Our Adventures from Bigger Sky Country....

Worries...

2012-02-04T00:41:00.001-06:00

What do I have to worry about?

Today its these four things....

Dad

Son

School

House

My Dad - My dad is in failing health. He hasn't been well for some time. However, he was rushed to the hospital on Tuesday. He has been in renal (kidney) failure for a few months but on Tuesday they were barely functioning. He was retaining tons of fluid and was basically drowning on the inside. He couldn't breathe. His heart was having to work so hard that he suffered a series of heart attacks over a 4 day period. They are starting dialysis. Once they get the fluid out of his body they can then begin to look at his heart to see what is going on. Me and my sister are heading to Utah to be with him and our family. Prayers are appreciated!

My Son - Lets just say he is a troubled teenager in need of prayers too! That's all I can say about this on here. Just need lots of prayers for my beautiful baby (almost 16 yr old) boy.

School - I was contacted by my college a few days ago to tell me that the bachelor program I was due to start in April will no longer be a degree program offered at that school. This means that I need to choose a different degree program or find another school that offers the program that I want and hope they will accept all my credits. I was REALLY very excited about starting that program (Financial Forensics) and I do not want to go in any other direction. I am really upset by this! So I have been searching out schools who offer the program and sending them my transcripts to help me decide on what to do. I love the school I go to and I don't want to change... but I suppose I may have to. Just not happy about that! I just hope my credits will transfer so I can stay with the decree program I have wanted to be in.

On a side note... I will graduate with highest honors with an associates of science in accounting degree on April 14th. I am SO EXCITED! I am now finishing up my last two classes.

House - We had to fire the builders we had been working with to build our home. I hated having to do this because I really liked them personally. However, after 3 months they finally gave us the bid price to build it. It ended up being WAY OVERPRICED. After looking at other homes and other builders we realized we were going to get the shaft if we continued working them. So we have chosen to go a different route with another builder. We have a new builder, a new set of plans, and a more affordable price. This makes me happy but it has been stressful and VERY worrisome!

Well I guess that just about covers it! I sure hope I can move past the worry stage and into a much smoother, worry free life! Is that even possible?

My Word for the Year!

2012-01-19T23:38:00.000-06:00

I have seen several of your posts where you have chosen a word for the year that is like some sort of goal you wish to work towards for the year. I decided that is not a bad idea and I have been tossing some ideas around in my head for several weeks. There really is only one word that is appropriate for what I really want to work on this year and that word is.......

HEALING

Healing myself physically

Healing myself spiritually

Healing broken relationships

Physically - I just started the weight watchers program to help me make changes for a healthy lifestyle. Along with this I have started walking ~~regularly~~, well I started today! I have had a gym membership for a while now but haven't been too faithful. Well that is going to change. I am planning to go to the gym at least 3 days a week (to start). It will be easier once I get moved into my new home as the gym will just be down the street from my house (maybe a half mile).

I have had really great results in the past with the weight watchers program and regular exercise. In fact I lost about 65 pounds. But then I got lazy again and gained it back! The key is to make it a lifestyle change forever. So I will do it again!

Spiritually - This would include creating a peaceful lifestyle while seeking out a closer relationship with my Heavenly Father. I will do this through daily reading of the scriptures, attending the temple, praying more often, as well as regular church attendance.

Relationships - To mend broken relationships between me and a few people that should be closest to me. My children, my siblings, and friends. It has been a tumultuous few years where nasty words were said, feelings hurt, and where I have pushed some of these people away. I will work on making amends for my part in creating these broken relationships. I plan to work on forgiveness and in doing activities that will promote a more loving and open relationship with these people that I love.

Wish me LUCK!

Music that touches the heart

2012-01-04T15:01:00.000-06:00

I LOVE this kid and I LOVE this song! Put them both together and it is absolutely beautiful! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Let me know what you think!

A New Year!

2011-12-31T23:49:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year my friends.

Sending out all of my best wishes to you for a very happy, peaceful, successful, and blessed New Year!

Christmas Recap

2011-12-29T21:58:00.000-06:00

Our Christmas actually began on the 13th because we had my parents here visiting and because Valerie and Parker were going back to Utah with them on the 15th. So we each opened a gift or two or three.

As mentioned earlier, Valerie, Bob and Parker went to Utah for Christmas this year. So Dear Hubby and I got the job of dog sitting for them. DH and I celebrated our Christmas in the usual way except it was just the two of us and the dogs... all four of them.

So you could say that it was a Doggone Good Christmas! Here is the proof! Woof woof woof woof!

Aren't they sweet?

The dogs had more gifts to open than we did! Really! As you can tell by this picture we had a dog toy revolution!

At noon DH and I headed over to Aunt Patsy's house for Christmas Lunch with some of the family. We had a nice visit and excellent food. It is nice to get to know DH's family a little more. I am grateful to have a lot of in-laws around especially when I am missing my kids and my family so much.

