BB's First Birthday

BB's first birthday party was a smashing success, if I do say so myself.  After worrying that I hadn't done nearly enough (Pinterest is the devil y'all!) and over half of the guest list having to cancel coming the day before the party, I have to admit, I was a little concerned how this would all turn out.  But as we were laying in bed after the party was over and everyone went home and  everything was (mostly!) cleaned up, The Boy from Texas said, "You know, I don't think that could have gone any better."  And that pretty much summed it up.

It wasn't fancy.  Our decorations were $10 worth of balloons, napkins and cups left over from his baby shower, and his own John Deere tractors that I frantically pulled out of the toy box that morning when I saw my friend's decor for her kid's birthday on Facebook and decided I had to do something to fancy the place up.  I got everything set out and used the tractors to decorate.  The Boy from Texas promptly walked in and said, "Why are there random tractors everywhere?"  I said, "That's the decorations!"  He responded, "I wouldn't really worry much about that crap."  This.  This right there is why I needed to marry someone like him!

The Boy from Texas grilled burgers, hot dogs, and steaks.  I made a fruit salad.  We served lemonade from the mason jar dispenser we used at our wedding.  BB ate like a champ, and everyone else seemed to do so as well.

He seemed quite perplexed as to why all these people were singing a song he had never heard and staring at him.  But that didn't last long and then, it was cake time.

His great grandmother made an adorable train cake for the occasion.  This was really special because she also made all of The Boy from Texas' birthday cakes when he was little and also happened to whip up our wedding cake!  Although BB was a bit timid at first about eating this, and even though to his dad's disappointment he really didn't think a spoon was necessary, soon he was covered in frosting.

He went directly from the high chair to the bath tub, still wearing his party hat.

Next up, it was time for presents.  He seemed quite excited about the gifts he got, which ranged from a wooden train, to a Tonka truck, to John Deere tractors, to books, to pajamas, to an engraved silverware set, to a dozen farm fresh eggs to money for his savings account. 

His biggest present was from his mom and dad, who spent entirely too much money on this John Deere wagon.  But he absolutely loves it.  We've deemed it the cake wagon and we take him and his bucket of cake out to feed every evening and you've never seen a kid so happy.  He also really enjoys putting his treasures in his wagon for safekeeping.  So far that's included several rocks, some cake cubes, and a shoe.

The one activity I knew I wanted to do is something I stole from SoulMate Friend at her son's first birthday party 6 years ago.  She bought blank cards and labeled each one with his name and a number.  Then all of the party guests at his first birthday got a card and were to write a note to BB, which he will open on the birthday that corresponds with his number.  So, for example, he will open the note with the number 18 on it on his 18th birthday.  I think this is such a special thing and I can't wait for him to have these notes for future birthdays!

BB seemed to thoroughly enjoy his big day.  H e was surrounded by friends and family and spent the whole day smiling.  Between the balloons and all the different people willing to take him outside and listen to his rambling, the food, the fact that we let him basically bathe in cake, and all the fun new toys he got, it was a good day for this little boy.

Enjoying Your 10 Cows

My friend Ski Trip Jerry is quite the philosopher. You might not expect this if you saw him, as he would likely be wearing boots and jeans, talking to you with an unassuming smile, and maybe drinking a Natty Light.  But over the years I have heard many pearls of wisdom come out of his mouth.

My favorite, though, is the most recent. 

We were talking at BB's birthday about the little cow herd we are building.  Ski Trip Jerry told us that he now only has 10 cows.  "Some big rancher I am, huh?" 

But, he said, he enjoys them. When he goes to feed, he can pet half of them. He likes to see the calves come every year.  And then, the pearl....

"You know, I bet you I get more enjoyment from my 10 cows than {a certain big rancher we know} gets from his 2,500 cows." 

And that really struck me... I hope that I live my life in that same way that Ski Trip Jerry thinks about his cows. 

