I am the worst blogger

No wonder no one will read this. I never blog. OK, more like I forget to post something or something happens that I don't have time or I am just boring. OK, maybe not boring, more like lazy. So, since the beginning of May until now, what has been going on. Hmmmm.....Well.....
Lizzie has had a couple more soccer games. Freezing cold, windy, raining, soccer games. One her team won and one they lost. They had a blast and are starting to understand the sport a little better. Granted, there are team parents who "forget" to show up to the practice and games so the kids who are there are working their butts off. I think Lizzie likes the game of soccer, but not sure if she wants to do it again so soon. Now she is talking about joining dance class with Cicely. I think I like her in soccer better. Cheaper by a long shot. Lizzie has two more games to play this week and then she is done for this season. Might keep her in soccer though, but not sure which league. The Castle Rock Rec league is too hard to get to on Tuesday and Thursdays. I have to say that Kim is an amazing coach and kicks butt at teaching these kids how to play the game. So much fun to watch. Always knew she was hilarious, but this is even better.

Cicely's first dance recital went very well. A little long, but well. She really loves dance class and enjoys the kids she is starting to get to know. The recital was supposed to be the weekend of the 8th, but then got moved to the 15th. Right smack dab in the middle of community rodeo, which I have dedicated my next two months too. Her costume was so cute and she did her dance steps perfectly. Granted, I am her mom and can say that. I was so enthralled with the fact that my little girl is getting bigger every day.

Shelby has done two rodeos this month away from home. One in Greeley and one in Eagle. Both she didn't place high, but sounded like she had fun. Sounds like Greg is starting to enjoy himself too. Shelby is also going to be a full-fledge high school graduate on Saturday. So hard to think of her as a grown up woman now. I still remember when I met her when she was 10 years old. Tiny little thing with a ton of hair. She helped out at community rodeo over the weekend as well. Actually, she helped for about a minute and sat on the rails when the bull riders came out. Yea, she's a teenager. She has been out of school for the past few days and is not getting ready to leave home. I think she likes it here. I know her dad does. He is going to have such a hard time when she moves out.

Speaking of the butthead I call my beloved husband. He has already gone to the doctor once about his back problems and constant headaches. I know that he is not taking better care of himself, it's just the way he is. He has also been working way too hard and people at work are driving him crazy. He's a good guy though and hope that all his hard work eventually pays off. He also helped a little bit this weekend, but told me later that this was my weekend to play and have fun so he became Mr. Mom. This is why I married him. For little things like that. Love this guy.

So on to my life of rodeo. I LOVE rodeo. I love working behind the scenes of rodeo. Loved being in the announcer's box (crow's nest) and hanging out up there. Enjoyed the camaraderie of the volunteers and the contestants. It was amazing. The Elizabeth Stampede Community Rodeo is dedicated towards the community at hand. Getting the town of Elizabeth to come out and watch some fun. And I think we had a pretty good crowd considering on Saturday night we had rain, hail, lightning, thunder, and a tornado. Springtime in Colorado is always unpredictable. Friday was the start of getting the arena ready. We put up banners, checked on the stands, made sure no trash was around, and wondered aloud if the bog that was called the arena would dry out. Apparently, one of the water pipes that runs under the the arena floor burst and made our sand pit into a bog of mud and goop. With prayers in our hearts, we headed out to finish our days and pray for no more rain. That night after Cicely's rehearsal, we headed over to the Kick Off party, which was a blast. Danced the night away, that's for sure.

Saturday, at 5:30 in the gosh darn early morning, I headed my tired self down to the arena to figure out the plan of attack. Helped with vendor set up and made sure they were OK. Walked around talking to people and then headed up to the crow's nest where we danced the day and night away to keep warm. Learned a bunch about the different timed events as well. Around 1pm, I headed over to the recital with Cicely and met up with the grandparents. Cicely's recital was way too cute and she really did a great job. So very proud of her. After kissing the girls and my parents off, I went back to the rodeo grounds for more fun. It was the Celebrity Stick Horse Championship. Teams from around the area competed on stick horses to win money for their favorite charities. So much fun when to watch the HS Rodeo kids versus their parents. In other words, Shelby vs. Greg. LOVED IT! I didn't leave the grounds until after 10:30 or so and figured out about that time that I hadn't eaten since breakfast. Made a quick dinner and then off to bed.

