Seasons

Things are changing. It is getting chilly here. We have had several nights in the twenties. We finally have our wood burning stove and have it hooked up. To have a fire, we needed wood. You can get a permit here for just a few dollars and head up the mountain and get up to three cords of wood you cut from fallen trees. We were fortunate for our first wood trip to know someone who has many trees down that he would love cleared out. Harland borrowed our pastor's chainsaw and filled up his truck bed with cut wood. The next several nights were filled with after-work wood splitting before dark. He said it is amazingly easier to do than he remembered. Funny how that works- he is no longer a scrawny sixth grader. He is a big tall grown man and the ax seems much lighter and smaller than it used to. He only needs a flannel plaid shirt.

The leaves continue to change into a myriad of bright colors, and the mountain tops are now covered with snow. The scenery changes day to day. There is a new found urgency to get winter gear in order--- serious winter gear. We have been told that it is very typical to have lots of snow on Halloween. I had better come up with some warm costumes.

We had a "Wild Kingdom" moment last week during an early breakfast before school. We looked out the kitchen window just after sunrise around 6:45am and saw something big and black running across the back field. We thought it was someone's loose cow (that happens sometimes), but we grabbed our binoculars that we keep handy and realized that it was not a cow. It was a really big black bear. He was running for the hills-- literally. He was a good mile or mile and a half from the hills which have some brush and tree cover. He ran the whole way across the fields. I am not sure what he had been after, but I bet he burned off whatever calories he had eaten. We do have some of the cacti with the red cactus flowers in the field. They are said to love them. Maybe he just got caught up in the lure of the cactus flowers and lost track of time. As he was running, we noticed that we were not the only ones watching him. There was a coyote following him in the high grass. As the bear headed over a little slope in the field, he came upon a herd of about twelve antelope. They were surprised and took off at cheetah-like speed away from the bear. It was one crazy breakfast. On the drive to school we followed up the morning animal fest with a few hawks, some deer, a fox, and some rabbits.

Things are changing constantly, and we are continually adapting. It is that way everywhere any of us live. It is just so evident in nature here that it causes me to think of the changes and the seasons of life more than when we lived in the hustle and bustle of the city. Reflection on where we have been in the summer and on the promise of a time of winter rest before the spring refreshing is a good thing. A time to reflect is good. Changes are good.

Ecclesiastes 3:1, 11 "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven; He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God had done from beginning to end."

A Little Six Month Update

Life in the country six months after moving:

I went to "town" yesterday to do some errands, and I had a car full of people in the Target parking lot ask me where I had been mudding because they were jealous of the mud on my vehicle. I was able to say that I had indeed not been mudding but just driving on the dirt and gravel roads to and from my house.

On Friday, I had a gal at work (who also lives in my area) ask me if my kids were at home. I replied that they were, and she told me I might want to text my husband and have him bring the kids inside for the day. The Department of Wildlife was on a bear hunt that morning to rid the area of some "bad bears". They were out to kill ten to fifteen bears who had become too at ease around people and their homes and trash. The warning had gone out for children to be inside in case a bear was injured but not killed and escaped the hunters. I let Harland know about the happenings, but was thankful that we live a little ways away from the high bear activity zone.

Our mouse issues have settled down in the past month or two. I am guessing that it is just warm weather (and lots of snakes-haha). We had an unexpected encounter this past week, however. We finally bought a wood burning stove for the house, and Harland moved it into the house and proceeded to remove the crate packaging that was around the approximately 300 pound beast. What was inside the crate?--- of course-- mice--- several mice and a nest to boot. These mice were not country mice. They had ridden in the crate from the city and were unable to think on their feet and escape. They moved very slowly, and we decided to use them to help teach our kittens about mice. We were able to catch two of them with a pair of pliers and throw them outside to the cats and one other was unfortunate enough to get under Harland's boot and meet its doom.

