Hen Pecked

I love chickens.  We have had them time and again on our farm.  I think next spring I will get some more. They are fairly stupid animals, creatures of habit, but I love to watch them peck and scratch and come running when you bring them grain. And, once one comes running, or does anything for that matter, they all seem to join in without knowing why.  Mob mentality, I suppose - if one does it, they all do.

I was with my sister-in-law and friend the other day and they talked about how most blogs seem to be women promoting their "perfect" lives.  Well, this post isn't one of those.  

You see, with six kids, I relish my quiet time when they are all at school, it's true.  That doesn't make me a bad mom, just one who is trying to regain her sanity after afternoons and evenings spent in servitude to every need.  I love my kids, adore them really.  I just need time to refuel.

  I also cherish the time when we are all together.  With Emilee gone to college, it's rare that we are all home at the same time.  She is now home for the holidays and the children are home for the weekend.  So, without basketball games yesterday (shocking, I know), we were all home all day long.

There is this crazy thing chickens do.  If one chicken is weaker or slightly different, the others will peck at it.  Hence the term "hen pecked" when someone is getting bullied or picked on.  The hens will casually continue to do this until they draw blood.  Once this happens, it's all over for the poor hen who's getting pecked.  At this point, they go crazy until the poor thing is dead.  It is so sad and so unnecessary. 

This is how I felt yesterday.  I was so looking forward to a day without an agenda and time to get some Christmas projects done.  I did get to sleep in until eight (a big feat for me), but it was all down hill from there.  None of my kids treated me cruelly or unkind, but the constant "Mom?", "Mom, can I make muffins?", "Mom, help me buy these presents online", "Mom, I need to go to town and buy treats", "Mom, I am hungry, when is lunch?" (@ 11:00 a.m., and "Mom, I am bored".  It was all a little too much to take.  I finally sat down at 3:30 to watch the Potato Bowl  and instantly fell asleep for an hour.  What a waste of time.  Sad that the only quiet time I get, I have to be asleep for. 

By the end of the day, I was ornery and just wanted to run away.  I hadn't accomplished anything that I had wanted.  I did find a greek recipe online for Herman's presentation on Monday.  I also got the laundry done.  Although I felt like I'd been "pecked" at all day, I really didn't do much of anything or get much accomplished.  I told David while we were laying in bed, "I guess that's what I signed up for when I had six kids".  It's true.  I love them all and want to help them all, but yesterday was just unnerving for me.  Maybe my expectations where too high, maybe my kids need better imaginations, maybe they need more confidence so that they can do more on their own, maybe it's my own fault....

Anyway, truth be told, I am scared for the holidays.  I have looked forward to them all fall - the few weeks when we will all be together and celebrate.  Maybe yesterday was a good wake-up call for me.  I can't expect to relax too much because there are too many of them....and that's okay because I wouldn't trade them for the world.  After a night's sleep, I can easily see that the small amount of frustration is truly worth all the joy they bring me.  Just glad no one tried to point that out to me yesterday.

Obsessions

I have some very strange obsessions, I admit.  My kids remind me all of the time about my issues.  You hear it said that the start of solving any problem is admitting we have one, so here is my confession of obsessions.  I have an obsession for:

Aprons

This obsessions started awhile ago.  I can't help but buy any kind of apron I can lay my hands on.  I believe I have over 30 aprons.  Most are vintage or used.   A few I have made.  I have a hard time using one that is brand new, crisp, and stiff.  It's much easier to dry your wet/soiled hands on one that has "been there, done that".  I also find it romantic to think of all of the great meals that my aprons have seen.  Strange, but somehow I believe that experience will aid me in my endeavor to create a good meal.  I think in the future, I would like to share my aprons on my blog - show and tell style.  I recently made one out of a man's old dress shirt.  It was super simple to make and fun to transform an old shirt into something useful.  You can check it out under the Repurpose tab.

Fabric

I also am addicted to fabric.  I just can't help myself.  Since the basis for most of my creative endeavors is fabric, I see potential for many projects in just one print.  Because of this, it's hard NOT to buy cute fabric, especially when it is on a great sale.  This is the stack that I've acquired since Black Friday.  Pretty excited about the possibilities.

Kitchen Gadgets

Another thing that I can't resist is vintage kitchen gadgets and canisters.  I love the bright cheery colors and that it seems to make the everyday chore of cooking a little more fun.

