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I am 28. Of course I still need birthday candles.

2011-09-20T07:19:00.000-07:00

My birthday may have been Saturday, on which my dad cooked out for me and Mom made me apple pie, but that is certainly no reason to cease all celebration. So....I drug it out until last night, on which my sister made some of my favorite grub and I got to hang with some of the cutest cuties I know.

Yep, cute cowboys are one of God's greatest gifts to women. And I got to blow my candles

out with these two cowpokes.

Since my own is off doing whatever manly men do in the mountains with nothing but a tent, bow, and freeze-dried food. Hmmm, warm bed and apple pie? Yeah, I think I'll just stick around here.

We also made some spooky ghosts and pumpkins out of haybales.

And our puppies partied so hard they tuckered themselves out.

Laughter + Family = Happiness

2011-09-13T14:00:00.000-07:00

These are my Momma's Zenias in her garden. She gives me great props.

Geeeeez, it's been forever since I did one of these. I need to take time to sit my little booty down and write more. Afterall, I love to write (and it's not like I don't sit on my booty anyway) but still, sometimes I guess I don't want to sit and move my fingers at the same time. It's just exhausting.

But golly molly, a lot has happened since I last wrote. Katie and I BOTH got a dog. And we are NOT dog people. I mean if they smell good, don't shed, don't jump on me, and are well mannered, then ok, I will deal with a dog, but otherwise, I would rather not. Katie is the same. However, I got Moxie while in Canton (suprise hunny!) and I love her and miss her anytime I'm away from the house. She's so good though (so far). I actually did tell Brandon about her before I got home, just not before I baught her. I figured he could get over it.

Moxie is a boxer, Katie's dog, Partner, is a miniature Australian Shepherd from the Long boys. Yes, those 'oh so cute and sweet Long boys'. Seems they raise sweet and cute dogs too.

Ryder has agreed to babysit Moxie for me while I am at work next week and Brandon's elk hunting in Colorado. I am sure they will go on many great adventures.

As for the rest of our Canton trip, we had an 8 month pregnant lady, two little boys, and seven extremely creative and motivated women. So yes, it was exhausting and absolutely wonderful. We had a blast! (minus Jen's incredibly swollen feet the next day) But she was a good sport, as always. Mainly it was fun to just hang out with family. Laugh, hug, visit, and laugh some more. Just can't ever get enough of that.

We've taken some pics along the way, too. Katie's gotten to do some fun kiddos and I got to do the precious Petty family this past weekend (more of those pics to come). Coupled with babies coming in the pastures, farm tours, book signings, the farmer's market, and we've been some busy bees...... and loving it. We have a wedding in November, December and January, the fairs are starting up so we'll get to see some good steers and great friends, and before we blink twice the holidays will be here. But don't worry, I promise to write another blog before then.

Moxie

Riggs, Moxie & Aubrey

Riggs & Partner..... feeding buddies.

I'm not compaining, I'm just say'n....................

2011-08-22T09:04:00.001-07:00

My husband came back from a week of ‘meetings’ at some ranch in northern New Mexico, followed by a few days of scoping out hunting spots in the cool mountains of Colorado. He brought me back a shirt.

He was so super excited about my ‘surprise’ and how it was my favorite color (green) and had that hunting resort logo on it. I played along and made a big deal out of it. It was a nice shirt.

What I did not play along with, was the taste of freeze dried ice cream sandwiches. Brandon went on and on about how they tasted just like a regular ice cream sandwich. Well, they don’t. They are gross, and do not let any male convince you otherwise. Not everything that comes from Cabella’s is wonderful, and certainly not freeze dried ice cream sandwiches. I don’t even know what possessed him to buy one. I guess he was trying them out to maybe take hunting in Colorado. He would’ve been better off with a can of Vienne sausages.

The ice cream sandwich is just one of the many things he came home with in Cabella bags. And I don’t know how I can stress enough that I don’t think it makes a flying fish difference if arrows have two pink and one yellow fin or two yellow and one pink fin. However, this was debated upon for at least fifteen minutes in his head before he finally went with two green and one yellow. I’m sure it will make all the difference in the world.

I love that he has his hobbies and gets so wrapped up in them. My dining room has somehow turned into an archery shop, but whatever. We usually eat on the couch in front of the TV anyway. We tried that whole eating at the dining room table thing a couple times when we were first married, but I think it’s more cut out for more than two people. Conversation can be exhausting.

I’ve decided to just wait until after his bow hunting trip in September to try organizing his hunting gear so it’s a little less out in the open. I know, though, that it will only then turn into Texas whitetail and mule deer season. So I guess I’m really looking at setting my hopes for getting the Christmas stuff out and putting the hunting stuff up. Until then, my house will be the one with archery targets in the front yard. You can’t miss it.

This picture and the one above is from Rusty's field in Meadow.

I think Brandon has daydreams about them now.

The Help....

2011-08-10T19:22:00.000-07:00

My definition of a great movie is one that makes you laugh, cry, feel sad, feel happy, and leaves you walking away with a good, warm feeling in your heart. The Help is just that kind of movie. I wish I would’ve read the book, but of course, I didn’t. I’m sure it is even more amazing. Thankfully, though, for people like me who do not read as much as I should, they make good movies like this.

It was refreshing to flee the completely ridiculous and obnoxious reality shows that now consume television and enter into a screen of true reality. Although it was based decades ago, it hits home on the life lessons that ring true to this day, and everyday from now on. Where the main characters are not rich brats famous for their false looks and immaturity, but rather hard-working women with common sense and hearts of gold.

It tells of friendship, family and the importance of the truth, all that seem to be easily looked over by common day television, and unfortunately, many common day people. The main thing, however, is that this movie leaves you wanting to be good. Good to your momma, good to your friends, good to your waiter at Chili’s, good to the lady checking you out at Wal-Mart, just plain good in general. So go see it! It’ll do ya good.

What do you call that stuff? Rain?

2011-08-08T07:26:00.000-07:00

This is Brandon's pride and joy. You may notice that even after our engagement and

wedding photos, this remains his Facebook profile pic. I try not to take it personal.

You know when you are at the casino and you hear those bells ding, ding, dinging, and lights flashing and you cut your eyes over and think “Dang it, I knew I should’ve sat down at that machine instead of this piece of junk.” And you smile and clap like you are happy for that person when deep down inside you just wish it was you. Well, I was finally that center of envy.

I’m usually the one that sits with shaking hands as I feed $20 into a machine thinking of how many gallons of milk and boxes of fruity pebbles it could buy and choking back tears as I watch the number under ‘credits’ dwindle down to big fat 0. While my dad, on the other hand, laughs and jokes as he places green chips on the blackjack table like they were Monopoly money.

But, like I said, I finally hit a lick, and I scrame and bounced up and down in my seat, and it felt good. Real good.

Most of all though, we got to see RAIN. Like the real wet kind that falls out of the sky and actually covers the entire ground. Riggin didn’t know what to think of it. Pretty much the closest thing to that he’s ever seen has come out of a water sprinkler. And it smelt SO good. Couple that with 50 degree nights and it will make a person quit their good job and become a car-hop at Sonic just to live in Ruidoso, and don’t think it hasn’t crossed my mind.

But we did come back home, watching the temperature reading in the car go up number by number until it finally reached 104 and we realized we were home sweet home. I picked a tub full of squash hurried and started laundry because Brandon’s leaving this morning for a full week of meetings at some nice ranch in Raton, New Mexico, then on up to scope out hunting areas in Colorado. I know, he sucks.

So here I was ironing at 9 last night, thinking to myself how I should start a Facebook fan page titled “I hate ironing my husband’s fishing shirts,” when I see Brandon walk into the kitchen with all his backpacking hunting gear on. It reminded me of Ryder, when he gets in cowboy or pirate mode and must dress in full character. He walked back down the hall, then back outside, I have no clue, I guess he was just breaking it in. I didn’t even ask. Kinda like when I drove up the other day and there was a camping tent fully set up in our front yard. Or when the Fedex man kept showing up at my door last week with packages from places like Outdoor Outlet. Apparently Elk hunting requires more accessories than senior prom, so like I said, I’ve quit asking.

Cutie, Patuties........

2011-08-01T09:27:00.000-07:00

Calving season has begun, and oddly enough it seems as if a lot of our friends are ‘calving’ as well. Either way, cattle or kiddos, it is a season of long days, longer nights, and lots of cuteness. Kinda like the cutie above. Miss Braxie Sloan, little baby to proud parents Marti Kay and Bryan Albus. Pretty stink’n adorable, huh.

So whether it’s cute white-faced Herefords, brockle-faced crosses, or dark headed baby girls, you better believe our camera’s are about to get a work out.

These two are of Riggs, in his tiny days.

Annie, get your gun..........

2011-07-29T09:09:00.000-07:00

I was sitting on the back end of my car, hatch up, reading a Mary Englebriet Christmas book (weird, I know, but wishfully thinking about when the weather will cool off). I had two neon green poster boards taped to each side of my car screaming “Fresh Veggies”, and thinking to myself ‘at least I’ll get a good tan’.

I sold some squash to some guy going from Lamesa to Pecos and then had to go back to Odessa. We chatted about how hot and ugly it is. He thanked me and went on his way. Same thing with a man who had been working in Rankin and was headed up north of Lamesa. I sold a couple bucks worth and was starting to get hot which marks my ‘closing time’. Then Sherriff drove up and asked if I had my pistol with me.

The first thought I had was “Dang it, Brandon is going to give me the ‘I told you so’ lecture.”

I have this problem of being too trusting. I really don’t think of it as a problem at all, but apparently it is. According to the Sherriff and Brandon anyway, who both requested I be packing when selling my veggies. I suppose I live in this little world where everyone is nice and polite and raised by mommas and daddies that made them say please and thank you. Guess it isn’t so much that way anymore. Kinda sad.

I know when I was growing up no one locked their house and most certainly not their cars when they were at their house. Heck we never even took the keys out when we pulled up to someone’s front door. Now there are more water and oil trucks passing by our place than farm trucks, and you can pretty much multiply the traffic by 50 to what it was 10 years ago and get a rough current estimate.

So I guess I need to be a little more careful than carefree while I’m getting my tan and selling my squash. I’m still going to go about life thinking most everyone’s good hearted. Otherwise I think it would be pretty depressing. I’ll just take my blinders down a bit. However, I still don’t know about a pistol, but I’m a pretty dang good shot with a .22.

Now I’m going to tell a story about someone that is usually trustworthy, but she did set off security alarms and get pulled over by the cops the other night. My sister, who in high school none of this would’ve been too surprising but at 30 and two kids it is a little more out of the ordinary, got caught headed out of Brownfield after escaping from a farm chemical company’s parking lot.

Ok, so maybe it was a little more innocent than that sounded, but it still makes for a good story.