Sunday was Cowboy Church and getting ready for roping events. Not a whole heck of a lot to do in the morning, but did get to see more people that day. The roping events, tie down and bulldogging, were interesting to watch with someone explaining it along the way.

We had a lull in the schedule so we invited friends over for lunch. Such a fun family and they keep us in stitches. Really like being around the Burges. After lunch was more tie downs and that's when things really picked up. Had a new announcer for the afternoon who really knew his stuff and was fast. Enjoyed my time up there.

By late Sunday afternoon, it was time to go get the girls. We were meeting Mom and Ralph at Castle Cafe which is one of our favorite splurge restaurants. Had a good dinner, but I think we were all beat tired.

Got today done and now for tomorrow. Wednesday Toni and Gil show up for a week which should be fun time. Shelby graduates on Saturday and starts getting ready for her next adventure. It's going to be even more busy until the middle of June. Whew.

Until then.

You know, it's funny

Ok, maybe not funny haha, but funny just the same. I say every week that my life is not that exciting and yet I come to Sunday afternoons when I can finally sit down to type this thing out and realize "Holy COW PATTIES!". Well, ok I don't really say that out loud but want too. We really are getting busy again, must be spring time.

Monday was Monday, typical day where you want to slam that alarm clock across the room and have it beg for mercy. Going to work is another fun day of taking care of other people's problems and allowing them to scream in your ear.

Tuesday was soccer practice. Lizzie is really coming along with soccer and is really starting to enjoy it much more. Cicely would rather play on the playground for the hour, which is fine my me. She's having fun and not whining. We did start a new game in the car when they start to whine. If I hear that voice, I start whistling like a bird and tell them the bird is about ready to land on their lip because they have it out so far. Works every time because instead of hearing the whiny voice, I hear giggling. Anyway, Tuesday was also picture day and Lizzie got her very first soccer girl shot. So cute! Can't wait to see it when it is done.

Wednesday is work late night. My boss is convinced that the others on the desk have a hard time that I leave a little early on Tuesdays and Thursdays because of soccer. Which is funny, because they don't care. In any case, he makes me work an additional half hour on Wednesday "until the new guy is up to speed". This translates, you are working late on Wednesdays until you leave the company. The bright side to this is that one of the women I have met through rodeo had a jewelry party at her house. So much fun and Greg got me some very cute earrings for Mother's Day. Greg doesn't shop for anything related to gifts.

Thursday was supposed to be the soccer game, but Mother Nature was having either a bipolar moment or PMS or both and it was snowing, raining windy, and sunny at the same time. Hence, cancelling the game again. UGH! Lizzie has only played one game so far and I don't think she has the concept of how soccer is supposed to work. Crossing fingers she will be able to play this week.

Friday was long but so glad when it was finally over. Greg and Shelby were starting to get their things together for Henderon's rodeo and Shelby off to the prom. She said that she had a good time, but glad it is finally over. We went to dinner at our normal place and was able to catch up with the standard locals.

Saturday, Greg and Shelby left not so quietly for Henderson and I tried to get a few more minutes of sleep. 5:30am on the weekend is very early! Not going to happen since Cicely was already dressed for dance class. So up I went to make coffee and try to wake up. After dance class and dropping off the groceries, the girls and I head up to Evergreen to see my folks. Spent a few hours up there before I had to race down to town to get ready for the pig roast that the Elizabeth Stampede was putting on in Kiowa. So much fun! They ran out of food, which sounds like will be a tradition since they did the same thing last year. They had this amazing band that played all the country songs from the past. There was a dance contest, silent auction, and just a ton of fun. Got home early and off to bed again.

Today was helping some of the board members from the Elizabeth Stampede put up signs for the rodeo. That was entertaining in itself. I just love to see men realize that i am not a wimp and can pull my own weight if I have to. Plus, the men were just fun to be around. Now it is time to get the girls home again and relax for the rest of the night before starting up again. Sigh....really need to find a new job.

