CowPies and MudPies

Pure Randomness for your Tuesday

2014-06-17T09:57:00.003-05:00

1. The wind here in the Sunflower state, doesn't disappoint if you are into the "wind-blown" look. We should send out "skirt alerts"
2. Wheat harvest is trying to happen, but we keep getting rain~ a true blessing! We just have to appreciate the number 1 statement I just posted.
3. Yesterday, JB, the boys and I cleaned out a storage room here at the sale barn. THAT MAKES ME HAPPY
4. I had a big snake in my house a week ago. He dead.
5. I had planned to move out, but I'm still there~on guard...at all times.
6. We will be heading to Tablerock Lake before long and I am excited.
7. I picked 3 zucchini, 6 peppers and some lettuce out of the garden last night.
8. Looking forward to cucumbers this weekend(they should be close by then)
9. Because of number 4 statement...I haven't relaxed at home. Not happy about that.
10. I can't decide if I really like my iphone. It has some quirky things happening. Can't seem to get to the phone store to address them and no one else has the same problem.
11. June is the s.l.o.w.e.s.t. month at the Livestock Auction
12. Which is why we are cleaning out storage closets and fixin to do some painting!
13. I did not plant any flowers this spring. We have a puppy. She is a tornado. End of story.
14. Our county fair is in 44 days. Yikes!
15. My daily devotional verse today 2 Corinthians 4: 1-7

I have NO idea

2014-06-02T14:30:00.001-05:00

where the time has gone! LOL
I can't believe I have not posted a darn thing since November 2013. Pitiful I tell ya.
I seriously don't even know where to begin, so I just randomly grabbed some pics of things that have gone on since last Fall. In no particular order either. IF there is still anyone out there looking at my blog...I do hope you enjoy~come back!

These are my "running sisters" we run or bike during the week at 5 am. They are awesome! This is a 5K race we did in Wichita in April 2014. Fun times!

My youngest boy, CB. We were in Stillwater, OK at the Kansas State/Oklahoma State football game. So much FUN!

Resurrection Sunday was celebrated at my folks house. We ended the day with the annual hay rack ride into the sunset. HE IS RISEN!

I helped decorate for the Jr/Sr Prom for the first time since I was a junior! ha ha

The theme was "The Great Gatsby" It was fun~

We added a puppy to our family. She's cute, but a mess. She is a border collie and her name is Scout. Help me Lord, survive the puppy years. LOL

CB is officially taller than me...and has graduated from the 8th grade last week! Going to have 2 high-schoolers next year! Where did the time go?

Enjoyed this gorgeous double rainbow last week. Praise God for the rain!

ZB took in his first steer show. Which happened to be the same day as the Prom AND the day we got a puppy. It was a little eventful at our house that day!

My handsome son and his date for the Prom. We had some SERIOUS WIND for the day and night. It was ridiculous. Has blown like that all spring. They looked great regardless!

Watched ZB play some good golf. Although he claims that he plays better when I don't come. ha ha

My awesome family on Christmas day. I am truly blessed beyond measure.

I hope to do better with my blog. Life has had me running like a mad woman just playing mom, wife and working lady. I sure miss keeping up with all my blog friends...if there are any left!

Nineteen

2013-11-12T00:30:00.000-06:00

Nineteen years ago

WE DID!

Happy Anniversary JB!

PuRe.RanDOmneSS

2013-11-05T11:46:00.000-06:00

1. I have started a post or two and not finished them due to technology failures.
2. I have a growing Love/Hate relationship with technology...leaning more towards hate at the moment.
3. I can't believe it was 60 degrees this morning...November 5
4. I really want to get family pics done this weekend.
5. We have a customer that brings me a Daylight Donut cinnamon roll e.v.e.r.y. time he sells cattle
6. I like Daylight Donut cinnamon rolls {smile}
7. My oldest boy just got home from Natl FFA convention in Louisville, KY
8. The youngest boy starts basketball tomorrow
9. I have been in (and still am) a major funk. It needs to leave. Now.
10. I am tired of gaining weight.
11. People are crazy. I'm probably included in the generalization.
12. Why do people find it their business to correct other's kids when their kid is a brat? Explain please.
13. #12 was a bit harsh...but a true story.
14. It's drizzling rain here today
15. I have a lot of errands to do at noon...I dislike errands.
16. Do I sound like a Negative Nelly today?
17. We are Kansas City Chiefs Fans...have been a LONG time. 9-0 Baby!
18. Why is Christmas just around the corner? Stop the MaDneSS!
19. God IS Good...I have got to focus more on that.
20. We are still eating tomatoes out of the garden.(already picked) YUM
21. I need a shopping trip...my closet is...nearly unspeakable! lol
22. I am looking forward to Thanksgiving...love being with family.