As the weather is getting cooler, we are so glad to report that it has been almost a month since we have seen a rattler on our property. We are seeing tons of deer and antelope, and we have had two bull elks on our road. I have seen two roadrunners and still hear multiple coyotes daily. The dogs bark almost all night at all of the critters they see or think they see in the yard and field. They bark so much at night that they have virtually no voice in the daytime as they rest up for another round. It is a good thing we live with absolutely NO neighbors.

Speaking of our wacky dogs, Honey is now just turning one (approximately since she is a shelter dog) and Ranger is about 9 months. They are still our giant babies, and they have daily alpha battles and are still growing like weeds. Honey may be slowing down in her growth, but the giant white dog's stilt legs are still growing. He is about 100 pounds now and should get to be about 150 when he is full grown. Since they are so big (Honey is about 70lbs.), they eat a lot of dog food. I realized the other day as I hoisted the 44 pound of dog food into the car without any difficulty that even four months ago I couldn't even move the bag let alone pick it up and toss it around. I guess my muscles are getting stronger through the hard things much like I think our character is getting stronger with every new trial.

It feels like we have been in this beautiful place so much longer than six months. I still can't get over the mountains. I still can't get over the wildlife. I still can't get over the quiet and the stillness. I hope I never do.

Psalm 65:5-6 "You answer us with awesome deeds of righteousness, O God our Savior, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas, who formed the mountains by your power, having armed yourself with strength..."

Changes

The leaves are starting to change, and there is snow visible now on Pike's Peak. The bears are getting ready to hibernate. We think that the rattlesnakes are heading back to their holes. Change is in the air.

In the midst of the change around us, I am also entering a change. I am announcing that I have come out of retirement. Much like Brett Favre, I have felt the need to be back in the pocket. We have found life on the prairie to be quite costly, and I have been looking for a part time job for a couple of months now.

I started this past week at a community clinic in town as an OB nurse. In today's work and economic climate, we are so thankful for a job period, but we are especially thankful for a job that is only part time and is polar opposite of what I have worked for most of the past eight years. I am used to working ALL weekends, nights, and holidays, and this job is NO weekends, nights, or holidays. It will prove to feel very strange I am sure.

So... my seven month retirement stint is over. I think it was beautifully timed for my sanity. I was able to adjust a bit to the start up of rural living and handle the stressors thrown our way without outside work.

Work is not a bad word. It is what we do on this earth. I am hopeful that my work will make a difference in the lives of others. I am hopeful that I can remind myself to be thankful that I am healthy and able to work hard. We are a family in the midst of some more change. We are enjoying the changing seasons together and seeking to see the beauty in each one that comes our way.

Colossians 3:23 "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men."

Pride

There is a sense of pride that I think every mother and father feel about their children. I have felt it for over twelve years now, but yesterday my understanding of pride moved to a whole new level.

I am proud, at times, of accomplishments and proud of behavior, but yesterday I became proud of actual character. Harland and I felt like we had been plopped down in the midst of a Hallmark movie set and our child was the main character. Tears were flowing.

The setting was the first district cross country meet. Now, the Casons and the Cushings have historically never been known for running. Ben joined cross country at his middle school and has been improving his time on the two mile each practice. I can truly say that I hate to run (unless chased), and two miles is a very long way to me.

The team is made up of about 12 girls and 12 boys. The boys ran first yesterday (along with about 70 other boys from different schools). Ben was immediately in the back of the pack and there he stayed for the entire race. He was in last place. The other boys lapped him. We were on the sideline cheering him on. His coach was cheering him on. If that had been me, I would have quit in the first lap. He kept going.

The last portion of the race was around the track. All other 70ish boys had finished, and Ben was approaching the track. He ran the entire track alone with his team cheering him on like he was the leader. It was too much-- Harland and I were bawling. He finished. I have never been more proud. He wasn't embarrassed about being last. He did it. He finished the race. He has perseverance that I know for a fact I did not possess as a seventh grader, and I do not think I possess to that level even now.

What a great life lesson we got to see right in front of us. We have six more meets in the coming weeks--- I hope our emotions can take it. I will bring some tissues next time in my pocket.

Acts 20:24 "However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me-- the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace."

