{All smiles at another stock show.}
Sunday, January 31, 2016
Friday, January 29, 2016
Family Farm Friday #97: What FFA Gave Me
PETA is at it again. This time it's an article declaring FFA to be lame as {curse word I do not say}. And I wish it were true that no one listens to that organization and their lies, but it's not. And people do. So I felt compelled to respond. I started out explaining how each of PETA's arguments were wrong. But quickly I got angry and the blog was negative and although I'll publish it next week, I thought looking at the positives of the program first was pretty important. So that's today.
FFA (and 4-H too just to be clear) has given me so much. Sure, everyone has been sharing the usual since the article came out (which are all true and I have shared before here and here): Work ethic. Responsibility. How to manage finances. Animal care. Scholarships.
But there is so much more these programs have given me. So I made a little list of some of the things FFA gave me that might not be obvious.
A college diploma and a law degree. I credit FFA with both my scholastic and monetary ability to get these degrees. I went to college with about $20,000 in the bank. The vast majority of that was from raising animals and making the sales at stock shows. Sure, I worked all through college and most of law school and had scholarships as well, but that showing income allowed me two degrees and no student loan debt. More than that, having participated in FFA contests like public speaking, FBM, and livestock judging prepared me for law school better than anything else I could have done. I learned to analyze, see both sides, and think on my feet. All of which came in very handy, particularly in law school come exam times.
My husband. No, we did not meet in the programs. We met when I was 28 at an OSU football weekend. But we were there because of a mutual friend. I knew said mutual friend through 4-H. My husband came along that weekend because the boys were looking at show calves on the way. Bam. Thank you 4-H and FFA for the shiny diamond ring in this finger of mine.
My best friends. The easiest one here is BFF, who I met directly because of showing when I was 10 years old. But through a long, windey explanation, I could connect my meeting Blonde Oklahoma Girl, who was never in 4-H or FFA because of these programs. Her friend dated my friend who I knew from judging and because of that I met Loud Oklahoma Girl and we bonded because of showing and through her I met Blond Oklahoma Girl. College Roomie and I got to know each other through 4-H.
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| State 4-H circa 2002. |
My love of travel. My family is not one of travelers. Growing up, our vacations existed of trips to the NM mountains or to fairs. But 4-H and FFA sent me off on adventures across the country. From touring dairies in Wisconsin to chicken farms in Indiana to judging cattle in Kentucky and road tripping across the Mississippi River, I credit my love of travel, which has now taken me to 9 countries and over half the states, to 4-H and FFA trips.
My child's middle name. BB is named after my ag teacher, who was much like a second father to me. I have had some great teachers in my 20 years of schooling. Never would it have crossed my mind to name my kid after any of them except for my ag teacher. Those relationships between students and ag teachers are just special.
My wedding photographers. All three of my wedding photographers are my friends because of FFA. Super Mom and I met because we competed against each other in FFA contests for years. Homewtown Friend and I became friends from going on FFA trips together in high school. Ag Teacher Friend and I showed against each other growing up. These girls not only saved me a ton of money and took great photos, but they are some of my absolute favorite people.
A close family. I'd like to think that no matter whether we had shown animals or not, my family would have been close. But I think that the reality is, we would not have been as close as we are without that. We spend hours every single night together at the barn working with animals. We learned together, made mistakes together, fought with each other, celebrated wins together. And honestly, today, not much has changed. Just about every single day, I talk on the phone with my dad and brother about sheep. The Boy from Texas has jumped in and he is studying up on rams and preparing to fly with my brother across the country to look at sheep. My mom and I are frequently dealing with Facebook and marketing for our show lamb sales. We've stayed all connected and in close contact because of the show program.
A close family. I'd like to think that no matter whether we had shown animals or not, my family would have been close. But I think that the reality is, we would not have been as close as we are without that. We spend hours every single night together at the barn working with animals. We learned together, made mistakes together, fought with each other, celebrated wins together. And honestly, today, not much has changed. Just about every single day, I talk on the phone with my dad and brother about sheep. The Boy from Texas has jumped in and he is studying up on rams and preparing to fly with my brother across the country to look at sheep. My mom and I are frequently dealing with Facebook and marketing for our show lamb sales. We've stayed all connected and in close contact because of the show program.
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| Family gathered up during the pig show. |
A great network when I need help. I'm here to tell you, I know someone everywhere. I always know if I have car trouble, particularly in New Mexico, I'm covered. Seriously, there is someone I can call in pretty much any county in the state. When I needed rescued from a near plane crash, I called a showing friend. When I needed a couch to crash on and a tour of the White House in DC, it was an FFA friend who stepped in. To this day when I have political questions, I talk to FFA friends who work for Congress. I'm here to tell you, once you're part of the FFA family, you're in for life.
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| White House tour with Super Mom 2006. |
My job. Probably even more than most, my job is clearly from my experiences in 4-H and FFA. What I do now is basically public speaking contests, creed contests, and extemporaneous public speaking rolled into one and given a paycheck. For real, take away the national blue and corn gold jacket and the medals for winning, and my job is basically a big ol' public speaking contest. I have zero doubt without those experiences as a kid I would not have the career I do.