I hope I can get more enjoyment out of my life than someone who might have "more." I want to feel more appreciation, more love, and more gratitude even if the material things we have are less.  I hope I will always enjoy what we have, whether that be 10 cows or a small house or an older vehicle.  I want to appreciate sunsets more. To enjoy small family trips even though others are taking extravagant European adventures.  I want to remember where we started when the list of house projects left to do seem overwhelming.  I want to be thankful for the little moments, like BB's laughter or The Boy from Texas's grin, or the cows running towards us with the cake bucket.  I hope that when I wish we had more--land or money or stuff or time--I will remember to be grateful for that which we have been given.  

I hope that I--like Ski Trip Jerry--always enjoy my 10 cows. And I wish the same for all of you. 

52 Week Photo Challenge: Week 35

One Year of BB

“The child must know that he is a miracle, that since the beginning of the world there hasn’t been, and until the end of the world will not be, another child like him.” ~Pablo Casals

Happy First  Birthday, BB!

We've been in love with this little red-headed monster for the last 365 days.  Being his parents is the biggest blessing of our lives.  

Family Farm Friday #100: The Boys on the Farm

A while back our friend D. Felger Photography came out to take photos of rams for us.  While she was there, she got some pictures of the boys being boys.  The humans and the ram, Forrest.

(And yes, if you are wondering...the ram chasing my brother is the same one loving on my kid.  He's a good judge of character, that one!)

If you're needing a photographer--whether for livestock or people--D. Felger Photography is absolutely phenomenal!

Newlywed in the Kitchen {2016} Recipe #10: Crystal Cattle's Green Chile Hamburger Crescent Rolls

Some of you guys know my friend Crystal Cattle.  For those of you who don't, let's take a minute to appreciate the fact that a New Mexican (me) stole a green chile recipe from a Canadian (her)!  She posted this recipe a while back and it sounded easy and tasty.  Plus, her beef ranching/corn farming husband in Iowa approved, so I figured it was something The Boy from Texas would be on board with. And he was!  I'm on board too because these babies are ready in about 20 minutes and after working all day and trying to keep BB out of my way long enough to have something edible, fast is my friend.

Crystal Cattle's Green Chile Hamburger Crescent Rolls

1 tube crescent rolls (I used the buttery kind...she used reduce fat)

1 t black peppper

1 t garlic salt (I used garlic powder)

2 oz cream cheese

1 pound ground beef

1/4 C chopped onions (I just used minced onions)

4 oz chopped green chile

Heat oven to 375.

Brown hamburger meat, add onions, pepper, and garlic.  Drain fat from meat once browned.

Add cream cheese and green chile to cooked meat.  Stir until cream cheese is melted.

Spray a cookie sheet with non-stick oil.  Place squares of the crescent rolls on the cookie sheet. You'll have four squares and you'll have to pins the seams together.  (I didn't read this very well when I was cooking and I did them as 8 triangles rather than 4 squares.) 

Scoop hamburger mixture into the center of the crescent roll.  Fold corners towards center and pinch seams.  (I just rolled mine up and pinched the corners.)  It's okay if a little hamburger is sticking out.

Bake for 10-11 minutes or until bread is cooked.

Family Photo # 3

So....we're not very good at the monthly family photo.  Instead of aiming for a photo each month, I'm changing my 16 in '16 goal to 10 family photos total.

June 2016 - Conchas Lake

Summer Travels

The Boy from Texas and I had big plans of going on a fun trip this summer.  We had tossed around Napa or Idaho or Chicago.  Somehow, we blinked and it's now September and no big trip happened.  With LL on the way shortly, we'll be shooting for next year I guess.

We did, however, have a couple of fun long weekends away.

In June, we loaded up with some of our best friends, who we'll call County Agent and Photographer, and headed to the lake.  Everyone seemed to have had a couple of stressful weeks at work and we decided we just needed some time to get away.  Lucky for us, Aunt and Uncle Evil Kineval were at their lake house and offered to host.  BB absolutely loved running around the pontoon boat, but when it came time to strap on a life jacket so he could swim, he was having NONE of that.  Poor kid never even got in the water!  But regardless, some fun in the sun and stuffing our faces with homemade food from my aunt was just what the doctor ordered.

