Tuesday, June 24, 2014

ZC

Seeing this little boy, my first "through blood" nephew, brings me so much joy. If he wants something you have (usually something electronic), he'll plop down on the floor, look up at you with his precious brown eyes, and rub his chest. This means, "please"? How can you not give him your phone, computer, etc.?!
We look forward to having him and his momma (my sister) stay with us, again, next week!

Sunday, June 22, 2014

A Farm

Two days ago I spent the morning outside with two of my nephews searching for bird eggs, listening for deer, walking through the trees (and very tall, green grass!), spotting bunnies, and chatting about guns, dirtbikes, and school. It was a bit breezy out but when we were in the trees, it was perfect. I love summer days like these. The smell, the sight, the sounds...everything.

My in-laws recently bought some land in the country and are currently in the process of building a home on it. I am so excited for them and I can tell they love it out there. I must admit, I love it out there too! It's amazing watching their house all come together and hear the stories from my wonderful sister-in-law, Heather, of life on the farm since they moved.


Now that Aaron and I live in town, I think back to growing up on a farm and I think I kind of took it for granted. I didn't really think about the fact I could just sit outside and watch/hear the birds without hearing any trains, people, or cars. I didn't think about how truly fortunate I was to have my own horse I could just saddle up and take off down the road on if I wanted to. Or go for a walk through trees. Or sunbathe outside. Ha!

It's in the summertime when I miss the country/farm life so much. But I am thankful I have a husband who wants to live in the country again as bad as I do, and I know one day we will. And when that point comes, it'll be the right time in our lives.


Saturday, June 21, 2014

Grandpa's Birthday

My grandpa was born on the longest day of the year - June 21st. A few days ago I was browsing through some old posts on my mom's blog and came across this one. It made me smile, tear up, and remember.
I thought I would share:

This 1979-1980 model Ford pickup was purchased new. The intent was to drive it to Alaska, as Gramma and Grampa were retiring that year. Gramma 62, and Grampa 65.  Well, they made the trip and the pickup put on many many more miles until it came to rest in the farm yard only a few short years ago-to be  replaced by a Chevy-Trail Blazer-no less.

We remember the seasons- summer and winter-seeing this yellow pickup come up the road. We were always happy to see Grampa and Gramma. They enjoyed every day and got a kick out of seeing what Dwight was up to or keeping track of the nephews, Roger and Darell. They came to check on us, to  help out if we were in the middle of some project, to give a little advice,  tell a joke or a story.

When anyone asked when he would be buying a new pickup, he would say "Not until this one is paid for-I have 1 more payment to make" This was followed by a good laugh!

When the bulls got out, or we had an errant cow, we could count on the yellow pickup to go over the bull holes, gopher mounds, and anything else in the way. This was much faster than the horses and could go into reverse in a split second when the cow or bull turned to run the other way.

The box always carried what was necessary; fencing tools, wire, duct tape, a hammer, vice grip, log chain, and the fuel tank. Before Fuel was so expensive, the Oil Company would deliver the fuel to the farm a couple of times a year. But fuel prices started to fluctuate widely - and it seemed to be the sensible thing to do-buy fuel when the price was down. The cab had the extra pair of gloves, a farm hat, more tools and engine oil just in case. We always knew when the yellow pickup came, the solutions to any of the problems we were experiencing could be solved.

In 1997, when the big storm hit-It was the yellow pickup and Grampa that came by to rescue Elizabeth and Laura  from a house without heat, electricity, or running water. Kristin and I stayed behind as we were calving. The heater from the yellow pickup must have felt wonderful that day!! 

Every morning-early, the yellow pickup would take Grampa to Sheldon for coffee, that was rounded out by a stop at the elevator, and the post office. He would be home for the second "coffee/tea" of the day and he and Gramma would read the paper. Often they would get in the yellow pickup and go for a "drive" -check the crops, neighbors, and reminisce about days in Owego. 

Yesterday we were at the farm. The scrap iron guys were there to clean up the yard. Jesse stopped by to buy the drill, Roger, Darell, and Dwight were there. Ralph came by to buy a couple of 'Big Mows'. Gramma stayed in the house for a while, but by tea time, she was sitting in the car-said it was 'too chilly in the house'. We watched the crusher take the combine like an aluminum soda can and crush it.

I said to Elizabeth- "I can't be here tomorrow when the yellow pickup goes" It's just so sad. Elizabeth responded by reminding me-the "metal in the yellow pickup will go to make a new pickup for Zane to drive someday"  We walked back to the house, to find Gramma sitting in the car again-ready to go "home".......