Rusty told Katie to pick up some chemical while she was in Brownfield getting groceries or something like that. Well, I don’t remember why but she didn’t get it that day but she told Rusty she was going back that night so he called the chemical company and they said they’d just leave it by the door out back and she could come by and get it whenever she could that night. See, some things are still done the old school way around small towns.

So Katie went to a River Sista party, which is altogether another story in itself, and around midnight on her way home she stopped to get Rusty’s chemical. She pulled up out back, went to the door and no chemical. However, she did manage to set off the alarm system which kicked on every light on the yard and blare out enough to wake up half of Terry County. Guess the chemical company dropped their blinders some too.

Katie jumped in her car and called Rusty, who was way more concerned about her not getting the chemical than tripping the security system. She asked what she needed to do and he told her to just come home, they knew she was coming and was supposed to leave the chemical so it’s their problem.

After debating it, she headed back to Day Ranch, only to see flashing red and blue lights in her rear view mirror. After getting questioned about knowing anything about the disruptance of the security system, she explained what happened and was allowed to go home. But I’m pretty sure she’s still on the Brownfield Police ‘watch list’.

Give it up and Roll with it

2011-07-18T15:12:00.000-07:00

This really isn’t written for anyone yet at the same time everyone. I am as guilty as can be about wanting to plan out every detail of my life, only to realize that I have no control over most of it which then drives me bananas. I am positive that I provide great comedic entertainment for God.

Brandon is always telling me to quit worrying about stuff, there’s no point in it and you can’t do anything about it anyway. He’s really good about just going with the flow and being in the same mood no matter what. I am not. I want to plan it, if it isn’t just how I want it then I want to fix it, and I usually want it all to be figured out RIGHT NOW.

I’m getting better about this (sometimes) and try to live out Brandon’s advice. I even bought a bracelet that says ‘let it be.’ I try to wear it as much as I can and actually follow it. I know stuff doesn’t always go as planned and how we want it, but usually it all falls into place in a pattern that is even more perfect than we had originally blue-printed out.

Life’s a mess and no matter how much we clean it is like my little old farm house, it will always continuously need dusting. Sometimes you just got to sit on the couch, watch Swamp People, and leave the dusting for another day. Just remember, even though there’s dust, you gotta still be thankful for all the nice things you have to get dusty.

So moral of the metaphors, enjoy life and all the curve balls it throws at ya. I agree, sometimes it sucks. But we wouldn’t appreciate how truly wonderful the wonderful things are if it didn’t.

Love & Marriage..............

2011-07-11T11:45:00.000-07:00

Well, we made it. 365 days and we are still happily married. Brandon and I spent the day working outside, doing a little laundry, ate lunch at Rosa’s, and went to Wal-Mart. It was extravagant.

To tell ya the truth, I actually wouldn’t have had it any other way. (Ok, so that’s kinda a lie. I wouldn’t mind being on a Jamaican Beach as I was this time last year). But still, I consider us to be pretty real, and you don’t get any realer than Wal-Mart.

Besides, we did have a pretty great little get-away last weekend and we got to spend our anniversary-eve celebrating the engagement of some great friends with lots of other great friends, and nothing puts you in a more lovable mood than being around ones in love. Plus Brandon got to fit some good calves Saturday, which always puts him in a good mood.

On top of that, our wedding cake (shout out here to Theresa Long, mother of those 'oh so cute!' Long boys, who baked it) was SO good! I sat it out of the freezer Saturday night and ate it for breakfast (and pretty much snacked on it all throughout the day) Sunday. There was a piece left when I left this morning, but I’m guessing it will be long gone by the time I get back home, whenever that will be.

I have an interview with a vegetable farmer in the LBK tomorrow so I’m staying with LuLu tonight, Katie’s taking bridal pics of the lovely Kalli Poole today, girls’ night party at Katie’s house tomorrow, Rusty’s 31^st birthday party (because remember, you never outgrow birthday parties in our family) Wednesday night, taking promotional pics of a bull in Post Thursday, and start our weekend of Glaze Family Reunion with a cookout at Mom & Dad’s Friday night. Whew, so jammed packed week and lots of picture taking opportunities. So keep in touch, there’s surely to be something on here soon to make you smile.

Now then, I would like to share two things with you. One is some bridal pics taken of the beautiful Mrs. Erica Gardner. The other is a short list of things I have learned in my little one year of marriage. I am sure all you more seasoned married ladies out there can expand upon it, and feel free to comment and do so. I’d love to hear what you have to say. I usually vent to my Momma about these things, especially when I was first getting adjusted to taking care of a man, most of which she simply replied, “Well, I hate to tell ya, sweetie, but it doesn’t get much better.” Great.

1) No matter where you set the dirty clothes hamper, his dirty clothes will always miss it by at least 6 inches.

2) Setting his dishes in the sink is considered to him “cleaning up the dishes.”

3) Although he drives right by a grocery store every day and I do not, it will never cross his mind that HE could stop and get that gallon of milk or Hershey’s syrup he so desperately must have.

4) No matter how many or how cute of coasters is on the end table of his side of the couch, his cup will never make it on it.

5) His socks will never be turned right side out when I fold them.

6) No matter how well I try to disguise them in nifty plastic containers, he will never eat off-brand Rice Crispies. (yes, I am a tight-wad. Ask anyone)

7) I will always take a jacket or blanket with us on road trips. Yes, it may be 106 outside, but it is 55 in the truck. And he will never get that.

8) No matter how much I complain about the expense or grossness, he is still going to chew tobacco. (this one I still have hope for)

9) When it comes to hunting, many accessories are needed and required.

10) And last but not least. He is always going to say whatever the heck is on his mind, because well, that’s just Brandon. And I love him.

Let's just GO.....

2011-07-05T08:05:00.000-07:00

Do you ever have those times when you are like “I just HAVE to get away”? Well, I do, and last week was one of them. I know Brandon just got back from a week long hiatus and was ready to stay home, but I really didn’t care at all. I knew no matter where we went it would be dry and hot, but once again, I really didn’t care. As long as it wasn’t the sandy bar ditches of Martin County, I was good with it. So we threw a bag in the truck Friday evening and headed to the hill country with no plan whatsoever.

I guess you can say it was for our 1st Anniversary since it looks like our real anniversary this weekend will be spent at a steer show, which isn’t all bad. Brandon told me on the way down that it is tradition for the husband to get the wife paper for their first anniversary. To which he was thinking a Hallmark card and I was thinking cash. We compromised and decided this little trip would be good enough and we’d count the hotel bill as the ‘paper.’

We stayed a night in San Antonio, ate at Salt Grass, went to the zoo (because yes, we are both a little nerdy), went to the Outlets in San Marcos, stayed a night in New Braunfels, shopped in Wimberly, went to Cabela’s in Buda, and mozied on home Sunday. It was pretty great and just what I needed.

The perfect little getaway was followed up by a fun 4^th of July with good steaks and homemade ice cream with our fabulous family at Pop and Gramma’s. It even rained a little, and we all had to go out and soak in the smell. It may've not lasted long but it did our souls good. We visited, laughed (mainly at LuLu), and of course there were plenty of hugs to fill your heart. That's one of my favorite parts of our family. You hug everyone when you get there and hug everyone when you leave. It's not like it's mandatory or anything, it's just what we do. Yeah, our trip away was needed and wonderful, but the best part about getting away is knowing you still have good stuff to come home to.

Our Fabulous Family

LuLu being silly and holding up Brandon in the food line.

"Hurry up woman I'm Hungry!"

Voted "Best Looking" in our family two years straight.

Me (no makeup, don't judge) and Riggs (before he discovered his love for food)

Uncle (Pain) Wayne getting his exercise.

We Love Lovers!!

2011-06-27T14:28:00.000-07:00

My husband is finally home! Or at least that’s what I’m told. I haven’t seen him with my own eyes due to me being gone these past three days, but supposedly he is there. I remember him having blue/green eyes, mega-long eyelashes and blondish-brown hair, so if there’s a guy in my house tonight that resembles this description, I’m going to assume it’s him (however if it is Mark Wahlberg, that will be fine too.)

He’s been gone since last Monday to a work meeting at lake Conroe. A resort on Lake Conroe, mind you. And since he was so close to home, he decided to go on down to his parents for some family time that somehow turned into a two day fishing trip on the coast with two of his best buddies. Funny how things work out.

So he’s staying at a resort, on a lake, where it rains, then fishing on the coast. I am at home, working, where it is 111 degrees and NOT raining. Yeah, I’m definitely getting something new out of this.

Just kidding!! (kind of) Truth is I’m super glad he got to spend time with his compadres and I am pretty freak’n ready to see him. If you see a black streak going down HWY 87 this evening, it will be me. Anyway, I did get a lot done this past week I needed to get my butt in gear and do. And most of all, I got to shoot an amazing wedding with my amazing sister that was full of amazing decorations and amazing people. Seriously, it was fit for a magazine.

The bride did an AMAZING (have I used that word already?) job on every little detail. Her cake was the most beautiful I have seen in person or magazine. Her brooch bouquet beat even the Queen, Miranda Lambert’s, and her bridal portraits she chose rocked!

Yesterday was a half-kidless-day at Katie and Rusty’s so we slept, went to church, slept, watched part of a movie, and then all the grandparents brought the kids back and, I am only guessing, went back home and slept. Evidently that is something that goes out the window in exchange for children. Note to self.

One of our fave peeps.

More pics to come!!!!

We love Weddings!!!

2011-06-22T13:55:00.000-07:00

My husband is gone to a meeting at a resort somewhere where it is raining and someone else is cooking his meals and making his bed (ok, so that last part isn’t much different for him than home). Anyway, the point is that he is at this nice place where it rains and I am at home waking up at 6am just so I can get stuff watered before it gets too hot. I know, unfair.

It hasn’t been too shabby, though. I did pick our first cherry tomatoes, cucumber and squash this morning. And it looks like we’ll have lots of stuff within the next couple weeks. On top of that, I got my book in yesterday and it looks great! Yes, I wrote and published a book. It is called ‘Agriculture on the High Plains of Texas’ and you can see it here: http://www.agricultureonthehighplainsoftexas.com/

That is my Mamaw Jack’s hands on the cover, pretty special, and I’m sure you all will know lots of people in the stories it contains. It is just stories and pictures of family agriculture businesses and operations. I love it.

We also went to watch Ryder and Blue Moon at the Borden County playday last night. It was fun, a nice evening with an actual COOL breeze, and a gorgeous sunset over the caprock.

I’ve gotten my next Competing for Profit written, newsletter designed, book marketing materials edited, brochures made, and the rest of the wedding pictures edited. Amazing how much you can get done when you don’t have a man to tend to. Just kidding, I’ll be glad to take him back.