This list sure doesn't look lame to me. Perhaps had the PETA folks been involved in these programs (or if the author was, as is claimed, had they actually understood the organization), or had talked to folks who had been involved, they might have been better informed. Those of us who do know better have to tell our stories. Share the gifts FFA and 4-H gave you. Because, sadly, most people in America don't know if we don't tell them.
This list sure doesn't look lame to me. Perhaps had the PETA folks been involved in these programs (or if the author was, as is claimed, had they actually understood the organization), or had talked to folks who had been involved, they might have been better informed. Those of us who do know better have to tell our stories. Share the gifts FFA and 4-H gave you. Because, sadly, most people in America don't know if we don't tell them.
Thursday, January 28, 2016
Truth from the Trenches: I Put Cabbage in My Bra
I put cabbage in my bra.
If that doesn't get your attention, I don't know what will. Motherhood makes you do crazy things that, somehow, don't seem nearly as insane when you are in the middle of it. Never say never, young 'ens.
Here are a few examples.
Here are a few examples.
- Cabbage in the bra. I'm not going to go into great detail here, but allow me to say that I now know why cows bellow all night long when we wean. It's not because they miss their calves. It's because they hurt. Like freaking crazy. I read online that cabbage in the bra could help with this issue. Therefore, I spent 3 days with soup ingredients down my shirt. Yep. I did it. And I'd do it again. (For those of you dealing with this, I can tell you a few other tricks I used to help....decongestant, peppermint oil, Motrin. Feel free to ask questions.)
- Nose Frieda. "You just stick one end of this in the kid's nose and the other end of it in your mouth and suck out the snot." Um......are you kidding me? No. I'm not kidding. And you'll love this contraption. It works a million times better than the little bulb nose sucker. There is no way that you can get the snot into your mouth, so that's at least a bit less strange.
- Just wipe it off. I've got a reflux baby. He spits up a lot. ALL. THE. TIME. At first, I would change everyone's clothes, wipe everything down, and start over. By now, unless it's a major mess, I just wipe it off. Spit up running all down my arm? Probably fine. Chunks stuck in my hair? that might justify cleaning up a bit more. One day, The Boy from Texas gave us a group hug before he left for work. About 30 minutes later, he was driving down the road, reached for his phone out of his shirt pocket, only to find out that BB had spit up in his pocket during the group hug. It was full of curdled milk. He just wiped off the phones, cleaned out his pocket, and went about his day.
- Talk about poop. From being a farm kid, I know you can tell alot about an animal by his or her poop. Same is true for a baby. I'm fairly sure that "poop" will be BB's first word. We constantly talk about it. Has he pooped today? Did he have a hard time pooping? What did the poop look like? Can you poop buddy? It's freaking insane. The Boy from Texas recently told me, "I've never worried about poop so much in my life."
Ah, life looks different now than I ever dreamed. It's gross. Strange. Crazy. But it's also a heck of a lot of fun.
Ah, life looks different now than I ever dreamed. It's gross. Strange. Crazy. But it's also a heck of a lot of fun.
Tuesday, January 26, 2016
Newlywed in the Kitchen {2016} Recipe #2: Stuffed Bell Peppers
I'm always looking for something fairly healthy but still tasty and easy to prepare. This recipe fit the mold and I will definitely be making it again!
The Boy from Texas Comments: "It's not bad for a bunch of rice and a bell pepper."
My Rating: 4/5.
The Boy from Texas Comments: "It's not bad for a bunch of rice and a bell pepper."
My Rating: 4/5.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
6 large green bell peppers
1 pound ground beef
1/2 C chopped onion (I don't like onions, so I always just sprinkle some minced onion for flavor)
16 oz can diced tomatoes (I used diced tomatoes with green chile because I'm from New Mexico)
1/2 C white rice
1/2 C water
1 t salt
1 t pepper
1 t Worcestershire sauce
1 C shredded cheddar jack cheese
Cut tops off of peppers, discard membranes and seeds. Chop enough from the tops to have 1/4 C chopped bell pepper.
Take whole peppers and slice in half longways. Put them in boiling water for about 5 minutes. Set upside down to dry. Sprinkle insides lightly with salt. Set aside.
Brown ground beef, onion, and 1/4 C chopped bell pepper until meat is cooked and veggies are tender. Drain off fat and return to pan.
Add in tomatoes, uncooked rice, water, salt, Worcestershire, and pepper. Bring to boil, cover, reduce heat to simmer. Cook for about 20 minutes or so until rice is done.
Heat oven to 350. Place peppers into baking dish.
When rice is ready, add in cheese and mix well. Stuff peppers with meat mixture.
Bake for 30 minutes.
Friday, January 22, 2016
Thursday, January 21, 2016
Newlywed in the Kitchen {2016} Recipe #1: PW's Potato Skins
For Christmas, I completed my collection of all The Pioneer Woman's cookbooks. I think she's fantastic. Everything I've ever tried has been amazing.
So, one Sunday while we were hanging out watching football, I decided that trying her Potato Skin recipe was just the way to start off Newlywed in the Kitchen for 2016.
The recipe was easy and the potato skins were quite tasty and easy to make! I'd definitely recommend them.
The Boy from Texas Rating: 2 (He's in a bad mood.)