Killing fields

Country living can sometimes be brutal. There is death and killing all around. We have experienced a little more than our norm in the past day.

Our four kittens, who we got with their momma cat a while back, have defied some of the odds. Their momma took off after only a couple of days here, and they were left with us as their mommas--- mommas who have never had cats. They have lived and are beautiful. The reason we got them, however, was to kill mice. They are outside cats-- barn cats. The problem is that without a momma cat, we were unsure of their ability to learn to hunt. From what we have learned, a momma cat will almost kill a mouse and then bring it in for her kittens to finish off. I am unable to do that for them, so we weren't sure if they would learn.

I am pleased to report that they have learned on their own. They are becoming skilled hunters. We have seen them with birds before but had not seen them actually catch one- until last night. It rained yesterday afternoon and the birds were enjoying a bath in the puddles. Unfortunately, the birds chose the puddle right next to the kittens. We watched Blaze pounce and get the bird in his mouth in one fell swoop. They were all excited and played with the flopping and flailing bird. It died pretty quickly. As Kevin the kitten tossed the bird around, Smokey ran over with a freshly caught mouse in his mouth- YAY!!! They all four were slinking around the yard pouncing on bugs, birds, and mice. I guess it really is instinctual, and I am glad.

As we sat in the living room after dark, we saw a swallow flying right by the window, and then we saw a giant dog face come up behind it and catch it in his jaws. Ranger has gotten tall enough that he can stand on his hind legs and reach the window ledge easily. That poor bird had no warning. Except that it has its nest right above the porch, and it flies around taunting the dogs most of the day. Ranger was pretty pleased with himself. The only thing is, Ranger really cannot stand the feeling of anything moving around in his mouth. Be it a bug, a mouse, or a bird, he tries to stomach it but ends up throwing up every time. He is a giant baby- poor guy.

Those hunting kittens we have would love to be on the prowl at night too, however, there are other predators out at night who would love to have the kittens for dinner. We keep the kittens in a kennel in the stable to keep them safe after dark. The coyotes start their howling and what sounds like screaming as soon as the sun goes down. I would like to think the kittens are glad to be safe. The coyotes make all kind of weird noises and will often attempt to lure animals (particularly dogs) out into the field. They will hide in the grass and only one will make noise. From what I am told, they figure out whether the dog is a boy or girl and make noises that would lure the appropriate opposite sex. When the dog wanders out into the field, it is jumped by an entire pack of coyotes--- crafty creatures. We have heard them make noises much like sirens, sometimes like pigs, and occasionally a more traditional howl. We see them in the early morning out in the field, and they usually have a mouth full of some unfortunate animal.

Death is all around. Survival is not pretty in the animal kingdom. If we were an actual animal farm, it would be on a whole other level. Thankfully we still get our chicken and beef from the grocery store. It is a nice reprieve from the known cycle of life. I am by no means ready to know the cow from which our burgers come. Watching the dogs, cats, birds, mice, snakes, and coyotes is quite enough for me.

Isaiah 65:17,25 " 'Behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. The wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox, but dust will be the serpent's food. They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain,' says the Lord."

Did you feel the mountains tremble?

It has been another week in the valley-- a busy week filled with a few more firsts and a few things that are becoming the norm. Last week you will remember hearing of the earthquake on the east coast. Before that one, there was also one that was a 5.3 in southern Colorado. It was news for a few hours before the one hit on the coast.

I have never felt an earthquake before. This one woke me up just before midnight. There was a rumbling sound (like a shuttle launch kind of rumbling), and the bed was moving. Isabel then appeared at my door. It woke her up too. And the boys--- my husband and two sons slept right through it and didn't believe us in the morning until we had proof on the morning news. Hmmm.... maybe we females have some sort of inner alertness even from childhood.