Here are some more wedding pics, and we have another coming up this weekend, so…..wooohooo!!!

Where do I start........

2011-06-19T08:03:00.000-07:00

Holy moly, so I don’t even know where to start. We’ve been blow’n and go’n and I have gotten SO far behind on these blogs. I guess I’ll start with the BeAuTiFuL Mr. & Mrs. Begley. We had the privilege to shoot their wedding last weekend, and it was AMAZING!! Great people, great church, great reception, just all around GREAT!!

These are the beauties that got hitched..................

And their super cool cakes...........

And the cuties that were there............

And this is the gorgeous bride................

Later that week Ryder and Blue Moon went to their first playday (of what I imagine will be many)............................

And this is his first girl friend (of what I imagine to be many)...............

Also later that week, I mozied on down to Pecos to interview a rancher for my next story. It was 111 degrees, yeah, not cool (literally). He raises longhorn x corrientes crosses and sells lean, all natural beef at the Midland Farmer's Market, a couple booths down from me and mom. It was neat and works for him, think I'll stick to Herefords.

Visit them (and us!) any Saturday 9-12:00 in downtown Midland on Texas Avenue. But get there early!! The past two weekends we've sold out of the good stuff in an hour!

They sell jerky too, yummmm!!!

This past week we also had Mal Gal's 20th Birthday Party where I laughed harder than I've laughed in weeks. Those carzy ladies crack me up, and I am a true blue believer that laughter is the best medicine for anything. It just does the mind, body and soul good. It's one reason I keep Brandon around. He makes me laugh. It's also why we keep that 20 second clip when the camera accidently cut to the news lady on channel 9 morning news and she didn't know and drooled on her paper. Hilarious!!! I feel sorry for her, but not enough to delete it off our recordings. We just watch it every once in a while for a good chuckle. :)

The past two days we've been in Plainview at what was a pretty dang tough steer show. Katie judged steer showmanship, I baby sat, the guys fit calves, the boys got as dirty as possible, and we all had a great time. Saw good friends, got in some good visiting, and enjoyed every bit of it. Of course today I am soaking Brandon's jeans in Shout, watering my poor flowers and garden that think I forgot about them, and trying to remember where I put Dad's father's day gift before we go eat lunch with him, Mom, Gramma, Pop, aunts, uncles, cousins, the whole gang.

Next week Brandon's gone to South Texas for a meeting all week, Lubbock for me, Farmer's Market with Mom, and another beautiful couple's wedding Saturday! It'll be a blast and I can't wait. (and I'll try to be a little more on the ball with these blogs)

Our LuLu.....

2011-06-09T08:50:00.000-07:00

This is LuLu. She is pretty much amazing. Her heart is every bit as big as her hair, and if you ever need to find her, just look for a glowing light of bling.

LuLu and I have been through many road trips, boyfriends, and adventurous experiences together. We never exactly lived in the same house through college, but there were about as many days and nights we spent together as apart. We have yet to encounter a problem we could not solve by sitting on a couch, curled up under a blanket, sharing a two pound bag of animal crackers.

I informed Brandon early on in our relationship that when he got me, he got 3 women in his life. Me, my sister, and LuLu. Like it or not…..that was the deal. No negotiating. He seems to have accepted and adapted to us and our craziness well, and there is no doubt in my mind he wouldn’t jump over the moon for LuLu. Her drama and hilarious blondeness drives him up the wall, but he actually thrives on it and loves every minute of her just being our LuLu.

LuLu has spent a little over a year now in Ghettoville, and to say the least I selfishly hated it. She was way too far away to just hop in the car and be there in an instant when one of us needed to hash out our day. But although her journey took her miles and miles away from us, it also brought her miles upon miles of teaching and life experience. She has seen and heard things from fourth graders that I am sure I did not have a clue about until at least my freshman year in college. I really don’t know how she did it. After hearing her teaching stories, I am certain I would have ran screaming within the first week.

LuLu dealt with Ghettoville well, and although it has most certainly been tough in more ways than I have room to mention, she is a stronger, sweeter, smarter, more beautiful person because of it. The GOOD news is that LuLu will now be close to us again! She is going to be a Bronco and I am super excited because purple is one of my favorite colors! We have already scheduled weekly dates at Spoonfuls (because birthday cake yogurt makes any day better) and I have begun stocking up on animal crackers for those long couch conversations that will certainly be in our future. I hope everyone has a LuLu in their life. She just makes the world a happier place.

My favorite pic of us ever. Right before my wedding.

This was on Brandon and my first date. She's been with us all the way through :)

Thank Heaven for Ice Cream & Cake!!!

2011-06-06T13:13:00.000-07:00

Thank you so much for ice cream!!!

We had Riggin his very first birthday party (at Dee and Papa's house anyway.) We had it all, swimming, presents, family, and most importantly ice cream & cake!! I really don't think Riggs even noticed that other stuff.

He got tired waiting on us to sing so he started his song off....

......and we finally got that singing stuff over with and got to the important stuff......

...........and more of it......

.....have to say he gets his love for sweets honest. It's in the Glaze blood......

.....also, ice cream breaks were a must between presents.....

....each and every present........

Have your Cake, and Eat it too.......

2011-06-03T09:02:00.000-07:00

It was hot, nasty, windy just plain yucky yesterday evening……again. I am sure there are a hundred and one things Brandon and I could have worked on outside and in the house, but honestly, we just didn’t want to. So….we decided to drive up and see if the wind was calmer and weather cooler in Meadow. It wasn’t. But the good company made up for it.

We drove up and found Katie washing her lawn mower. Yes, big huge straw hat, old holy t-shirt, flip-flops, kid playing in the mud, scrubbing down her lawn mower. Like me and my rabbit hunting, she shares that Southern Woman Pride.

Brandon left with Rusty to do something with cows. Katie showed me her garden. Ryder drove around in his little ranger. And Riggs ate. And ate. And ate. I seriously cannot remember a time from when we got there until we left when he was actually full. He even went to sleep with a bottle in his mouth!

He ate some strawberry cake, orange, goldfish, sausage, carrots, cereal, popsicle, strawberry cake (I know I already mentioned it, but he was passionate enough about it to mention twice) He eats twice as much as Ryder, who must be strapped down and threatened to finish his plate. And if you have a plate of food, you automatically become Rigg’s best friend. He is pretty laid back and calm, but when it comes to food, patience is out the window and he will use full capacity of his lungs, just to let you know he is there and NEEDS food.

He has another birthday party at Dee and Poppa’s Sunday, and I am positive he could care less about presents, just give that boy some CAKE!!!

The one and only thing he hasn't liked, yellow flowers!!

The big ONE....

2011-06-01T09:37:00.000-07:00

365 days ago I was waiting on somewhere around the fourth floor of a Lubbock hospital. I had called the back couch in the corner and was doing my best to ignore the gaps between the three seats as I lay across them in an attempt to be comfortable. I remember Dad and Ricky flipping through the TV channels and making a comment that you can buy anything at 1:00 in the morning. Mom and Cindy visited, and I don’t remember for sure but I would think it’s safe to say Mom had whipped out her stitching or knitting to pass the time.

Then, much like the first time, Rusty nonchalantly walked in, hands in his pockets, and said, “Well, he’s here.” I bet we hadn’t been there thirty-minutes! We went in to see the healthy Momma and baby and I can remember thinking he was SO tiny. Right over 6 pounds and perfect.

That little skinny baby has come a long way in his one year of life. He attended his first steer show at two weeks old, walked down the aisle of my wedding, toughed out the coldest Fort Worth I can remember, and most importantly, has learned several defense techniques to survive and keep up with his big brother.

I can’t wait to watch Riggin grow and his personality come out more. While they have their similarities, he and Ryder are already really different in many ways. No doubt he is his own little man, and I’m pretty sure those wrestling matches Ryder starts today may be finished by Riggs later on. Even at one he is tough and holds his own. He has a ‘bring it on’ attitude and his older brother has an endless imagination. No doubt they will get into mischief and cause their momma and daddy some trouble, providing great entertainment for us.

So here’s to you, Riggs. Happy Birthday, we love ya!!!!

Farm Chicks.....

2011-05-31T19:16:00.000-07:00

Mom and I finally had a free Saturday and a few veggies ready to do what she has been wanting to do for years, have a booth at the farmer's market. We picked the veggies, loaded up her Tahoe, and off we went to sell our goodies. We were hoping to not have to carry a bunch back home and pawning off lettuce and carrotts to everyone we know. That, however, was no worry.

The farmer's market starts at 9:00am. Mom went to get a few more small bills and change for our little cash bag, just in case. She got back at about 9:10, and I had sold ALL the squash and zuchini and about all of the lettuce and carrots, which were gone by 9:30. The only thing that took until 11:30 to sell out of were the beets, and tons of people stopped by and said they'd never even tasted a beet (which is why we are going to have a little tasting bowl of it next time). We were so excited and fired up now.

We came home and Mom started watering and I planted more squash at my house. We had the best time visiting with people and were busy little bees bundling and packaging all the veggies up as people stood in line to purchase our goodies. It feels good to be in such high demand. :)

Momma at our booth, after we sold out of almost everything.

My bell pepper, I couldn't save them from the wind in our garden so I decided to baby them in pots.

Yes, he is useful.

Our Cherry Tomatoes!! I'm so excited about these. EVERYONE that came to

our booth wanted tomatoes. They're going to be our cash crop :)

Ryder and I ate a honeydew melon the other day and planted the seeds out of it.

We weren't exactly consistant, but hey, they came up so I'm thrilled!

I will be babying these......

.......and these.

And after a great morning we got to top it off with some cuties and a great evening!

And now for part two of my story. I came to the decision to get rid of the rabbits yesterday and the above contraption just wasn't doing the trick. Usually the coyotes do our rabbit hunting for us, but since they are laying down on the job it came to taking manners into my own hands. My mom gave me a shirt not too long ago that says "Raised with Good 'Ole Southern Values. Shoot it, Stuff it, or Marry it."

So I did what any classy southern woman would do. I put on my flipflops and best straw hat, grabbed my .22 and went rabbit hunting....in my front yard. I hated to get rid of those rabbits, but I had spent way too much time and money on my flowers and garden to have them eating my blooms and digging holes in my mulch. And let's just say I am a pretty good aim.

Evidently my geraniums were Sunday brunch.

Dang bugs seem to like my pretty flowers too. Guess I'll have to get my spray gun after them.

Bad Bugs......

2011-05-24T09:42:00.000-07:00

Brandon and I had a pretty good little parent test this past week. Not one I wish to re-experience anytime soon (or ever again), but it happened, it is over (well, for us anyway), and I think we passed with flying colors.