If for some reason I fail to post before Thanksgiving...{ahem} Please have a wonderful and BLESSED season with your family and/or friends. Surely I will be back before Christmas?!?
Later Gators!

Summer fun at TRL

2013-08-16T20:17:00.001-05:00

CB watching our friend chair ski

I love this pic

We spent the last week of June at Tablerock Lake. We have been taking this trip for probably close to 8 or 9 years. We absolutely LOVE it. We used to take our campers, boats and go. There were 5 families. Then one day...one of the famlies bought a lake house! Now, we take a few clothes and the boat and we're off! It's awesome~they have the "big house" and an apartment above the garage. The neighbors in their area are great and 2 other families from our hometown also have homes there, so it's fun!

These fish, turtles and ducks were at one of the marinas we ate at.

It was crazy, they all were just hanging out!

About the 2nd night there...we all headed down to the dock. It was a gorgeous evening and we enjoyed this full moon for quite awhile. So peaceful and relaxing!

CB learned to slalom ski this week. He did it reluctantly at first. But after day 2 he was Loving it and going AWESOME! So proud of him.

He was learning to cut and doing good.

Even JB got in and joined the fun. First time skiing since his back surgery.

He proved that he definitely "still has it"

{smile}

He just doesn't ski nearly as long....he was DONE!

CB took a few spills before he got the hang of it...but it soon came!

I thought this picture was cool, it looks like he is laying on the water.

Did I mention the water was perfect while we were there? And the temperature?

Perfect too. Couldn't have asked for better weather.

ZB...he loves to wakeboard. He was getting some

"big air" by the end of the week. Lots and lots of wakeboarding and

jumping wakes! The boys slept hard at night!

I love watching my boys...so proud of them and their accomplishments!

Not a very good pic...but JB and I had a blast too. So thankful for vacation and good friends.

Stay tuned. I might get the rest of my summer pics posted before Fall!

Hard to believe it's been 3 months since my last post. Life happens.

School starts next week. I have no idea where summertime went.

Hope I haven't lost my blog buddies.

Take care and be blessed!

The first and the last

2013-05-25T17:12:00.000-05:00

CB first day of 7th grade

August 2012

CB last day of 7th grade

May 2013

ZB first day of 10th grade

August 2012

ZB last day of 10th grade

May 2013

CB and ZB

My boys are growing up

{sad face}

Denmark-Danish

2013-05-08T19:11:00.001-05:00

Denmark Facts

Population: 5,584,758 (2012)

Area: 43.098 square kilometres

Geographic Region: Scandinavia
Capital: Copenhagen 1.213.822 (2012)

Language: Danish
Religion: 90% Protestant
Head of Government: Helle Thorning-Schmidt (since 10-3-11)
Currency: Danish Kroner

Another fact is...my folks had an exchange student from Denmark back in 1992-1993. Long story short. She came to my hometown to live with another family for the school year, and it was not working out...so my folks took her. She has been my Danish sister ever since! Her name is Trine. She recently made another trip to the states with her husband(whom we had not met yet) and her beautiful daughter (had not met yet, is 2 1/2) and she had a big surprise when she drove up...baby girl #2 is ON THE WAY! Did I mention they live in Copenhagen?

My family was soooooo Blessed to enjoy their visit to the states. They were here for about 10 days and we enjoyed their awesome company over the Easter holidays...aka to my family...Resurrection Sunday. They had a bit of difficulty getting from Los Angeles to Kansas...but finally made it in. We hosted supper at our house on Friday night~so THANKFUL that the weather was beautiful that weekend!

Miss M

Oh so cute...

running around speaking Danish

Miss M

l*o*v*e*s her daddy

We took them over to see our heifers...Miss M loved it!

She kept saying "ko" "ko"(long o sound) which is cow in English

Then she would throw in a "moo moo"

So cute.

I found it so wonderful that Miss M just fell right in, no getting used to us at all,

it didn't matter that we didn't even speak the same language...she loved us and we loved her...

immediately!

