Meet the Cast Monday #43: Cousin Kevin's Accountant

You all remember Cousin Kevin?  Well today you are meeting his accountant (she's totally not an accountant but my little cousin coined the accountant title and it stuck!)  She's hilarious, takes zero crap from Cousin Kevin, and has a fudge company that is growing like gang busters.  And she does awesome things like jumping off of the Stratosphere in Vegas.  You all want to be friends with this lady for sure.  

Meet Cousin Kevin's Accountant.

You grew up in small town NM and now live in a big city--what's the best and worst part of that?

Best:  Not running into anyone you know at Wal Mart. 

Worst:  Not running into anyone you know at Wal Mart.  {Love it!}

Seriously ..

Best:  Anything you want or need can be found within a 30 mile radius.

Worst:  My kids driving on Interstates and Highways on a regular basis.

Favorite song?

NEW:  Wave On Wave by Pat Green

OLD:  El Paso by Marty Robbins

Tell us a funny story about Cousin Kevin.

Well this is hard to narrow down . . one day Kevin and I pulled into a gas station.  He got out and started fueling up his truck.  I got out of the truck and noticed a nice African American woman fueling up her car on the other side.  I proceeded to walk across the parking lot to go into the convenience store and turned around and yelled to Kevin “do you want anything?” to which Kevin yelled back “Coffee – BLACK – Like I like my women”.  Ya .. he did that.  {He is always doing things like this.  I thought she might tell about the time we were all at BWW after the mud run and the waitress said that Cousin Kevin's Accountant looked familiar, to which he responded "yea, she's a porn star."}

 You've built several businesses, give us your best piece of business advice.

Hire employees that started working when they were a teenager.  In most cases, these individuals are hardworking, reliable and responsible.

Always trust your gut!

If you could go back and relive one day, what would that be?

My favorite question.  If I could go back and relive a day and make a change it would be the day I agreed to make fudge for VSM.  If it is to go back and relive a day exactly as it were . . it would be any day that my kids were babies.  It is so hard to remember those days.  They went by way to fast.

Where is the best place you have ever visited?

Ground Zero – that place makes you remember what is important in life.

Did you ever think you'd own a fudge company?

NEVER.  I have always loved fudge but never in a million years did I think I would be trying to make a living with it.  {Their fudge is seriously AMAZING.  Check it out here.}

I'm always curious what people who come in from "the outside" think of our crazy family.  You've now met everyone...be honest...what were your initial thoughts?

“Oh my God, are me and Kevin related?”  Your family is so much like mine.  I think it is why you are all so easy to love.  {God bless her for having to deal with two sets of us if this is true!}

What is one (or more) item(s) on your bucket list?

She already checked off jumping off the Stratosphere

Bora Bora ;-)  {I'm still standing by...}

 Ride in an F-16 or any type of fighter jet.

Ride in a hot air balloon.

Karaoke  {I know or a fact this happens on a weekly basis in your town....how have you not checked this off?  We're doing this when I move there!}

Family Thanksgiving 2012--Redneck Style

"There’s nothing that makes you more insane than family. Or more happy. Or more exasperated. Or more . . . secure.” ~Jim Butcher, Publicity and Advertising

Well you already read about the hard part of Thanksgiving and about the excellent horseback riding adventure.  But there's lots more to the weekend recap.  My mom's entire family invaded as they do every year for lots of food, family and fun.

This year's family Thanksgiving theme.

We put Cousin Swiss Mister in charge of feeding the neighbor's horses and mucking out the stalls.  Clearly he took his job seriously.

On Friday morning, we preg checked the cows.  Cousin Swiss Mister was NOT prepared for this activity.  Here was his face when he got a glimpse of the first cow.

We couldn't get him to try one.  He said it gave him the creeps.  City boy.

And then all of the other crazy people arrived it it was time for the annual family shoot out.  Check out these pictures.  If this ain't redneck, I don't know what is.

Everyone shoots.  Men, women, children, teenagers, foreigners from Switzerland who come to visit.  And we shoot it all.  Shotguns, rifles, pistols, revolvers.  You name it.