Vintage Dresses

Vintage Dress Patterns

I am in LOVE with vintage dresses and dress patterns (which is used as justification for my fabric addiction).  I love the ultra feminine lines of vintage dresses.  This will seem like an odd addiction to some, seeing that I have never been a huge fan of wearing dresses.....I see a change in my future.

The very last addiction that I will share, is my love of thrifting.  All of my addictions above, aside from maybe my fabric, are all fueled by my love of thrift store shopping.  I have found so many treasures for so little.  Some of my very favorite things, I have bought for merely a couple of dollars.  The funny thing is, that these items are the ones that I get the most compliments on.  Also, I love the idea that what I am wearing or decorating with just can't be bought by anyone, it is a one of a kind find.

As you can see, I am pretty much addicted to anything vintage.  So there you go.  I have confessed.  I would like to think that revealing my quirky addictions might be a healthy start to curbing them.......or maybe not!

Time Out for TED

"What is the work you can't not do?"

This is the big question for so many people...and a really tricky one at that.  It's a question that most young people grapple with when trying to make life choices, but I really think it's one that everyone should be asking themselves daily - no matter what stage of life they are in.  Whether it's career work, service work, or just personal development, what is it that you are passionate about?

If you have never watched TED talks before, you really should give this one a look.  We've enjoyed many TED talks over the past couple of years.  David and I have watched them together and we've even shared them with our children and much to our surprise, they even enjoy them.

Like a lot of stay at home moms, I have felt like I have lost myself in the service to my children.  Not that it's a bad thing, but I feel like there is more to me than laundry, cleaning, and chasing kids.  I have felt a little anxious lately to find the parts of me that are passionate.  This talk makes some very good points about how to do that.

He also talks about what kind of people to surround yourself with and how crucial our environment is in finding our passion.  I find that to be so true.  When I surround myself with inspiring people, I believe more in the possibilities that I possess.

I couldn't help but share this.  Thank you, Paulette, for sharing and for being one of the most inspirational people in my life.  Also, for seeing and believing in my dreams and reminding me to do the same.  You are a gifted lady, for sure!!

Winter Halo

For the past few weeks, I have had the opportunity to get up and take Lottie to her early morning basketball practices.  This means my alarm goes off at 5:15 most mornings.  Once I'm up, I am actually grateful for the chance to have a quiet meditation time before getting the rest of the family up for school.  Just to be honest, every night before my early rising, I hate the idea of getting up over an hour earlier than necessary.

I was pretty beat last night as I climbed into bed around 10:00 p.m. and was happy about my early retirement.  I actually started to fall asleep faster than usual.  I real dream, right?  It didn't last.  Around 10:30, I was startled by Hannah rushing into our room announcing that we MUST go outside and see the moon.  It wasn't good enough to look out the window, she insisted that we had to venture to the porch to truly appreciate the beauty in the sky.

As we looked up at the moon, in the crisp night air, we beheld a moon ring.  I had never really seen one before and was in awe.  Also called a Winter Halo, this phenomenon happens when light from a full moon is reflected off of ice particles in the upper atmosphere.  Folklore has it that a moon ring warns of a winter storm.  You could figure out how many days until it's arrival by counting the stars that were encircled by the ring. From the photo, it looks like we have one day until the snow flies....now that would be a dream!

It was so beautiful - no amount of sleep could replace the feeling of wonder in that moment.  Thank you, Hannah!

Droughts

Sundays are a day for rejuvenation.  A time that is sacred for our family.  It's the only day all week that we have no where we HAVE to be.  It's a day for sleeping 'til 8:00 and making a real breakfast, for taking time to visit with each other and laugh, for choosing what we want to do, not what we need to do.  It's exactly what I need to conquer the oncoming week.

Dust bowl - drought

Last night we watched a documentary on PBS by Ken Burns (I love PBS and Ken Burns).  It covered the history of the dust bowl that took place during the 1930's in the corners of Colorado, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas.  I have always been intrigued about what could cause such a horrible disaster and how mankind could set themselves up for such pain and suffering.  I now understand the history behind it.  It was the perfect storm - the wheat price booming at the end of the 20's and the jump in production because of this, the crash that started the Great Depression and the bottom falling out on wheat prices which increased production even more, the previous years that saw more precipitation than normal for that region and the confidence it gave new farmers, the industrialization of farming and the ability to plant and harvest many more acres than before, and all of this followed by years of unprecedented drought.  What hardship these people faced - physically and emotionally.  How the lack of rain produced a lack of money and no way to really fix the situation.  There were no answers.  There was no help.  All they could do was wait for rain and hope that they could merely survive. "If it rains..."