Until then...

Weekend fun

My weekend began a little earlier than normal. Every six months, Roper has it's huge warehouse sale. It is mecca to Shelby and me, with a whole warehouse full of western boots, shirts, jeans, belts, wallets, purses, jackets, boots, vests, boots, and boots. Because of our lifestyle and the country aspect of our lives in general, wearing Roper or Stetson is a must. And this sale scares Greg to death. We can get great deals on so many different things and are able to share the wealth to others who like to wear the same type of clothing. Plus, it is just fun! This year, like I have in the past, I sent emails out to friends who not live in the country-type lifestyle, but to others who wanted to experience a once in six month event. Used to be when we started going to this sale, it was invitation only. Now, it is open to whomever reads their site or is a friend on FB with them. And the other thing you can always count on for the sale is a snow storm. Not a dry, sweet, and innocent storm but a wet and unforgiving storm. I always think that Greg talks to Mother Nature the night before trying to convince her to make it one that we cannot get out type storms. Yea right.

Anyway, we had fun and picked up some great things. Saw some friends we haven't seen in a very long time (yes, you make friends at this event too). And found out that Shelby's prom was cancelled for that night. Now, here's the funny story. Shelby wasn't originally planning on going to the prom. She had a HS rodeo in Pueblo this weekend and was planning on doing that instead. She bought a dress though, just in case she changed her mind, but didn't have a date or any plans. Then at the last minute she decided to go, to Greg's relief since he didn't have to trailer down to Pueblo for the weekend. Well, here we are in a long line and her phone lights up. Apparently, the principal of the school decided that it was too dangerous. Here's the wording:

The Elizabeth C-1 School District has cancelled the high school Prom and After Prom events this evening due to hazardous weather and have rescheduled for next Friday, April 30th. The safe travel of students to and from all school sponsored activities is one of our highest priorities and the forecasts throughout the evening have prompted us to reschedule this event.

Seriously? It wasn't that bad! The kids would have been fine, especially the ones who were in limos. The school district rescheduled for next weekend, which of course Shelby can't go to because she has another rodeo. Sigh...the life of a teenager.

By the time we got back, we found out that the power had been out for about four hours. I checked the chicks and ducks, and they seemed ok. With no power, what is a bunch of girls supposed to do (we picked up the girls from school around lunchtime). Started a fire in the stove and read books. With no power either, DADDY! DINNER! meant we got to go out to dinner as well. Which was funny since the rest of the neighborhood was there and we were able to catch up with the gossip going on.

Saturday was a clean up, stay at home, thank goodness the power is back on day. Cicely had dance class, I got chore done, and we just hung out. Watched movies, ate popcorn, and just stayed indoors. The storm was just now finishing up and moving on to the east to raise havoc over yonder.

Sunday is one of those days where we are either running around in five different directions or trying to figure someone out to do. We are not religious to go to church and usually have our own celebration of life and the beginning of another week with a big breakfast and hanging out. With the weather nicer than it has been, we are able to hang outside and enjoy the day. Tomorrow is another day of fun and enjoyment (insert sarcastic snort here).

Until then...

Weather

When I lived in Evergreen, the weather was pretty predictable. Cold, warm, hot, cold. That's how the season shaped up too. Winter was down right freezing cold and snowing. You could get between one inch to one foot in an hour, depending on how high up you were. I was about 8500 feet above sea level, so I got lots of snow. Warm would be spring. This is also called mud season where no matter how much you cleaned your carpets, you would have to do it again and again. Hot is summer and it wasn't just hot it was dry heat, way high in the air hot. The nights were relatively cool and comfortable, but the days could get toasty. Then came fall where depending on the year, it could be real cold fall or real warm fall. Always beautiful with the aspen trees changing colors though.