Later that evening we were invited to Brad & Shelly's house (DH's brother), for Christmas Dinner, White Elephant gift exchange, and Games! We had such a great time and are so thankful to Brad & Shelly for hosting this get-together. Next year it will be held in our new home!

And this is a picture of my cool nephew who was showing us how he rocks on his new drum set. And boy is he good! Great job A!

I am so thankful for my DH's family for making Christmas really wonderful for me. I will be honest and say that I was having a hard time being without my kids (again), and I was really missing my family... but Christmas turned out to be really nice and I am blessed and so grateful for my other family. I Love You All!

Nativity

2011-12-14T19:00:00.000-06:00

A couple weeks ago Valerie and I went to the Arlington Texas Stake 17th Annual Nativity Display. There were hundreds of nativities on display. Here are my favorites....

This is the cutest nativity I have ever seen!

This one is such a beautiful piece and is my 2nd top favorite

This is my top favorite. It is so detailed and beautiful!

Just Gorgeous and so Special!

We had a great time viewing the nativities and being entertained by the Texas Children's Choir... they were amazing!

Tis' the season and so I just wanted to share these with you.

Thanks for going with me Valerie

It was a fun day!

I Love my Sister!

What a Birthday Cake!

2011-12-14T07:00:00.000-06:00

So it was my DH's birthday a couple weeks ago. My sister, Valerie, is quite the cake ~~maker~~ decorator and this is what she came up with for my DH's big day. Any of you who know my DH knows what a big fan he is of hiking and mountains, especially in Montana, so this is the perfect cake for him.

Every single thing is edible except for the animal figures... yes even those rocks!

Billy and his brother Brad

What a cake!

That's my guy!

Going for it!

Just so you know, it was really hard to tear into this thing and ruin such an amazing creation. But we did it! And the cake was so delicious!

Thanks Valerie!!!

Happy Birthday

Sweetheart!

A couple months ago on the Beach...

2011-12-10T01:10:00.001-06:00

You might remember that a couple months ago I went to Florida to attend my Uncle's funeral. While we were there we got to experience the white beaches of Panama City Florida. Here are a few pictures......

Nibblin on sponge cake, watchin the sun bake, all of those tourists covered with oil...

Wastin away in Margaritaville

(Ya sing it!)

Heading to the Beach

Got my toes in the sand

(look at that beautiful white sand)

Aunt Pat, Uncle Dennis and my Dad

The Pier

Love this photo!

Me, Valerie (my sis), my Mom, and Aunt Pat

Beautiful Beaches of Florida

Mom looking for shells

Val looking for shells

Mom and Val searching for shells

Yup we pretty much spent all day on the beach looking for shells.

We found some nice ones too.

We had so much fun and really could have spent all of our time doing this!

Me, Val, Mom

Love this Photo too!

Uncle Dennis and Dad

The sun is beginning to set

Yup.. still searching for those shells

Love those footprints in the sand!

Beautiful Sunset

We had a nice time being beach bums for a day or two. Can't wait to get back there. The fall is really the perfect time to go. No crowds and it is still warm!

Hot Doggity Dog!

2011-12-05T22:30:00.000-06:00

Daisy's Halloween Costume! Appropriate don't you think? I'm not sure she agreed... do you see that look in her eyes? However, she was the hit of the whole night. She walked for miles trick-or-treating, and was stopped to have pictures taken over and over again! She's a trooper. Love Her!

Autumn on the Farm......

2011-12-01T00:44:00.001-06:00

On Saturday I woke up to the most beautiful day so I took this picture to capture the moment.

This is Autumn at the Farm...

It was nice and warm and sunny. Sandals and Capri wearing weather! (I almost took a photo of me wearing my sandals, but I didn't).

And these are our Babies..... (Two of them anyway)

Meet Cinnamon and Baby Cakes

And this is Cesar

sunning in the pasture

I am so happy to say that it is December 1st (Already?) and I am still wearing my Sandals and Capri's... and I am not missing the snow at all!

It is supposed to be cold and rainy over the weekend and into next week so I will enjoy this while it lasts!

Christmas is around the corner and soon there will be a ground breaking on our new home. Can't wait to get started! And.... my parents are coming for a visit! They will be here on Sunday (if the weather and roads are decent).

Lots to look forward to!

Now I just need to finish the Christmas shopping and start the baking and the candy making.

What are you looking forward to?

Here's $10 off at Shoebuy.com

2011-11-19T18:57:00.001-06:00

"Just letting you all know of this deal. I took advantage of it and got me some new 'croc's coming. Free shipping also!"

Save on shoes, accessories, handbags and apparel at Shoebuy.com. We've got something for everyone and for a limited time, you can save $10 on that special something. Valid on purchase of $50 or more.