Finishing up supper~we grilled steaks, baked potatoes, green beans and Strawberry pretzel dessert(thanks Jennifer a/k/a Ranch Girl for sharing your recipe way back!)

Trine, Kennet and Dad

ZB...what a look. I seem to get that E.v.e.r.y. time I try to take his picture these days.

Getting on the sunblock, because it WAS that warm and sunny

Mom, T and Miss M

A family pic was a MUST. I thought Dad's wheat was so green and pretty..made a good background

Nevermind the fact we are all in work/play clothes. And my oldest nephew was with his dad so we were 1 short. Oh yea, and I look ridiculous!

CB and Miss M

She l.o.v.e.d. CB...she kept saying in Danish

"where is the boy?" "I want to go with the boy"

My folks and T, K and Miss M

We showed her how to put a piece of hay in her mouth...

she thought that was fun.

The WHOLE family here...

It's tradition on Resurrection Sunday to take a hayrack ride that evening and this year was no different

Kennet showing us some dance moves at sunset! lol

Miss M....doing her thing on the top of the hayrack.

I really can't express in words the JOY we had that weekend. Trine has not changed a bit since the day she moved in with my folks...her husband is awesome and so is her daughter. They experienced many new things that weekend. We just had the best time. I was just in tears when we left that Sunday night...as well as everyone else. Trine said the whole trip to the airport, Miss M was asking for "the boys". I miss them so much. I would L*O*V*E to go visit Denmark someday. I don't know if it will ever happen but if the opportunity presents itself, I'm going! I know they won't be back for awhile...new baby coming this summer.

Love my Danish Family and

MISS YOU SO MUCH!

What's Been Going On

2013-04-05T20:06:00.001-05:00

I don't even know where to begin. Not sure if I should apologize for being such a slacker on the blog or just jump in and act like I have been posting regularly...

Life, as always...has been moving at a rapid pace. It always does the first of the year for us. We get thru the holidays and BOOM it's February and that means Farm Consignment sale time. It will literally consume about 6 weeks of our time. Shortly after that we have an Angus Sale at our sale barn that I'm in charge of all the advertising for. In the midst of that...it's Spring Break and we actually went out of town for a couple of days. If I can figure out how to dump my phone pics...I'll share what happened over spring break..or at least what my guys did.

I didn't do much...turned 41 and shopped a little bit.

I think it was easier to turn 40. ;(

This is wheat planted next to our house...we have suffered the drought like so many. The wheat was looking better here and then we have been blessed with quite a bit of rain! It's tripled in size now! It looks wonderful.

CB...he wants to dunk the ball sooooo bad. He is going to do it...someday.

He certainly tries hard!

He really likes the fancy moves too...this is an under the leg layup.

He can do it. I'm impressed.

Trees are budding out...these pics are from a few weeks ago.

Yes, that means I've been working on this post for about 2 weeks.

Just how it is.

Every year, I have dreams, lists of what I want to plant in my garden, big visions I tell ya.

I started my seeds. They are spindly, pitiful looking things. As I type, my hubby is telling me what I've done wrong. God Bless him. {grin}

They need some fertilizer and sunshine. I've recruited ZB to help. He's the man.

We have had more snow since March 1st than we had all winter.

While I'm so thankful for the moisture---it was a heavy, good soaking snow, I'm so TIRED of cold weather. I need sunshine. and warm temps.

The end.

This is completely RANDOM. I love this picture. I bought it at our church auction last Fall, it's a Christmas print and it was $10. L.o.v.e. Needs a new frame before next year.

Dang, hate I will have to go to Hobby Lobby. Not!

Angel. our ever faithful mutt dog.

She is gone. She was hit by a car on the highway and we are devastated.

It's all weird. She never left the house when we were home and she was sitting at the front door, waiting to come in, our evening ritual. Next thing I know...strangers are knocking on my door, asking me if I have a dog with a purple collar and telling me she has just been hit.

Words I didn't believe and didn't want to hear. I still don't understand.

We had just figured out she was blind in her right eye. that was the side the car was on.

We are so lonesome for our Angel dog. It's been very difficult.

More so than when I was a kid...I had probably 10 dogs!

Lastly, I've been enjoying the beauty in God's evening paintings.

I hope that you are doing the same, where ever you are.

Blessings to you friends. I have missed my blog and the friendships here.

I have more to post...

My Danish Family was here over Resurrection Sunday and let me tell ya

It was FUN!!!!!

