boogie back to Texas

The last few months have gone by so fast, I'm not sure where the time went.

As you may or may not know, we have "boogied back to TEXAS"! Once again we find our selves relocating, but OH so glad to be back in Tejas. My Luvin' Man is working for a ranch he's been on the wagon and day worked for a while.  He's having a ball roping and tying down stock day in and day out, happy as a pig in the sunshine.  What more could a wife want for her Luvin' Man?

As for me, I have taken up a job every Tuesday at the sale barn in Beaver Oklahoma.  I took this job when we were living in Kansas, which was about 20 from the house.  I adore it, so I've kept it even though we moved.  No complaints from me, it may be an hour from home, but they pay good and I thrive on the adult time, that is scarce in the big town.

Speaking of town, we live in TOWN, yikes!  Farnsworth, Texas.  This "town" is not even occupied by a population sign, if I were to guess, I'd say there might be 75 folks that call this metropolis home. All in all, it's a neat little town.  The ranch is spread out and the hand house is in town.

Miss Rylie is in 1st grade, so hard to believe!  This poor baby has changed schools again, she jumps in and never misses a beat.  So thankful she adjusts well!  She is getting so big and is rocking at reading, I'm so proud of her.  Last week I went to the school to help her build a gingerbread house.  She did a great job, she's pretty crafty.

Lil Rein is a mess and so sweet.  She has a large personality, but she's shy too.  She plays with all her toys from baby dolls to pick up trucks, she loves her big sister and want to be just like her.  She makes all these silly faces and knows just how to makes us all feel love. 

Don't worry these girls do fight, fuss, and fidget with each other at all times, but there are glimpse of sugar in the spice too. 

The holiday season is upon us yet again, this year it finds me a tad bit sad.  I have really struggled with the vacancy of pass traditions.  My heart longs for the family Thanksgiving with many families whom we loved dearly.  Also the Christmas's with these families, some have gone on to heaven.  Mostly I miss being in the kitchen with my Nanaw, her in a cute little green polka-dot Christmas apron.  I miss her immensely.  I will miss her and love her everyday for the rest of my life. 

On that note, I'm trying to form family traditions with my family in hopes my kids will feel the love for the season and our Lords birthday, as we do.  We can hardly wait to watch these girls open their gifts, we already let them open one it was so fun.  We also make candy, pick out toys and give to toys for tots, take a drive to look at Christmas lights, and on and on. 

I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas. 
Happy birthday JESUS!

'till we meet again!,
~C~

catchin' up

My O my, I have written a word here since Christmas.  That's pretty bad, but I must say it's hard to find the time or the connection to do so.  With that said, it looks like I have some catching up to do.

Where to begin???...

Kansas is still where we receive our mail and I must say, Kansas is NOT Texas!!!!!!!  All the same, we have a job and in this day is something to cherish.  We are grateful.  I guess the one thing I would change is neighbors being so close, that's something I may never get use to!! ha!! 

We weathered winter well, as it was very mild.  There was more snow than I'm use to, but it was fine with me! Christmas and the New Year was wonderful.  Didn't do a whole lot, but it was nice to just stay snuggled up at home with the family. 

Rylie's birthday soon followed.  We had a lil party here at the house.  My Runnin Buddy and her family came over, as did my Mom.  It was nice to have everyone here, I cooked a heap of goodies and Mom made Roo and super cute "Taylor Swift" guitar cake.  She had a big day!  She still loves school.  I think she keeps the boys in line and gets in trouble a lil too much, but what can we expect! haha. 

Spring snuck up on us this year.  Things turned green faster than I knew and it made me want to plant flowers and tomato plants much to soon, but I held off the urge to do so.  Calving came and went with the early set of green grass.  I didn't think My Luvin' Man was going to make it through the all nighters, but he did better than expected!  There are babies on the ground everywhere.  Here they drag calves later than we're use to, they didn't start until late April.  Early green grass and late draggin equal BIG calves to flank. Over the next few weeks they will finish up the well fed lil ones.  The mares are nursing precious lil babes too.  They all are almost to cute for words, so sweet!

Lil Miss Rein is into EVERYTHING!!!!  Holy moly that girl isn't afraid of anything, big change from sister!  She loves to be outside and rather be in the mud or at the horse pens than anywhere.  All she talks about is horses... horses... horses!  You have to keep a close eye on this girl because you can look up and she's headed to the barn.  Oh Mama's keepin busy with this one, that's for sure.  She's shy too, at home she is a big ol' ham, but when other folks come around she will just stand around with her hands behind her back, watching everyone... taking it all in!  She's a mess and she knows it! 

