Proud Call Myself a Cowboy...OSU v. ATM

"Time has a wonderful way of showing us what really matters." ~Margaret Peters

Short commercial....don't forget to enter my Fall in New Mexico package giveaway!

As y'all know, last weekend I headed to College Station, Texas for the weekend. I was off to get a bucket list checkmark...my first ever away OSU football game. I had heard great things about experiencing a game inside Kyle Field, and I was not disappointed!

We kicked the day off with a little road trip from Houston. Cousin Kevin, his two kiddos and me hit the highway with an ipod full of Red Dirt music. My adorable little Cousin The Olympian decided to sport her orange for the game and to cheer for the Pokes with me. She now holds the "favorite cousin" title.

Then we met up with BFF and his lovely girlfriend for some tailgaiting. Sitting around eating food, drinking beer, listening to music and watching games on tv is pretty much my ideal Saturday. Cousin Kevin had never been to a college game or tailgate, and let me tell y'all...he was impressed. He kept saying, "I could really get into this!"

And then we were off to the game. BFF was in charge of seats and he got us 7th row from the turn in the end zone. This meant that we actually walked out on the field to get to our seats. My baby cousins, who had never been to a game before, were pretty darn excited. Good thing Tiffany came to town to help these poor, neglected children! Here is Baby Quarterback on the field. We've got big dreams that one day he'll be playing on that field!

And then it was game time. Let me sum up the first half with my comment to BFF in the second quarter, "I didn't drink enough to watch something like this." OSU played terrible. Here is a photo example....

Yes, that really does say 3rd and 43 from the 9 yard line. No lie.

Now let me tell you, Kyle Field is unreal. First off, it's huge. And there were 88,000 people there on Saturday--the 4th largest crowd EVER! And it was loud. I don't think I've ever been somewhere that loud in my life. If you ever get a chance to see a game here, I'd highly recommend it.

And talk about a sea of maroon--check out these 2 OSU fans surrounded!

At halftime, it was 20-3 and things did not look promising for OSU. I was praying for brilliance in that locker room! While the brilliance was being given, we got to watch the Aggie Marching Band. I'm not a band person at all guys, but I'm here to tell you, they were good. I mean amazingly good.

And then came the second half. Whoever came up with our adjustments at halftime needs a raise. And a building named after him. We were a different team. We were killer in defense (three interceptions and a fumble recovery) and we FINALLY moved the ball. We fought all the way back to a 30-29 victory.

There were three pretty darn happy OSU fans in the stands at that point!

I had planned for that to pretty much be the post. Tailgaiting, football, family, friends, and an OSU victory. What more is there to say?

And then I came across this video. It's the post-game celebration in College Station. (NOTE: At about 28-33 seconds you will see a shot of our seats and I think a glimpse of BFF in the stands!)

I listened to Coach Gundy's speech in the locker room. He talked about overcoming adversity on the field (3rd and 43, remember?) And then he talked about overcoming adversity in life. He reminded these boys that this sport is more about just football.

Then he turned to another off-field subject. Coach Glenn Spencer. Coach Spencer lost his wife exactly a week before. The team wore arm bands in her memory. One player organized stickers on the helmets in her honor. And Coach Spencer and his two sons were in the locker room after the A&M game. You'll see him in tears at about 3:35 in the video. Coach Gundy talked about this and about how by rallying around Coach Spencer, these boys recognized what was important--and that if they will keep doing so, good things will happen, on the field, and in life.

As much of a college football fan as I am, and trust me, I am one, I'm also a believer that a good coach can teach you more about life than you ever realize. Mine came in the form of a high school judging coach, but I am happy to know that at Oklahoma State, Coach Gundy is doing the same. And, as always....but maybe even more so today, I'm proud to call myself a Cowboy.

What I'm Loving Wednesday #9 (and a GIVEAWAY!)

"And in the end, its not the years in your life that count. Its the life in your years."

I haven't linked up with Jamie in a while, so I thought I'd share some of the things I'm currently loving!

~ Top 5. That's right, people....my Pokes are ranked #5 in the country. I could not be prouder to be an OSU alum and I cannot wait to watch them play live a couple more times this season!