Up to our Ears

2013-02-18T16:02:00.001-06:00

in farm equipment

It's that time again. I'm not quite sure how 364 days can go by so quickly

but they do. These are pics from last year's sale~our local paper did an article on our

Annual Farm Consignment Sale. These aerial photos are done by our local paper as well.

It is simply amazing to me.

We had nearly 900 bid numbers out last year. Our biggest sale ever.

Shaaaazzzzzaaaaam!

We are very thankful for the business.

looking south west

looking north west

The red roof is our Livestock Auction with the cattle pens on the right and left

We have a huge parking lot and pasture to put all the equipment on.

If you are in need of something...come see us on Saturday!

It's February?

2013-02-02T22:26:00.001-06:00

2013 seems to be moving right along in our neck of the woods.

Since Christmas...or even before, our lives have been "on the go"

CB is playing basketball and that has been the main attraction!

With practice being 5:30 to 7:30pm and 2 games a week. That is about

all we get done, besides work.

Let me clarify that I'm NOT complaining...just stating a fact.

I absolutely LOVE watching my boys do ALL their activities!

It has been so much fun to watch these boys grow this season

We played today in our league tournament and there has been some

great improvement since the beginning of the season!

We won today and will play again on Monday evening.

Go Vikings!

On the 17th of January, CB turned 13

He had a basketball game that night so afterwards we went out for supper at our favorite

mexican place here...and he enjoyed his birthday Wonderlita!

Then over the weekend I made this cake. An oreo, double layer cake. It was yummy and he

LOVED it! He was so excited when he saw it...he told me "mom, it looks just like the picture in the magazine!" It was fun. And if you are counting the candles....there are only 12.

I wasn't driving to town for 1 candle. He was totally ok with that! lol

I did some digging thru old pics and found these...oh how I miss my little boys!

I can't believe how fast time is going...

It seems like just yesterday I was snuggling this big haired baby boy!

I had some crazy idea that I was going to be better at blogging this year. It is NOT because I don't want to, it has everything to do with t.i.m.e. or lack of. AND the fact my computer would hardly load these pics AND I couldn't load some I wanted. *sigh*

Did I mention I have hardly had my camera out? *sigh #2*

My family and I received some GREAT news over Christmas...the exchange student that lived with my folks nearly 20 yrs ago...from Denmark...

Is coming to KS....in March...with her family(husband and baby girl)

We are sooooooo Excited!!!!

It has been several years since she has been here and it's going to be awesome...her little one turned 2 in November...we will finally get to meet her! Cannot wait....it's going to be awesome~I get teary eyed thinking about it! Yes, I'm a sap.

I need to hit the hay...blessings friends!

A New Year

2013-01-02T06:41:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

We have enjoyed a blessed time with family.

Received many nice gifts.

Ate ALOT of good food.

My folks went with the "little" and "low maintanence" tree

I took this pic of the gifts and used the pencil drawing effect in Picasa

I thought it looked kind of cool

My mom fixed cole slaw and I thought it looked so pretty!

I called her Martha Stewart.

Yeseterday began a new year. 2013. It almost sounds funny. I am not one to make resolutions.

I prefer to call them goals. I read a blog yesterday that listed their prayer requests for the new year

and I thought that was neat. We all have them. We need our friends/prayer warriors working for us.

I think about where our country/world is headed and only God can save us. I pray our nation will seek him and his ways and turn from the evil and wickedness that seems to be on every corner. As my boys get older, the more important I find a relationship with God to be...and they find it less. That's my prayer request...that their hearts be changed~

This was our supper last night...cornbread, fried taters & onion with ham and black-eyed peas.

This is what I ALWAYS fix for New Years Day

When we got married, I fixed this very meal. JB wanted to know what we were eating and I told him. He immediately curled up his lip and wrinkled his nose and said "yuk" and then "why?" I just couldn't believe that he could even say that! I didn't know everyone did not have this tradition and I thought there had to be something wrong with him AND his family!! lol

I have the best memories of going to my Grandma Dell's, her cooking up a big pot of peas, cornbread and fried taters and a slice of onion for New Years Day....and we would watch the Rose Bowl Parade. Oh how I miss that. She Loved every float and would say "honey, look here, isn't that somethin?" I would agree and we would have that conversation in several versions for the whole parade! My guys don't necessarily appreciate my tradition, but on it will go...maybe someday.
Do you have a family tradition like this?