My Luvin' Man works his tail off to take care of his herd, for that we are so thankful!!  We have a hard time finding time off to go anywhere or do much.  We make the big trip to town at least once a month to restock the cabinets, but other than that we mostly stay put.  It seems like it's about time to make a trip to Lubbock for a visit, but we shall see when we fine the time for it.

I hope all is well with everyone and the rain continues to find us all!

Peace, LOVE, and rain dances,
~C~

'tis the season

The Christmas season is well upon us and I can't help but to feel blessed. 

I sit here on this crisp Monday morning, with one baby in bed and one off to school, watching My Luvin' Man feed out the window while sipping a peppermint mocha coffee, I know we are blessed.  We are beyond thankful for the opportunities that have been graciously handed to us and this season seems to make my thankfulness richer.

We've been keeping busy here. 

Rylie has been enjoying school, her class was in a Christmas program at the first of the month.  It was very sweet and there is something about a herd of Kindergartners hitting high notes that will make you whoop yourself.  All laughing aside, she did a wonderful job.

Our baby Rein is well on her way to becoming a big girl!  She finally found the courage to take her first steps.  You can see the excitement all over her face as she waddles across the living room.  She almost gets too excited to finish her trek.  She is busy learning and absorbing everything she can, it's precious.

My Luvin' Man has settled into his new job nicely and has gotten into the groove of things.  They have been riding colts almost everyday and have just started caking cows.  Calving will start any day.  If you would keep Mama in your thoughts as I attempt to wrench My Luvin' Man out of bed every other night at 10, 2, and 6 AM to check the first timers.  If you know my honey at all you know this is an almost impossible act! 

We are now done.... DONE, with our shopping and I'm glad!  I have made several things all of which I hope everyone loves.  We are all ready to give and enjoy the season. 

Wishing everyone a Merry MERRY CHRISTmas and a Happy New Year!,
~C~

picture day

I maybe a little late, but today's post is just pictures.  I hope you enjoy.

Tooter Bill starts to dig into cake on her birthday

YUM!

I love this... she's saying "HOLY MOLY, Mama... can you say SUGAR HIGH!??"  haha

Rylie Ann and Boomer

Miss Priss is in the black skirt in the middle cheering at half time with the cheer camp girls

Priss POT!



:)



Rylie's school pic



peace, LOVE & SmiLeS,

~C~

we're not in Kansas anymore Toto... OR are we???

It has been a long time since I've sat here typing my blog, but if I sit in the right spot of our newest new house I can pick up a connection which I'm ever thankful for!!  Speaking of the newest new house, I seem to have a little catching up to do.  Humm... where to being. 

Around the middle of September we stumbled upon a super cute house that we scooped from under a willing friend.  So, My Friend and I, made short work of packing and moving with in a few days.  Where my family and I found ourselves piled into an adorable, small, freshly remodeled house and it was necessary to get things put away quickly.  So, that week I was able to paint a few rooms and get most of our things in the general vicinity of their place. 

During this hectic week we had a little dinner and cake for our big girl Rein. (She dove right in and love every bite of cake!)  Also that week MY Luvin' Man was off to Colorado on the wagon for about a week and the girls and I ventured to Lubbock that weekend.  There's no rest for the weary right... HA!  It had only begun!

My Luvin' Man had a good trip. No big wrecks, which, to me, is a good thing!  The girls and I were able to visit family and friends, attend our Wicky's baby shower, and check in with Dr. Klepper before heading home.  The girls and I arrived home on Monday afternoon and My Luvin' Man didn't make it home until the wee hours that morning. 

That following day, Miss Priss was off to school and I drug My Luvin' Man out of bed to call and touch base with the ranch.  He was asked to go by the office, he threw some clothes on and headed in. 

I couldn't help but question this strange request, but felt pretty confident that all was well.  There is nothing to worry about, I told myself.  They rave about My Luvin' Man to everyone, tell him continually what a fantastic job he does, and they aren't going to sell cattle due to the lack of rain.  Then the phone rang, it was My Luvin' Man and he said, "Well, they fired me."  WHAT.... BUT.... OOOOH! This cannot be happening.  He further explained they were in a bind and had decided to sell off most of the cattle and he was no longer needed.  He was laid off. 