My Rating: 4
So, one Sunday while we were hanging out watching football, I decided that trying her Potato Skin recipe was just the way to start off Newlywed in the Kitchen for 2016.
The recipe was easy and the potato skins were quite tasty and easy to make! I'd definitely recommend them.
The Boy from Texas Rating: 2 (He's in a bad mood.)
My Rating: 4
8 Russet potatoes
4T canola oil (I used olive oil)
2T butter
Salt to taste
1.5C grated Cheddar cheese
8 slices pepperd bacon, fried, chopped (I totally cheated here and bought the pre-cooked bacon bits--Oscar Meyer brand--and it worked fine.)
2 sliced green onions (I left this out)
.5C sour cream
Preheat oven to 400.
Wash potatoes and pat dry. Use your hands to run oil over potatoes. Place on baking sheet and cook until skin is crisp and potatoes are soft, about 40 minutes. Let cool until you can handle.
Cut potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop out the innards, leaving just a bit of potato in the skins. Melt butter and 2T oil and brush the inside of potatoes. Flip over and brush back side of potatoes as well. Sprinkle with salt.
Place in oven fact down and cook about 8 minutes until crisp. Flip potatoes over and continue to bake until the potato edges turn golden brown (about another 10 minutes).
Remove from oven and sprinkle with cheese and bacon. Pop back in oven for long enough to melt the cheese. (I broiled as well to make the cheese a bit crispy.)
Top with green onions and sour cream.
Wednesday, January 20, 2016
Funny Conversations Over the Holidays
Dad: You guys don't be cheap on our nursing home!
Denton:
you can't tell me that you would not go for a little less fancy place
if we could have a really good ram out back here at the farm.
Dad: Well, that's different!
*BB is whining.*
The Boy from Texas: Calm down, Son, here...we will watch Vanilla Ice.
Denton: Here kid, lets go do chores.
Mom: No! That ram is mean!
Me: Well don't let him walk around in the ram pen
Denton: Ok I will try and keep him from riding the ram today.
Aunt Delta Dawn: My goodness, what are all these creepy red lights that are flashing all over the sky?
The Boy from Texas: Those are the wind turbines.
Aunt Delta Dawn: Well, I think we should bring ISIS out here and let them see this. I'm pretty sure it would scare them into leaving America and never coming back.
The Boy from Texas: Who the heck is Alan D*****?
Me: Oh, he's from Ireland.
The Boy from Texas: He dresses funny.
Me: Yea, he's pretty metro.
The Boy from Texas: How do you know a metro guy from Ireland?
Me: We met on a bus. A wine tasting bus.
The Boy from Texas: What?
Me: Yea, he actually is from Ireland, lives in Dubai, and we met wine tasting in San Francisco.
The Boy from Texas: So you don't really know him. He could be a serial killer.
Me: Um, I know him. I told you, we met on a bus then he sang karaoke with us.
The Boy from Texas: I can't deal with you.
Monday, January 18, 2016
Stitch Fix Report: January
Thanks to one of my blog readers and friends signing up for Stitch Fix using my referral link, I had a credit and decided I needed a box in January to kick off the new year.
Once again, the box didn't disappoint! My stylist picked items I pinned and followed my requests to a T. Everything was exactly in my price range (I always tell them not to send me anything over $100 and if it's over $75 it better be really good!)
Let's get to the review.
Remesme Graphic Print Faux Wrap Dress.
Pip Crew Neck Blouse
Lebray Button Down Top
Layla Elbow Patch Detail Cardigan
Rebekah Stretch Crepe Blazer
I have wanted a cute 3/4 length blazer with rolled sleeves forever. I think it will be great with jeans and heels for work. Sort of dresses up wearing jeans. Verdict: Keeper.
Final Verdict: 2/5 Kept. All in all I was quite happy with this box! I love having clothes delivered to my door, especially since BB makes shopping a bit of a chore. If you want to give it a try, use this link and I will get a referral credit.
Friday, January 15, 2016
Monday, January 11, 2016
The Silos
Recently I had to go to Waco for work. 6.5 hour road trip was not all that exciting, except for the fact that I planned a little shopping trip.
You guys watch Chip and Joanna on Fixer Upper? Yep, I went to The Silos to check out Magnolia Market. Checked this baby off the Bucket List.
It's really a cool area with their storefront (home and garden), a lawn area for kids and picnicking, a food truck park (I bet there were 10 trucks!), and soon-to-be a bakery.
The store was cool. Lots of stuff you have seen on the show and very much the Joanna Gaines feel.
But things were pretty pricy (A small candle I really liked cost $26, the yellow throw blanket above was $68) and there was not really that much stuff.
I ended up buying a coffee cup for The Boy from Texas (we collect them), and I spent my Christmas money to get myself a journal and some really cute hymn cards with a clip holder. There are 12 different hymn verses so I will be displaying one a month!
All in all, it was an excellent little trip to visit The Silos!
Sunday, January 10, 2016
52 Week Photo Project {1}
I am already changing 16 in '16 goals. I could tell about 2 days in a family photo a week was not gonna happen. So...we will change and just do a photo of BB each week. That's all you are gonna care about anyway. I think it will be fun to see how much changes in the next 52 weeks!
