Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Roping, Dust & Cattle


 Over the weekend, we rounded up the cows and sorted out the calves.  It was time for their vaccines.   I was just in charge of pictures. 
 With as dry as it's been this year, it was fun getting some pictures with all the dust.  It sure makes for some interesting shots.
And a mouth full of dust!  ;)

Hope you're having a great week so far!

Friday, May 8, 2015

24 hour getaway

Wednesday afternoon Dan and I loaded up our bags and headed out of town.  Well, actually out of state.  Ha!  We went to Spokane Washington, which is only a 2 hour drive this time of year.  He had an appointment over there and I'm all for a quick trip out of town.

Dan booked us a room at the Davenport Hotel, which is one of our favorite hotels over in that area.  It's in my favorite part of the city and the hotel has so much history and old architecture which I love.



This is the original hotel, and isn't it pretty!  We stayed in the Tower this time which is right across the street.  We love both buildings, for different reasons.  The original hotel is very quiet and eloquent.  The tower on the other hand is lively!  They have a happy hour and just an overall fun atmosphere.  Not to mention the funky decor.  Haha!

Exhibit A... The elevators
Hahaha!  Leopard print is BIG in this hotel!  I made Dan stand still so I could get his picture. Lol
Again the leopard print...
Before we got ready for dinner, we stopped in the lounge for happy hour and ordered an appetizer. Most of the seating in the lounge was leopard print as well.  Along with Safari animals mounted on the walls.  Haha!  So very different from the older building. 
I have been hearing about fried okra over the last couple of years from some of the southern blogs that I read, but I've never tried it or even seen it cooked up before.  So that's what we tried.  It was... fine.  It didn't really have a flavor.  They brought out a container of ranch dressing to dip it in, but the ranch was the only thing with flavor.  It just wasn't quiet like I was expecting.  I told Dan if we make it down South one day, we'll have to see how they cook it.

After happy hour we got all dressed up and walked over to dinner.  My Uncle lives in Spokane and I'd asked him for recommendations for a good steak and seafood restaurant.  I also specified that I wanted it to be somewhere a little fancier so we could dress up.  We never get to dress up and I thought it would just be fun! 

I stopped the first group of people we came across on the sidewalk and asked them to take our picture.  They took the first picture and then the sweet lady asked if she could hold my purse so we could get more of a posed shot.  
I must not be from the city because I gladly handed over my bag and posed.  I'm sure Dan was thinking the whole time, "You can't just give your purse to a stranger!"  Haha! 
It was a short walk from our hotel, like half a block.  Perfect! 

 I am so thankful for this man, and the many ways that he spoils me!
I tried to take pictures of our food, but the pictures didn't do it justice.  It was probably the best steak that I have EVER had!  Sooo good!!!  Now it was definitely a pricey restaurant and one that we won't eat at often because of that, but if you feel like splurging a bit and happen to be in Spokane get dressed up and go have a steak at Churchill's. 

We left the next afternoon, and were back home in time to get the kids off the bus.  It was the perfect little 24 hour getaway. 

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Questions and Answers

I was tagged by Kelli to participate in a little question and answer post.  Click here to check out her blog.  You'll love her!


1.  What do you feel is your best character trait?

I've been thinking about this one, and I guess one of my better traits would be "helpful" for lack of a better word.  Even though it's a good trait, it has given me many sleepless nights.  If someone tells me a problem that they are having, I want so desperately to help them fix it.  My mind doesn't want to shut off until all is well in their world again.  The problem is, I can't fix everyone's problems, and honestly most people don't need me to.  Haha!  I also try and be helpful by using humor.  Sometimes people take themselves too seriously and I like to bring in some humor and lighten things up.  Life is a lot more fun when we can laugh at it and ourselves. 

2.  If you were granted 1 wish what would it be?

To pick only one wish is so hard!  I guess I would pick a selfish wish, and wish that my kids would find salvation through Jesus Christ.  It's something that each one of them has to choose on their own and I just want them to choose Jesus, so my Mama heart can quit worrying about them so much.  My son Jesse was baptized a couple of years ago and gave his life to Christ and I am praying for my girls to accept Him as well.  I know they believe in Him and love Him, but still they wait.  I don't know if it's the fear of being baptized or what... so I just keep praying, praying, praying!!!