 

We even drag first-timers into the fun.  Aunt Black Belt's sister came to family Thanksgiving for the first time.  When the shooting began, she repeatedly said, "I've never seen so many guns in my life!"  But then someone gave her a beer and a little later, there she was, crazy like all the rest of us!

 

The award for funniest shooter definately went to Aunt Delta Dawn.  Every time she would shoot she'd get a really mean, angry look on her face, fire the gun, and then drop her hands down by her knees.  It was bizarre.  She also had two excellent quotes.  When trying to look through the scope on a rifle, she says, "You know, I was never good with micrscopes either, that's probably what it is."  And when her grandson told her not to worry, that her last shot was close, she replied, "What?  Really?  How can you tell?"

After a day of riding and shooting, it was time for some eating.  So we all invaded the restaurant in Logan.  Poor waitresses.

On Saturday, we ate some more.  We really enjoy that.  We talked a lot.  We enjoy that too.  And then we played some baseball, some silly string wars, and watched some football. 

Silly string victim.

Speaking of things we enjoy, Cousin Kevin loves it when he has to hold hands during a prayer.  So, after seeing how much fun he had with that during grace before the meal, I made sure to get a picture so he could remember how much fun that was.

 

Cousin Kevin and Cousin Swiss Mister--two of my favorite people.

Poor Cousin Swiss Mister is a bit of a germo-phobe and does not deal well with double dippin.  So his sweet sister, knowing that my family would make him miserable, sent him his very own no-double dippin bowl.

After most everyone headed home, Coach A bought Gbaby over for a little visit.  How the that tiny little baby has turned into the almost-walking kid she is now is beyond me.  She's the cutest thing ever.  And she loves cake, just like her Godmother.  A kid after my own heart.  This was good practice for Cousin Swiss Mister and me...we're discussing getting ourselves a timeshare baby.  You know, since neihter one of us are getting any younger and all.

So, there ya have it.  Our big, fat redneck Thanksgiving.  I wouldn't have wanted it any other way.  They say that you can't choose your family, but I don't need to.  I was blessed to be put exactly where I would have chosen to be. 



WILW # 27

"Some of the most beautiful diamonds are the last to be discovered. Never fear. Your time will come."  ~Anon.

Time for another edition of What I'm Loving Wednesday!

Today I'm Loving...

1.  Y'all remember my friend Yoga Master?  Well, (along with just about everyone else I know), she got married this summer.  And her wedding was so darn fantastic, that it was featured on a blog.  Check it out here.

2.  While I was at Relay for Life last weekend, we had a little suprise birthday party for Aunt Delta Dawn.  While the girls went to pick up the cake, Cousin Kevin had to stall Aunt Delta Dawn.  This turned into an ordeal when the cake came out and said, "Happy Birthday, Stacy" (my cousin's name who ordered it) instead of "Happy Birthday, Aunt Delta Dawn."  No problem, they took it back, lumped some icing on, and wrote her name.  This picture does not do it justice.  It was hilarious.

So while we were dealing with the cake situation, Cousin Kevin had some major stalling to do.  Apparently he was full of lies.  He took her on a tour of the golf course, kept saying, "Let's go down that street, I've never seen this part of Raton before", insisted they check out some random church parking lot, got gas even though she had 3/4 of a tank, went into the gas station and hid in the bathroom for a while...I'm concerned how smooth he is with this.  Anyway...it all worked out and we had a great suprise for her!

I was in charge of fun decorations for her to wear. :)

3.  This little saying, which is oh-so-true!

4.  I'm lake-bound this weekend with my dad, uncle and Cousin Whitney.  The summer is almost over and it's our first trip.  We've got lost time to make up for.  Let the water skiing commence!

Father/Daughter Ski Weekend 2011

5.  The fact that my prom date from 11 years ago distinctly remembers my mother warning him multiple times about how dangerous the railroad tracks were that we would cross on our way to and from the prom.  Really, Mom?  Two things:  (1) That was your biggest concern on prom night (I think we can all see what a good kid I was!) and (2) it was concerning enough to mention multiple times? 

6.  This article about what maters most when raising your kids.  I obviously don't have to worry about the kid thing yet, but what she says about wanting only two things for her kids:  (1) that they are kind and giving and (2) that they love Jesus with their whole hearts....well I think it applies pretty darn well to what I want for myself.