Our world came crashing down in the matter of minutes.  I felt like I was in the spin cycle.  I prayed.  I cried.  I prayed. I cried some more.  All I could think of is how we were going to feed our family, pay our bills, get Rylie to school everyday, feed our herd of animals, the list just kept on and on.  What were we going to do!?  I was not ok, but I knew that worrying would get me no where and I felt like My Luvin' Man and the Lord above would take care of us. 

HE did just that.  My Luvin' Man instantly starting calling around, spreading the word to get all the day work he could handle and asking about jobs.  We caught word of a few jobs with in the day and made a call or two.  Two days after we had been knocked on our ears, we had a job interview. 

For that I was beyond thankful, but this job would be in Kansas or dang close to it.  I had no intentions of moving my big girl into yet another school and it broke our hearts at the thought of leaving Follett.  None the less, we headed north and took a gander at their digs.  Man! It was NICE, BUUUTTTTT it was in Kansas. 

We fought our head over this deal for several days.  They called and made an offer on a fabulous opportunity.  Yet we were stumped.  We could stay here, My Luvin Man could day work and such OR we could have a steady job. We prayed and prayed some more.  My heart was telling me "move to Kansas Toto".  Then a few words were spoken to me that echoed in my head... "Do what takes you furthest in life". 

That's that.  I sit here in Nowhere Kansas writting this blog, with no site of Toto OR Dorothy YET!  That's right, we were unemployed on Tuesday and had a job on Thursday.  WE ARE BLESSED!!!  We are very aware of that and tremendously thankful!!!  We now reside just west of the three mile marker, Kansas USA. 

We repacked and moved a lil north.  I'm flat worn out and I think I maybe morning the departure of Follett TEXAS just a tad.  We loved it there and had full intentions of raising our family there, but everything happens for a reason and there is a reason for this too. 

We tried to get Rylie into school at Forgan OK, but had to send her to Meade.  It seems like an awesome school and we have heard great things about it.  She has adjusted wonderfully and I'm overly greatful for that.

Our newest new house is very nice.  The place we live on is beautiful and the people here seem to be very genuine and kind.  Our camp is more like a small community and I have neighbors, which will take some getting use to, but I'm sure it will work out nicely.

In the end we have made it through this too, we always do.  (I will work on getting some pictures posted.)


from the yellow brick road,
~C~

this, that, and the other

Fall is upon us!  Well, it's almost Fall and that makes me beyond happy!

Here at our camp we have been busy.  Busy doing what, I'm not sure I could put my finger on anything, but we are always busy. 

Miss Priss has slid right into Kindergarten.  She is doing very well and has only gotten in trouble once.  In her defence, everyone in the class also got in trouble, so I let it slide this time.  She is loving her class mates, she complains about a few of the boys of course, even though she's batting her eyes the whole time.  I'm in SOOOO much trouble! 

The Kindergarten drama stories never get old and I LOVE hearing them!  P.E. has apparently been very hard on the entire class, My Luvin' Man's lil cousin, Hayden, is also in Rylie's class and taking P.E. hard.  He told his Mom how much he dis-liked P.E. class and how horribly hard it was. So, that day I asked Rylie what they did in P.E., they played duck-duck-goose! HAHA!  That's tuff stuff I suppose.

Lil Miss Priss is becoming just that!  Rein is everywhere and into everything.  She's not walking yet, but it's just around the corner.  She can crawl 90 to nothing!  She loves to play with sister's play jewelry, purses, caps, hats, and bracelets.  It's funny to me how fast they pick all of this up.  She is also always talking in the phone or using a toy to talk into or just acting like she is holding a phone.  She puts it up to her ear and says "HI!".  She's going to be a priss too, but Dad is hoping that she will get dirty from time to time also.

My Luvin' Man has been busy trotting pastures, doctoring calves and doing a lil day work.  He will be in Colorado at the end of the month for four days.  He's got the tee-pee and bed roll ready to go.  I think I might throw in another blanket when he's not looking, I wouldn't want him to freeze! 

We have a new pony in our bunch.  We actually traded our cute lil bronc for a handsome dun horse.  I think it was an excellent trade.  A few Saturdays ago we ventured up into Kansas to fetch our new four legged ride.  He doesn't have a name yet, we've tossed around several and I like Sancho, but we shall see.

As for Mama, I've been running back and forth to school, chasing a baby, getting my Fall decor out and making new.  I adore Fall time!  The cool nip in the air, the delicious smells, yummy cooking and snuggling on the couch just warms my heart!  I've made a scarecrow and pumpkins here and there, fired up the oven and made some yummy dinners.  I've also made Rylie a cheer leading outfit.  I'm still sewing on it, but I must have it done by tomorrow so she can wear it to the pep-rally! She's PUMPED! This time of year just makes me happy!