~ BFF. There is something about that boy that can just fix things. I mean, it doesn't matter what I'm stressed out about or upset about or whatever, he has this amazing ability to just make things better. Whether it be giving me a hug or telling me it's not 3rd and 15 or making me laugh, he's got me figured out. I hope y'all have someone like that in your life. If not, I might need to share my best friend with you.

~ Family Ski Trip. It's already time to start thinking about the big event that you read about last year and the year before that. Our annual family (and friends) ski trip for New Year's. This year, I'm even more excited than usual because....drumroll please....The Blonde Oklahoma Girl is flying in to join in the fun! WOO HOO!! The last time we spent New Year's together....it looked like this......

Any chance we've grown up and matured in the last 3 years??? Stay tuned (but don't hold your breath!)

~ White nectarines. I got hooked on these babies when I lived in San Francisco and could by them every Saturday at the Farmer's market. If y'all haven't tried them, trust me, you will LOVE them too!

~ Fall. Everything about it. The smell of roasting green chile, hot air balloons, cool weather, fairs, college football, hoodies, pumpkin scented candles....you name it, I'm in.

~Winning. As I mentioned yesterday, my hot air balloon photo was selected photo of the month at Project 64! I'm SO excited.....and I have no doubt that it was based more on my awesome friends and followers than anything, so thank you for voting!

And to celebrate this achievement....I think it's time for a giveaway! Don't you agree? Up for grabs is an awesome "Fall in New Mexico" package that I'm going to put together. It will involve yummy food and cool photos and trinkets. Trust me, you'll like it.

How do you enter? Easy!

Just leave a comment below telling me your favorite thing about fall.

For 5 extra entries, be a follower of my blog (instructions here)!

Get your comments in by 9:00 pm on Friday, September 30!

Photos of the Week: Week 37

Here we have another photo post a few days late.....but again, I have a good excuse. I was busy seeing some of my favorite family members, one of my best friends, and watching my Cowboys kick some Aggie booty at Kyle Field! I'll have a post on that manana. For now, here are this week's photos....as always, I love to hear which are your favorites! :)

Theme: Trees

I snapped this picture in Tennessee a couple of weeks back specifically for this theme. I absolutely love this little country road all ined with trees. Sigh. Pictures like this make me think of that John Denver song, "Take Me Home, Country Road." Love it. See the other entries over at Live Every Moment!

Theme: Sunset

Apparently we have a Tennessee theme going here today. I shot this picture in Cousin Swiss Mister's parents' front yard. I thought it was cool how different the sunset was in the south than from out west, but it's beautiful all the same.

Theme: A Sign

And here we have our first picture from the weekend. As I mentioned, I was in College Station to watch the Oklahoma State v. Texas A&M game at Kyle Field. I'm here to tell you that this is an amazing venue to watch college football in. If you get the chance to go---go! Especially when your team makes a crazy awesome comeback and wins. :)

Theme: Show Off Your Shot

And our football pictures continue. :) I had lots of great shots of the game and the stadium, but I chose this one because I think it is a great shot to show how HUGE the stadium is. Look how little the players look in comparison to the stadium. It was awesome. To see the other shots entered this week, visit And Then She Snapped.

Theme: Time (Quotography)

I fell in love with a Brad Paisley song called "Time Well Wasted" from several years ago that I just came across this week. I absolutely love the song and that line! I paired it up with a picture of Little Brother on the lake this summer. I think it's perfect. Check out the other Quotography entries here!

Theme: Bittersweet (Project 64)

I went the New Mexico route for this week's Project 64 color. I thought this chile ristra (dried red chiles strung together) was the perfect color. This is one of the key elements of fall in the southwest! See the other entires at Project 64.

Speaking of Project 64....we have BREAKING NEWS!! Thanks to all of you who voted for me, my hot air balloon photo was selected photo of the month! Thanks so much, guys! Y'all are the best!

Meet the Cast Monday #33: Mr. FFA

Today you guys are actually going to meet one of Little Brother's best friends, Mr. FFA. You've read about him before from my Notre Dame football trip! He grew up in New Mexico, was a State FFA Officer with Little Brother, and went on to be a student at Notre Dame and the National FFA President.