Isn't this great? My sister gave me this for Christmas and some new Scentsy smells to go with it.

Rest assured it will be fired up and ready for the BIG game on Thursday!
K.S.U......Wildcats!

I love my tree all lit up. But I'm ready for it to go DOWN. I am ready for all the craziness to be done/over/gone for another year. That sounds terrible I'm sure. I just want my chaotic/normal to return.

I hope to start taking down xmas next weekend...I had to work today.

And then there are these piles of stuff on my counter...it needs to GO AWAY!

I need about 2 days by MYSELF at HOME to get organized and re-grouped. I am neither right now and I admit, I am a bit on the grumpy side.

I pray that you and your families have a healthy, happy and prosperous 2013.

May the Lord make you increase, both you and your children. May you be blessed by the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 115:14-15

December Already?

2012-12-07T09:56:00.003-06:00

Holy Cow~It's nearly Christmas!

I am NOT ready, not even a little bit.

I am going shopping today with girlfriends in the big city and I'm so excited. We shop, laugh, drink coffee and eat good food. Nothing like fun with dear friends.

I have NO pictures to post. I have a few on the camera, haven't even downloaded. Busyness is my theme right now...running ZB around to deer hunt, taking CB to basketball practice and watching him play twice a week and just living life is keeping me hopping! I am ashamed to say...I have not even thought about Christmas cards yet. Wow, I'm slipping.

I have to say that I have struggled to find the JOY of the season this year. I decided this morning, I have to change my focus. It seems to always be on the "world" and not my true source, Jesus. It will be a challenge but I am determined to change my focus. I know all things will fall into place if I do so.

Have a wonderful weekend friends, I promise to get pics posted soon. I know that my eloquent writing skills will not keep you stopping by! lol

17 shopping days left! eeek!

Wildcats, Cowboys, Anniversary and Miscellany

2012-11-12T21:47:00.000-06:00

First of all

HAPPY 18th ANNIVERSARY JB!

I Love You

I cannot believe we are so close to celebrating 20 yrs!!

It's gone so fast.

Ft. Riley Day at Manhattan, KS

Pre-game. Ft. Riley army base is just outside Manhattan.

I was fortunate enough to be RIGHT where the Cats came out!

Hello there Collin Klein.

I think you are a good guy and great football player.

Thank you for being a good example to young men...you are not

trashy, you are classy!

Well, Look here, it's Bill Snyder. Head coach of the KSU Wildcats.

Class act, gentleman, soft spoken and smart man!

Another great example to all who follow him.

Got a few shots of the game on our end.

One of my favorite players...Tyler Lockett. His daddy and his uncle both played for KSU and were pretty darn good. He is following their footsteps in becoming a great player!! Such a cute kid.

This was our view(JB, CB and I) for the game. We were in the North End Zone. Would not choose these tickets here even though the view is great. We stood the whole game. I was tired when it was over! CB on the other hand...couldn't get enough! We actually went back over at half time to where the players come in and out of the locker room....he got to High Five several of his favorite players.

His smile was PRICELESS!

I got to do the same as they took the field earlier in the evening...I admit it...I was excited!

ZB was somewhere in this mess of kids...he got a student ticket with our good friend Hannah. Needless to say, he was PUMPED up! He had so much fun and claims he really doesn't want to sit anywhere else....uuumm ok. LOL

We have wanted to take the boys to a game but have been unable to find any tickets...that were not RIDICULOUS in price. Some of our Oklahoma State friends had 3 tickets and were not going to be able to make it...so we bought them and got ZB a student ticket with Hannah and it worked out Great!

Except for the part where it was a night game...and it was 3:15 a.m. when we pulled in the drive. That was NOT so fun. But the awesome game made up for it!

I can't believe we went to the game...goofed off in Manhattan all day and didn't get one picture of ALL of us together!?!?!? What the heck?

Well, that was our weekend...over a week ago. I'm behind. I am always behind. I want to be organized. I want to be ahead.

On a side note...we were taking ZB to a cousin's house on Friday night...it was about 8pm, we were all in the van, ZB was driving...we hit a deer at 60 mph about 1/4 mile from the house. It did some damage...not sure yet how much, will find out tomorrow. PRAISE the Lord we are ALL OK. ZB was flustered after we got stopped...I felt terrible for him because he felt bad! It was a God thing for sure...we smacked that deer hard going 60...no air bags went off, no oncoming traffic, no one behind us and we were in a bad spot. We were able to pull off near the mile corner and get in the ditch. So..we are a one car family at the momento...and that in itself is an interesting post! LOL

Praying that the insurance company doesn't want to "total" my van.

tap tap...anyone still here??