We kept Ryder the other night. Did the usual of playing outside, he helped me water my garden and flowers, watched some Iron Man, that type stuff. He fell asleep on the couch, Brandon carried him to bed, and then….. it hit.

I won’t go into the gory details (just in case your reaction is like my husband’s) but let’s just say the bathroom, sheets and quilt on both our bed and the guest bed, several blankets, couch, and most of the floor in our room got to be unexpectedly deep cleaned. That’s right, 12 times. How that little 3-foot-tall munchkin had enough in him for 12 times I will never know, but he made it through.

I have to say I was proud of Brandon. Although he kept his distance (I found him on the living room floor in his sleeping bag as I was putting the second set of sheets in the washer about 1:00am), and although he didn’t actually clean any of it up (heaven forbid), he DID bring me a roll of paper towels and went to the store to get some Sprite (unfortunately our little country store, Denise’s, didn’t have Pedialite. Go figure.)

After about 24 hours Ryder man was back to 100mph, but…… I got it. And about 5 hours later, Brandon got it…..and about 5 hours later, Mom got it…….and about 5 hours later, Riggin got it.

Last night was my Monday in Meadow and about 8:00pm Katie said she was getting a headache and feeling yucky, and…….yap, Katie got it. Rusty’s response was much like Brandon’s. I found him on the living room couch this morning. Can’t blame him. It is a mean little bug, so if you see it coming your way, turn around and run. Fast.

Just roll with it......

2011-05-19T10:15:00.000-07:00

So this is what my husband showed up with late last night. It is a car. Oh, I’m sorry. A “Race Car”. Apparently there is a big difference there.

If the first thing that popped in your mind was. “Why?” Then welcome to my world. And did he call his wife before making this little purchase. Uhmm…..no. Not at all. Just woke up to it parked in my drive way this morning.

I realize he got bored last weekend and talked about how he needed a project to work on, but I didn’t think he would take such drastic action. He is so super excited about it that I can’t help but be happy for him. (Plus I kinda spent a lot on a new camera a few days ago.)

Anyway, I guess I'll just roll with it and we'll be race car people now. Or at least for however long this little phase lasts. It is like an 80’s or early 90’s Mustang. I really don’t know, but anyway, I told my sister I’m going to get me some hot pink leg warmers and colorful hair scrunchies so I look the part when riding in it. Actually it isn’t even street legal, so you probably won’t see us cruising around Sonic.

My cousin LuLu is thinking she will paint it zebra striped and turquoise this summer. We’ll see how well that flies with Brandon. As you can see it needs some glaming up though, and if there is one thing LuLu knows, it is how to bling out.

So anyway, this is our new car. Yay.

Thursday School..........

2011-05-16T11:37:00.000-07:00

If you’re from Terry County or a neighboring town, the words “Thursday School” will bring a smile to your face. And not just because it gives you 2 ½ hour vacation, er, departure from your 3 or 4-year old. Thursday School has such a history, legacy, and prideful accomplishment to all those who have attended or helped teach it. Held at the Brownfield Church of Christ, Thursday School teaches little ones simple colors, simple math, and simple manners. All of which are needed, in no particular order, as they will embark on more demanding schooling in the coming years. My kid, the older one whom we call several names, but registered in Thursday School as “Ryder Day”, graduated last Thursday. He was the second generation in our family to do so, as Rusty was one of the first classes almost 30 years ago. During graduation last week, Bob Reynolds, whose name will also bring a smile to your face, asked how many people in the audience attended Thursday School when they were younger. Half the congregation, uh, crowd I mean, stood up. It was so cool. It was great that so many people who had been through the program still live in the area, and have so much appreciation for what it teaches & represents that they wanted their kids to experience it as well.

Ryder made several new friends…and several acquaintances whose mother’s will caution away from him down the road, no doubt. He brought home a paper sack full of crafts & activities each week, and I was amazed at the detail and attention paid to every little deed. Those ladies have it going on. I can barely keep him responsive through a meal. Throughout the year I saw him grow & change, and I want to thank all of those involved with the Thursday School program, and all those who take the time each week to bring their little one to Brownfield. We’re so lucky to have individuals who volunteer their time & talents to our kids. They don’t get paid with anything besides a hug, but to them a hug from a 3-year old is plenty.

At the end of graduation day, well, it was just the end of another day. He’s four, remember? But I have no doubt he’ll look back with fondness, just like his dad and the hundreds of kids over the past 30 years, and the words “Thursday School” will bring a smile to his face.

T-ball's Top Ten..............

2011-05-10T12:23:00.000-07:00

My Monday night in Meadow this week meant T-ball night. It may only be my second game to attend, but there are a few things I have already learned.........................

#1 - You must have an abundant supply of goldfish and cheerios on hand.

#2 - First base must always be slid into. Always.

#3 - Even if you did not see it. Lie and say you did. Because you will be asked.

#4 - Everything tastes better with a little dirt on it.

#5 - There is a definate signal that goes off when you run out of goldfish/cheerios.

#6 - Every now and then the athletic ability looks promising.

#7 - And......sometimes not so much.

#8 - It may just not seem worth the effort.

# 9 - But then you will be reminded by your (mega-competitive) mother,

it is ALWAYS worth the effort.

#10 - Everyone is happier when Pappa is around. This actually applies to all situations. Not just T-ball.

Marvelous Mommas

2011-05-09T11:16:00.000-07:00

I got to celebrate Mother’s Day with some amazing women this weekend. I went with my super special Momma to pick up her super special Momma and then her super special Momma. That’s right, four generations of us chatting and laughing over blueberry pancakes.

After breakfast, we did some shopping at the Farmer’s Market where Mom is going to rock this summer with all her produce, flowers, eggs, and so much more. Her mind overflowed with ideas as she scoped out the booths. So if you’re in Midland this summer check her out downtown. Once her garden starts making, she’ll be giving HEB a run for their money.

Sunday we got to celebrate with Dad’s super special Momma and her super special Momma. We met up after church at the same Mexican food restaurant we’ve been going to for several years now, and the sweet lady that owns it brought Mamaw a long stem rose. We had two huge tables full of family, with Mamaw, the cause of all of us, sitting at the head.

Lots of wonderful Momma’s in my family. Pretty sure they rock my world.

Smoke'n Seniors..........

2011-05-06T12:23:00.000-07:00

Last night we went and watched a nail-biting, edge of your seat, thrilling T-ball game. I tell you, if they would just move first base to the pitcher’s mound, then the Raptors would be some kind of good. Not that they didn’t eventually find first base, each just had to run straight towards the pitcher after batting and before swaying back over towards first. And sliding seems to be a necessity. Even if the ball is over by third and being dog-piled by eight four-year-olds….you better still slide into first, just to be safe.

I’m telling you… if you need a smile, just go to a T-ball game.

Ryder did hit two homeruns! Ok, so maybe he was just last in the line-up to bat and got to run the bases out, but same thing. Riggin wasn’t that into T-ball. We wouldn’t let him eat any of the dirt, he couldn’t get on the other side of the chain link fence, and any food on the ground was apparently not allowed to go in his mouth. Yah, he couldn’t grasp how any of it was ‘fun’.

What has been fun, however, is me and Katie getting to photograph some amazing Seniors. From cows to trucks, to tractors and bright colors, we tried to capture their personalities with every shot. As I said, they are all amazing, so hopefully we caught a little of that as well.

Here we go again.....

2011-05-05T11:08:00.000-07:00

So it has been another whirlwind week, which is awesome. We had some friends from around Houston up for the weekend. Went to a cow sale, watched the sand blow, and had an awesome chef at the Japanese steak house. That really makes all the difference in the world. You know, the chef. I mean if they can crack jokes without cracking that egg spinning on their spatula, then go ahead and double the tip. Believe me, you’ll know it’s worth it if you ever have the unfortunate luck of experiencing one that’s a dud.

At the cow sale we saw some good friends, great cows, and didn’t buy anything that couldn’t fit in a semen tank. We were in my car, so that’s about all we could handle. Got a good visit in anyway. Probably the best way to visit is on a road trip. No distractions and close confinement, made for a good time.

My sister, you know, the one with those cutie pies, did have to rub it in my face that she was close enough to Miranda Lambert to smell her perfume. After several picture texts I turned my phone off. Plus she was at the concert with some of the most amazing and fun women in the world. Ok, enough about that. I am turning green.

Speaking of green. Let’s hope my thumb is a little more that shade than it was last year. Brandon got my Pop’s tiller running and tilled me up a garden which we got situated Tuesday night when I got in from Lubbock. Corn, bell peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, cantaloupe, watermelon. Yum, yum!! Let’s just hope it comes up and the little bunny rabbits I have been enjoying in my yard and all around our place stay out. I got my 22 from Dad last night just in case they don’t……… and I just realized how red-neck I sound, so I’ll stop now.

(our little garden, and no, Brandon did not till all that up in the back, in case you have

never met Brandon and thought he might have)

By the way, I did get my Monday night with my favorite boys and sis in there somewhere. We went on an adventure that started out with Riggin riding in the wagon and Ryder leading the way, and ended with me carrying Riggin and pulling Ryder in the wagon full of treasures. Next time we may not veer to such far off lands as the bull pens.

Dirty and snotty nosed. Do little boys come any other way?

Not sure what these are called exactly, but apparently they are the coolest things ever.
And we made it all the way to the next morning without losing any of them.

Ohhh...Those Cowboys.......

2011-04-26T11:38:00.000-07:00

I realize it has been forever since I put anything on here, but what can I say, I am just a little flaky like that. I don’t intentionally mean to be, but it just sometimes happens. My family takes joy in comparing me to Pheobe, on Friends. If you don’t remember Friends then start watching reruns on TBS immediately. Promise, you’ll laugh.

Anyway, for the past two weeks we’ve been hosting family, traveling to see family, going to family weddings, doing holiday stuff with family. In a word “family’n”. It is just something we do, like watching reruns of Friends.

We’ve been to Houston and back, watching the wind blow all the way. We’ve hunted a few Easter eggs, cooked out, and watched Riggs walk like a pro. We even took Brandon’s family to Hobbs to do a little gambling, and guess what, we ran into my Pop. You remember the one that needed his oil check so bad so he could gamble? Yeah, that one.

So I spent an hour playing Black Jack and won $100 bucks. Pop ordered his food, went and played a slot machine while he was waiting for it to come out, and won $800. His turn around rate is a little better than mine.

Actually, I won a $100 and Brandon lost $100, so we just broke even. Funny how that happens.

This week we are back in good ole’ West Texas, where the wind blows and the sky’s brown. At least that seems to be the scene the past few weeks. Despite the yuckiness, a handsome cowboy bared with me yesterday while we shot his senior pictures. He was a great sport, polite, good look’n, sweet as can be, just one of those guys that you want your own kiddos to be like some day.