As I laid down to go to sleep, I got thinking about "droughts".  It seems like we all have droughts in our lives - in one way or another.  Some are self imposed.  Just like the farmers who pushed their land beyond what it could maintain and support, there are times when we push our own limits to the point of self deprivation.  Other droughts we have no solutions for and just have to hope that we will survive.  I thought back on the lovely day I had enjoyed and realized that I had spent the day ending a few droughts.

My mother always encouraged us to be creative.  Whether that was through theatrical productions, dancing on the patio, or creating some kind of art, she wanted us to learn how to creatively express ourselves.  I find my outlet in sewing.  I took many 4-H classes and have always enjoyed working with fabric.  Looking at my cupboard, one might call it an obsession.  With life being busy, as of late, I haven't taken much time to be creative - especially not with my sewing machine.  Yesterday I found time to work on some projects.  I finished up a dress that I started months ago.  I found a vintage pattern at a thrift store and fell in love.  Lucky for me, once I finished and tried it on, I fell in love again.  The picture doesn't do it justice.  Now I just need a place to wear it.

I also constructed another day to night dress.  If you are interested, you can  check it out under the re-purpose tab.

One of the droughts that is out of my control, is the scarcity of time that all of my children are under one roof.  Sunday is usually a day that we get rejuvenated because Em comes home to do laundry.  Sometimes she is in a hurry and hustles away as soon as her clothes are folded.  Yesterday, she hung around for awhile.  Since I was upstairs sewing, they all ended up playing UNO up in my bedroom.

All of them laughing and playing together is a joy to this mom.  It was definitely refreshing!

Come rain or shine, life is an ongoing experiment with adjustments needing to be made constantly - at least for me.  I guess I don't have it all figured out yet.  I am just grateful for times when it is made apparent that some tweaking needs to happen. And for those things out of my control, I will be more grateful for the times the wind shifts in my favor.

My First Born

It's not easy being the first born. I always thought middle children had it the hardest, but there are times that I question that assumption.  Through the years, as I've tried and sometimes failed at the "firsts" of being a mom, I've realized that being the parental guinea pig isn't an easy task.  Because of this, I am so thankful for Emilee Jane, our oldest, for being so patient with me and her father as we charter new adventures as she grows older.

From the moment she entered this world, she has been daddy's little girl.  They shared many firsts together - chips and sour cream, checking the cows, and barrettes in David's hair.  She could get him to do things that I would have never dreamed possible.  He did and would still do anything for her. There were times I was a little jealous of their relationship, but I am so happy that they share that special father/daughter bond.

Emilee is the oldest of six and she had her share of responsibility from an early age.  She was my right hand man (or girl) when it came to helping in the house and with her siblings.  There were times, I am sure, that they thought she was bossy, but as they have gotten older, they realize what a great big sister they have.  She has been a great example of hard work, dedication, and doing what is right.  She has a big heart and is willing to sacrifice her time in support of her siblings.  As parents, we couldn't have asked for anything more.

Emilee now has a new family - her college family.  She is only a half hour away and we end up seeing her at least once a week, but we still miss her.  We know she is having fun, learning a lot, and finding out who she is. It has been a delight watching her experience new things and to know that she is capable of accomplishing all that she sets her mind to.  We have a lot of faith in her and know that she will make this world a better place just by being herself.

On Sunday, I missed seeing her walk up the stairs and being the first to wish her happy birthday.  We did make it to Logan to celebrate with her, but as I sat across the table from her, I realized that she isn't my little girl anymore, she is an adult.  I am so proud of her and the lady she is becoming.  As my role of mother dwindles and my role as friend and confidant grows, I feel so blessed to have had her as my daughter.....and a little old!  Love you, Em!!

Feels Like Home

Family.  Over the last few years the definition of family has broadened and now includes a tapestry of traditional, blended, and unconventional dynamics - all stitched and held together with love. 