3.  If you could pick a different time period to be born in, what would it be and why?

Well if I got to pick who I would be as well, I would be born into royalty in a grand ol' castle somewhere where we would all attend balls and wear big fancy gowns.  Haha!  Maybe all the men would walk around saying things like, m'lady.  Hahaha!  I'm not sure what time period that would be, but it sounds fun.  :)

4.  What is the most challenging part of blogging for you?

My biggest struggle is feeling like I don't always have something to write about.  We live a fairly simple life and most days we are just doing the same thing as everyone else.  Laundry, bills, cleaning and being a family.  Nothing too glamorous.  But I keep blogging, because I know years from now, my family and I will look back and reminisce on these days.

5.  Favorite place you've ever visited?

This would probably have to be Cancun Mexico.  Dan and I went there on our honeymoon almost 14 years ago.   We loved the beach and the resort, but it was also nice because we got to do some sight seeing as well.  We loved loading up on a bus and seeing Chichen Itza and the little Mexican towns along the way.  We were able to do some shopping from some of the small local vendors and then sat down at a fun authentic Mexican restaurant where they danced and entertained us while we ate.

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We also stopped by at this underground swimming hole.  It was the neatest little spot.  Dan and a bunch of people jumped in.  I sat and watched because I have seen way too many movies and wasn't about to jump in and have something pull me under.  I'm so not a risk taker.

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6.  What is your #1 priority in life?

To be pleasing in the eyes of my Lord.  I strive so hard to please Him.  Unfortunately I often feel like I fail Him.  But thankfully, His grace is always there.  I know we are saved by His grace through our faith in Christ Jesus and not through good works, but still... I want Him to be proud of me. 


7.  What is your favorite thing to do with your free time?

I always have my nose in a book.  So if it's nice out and I have free time, I'm gonna read while catching some rays.  If it's cold, I'm gonna fill up my gigantic bath tub and soak while reading.  Books, heat and a big old glass of ice tea and I'm in my happy place.


8.  One thing you could change about yourself at no cost? 

Hmm... maybe my Mama belly.  Having 3 kids was not the easiest thing on my poor stomach.  Besides the wonderful stretch marks... my belly hasn't been flat since the year 2001.  Ha!  I have always had a great metabolism, but for some reason, my stomach has forgotten that. 

The runner up would be my teeth.  I refused to get braces when I was in junior high, because I had such a happening social scene.  Ha!  Now I'm realizing that getting braces at the age of 13 would have been a lot nicer than at 32.  I have a consultation next month.  Eeek! 

9.  Who is your role model?

I have two...My Mom and my Grandma.  Through these two women, I understand the importance of family.  They have modeled well what it looks like to be a good wife, mother and grandmother.  I attended a funeral last week and what they talked about really stuck with me.  They said that no matter whether you plan to leave a legacy or not, you will.  So make it the legacy that you want.  I would be privileged to do life as well as these two ladies have.

10.  Tell us about 1 goal you are currently striving to achieve.

Well, I haven't been striving as well as I should be towards my goal.  I really want to tone up my body and get rid of my Mama belly.  I've been trying to be more conscientious of my eating habits, but it's time I started exercising.  :(  Not just every once in a while, but actually go after it.  I don't enjoy exercising and I've never experienced these "endorphins" that people talk about.  Haha!  But regardless, I need to just make it happen.  If you are wanting to do the same, go check out Tiffany's post from yesterday.  It gave me another boost to get my bum moving and reach my goal.

Well, that's it for today!  If there is anything else you'd like to know… ask away.  :)

Hope you all are having a great week!

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

What's Up Wednesday!

Today I thought it would be fun to link up over with Shay and play along with What's Up Wednesday.

What we're eating this week...

This week has seemed a bit busy, so I've been slacking on dinners.  I made breakfast for dinner on Monday.  But who doesn't love pancakes and sausage?  ;)  Yesterday, I didn't get home until 9:00 so Dan picked up a couple pizza's for him and the kids.  Tonight we are grilling some steaks and then I'm hoping to make fajitas and stir fry this week as well.  

What I'm reminiscing about...

Days of old.  Gracie and Emma got out a box of pictures from when the kids were little.  My niece came over and us 4 girls ended up looking through them for a bit.  So fun to see pictures from the past!

  What I'm loving...