View >>

The Things I Learned on An Anniversary Getaway!

2011-11-13T21:45:00.001-06:00

Dear Hubby and I recently shared our 3rd Anniversary together. We celebrated this weekend in San Antonio. Yesterday was spent on the famous River Walk including dinner reservations at Landry's Seafood. We had such a wonderful time and the food was great! Here are some photos of our evening...

This is the stage where Sandra Bullock filmed Miss Congeniality

Getting ready for Christmas

My Dear Hubby (Love Him)

River Walk Cruises

The United States of Texas

San Antonio

A pretty little waterfall

Beautiful scenery

Anguished Faces on a Building

San Antonio

On the river cruise

Each of these bells represent each of the five original missions in San Antonio

Our Cruise Tour

Beautiful River Walk

We also made plans to visit the Alamo and the San Antonio Missions State Historic Park today, as well as some other possibilities depending on time. What we didn't count on was a Marathon.

While we were downtown last night we kept seeing signs that said the Alamo would be closed today due to the Marathon. Then as we were driving back to the hotel we saw signs on the freeway notifying us that the freeway would be closed for the marathon. Being a little concerned by this, when we got back to the hotel last night I did some research about this so called marathon. What I learned was it is the San Antonio Rock-N'-Roll Marathon and there would be events happening all day long. In fact I looked up the map of the road closures and it pretty much confirmed that it would be impossible for us to go anywhere near downtown San Antonio today. Here is what I saw....

SCARY!

So at this point we decided to find something else to do today, but everything that looked good took us back through the downtown area. I have to admit I was discouraged, after all I wanted to visit San Antonio to see and do the things we had planned. My DH, however, was not discouraged at all!

After breakfast this morning we loaded up and headed back towards home. DH wanted to drive through New Braunfel's, which is a quaint German ~~town~~ city with much to see and do and experience. I loved the town immediately. The park was awesome! We got some information about a recreational area where we could drive along the Guadalupe River for miles, and where we could even spend some time (in the summer months) canoeing. The drive was spectacular! The fall colors were amazing! Here are a few photos...

Beautiful tree lined road

Pretty Colors

Guadalupe River

I thought this was cool

My favorite of the day

Gorgeous Colors

Sail Boat Races at Canyon Lake

I was reminded today that "Life is what happens in between your plans". I had all kinds of plans made for today, and pretty much most of those plans did not work out. Instead we went with whichever way the wind blew (so to speak)... and I am glad we did or I would have missed out on this!

A good lesson learned!

I am so thankful for my Dear Hubby who never lets anything discourage him and for reminding me of all the good that came out of not following our plans. I love you sweetheart! Happy Anniversary!

P.S. I REALLY enjoyed the 80 to 89 degree temperatures we had this weekend. It was perfect!

(Yes I am trying to make all of you jealous who are experiencing the cold winter weather)

Family, Funeral, Florida....

2011-10-26T22:30:00.000-05:00

A quick update....

I am currently with my family, in Florida, for a funeral. I am sad to say that my uncle, Que William Alldredge, passed away last Friday. It has been a sad few days. However, I am really happy that I was able to make the trip to Florida to be with my cousins and other family that I have not seen in many, many years. My mom and dad flew into Dallas on Sunday and then Valerie and I and mom and dad drove the 14 hours to Panama City, FL. The funeral was on Tuesday and we are spending a few days so we can enjoy family, the beaches, take in the scenery, and more family time.

I am cherishing this time with all of my family. I feel so lucky that I now live close enough that it is only a day drive away to see them. I hope I can come again soon.

My uncle was a fun, kind and loving man. I have so many wonderful memories of him. He will be dearly missed.

I will post pictures at a later date.

Announcing the Winner and my New Blog Name...

2011-10-09T15:49:00.000-05:00

Well it is that time. We finally arrived in our new state and are settling in nicely. DH made it through the first week of his job and it is going very well. I began a new session of classes and that is going well also. I have only 5 more classes after this session until I graduate with my associates degree and begin the bachelor's program. Getting excited about that.

But that is not what you are really wanting to know now is it? You are here because you are curious about my new blog name and to find out who won the blog name giveaway.

I hope you like it! I did! I think it is a very "catchy" name. Thank you to Lara over at Overstuffed, who sent in this idea for the name of my blog. I received several ideas that I really liked as well, which made it difficult to choose. I want to thank all of you who gave me such awesome suggestions. And I want to thank my sister for helping me decide which one to use. Lara, please contact me with your address so I can forward you your prizes.

Right now we are in the beginning stages of getting a new home built. We have chosen a style and floor plan and have met with the builders. Now we are getting things ready to clear the land and then survey and excavate it. I am getting excited!

I am also really enjoying the time I get to spend with my sister Valerie . We just got tickets for the Twilight marathon at a local theater on November 14th. I am so happy that I have someone to do fun things like that with now.

