the last week of October, and looking forward to Halloween, and then our Anniversary and the holidays. Time is flying by! We've had another couple looks at baby girl and everything seems to be going really well- no high blood pressure or problems otherwise. I am now officially in the last trimester, so 12 more weeks to go! Getting excited, but nervous, for another baby. I really need to start buying her some supplies but my 6 month austerity measures still aren't up. In 2 more paychecks we should have the credit card paid off, and then we'll get an extra paycheck in December for Christmas and baby, but it's cutting it awfully close!
Oh one more news item from the homestead: Our dogs got out of their kennel last night and killed all of our chickens. I wasn't sure how they got past the garden fence in the first place, but it seems like they crawled through a hole in the chicken wire and actually got into their coop while they were sleeping. They were scattered all over the yard and garden when we woke up this morning. I am so sad about it. And ready to be done with these dumb dogs that keep killing innocent animals. :(
Maybe we'll have better luck in the future.
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