Down on the plains, you never know what you will get. Take tonight for example. We just got home (it's girls' night at the Williams house) and just got everyone fed. Looking west, we could see a possible rain cloud coming. Enough time to do a head count of chickens and ducks, feed the "starving to death" fat horses, run the dogs, and chase the cat into the house. You know when the storm is here because Llani the dog is under a table, your feet, a bed, whatever she can get her body under because the thunder is making noise. So here's how it stacks up in the springtime on the plains. Storm blows in (literally blows hard wind), lightning shoots around, thunder hits, deluge of rain, stop. In about 15 minutes it is done in central/western Elbert County and now it is off to hit the eastern plains of Colorado where there are tornados and hail storms and gosh know what else. That is springtime on the plains for ya. Tomorrow it might snow a foot and the next day it will be in the 80's again, mud season. In the summertime, it is always breezy around here. Hair spray is he mainstay of this house, especially for Shelby and I. Someday I would like to leave the house with the same hair style I completed. Yea, no. Summertime is incredibly warm or hot, but with the breeze, it isn't that bad. We love the summertime and are usually found outdoors until the sun goes down or the kids say that they are hungry and it is 8 o'clock and we haven't had dinner due to chore and running around.

Now fall is not that bad either. Nights it is cooler and darker, days are comfortable. We can still go outside as long as there is light. No major snowstorms, but Mother Nature may throw one here and there to remind us that winter is coming. We don't have the changing leave trees down here either, so it starts to get pretty bland and brown. Starting to can or freeze our vegetable harvest, Greg goes hunting once or twice for the elusive elk, girls start school again, and we revel in the beautiful sunsets.

Winter sucks. Plain and simple, it sucks. I hate winter down here. Hate is a tough word, but when you don't have a garage and have blowing snow (did I tell you it is windy out here about 360 days of the year? Those five days without wind is in the summertime when you are begging for it to come back), it is cold and yucky! We don't have snow totals, we have snow drifts. I think our tallest was eight feet tall. All three girls were able to sled down it. And when it snows, you are stuck inside. The longest we have been stuck inside due to snow is about three days. Two days was the longest to be stuck inside without power. Yea, that was not so fun.

Why do we stay out here? Because it is the way we are. You have to be pretty tough to survive the elements and to really enjoy all that there is on the plains of Colorado. Ranching is tough, farming is tough, living so far from town and family is tough. But you plow a head and remember those beautiful summer days and springtime storms that usually last 15 minutes.

Until then...

Whew!

Seems like all my postings are starting with some sort of sigh of tiredness. This week was no exception. Got done with a busy weekend, the week was insanely busy, and now another busy weekend. Wonder when I can do a spa day? Got to work on that.

OK, so on with the show. Monday was nothing special. Just had to work a little late to cover for someone at work. The bummer of all this is that I live so far from my office that my commute feels like it is even longer on days like this. By the time I got home, everyone had already eaten and was milling around the house. I come home to dirty dishes in the sink, starving chicks and ducklings, dogs needing a ton of attention, and kids that were smelly. Yea for me. Not really. Tuesday is soccer practice for Lizzie. Cicely is now the backup on the team and loves to play with the kids, but loves to play at the playground even more. So, she's off making friends and Lizzie is trying to pay attention. I'm just trying to stay warm. Again, home life is dogs needing attention, chicks and ducks starving, everyone milling around. See a pattern here? Yea, me too. Wednesday is another late night at work and a meeting for the Elizabeth Stampede Foundation. OK, that's a story right there.

I really wanted to get more involved with our community and what better way in doing this, but to join the volunteer group for the Elizabeth Stampede. Never thinking I would do more that direct people away from cow patties, I am now on three different committees, or at least two that I know of. One is a toss up right now. The Elizabeth Stampede Foundation is a group of women who are raising money for local charities or private groups that need a little more funds. These charities range from breast cancer awareness to homelessness to the food bank to someone needing a few extra dollars because of something. The woman in charge of the group is a go-getter who has lost most of her family to cancer or other illnesses. To hear her story, you stop and wonder how she is still walking around upright. Our first event is in May for a pig roast to raise money to get our group going. The second big thing is a silent auction at the rodeo. It's actually a lot more fun that I first thought too. So Wednesday night, I had dinner with these five women brainstorming ways to have some fun and from what we came up with, should be pretty fun. More later.