7.  We are t-minus 3 days until the opening ceremonies of the London Olympics.  Go America (and especially Michael Phelps!)

8.  This photo from Relay for Life.  That's me on the right.  Uncle Black Belt is on the left.  Think this pose might be genetic?

9.  I'm loving the phone call I got from Blonde OK Girl on Sunday.  She reported that she was out at Hard Rock and this guy kept looking at her and came over to say hello.  She said hi back and went on with her business.  Only later did her friend's husband point out that said guy was....wait for it....Adrian Peterson.  That's right, my friend got hit on by AP and blew him off.  I told her we are going to make flashcards of any famous football players she might meet in Oklahoma.  For crying out loud....I have failed as a football fan a best friend.

10.  And last, but not least, my boy Brandon Weeden has officially signed with the Browns.  Coach A says that I am not permitted to be a Browns fan just becuase of Weeden, but I am allowed to be a Weeden fan and cheer for any team that he's on.  So....I'm a Weeden fan, which makes me a Browns fan today!

Family Farm Friday #73: The Sale Barn

"If you take the cowboy out of society you are going to lose people with integrity and honor and heart and love for country. You're going to lose the best of America." ~CJ Hadley, Range Magazine


Last week I got a facebook message from Cousin Kevin's "Accountant."  They were working cattle and she was trying to find out if making it 5 minutes without getting yelled at was good.  Listen folks, if you're working cattle with my family and you don't get yelled at before you get out of the truck, you've done alright.  I'm a firm believer in working cattle as a test for marriage.....check out this blog from a while back.  (No wonder Mr. Right has yet to arrive....he read that blog and ran for the hills!)

Anyway, the next update I got was that Cousin Kevin and the "Accountant" were headed to the sale barn for lunch.  She said that was the only place that would allow and appreciate the cow shit streak clear across Cousin Kevin's right leg, but she did not seem very excited about their destination.  Any place that doesn't fall into that category is unacceptable if you ask me.

Right away, Little Brother and I both started in with comments about how she was actually in for a treat and how great the sale barn is.  I guess this is one of those warped things that country kids take for granted, that city folk don't know about going to the sale barn.  So, I figured I needed to share the knowledge for Family Farm Friday.

First off, there is a familiar feeling to every sale barn in America; one that makes you feel at home.  You drive up and you'll see pick ups and gooseneck trailers lined up down the road.  You walk in and as far as the eye can see there are old men in boots, Wranglers and dirty cowboy hats.  They tip their hats and mind their language around a lady, they carry fencing pliers in their back pocket, and can tell you exactly how much rain they've had for the year.  Whether you're in Dalhart, Texas, Central California, or the hills of Kentucky, this is sort of a sale barn universal scene.  And I love that.

Second, you've got the auctioneer.  You get a good one and he'll be kinda commical and you'll be lulled to sleep by the rhythmic sound of his voice on the microphone.  I didn't realize this, but a lot of non-farm people haven't ever seen an auction in person, but growing up it was a pretty common occurrance for us.  The important thing to know, and one that farm kids learn early is that you don't make eye contact with a ringman or talk with your hands.  You do not want to have to find your dad in the sea of cowboy hats and start off a sentence with, "Don't be mad, but I think I just bought...."  Never good.

Third, and Little Brother's favorite part, is watching the bidders.  The old cattle buyers are pretty clever.  First off, just seeing how they bid and trying to figure when they are doing it is interesting.  Sometimes it's just raising an eyebrow.  Sometimes flicking a paper.  Other times you'll swear that they didn't even take a breath, but somehow they bid.  They also periodically mess with each other.  One will sit right behind another and run the bid on him, while nudging the guy in front and telling him not to quit and let that other kid win, pretending that he's not really the other bidder.  It's quite the small town entertainment, folks.

Fourth, sale barns are apparently good for romance.  That's right, y'all, sometimes you find a boy who takes you to the sale barn for a date.  My dad took my mom there when they were dating 33 years ago.  Apparently it worked out pretty well for him.  In my experience, these guys are few and far between, so if you find one, you better grab him up and hang on!  Especially if he takes a shower between loading the cattle and the date.  What?  A girl can dream, right?