Week 1 {Age: 3 months, 3 weeks.}
(Be honest, how many of you ag kids read "3 months, 3 weeks" and automatically thought "3 days, gestation length of a sow! Just me?")
Friday, January 8, 2016
Stitch Fix Report: Christmas Edition
After being disappointed in my December Fix, I decided to splurge and do another fix this month....it is Christmas after all! I am SO glad I did it because I loved every single item in the box. It's my first 5/5 and I cannot tell you enough how excited I am about these pieces. They ended up averaging about $40 a piece. (Excuse the horribly awkward photos.)
Cyndi Lace Pencil Skirt
I had seen this skirt on Pinterest and added it to my "Stitch Fix Wants" board that is linked to my Stitch Fix profile. I was beyond excited to see this in my box. It fits great, it's fun, and professional. I knew the second I put it on this was staying in my closet!
Marley Lace Detail Blouse
I really love the color of this shirt and, again, think it will be great for work. During the winter, I can always wear a sweater or a jacket over it and in the summer the pretty sleeves will make it great to wear without something else.
Yuli Lace Cap Sleeve Blouse
I love this shirt. It fits great, it's dressy, just what I need. I think it will look great with a pencil skirt or slacks for work! I also wore it with black skinny jeans for Christmas.
Ginia Layered Cowl Neck Sweater
I had been looking for a sweater or two to wear with leggings---I know, I know, leggings aren't pants. But, I drive a lot and they are comfy so I don't mind wearing them if I have a long sweater to cover up my booty. This sweater is going to be great with my black leggings and my grey boot socks.
Colten Lace Raglan Sleeve Knit Top
This was the item I liked least in the box. There is nothing wrong with it, it's just not super fancy and it's a little bit big. I'll wear it with jeans for sure and it's comfy.
If you haven't tried Stitch Fix, you totally should! You just fill out a style profile, pay a $20 styling fee, and a box with 5 items shows up at your house. You keep what you like and send back what you don't in a pre-paid envelope you just drop at the post office. If you keep something, you pay the price of the item, and the $20 credit goes towards the purchase price. If you keep all 5 items, you get 25% off.
If you decide to check it out, use this link por favor! It will give me a little credit for referring you to the fun.
Cyndi Lace Pencil Skirt
I had seen this skirt on Pinterest and added it to my "Stitch Fix Wants" board that is linked to my Stitch Fix profile. I was beyond excited to see this in my box. It fits great, it's fun, and professional. I knew the second I put it on this was staying in my closet!
Marley Lace Detail Blouse
I really love the color of this shirt and, again, think it will be great for work. During the winter, I can always wear a sweater or a jacket over it and in the summer the pretty sleeves will make it great to wear without something else.
Yuli Lace Cap Sleeve Blouse
I love this shirt. It fits great, it's dressy, just what I need. I think it will look great with a pencil skirt or slacks for work! I also wore it with black skinny jeans for Christmas.
Ginia Layered Cowl Neck Sweater
I had been looking for a sweater or two to wear with leggings---I know, I know, leggings aren't pants. But, I drive a lot and they are comfy so I don't mind wearing them if I have a long sweater to cover up my booty. This sweater is going to be great with my black leggings and my grey boot socks.
Colten Lace Raglan Sleeve Knit Top
This was the item I liked least in the box. There is nothing wrong with it, it's just not super fancy and it's a little bit big. I'll wear it with jeans for sure and it's comfy.
If you haven't tried Stitch Fix, you totally should! You just fill out a style profile, pay a $20 styling fee, and a box with 5 items shows up at your house. You keep what you like and send back what you don't in a pre-paid envelope you just drop at the post office. If you keep something, you pay the price of the item, and the $20 credit goes towards the purchase price. If you keep all 5 items, you get 25% off.
If you decide to check it out, use this link por favor! It will give me a little credit for referring you to the fun.
Thursday, January 7, 2016
The Perfect Baby
Things are about to get real serious here on my usually lighthearted blog.
I'm a member of a group on Facebook and last week someone asked for prayers for her friend who was pregnant. The woman had long wanted a baby. But when she had the genetic screening tests done, she learned that her child tested at an increased risk for Down's Syndrome. And now, she has decided to abort the baby because of these results.
My heart is broken into a million pieces.
For us, in the end, the test was wrong. Our nearly 4 month old son was born without Down's. Had we taken this woman's approach and killed our baby, we'd have missed out on the joy of this little face every single day.
But I will tell you what that incorrect positive test did for us. It allowed us to grow in our faith, because we realized that God was in control and the baby he had created for us was going to be just that...the baby for us, regardless of the number of chromosomes he had. And, should our next baby be born with an extra chromosome, well I think we'll just be even more ready to love him or her after all of this. It allowed us to grow in our love for one another. Hearing my husband resolve that if the test was right, that baby would have a good life with us is easily one of the moments I have loved him most. And, I believe, it has given us an understanding and a perspective from which to encourage others facing a similar situation. Not only to tell that the tests are frequently wrong, but also to encourage if the test is accurate. As difficult of a test as this was to walk through, if God can use it and use us for good, I am more than happy to have born that cross.