I hope that everyone is enjoying school, football, and the cool weather.

peace, LOVE & PumPkiN SpiCe!,
~C~

a friend like that

You know those houses setting out in pastures fallen to bits?  Do they make you want jump out of the pick up, do a belly crawl while trespassing and rummage through it to see what kind of cool treasures you can find?  Well, I do!  I do not trespass, but that's doesn't mean I don't want to!  Not very many people are overly excited to rummage through old houses and barns that are knee deep in poo, dirt and brain eating birds for 100 year old goodies in 100 + degree weather.  Well, I have a friend like THAT, My Running Buddy is just like that!!  I'm blessed with a friend that lives right down the road and though we come from very different worlds, we have a crazy amount of things in common.  It's a blessing and a BLAST!

The house above is a random picture I found, but we've been junk hunting in houses and barns in this condition for weeks now.  We have tracked down people and begged them to let us pilfer in their old run down houses and barns, this is usually followed by a strange look.  I think they join our kids in thinking we drink our bath water, but they have no idea the joy it brings to our hearts to find old crystal door knobs, tin gas cans, galvanized feed buckets and wash tubs, metal lawn chairs, rickety tables, rocking chairs held together with bailing wire, 40 year old coffee cans, family heirloom saddles that are falling to bits, rod iron head and foot boards, the list goes on and on!  We are amazed at all the things people chalk up as trash and we gather in blood, sweat, and tears with HUGE smiles on our faces!

This is a display at My Running Buddy's house, after a hunt or two.

Then yesterday on a leisurely junk hunt scoping out houses we yearned to scavenge, we hit the mother load!  Don't get me wrong we have drug home several pick up loads of adored treasure before yesterdays adventure, but we found diamonds in the rough. When I say rough... I mean ROUGH! 

You see, as we were cruising back roads we came across a house we had our eye on for a while.  So, after we finally got the go ahead and a "there's nothing in there", we found it!  There in this house amongst large holes in the floor, the ceiling caving in on top of us, the plaster from the walls crumbling to the floor, there was two very well built room petitions with trim and molding, drawers and cubbies.  They were beautiful, at least we knew they would be. 

As we inched closer we were bombarded by two enormous brain eating buzzards!!  They were HUGE AND ugly AND stinky AND scary.  They hissed and flapped their wings at us, but we were more determined to gather our treasure than they could ever imagine!  So, My Running Buddy threw paint cans at them as we screamed and yelped, she saved us from the brain eating, 3 feet - NO - maybe 10 feet tall buzzards!!!

We were so excited about our find we could hardly contain ourselves. We had to go home, put our babies down for naps, get our big kids from school and wait for the Dads to get home from work.  After everyone was home, feed, and settled, off we went with our "Emergency Kits" in hand!

We pulled up to the scarier than usual old house in the light of the moon and tore out to collect our goods.  With hammers, saws, and flash lights from our Kits we pounded through the house hoping not to come face to face with any more brain eating buzzards.  Successful at being scarier than them, we were alone in the house with our treasures. 

We worked and hammered AND sweat and worked AND sawed and sweat AND kicked and pushed AND pulled and FINALLY we got one out.  Then the other took the same punishment.  I must say, things are not made the way they use to be!  We got them loaded and set off to gather the other stock piles we had.  By the end of the night we were loaded down with a rocking chair on top, which gave me the urge to bust into song and holler "Y'all come back now ya hear!?". 

AND here it is...The front of one cabinet.

The other, there are also little drawers for the top left hand side.

The back of both and the drawers.

I realize that to most folk this doesn't look like more than a nasty heap of scrap wood, but it's SOO much more!!!  See......

Cool. huh? We moved a door, but it's still awesome!



In the end we get to look at our lovely "trash to treasure" and grin.  Here are a few other finds we have, not so graciously stumbled across.

These are two lawn chairs and an ammo box.

This table was heaped with cow poo and I gave it a make over!



This is my cool wash tub with a drain specked.



Here is my rod iron head board, I have to foot board to match! They were being used as gates.

I replaced my broken bedside lamp globe with this insulator.

OH!! How I love JuNk!!! 

I hope your inspired to make trash into treasure and become a REAL junk Gypsy! 

Peace LOVE & jUnK!,
~C~