He's also an aspiring public speaker, I'm serious guys, he's going to be famous for sure! (Check out his website here...you'll be impressed!) And you'll be able to say you met him here. He's an amazing person--one of those that makes you want to be better yourself--and I'm so happy to have him in my life and to be able to introduce him to you!

Meet Mr. FFA!

Tell us your favorite part of being National FFA President?
The people. Without a doubt, it has always been about the people. As I reflect on the year, I believe that is what has had the biggest impact on me. From Greenhand members who were just learning the FFA Creed, to dynamic state officers, and US Congressional leaders in Washington, DC- I have met some impressive people. Their insight, advice, motivation, and attitudes continued to inspire me throughout my journey.

Seeing others grow has also always been another fond memory of mine. To watch a student change and expand their abilities over a short period was very rewarding. To this day anytime I receive letters from students about their latest accomplishments, I am quickly reminded about the impact that FFA has on students’ lives.

The exposure to so many leaders, industries, cultures, and opportunities was simply amazing. I don’t believe there is any other place to achieve this type of experience in one year at such a young age. Not only did I build wonderful relationships during that year, but also I find myself continually starting new ones as a result of that experience. It was a year that has forever changed my life. {Think he has ever answered this question before?}

Tell us your favorite part of being a student at Notre Dame?
Notre Dame is really great. Much like FFA, Notre Dame is full of traditions. For me I think this is what makes it so special. To be a part of a crowd of almost 90,000 people cheering for each football game and then to be in silence and prayer at the Grotto are some of my favorite feelings in the world. {I didn't get to go to school there, but I can tell you in my 12 hours on campus, those were my two favorite experiences as well!} Notre Dame is a great academic institution, but the lessons learned there are more than just academics. I believe that Notre Dame surrounds you with other students who will challenge you to grow, expand your thoughts, and support you to become better in every way. This is what I love about it. You’ve traveled all over the world—what has been your favorite trip and why?
Two of my favorite stops have been in South America. I couldn’t decide between the two so I will share both. This past semester, I along with almost 20 other Notre Dame students studied abroad in Chile. For one week in March we all traveled to the southern region of Chile named Patagonia, or more commonly referred to as “The end of the world.” We went backpacking through mountains and survived one challenging adventure. The views were breathtaking and the water was as blue as I have ever seen it. At some points we were above the clouds and it felt a bit unreal. The natural environment is virtually undeveloped and because of this it remains to be one of the most beautiful natural wonders in the world. {I'm disappointed he didn't choose his summer working at an orphanage in Central America. Little Brother at one time commented that he didn't understand why Mr. FFA had to keep going overseas instead of staying put at Notre Dame. Then Little Brother said, "He sure loves them orphans." This has become a total running joke with Mr. FFA!}
My other favorite is in fact a wonder of the world. This summer, while in Brazil, I traveled to Rio de Janeiro for a short time. There I visited the Christ the Redeemer statue on top of one of the largest hills in the city. Because of my faith the statue is very special, but it is also simply an architectural feat. The views of the platform below the statue make it a site to see. The platform lies high above the city and the ocean to set the scene for a very powerful aerial view. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a beautiful vacation. {How awesome is this picture??}

You’re quite the motivational speaker. If you could give the world one piece of advice, what would it be?

My mission has always been simple- to do good things for the world and inspire others to do the same in the process. I would tell everyone to forget the rules, stop making excuses, and to do what you feel you were born to do. Everyone knows what they want to do, but few actually do it. {Bold, underline, star that last sentence!} I meet students all the time who have all the potential, but their views of their own talent and ability are so limited. It is time that the world stops listening to the negativity and instead achieves more than we ever thought possible. In the end I know that the advice I share on the stage is meaningless unless I trigger something inside their mind and activate a response and an action. Inspiration plus a call to action is where the real results come from.
What is something you constantly pray for?
Like anyone, I always pray for the people who are most important in my life. They are constantly on my mind and a focus of my daily prayers. Many times I will pray about the current burdens on my heart and the issues of the world that challenge me to do more. I feel for those less fortunate and pray for an end to the violence of this world. In addition, I often find myself asking for more courage to do what I am meant to do in life and more faith in general. I feel like these are two areas that I can never grow enough in. {Praying for more courage to do what I am meant to do in life....I'll be adding that to my list of daily prayers....I mean seriously, this kid is amazing!}