My friend in Chicago has a precious daughter with Down's, and I absolutely adore her stories of Jen's humor, love, and mischief (like swiping cash from anyone's wallet she can get her hands on). If you don't follow #Benstagram on Instagram, get over there this minute and you will see the cutest little Asian boy with Down's. I have a co-worker whose teenage son with Down's is my favorite thing to see on Facebook....had you seen this kid in his Where's Waldo Halloween costume, you'd agree for sure. My friend from law school has a precious little girl who is frequently recorded playing rock song drum solos with her dad.
I thank God for all the Down's Syndrome babies I know, and for all of their parents who are fulfilling their challenging, yet beautiful vocation, of loving these precious souls.
That cute face of ours?
He has severe acid reflux. And a heart murmur. And he's started this yelling thing that can drive you just about batty. Does that mean somehow we should not have wanted him? That we should not have loved him?
And where is that line? Why is Down's something that justifies killing the baby but acid reflux is not? What about allergies? Bad knees? ADHD?
You are not going to get a perfect baby, but you will get the baby that is perfect for you. I have no desire to question God's plan by thinking I know better. Been there, done that, learned my lesson, have the t-shirt. I never know better.
I'm a member of a group on Facebook and last week someone asked for prayers for her friend who was pregnant. The woman had long wanted a baby. But when she had the genetic screening tests done, she learned that her child tested at an increased risk for Down's Syndrome. And now, she has decided to abort the baby because of these results.
My heart is broken into a million pieces.
Genetic Screening Tests Are Often Wrong.
Having lived through a positive result to a Down's Syndrome screening test myself, I sympathize with the fear and worry this mother is facing. And although I never thought of killing the baby (let's call a spade a spade, I'm not a fan of terms like "terminating the pregnancy"), I cried for days worrying about my unborn son and what this would mean for him and for our family. It is scary. It's not part of your plan. There are unknowns. You are hormonal and emotional and fat and it just seems like too much to handle.For us, in the end, the test was wrong. Our nearly 4 month old son was born without Down's. Had we taken this woman's approach and killed our baby, we'd have missed out on the joy of this little face every single day.
But I will tell you what that incorrect positive test did for us. It allowed us to grow in our faith, because we realized that God was in control and the baby he had created for us was going to be just that...the baby for us, regardless of the number of chromosomes he had. And, should our next baby be born with an extra chromosome, well I think we'll just be even more ready to love him or her after all of this. It allowed us to grow in our love for one another. Hearing my husband resolve that if the test was right, that baby would have a good life with us is easily one of the moments I have loved him most. And, I believe, it has given us an understanding and a perspective from which to encourage others facing a similar situation. Not only to tell that the tests are frequently wrong, but also to encourage if the test is accurate. As difficult of a test as this was to walk through, if God can use it and use us for good, I am more than happy to have born that cross.
Babies With Downs Tremendous Blessing.
Knowing several people who have children with Down's Syndrome, I know what a huge blessing those kiddos are to a family. I am sure there are huge challenges raising a baby with Down's. But...hello...there are huge challenges raising a baby period. But there are amazing blessings as well.My friend in Chicago has a precious daughter with Down's, and I absolutely adore her stories of Jen's humor, love, and mischief (like swiping cash from anyone's wallet she can get her hands on). If you don't follow #Benstagram on Instagram, get over there this minute and you will see the cutest little Asian boy with Down's. I have a co-worker whose teenage son with Down's is my favorite thing to see on Facebook....had you seen this kid in his Where's Waldo Halloween costume, you'd agree for sure. My friend from law school has a precious little girl who is frequently recorded playing rock song drum solos with her dad.
I thank God for all the Down's Syndrome babies I know, and for all of their parents who are fulfilling their challenging, yet beautiful vocation, of loving these precious souls.
You're Not Going To Get a "Perfect" Baby.
I despise the idea that if a baby is not "perfect" he or she is not worthy of living. You know who thought this way? Hitler. Let that sink in a minute. Newsflash: There is no perfect baby. That cute face of ours?
He has severe acid reflux. And a heart murmur. And he's started this yelling thing that can drive you just about batty. Does that mean somehow we should not have wanted him? That we should not have loved him?
And where is that line? Why is Down's something that justifies killing the baby but acid reflux is not? What about allergies? Bad knees? ADHD?
You are not going to get a perfect baby, but you will get the baby that is perfect for you. I have no desire to question God's plan by thinking I know better. Been there, done that, learned my lesson, have the t-shirt. I never know better.
Please pray.
All of this said, please pray for the particular woman mentioned in our Facebook group, and for all women who face a positive genetic screening test. That their hearts will be open. That they will find support from those around them. That they will find the strength to fulfill the important vocation to which they have been called. And that their baby will be loved.
Lord, hear our prayers.
Wednesday, January 6, 2016
Christmas Tradition #7: BB's Tractor Collection
For those of you sick to death of this series, this is the last post!
We love tractors around our house. This is no surprise when two farm kids are in charge. The Boy from Texas collected John Deere toy tractors, and used to asked for a new one everytime he went to town. He has a huge tub of them to show for it.
We love tractors around our house. This is no surprise when two farm kids are in charge. The Boy from Texas collected John Deere toy tractors, and used to asked for a new one everytime he went to town. He has a huge tub of them to show for it.