I hope I haven't bored you to TEARS or SNORING.

I'm done. Adios Amigos!

a list

2012-11-03T08:40:00.000-05:00

We are going to wear purple and be AT the big KSU game tonite!
I am loving the beautiful sunrises/sunsets lately
ZB has grown another 1/2 inch since the end of September
CB had a great 1st football season
ZB has not got his deer...yet
CB starts basketball on Monday
I can't believe it's November
I HATE diabetes
Raising teenagers can be challenging
I have become the idiot mom that knows Nothing
I am going to have Thanksgiving at my house!
I really do love watching college football
The bathroom is almost done, but useable!
I have cobwebs in nearly every corner of my house-and no I didn't decorate for Halloween
I made homemade pizza last nite and it was yummy
I don't want to think about buying Christmas presents
Somewhere in the move 1 1/2 yrs ago my crochet stuff has gone MIA
ZB got to see 2 new states on his FFA trip a week ago
I am drinking coffee and blogging instead of getting ready to leave!
I think Bill Snyder is a true gentleman...a class act man
I am going to do a Master Cleanse starting Monday
I have not had my camera out in a LONG time ;(
Did I mention I HATE diabetes? Well I do.
I'm excited to have my Christmas tree up this year, where we enjoy it!
I have had to doctor sick cattle. So has my husband!
ZB got a ticket in the student section of the KSU/OSU game thanks to our sweet friend Hannah!
He is PUMPED!
I still have not got my dad a birthday present...from 10 days ago.
I want to take a cool picture for Christmas cards this year
Any ideas for that???
I am dreading the late nite drive home tonite from KSU
I am having trouble getting organized at home
I think it has to do with constant construction
It's almost OVER~Hallelujah!
I have not run in over a week.
I have plantar fascitis in both feet
It is NOT fun
They are getting better.
CB LOVES Collin Klein and is excited to see him tonite~
I think that he's a great role model
I painted my fingernail tips PURPLE
Why do people feel the need to make a comment about my FULL basket of groceries EVERY time I go to the store?
Am I the only person who doesn't go on a weekly basis?
I do believe in the Healing power of Jesus
I will never lose hope in healing of ZB's pancreas, even though there are days I wonder...
Have I lost all my readers yet???
I hope not...lack of posting and a boring post probably doesn't keep people!
I miss blogging...my computer has been SLOW in loading pics and SLOW working
I have got to get ready to go~
EMAW~GO KSU WILDCATS!

Lack of Pictures

2012-10-23T21:17:00.001-05:00

This past weekend we went to friends to shoot skeet and the kids shot bows too.

ZB practicing up...really wanting to get that deer!

It was sunny and almost HOT on Saturday.

My newly tiled shower in the boys' bathroom. I'm so happy how it looks so far.

Especially since my tile came off the clearance rack at Lowe's!

Happy Day! I just finished painting the ceiling tonite. Need to get the walls primed and painted.

They will get the new sink installed tomorrow and tile the backsplash.

This morning...ZB left for National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, IN. He was pretty excited.

He just texted me...they are in Illinois tonite. Stopped at the St. Louis arch and toured then ate supper. Doing some neat things along the way. So happy for him. But missing my boy already!

It was 90 degrees here today. A little hot for Oct 23rd. Guess it's going to be 40 by Friday.

Won't that be a change!?!

Not many pics...just a lot of babble.

Later Gators!

This and That

2012-10-14T17:49:00.002-05:00

A few weeks ago, we got to spend a beautiful Sunday afternoon with my family. It was full of laughter, football, good food, pictures, sunshine and thankfulness. My little nephew is getting so big...but still likes sitting on Papa's lap.

CB playing catch...it was funny, they had hundreds of acres of open space to play catch and they chose the backyard in amongst the trees. Not really sure why?!

Mom and Dad have been cleaning out the old garage. I forgot about this little chair.

I {love} it and it's coming home with me next trip!

Then we have had Homecoming. I remember Homecoming when I was in school and how exciting it was and how much fun I had. We had a parade and CB's Football team walked thru. Notice how he migrated to the middle to avoid my camera.

