this is us

Blaine and I have been married for twenty years. He’s a photographer, jack of all trades, and capable of everything he sets his mind to. Since we moved back to Missouri, he’s working for a feed store, driving truck and whatever else they need him to do.

Liberty is 19, strong and independent. She has an associate’s degree in business accounting and works at her local grain elevator driving semi, mixing fertilizer, and proving herself to be entirely capable. She stayed in South Dakota when we moved back to Missouri. She has a horse named Cherokee and drives a big pickup. She has me confident of my parenting skills thus far, because she’s turned out to be pretty great.

Eden is 18, strong willed and determined. She has the strength to move mountains and a song in her heart – and on her lips. She loves her violin. She earned her certificate as a Certified Nurse Assistant at 16, having to get special permission from the state of South Dakota to do so at 16. She then earned highest scores on the certification test the company she worked for had ever seen, and the highest score in the state for 40 years in the process. She doesn’t lack in ability. She’s turned toward criminal justice interests now, works as a corrections officer at the prison, and is pursuing her criminal justice degree.

Sterling is 15, kind, and helpful. Working with wood is his passion, and he spends every spare minute planning and executing his projects. You’ll always find a knife in his pocket – or six. He loves to hunt. This boy is prepared. He works for a neighbor in his machine shop, fixing small engines and learning the trade. He’s in 10th grade.

Ruby is 14, fiery, quiet, and stubborn. She loves cooking, flowers, and books and all things beautiful. She makes most of our meals around here. Ruby loves the babies and loves making things pretty. She loves being grandpa’s right hand man in the lambing barn. She’s 9th grade.

Charlotte is 12, and my talker. She will spare no detail in her conversations and loves her family and friends fiercely. Writing is her passion, and drawing pictures brings her joy. This girl takes everything seriously. Charlotte is in 7th grade.

Pierce is 11, and lives up to his name: “the rock”. He works hard, plays hard, and likes to have his own way. He’s loyal and passionate about everything he does. Epilepsy showed up fall 2022 and that has slowed him down, but he’s handling it with grit. He helps with the littles with a happy heart. The dogs love him best, and he them. Pierce is in 6th grade.

Elliot is 9, going on 16. She loves babies, schoolwork, books, and being big. She aspires to be any age she hasn’t been yet. She loves to read and challenge herself to goals she sets. Elliot is in 3rd grade.

Stellan is 7, and a love. He loves momma best, but ranking right up there are his bike, hammer, bow and arrows, and matchbox cars. He’s determined to keep up with his siblings – and he does. Stellan is in 1st grade – doing 2nd grade work.

Creed will be three in May. He’s a bruiser, and my biggest toddler yet. He loves to build, ride his strider bike, make messes, and snuggle. He keeps us all on our toes.

Lachlan, aka Lacher, Lachie Poo, and Lach, is one and the smiliest little guy – if he knows you. Otherwise, he’ll stare you down. He’s into everything and if he’s quiet you’d best find him because guaranteed he’s messing with something he shouldn’t. He’s much loved as baby of this crew and he knows it.