I guess that wraps things up for now. I am crazy busy with school but in my spare time I will be creating a new design for my blog and hopefully be able to update more often and catch up with you as well.

Life is Good!

See you soon!

More July Adventures..... And.....

2011-09-20T01:05:00.000-05:00

Still playing catch up... Yes I am!

But first..... I just wanted to throw on the table the fact that in 4 more days we will be on our way to Texas. I have been busily finishing up all my homework for school so that I can begin my two week break, and now I am busy spending the last few days packing and cleaning.

Now..... just a shout out reminding you of my blog giveaway. October 8th is the big day so get your suggestions in if you haven't already. Read HERE for more details. Oh... and I have exciting news about the book I am giving away. I will be giving away an AUTOGRAPHED copy! Plus I will have two more surprise gifts that will include something from Montana and something from Texas. Should be FUN FUN FUN!!! I have received some excellent ideas but would like some more so get your ideas in before the deadline.

Now onto the adventure part....

Mid July we planned a weekend getaway to Great Falls, MT. I wanted to see what the Great Falls were all about. So away we went.... It is about 3-1/2 hour drive from where we live. First stop was the hotel. And as soon as we walked in our little Abby dog made herself right at home. This is her style of camping! She is not really the outdoorsy type like Daisy is. This is more her style as you can see by this picture.

Princess Abby making herself right at home

A storm blew in as soon as we arrived in town. It was quite the rain storm too! So we just hung out at the hotel the rest of that day. The next morning we started out with a Geo-cache. Here is DH (Dear Hubby) finding it!

DH Geo-Cache Find

The stash is in the plastic container

The plastic container was found inside of this!

It was a pretty cool way to hide a Geo-Cache.

The location was pretty great too.

It was at a park overlooking the Missouri River

The next stop was what I was there for. The next few pictures are of Giant Springs State Park. This is the most beautiful place I have seen! This next picture is of the Giant Spring. It is a natural spring that was discovered by Lewis & Clark. It's awesome! What makes it even more special is that this natural spring flows into the shortest river in the world... the Roe River which is 201 feet long and runs directly into the Missouri River. It seriously is a really gorgeous place and I recommend everyone go see it! There are several pictures of Giant Springs State Park because the scenery is so beautiful and I just couldn't choose any to leave out.

Giant Springs

Missouri River in background

The water is SO clear!

Giant Springs

Look how clear that water is!

Giant Springs State Park

More Scenery

Another one...

There is also a fish hatchery at the Giant Springs State Park

This is a pond of fish....They are HUGE!

Pretty Bird

Missouri River

This is one of five falls on the Missouri River

These falls are how Great Falls got it's name

This is another one of the falls on the Missouri

We are making our way to the Great Falls on the Missouri

But first we stopped to find another Geo-Cache.

Here is the family!

This is the Great Falls and namesake of the city.

I wish the pictures did it justice!

Another shot of Great Falls

On the way home we spotted these...... SPEED GOATS!!

And then we found this pretty lake at Gates of the Mountains... We had no idea about this place and wished we had more time to check it out. It is an area that DH and I wish we had time to explore. It is another one of the Lewis & Clark expeditions. Check out the links and make it part of your next vacation to Montana. I wish I had time!

As we arrived back home the sunset was really awesome. These pictures don't even do it justice but it will give you some idea of what the sky was like.

Sunset over Belgrade, MT

The sky is on fire

So pretty!

Well that wraps up our Great Falls Adventure. We had a wonderful weekend and really do recommend it to everyone. I love road trips and all the amazing adventures that take place while on one!

So... most likely the next time you see another update, I will be in Texas. I still have several Montana adventures to catch up on. I am hoping to do that once I get settled somewhat.

Don't forget about the Blog Giveaway! See you soon my friends!

Fairly recent Montana Adventures..... July is recent right?

2011-09-11T00:00:00.000-05:00

I mentioned previously that I needed to update my blog with our latest adventures. The unfortunate thing is that it dates back to July. The other thing is that we went on MANY adventures and I took a lot of photos, so I will have to break up this post into two or three different parts. Please bear with me.

As you know we are moving away from Montana. We created a bucket list of things we wanted to do and places we wanted to visit before we leave. Our bucket list included hikes, Geo-caching, road trips, and canoe trips to name a few. Each weekend we try to spend a little time doing something towards completing our list.

Over the July 4th weekend we chose to do many of the items on our list. We went hiking, located and found several Geo-caches, as well as spent time in the canoe. Here are few pictures of some places we visited and sights we saw.

Palisade Falls

This is a hike we went on. These falls are located above Hyalite Reservoir in the Hyalite Canyon of the Gallatin National Forest. As you can see the falls are gorgeous!

History Rock

This is another hike we went on. It is also located in Hyalite Canyon. This is an impressive rock formation with names etched into it dating back to the early 1800's.

