Pumpkin carving

I'm sure Joel doesn't quite feel the same about rain as I do, but I've welcomed it the last few weeks.  It's meant having help with the girls and Daddy being home!  We've had a few days of "normal" life during the last few weeks and it's been nice. 

The guys have been busy in the fields for what feels like the last year. 

Jim, Ryder, Joel and Drake (the week before Jim's stroke)



Drake and Papa Jim in the combine

Drake, Joel and Ryder

Jim had another stroke a few weeks ago, so Joel's been responsible with getting the rest of the crops out.  We're very fortunate that Jim got medical treatment quickly and that it didn't turn out worse.  He wasn't feeling well the day before and ended up waking up Rita and going to the ER early Saturday.  After determining it was a stroke, they airlifted him to Peoria, which is where he was at after his stroke a few years ago.  This stroke was the opposite as the last one, and the bleed didn't get any bigger, so he was able to get out of ICU after a day and then came home the next day.  I know Ainsley was very excited to see her Papa Jim when he got home.  She kept telling me how Papa Jim was at the doctor because his belly hurt.  Because, everyone knows every time you go to the doctor it's because your belly hurts!

On his way home!

Jim has been following everything the doctor's told him to do after his last stroke, and they even told him after this time that he was one of the healthiest stroke victims they've seen.  His only restriction is not operating heavy equipment, but it hasn't stopped him from being in a tractor chiseling.  They've been very fortunate and have had lots of people helping them during the last few weeks.  They only have a few more acres to get out and they'll be done for the year.  Everything should be out of the fields tomorrow!

It's rained a few times during the last few weeks, and Joel carved pumpkins with Ainsley (and Lily) one evening.  Ainsley wasn't too sure about sticking her hand inside of it, but did eventually pull some of the seeds out.  It was one at a time, so it was slow going!  Lily just sat beside them and took it all in.