This is the end of a wonderful era-the yellow pickup is gone. 
May the new era be as rich and as fulfilling as the past.
                                                                    Thank you Elizabeth


Thursday, June 19, 2014

Another June Sunset

We had lots of rain yesterday and a few thunderstorms. When the storms passed there was a yellow glow of a sunset coming in our windows. It was another beautiful night. So I jumped in the car and drove a few blocks out to the country and took in the beauty. I can't wait until the day/night I can just step out our farm door and take in the scenery.
What I love most about this picture is how it contrasts the blue of the storm on the right to the clearing of the storm on the left. I just wish the the ground wouldn't have gotten so dark. Something to work on with my photography, I guess!

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Cat Toys...and What I've Learned

A few days after we picked up our then-kittens, I traveled to the local store and picked up some fun looking cat toys. I got a two pack of fabric mice that smelled like cat nip as well as a couple furry balls that supposedly prevented cat boredom. I was going to be the best cat mom ever.
When I got them home, I hurriedly ripped off the wrappers, threw them to George and Thea, and excitedly waited for them began their pouncing and playing.
They only reaction I got from them was a sniff and paw swat. Seriously? I thought to myself. I tried throwing the toys away from them, hoping they would run after them, but the cats just watched the toys with a look of boredom. Seriously? I could almost hear them saying to me.
Now, after seven months of being cat owners, here a few "toys" that they LOVE. Seriously, no need to go out and buy cat toys...the things at home work miraculously. Here are the top four cat toys in our house.

Sunday, June 15, 2014

Father's Day

My dad, Dennis, was a great dad. Even though I don't remember him, I know he was. It was so evident in the pictures I've seen, the stories I've heard, and the home videos I've seen. I am so very thankful for that. So on this father's day, I'm remembering him. 

There's another dad that I'm thinking of today, too, and that would be my step-dad Will. This retired Naval Commander came into my life when I was nine, and he has been so supportive throughout the 15 years he has been around. If there was a piano recital, he would be at it. If there was a music concert or other function at school, he was there. He took on farm/ranch life when he married my mom, and in a 24 year old step-daughters opinion, he's done very well! You know, I can't imagine life without him around. So Will, if you are reading this, Happy Father's Day! You've been a great father to me, a super father-in-law to Aaron, and our kids (no, this isn't an announcement ha!) will be lucky to have you as their groompa!
A favorite picture of mine!

Saturday Evening


Saturday, June 14, 2014

George's Morning

George's morning, if he could type...

Ferociously chased a red laser dot around the house,
tumbled, sprinted, jumped, and played with sis,
chewed on a phone charger cord,
jumped on the table - made mom yell and threaten to get the spray bottle,
sharpened my claws on the couch,
and was told we would be getting a new home soon. Sis would rather use the shower and floor as her bathroom location rather than the litter box. 
New home you may ask? At Grandma and Grandpa B's farm.
With trees to climb, mice to catch, dogs to tease, and hay to sleep in.

But now, I shall cuddle with mom and make it even harder for her to say g'bye to us.

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Beef and Bean Taco Casserole

I am all about quick, easy meals. I never have been one for cooking - I would much rather spend my time outside. I wish I were more of a cook, though! Poor Aaron, he never complains, but even I am getting sick of tator-tot hotdish and dorito hotdish.
So, today I tried a new recipe! It's called beef and bean taco casserole. I found it on the Betty Crocker website, it had great reviews, so I figured I would give it a whirl.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 can (16 oz) refried beans
1 jar (16 oz) Thick 'n Chunky salsa
1 package taco seasoning
broken tortilla chips
1/2 green bell pepper (chopped)
1 tomato (chopped)
1 cup cheddar cheese
1/4 cup olives (I skipped these, Aaron doesn't like olives)
1 cup shredded lettuce

Directions
1. In a casserole dish, place broken tortilla chips on the bottom
2. Brown the hamburger. Add refried beans, salsa, and taco seasoning. Mix together.
3. Pour on top of the tortilla chips in the casserole dish
4. Sprinkle chopped green bell pepper, tomato, and cheddar cheese on top
5. Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes at 350 degrees
6. Take out and sprinkle left over tortilla chips, lettuce, and tomatoes

Aaron and I both liked it, so I think the recipe's a keeper!