A closer view

Daisy and I in front of History Rock

Our adventurous Dog

Scenery on the History Rock trail

An Eocene Dike - A Natural Wall

As we were traveling down through the Paradise Valley towards Yellowstone N.P., we decided to stop at this Geo-cache which is actually an Earth-Cache (look it up on Geo-caching.com). Now this is something to see and learn about! This is why we enjoy Geo-caching.

This Eocene dike was created about 30 million years ago. This wall of black basalt rock was injected as molten magma into a crack in horizontally bedded volcanic conglomerates. Conglomerate is like cement.

I loved learning about this!!

Petrified Forest

This is another hike we went on. It is a petrified forest located in the Paradise Valley heading towards Yellowstone N.P.

Scenery along the trail to the Petrified Forest

More scenery

Billy & the girls found a comfy spot to rest

Me near the top of the mountain

Me Again!

The Petrified Forest trail is an interpretive trail that informs you of what you will see each step of the way.

In these alcoves you can find parts of petrified trees

Daisy found the shade

Here is a petrified tree stump

A better view

We didn't get to finish the hike as a storm was coming in and we needed to get off the mountain.

It was a great hike though, with really beautiful scenery.

The Paradise Valley is just that... Paradise! It is a gorgeous area. If you ever get up this way, I recommend taking this drive as you head towards Yellowstone.

This post covers the adventures we had over the July 4th weekend.

Watch for post number two coming soon, for more exciting adventures brought to you by ME!!

The latest news....And a GIVEAWAY!!

2011-09-07T00:55:00.000-05:00

I have so many adventures to write about and pictures to edit and post; but the problem is I just have not had any extra time to do this. As you know we are moving to Texas and I have been busy packing the house when I am not at work or at school, which doesn't leave any time for anything else. We have also been trying to see and do as many things as we can before we leave. Thus the many adventures I still need to journal.

However, today I feel that I need to at least update everyone on the latest news.....

We finally have a move date! FINALLY! Saturday, September 24th is the day we will be loading up the moving truck; and we will head south the following morning. It will take us THREE DAYS to get there with loads of driving each day. We are ready though! Ready to get the next chapter in our lives started.

We will be staying with my sister, Valerie, and her family while our home is being built. We hope to have that completed in 5 to 6 months. I am SO excited to be living near my sister and my in-laws! I am EXCITED about NEW ADVENTURES!!

Now I want to remind you that as Our Adventures from Big Sky Country is coming to an end rather soon, I still need to rename my blog. I announced in an earlier post that I will be doing a GIVEAWAY for the person who's idea I use for my blog name. I want to have that wrapped up around the OCTOBER 8TH, so please comment with your idea for a blog name by that date. I have a few ideas as to what I want to GIVE AWAY, this is one of them....

I will also throw in a couple other surprises. So be sure to comment about your idea for my new blog name. I AM SO EXCITED!

As I mentioned above, I have many recent and amazing Montana adventures to still write about and I will be working on that as soon as I can because I hate being so far behind!

Until next time my friends.....stay safe and happy!

Being in Limbo Sucks!!

2011-08-20T00:47:00.000-05:00

I thought I better post something just in case you all begin to think I am dead or something. I am in fact alive, yeah me!

I have just been super busy finishing up my last session of classes and starting another one. Also, we have been very busy packing the house. I can say we are officially 75% packed. Then lets not forget that work thing which takes up a good portion of the day and a good portion of my life - ugh!

We still don't have an exact move date but it will be very soon. If any of you follow me on Facebook, you will know that Dear Hubby's job is being eliminated here in Bozeman on September 12th. We feel very blessed we had already made plans to move and realize that the decision to move to Texas was really meant to be.

Dear Hubby's place of employment has recently undergone a major reorganization and that is why it is taking so long for this job transfer to get processed. The word is we should hear something sometime next week. In the meantime we have been stuck in Limbo. Being stuck in limbo really sucks and is something that I hate! I have also been in limbo in other areas of my life (which is another story for another day) and it is getting really old. I am trying to be patient though and feel I am doing a pretty good job of it.

I know it has been a while since I have contributed anything significant to my blog. In what little spare time I have had I have been working on photo edits of our July adventures, and there were many. I will post those soon (I hope). I am so far behind!

We are trying to see and do as much as we can while we still live here. Problem is we just don't have a lot of time. We did make a list of priority places we want to visit before we move and little by little we are getting to those. Tomorrow is one of those days where we are taking the whole day and going on a long road trip drive over the Beartooth Highway. It has been something we have wanted to do since we moved here. So I will make sure I take plenty of photos and will hopefully get to posting about that adventure very soon.

And just as soon as we get the word on a move date, I will let you all know too! Until then, I hope you are all doing well. I have missed having the time to read and comment on all of your blogs, but promise I will get to that very soon. Life is just getting in the way at the moment!