So when it came time to go shopping for BB's first Christmas, his dad made sure the first stop was at the John Deere house to start his very own toy tractor collection.
We analyzed and thought and were there for almost an hour picking out the right size and the right first tractor. In the end, we went with the 9560R.
His Aunt Shana added some mini tractors to the collection as well!
We cannot wait for BB to have shelves full of tractors and to play with them!
Tuesday, January 5, 2016
Christmas Tradition #6: Gran's Nativity
Growing up, Christmas always included setting up Gran's Nativity. Sometime after Thanksgiving, Gran, Little Brother and I would go to the well house and dig out the barn and get things started.
This barn was made for Gran, by her brother (my Great Uncle). He wanted her to have something for her Nativity for her grandkids. He made it by hand and the wood was from the old store. (My great grandparents traveled to NM by wagon and had a little store and eventually gas station in Caprock.)
After we gathered the Nativity barn, we headed to the real barn to gather up straw to put in the Nativity.
Finally we unpacked the figurines--Baby Jesus, the shepherd boy, camels, donkeys...she had quite the collection. As we set it up, we always talked about the Christmas Story and Jesus and why he came.
This year, my dad gave me Gran's Nativity for Christmas. I brought it to my house and promptly set it up, even though it was the day after Christmas.
I love than BB will be the fourth generation to enjoy this Nativity. And today would have been my Gran's 93rd birthday, so I bet she'd love me sharing this story with all of you!
Monday, January 4, 2016
15 in '15: Final Report
Looking back at 2015, I really was able to get a lot done. No, I didn't manage to cross off every list item, but there's always next year (and my 2016 list!)
And now, for my report card... I knocked out 9/15 list items. Here's the review.
1. Visit 2 new states. COMPLETE!
Georgia in January; Iowa in April; Minnesota in April.
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2. Print Instagram photos in Chatbooks. COMPLETE!
They are happily on my coffee table waiting for visitors.
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3. Read 12 more books. (5/12 complete).
Bittersweet by Shauna Niequist (February)
St. John Paul the Great by Jason Evert (March)
Before Amen by Max Lucado (April)
I'm disappointed that this did not come true, but honestly, I way over-estimated my ability to read during maternity leave.
---
4. Run another half marathon. Complete a post-baby 5K.
Again, over-estimated my abilities after baby. I am back to running again and WILL run a 5K and a half marathon in 2016!
---
5. Take a fun trip for The Boy From Texas' 30th. COMPLETE!
We spent a few days at the beautiful Inn of the Mountain Gods in Ruidoso, New Mexico. If you missed the blog recapping the trip, click here!
---
6. Plant flowers in our yard and the fun pots we got. COMPLETE!
---
7. Cook 52 more recipes in the Newlywed in the Kitchen series. (49/52 completed).
I came close on this one....within 3 meals! I've not yet posted all of them (have several coming soon) but I've cooked them so I'm counting it! To see all the Newlywed in the Kitchen posts, click here.
---
8. Finish Uncle Black Belt's book.
We're still rolling on this. Uncle Black Belt has gotten drafts down of the first 6 chapters and he's working now on 7 and 8. I'm working on edits and photo placement and the like. This, too, is on the 2016 list.
---
9. Complete one Bible.com study a month. COMPLETED!
January: New Day, New You by Joyce Meyer.
February: Breathe Spiritual Passion into Your Marriage by Gary Thomas.
March: Praying for your Elephant - Praying Bold Prayers
April: Discerning God's Will
May: Hope
June: Assurance
July: The Lies of Busyness: Devotions from Time of Grace
August: Using Your Time for God
November: Hard Questions and Adore
December : Waiting Well and Remembering All God has Done
I'm a big fan of this app--makes it super easy to get your devotional in because it's right on your phone!
---
10. Complete 5 Pinterest projects (other than recipes). COMPLETE!
Plant a ceramic pot garden (April)
Plant a mixed plant pot (April)
Send a birthday box to a friend (May)
Make lavender bunches (June), baby folders (August)
Homemade stain remover (September)
---
11. Knock off three more bucket list checkmarks. COMPLETE!
Meet a blog friend in person (January)
Stay at the Inn of the Mountain Gods (July)
Have a baby (September)
Visit Cadillac Ranch (December)
---
12. Order books/prints/canvases of our wedding photos. COMPLETE!
---
13. Listen to the New Testament.
This was the thing I'm the most disappointed in myself for not doing. I didn't even make it through Matthew. I just didn't get it done, no excused.
---
14. Pray Novenas for 12 friends and send them notes to tell them about it. COMPLETE!
January: Novena to St. Anne for a friend suffering through infertility.
February: Novena to St. Joseph for my single friends.
March: Novena to St. Patrick for my friend and her growing family.
April: Divine Mercy Novena for another good friend expecting a little one and a friend diagnosed with cancer.
May: Novena to the Infant of Prague for two friends struggling with infertility.
June: Divine Mercy Novena for a good friend going through a stressful time.
July: Novena to St. John Paul II for a friend taking the bar exam. Happy results...she passed!
August: Novena to St. Joseph for a friend whose husband was looking for a job.
October: Novena to Sts. Louis and Zelie Martin for a friend having a baby.