Go Vikings! Our town is a supportive community. These flags are hanging downtown and look pretty cool as you drive thru.

ZB went to the Homecoming dance this year...with a date. Momma Bear had to come to grips with reality that my boy is growing up. Didn't say I liked it though. {smile}

I want to mention, it was COLD this day. Damp and windy too. Those girls were a bit chilly in their cute dresses for pictures! We went to our local park to take pics. On a side note, ZB is anxiously awaiting the "big one" to appear so he can shoot his bow and get his first deer. I want him to get one so bad...he's worked so hard on his deer stands!

Oh yea...we are in construction again. The main bathroom is getting its remodel. We have been a 1 shower family since June. It's do-able but we are ready to have 2 showers again!

I.am.so.tired.of.living.in.a.mess.

I can't even explain how SICK of it I really am.

But I'm trying to be thankful.

I despise sheetrock mud.

The End.

CB making a great catch for a 2 point conversion at his football game last Thursday. He had 6 tackles too and stripped the ball on a tackle. He had a great game and has LOVED his first year of football!

CB on the right...going in for a great tackle!

Lined up for kick off...he has played offense, defense and special teams. He has worked hard and started on all 3! So proud of him.

I don't have

2012-09-30T07:47:00.001-05:00

an excuse.

a reason.

or very many pictures.

I have been watching CB play football

It's his first year and he's doing GREAT!

He is number 83

Here he is with a great block

His buddy was behind him with the ball

and got several more yards!

Their team has only lost 2 games.

He {loves} football.

LiFe just keeps happening...at a rapid pace I might add

ZB is spending most evenings in a tree stand.

Patiently waiting to get his first deer. ever.

with his bow.

He has seen several does

but he wants the big prize

The big Buck

I so hope he gets one!

In other news....

I have joined the world of Instagram

Wow. I think its addictive!

I do like the fact I can communicate with friends/pics

on the fly! Which seems to be my life story right now.

Have a wonderful Sunday friends. I plan on truly making it a

Sabbath. I don't think we do that enough.

It's FixEd!

2012-09-11T13:54:00.002-05:00

A great BIG thank you to all who offered advice to help me with my blogging
INCAPABILITIES

RanchGirl is a RockStar...she has totally fixed me up and I'm forever grateful!
Thanks again Jen...you are awesome!

I have pics to share but lacking in the time...will be going to the Bluegrass Festival starting Wednesday night...thru Sunday. SO. MUCH. FUN.

We have our camper there(even though it's in the same town we are from) and we spent last weekend and enjoyed the music, food, family and fun. Looking forward to this year. Lots of new bands this year. Tonite I'm hoping to take in the festivities downtown in between running boys around...we(our town) always have a "Music Crawl" on Tuesday night before Bluegrass...they serve hamburgers, etc and businesses are open late, lots of them will have a band/performer at their place and you can just wander around and listen to music. It's so much fun. JB always works late on Tuesdays so I'm usually by myself....my boys don't appreciate it like I do and they are old enough to stay home. ;) But this year one will be at archery and one at football. If you should ever make it to Bluegrass a/k/a Walnut Valley Festival, please let me know!

Adios Amigos!

HeLp!

2012-09-08T07:54:00.003-05:00

Am I the only one who doesn't know how to edit the H.T.M.L. on the B.L.O.G.?

I need some H.E.LP...P.L.Z.

10-4

Over and O.U.T.

1st day of school

2012-08-29T19:40:00.002-05:00

CB first day of 7th grade


ZB first day of 10th grade

My boys are 1/2 way thru their first full week of school. ZB has been studying for a European country test and CB brought home Algebra last night...ICK

CB has his first football game tomorrow night. Exciting!

Texas Porch

2012-08-21T20:26:00.000-05:00

Nearly a month ago I made a fast trip to the panhandle of Texas. I went with my super cool, Great Aunt V. Unfortunately it was for a funeral. I have GREAT memories of this little town, Stratford. I had lots of family there growing up. My mom was and still is very good to visit family. When my sister and I were little and even as we got older. My mom made it a point to make sure we knew our cousins...for that I am so grateful.

Anyways...my last relative(cousin) passed away. Her mom and my Great Grandma were sisters. The Smith Sisters. There were 5 of them. How I loved them all! They were classy, sassy, fun, beautiful and witty! It was a sad trip for me...there is no one left out there that is family. That was a hard thing for me to accept. On the other hand, my cousin is rejoicing in the heavenly realm in her new body!