God Loves Me!

2011-07-31T15:29:00.001-05:00

Everyday I see evidence of God's love for me in my life. I am a blessed woman!

The most recent blessing is regarding our move. It is a blessing that we already had plans to move to Texas, because we found out two days ago that Dear Hubby's job is being eliminated here in Bozeman. This just confirms to me again that our moving to Texas is what we are supposed to be doing.

God must really want us there soon, because now we are needing to make the move much more quickly than originally planned.

We have recently been told that we need to gather and strengthen our families for what lies ahead. I really believe that is why it is so urgent for us to be near family.

We are packing packing packing so that we will be ready when his job on the other end gives us a date they need him to start. We expect we will be moving sometime in September. That means there is only a few more weeks to enjoy our Beautiful Montana!

So... Yes, I believe it was a blessing to have already prepared to make the move. And that is why I know that God Loves Me!

I am a Mormon! To learn more about my belief's go here.

Guess What????

2011-07-29T20:52:00.000-05:00

Today is my Blogoversary!!!

Happy Anniversary, Happy Anniversary, Happy Anniversary to me!!!!

Three Years ago today I became an official blogger.

If I would have had all my ducks in a row and some organization in my life I would have planned something special to celebrate. You can call me a slacker I suppose. I will do better next year, I promise!!!

Thanks for all of you who follow my blog, who have become my friends, who have shared the details of your lives with me. I love you and I am grateful to all of your friendships!

Here is to many more Blogoversaries!

It's time for that BIG announcement...

2011-07-09T00:38:00.000-05:00

I warned you there was some BIG news coming. Guess it's time I let the cat out of the bag.

Here goes......

Sometime within the next 3 to 4 months, I will no longer be able to blog about Our Adventures in Big Sky Country because........

We Are Moving!

Yes I am moving away from my beloved State of Montana.

Where?

Utah? No

California? No

Arizona? No

Texas? Yes

Springtown, Texas to be exact

I will need to dust off my cowboy boots and cowboy hat and practice my hey y'all's and yeehaw's, and get myself ready for some Texas Heat!

Why?

To be near my sister and Bill's family, and to provide assistance to my in-laws in their Golden Years! To help take care of their property and care for their Llamas. Because we will be able to build a home on part of the property. And I will also be closer to job opportunities within my career path.

When?

Not sure of the exact date yet. Waiting in limbo for Dear Hubby's job transfer. Hopefully, before Winter for sure.

I am sad to leave behind the mountains and the beauty of this area. I will always consider this the most beautiful place on this Earth. But I am excited for the opportunity to begin fulfilling some lifelong dreams, as well as being closer to family.

I know with all my heart that Texas is where we are supposed to be at this time in our lives, just like I know that it will be our final destination. The place that we will forever call home. The place where we will live out the remainder of our lives.

I will keep ya'll informed as soon as we know anything.

Now on to another announcement.....

I will need to create a new name for my blog. And I want to offer a prize giveaway to the person who's name I choose to use as my blog title. I don't know what the prize will be just yet, but it will most likely be something from Texas. So get your thinking caps on and send me your ideas PLEASE!!!

Texas Part 4 - Parker's Baptism & Lockheed Martin

2011-07-08T00:29:00.000-05:00

Besides wanting to see and visit with family, there was another reason for our Texas vacation. My nephew, Parker, was going to be baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It was another really great reason to be there during that time. My parents came from Utah to be there, and it had been almost a year since I had seen them. And so we were able to spend time with both families. I'm really glad my sister, Valerie, and Billy's parents and family all live within 30 to 40 miles from each other.

Here are a few photos of the baptism.

Parker with his parents

Bob, Parker, Valerie

Parker with Gpa & Gma Alldredge

(my parents)

Parker and his dad in front of font

Parker with his Dad

Both Grandfather's

Both Grandmother's

The Alldredge side of the family

Bob, my parents, Valerie and Parker

Parker with his cousin at the luncheon

Luncheon after the baptism

It was a great day. I am so glad I was able to attend and participate by playing the piano for the baptism. Parker, thank you for inviting me! I am so proud of the wonderful boy you are. I love you!

___________________________________

Later in the day after the baptism, we met up with Bill's parents. We were scheduled to go on a tour of Bill's dad's work. He work's for Lockheed Martin in Ft. Worth and he was able to give a tour of the whole plant. He had to go to a lot of trouble to get the proper security in order for us to see the plant and I am so grateful for him doing that. This was another major highlight of my vacation.

The plant is HUGE and we had to drive golf cart type vehicles in order to get from one end to the other as it is over a mile long. This is where they actually build fighter jets from start to finish. At the Ft. Worth plant they are currently building the F-35 Lightening and the F-22 Raptor.