October: Divine Mercy Novena for a friend who lost his brother.
November:Novena to St. Joseph for a couple who got married.
December: Flying Novena to the Infant of Prague for friends of ours making some major life decisions.
---
15. Organize my pictures.
I do have some folders set up, all of my cd's of wedding, maternity and newborn pictures in one place, and photos saved off of my phone onto the computer.
And now, for my report card... I knocked out 9/15 list items. Here's the review.
1. Visit 2 new states. COMPLETE!
Georgia in January; Iowa in April; Minnesota in April.
---
2. Print Instagram photos in Chatbooks. COMPLETE!
They are happily on my coffee table waiting for visitors.
---
3. Read 12 more books. (5/12 complete).
Bittersweet by Shauna Niequist (February)
St. John Paul the Great by Jason Evert (March)
Before Amen by Max Lucado (April)
Babywise (August)
The Harsest Peace by Kara Tippets (August)
I'm disappointed that this did not come true, but honestly, I way over-estimated my ability to read during maternity leave.
---
4.
Again, over-estimated my abilities after baby. I am back to running again and WILL run a 5K and a half marathon in 2016!
---
5. Take a fun trip for The Boy From Texas' 30th. COMPLETE!
We spent a few days at the beautiful Inn of the Mountain Gods in Ruidoso, New Mexico. If you missed the blog recapping the trip, click here!
---
6. Plant flowers in our yard and the fun pots we got. COMPLETE!
---
7. Cook 52 more recipes in the Newlywed in the Kitchen series. (49/52 completed).
I came close on this one....within 3 meals! I've not yet posted all of them (have several coming soon) but I've cooked them so I'm counting it! To see all the Newlywed in the Kitchen posts, click here.
---
8. Finish Uncle Black Belt's book.
We're still rolling on this. Uncle Black Belt has gotten drafts down of the first 6 chapters and he's working now on 7 and 8. I'm working on edits and photo placement and the like. This, too, is on the 2016 list.
---
9. Complete one Bible.com study a month. COMPLETED!
January: New Day, New You by Joyce Meyer.
February: Breathe Spiritual Passion into Your Marriage by Gary Thomas.
March: Praying for your Elephant - Praying Bold Prayers
April: Discerning God's Will
May: Hope
June: Assurance
July: The Lies of Busyness: Devotions from Time of Grace
August: Using Your Time for God
November: Hard Questions and Adore
December : Waiting Well and Remembering All God has Done
I'm a big fan of this app--makes it super easy to get your devotional in because it's right on your phone!
---
10. Complete 5 Pinterest projects (other than recipes). COMPLETE!
Plant a ceramic pot garden (April)
Plant a mixed plant pot (April)
Send a birthday box to a friend (May)
Make lavender bunches (June), baby folders (August)
Homemade stain remover (September)
---
11. Knock off three more bucket list checkmarks. COMPLETE!
Meet a blog friend in person (January)
Stay at the Inn of the Mountain Gods (July)
Have a baby (September)
Visit Cadillac Ranch (December)
---
12. Order books/prints/canvases of our wedding photos. COMPLETE!
---
13. Listen to the New Testament.
This was the thing I'm the most disappointed in myself for not doing. I didn't even make it through Matthew. I just didn't get it done, no excused.
---
14. Pray Novenas for 12 friends and send them notes to tell them about it. COMPLETE!
January: Novena to St. Anne for a friend suffering through infertility.
February: Novena to St. Joseph for my single friends.
March: Novena to St. Patrick for my friend and her growing family.
April: Divine Mercy Novena for another good friend expecting a little one and a friend diagnosed with cancer.
May: Novena to the Infant of Prague for two friends struggling with infertility.
June: Divine Mercy Novena for a good friend going through a stressful time.
July: Novena to St. John Paul II for a friend taking the bar exam. Happy results...she passed!
August: Novena to St. Joseph for a friend whose husband was looking for a job.
October: Novena to Sts. Louis and Zelie Martin for a friend having a baby.
October: Divine Mercy Novena for a friend who lost his brother.
November:Novena to St. Joseph for a couple who got married.
December: Flying Novena to the Infant of Prague for friends of ours making some major life decisions.
---
15. Organize my pictures.
I do have some folders set up, all of my cd's of wedding, maternity and newborn pictures in one place, and photos saved off of my phone onto the computer.
Friday, January 1, 2016
16 in '16: The List
Because I enjoyed the 15 in '15 list so much, I decided to renew this little idea for another year. Here's my list of goals for 2016!
1. Run a half marathon. I would be lying if I said I was not a bit nervous about this one. Yes, I've run 3 before, but none of those were after I had a baby. Both the physical training and the time commitment make me a bit nervous, but I know this is something I need to do for myself!
2. Continue monthly photos of The Baby from Texas until he is one year old. I have so enjoyed taking his photos with the same props every month. I think having a year full of them will be awesome!
3. Read a classic. This was originally on my 30 by 30 list and it's still not done. I swear, this is happening in this year if it kills me!
4. Go on 5 dates with The Boy from Texas. I always heard people talk about date nights and never really understood what the big deal was. Then BB was born and it didn't take me long to see how important it was to take some time to connect with your spouse without screaming and spit up being involved! Going to have to beg the grandmas to help out with babysitting in order to accomplish this one.