As we drove into town, I began to think back to my childhood and how I LOVED coming out here. There was always good food, good laughs and lots of love. The emotions flooded me when we pulled up to her house. So.Much.History.

There was the porch.

The porch that belonged to my Great Great Aunt and Uncle. Then it belonged to their niece and her husband. A big beautiful home that I remember staying in. The twin beds in the back room with our own bathroom. The big kitchen where all my loved ones gathered to talk and laugh and of course eat wonderful food. The den where my uncle's desk was.

Then there was the porch.

I could not help but think about the porch. It looks exactly the same as when I was a kid.

I {love} that porch.

There were lots of pictures taken here

There were lots of hugs given and received here

There were lots of laughs and tears shared here

There was lots of love shared here

There were probably some spankings given here

I will always remember the porch.

I hope the family that moves to this home, enjoys the porch

as much as my family has.

Wordless Wednesday

2012-08-15T07:56:00.003-05:00

County Fair 2012

2012-08-12T17:22:00.000-05:00

Our County fair was a week ago

It was about 107 degrees for 3 days of our fair

It actually cooled off to 85ish on Saturday evening

Then there was lightning

and Thunder

and eventually some of that wet stuff

RAIN

about a 1/2 inch to be exact

Not complaining but stating a fact

it hardly settled the dust

we'll take more

anytime

CB ended up the Grand Champion Intermediate Showman

I was a bit surprised

He did good...I thought he could have done better

sorry, just keeping it real here...

but apparently the judge thought it was good enough

I about fell over when he went over and handed CB the

GRAND Champ BUCKLE!

This is CB's lamb #39. See, our boys are past the point of naming their lambs

They are simply called a number. Their ear tag to be exact.

It's almost James Bond like.

Or not.

{smile}

ZB moved to Senior Showmanship this year.

It's a bit more competitive...to say the least.

He assured us he was ready.

He was.

But his flashy little ewe, #13 was not.

See how she is squatting in this pic?

NOT COOL

She literally just had a come-a-part as the judge put his hand on her

Not sure what her problem was.

Maybe the heat???

Who knows. Unfortunately that little incident cost him.

He never got a second look.

There is always next year right?

CB and #39

Rock stars in Showmanship!

Did I mention it was about 110 on Friday night?

ZB and #13 again.

This time, we're NOT in showmanship class

We are in the crossbred market class-lightweights

She was pretty enough to win her class!

(it really isn't a beauty contest)

She was good enough to be

Crossbred champ overall!

JB and I were shocked...we knew she wasn't very big

but our sheep kind of quit eating for the last month...

it's just been too hot..

We thought 2nd Blue would be ok

they never pick the lightweight lambs for champs

NOT!

Here is the judge telling ZB he needs to take her to the State Fair

We can't. They had to be registered back in June. Who knew.

ZB had both of his lambs in the Grand Champion drive.

Pretty cool year for us.

Considering we started out with 5 lambs

Ended up with 3

(death loss was high this year)

That were not as big as they should have been

Because they didn't want to eat

Because it was too hot

Because we are in a drought

Because....

Fair.

Glad to see it come, glad to see it go.

Hard to believe we are about to start another 4-H year

ZB's 9th...CB's 6th

Great news @County Fair

2012-08-05T08:46:00.002-05:00

I am a proud momma of a Grand Champion Intermediate Sheep Showman...AND
a Crossbred Champion Lamb...well, I'm not the momma of the lamb LOL
But...My oldest did GREAT with his lightweight ewe...she was the breed Champ!

Sorry...no pics...yet. I'm home for just a bit and had a few extra minutes to share, the camera with all the pics...is still at the camper {grin}

Life is flying on by fast and furious...our fair will be over on Tuesday and then it's time to get serious about filling out enrollment papers for school {sad face}

More to come later...and pics.

Have a blessed Sunday folks...we are off to 4-H church at our fair!
p.s. we got a half inch of rain last night~hallelujah! Thankful for anything we get!
Oh yea...and it's not 110 either...it is 70 ish this morning...only going to be 95ish today.

Check it out!!

2012-07-25T17:38:00.001-05:00

Check this out...I've been FEATURED. Pretty exciting stuff I think~check out this blog...these girls are doing a great job of featuring agriculture in many aspects. I have enjoyed reading all of their features and I encourage you to do the same!

Thank you Faces of Agriculture!!