What was your favorite showing memory?
In 2006, I along with the help of many others raised the best pig we ever had on feed. We decided to haul her to The National Western Stock Show, which happens to be a terminal show. She weighed in at 252 and was a painted-up cross in a class of all blue-butt gilts and a few barrows. Al Schminke was the most sought after judge in the country at the time and he was sorted through the class at a fairly fast pace. He penned 9 pigs in a class that allowed 10 to be penned before they sent the rest out of the ring. I had driven her by him several times and he just didn’t see her. In a frantic effort as we walked towards the fence I turned her and drove her straight at him. As she turned towards him he looked in her direction, saw her chest floor, and sent us to the last pen. I later won the class, but I will never forget the sheer nervousness I felt as I watched him pen the other nine pigs before mine. I could also see Mr. Flanagan on the other side of the ring red in the face and appeared to be not breathing well. That made it a little more interesting. It was a show I wont soon forget.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
This is even more difficult than the FFA questions. I have no other way of answering this, but to simply focus on the things that I hold to a high value now and imagine the next steps. My life has always been somewhat of an adventure so I never know where I will be in six months much less in ten years. Yet, I see myself in ten years involved in the church with a strong focus on my faith. Hopefully I will have a wonderful family with a couple children. As for work, I see myself involved in public policy and law.

What is one (or more) item(s) on your bucket list?
1. Meet the Pope.
2. Become completely fluent in Spanish.
3. Launch a non-profit to help eradicate hunger all over the world.
4. Go to law school.
5. Live abroad. Again.
6. Speak on every continent… and at an event at the White House.
7. Change lives all over the world.
8. Go Skydiving. {This is without a doubt the most popular answer when I ask this question.}
9. Become 6’6” and play in the NBA… still developing a plan for this. Stay tuned for details. {Me too, buddy. Me too.}

Family Farm Friday #63: That's What I Call Home

"I think having land and not ruining it is the most beautiful art that anybody could ever want." ~ Andy Warhol

We've got a quick blog today. Why, you ask? Well becuase I've been busy getting laundry and packing done for my little journey to College Station this weekend to cheer on my Pokes and see my BFF and Cousin Kevin! I'll be back with lots of stories next week, no doubt!

I love Blake Shelton. I mean, seriously love him. I'd marry him tomorrow of Miranda didn't already do that. I want to hate her out of jealousy, but look how freaking cute she is at the beginning of this video? Now I just want to be her friend. Dang it!

Anyhow, I came across this song last week that I had never heard before. it reminded me of home, so I thought I'd share!

That's What I Call Home, by Blake Shelton

There's a house that's a little run down
This city ain't never found
It's miles and miles from a paved road
That's where we grew up
Seven children raised on love
When life gets hard that's where we go
Daddy don't know a stranger
A handshake and he's your friend
Oh and Mama she's an angel
She'll hold you tight till the heartache ends
Just a place made of nails and wood
But it's the love that makes you feel so good
That's what I call
That's what I call home
Daddy built it with his own two hands
Overlooking his grandpa's land
Now through the years a lot has changed
But driving up this gravel road
I get that feeling in my soul
I thank God some things still remain
Daddy don't know a stranger
A handshake and he's your friend
Oh and Mama she's an angel
She'll hold you tight till the heartache ends
Just a place made of nails and wood
But it's the love that makes you feel so good
That's what I call
That's what I call home
Once I get myself through that old screen door
The world can't touch me anymore
Daddy don't know a stranger
A handshake and he's your friend
Oh and Mama she's an angel
She'll hold you tight till the heartache ends
Just a place made of nails and wood
But it's the love that makes you feel so good
That's what I call
That's what I call home

That Hasn't Changed

"A million times we've needed you. A million times we've cried. If love could only have saved you. You never would have died."

September 22 has rolled around again. Two years ago today, at 7:45 in the morning, I got the call I had been dreading for months. After a call the night before, I knew what my mom would say that morning, so I almost didn't answer, thinking that I could go a few more hours before I had to know that Mr. Franklin was gone.