Thursday was the big day for Lizzie. It was her first real soccer game. Now, granted she doesn't understand what a soccer game is and loves soccer as it is so I have to say it was very entertaining. She did great and had a ton of fun. She didn't score any goals, but actually pushed the ball along and just rolled around on the ground. I had to race away before the game ended to my last meeting of the week for the Community Rodeo volunteers, my second commitment. OK, bad idea to keep saying Sure I don't mind helping there. Think I am second in command that weekend, but I have to say it is going to be a blast. This group is going to really make the Community Rodeo weekend a ton of fun. Lots of parties, lots of dust, lots of horse and cows. And LOTS of Wranglers and chaps. Best part is that it gives me an excuse to shop. Yea!!

Tonight is Movie Night at the library so the girls and I have a date. Tomorrow and Sunday are packed with a ton of stuff going on. Whew! Somewhere in there I need to get laundry done.

Is it done?

Most weekends, as have been written in the past, are insanely busy. Due to the fact that we leave our house at an ungodly our and get home way past that, there is no time during the week to get most things done. And with it being spring time, it is the start of HS rodeo season which means that Greg and Shelby are gone all weekend. With that, everything else is dropped into my lap to get done. The standard cleaning (more reviews about the Meleuca products too), laundry, etc. and then the other stuff. Like entertaining two very active kids, cleaning out the dog run that has needed to be done weeks ago because it is starting to really smell. Getting the carpet in Greg's office steam cleaned AGAIN because of dirt and a puppy who still hasn't figured out going outside at night. Laundry that is a mile and a half long. Oh and the animals.

Friday starts off as a standard day with Greg and Shelby getting ready to go to Greeley for the weekend to do rodeo. This means Shelby packing half her wardrobe and makeup, Greg taking clean underwear and a hat. Picking the girls up after school, I took them to Chick fe La for dinner. One because I was not in the mood to cook and the second is that it had a play area where they could get some of their energy out. So we hung out there for about an hour until it started getting packed and they got tired. When we got home, first load of laundry went in. I do have to say I like the MelaPower detergent. The scent is very subtle and I do notice a difference in the cleaning. My clothes are coming out nicer that the other stuff I have used in the past. The only thing that I think is cumbersome is that it is in a pump and you have to angle it to the back of the machine to make sure the water gets on it first before dumping the clothes in. Not as easy as powder, that's for sure.

I rented on the pay per view Alvin and the Chipmunks, the Squealquel. Ok, such a kid movie, but good music. Girls were boogying down to the Chipmunks and the Chipettes. Anyway, my fun filled Friday night was watching my kids have fun.

Saturday was errand day and running around all day long because Greg and Shelby were gone and I can get a TON done day. Poor Cicely and Lizzie. Dropped Cicely off at dance class, while Lizzie and I did our shopping. I love it when WalMart discounts things to $1. Back to pick up Cicely and head over to the post office for a package. My dad and his wife have never figured out after eight years that I cannot pick up packages during the week. By the time we roll through town, the post office has been closed for at least two hours. And whenever they send anything, it is too big to put into the package boxes. My step-mom loves to shop, especially for little girls. She really outdid herself this time. I now have all the things for not only their birthdays, but for Christmas too. Yippee. Afterwards, we headed home to unload and for Cicely to change out of her dance stuff. Ok, let me back up a second. I asked her to change out of her dance outfit, she says she does, she actually puts clothes on over her dance outfit thinking I won't notice. I am at the point that I don't care and just want to get the day done. Change laundry around, pet a dog or two, and out the door again to CostCo. If you ever want to go to lunch and only have $5 on you, got to CostCo. I can feed the girls with two slices of pizza and three drinks for less that $10. And the slices are so big that there is enough for me too. Back in town, we stop at Big R for an "ahhh" moment of ducklings and chicks and to pick up food for our own brood. To the library for a few things and back home. By this time it is about 3 and I am pooped, the girls aren't though. So back outside to saddle up Poco.

