Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!

Finally, it's snowing!  For those of you that know me,

you know I wait all winter for this!  Although the snow has

just started, it is beautiful and I love the way it

makes everything look.

Let it snow!  Let it snow!!  Let it snow!!!



Thankful

Today I am thankful for many things . . .

a family that is on the healing end of sickness,

family members who drop everything to be there for you,

great friends who also drop everything to be there for you,

great memories with family that will be remembered forever,

 

and for these fun-loving, hilarious and gentle-hearted

kids who constantly remind us to slow down, have fun and laugh.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

(These pictures were taken last Thanksgiving up at the cabin.)

Traditions

I love traditions. 

They are full of family, memories, love, dedication and sometimes determination.

I remember making applesauce with my grandma when I was a little girl.

(I wish I had a picture of it, but pretty sure it probably resembled this picture!  With a

much younger grandma of course!)

In the last couple of years, she taught me how to make applesauce,

and I will cherish those memories for years.

Grandma's applesauce was the best! 

 We always raced to the fridge when we would visit the ranch.

This last Spring, shortly before she passed away, she asked me to clean

out her deep freezer and take whatever was in it.  I found 3 quarts of her applesauce and it

was like finding gold!

So now it is my turn to make these traditions and memories with my kids.







Grandma always left the peels on.  It gave the applesauce that nice pink/red color,

and as she always said, "It's one less step!"



My taste tester!

Seal of approval!



And, finally, the finished product!  The best part is, this is only

half of what we made!  Hopefully it will last us a few months.



Pee Wee Cowpokes 2011

Another fun and successful fair in the books!  All three kids brought a calf to the fair this year and showed them in the "Pee Wee Cowpokes Show".

We took them out on Wednesday and started the evening with giving them a good wash!

Of course it wouldn't be a successful fair without a

picture sitting on Patience, the cow!

The mornings start bright and early.  The kids have to clean out

the stalls and feed and water their calves.



Then it's time for some practice in the show ring before tonight's big show!

After the morning chores, this is our treat!  Mini doughnuts!!!! 

I lost count of how many bags I bought!!

The two youngest cowpokes waiting for their doughnuts.

Before they show their calves the kids have to wash, dry and fit their calves.

Thank goodness for those "experienced" 4-H boys, they always

come to our rescue!

Brett and Caleb helping Trace.

Jon helping Trent make sure is calf is dry.

And, little miss independent drying her calf

all by herself!  "I don't need any help mom!"

All cleaned up and ready to go!

Spur and Trace

Stidgy and Trent

 Pinkie Pie and Lola

My camera is not as "high-tech" as some cameras,

so most of them turned out pretty dark.  I loved

this one though with all of them in one shot.  The judge kept

talking to Lola and asking her questions.  Would have

loved to hear her answers!  They all did a great job and had a lot of fun!

Proud grandpas watching their cowpokes!

Group hug with all the cousins!

We ended the week with a dinosaur birthday party for Trent!

Happy 5th birthday Trenty!!

Only 357 days until next year!!



Room makeover ~ cowgirl style!

I recently did a room makeover for a very good friend's daughter.  She had painted her room and bought new bedding, but just wanted some finishing touches added!  This little girl LOVES horses and she LOVES being a cowgirl!  I was so excited to makeover her room "cowgirl style", but her mom told me "not too rustic":/

Here are a few before pictures.

(Yes, I should have taken them before the room was painted, but if you know

my friend you know she paints at the drop of a hat!)

I know you are thinking it looks pretty good the way it is, but I just

added a few pieces to finalize it and clean it up.

After I added the accessories!

She was SO HAPPY with her new room!

Thank you girls for the fun project!!



Weekend Getaway!

A couple weekends ago we traveled to McCall, Idaho.  A friend of mine gave me a list of all the places to shop, eat, and play!  Unfortunately there were not enough meals in the day to eat at all the restaurants, although we tried!  The weather was absolutely beautiful and the kids enjoyed playing on the beach.  I think it was only my kids' second time of playing in the sand:/

We attended the wedding of one of the sweetest girls I know!  Her name is Sam and she is a very good friend of my sisters.

The beautiful flower girl!

It was a beautiful day and an awesome location.

When we got to the reception I was immediately jealous of some of the ideas she used!  Almost made we want to get married again!  To the same guy of course!!

~Guest book area~

~Card holder~

My favorite - the cake table!

The picture above the table are her grandparents, on their wedding day, who were killed in a car accident not that long ago.  Such a great tribute to them!

~Some reception photos~

(sorry about the shadows!)













A great time was had by all!  Thank you Sam and Donny for

 letting us be a part of your beautiful day!