I also learned that (speaking of girls) when faced with a rattlesnake crisis, I would choose Isabel as my partner any day of the week over both boys. We had another one in our backyard with the dogs this past week (Thursday I think), and thankfully Harland was home and was the snake killer. My job was to get the dogs out of the yard. Isabel was in the car with her friend waiting for me to take them to meet her friend's mom. I had the help of the boys. They were running around trying to catch the dog I already had out of the backyard and complaining and asking for further directions the whole time as I tried to get the other dog out of the yard before the snake could strike. As Harland shot the snake and disposed of it, they could not keep the dogs still and they could not stop talking to me. When I had the early am snake kill when I was home without Harland, I had Isabel who listened for directions and obeyed without question. She seemed to be attuned to the main goal of the moment. I will try to teach the boys to focus so that next time they will either listen and obey or step aside and let their sister take over. I am sure they would love that.

We had Isabel's birthday this weekend which included a family fishing trip to the lake up on the mountain. It was 60 degrees and there were only about ten other people at the lake. After dinner, we threw on our jackets and fished for about an hour and a half (until dark). Nathanael was the only one who caught a fish, but we all enjoyed it and decided it needs to be a regular, peaceful activity.

Yesterday was another birthday party for some friends of ours. Theirs was a water gun fight at the mountain creek-- very simple and very cool. I am loving the simplicity. We even took our dog, Honey, to the creek party yesterday. She loved being out. She sat at Harland's feet and watched the festivities. She also met a couple of loose dogs that roam about the park. She even got to watch one of them tree a bear. I feel sure she had lots to tell Ranger when she got home. Maybe if he can listen and obey, he can go next time- haha!

Fishing, creeks, and dog companions: a reminder of just how far we have come in these five short months. Colorado has been good for us.

Psalm 97:4-6 "His lightning lights up the world; the earth sees and trembles. The mountains melt like wax before the Lord, before the Lord of all the earth. The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all the peoples see his glory."

Cookies and Remembering

My entire house smells of sugar cookies and homemade butter cream icing. Yummy. I hope it airs out before dusk or some friends might come to have a cookie. The bears are extra hungry this year with the dryness and lack of berries and nuts. They are prepping for hibernation and have to pack in an extra 20,000 calories a day. This was a news story last night on the evening news so I have learned much.

Friday is little Isabel Faith's tenth birthday--- hence the cookies for her class tomorrow. They are only in school two days this week because of literacy testing. So... the birthday celebration starts on Tuesday for a Friday birthday. That sounds about right. She has always done things in a drawn out and dramatic fashion.

She was deemed "incompatible with life" at shortly after nineteen weeks into my pregnancy. I was encouraged (pushed really) to terminate. I was encouraged at every high risk visit-- every week. I would get myself together and be feeling positive and peaceful then I had to go to the doctor and would hear the same bleak forecast and cry all the hour drive home. She was wild in my womb-- flipping and kicking and hiccuping. I came to the peace that for some reason I was blessed to have this little girl in my uterus and to watch her grow and feel her life-- even if only for a season.

She was obviously not "incompatible with life". She was born early in a dramatic emergent fashion, but she screamed the loudest most beautiful scream for me to hear before being handed off to the NICU team. She was perfect-- just early. The doctors could not explain it. We were overwhelmed with thankfulness and with gratitude. The Lord had chosen either to fix what was wrong, or the docs were extraordinarily wrong on many accounts. We look back and see so many good things that came from those horrible few months. It was a defining moment for me. I was a different woman in August than I had been in May. That's how those things are--- for better or for worse, you are never the same.

I have an incredible story to tell Isabel every year on her birthday. She loves to see the pictures of her three pound self in the plastic box and the countless sonogram pictures we had from those awful weekly appointments. She knows she is here for a reason. We know that the outcome didn't have to be a good one. It is only by grace that she was fine--- others were not. It is an overwhelming and humbling thing to ponder why we were so blessed. God has greater thoughts than we do and all I know is that she is here and healthy and she is here for a reason. I struggled with many things in my heart those long months, but I came through stronger and with a new peace. I can't believe it has been ten years-- a decade of looking daily at that little face and remembering her story and the One who carried me through.

Daniel 3:17-18 "If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." ( This was the verse I held dear every day of the pregnancy from 19 weeks to almost 33 when she was born.)