He even had a horse. And what takes better pictures than a handsome guy and pretty horse? Yeah, I can’t think of anything either.

Party like Pirates.....

2011-04-12T14:42:00.000-07:00

So Ryder docked the 3-year-old ship and set out for 4-year-old waters, in complete pirate style.

If there is anything Katie can do, it is throw a party. Whether it be my bachelorette party, which thanks to her and some amazing friends rocked, or a kid’s birthday party, she can make it over the top, fabulous.

We had shrimp, fish and chips, pirate cake, and a treasure chest full of mud pudding and doubloons. Lots of family and friends, some pirate flags and good presents, and we had ourselves a par-tay. Plus, it was LuLu's fourth birthday too (just add a 2 in front), so we got to double up on the celebrating!

The good times got cut short for Rusty and Brandon, although they did stay out all night like rock stars. Unfortunately it was spent fighting the fire. Burned a couple of sections on Day Ranch, but was more than 15 miles long all-in-all. Not cool, literally and metaphorically.

Our guys got in a little before 4:00am Sunday morning and said all the cattle, barns and such were fine, but it still throws a kink in where stuff will be moved once the wheat is ate down, which is in less than a month. As Rusty says…..always someth’n.

Coolest pirates ever.

Forget presents, we have bubble wrap!!

Riggs had to check out big brother's loot.

LuLu's side of the cake.

Ryder's side.

The grub.

The books became way cooler at bed time.

Bestest present ever.

Night With My Boys.....

2011-04-08T10:01:00.000-07:00

Yesterday evening, for his birthday and in an attempt to be the cool aunt and uncle we strive to be, Brandon and I picked Ryder man up and took him for a night out on the town. I have to admit we were as excited as he was and had just as much fun.

We went to Main Event in Lubbock, somewhere he had never been, and I am pretty sure will need to go back to almost every time his momma heads out of town and passes the big blue building. We started out bowling, which he thought was cool just because he got to wear special shoes and use a green ball, his favorite color. That alone made it an amazing game. We bought 30 minutes worth, not sure how long the attention span would last, and surprisingly it last up to only 3 minutes left, with the help of them turning off the lights, on the black lights and lighting up spiders all over the floor. That was pretty cool.

The kid was pretty dang good, and improved. We went from his ball going down the alley at a whopping 2 mph to 4 mph. Be looking for him on ESPN, which is what his dad has always dreamed of, maybe just not for bowling. Anyway, besides the shoes and green ball, I think the ball machine was the coolest part of the game. The way that ball goes from knocking down pins to popping out of that machine, well it is simply a miracle.

We moved from bowling to laser tag, but had our bubble popped by the “higher than thee” employee who informed us that Ryder was not tall enough. To which Ryder put his hand on his head and said “But I am this tall.” I guess that little voice and face didn’t melt Mr. Laser Tag Official’s heart like it does mine because he informed us there are NO exceptions. Seriously, dude, we were the ONLY people in the entire place. Pretty sure Ryder was not in major danger with just the 3 of us in there. Good golly.

We settled with some games of skeet ball, motorcycle and race car driving, and pounding the snot out of some little somethings that popped up out of holes. Not laser tag, but it worked.

We went from there to Cracker Barrel, where the kid ate anything we could put butter on and two bites of his actual meal. But yes, we did still go to Marble Slab for ice cream. What the heck, it is his birthday and we are the cool aunt and uncle.

The highlight of the night. After bowling, games, ice cream, and everything in-between. The amazing, unbelievable $4 dagger Brandon bought him at Cracker Barrel while I waited for our ticket. The blade pushes into the handle when you pretend stab someone. Yes, it is magic.

He is in love with his dagger, which makes us in love with it too. He went on and on about it all the way home and had to show it to his momma and daddy like it was a golden egg. Cracks me up. It truly is the simple things. I wouldn’t give a million bucks for my night out with my boys. And it ended with some quality time, all of us visiting in Katie’s living room, some sweet sugars and smiles from Riggin, and laughing at Ryder, well, just being Ryder. Happy Birthday, Happy Day, Happy Life, all the way around.

I took these with my phone so they aren't great. Sorry.

This is how he watched his ball roll down. Everytime :)

Sunny Sunday Morn

2011-04-07T11:04:00.000-07:00

So this photo shoot was comparable to an action movie adventure, to which if is ever made into a movie, I envision myself being played by Angelina Jolie. We went off roading, got chased by cops, and almost got shot at. Ok, so maybe it wasn’t quiet that dramatic or movie worthy, but at least it made for an out-of-the-ordinary Sunday morning.

It began by us doing as all classy people do, we met in the Wal-Mart parking lot. From there, we went to an old, shut down garage, the park, and some random field. It was while we were at the park that a cop car pulled up next to mine and began its stakeout. He eyeballed us as we took some pics by the trees and picnic table, and I guess finally decided we were not, in fact, a front for some drug smuggling deal and finally slowly drove off.

From there we went down a sandy county road on the out-skirts of town and took some awesome pics in this random field. I suppose we may have been trespassing by about ten feet, but I think it is hardly enough for legal concerns. Besides, it is CRP grass, are we really gonna hurt it? Really?

Anyways, some pick-up, to which I am sure was an oilfield guy lost and looking for his location, and to which Sam was sure was the landowner with a shotgun loaded and ready to fire our way, stopped on the side of the road not too far from where they were posing and I was snapping away. I still think my presumption was correct, as is the usual, because like the cop car, the pickup drove off before we were done. Or at least before I was done. I am pretty sure Sam was done somewhere around the Wal-Mart parking lot.

Just kidding. As guys go, he was a pretty good sport. He was kinda a baby about the sun being in his eyes and having to lay down in the grass. But that’s to be expected, and Jurahee and I made sure to not cut him any slack. He did whatever she wanted, as it should be, which won my approval for him marrying one of my bestest and oldest girlfriends.

As long as he has down that “Yes, baby, whatever you want,” he’s alright in my book J

I just thought this sign was funny :)

Poor Sam, yes the sun is shining. It is daytime. Get over it.

I just love this one :)

Four....forever

2011-04-06T09:32:00.000-07:00

Today Ryder turns four. I can’t hardly believe it. Less than five years ago Ryder and Riggin were not even in our lives, and I already cannot imagine our days without them. It must have been so boring.

In his four years of life Ryder has already been in a Ft. Worth Grand Champion picture, a Champion Hereford picture at Fort Worth, several other major show champion pictures, has made the cover of a magazine, and has developed a relationship with his horse (Blue Moon) that any cowboy will tell you is like finding your true love.

So that has happened in four years, and I can’t wait to see what happens in just a couple more. I’m sure he will get to be in other Champion pictures, moving from holding the banner to holding the steer. He may move from the cover of the magazine to the inside result pages. And no doubt, there will be some tears and lessons learned when he has to slip the halter off and say good bye.

He will have to learn to win with grace and lose with even more. And if he ever has to make that lap around the ring and out the gate, he’ll just have to take it for what it is and remember there is another show with another judge.

But all that is in the years to come. Today he is four, and he’s going to ride his new bike, ride Blue Moon, be a good big brother to Riggs, and eat some cake. After all, that’s what makes being four so sweet. No worries about tomorrow and just joys of today. Think I’ll try being four as well J

Pretty Faces & Happy Places

2011-04-01T10:42:00.000-07:00

Remember those beautiful people I told you about earlier. The ones with gorgeous smiles and a gorgeous baby. Well I finally got a break from thinking, writing, and looking at cotton long enough to stare at these pretty faces for a while. It was a much needed break and made my heart happy. Not that cotton doesn’t make my heart happy, but still, sometimes it is just funner to look at smiling faces and cute babies like these.

(Yes, this is an old feeder. But how cool is its color!)

(See, the wind was blowing. No lie. Blowing HARD!)

Promise I did NOT add that sparkle in, just a gorgeous ring and good angle :)

After looking at beautiful people, I get to top off the week by going and looking at MORE beautiful people doing something that also makes my heart happy. These two love birds, who Katie and I had the pleasure of shooting engagements for, are finally tying the knot! They are the sweetest people ever and I know they will have the best happily ever after story there is.

Brandon thinks the world of Chance (as we all do) and gets to escort pretty ladies down the aisle at their wedding tomorrow. We are headed up to Cotton Center today for rehearsal & dinner, staying with Katie, Rusty and the boys tonight, and then we are all head back up tomorrow for the big ceremony. After spending the night in Meadow Saturday, I get to photograph some engagements of another great and beautiful friend Sunday.

Time with my husband, Katie, Rusty and the boys. A fun wedding for some wonderful friends. Pics of more beautiful people. Sounds like a pretty amazing weekend to me! Bring it on!!

His and Hers Fun............

2011-03-26T19:00:00.000-07:00

My husband got home at four o’clock this morning. He just left again to be out all night. Suppose I should be suspicious, but I am really just glad I get to work on my computer and watch chick flicks without any complaining.

Brandon is actually just being a boy. Riding around with other boys trying to see who can shoot the most stuff. (total opposite of chick flick) I don't mind and to tell the truth I didn't care that much about it, until I found out how much money they had tied up in this little shinanigan. Now I am way more interested, and let’s just say he better tear up some coyotes. Otherwise, I may get a new pair of boots and he can’t say jack. Just kidding…….kind of.

While Brandon was catching up on his zzzz’s, I got to have a little fun of my own this morning. I took some gorgeous pictures of a gorgeous family. You know, some of those people who are just so photogenic it’s crazy. And total troopers. The wind was blowing, we were tromping through grass and old junk, and they were totally cool with all of it. So amazing and fun. Plus they had a cute, sweet baby. And who doesn’t love cute, sweet babies? Pics coming soon :)

Sunsets, just remember the sunsets...........

2011-03-22T13:27:00.000-07:00

(this will forever be one of my fave Day Ranch pics)

I had this strange urge to go outside with an umbrella today and just see how far the wind would take me. I then realized that I’m not totally sure I even own an umbrella, and if I do, I am certain it is collecting dust (as everything else in West Texas is doing today).

Rather than getting frustrated with the brown sky and dreading my drive home through 100 miles of blowing cotton fields, I am going to look forward to what always comes with a nice West Texas sand storm…… a beautiful sunset.

They are like God’s way of saying, “Bless your sweet little heart for living out here.”

The sunsets are one of my favorite things about living in West Texas, and they always make the most gorgeous pictures. I kick myself in the tush every time there is a pretty one and I don’t have my camera with me. If I can capture those purple, pink and orange skies through a lens, then maybe I can relay why West Texas has captured my heart.

So perk up, all my West Texas amigos. I know today is a cruddy one, but look forward to the view to come.

Gotta Love a Pretty Sunset

(I took this one and the one below while pic-nicking in the pasture for Katie's birthday. Priceless, pic-nicking with her, mom, and the boys, with a few cows and babies, and a gorgeous sunset. Best birthday party ever.)