5. Send an encouraging note to a friend once a month. I love sending little notes in the mail, so this is an easy thing to include on my list.
6. Go to adoration twice a month. Adoration is something that is so good for my soul, I have got to get back into the practice!
7. Read 5 new books. Last year, I aimed too high with 12. This year, I'm going with a nice round number of 5. I've got several books that I'm wanting to knock off the list....starting with For The Love by my girl Jen Hatmaker!
8. Knock off three more bucket list check marks. I just keep rolling on the bucket list, slowly but surely. A little trip to Alaska will likely provide a couple of these checkmarks in one swoop!
9. Cook 20 new recipes. Again, last year, I aimed way too high wanting to cook 52 recipes. This year, we're going to cut that down and aim for 20.
10. Pray the Divine Mercy 200 times. The Divine Mercy Chaplet is one of my favorite prayers. Having gone to the shrine in Poland and this being deemed the Year of Mercy, what better time than to intentionally pray this chaplet. I keep my rosary beads on my dashboard and it's pretty easy for me to pray either to or from work every day.
11. Add 10 new clothing items to my wardrobe. I realize this seems like a silly thing to include as a goal. But I'm not much of a shopper. I don't like trying on clothes, I don't like spending money, and I've been about the same size since 8th grade. I'm terrible about just wearing the same old outfits. I'd like to make some fun additions to the wardrobe this year!
12. Make Shutterfly books. I've got codes for free photo books from Shutterfly and I plan to use those to make one book of our maternity photos and one book of BB's newborn photos.
13. Hike in Palo Duro Canyon. I've heard this is great fun and feel like now that I'm living in the Panhandle, it's something I should do!
14. Complete a family photo 52 project. Several friends have done some version of this, so I'm joining in. I want to take a family photo of the three of us every week this year. I think it will be fun to watch our little family change as BB grows!
15. Keep up with my perpetual calendar. I love my perpetual calendar and it seriously takes no time at all to update it every day. Why, then, have I sucked at it so badly? No more! I'm getting it in gear!
16. Finish Uncle Black Belt's book. This is something I really, really want to get done. It's too easy to put this on the back burner but I am going to get it in gear and we are going to have this done in 2016!
1. Run a half marathon. I would be lying if I said I was not a bit nervous about this one. Yes, I've run 3 before, but none of those were after I had a baby. Both the physical training and the time commitment make me a bit nervous, but I know this is something I need to do for myself!
2. Continue monthly photos of The Baby from Texas until he is one year old. I have so enjoyed taking his photos with the same props every month. I think having a year full of them will be awesome!
3. Read a classic. This was originally on my 30 by 30 list and it's still not done. I swear, this is happening in this year if it kills me!
4. Go on 5 dates with The Boy from Texas. I always heard people talk about date nights and never really understood what the big deal was. Then BB was born and it didn't take me long to see how important it was to take some time to connect with your spouse without screaming and spit up being involved! Going to have to beg the grandmas to help out with babysitting in order to accomplish this one.
5. Send an encouraging note to a friend once a month. I love sending little notes in the mail, so this is an easy thing to include on my list.
6. Go to adoration twice a month. Adoration is something that is so good for my soul, I have got to get back into the practice!
7. Read 5 new books. Last year, I aimed too high with 12. This year, I'm going with a nice round number of 5. I've got several books that I'm wanting to knock off the list....starting with For The Love by my girl Jen Hatmaker!
8. Knock off three more bucket list check marks. I just keep rolling on the bucket list, slowly but surely. A little trip to Alaska will likely provide a couple of these checkmarks in one swoop!
9. Cook 20 new recipes. Again, last year, I aimed way too high wanting to cook 52 recipes. This year, we're going to cut that down and aim for 20.
10. Pray the Divine Mercy 200 times. The Divine Mercy Chaplet is one of my favorite prayers. Having gone to the shrine in Poland and this being deemed the Year of Mercy, what better time than to intentionally pray this chaplet. I keep my rosary beads on my dashboard and it's pretty easy for me to pray either to or from work every day.
11. Add 10 new clothing items to my wardrobe. I realize this seems like a silly thing to include as a goal. But I'm not much of a shopper. I don't like trying on clothes, I don't like spending money, and I've been about the same size since 8th grade. I'm terrible about just wearing the same old outfits. I'd like to make some fun additions to the wardrobe this year!
12. Make Shutterfly books. I've got codes for free photo books from Shutterfly and I plan to use those to make one book of our maternity photos and one book of BB's newborn photos.
13. Hike in Palo Duro Canyon. I've heard this is great fun and feel like now that I'm living in the Panhandle, it's something I should do!
14. Complete a family photo 52 project. Several friends have done some version of this, so I'm joining in. I want to take a family photo of the three of us every week this year. I think it will be fun to watch our little family change as BB grows!
15. Keep up with my perpetual calendar. I love my perpetual calendar and it seriously takes no time at all to update it every day. Why, then, have I sucked at it so badly? No more! I'm getting it in gear!
16. Finish Uncle Black Belt's book. This is something I really, really want to get done. It's too easy to put this on the back burner but I am going to get it in gear and we are going to have this done in 2016!
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