The Muench Bunch

Last month when Luke went to see his orthodontist, he told me he was supposed to get his braces off, but now Dr. Stark wanted him to keep them on another couple months. This week he had two orthodontist appointments scheduled just a few days apart. Luke told me that they were doing some major adjustments and he wasn't looking forward to it. I felt bad for him knowing he was looking so forward to getting his braces off. I was hopeful he would have them off by Christmas. Today his appointment seemed to take longer. When he came out with his orthodontist, they were both smiling at me which I found rather strange. Then I looked again and saw a giant big bright smile. Luke has no braces! He planned it that way and totally surprised me. He got me good! I was shocked and the orthodontist was laughing.  His teeth are so nice, straight and perfect. Yeah Luke, and he really got me good. IT was kind of ironic, because it was Halloween, his dentist sent him home with a bag of sugary sweets and

 It has been awhile since the kids have gone trick or treating, they aged out some time ago. I did enjoy those years, especially when all three were decked out in costume. I didn't care for the actual trick or treating, I found it rather strange and silly to ask strangers for candy at their door. I enjoyed going to grandparents, family friends, and neighbors homes, and I loved seeing the kids in their little costumes. I was pretty resourceful using the same costume multiple times or coming up with a costume put together from our closet and creativity. We didn't have to spend lots of money for a high dollar costumes, and they were even cuter in the end. Jake was very creative and liked to come up with his own ideas as he got older. There were so many favorites. Here are most of them through the years.  Jake Luke Luke Jake Luke This very last photo of our family was a 50th  dress up from the 70's birthday party that was held around Halloween. We all got into the costumes, I t

 All the littles came for a Trick or Treating at Grandma and Grandpa Muench's. It was a tradition from when all the cousins were little to meet up at Grandma and Grandpa's for pizza and to see each others costumes. Now we have a new tradition with the next generation. It was so fun and funny to see all the littles in costume and what chaos to try and get a photo with them all together and not crying. Titus was a television show character, Bluey. 

 For whatever reason, this year Luke experienced being outnumbered as a boy. First, he joined dog obedience classes for the county fair and when it came time to show at the fair, he was the only boy in the project. No other boys showed a dog, this was a first. Also, during the summer, he signed up for and attended the 4H Round-Up during the state conference. In previous years, he signed up for sheep and beef. Each year, he has signed up for different animal species and this year chose horse. He again was the only boy in the entire horse group. I found both this surprising. Then he started classes at his high school in the fall and was signed up for the Animal Science class. After his first week of class, he dropped because once again he was the only boy in the entire class, and the fact that the girls in this group were such drama queens. I wonder what it is that has weeded out all the boys in these groups? I know going forward, these activities being girls only is not going to help en

 It's hard for me to keep up with all Jacob's many vehicles he buys, sells and trades. Here is what he had from 2023. In October, Jake sold the Bronco. and purchased a Ford Blazer. It is blue and white and has a diesel engine. Jake is pretty excited about it.  He also found a black Buick that has gator looking black top. I call it the Batman mobile. It is an interesting looking vehicle. I hear it has lots of power. 

 Mark already prepared the boys for a long weekend. He told them they would be needed Saturday and Sunday in the field. That meant to the shop at 7 AM for two 13 hour days back to back. Neither was looking forward to it. On Friday at 3:30 we had a combine break down. I have lost track what number harvest breakdown we are on. This was the auger in the grain tank of the combine. Luke and Mark jumped in the truck and headed to the closest John Deere dealer with the part they needed in Clarion Iowa. The plan was to have it repaired first thing in the morning and be up and running within an hour. Not so lucky, there was another problem and another parts run, this time locally. I quick whipped up some cinnamon apple muffins for the guys and ran them to the shop. Around 10;00AM, they were driving to the field. I know Mark is getting a little anxious as we are seeing more fields in the area done and some people finished for the season. We have a lot of corn yet and rain in the forecast for nex

 Luke had a friend that sold him an $800 Chevy truck. That seemed like a super good deal for the condition of the truck. The interior was super and the body looked pretty nice. Luke was very excited about his purchase and was ready to have it as his daily driver. 

 We got a couple inches of rain and some got upwards to 6 inches. When the rain came in Thursday, it gave everyone a much needed break from the field. Rest is so needed mentally and physically. I loved that we could all spend time together. Thursday Mark and I went out to eat and Jake went to his good friend Jaxon's wedding. His friend got married and has a baby on the way. He is having to grow up real fast. He has such a young face and looks even younger than he is. Friday night our family went to the movie "The Blind" in theaters and went out to eat. The movie was the story of Phil Robertson from the Duck Dynasty family. It was a redemption story from a tough beginning to a strong faith family. It was nice to have an outing together. Saturday we attended the annual God speed Equine barn warming. They have a meal, program, and band to raise money for the program. We got to see Traveler and he looked great! We think it  is a great program and they are constantly building

 Jayden got back after being away from Noah for a week. They missed each other and don't like being apart, yet they seem to be apart often. Noah was home one full day before leaving for big races in Oklahoma. Jayden calls me a lot on days when he is gone. She has never liked to be alone. She will call me up to 5+ times in one day. I would feel a lot better if she had a solid friend group or family there.   Jayden has become a little homemaker and like her Grandma Muench, enjoys cooking good food. She enjoys trying new recipes and cooking yummy meals. The other night she made from scratch, home made apple cider muffins, potato soup, and turkey, cheese and apple paninis! I told her I wished I was eating with her. She responded and said I do too, I am eating alone. Noah is a lot like Jake in that they get time blind, where they don't pay attention to the time,  and don't know how to quit for the day. I am thankful we can call and text and talk often. I pray God will bring frie

 On Saturday October 7, 2023, Israel was attacked. I rarely watch or read the news, but that particular morning, I was laying in bed waiting for my turn to take a shower. I decided to go on my CBN news app for something to read. Israel was under attack by a terrorist group and it looked terrible. I knew this was a big deal, but wasn't aware how big. I told Mark about it and we tuned into the news. Internet Info.... War in Israel   For the first time since 1973, Israel is at war. Around dawn on Saturday, Hamas militants launched a surprise attack on Israel. They broke through the barrier between Gaza and Israel, driving trucks to occupy nearby Israeli villages where they killed both soldiers and civilians and took "a significant number" of Israeli hostages, according to the Israeli Defense Force. At the same time, Hamas launched thousands of rockets and an attack by sea. The Israeli military was caught by surprise and took several hours to respond. Israeli Prime Minister N

Harvest is a busy time of the year and one of the most beautiful times. With all the great sunsets, pretty field photos, and nice weather, fall is a favorite time for me. Here are some of the 2-23 harvest photos. Drone photo from Mick.