I was born into an amazing family and I am thankful everyday for their presence in my life.  My parents and siblings, I share blood with, and that's what makes us family.  There are others in my life that I feel very lucky to call family.  We don't share blood, but we share spirit.  We are connected in unconditional love, understanding, and support.  Nathan and Linae Coats are my family by spirit.  They are amazing people who have blessed my life beyond belief.

My first recollection of Nathan was in grade school when we, the Weston 6th graders, planned on competing with our Clifton counterparts during field day.  As silly preteen girls, we talked about the cute boys from the other school.  Nathan was on that list.  So, my first interaction with him was through the lens of a school girl crush.  As Weston and Clifton came together in Jr. High, I think we all were a little disappointed when Nathan chose to "go out" with an older 8th grade woman.  During this time, our friendship blossomed and continued throughout high school.  I think Nathan and I spent every lunch hour together, talking about the concerns in our lives - girls, boys, sports and every other thing that was deemed important at that time.  I now know that many people questioned our relationship and what we were doing while spending all of that time together, but nothing romantic ever happened.  After high school, I went on to college, Nathan went on his mission, and we lost track of our friendship.

Also during high school, my aunt's niece (on her side) would come and visit from Texas.  She was from the big city (or so I thought), she was beautiful, and was kind of quiet.  Putting all these attributes together, I had determined that she thought she was a little better than the farm kids she was forced to hang out with while visiting her Aunt Sue.  Linae came back after high school to attend Utah State University, the same place that I chose to attend.  During this time, I got to know the real Linae.  She was definitely beautiful to look at, but was as beautiful on the inside as out.  We were never really close, but ran in some of the same circles at college, but lost track of each other after we both got married.

Over twenty years has passed and life has a way of bringing back around those that are meant to be in your life.  Nathan's first marriage ended and during that time, we found each other and our friendship again.  I also ended up running into Linae at a family wedding.  I suggested that the two, who had dated some during her high school visits, should get together again.  A few months later, I was happy to hear that they had figured out they were exactly what each other needed.  They have now been married for three years and have nine kids combined.  They have their hands full and have had their share of hurdles and obstacles.  All of these they have faced with open hearts, love, and perseverance.

I, like everyone else, have had my own struggles.  Some have been life changing. When I am feeling defeated, I look to these two beautiful people for inspiration.  They inspire me to be the best version of myself, to face adversity with openness, and forgive without restraint.  I am so blessed to call them family - not because we grew up in the same home, but because they feel like home.  Love you two so much!

A Day of Celebration

While most of you are choosing to be negative today, I definitely choose to celebrate!  You see, plans were made, some were sidelined, but it all ended beautifully!

Twenty years ago today, I was asked a very important question - to which I answered "yes"!  And, looking at the picture above, how could I not choose to be happy today?

David was attending BYU, it was a Friday, and I was anxiously awaiting his arrival for the weekend.  The week previous (on Halloween of all days), we had decided that we were both ready to get married.  Christmas and my birthday were just around the corner, so I anticipated that one of those days would be the "magical" one chosen to officially pop the question. 

 I had no idea about the plans David had for our date that night.  The signs were there, but I was pretty clueless (shocking, I know).  He wanted to take me to Copper Mill for dinner.  I insisted on Wendy's (I am still confused over that one).   He was driving kind of erratically that night and seemed anxious.  Still I didn't get it. Then, when we ended up at a field filled with sheep and he insisted that we go out in the middle of them (something I had told him on many occasions that I wanted to do - stand in the middle of a sea of sheep.  Weird, I know), I resisted, stating that I had on a brand new pair of jeans.  So, after having all of his plans thrown aside, by me, he dropped down on one knee.  To this I exclaimed "you're going to do this now?"(I later explained my assumption about Christmas and my birthday).   This scared him slightly and he started to get up.  I immediately pushed him back down and told him to go on.  End of story......or just the beginning.

Our courtship was a quick one....all of 3 1/2 months before we decided that we were meant to be.  Looking back, that was just plain crazy.  I feel lucky every day that I answered the way I did, but still it was a real gamble, making such a big decision after so little time.  A gamble, maybe, but one that definitely paid off big!

Love you, David, now and always!!

Exercising....and Motivation

When it comes to the subject of exercising, I lack one thing....motivation.  I don't find it fun, or freeing, or refreshing.  There are other activities that I've found that rejuvenate me just fine.  The only motivation I am left with is one of trying to magically turn back the clock or fight gravity and that seems like a losing battle.  Too bad it's not as easy as DST and we've all seen those ladies that deny their age and just look ridiculous.  Obviously, these are the justifications I use that aid in my lack of exercise commitment.