(These 2 love birds will be getting married next weekend. Woohoo!)

(Took these of my neighbor this past fall. Pretty sure his hands thought I was some kind of crazy)

Sunday, Funday.....

2011-03-21T10:59:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was about as good as it gets. Since Brandon and I are still “just us,” we take every opportunity available to do whatever the heck we feel like doing. Yesterday, that was jumping in the truck and heading north to see some of our favorite people.

We shot over to Mom and Dad’s first to feed the bulls, check calves, make sure all the cows in each pasture had water and hay, watered Mom’s flowers, and most importantly stole their Sunday paper (Don’t worry, Brandon is supposed to return it today. We aren’t total thieves).

Anyway, we took our nice little Sunday drive up 829 and ended up at Day Show Cattle. I was greeted by my favorite, running scream of “Yayyyyyyyyyyy, Sam. Momma! Sam’s here!!!” That never gets old.

Unfortunately, my excited greeting woke Riggin up from his nap which resulted in a bust’n for big brother. Recovery was quick (he is getting lots of practice here lately), and after an apology, some goodbye sugars to LuLu (who had to head back to that strange land they call College Station, bless her heart), and we were good to go again.

We spent the afternoon searching for buried treasure, hunting bears, and ended up with a popsicle course (haven’t quiet got that word ‘obstacle’ down yet). Man do I wish I had the energy of a 4-year-old. It is never ending. It is like a DVD stuck on fast forward and re-play all at once. Even Riggs was like “Dude, just chill and eat some animal crackers like me.”

I see a lot of Katie and I in Ryder and Riggin. Ryder is feisty, loud, has a temper, and will cheat if necessary. Riggs is chilled, laid back, doesn’t get too worked up over much, and just watches and takes everything in. I’ll let you guess who is who in this little scenario.

Ryder does say the funniest stuff though. Like the other night when he wanted to get on the couch with our cousin LuLu. She said “come cuddle with me”. Ryder asked what cuddle was and she said it is like snuggle. To which Ryder said “Oh, Momma, cuddle is snuggle in Spanish.” Serious as can be.

As for our men above single digit age, they did as they always do. Got to talking about cattle, looking at cattle, fantasizing over cattle, and lost all since of time. I realize in the clipping room you cannot tell if it is day or night, a little like Vegas, but seriously there is a clock in there.

So we stayed until dark, which isn’t any big deal cause as I said it is “just us” and we didn’t have anything major to do at home anyway. Plus it gave me some more quality time with the munchkins and my sistorita. And, yes, it also gave me time to eat some of her fabulous leftovers, which ranks in at the top of my “10 favorite things list”. This such occasion was beef and chicken fajitas with some amazing beans. Amazing.

Today is Monday, which means my night at the Days Inn and I am sure some more pirate stories and such for you all tomorrow (and fabulous leftovers for me tonight!)

Beware of Pirates......

2011-03-15T11:13:00.000-07:00

This is Captain Hook (formally known as Ryder.) While he still insists on being in full cowboy attire when riding Blue Moon (wranglers, pearl snap, cowboy hat, boots, and chaps), his latest fascination is with pirates, and like his John Wayne moments, he insists on being in complete costume.

We get to walk the plank, look for buried treasure, and hunt crocodiles when we’re pirates. And although he never seemed to understand he was in grave danger, we actually have saved Riggin from a many of crocodile.

Rusty and Brandon thought the Pirate costume was pretty cool, until they noticed the earring. I was wondering which would mention it first, and like men do, they didn’t even notice it for at least an hour or two. We were eating supper at the table when Rusty finally said “What the heck is that? That ain’t going to work.”

This made Brandon pry his attention away from his steak and die laughing, asking, “Who the heck came up with that? Get that outta your ear, boy.”

They just don’t get it. Pirates are mean, manly characters, and yes, they wear an earring. Get over it.

After they tried getting him to put the little plastic, gold ring in his nose like a bucking bull, we gave up the pirate get-up and went back to being crazy Ryder.

Before I forget to mention, I would like to take this opportunity to let all of you know those two manly men who got freaked out by a plastic clip-on earring sat and watched The Bachelor for two hours. And do NOT let them tell you Kalli made them do it, because they were way more into it than they’ll ever admit. And of course, they both picked the blonde.

Little house in the sand.....

2011-03-13T15:56:00.000-07:00

This is Brandon and my little house. It is pretty great for a starting out place. We rent it from a nice farmer who lets us do pretty much whatever we want with it. So….. I’ve painted the dining room red, office purple, living room light tan with a gold glaze, and guest bedroom two shades of brown. It is a much happier place now.

This weekend was Spring Cleaning time at our little rock house. Trimmed the crazy ivy, cleaned flower beds, scrubbed the bathroom down, and vacuumed the windowsills (actually that is about a twice a week routine here lately). I am in love with our big windows, and so seems to be the sand from every cotton field in the county. I understand for an old farm house sitting in the middle of dryland cotton country I can't expect too much, but oh golly am I getting broke back into good ole' Tarzan, TX.

Anyway, besides sucking up sand, we also used our nifty vacuum sealer and put up Brandon’s Axis meat.

This is one area where Brandon is a lot like my Pop. We always joke about Pop bringing home bushels of pears, apricots or peaches. He gets started making jelly, gets bored, starts watching westerns, and Gramma gets to finish the jelly making AND clean up the mess.

Thankfully, Brandon’s attention span at least made it through cutting up all the meat, but I suppose he thought the bloody mess would clean up itself, much like those lovely messes he makes when whipping up pancakes. Thankfully I got it all bleached down and scrubbed pretty quick, and I’ll have to say he did wash out his cooler it all was in.

We even had a clean sheet night. Is there anything better than sleeping in clean sheets with the windows open? (other than having to get out of them the next morning)

Mr. Riggin......

2011-03-11T19:16:00.000-08:00

Remember this guy? He has been my little man this week. We’ve hung out while Papa and Dee had to work and did pretty much whatever the heck we wanted to.

The week started off pretty rough for Riggin, though. We think he was teething, but the poor guy has nothing to show for his not sleeping, millions of dirty diapers, and horrible diaper rash. Add on top of that a hacking cough and huge crocodile tears running down his face, and it was enough to break the hardest of hearts.

Thank golly, Riggs is feeling better now. He was a trooper through Brandon’s party, stealing all attention away from the birthday boy, and has made several brave attempts at that “first step.”

Today he has helped me and GranDee plant heirloom peppers and tomatoes, some squash, and my favorite…watermelon! Hopefully by the time summer rolls around he’ll have enough pearly whites to chow down on it all with us.

Party Time.........

2011-03-08T11:04:00.000-08:00

So I am pretty excited. I get to see my husband tonight AND….now here is the really cool part….tomorrow! I realize I may have to re-introduce myself, but hopefully he will remember me.

That guy I get to see tonight.

Between him having out of town meetings and me working in Lubbock we have only seen each other in a blur of passing by. I love being busy, but I’ll admit I get grouchy when we are apart for days and days and days. Guess I really do love him.

I’m headed home today, and he is done deserting me for a while, so all those people who’ve seen me at my parents’ house the past couple of weeks and are probably worried about my marriage can sigh in relief. We are, in fact, happily married. For reals.

Another exciting part of my week, we get to help keep Riggs! Yah, Yah!! I’m pretty pumped. Katie left him in Tarzan while they’re in Houston so we are tag teaming him. Mom, Dad, Gramma, Brandon, Me. It’s a team effort.

The little cutie we get for a week.

Tomorrow is also Brandon’s Birthday! He was very against a birthday party. Too bad. I informed him that was a mandatory part of being in this family. We like our birthday parties. We actually just use the birthday as an excuse to get together, visit, and eat cake. So sorry charley, you’re getting a birthday party, and you’re going to like it.

My Frog cake. Ryder picked it out for me. It's my favorite color!

Papa's birthday! Do you see a trend here of who helps blow out candles?

Paul showing us all what happens when you eat too much cake.

My Lady Lucks

2011-03-07T10:59:00.000-08:00

These two young ladies are my great-grandmothers. How cool is that? I still have two great-grandmothers in my life. They are about as different as salt and pepper, but like that combination, they create great flavor to our family.

Granny, my mom’s grandmother, is about as feisty as a 93-year-old can get. Let me give you a mental picture here. About five years ago, about Christmas Eve, she decided she needed her some scotch for her little night cap. She hoped in her town car, drove down the street, and whipped into Pinkies. Now remember, this is a classy lady who still puts on her white satin driving gloves when she grabs the wheel. Well, as she pulled into the liquor store, she was followed by some flashing lights.

Mr. Policeman had no idea what he was getting himself in to. She asked him just what exactly did he think he was doing. He explained that she was not in the turning lane when she turned at the light. Oh man, did she ever set him straight. I believe there was a “listen here, young man” and a “I’ve been driving for more than double the years you have even been alive” several more minutes of lining out and finally a “now if you will excuse me, I am going to get my scotch so that I can make it home in time for my television programs.”

I am sure the young policeman was overwhelmed, and more so thinking “what is a woman your age driving around on Christmas Eve buying scotch?” Despite her argument, she got a ticket.

That, however, is not the end of the story. Granny was so mad at that “little stinker” for giving her a ticket that she took it to court, spent hours at the library researching her case, defended herself…..and won. I was not present in the courtroom when the judge made his decision, but I am guessing it was more of a throwing his arms in the air and “fine lady, good grief, whatever. Just get out of here,” type of ruling.

Granny says all that happened in her eighties, she’s slowed down a tick since then. Yeah, right.

Mamaw Jack is my dad’s grandmother. She has lived in the middle of a cotton field her whole life. Enjoyed raising four beautiful daughters, who went on to have several children of their own, who went on to have several children of their own, who went on to have several children of their own. Mamaw has more great-great-grandchildren than most people even have grandkids. Her family is huge, and she is our rock.

She still lives in the little house she raised her four girls in, and come Christmas time, we hope for good weather because somebody is going to have to stand outside. There is just not enough room. I wish I knew the exact number of grandkids, great-grandkids and great-great-grandkids Mamaw has. It’s awesome.

Every Christmas, she stands up in the middle of us all and announces, “I may not have much money, but my family makes me the richest lady in the world.” Every year. And every year it makes me cry.

Mamaw turned 92 last week. She still sits in Wildcat Gym to watch her great-grandkids play basketball while eating her baked potato. She may not yell as loud as she once did, but nonetheless, she’s still in the stands cheering us on.

Granny & Mamaw at my wedding. So special.

Granny's 92nd Birthday. Still loving her sweets.

Ryder loves his sugars, too.

Mamaw at my bridal shower.

Mamaw's hands say it all.