It was an awesome place to be able to see where and how our fighter jets are created. My father-in-law has worked there for years and has a very important job. He has invented many things that have been patented and used in the building of some of these aircraft's. I always new that he is a very smart and knowledgeable man, but I didn't realize how much until I saw his wall of fame in his office. Love him! Thanks Dad for making it possible for us to see where you work and what you do.

This day is the last day of our Texas trip. The next morning we flew back home to Bozeman, Montana. We left 100 degree hot and humid weather and arrived to a rainy and cool 55 degrees. That is Montana for you.

We had a wonderful week spent making memories that will last us a lifetime and beyond. Thanks to all my family for making it awesome! Thanks for the many laughs, good food, card games, and all the wonderful experiences we got to share with everyone. I am blessed to have two wonderful families that I love.

Texas Part 3 - PARTY!!!!

2011-07-06T22:12:00.000-05:00

Prior to this trip, it has been SIX YEARS since Dear Hubby had been home and seen any of his family, and it was the first time for me to meet (in person) my new extended family. It is for this reason my sweet and amazing mother-in-law planned a family ~~party~~ event.

DH's brother, Brad, has a very nice large yard, complete with a pool and large covered patio, so the planning began and the extended family was invited and the food was ordered from a local caterer. MIL even invited my sister's family and my parents who were in town visiting also.

The day arrived, the food arrived (and boy was it good!), the family came, and the party began. There was eating and visiting and swimming and eating some more. It was a great time! My MIL went to a lot of trouble to create such a special party where fabulous memories were made. Thanks Mom!

Here are ~~a few~~ many photos that details the days events.

Aunt Karen, Cousin Valerie & Jeff

Enjoying the Yummy Food

Aunt Patsy, Uncle John, Aunt Sandy

My Mom and Mother-In-Law with Valerie (My Sis) in the middle

The Two Boys

Billy & Bradley

Nephew Austin

Family Togetherness!!

Techie Brothers

Brothers

Beautiful Ladies

Valerie (my sis), and Brenda in background

Cousin Valerie

Poolside Fun

Parker & Grandma in deep conversation

Love this Picture!

More Poolside Fun

Landon

The coolest boy ever!!

The party was great fun. I loved meeting everyone and can't wait to see them again sometime soon.

To my mother-in-law D'Ann, Billy & I can't tell you enough how thankful we are for all you did to get this party arranged and for the great food and fun that was provided. It really meant a lot to Billy and we both loved spending time with everyone. This day was one of the most memorable days on our trip. Thank You!! We Love you!

Texas Part 2 - Geo-Caches and a Temple

2011-06-28T00:34:00.000-05:00

The next part of our Texas trip consisted of taking Parker and Valerie on their very first Geo-Caching adventure. We explained to Parker that he needed to gather some items that he could trade for other items in the Geo-Cache's we find. So Parker put together a backpack full of all kinds of things to trade. He loved the idea of a treasure hunt and that he had to use stealth so non-muggles (people who don't Geo-cache) don't see us finding the location of the Geo-Caches.

This first stop was a Geo-Cache which was located in a park near Valerie's home. We got out our GPS' and the coordinates and began the search. When we got to the general location where we were within a few yards of the cache, we explained to Parker that we were looking for an Ammo Can that could be hidden under bushes, rocks trees etc. I may have had the GPS pointing the way, but Parker had the eyes. He found that cache like he had been doing it forever. He was so excited.

Here is a picture of Parker as he found his very first Geo-Cache. So Happy!

Valerie and Parker Enjoying Geo-Caching

On the way back to the car I saw this red cardinal. I had never seen a cardinal in real life and I was very excited to get such a great close up. I have always loved this bird, even though I have never lived in places where they live.

Seeing this bird brought back a memory from when I was in elementary school I had to do a report on a bird of my choice. I chose the cardinal. I don't remember much about the cardinal except that I had to do a bunch of research. Back then there were no computers and it required actually going to the library and looking at books and also the encyclopedia. I was also required to draw a picture of one. I remember the time I spent getting it just perfect. I also remember that I received an A on this report and I was so happy. Good memory!

Beautiful Cardinal

Now back to the Geo-Caching!

The second Geo-cache was located in a different park near a river bed. And again Parker was the first one to spot it. It happened to be located inside a hollowed out fallen tree. In this picture you can see part of the tree beside Parker. Parker is an excellent locator. He has great vision to spot things others can't find.

Parker's 2nd Geo-Cache

After this one we drove to Denton (about 30 minutes North) where we planned to locate two more Geo-Caches. This ended up being an interesting one because it ended up being on an LDS Church property. It was in a beautiful wooded type location but boy it was a hard one mostly because we had to traipse through thickets, burs and thorny bushes. Again, Parker found this one too, but he was not happy about all the thorns that was scratching us all up. He didn't understand why someone would make it so hard to get to. LOL. I realize now that I didn't take one picture, and the only reason I can think of is because it was such thick bushes and trees we were in that once we found it we just wanted to get out of there. Good memory though! And now I know where the LDS Church is in Denton, TX just in case I need to know that information in the future. Ha!