Story behind Poco, the girls' horse. She came to us via Aunt Jane who lives in Washington State. Beautiful state, by the way. So lush and green. Aunt Jane is a character who I adore completely. About two or so years ago, she calls us up out of the blue and tells Greg that Poco will be in Ft. Collins in two days and he needs to pick her up. Luckily, we just picked up a horse trailer so he could bring her back. Jane thought that we needed another horse and decided to send her down. With a saddle too. I used to ride Poco all the time, but she thinks I am a pain because I want her to move around too much, for example trot or canter or heaven forbid go on a trail ride. The girls, on the other hand, just want to ride in the arena every once in a while and she can put up with that. So, out we go to saddle Poco up for the afternoon ride. Lizzie loves to ride and loves to help she she got on first. I hear a lot of "I got it Mama" and "I don't need your help, Mama", so I just usually walk ahead of Poco and help make sure they have their seat. Cicely was up next and she did fine too. Lizzie ran into the house because she had to go to the bathroom, so Cicely and I finished our run around the ring. As we were leaving, I hear a loud scream and crying fit. Me? Not worried at all because I know Lizzie is tired. Until she did it again and Poco did not like it and did what we call a "crow hop". This means she went up startled and came back down, with Cicely on top of her. I don't think I have ever seen her eyes get that big. Turns out Lizzie couldn't get her pants off in time to go potty. Sigh....Everything was fine in the end though.

Sunday was big breakfast and playing outside. We took the ATV (it's a Fisher Price that doesn't go fast) out and ran up and down the driveway a few times. Got more laundry done, vacuuming done, kitchen cleaned, and other odds and ends. Shelby and Greg came home from their trip up north and put their things away. Greg pulled me aside and said that Shelby didn't want to try out for Elizabeth Stampede Queen. I think she is making a HUGE mistake, but that's her choice. She wants to take her horse on more rodeos this summer. Hate to tell her this, but I need her dad close to home for most of it to help around the house and to start or complete things he has been promising to do forever. If she won the Queen title, she can still travel around and would be able to take her horse. Not sure if there is anything in the manual about her not being able to compete then either. And then Greg got a call from Chris, our "farm hand". He doesn't think Chris is cut out to work with Corky because he is inexperienced. Then Shelby pipes up that he might teach Corky bad habits. Corky is a walking bad habit. I think they are both crazy, but what do I know. I am just a novice in their eyes. Whatever. Greg doesn't like seeing someone else working with his horse. REALLY? Like he has time! At least Chris is willing to work with the dang horse. And Shelby keeps calling him evil so there's no help there. I don't have time with taking care of the other billion things going on around that place. So fricken frustrated with those two.

Anyway, more reviews of the products. Like I said, I like the MelePower and will probably get it again. The Sol-d-Mel is ok. Did a good job for every day chores of cleaning the counter tops and sinks, but not the best on tougher stains like rust. Didn't see any changes in a sink we have in our bathroom. Might buy another bottle, we'll see. Still a big time no on the vitamins. I'll just get whatever my doctor says to buy. Thinking of trying the toothpaste next.

Until then...

Some days

It's amazing to me how some bloggers I read can write every day. Eloquently as well. Me? Not so much because my life ain't that exciting. Most days, like Monday through Friday when I am working, are not that exciting. Answering phones, answering questions, hanging up phones, starting all over again. So not exciting. Sometimes something "exciting" will happen like a virus filled email will infect the whole firm and the panic will begin. Oh my gosh! Call the guards! Get the horses ready! Where's my spear! It's just an email. If you didn't buy something from Amazon, didn't send you resume out to Google, or know someone by the name of Jessica who wants you to follow her on Twitter, DELETE IT!! Pretty simple. Sigh....

Weekends are different though. Those are fun filled action pack type that I love and revel in. This weekend, Greg and Shelby will be heading up to Greely for rodeo without the spurs this time. Shelby learned the hard way not to spur Quincy unless necessary. They leave on Friday and will stagger in Sunday night. The girls and I have an fun filled action pack weekend of dance class, errands, and who knows what else. It is going to be a beautiful spring weekend, so outdoor fun is in store. Might take the chicks and ducklings out to their soon to be home, but we'll see.