Today is different.  I am going to exercise....my right to vote.  Trust me, I have had times that I lack motivation.  I live in a predominately red state, which means that no matter how I vote, it really doesn't seem to matter.  I have a busy day planned and taking time to go vote seems, honestly, kind of pointless, yet I have never missed a vote since 1992 - even if it's just local elections (which I actually feel I have a say in).  

So why do I keep doing it?  Mostly because it is my right and privilege.  I think back to the images in Iraq of those risking their lives just to cast their ballot and embrace a freedom that I am granted on a regular basis.  I do it for those women who are still deemed less than equal and are not given a voice.  I do it because whether it counts or not, it is also my duty and I feel a very real sense of "country" when I exercise my right to vote.

This year, more than others, I also have a motivation to see this election cycle end and casting my vote is a part of that closure.  Seeing politics through the lens of social media is a study in social and human psychology for sure.  I have seen more divisiveness, grand assumptions, and name calling than ever.  Words like "liar", "tyranny", "lazy", "stupid", and others have been used in an attempt to sure up one's point of view as they share it with others.  Phrases like "I can't understand why" or "it's just so crazy" to describe points of view that don't align with one's already held.

All of this talk is very disheartening to me.  It makes me lack hope in humanity.  I am sure these statements cross party lines.  Of course, I am only inundated from one direction, but I am not so naive that I don't understand that there is enough name calling to go around.  Right now our country is pretty much split down the middle when it comes to voting - or at least that is what the polls are saying.  So when one claims that "those who vote for **** are just plain stupid"  or "a vote for **** is a vote for tyranny" I have to question that person's own thoughtfulness.  To simply disregard one half of our country's citizens in that manner is less than wise or respectful.  

The beauty of America, in my opinion, is that through diversity we move forward - diversity of cultures, diversity of thought, diversity of perspectives.  If we only surround ourselves with people and perspectives like our own, we are never challenged and likely to never see any kind of change.  So, to blatantly disregard anyone or any thought that challenges our own is naive.  To never see the value in an opposing thought is to refuse understanding and it's through understanding that we also move forward.  It's not that we have to embrace all points of view, but to disregard diversity of thought is just as silly.

As for diversity, it will find it's way onto my own ballot as I really don't align myself with any one party.  I try to look at individual issues and vote for what I truly believe is the best, not just for me, but for my fellow citizens.  I also believe that not any one candidate is the magic fix to all problems.  As humans we are all flawed.  We also all have our own strengths. So I will prioritize my issues, look at the strengths that are brought to the table and vote....whether it counts or not.  And, if my vote isn't the same as yours, well, let me assure you, I am not lazy, stupid, a tyrant, or lack love for my country.  I am an American citizen and like it or not, it's my right.  I will embrace it, celebrate it, and yes, I will exercise it!!

My Celebrity Crush

Anyone who knows me very well at all knows that I am, maybe, a little unconventional. This applies to many aspects of my life, including my celebrity crush.  I may seem a little old to be talking about, let alone, admitting that I have one.  You see, it's not some young, hot new actor - the ones you see and can read about in the celebrity gossip magazines.  It's not one of the hotties from back in the day, like Tom Cruise (a little too unconventional, if you know what I mean) or Brad Pitt (a little too pretty).  There is just something about a nice guy.  The one who is sincere, funny, and won't break your heart.  One with a great smile.  (As I type this out, it all makes more sense).  This is the guy who I would love to meet in real life!

Yes, it's Steve Carrell.  Not only does he usually play the nice guy in most movies, he also does in life. He's married with two kids - a real family guy.  How can you not love him?

Emilee brought home her two roommates for the weekend and yesterday, I got to share with them my favorite Steve Carrell movie, Dan in Real Life.  It's a sweet, sad, comedy about a widower trying to love again.  Ever since I saw it in the theater a few years back, I end up renting and watching it at least five times a year.  Most of those end of being in the fall - not sure why.  If you haven't already seen it, you should check it out.

If you've already seen it, go rent it!  What could be more fun for a fall afternoon than reliving new love and all it's crazy quirks.