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

'Little Big Horn 1876'

While Aaron and I were at the Battle of Little Bighorn battlefield, they had a really nice gift shop we breezed through. While there, I purchased a book - 'Little Big Horn 1876' by Peter Panzeri. I'm usually not one for buying things at gift shops since everything is so expensive {and plus I took pictures of the site}, but since this place was on my bucket list, I figured I would splurge. :)
The author did an excellent job of writing about both sides throughout the book - The Indians and the Cavalry. He writes about the plans and preparations made by both sides prior to the battle, the tactics and different weaponry used, the battle and what all went down, as well as the aftermath of the battle. The book also has superb photographs, artwork, and maps. If you're a history nerd like me and want to gain some really insightful information about Custer's last stand, I would definitely recommend this book. {Or visit us, and read it here!}
I give it a 5/5.

Monday, June 9, 2014

1 Year of Marriage

The hotel we stayed in on our weekend trip was great. It had a Jacuzzi tub and all the decorations in the room were rustic, just like I like! We also had an inside door, as well as on outside door - that was handy because we were able to park right outside our door and walk right in.
We arrived around 4 o'clock on Friday, brought all our stuff in, and relaxed on the bed. Aaron on his phone, me on my computer. We were headed to the Battle of Little Bighorn that evening so it felt nice to relax for a bit.

About ten minutes went by and then my hubby looks at me with a look of pure disgust and exclaims, "I smell puke". Sure enough, wafting into our noses was the horrible smell of vomit. We jumped off the bed and begin sniffing around, trying to find where the smell was coming from. We sniffed the garbage cans, beside the bed, under the bed, the bathroom, but could not distinguish a set place! It was baffling. We came to the conclusion that maybe it was a one time thing (the person beside us must have fallen ill), and decided to head to TBOLB. The smell would surely be gone by the time we got back.

We arrived back at our hotel a few hours later and it wasn't long before the smell began wafting by us again. "WHERE is that COMING from?!" was exclaimed by us more than a few times that evening. It wasn't a lingering smell - it would come and go.
"Maybe it's your socks," I said as a last resort to Aaron. We were completely stumped. Aaron's socks did indeed smell, but it wasn't the smell we were smelling.
"I feel like I'm sitting in one of those twirly rides at the fair," My hubby mentioned. We had a good chuckle at that, and decided to ignore the smell the best we could.

After three days, we never got to the bottom of it.

But we did have a great trip, otherwise. It's hard to believe it has already been a year since we said "I Do," but I have a feeling the next year will go just as fast.
While in Billings, we hiked about 6 miles or so on top of the Rimrocks which overlooked the city. It was a beautiful, clear, summer day and we could see the snow-capped Beartooth Mountain Range in the distance.


Sunday, June 8, 2014

Battle of Little Bighorn

Aaron and I took a quick trip to Montana this weekend. It is our first wedding anniversary today so it was nice to go do something/stay somewhere out of the ordinary.
While in Montana we were able to go see the Little Bighorn Battlefield. I have wanted to see the site forever {I love history} so it was amazing to finally go see where Custer, Sitting Bull, and so many other prominent figures in history fought. 
While standing a top a small hill called "Custer's Last Stand", I could just imagine the 7th Cavalry charging into Bighorn Valley, just to realize they were outnumbered by the Indians. 
I could imagine the men fighting to the end, right where Aaron and I and so many other people were standing. 
I then looked across the valley at the little white headstones, all marking where a U.S. soldier fell on June 25, 1876. 
I am thankful Aaron and I drove an extra 40 miles to see "one of the most famous battlefields of the American West".
The marker with black on it depicts where Custer fell. He was found on top of a man,
who was on top of a horse.
The battle, we read, "took as long as it takes a man to eat his dinner". 
The horse, Comanche, was not the only horse that survived. There were others,
but they were so badly wounded they needed to be killed. Comanche was the only
one spared.

There was anywhere from 36 to 130 Indians killed. The 210 men who rode with Custer were all killed and most were found mutilated.

Friday, June 6, 2014

Hubby's Invention #1

In the evenings, my hubby can be found in the back garage...inventing things. He loves welding so most things include cutting metal and then welding it together to form something. This morning, before we left for our anniversary trip (yay for one year!), I found him in the garage finishing up this invention, below.
He calls it a can caddy/towel dispenser.

Thursday, June 5, 2014

Introducing: Olive

I have been pondering which color chalk paint to get next, for about two months. I didn't want to spend a whole bunch of money on a color I didn't really care for so when someone was selling a can on the local for-sale facebook page, I snatched it up! The color: Olive.
And I really do love it! Green is my favorite color so I quickly got busy on a headboard I picked up from my parents' place. 
Before
After
I only wish my background was a little bit classier. Oh well. 

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Grow, grass!


Our little sprouts are no longer sprouts! Our lawn is finally to the point of mowing. No more muddy, gunky, brown yard for us!