The Good Times

2011-03-05T15:34:00.000-08:00

I spoke earlier of a great man who put little thought into monetary things. He found value in sunrises, pretty days, and simply being with his family. Luckily, I was raised with this same sort of thinking. We may not have had much money growing up, but Katie and I were clueless of that. To us, we had everything a kid would want and more.

Our childhood memories may not include family vacations on cruise ships or pictures standing by Mickey and Goofy. No, nothing fancy like that. Our childhood memories blow all that stuff out of the water. I remember going fishing at Raymond’s Bluff in the back pasture after a long day of gathering cows. I remember Mom making us treasure maps, packing some snacks in a paper bag, and letting us go on our “adventures” for hours, just like Indiana Jones.

I remember saving our Halloween candy so we could eat it while sitting in the deer blind with Dad. And Deer Camp, oh Deer Camp. No other cooler place in the world. We’d get up early, hunt (and snack on some candy), get back to camp, and then explore the ranch finding all kinds of treasures (a.k.a. junk).

Mom was great to make a big deal over our 'treasures.' I'm sure in the back of her mind she was thinking, "What in the world am I going to do with all this crap?" At least I know that is sometimes what we think when Ryder brings up pieces of wire, old nuts and bolts, or the occasional reflector off the highway (actually those are kinda cool). Pop would always make up some story about how the Indians used whatever it was we found to cook with, use in battle, or whatever else he could think of to make us ooh, ahhh, and get excited over.

Come evening, we’d hunt again,roast hot dogs and marshmallows for as long as they’d let us, and throw dried broom weed in the campfire, listening to it pop like a fire cracker (Katie discovered that one. So cool).

I also remember playing Slap Jack with Papaw, baking cookies with Gramma, and getting to turn on the siren in the feed truck then watch as the cows came running our way. I remember Katie getting mad and running away on her horse or bike to Gramma’s house (the entire half mile). She'd have a glass of milk and a cookie or two from Pop, forget about being mad, and return home in an hour or so. Mom and Dad never got too worked up over her "I'm just going to run away" threats.

We played kickball using trees as bases, made forts out of hay bales, and swam in cow tanks. It might not have been fancy-shmancy, but it was fun. We loved every minute of it, and hopefully we are making and will continue to make our kids' memories as adventurous and wonderful as ours. Money or no money.

Some of our Favorite Things to do.

A water hose, sturdy bag, and good rain on the wheat field beats any water park.

A water trough and some tadpoles can keep you busy for a while.

Sometimes the catfish bite. Sometimes they don't.

Take two good rocks.

One strong boy.

And get a great BIG spash.

Where the Cowboy Rides Away.......

2011-03-01T12:56:00.000-08:00

Mom broke it to me this morning the world is now short one more great cowboy.

I’m not talking about the weekend ropers with their fancy trailers and fancier boots. I’m talking about the cowboys that wake up before the sun. They drink their coffee and saddle their horse before most of us have even left our bed, and ride off into a dew covered field to check the herd. Their hands and faces are as worn as the ole’ boots on their feet, and their hats have seen more rain and snow than boxes or brushes.

Rex George was one of these great cowboys. He taught me to trot, lope, open a gate without getting off my horse, rope a mohair goat, and then ride it with all I got. My feet may have barely reached the stirrups, but he made me feel like I filled my saddle out as well as anybody.

Rex was a great cowboy, and a greater man. No matter how early the morning, late the night, bad the weather, or ornery the cow, he was smiling and patient. He knew all his horses as well as the back of his hand, and amazed me each day I watched him, and especially Old Yella, move in perfect synchronization as they worked cattle or goats.

The world could use more great cowboys like Rex. They may not be soft on the outside, but their hearts are as warm and soft as it gets. They respect their families, land, and God like all men should, but few men do, and find wealth in things that don’t cost a dime.

This may be where the cowboy Rex George rides away, but he will remain in my heart and memories forever. Thanks, Rex, it was a great ride. -Sam

Some of the Great Cowboys & Horses We've got to Photograph:

Reality Check....

2011-02-28T12:03:00.000-08:00

I had a reality check last night. It made realize what is truly important in my life.

The orange glow that filled the sky just west of my house kept getting brighter and brighter as the hours passed. I knew the brave men in our community were doing all they could to control the fire raging around them, but if there is ever anything we cannot control, it is nature.

The wind was howling as it blew out of the west, creating a path through our neighbor’s ranch straight to his headquarters and our own house. Brandon joined the forces of our volunteer firemen trying to save as much ranchland as they could, and most importantly Mr. Knox’s house, family and cattle. I was worried about our house, but knew the fire would reach them before it did us and had main concern for the Knox family.

Brandon called to let me know, in his most easing voice, they were keeping the fire controlled, but to get a few of the most important things gathered and loaded in the car just in case. With winds like we had last night, it doesn’t take long for things to go the wrong way fast. I called Mr. Knox’s house to see if they needed any help. All was alright at that time, and I told Mary to call me as soon as she needed anything, greatly hoping she would not have to call back.

I set water sprinklers all around the perimeter of our fence, knowing it wouldn’t do much good if worse came to worse, but it made me feel better. I grabbed some photos, Brandon’s asthma medicine and breathing machine, important documents and was left to look around at how much still filled our little house.

I realized all that was left are only processions. They can be replaced, and when looking at the big picture, are not important at all. I stood in the middle of our living room, looking around and had my reality check. I didn’t care about the TV, couch, or all the beautiful crystal bowls and silver serving dishes still new from our wedding. All I cared about was Brandon; my great friend since kindergarten, Brian; our neighbor, Dusty; and all the other young men with young families fighting what had to be a hot, scary, horrible fight.

Thankfully these great men saved Mr. Knox’s house, they saved my house, and most importantly they made it back to their own families unharmed. I know others were not as lucky. Some are waking up to the realization that their homes are gone. Where memories have been made for years are mere ashes today. I pray for those families. I can only imagine how hard it must be, but hopefully they have ease of mind that although processions are gone, the people they love are safe and those memories they made in their loving homes will always live on in their hearts and minds.

Wind? Again?

2011-02-27T16:48:00.004-08:00

It is sale day. We started early, watching the sun rise while cleaning up the baby Herefords and their pens. Made a big pot of coffee, sat around the table under the barn with my parents and Pop reading the Sunday paper and drinking coffee out of that big ole’ pot. It was so nice, a little damp, and all you needed was a light jacket.

Right now, the sky is as red as the carpet at the Oscar pre-show I am watching. Wind is blowing at record breaking speeds. The smell of grass fires fill the air and put a heavy worry on everyone’s heart and mind. Once one of those starts on a day like today, it may cross four counties before it slows up. Thanks to all the great firemen who have been at it all day trying to keep the fires under control. A lot of them are volunteer. They put their lives on the line to make sure our families, houses, pastures, cattle and everything else stay safe.

So goes West Texas weather. Beautiful morning and horrendous day and night. Have you heard that Josh Abbot song, “She’s Like Texas”? There is a line in that songs that says, “her moods change like the weather out in Lubbock.” Every time that song comes on Brandon has to make some smarty-pants comment like, “he ain’t kidding about that”. I assume he is talking about how fast the weather changes in this part of the world and surely not about me and my moods.

The weather was terrible, but at least the sale went good. I've been texting Katie and she said their sale is going great too. Think they are having a shrimp boil there so I figured she’d have a good crowd. Didn’t know how many would be steer buyers and how many would just be shrimp eaters, but sounds like it is going great. I'm so happy for them and my parents. Everyone works so hard this time of year and deserve to have a great time. Sounds like that hard work is paying off, and like I said, they deserve every bit of it.

Maybe there will even be a little shrimp left over for me to snack on tomorrow night. After all, tomorrow is Monday and it is back to Lubbock for me. Going from cleaning steer pens to working at a computer desk. Then it’s chilling with my boys and sis. Catch up talk about the steer sales, hide-and-go-seek, bubble baths, and bed time stories. It is hard to dread Mondays when you’ve got a schedule like that.

Go here. It is Josh Abbott's "She's like Texas". Coming from a green eyed girl that loves her family, (and apparently a little moody) it is fabulous.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSrzYwedIJ0

Some of those boys we chill with.

The End of an Era...........

2011-02-27T16:48:00.000-08:00

I am so glad I went tonight. Grady vs. Anton, boys playoff basketball. Grady lost. It was emotional, the boys had a good season, and had a state runner-up title to defend. But what made me break down and cry on the way home – and I mean a good, boo-hoo, sobbing cry – was not sympathy for the boys or the draining disappointment of defeat, but the thought of my grandparents driving home, for the very last time, from a grandkid’s game.

My family is incredible. All of them. I love my parents, my sis, my aunts, uncles, & cousins. But the root of it all, the steadfast anchor that has kept us all filled with gratitude & enthusiasm, and especially love, is Gramma & Pop.

I’m the oldest grandchild of seven on the Yates side. Since I set foot in the arena at five showing my horse, they’ve not missed anything. I showed horses, then steers, then got involved in school with sports. Samantha & my cousins were the same way. We did it all. Steer barn, pig barn, basketball court, tennis court. From one end of the state to the other, January through December. Know who saw everything? Gramma & Pop. I do not know of a single event they missed.

I’m sure they could have built two new houses or owned a small country with the gas money they’ve spent chasing us around. Throw in the concession stand donations and gate fees and you could add a leer jet.

Bryley played his last game as a Grady Wildcat tonight. We were all Wildcats…will always be Wildcats. Gramma & Pop have bought every t-shirt and owned every pin and sticker and whatever other Booster Club spirit item has come around. Tonight, they drove home from their last grandkid’s game. Bryley is a senior, he had a great run. Gramma & Pop, you had a great run.

18 years of it. Eighteen solid years of watching, cheering, euphoria and heartache. Always there when we got out of the locker room or show ring, to give us a hug and tell us they love us, no matter what had just happened. And tonight, they hugged Bryley, told him they were proud of him, and walked out of the gym for the last time, as grandparents of a Wildcat.

Ryder is 3. He’ll be busy with stuff before long. And I know they’ll be there to watch every minute of it for as long as they can. They’ll be his biggest fan as they were ours.

Well, I’m crying again. It’s a good cry, an appreciative one. I wish everyone had a Gramma & Pop, I’m so lucky I do.

Miss Crooked Nose

2011-02-25T20:05:00.000-08:00

This lovely lady is Miss Crooked Nose. She has been a member of our family for about 7 years now and is my mother's pride and joy. It would not suprise me in the least if she has a place in Mom's will. Dad is not such a fan. I know of numerous times when he has tried to sell her, all of which he has decided are not worth risking over 30 years of marriage. Mom is pretty funny about her cows and babies. We all joked last year that the bull they had in their steer sale was going to get his choice of mine or Katie's old rooms. Of course none of us were suprised when they pulled him out to keep for themselves.