Ahhhh...November

Well, another October has come and gone.  I am a huge fan of the month, but to be completely honest - I really don't like Halloween.  I know that just sounds awful.  It's not because I think it's some kind of terrible worship of the occult, but it is just crazy.  I've spent so many years having to carve multiple pumpkins (since the kids were too little be handling knives), make multiple candy runs (since we can't help ourselves and we break into the trick or treat candy days before), and even though I have a lovely Mother-in-law that helps the little ones figure out costumes, someone has a come-apart every Halloween night trying to figure out a last minute costume.

This year was a little different.  All of the kids carved their own pumpkins.  I still had to clean out Lottie's since she can't handle the slimy pumpkin guts.  Overall, pumpkin carving was much easier this year, but only five jack-o-lanterns on the porch makes me a little sad.....

Here's the kids with their creations -

They did a great job! 

Not only was Halloween different when it came to pumpkin carving, it was also the first year that we just stayed home.  Steven went trick or treating with a friend, Herman didn't want to go alone, and Maren had a friend party in the basement.  The older girls got home from basketball tryouts and were more than content to eat party pizza and sit around the table.  We had no trick or treaters come to the house and we actually forgot to light our jack-o-lanterns.  Sounds pretty lame, eh?  Lame, maybe, but more relaxing and enjoyable for sure.  I will miss raiding the kids Halloween candy bags for the next week or so, but hey, I don't need it.  I have 120 of the "world's finest" chocolate bars in the house for some school science fund raiser.  By the way, need any more chocolate?

Aside from Halloween, October has been filled with basketball tournaments, family vacation to Washington, and putting the yard to bed.  All good things, but November means snow flurries, sweater weather, and Thanksgiving - yum, turkey!!  It also means that the kids can't get too mad at me for listening to Christmas music - not that I haven't already, but I now can without shame.

Ahhhhh....November!!

Finally Fall

My least favorite months are August and September.  August is just way too hot.  Plus we are so busy with fair and getting ready to go back to school that everyone ends up grumpy.  Now September has a cruel sense of humor.  With the tease of kids in school, fall sports, and cooler nights, September just taunts me with the thought of fall, but then hits me with the reality of days in the upper 80's.  I so love the cooler, sweatshirt weather of fall, that the summer lingering heat just makes me angry.  You think I would know better and just take September for the unstable weather month that it is, but I always hold out hope for a good hard freeze, putting the garden to bed, and the lawnmower away.

Monday was the first real day that it truly felt like fall to me.  The sky was overcast (my personal favorite) and I was content to work inside freezing the remainder of the beans that we'd picked from the garden over the weekend.  So I started my chore with a pleasant demeanor.  This slowly faded, as standing on my feet for three hours seemed to get a little mundane.  I took a break, sat down at my computer and noticed a message from my good friend, Paulette.  A bunch of us "sisters" have a trip planned in November to visit Paulie in Portland.  I simply cannot wait!  She wanted to inform us that a great band, The Devil Makes Three, was going to be in town the same weekend that we were and wondered if we were interested in seeing them.

I searched them on the internet, fell in love with their sound, and spent the next few hours snipping beans and listening to everything I could find on youtube.  Their sound is county/bluegrass/folk like. It certainly has hometown feel that added to that "fall in the air" feeling. Thanks for sharing Paulette!  You can check out one of their tunes here!

I am so excited to reunite with all my lovely friends and see this awesome band.  So see ya September, October you can hurry along, I am looking forward to November and the good times to be had!!

A Farewell to Summer

 It's been awhile since I last posted.....a long while.  You see, summer for us is not the laid back, lemonade sipping, sitting on the porch time it is for some.  Summer on the farm is up at 5:30 a.m., pipe moving, thistle digging, sweating, fence moving, cow milking long days.  My job is to support all of the work going on and those doing it.  So, my blogging had to go on hiatus until some of the summer work had ceased.  Now with the kids in school and all of us on some sort of schedule, I can get back to blogging.  I thought I would just share some photos of the highlights of our summer.

What's more fun than jumping with a friend?

July 24th fireworks

Cousin Tate on the Gator

Grandpa's canal floating expedition

Pipe on the pastures

Fonnesbeck family reunion @ Saratoga Springs Wyoming

Family camp out @ Bloomington Lake - beautiful indian paint brush

Breakfast in the wilderness

Bloomington Lake

Summer is definitely one of our busiest times, but it's the time we learn to work together to accomplish big things.  It's the time we make memories together. It's when we see the best and the worst of each other and learn to appreciate our differences.  It's long.  It's hot.  But, I also wouldn't trade it for anything......well, except for a beautiful fall!  