The next one is at a historical site in downtown Denton.

This one was at the Firefighters Memorial and Museum. In order to get the coordinates for this one you had to add the common names that was printed in the cement around the memorial and then add or subtract another number to it.

Unfortunately, we spent about an hour searching and searching and never did locate this cache. We found out later that others had not found it either. They have been doing some construction on the property so we are thinking that this cache had been removed. Parker did not want to give up, and was mad when we decided to give up.

Firefighter Memorial

This next picture is one of my favorites. It looks like Parker and Grandpa are in a deep discussion. Cute!

Dad and Parker taking a break

Love this!

Big Smile Parker!

Later that day we took a drive over to Dallas to see the Dallas LDS Temple and to visit the LDS Bookstore. For those that don't know what LDS means, it is an abbreviation for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

The next several pictures are ones taken on the temple grounds.

Dallas LDS Temple

My beautiful sister Valerie

Us!

My beautiful and funny mommy.

She might not be happy that I posted these pictures but I just had to.

Sorry Mom!

But you are a knockout!

*Am accepting bribes for removal of picture LOL

Us again!

Dear Hubby - Cool Picture

I love to see the Temple

I'm going here some day.

We had a really wonderful day! Really great memories were made. And I have created geo-cache monsters in Valerie and Parker. Parker called me the other day to tell me that they have found a total of 21 cache's since we have been there. Billy and I began two years ago and have only done 19. So within a two week time period they have surpassed me. Yup... they are Monsters!

If you haven't done any Geo-caching, don't know what it is, or want more information go here

God Bless Texas!

2011-06-23T01:10:00.000-05:00

I'm a little behind on my blog lately, but for good reason. Besides my school, which has been taking up every waking moment I am not at work, we went on a vacation to Texas. Dallas/Ft. Worth area to be exact.

All of Billy's family live there, as well as my little sister, Valerie. It was also Parker's (my nephew) baptism, and my parents would be there too. So we figured it was a good time to go.

We flew into DFW airport on Sunday, June 5th and Valerie picked us up. The plan was to stay with Valerie that first night and visit with her family and my parents.

For this post I am only detailing our first day there. I took many photos so please bear with me as I tell the story by the photos I post.

On Monday morning we got up bright and early, did a little shopping and then stopped by one of Valerie's and my parents favorite restaurant, The Prairie House, for lunch.

Billy, Me, Dad, Parker, Mom

Here is all of us (except Valerie who is playing photographer) in front of The Prairie House Restaurant. We had an excellent lunch of 1/2 price steak (the Monday special).

After lunch we drove into Ft. Worth to go to the Water Gardens and the Stock Yards. After living in a small rural town for so long I forgot what a city's skyline can look like, so I had to capture it.

Ft. Worth Skyline

Here is my cute sister, Valerie. I am so blessed to have such a fun, creative and talented sister in my life. She was the perfect hostess and I thank her for putting up with us during the week.

Valerie

When we left Bozeman it was maybe 55 degrees. When we got to Dallas it was around 100 degrees plus the humidity. So as you can imagine I just about died of heat and sweat this first day. I did acclimate to the temps pretty quickly after the first day. In fact I really began to enjoy the heat of the sun and the feeling of summer because we haven't even seen much of spring in Bozeman.

Parker - My cute nephew

This would be "cool" me in my new sunhat.

Moi

And here are the flags of the United States of America and of the United States of Texas!

The flags

Dear Hubby

The hubs and I

Two of my favorite ladies -

Valerie and Mom

And Parker being silly!

Parker

Just us again!

Ohhhh It's my beautiful mommy!

Mommy

And these are Cyprus trees. I have never seen them before. They grow interesting.

After the Water Gardens, we drove over to the Ft. Worth Stockyards to watch them drive a herd of Texas Long Horn cattle down the streets of town. While waiting, we shopped and I took a bunch of photos.

I just had to... sorry folks!

John & I

Again, I just had to because this one struck me as funny!

Rodeo Please!

Cow Boy and Girl

Live Stock Exchange Building

This is my favorite picture of the day. Grandma and Parker sitting on the curb waiting for the Long Horns.

Hmmm.. I wonder what they are talking about???

Here they come......

I don't know how they hold their heads up.

Those horns have got to be heavy!

And they are gone...

C'Ya!

After our trip into Ft. Worth, Valerie drove Billy and I over to his parents home where we stayed for a couple days. Thank you Valerie for the fun day we had today. What wonderful memories made.

The rest of my Texas trip will be posted soon so stay tuned for that plus some BIG news I need to share with ya'll!

I hope you are all having a wonderful start to your summer.