I remember thinking last year on this day that the firsts were over. And I was right. But do you know what wasn't over? The seconds. And the thirds. And the rest of life as it continues on.

I think about him every day. On some days, it seems normal to do so. Like on sheep sale weekend. And during state judging week. Or when I read certain books. But some days, it's completely random. When my toe hurts after running and I pick up the phone because he would know what to do. When I leave my parents' house and almost automatically turn left at the highway to head for his house without thinking. When I drive by the Frontier Restaurant or the Red Roof Inn or I order orange juice at the restaurant and feel guilty if I don't drink it all. When I'm cleaning out my fridge. I think those random memories....the ones that only a select handful of people would even understand...are my favorite.
I came across this picture at some point in the last year. Roswell pig show...Little Brother and I watching the sift, and Mr. Franklin watching over our shoulders. I realized that I spent a big part of my life with Mr. Franklin watching over my shoulder making sure I did things right. I'd like to think that hasn't changed.

Throwback Thursday #59: State Fair Memories

“It's surprising how much of memory is built around things unnoticed at the time.” ~Barbara Kingsolver

Yes, I know it's Wednesday. But I have another post for tomorrow, so we're doing Throwback Thursday a day early. Stick with me.

As I walked around the State Fairgrounds this last week, I felt a sense of nostalgia. I started to think about all of my memories of the State Fair. You know what I realized? It amazes me how a place where I only spent one week out of each year at could have so many memories. You'd think that 1 out of 52 weeks of each year would sort of be a blip on the radar screen of life. But not State Fair.


Those fairgrounds are home to some of my favorite memories.

.......Teacher Friend rushing over to the dorms the minute we arrived to get dibs on the best bunks (fyi--corner farthest from the doors, bathroom and showers) and set up camp.......

.....Earning the nickname Sunshine for going to chores with total bedhead when I was about 15....

.....Mr. Franklin's uncanny ability to automatically remember the declared weight of any animal that any of his kids owned (on the scales that are perpetually 2 pounds light every year).....
.....Dancing our little hearts out in the street in front of Tingley every night.....

.....Wade grabbing me by the arm at one of these said street dances and saying, "It's time for you to leave" after a Led Zepplen concert let out and things got a little hairy and literally walking me back to the dorms.....
.....holding hands with a cute boy on the steps of the dorms......

.....sitting for hours outside dorm number 9 talking to one of my oldest friends, not knowing that would be the last time I'd ever see him.....
....crowding around the only tv on the fairgrounds to watch the horror of 9/11 unfold in front of our eyes........trying to leave to go to dinner with my dad and Mr. Franklin and it taking an hour to get from the pens to the car because they had to stop and talk to everyone along the way.....

.....taking the Little Blonde Headed Kid for ice cream on sale day......
.....Trey smacking his mom with a pig bat and her literally hurdling a fence to beat the crap out of him....

.....winning my first State Fair buckle with my champion cross (and my dad letting me drive to the mall afterwards to buy a new shirt for the dance that night)......
.....Little Brother's pig, Harley, almost winning a banner at the pig show.... .....and that day being the start of my dad's "lucky show day shirt" that he wore for the next 8 years!.....
....BFF making the most proper girl I know scream the F word at him (I mean how could you get mad at that innocent little face??).....
......the Tom Thumb donut stand, where you could always be sure to find Little Brother if he was MIA.....

.......always eating at Steak in the Rough becuase it was the farthest restaurant we were allowed to go to (since we were told by our parents that people died on the Midway)....

.....winning a class with a lamb that I raised myself my very last year to show (a goal I had set for myself when I was about 12 years old)....
But most of all, what I'll never forget are the friendships that I made. With other kids from across the state. With ag teachers from other schools. With parents and grandparents there with their own kids. Looking at things from this side, the State Fair gave me a second family, one that I have a reunion with for a week every September.

So for me, the State Fair is about so much more than fried food and carnival rides. And heck, I guess it's even about more than belt buckles and sale checks. It's about memories. And about a second family. And I can honestly say, I can't imagine my life without them.