BB and Aunt Evil Kineval

Then in July, we headed back to the lake to meet up with my family for a birthday celebration.  This year, I have uncles turning 70 and 60, I have a cousin who turned 50, my brother turns 30, and we happened to have this little celebration the weekend The Boy from Texas turned 31.  Birthdays galore!  We spent the weekend soaking up the sun and enjoying the water!  I much prefer the lake when I'm able to ski, but two summers of pregnancy in a row put a bit of a kink in that.  But riding in the boat and swimming were still quite enjoyable.

How many guys does it take to get my dad in the water?

My dad skiing

In August, we headed to my cousin's wedding in Red River.  Red River is our yearly snow skiing destination, but I had never been in the summer, so I was excited to check it out.  Things sure look different without all the snow!  It was perfect weather and an awesome time with family.  BB thoroughly enjoyed himself running around town and especially dancing at the wedding reception.  I bet he tasted half the rocks in Red River!

The Face looks way less intimidating in the summer.

BB's first time at the Lift House Bar

Our side of the family 

The sticks were more interesting than the wedding.

The Boy from Texas raced go karts.

Newlywed in the Kitchen {2016} Recipe #9: Mrs. Hepburn's Coleslaw

Back in July, we were out at the lake and Mrs. Hepburn whipped up some coleslaw.  The Boy from Texas went on and on about how it was just the very best coleslaw he had ever eaten.  So I valiantly tried my best to re-create the dish at home.  Maybe food just tastes better at the lake?  Or maybe she has some magic touch?  Regardless, while mine was deemed "decent," it sure wasn't the original.

View from the lake house...no wonder food tastes better here.

Nevertheless, I liked it and it was a really great summer addition to the menu because it's cool, fresh, and amazingly simply to make!

Mrs. Hepburn's Coleslaw

2 heaping T mayo

1-2 t white vinegar

1-2 t fresh lime juice

Salt and pepper to taste

1/3 head cabbage

Fresh cilantro to taste

 (I might also add some shredded carrots or some chopped apple next time!)

Mix mayo, vinegar, lime juice, salt and pepper.  You sort of have to taste this as you go to see when you think the mixture is right.  Mrs. H says it's always easier to add more vinegar so start lightly with that.

Chop cabbage and add to dressing mix.  Stir until well coated. 

Top with fresh cilantro.

Newlywed in the Kitchen {2016} Recipe #8: Crispy Parmesean GarlicChicken

"Now that is how you cook chicken."

As soon as The Boy from Texas uttered these words, I knew this was a recipe I had to share.  Add to that the fact that BB ate an entire chicken breast, and it can be done in about 30 minutes...well, it's obviously a new family favorite around here!

Crispy Parmesan Garlic Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (I use the thin cut ones)
1/4 C melted butter
1 T garlic powder
1/2 C bread crumbs (I used Italian style)
1/2 C shredded Parmesan cheese (I actually used a Parmesan/Romano mix)
1/2 t oregano
1/2 t parsley

Preheat oven to 425 and line or spray baking pan.

In a shallow bowl combine melted butter and garlic powder.  In another shallow bowl, combine bread crumbs, shredded cheese, oregano, and parsley.

Dip chicken into butter and then coat with breadcrumb mixture.

Place on baking sheet for 15-20 minutes or until chicken is cooked throughout and not pink. (I did mine about 25 minutes and flipped them in the middle.)

*Now....this is actually part of a larger recipe that includes pasta Alfredo to go along with it.  We thought the Alfredo sauce was okay, not spectacular and I added some broccoli...which I think the boys both spit out and only I ate.  If you want that part of the recipe, click here.  When I make it again, I'll just do the chicken and then pair it maybe with rice or a baked potato or salad or something.*