Finally, you've got the pie.  I mean usually all the food is pretty good.  They'll have burgers or bbq or maybe roast.  All beef, obviously.  But you don't beat sale barn pie.  There's nothing like sitting in a room full of dirty ol' cowboys eating pie with ice cream on top and listening to them talk about life.  It's pretty close to Heaven on Earth in my book.

I know I'm like a broken record here, but farm kids are different.  We grew up with different experiences and enjoy different things.  For some people, a day at the sale barn would be torture.  But give me a building full of cattle, old cowboys and pie, and I'll take it any day!

*Linking up to Rural Thursday.

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.

Brain Dump #5

“The trick is to enjoy life. Don't wish away your days, waiting for better ones ahead.” ~Marjorie Pay Hinckley

Sorry to be doing another one of these posts....but I've been SO busy lately that I have not been able to sit down and get enough posts written for each week. But never fear....I think that the one for tomorrow and Thursday are both pretty good. So suffer through this one, and know that better days are around the corner. :)

1. Okay--first things first--I have big news, people. I mean REALLY big. No, I'm not getting a billboard. But, I did win photo of the week last week for Project 64 with my hot air balloon photo! Now they are doing a vote for photo of the month. I would appreciate it EVER so much if you would go over to Project 64 and vote for me. Please and thank you. :)

2. I went to Hobby Lobby this weekend and was annoyed that they already had Christmas stuff out. So I had this great idea to write a blog about how we shouldn't be wasting our days away wishing for Christmas in September, instead of enjoying today. Well that all went by the wayside when I saw this little fella:

That's right, guys. An OSU Christmas tree ornament in my town--which is not in Oklahoma. You know I bought it. I mean, that's fate. And then as I was walking out, I realized I bought into their ploy. Sigh. Tricky, tricky, Hob Lob. So I've changed my message: Don't waste your days away wishing for Christmas, but if you see an OSU ornament, buy it. :)

3. And speaking of wishing days away, I absolutely cannot wait until this weekend for my trip to College Station. I'm getting a bucket list checkmark with my first away football game, and I get to do it with two of my favorite guys in the world---BFF and Cousin Kevin. My poor mom is a little nervous about the amount of fun these two may be together. I'm going to do my best not to let them disappoint. We're starting off the day with some breakfast tailgaiting---burritos, mimosas, bloody marys--then the game--then a night out in College Station. Can. Not. Wait.

4. Last week I convinced my bosses to go out to the State Fair and participate in the Junior Livestock sale. For those of you who may not be familiar with the show program, the exhibitors (4-H and FFA members) who have winning animals get to sell them in the premium sale, where they bring like 5 times market value. The buyers pay this in order to support the kiddos and the programs. Showing was such an important part of my life growing up, that I really enjoy the chance to give back. I'm hoping to have a side-by-side photo to show you of me last week and me exactly 10 years to the day last week soon. So stay tuned for that one.

5. Y'all know I sort of have my heart set on finding a southern (or at least a country) guy. Well I am beyond in love with song by none other than Mr. Jason Aldean. It's called "Country Boy's World." Have a little listen. You'll like it too.

6. I was flipping through the channels last night and came across some new show where the girl is a waitress and was dating some loser boyfriend who was cheating on her. Didn't watch anymore, but one line was funny. Another girl was asking her what she saw in the loser anyway. She responded, "He had those muscles" and pointed to those ones on the sides of the abs---you know like right where the hip bones connect--and she said, "I don't know what they're called, but something about those muscles makes smart girls stupid." Ha! LOVED it! I could make a list of things that "makes smart girls stupid" can apply to!

7. Last week I got a sweet message from Cousin Swiss Mister, thanking me for a card and a little gift I sent to him. In his note, he said, "Thank you for being you." And you know, I think that's probably the best compliment that you can give a person. Because it is dependant on nothing---not on me having to do something or be something or try to act a certain way. Like just being myself is enough. And that's something that I needed to hear. He's a good one, that Cousin Swiss Mister.

8. I'll admit it. I am the most un-trendy person you know. It took me YEARS to get facebook. And even longer to embrace the Jackie-O glasses. So can someone please help a girl out and explain what the heck this "Bunco" craze is that I keep reading about?