Anyway, back to Mom and her cows. When Brandon and I were still just dating he AIed our Herefords for us. (Yes, Brandon AI's and clips, these were the types of things I took into consideration when saying "I Do") So Brandon was feeling up all of Mom's cows while she petted them on the neck and whispered in their ear. Brandon, being the funny guy he is, started walking up to each and properly introducing himself before getting frisky with them. He still does this everytime we run a cow in the shoot to AI.

Mom, loving her babies, will have a hard time this Sunday. It is our steer sale and some of them may be leaving her backyard for new pens. No doubt, she'll get teary eyed. Guess it's just another testiment to what a great Mom and GranDee she is, she loves all her babies with all she's got.

Windy, Windy West TX

2011-02-24T12:42:00.000-08:00

I woke this morning to a gorgeous day. Went for my morning run where all those people that must think I stay with my parents an awful lot and really need to work on my marriage passed me by, honked and waved. I even had the occasional slow down and comment "Where's the bear? Well why the heck are you running if there's no bear chasing you?" Hilarious.

Got back to the house, changed shoes and went to blow out babies and clean pens. One of my fabulous friends (not going to name names but she is having a baby in a couple months that I am totally psyched about), anyway, her husband and another guy stopped by to look at the Herfs and then..........it hit. That West TX wind that all of us out here know too well. After deciding the poor babies would only turn into mud balls if we tried washing them, Mom and I let them all back out in the pen.

So I spent the rest of the morning doing my computer geek thing. I got a text from another one of my fabulous friends who just got engaged (woohoo!) and will be needing pictures, save the dates, invites, the whole works. Cannot wait to do those! I also got a lovely lady's save the dates and silver metallic envelopes ordered, as well as worked on invites for a spectacular couple getting married on her family's ranch in Missouri. Pretty cool, cannot wait to see pics of that.

After the fun girly stuff, I decided to do some of that job I told you about earlier. You know, the one that pays the bills and provides benefits. I finished up a layout on a corn farmer I visited in Stratford, which is WAY up there in TX. I think the wind blows there too, only its colder. Which means I could not live there. Like being alone, I do not do cold weather. Mr. Corn Farmer was cool as a cucumber. Drove me around all day, introduced me to some of his working guys, and let me snap pictures like a crazy person.

That's a lot of what my real job is. Riding around with farmers shooting the bull and taking pictures. I know, rough, right? I feature one a month in this little thing we call Competing for Profit (http://www.aaec.ttu.edu/acc/CompetingForProfit.php) It isn’t huge, but several past stories are getting published as a book and it gets read by several eyes. My next issue is on Roger, who my ears have a crush on because of his English accent. Super interesting guy. One of those that makes you step back and go, “Wow, my life really isn’t that busy after all.”

I need that every once in a while. A glimpse into someone else’s world who is a go getter and does great things for great people. It makes me try harder and push myself. And who better to do great things for than farmers and ranchers? Without them we wouldn’t have steaks to eat at Salt Grass or clothes to buy at Wild Oats. Pretty sure I would not like that at all.

Nothing tells a story better than a farmer's hands.

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Some of the Amazing Love Birds we have got to Picture.

Seriously?

2011-02-23T19:31:00.000-08:00

Well, that great night sleep I was counting on didn’t happen. Seems like I traded Katie’s kiddos for a 26-year-old one of my own. I am still kind of new to this marriage thing, but I have realized that sometimes having a husband is about like tending to a big kid. Luckily, I have one that’s a great mechanic, electrician, plumber, lawn keeper, all around handy-man. However, there are a few instances when I have to look at him and say “Seriously?”

This morning was one of those instances. I got in from Lubbock a little after seven last night and asked Brandon if he was packed and ready for his meetings in Memphis this week. He said, “Yah, pretty much. Just need to finish up.” I suppose I took for granted this meant he had his clothes in his bag and only needed to throw in his shaving kit. Well, at 3:00am this morning, when every light in the house was on, I realized this meant, “I have my bag out but there isn’t jack in it ready to go.”

I know I should have been a good little wife and gotten up to help him…..but I didn’t. I did, however, roll over and cover my head up and answer questions like, “Where’s my black shirt, have you seen my other pants, etc.” He did get it all together and on his way to catch his 5:00am flight. Way to go, babe.

Of course I rolled around in bed, not able to go back to sleep, and finally got up and started my day. And what a beautiful one it was! After a morning on the computer and watering our freshly fertilized yard, I came over to help Mom and Dad with the babies and live with them until Friday, because that is just what I do when Brandon is out of town.

I know that the people that don’t know when Brandon is out of town think we must have major problems. We don’t, I just don’t like being alone. It’s genetic. So, anyway, I got to do two of my favorite things today. Hang out with Herefords and take pictures. And chill with my mom, who is pretty much a rock star. She really is. She wears Chooka boots with skulls, crossbones, and love birds on them. Jams out to Pink and Maroon Five. Does P90X when she can, and celebrated her 49^th birthday by running a half marathon. Like I said, rock star.

Today she washed and dried babies and cleaned pens, so excited because everything she tossed out of the pens would be used on her garden and make great fertilizer. She always has a huge garden with tons of veggies and rows and rows of zinnias. So pretty! I love them.

While we were cleaning pens, Gramma and Pop came up to look at the babies, visit, and most importantly get his check from one of the oil companies that the mail lady accidently put in my box rather than his. I still get some mail labeled Yates, so I can understand her slip up. After all, Sammy Yates, Samantha Yates, easy mistake. It took some strong will to do the right thing, but I called Pop and told him I had his check, to which he replied, “Good, I need that. It’s my Hobbs money.”

I hope I get to that point in my life when I don’t receive income solely for groceries and bills, but rather to go blow at a casino in the Land on Enchantment. The thing is, in Pop’s case, he will go up there and double his money. He is the luckiest stinker I have ever met. No lie. He has to file tax forms regularly for winning too much on slot machines. That unfortunately, unlike the inability to be alone, is not genetic.

Dee making the kiddos laugh.

All of us grandkids playing poker with Pop. And losing.

Whaz Up?

Nosey Roseys

The Hobbs Casino Income Source.

Mom's side job. She's really good at it.

Ohhhh, Riggs.

2011-02-22T10:33:00.000-08:00

So this is Riggin. Yes, he is cute and happy and precious in the daylight. However, at night the ratio between sleep and up crying greatly favors up crying. At least this was the case last night. It was so bad we all took shifts. Ok, so maybe Rusty took a shift and I took a shift and Katie was the only one that took the actual plural "shifts". But still.

Anyway, what Riggs does not comprehend is that this is not the best time to be depriving his mother and father of their already shortened sleep. After coming in from the barn right at dark and then working on websites and returning phone calls for hours, they weren't really in the mood to stay up all night with him fuss'n. But that's what happened and it seemed like we all blinked and it was time to wake up and start this amazing Tuesday.

I'll hand it to Riggin. He has us figured out. All he had to do was wake up in that cute and happy grinning mood of his this morning. Laughing and playing and making all of us melt for him again, and wah-la! We are wrapped around his finger again. Well, I can't really speak for his Momma. Although she did smile and give him some sugars, I'm pretty sure she would have sent him to work with me this morning if I would have offered. I didn't.

One great thing about being an aunt is that I get to help out giving the boys baths, fixing supper, getting them in their jammers and in bed. But then.....ahhh, Tuesday night. Tuesday night is only me, Brandon, our DVR and silence while sleeping (for now anyway).

And Let the Bidding Begin!

2011-02-21T09:40:00.000-08:00

So here we are again. Our busiest time of the year. For some people it is Christmas, for us.....it is sale/show season. It is, with absolutely no exaggeration, pull-your-hair-out-hectic around here. However, since Katie and I both spend a great deal more on our cuts and highlights than our husbands find necessary, we have decided to instead throw it all up in a ponytail and just go with it.

Unfortuneately, my sister has it worse this year than ever. While we were at the Fort Worth Stock Show watching somewhere around class 8 on Friday, she got the wonderful news that her pipes, which run through her ceiling, had busted and half her house was flooded. Joy. So she now has her entire house shoved into about half of the total space. Somewhat crowded, but if you look on the bright side it is great for multi-tasking. Afterall, she can work on her computer, grab some stuff out of the freezer or the refrigerator, and put it in any bowl of her choice that she wishes to choose from the stacks that once filled her hutch. So you see, it is only a bad situation if you wish to look at it that way.

I suppose it seemed a little more crowded this weekend since there were eleven people trying to eat lunch at once. There is always a large crew helping out sale week which get fed a good lunch in hopes that it will somehow bribe them into washing fifteen more babies after lunch and, with a little added luck, maybe even show up the following morning to wash whatever calves they had cleaned up, turned out, got dirty, and needed washing again.

So while the usual is for everyone to sit around the table in the dining room, which as I mentioned earlier is now occupied by a standup freezer, fridge, computer, desk, several chairs and numerous serving dishes, this weekend was more of a 'fix your plate and find an open spot' type of deal. Not that anybody cared, as long as there is good food and good company it don't make any difference to our crew.

After whipping up some mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, throwing together a salad and gettting out the meatloaf Katie had prepared earlier, I got the first wave of people in with their plates fixed and had the second crew coming in right on their heels. Katie and Rusty went through the baby pictures (of the sale calves, I don't think they actually sit there and ooh and awe over there own kids pictures like that) and after careful examination they decided what was web site worthy. She then slapped on a jump drive a couple of the files needed to design several Showbox Magazine ads that were due by last night, and Brandon and I were on our way back to Tarzan.

A couple hours on the couch with my laptop and my husband (paying little attention to the later, sorry babe), in bed a little after ten, back up a little before five, good kick-boxing workout, and here I was in my Lubbock office by 8:00am doing the job that pays the bills and supplies benefits. After some more barn and picture time, Katie got her kiddos tended to, both the three-year-old and 8 month old, as well as Bradley who never can make up his mind on his ad. She got Ryder and Riggin fed and to bed. Got them back up, fed, loaded in the car, and to tumbling, before heading to the grocery store to pick up her supplies to feed what would be the equivelant to a family of fifteen for the next week. Tonight's my night to stay with her, so it will be bubble baths with the boys, probably a little work on some website updates and another day in the Lubbock office for me tomorrow before heading back to Tarzan and becoming a morning computer geek and afternoon washrack hand. Dad's Hereford sale and Day's steer sale are both this weekend so we are all wearing a variety of hats, and loving every bit of it. Afterall, the way I see it is, if we're all going to have to wear these crazy hats, we might as well bedazzle those babies out and make it a party.

This is part of Day Ranch Wash Rack Crew

(heaven help us)

Mom with all her favorite babies.

Ryder helping out.

Our extremely attractive fitting crew.