My awesome husband is making me a table for our deck!  He just has to sand it and stain it and then it's done!   I love it!!!  I had originally found a table online for $1200 and thought, "Yeah, right!"  Well, it looked basic enough, so I showed Dan a picture of it, and he made one!  I can't wait to use it!  I just have to find some chairs I like and then we can stain the table to match.  I'll be sure and post another picture when it's all done! 



I'm also loving these chocolate coconut almonds from Costco.  They need to quit selling these!  They are super addicting, and we just can't stop eating them. 

What we've been up to...

It has been grand central station around here lately.  But that's okay because things are getting done.  We had a load of logs delivered and then this week Dan had hired someone to come in and cut them up and stack them.  We no longer have to think about firewood this year and it's done come fall.  Wahoo!!!
Also, we've been having our back deck refinished.  It's getting close to being done and I can't wait to be able to use it!  The white balance on my phone must have been weird, because the wood really doesn't look this orange. 

What I'm dreading...

I need to make time here in the next couple of weeks and clean out my storage room upstairs.  It's way past time!  I store our Christmas stuff up there along with everything else that we don't use all the time.  The stuff just seems to keep accumulating, and it's time I go through and reorganize and put things aside to get rid of.  It's my biggest project and I'm not looking forward to it at all... but it's time! 

What I'm working on...

I've been working on getting the house reorganized before summer gets here.  The last thing I want to do when the nice weather gets here is to be inside.  I've currently been working in Jesse's room.  My friend came out and painted it for me.  She LOVES to paint and I don't.  She's also really good at it, so she paints and I trade her by taking family pictures for her.  Perfect solution!  Pictures of the room will be up soon!!!

What I'm excited about...

The kids have just over a month left of school.  I am so excited for them to be home and for us to be freed up to go and do things again.    

What I'm watching/reading...

We watch 19 Kids and Counting and we are anxiously waiting for the next season of Fixer Upper.  Other than that, I don't really care to watch tv.  I'd rather be reading.  I probably have 5 different books that I'm reading at the moment, but a novel is always my favorite.  The others, I can read a chapter here and there.  But with a novel,  I can hide out in the bathtub for a couple of hours and relax!

 What I'm listening to...

If I'm in my car, I am usually listening to the "Message" which is a christian music station.  If I'm playing my itunes, it can be a mix of so many different things.  When I was growing up, my Mom always listened to country music.  My Dad listened to anything other than country music.  More along the lines of Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, the Grateful Dead...  So to say that I listen to a wide variety of music is an understatement.  Haha!  Being as my kids are with me a good percentage of the time, I really try and make sure what we listen to is appropriate for all ears.  Here are a couple of my favorite songs at the moment...

Wild Child by Kenny Chesney
Shotgun Rider by Tim McGraw
Voice of Truth by Casting Crowns
What a Savior by Laura Story
He Knows My Name by Francesca Battistelli

 What I'm wearing...

The weather has been so nice here in Montana.  Everyday is different though.  Some days we can get away with short sleeve shirts and the next day it's back to a jacket.  But for it being April... there wasn't much complaining around here.  ;)

 

What I'm doing this weekend...

I don't think we have any big plans this weekend.  I need to organize the camper and get it all ready.  I meant to get to it earlier this month, but we ended up doing more things around the house instead.  


What I'm looking forward to next month...

Lots and lots of camping!!!  Letting the kids build forts in the woods and just being out and enjoying the outdoors. 

What else is new...

The kids have been out riding the horses lately.  They've actually ridden more than I have this year.  Except Jesse.  He isn't interested in horses at all.  He's been riding the cousin's 4 wheeler or shooting hoops.  He is his Daddy's son for sure!  :)

Monday, April 20, 2015

Catching Up

I have been the worst blogger lately.  I just needed a bit of a break and time to refocus on other things around the house.  I can't do it all, and sometimes, something has to hit the back burner and it seems that's where my blog has been lately.

I bought 2 new books recently.  I'm excited to spend some time on this one.
 
The other book I bought is called, "Boys should be boys: 7 Secrets to Raising Healthy Sons" by Meg Meeker. 
I'm a few chapters in and so far I'm liking it.  After I'm done reading about how to raise my son.  I'm going to invest in one about raising my daughters.  Raising my kids is the biggest and most important job I have right now, I want to do my best and try and do it right. 