Those Friends of Mine

The most beautiful discovery true friends make is that they can grow separately without growing apart.  ~Elisabeth Foley

The past few days have been glorious!!  I was blessed to spend some time with my K-3rd grade best friend.  Her and her two kids had spent some time in Yellowstone and took a detour on their way home to come and visit me and mine.  Being together again was so easy and fun.  It was like time had stood still - other than we have a few wrinkles and more stories to tell, it seemed the same.  Strange how there are those people that you feel close to no matter how close or far apart you are literally. 

It was so fun to get to know her kids.  For city kids, they seemed to fit right in on the farm.  They loved driving the ranger.  Here's Maren with MacKenzie getting ready for take off!

LeAnn made some new friends with the baby calves.  

J.P. even got a chance to drive!

We ended our visit with lunch in the park.  It will probably be marked as the best time I had all summer.  I love that we haven't really talked in a few years, but we just pick up where we left off.  We still share our secrets, laugh, and listen.  It truly felt like I was 8 again and I had run down the street to spend a few hours with my best friend - all except I wouldn't expect us to get out the disco dancing dresses and put on a show!

It was kind of sad to say goodbye to LeAnn.  I am so happy that through technology it's much easier to keep up with each other.  I hope she knows that I am still just a few doors down... proverbially anyway!  

Lucky as I am, my sadness couldn't stay too long because it was only hours and one of my Jr. High pals showed up.  Tammy is an amazing woman.  She moved away from our home town shortly after Jr. High to Pennsylvania.  I was so excited when a few years back, she friended me on facebook.  We've shared a lovely friendship over the past few years.  She truly inspires me and probably feels like she also "fixes" me.  You see, she is a neuro-psychologist.  She is so accomplished and so lovely.  She did visit me once a few years ago.  It was so fun that I was super excited that she made time to hang out with me while in Idaho!  

We spent the evening at dinner together with our husbands and another classmate, Nathan, and his wife Linae.  We ate good food, definitely had some good laughs, and made some good memories.  I feel so lucky and blessed for all of my friends near and far......I just wish some weren't so far away.

For some reason, I foresee a vacation in my future......

Trailer Tuesday - Meet Gigi!!

This is Gigi - formerly referred to as The Red Lion.  Her previous name was given to her by the men who used to take her out on hunting expeditions.  Since she is going to receive a makeover, I felt like a new name was in order.  I now call her, Gigi, in honor of my Grandma Hedvig, who was the original owner....along with my Grandpa Weldon.  All of Grandma Hedvig's great grandchildren called her G.G. - for great grandma.  

Gigi's seen some better days.  Her once vibrant red paint has now turned orange and almost non-existent.  Her inside has some water damage and is in need of refinishing.  Since she's been in my care, I have wanted to give her a little T.L.C.  The time has come!

Here's an example of the water damage that needs sanding and refinishing - a daunting task, for sure!

I've removed the cupboard and drawer fronts for refinishing.  I'll put them back on after I sand her down and give her a  new coat of stain and finish!

Love the white appliances!  Along with the sunny yellow countertops and red trim, she will be bright and happy before long.........or probably longer than I wish!

I pulled out the old red carpet.  It was filled with years of dirt and straw from hunting trips and fair excursions!  I am super excited to blog about my progress and see the fruits of my labors.  

In Honor of Hannah

Yesterday was my girl, Hannah's, birthday!  She is our second born and was our tiniest baby.  She was born a few weeks early and has been determined from the start.  She has always been determined to make her own decisions, work hard, make us laugh, and never wear makeup.

From a young age, she's always loved animals.  During fair time, she's her dad's right hand man, choosing what cows to take to the fair and getting them ready. 

 She's fun-loving and crazy......although, unless you know her, it's hard to get her to show it!

She also loves basketball.  Even in the heat of the summer, she will spend an hour or two every evening working on her shot.  Her work ethic is incredible.

She still loves showing her cows!

She's still pretty crazy!!

One thing is certain......we love her and are so happy she is part of our family!  

Happy birthday sweet girl!!