One of Mom's cows calved last week and had twins.  Emma wanted to watch them being born, as she's always missed it by just a minute or two in the past.
She had fun and enjoyed it, even though you couldn't tell by the expression on her face!  Hahaha!  Life on the farm...

The weather has been so incredibly nice that we've been able to get outside and get quite a bit of stuff done.  It feels so good to get a head start on the yard work for the year.

Saturday afternoon after working outside all day, Dan and I met up with my sisters & brother-in-laws and had an early dinner.  We were just missing my brother and his wife. 
 

We had the steak dinner and as good as it was... these were even better!  Yum!!!

One of the things that I love the most about this nice weather is the way it draws the kids back outside to play.  After a long winter inside, I love looking around the yard and seeing signs of the kids outside.  Even if they do leave a mess wherever they go. 

By the way, did you know that the "swim noodles" aren't only good for swimming, but also for fights around the yard.  I think my kids use them for "war" more than they do for swimming.  ;)

My boys

I finished out the evening last night by the fire.  Alone at the fire with my kindle, and an ice tea was a perfect way to end the weekend!
And a s'more.  Gracie thought I needed one...  I think I did!  :)

Hope you all had a great weekend!  

Monday, April 13, 2015

A weekend of basketball

Wow!  What a weekend!  To say that we're all tired today would be an understatement.  Here's a picture that best describes our entire weekend!
 
 Yes, that's all we did all weekend!

Gracie and my niece had a basketball tournament on Saturday and Sunday.  The tournament took place in a town about 70 miles away from us, so we put in some driving time this weekend as well.  Did I mention that we are tired!  ;)
This girl of mine played her heart out.  She's loves playing and is constantly trying to improve herself.  I'm excited for her to attend a couple of basketball camps this summer.  We play a lot of different schools that seem to have a lot more experience than us and some of the girls she plays are taller than I am, and I'm not short!  So with her being on the smaller side, she is learning that she is having to get more aggressive.  I love watching her fight for the ball.  I also love that she's not a quitter.  She is determined and head strong... always has been.  It can sometimes be hard as a parent when you are trying to raise a child who is head strong, but the older she gets, the more I see how those quality's are going to help her in life.  

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I saw this picture on Pinterest and I'm thinking, it would be fun to order Gracie this necklace with her jersey number on it, for her birthday here in a couple months.  Isn't it fun?! 

I hope you all had a great weekend!

Friday, April 10, 2015

Checking in and sharing some books.


I just wanted to check in and let you know that I'm still around.  Life has been busy lately and even though it's been busy... I haven't had much to write about that's very interesting.  My niece and nephew have been staying with us for the last week and we've been hanging out and having fun.  I've been terrible and haven't taken many pictures lately.  I took a couple quick pictures of the kids on Easter looking for eggs, but I didn't even attempt to take any "nice" pictures of them all dressed up.  It seems, we've been running from one thing to the next.

People had always told me when I had young kids, that the older they get, the busier your life gets.  I always thought, yeah right.  Well it seems to be true.  And from what people are still saying, it's going to continue to get even busier for me.  I believe them this time!  I guess it's time to invest in some running shoes.  ;)

I've been trying to get my work done as early as I can and then I've been trying to read for a bit before the kids get home everyday.  I just finished the last book in a series of 3.  They take place back during the civil war, and each book is through the eyes of a different person.  The first book gives a view through the eyes of a Southern Belle, the 2nd through a well to do Northern gal and the third gives a  view through the Slaves eyes.   They were all really good!!!  They are the "Refiner's Fire" series by Lynn Austin.  I don't know that I've ever read any of her other books before, but I was really impressed with her as an author, while reading these, and I'll be looking to what other books she has out there. 




At the moment, I'm in the middle of a book called, "The Ransom" by MaryLu Tyndall. 
It's the 4th book in a pirate series.  I had read the other 3 books, years ago and now that I'm reading the 4th, I'm actually anxious to go back and reread the first one, (The Redemption) as I remember it being one of my favorites.  They are just another good set of books if you are needing something to read this Summer.
 
 I saw this on pinterest and isn't it the truth! 

Even though fictional books are my cup of tea, I do like to throw in other interesting reads as well.  I have been wanting to read a biography for a while now.  I think it would be interesting to read one on Jackie Kennedy.  Do you all have any recommendations of a biography that you liked?

Linking up today with Andrea
 

I hope you all have a great weekend!