One thing to note though, I bought a few products through Meleleuca recently that I am going to review. Mostly for me so it will remind me if I want to order them again or not. And if anyone decides to read this crazy blog one day (stumbling across it because searching was fun and thought this might be too) and decide to figure out what other nuts are buying this stuff, here ya go:

My first order I placed I only ordered three things:

MelaPower® 6x Detergent—96-load, Fresh Scent
Koala Pals™ Multivitamin—120 tablets
Sol-U-Mel® 3-in-1 Cleaner—16 fl.oz., Original Scent

First off is the MelaPower. When buying it, it is recommended to get the pump with can dole out the exact amount needed. Note to self, do not leave it on the dryer where the dogs can knock it over. Think I lost four loads right there. UGH. The scent is very subtle and when the clean clothes come out of the dryer, you can't smell the scent as you could with regular products. Truthfully, I don't see a savings for this product since I can buy laundry detergent that can wash 120 loads for about the same price. And with the fact that it says on the label to wash at the warmest temperature possible, how is that saving me money when I am not only running the electricity for the washer, but now my furnace as well. The true test will be when I was the kids' clothes, which I did last night but haven't had a chance to look at them yet. If this stuff is as good as I understand, then I might change my mind. Good? Maybe. Buy again? Not sure.

Koala Pals™ Multivitamin was a resounding NO by the girls. I got the cherry flavor and they spit them out. They did not like the flavor, texture, and the chalky after taste. They would rather have their gummy bear (sugar free) multi-vitamins instead. I tried them out and they are cherry flavor for a second, with a fizz, and very chalky. Also, with the multivitamins I have been giving the girls (Lil Critters Gummy Vites) there is no after taste, no chalky, and more than one flavor. Buy again? Resounding NO.

Last product was what is considered "liquid gold", Sol-U-Mel® 3-in-1 Cleaner. From reading the back, it doesn't take much to put together in a 16 fluid ounce bottle. I did not feel the need to buy one of their bottles and will pick one up this weekend. I have a few uses for this product and will give a review on it later this week. If it can get out the stains and smells that it says it cans and that Michelle goes on and on about, then I might buy it again. We'll see.

Anyway, tonight is soccer so that should be fun. Tomorrow is another day and then the fun filled weekend begins.

Until then...

Holy Cow Busy Weekend!

And the scariest part is that this is not the busiest weekend we are going to have. The next few are insane. Why so busy? It is springtime in the Rockies which means rodeo weekends, planting weekends, taking care of chickens/ducks weekend, soccer weekends, dance weekends, and all around "Can I breathe now?" weekends. Usually this fast paced craziness lasts until the end of September when school is back in session, rodeos are done for the season, most everything is harvested and either frozen or jarred. Would I have it any other way? Heck no!

The craziness started on Friday when the girls were on their Spring Break day. One of the girls in their class was invited over to play with Cicely and Lizzie for the day. Morgan is this sweet girl who is the oldest of three kids. Being only five years old, you can imagine that her little sister and brother are not that much younger than her. Her mom, Katie, and I have become good friends over the past year or so and I told Katie that I didn't mind taking Morgan off her hands for the day so she could get ready for a road trip to Sterling (northern Colorado, about three hours away from Denver). I picked Morgan up early and we first headed over to the feed store to get more food for the chicks and ducks. Going to Big R, the girls were able to see all the chicks, ducks, turkeys, geese, and bunnies that were for sale. Once this love fest was over, we went back to our home where the girls played for a few hours. The girls helped me feed the babies and then went into the house to play. I was able to get some work done on the computer (i.e. check FB, look at job openings, etc) before we headed out again. I took the girls to McDonald's that has a play area where they could run around and get their energy out. Then off to the movies. We went to see How to Train your Dragon in 3D. Girls had no idea what that was about until they put the glasses on. They loved it. Afterwards, I dropped Morgan off with her folks and we headed home. Granted, my two were still up to whatever trouble they could get into. So they played outside until their lips turned blue. It's a girl thing.

Chris came over to work Corky and I fed him leftover KFC (nice "home cooked" mean that my husband picked up) before sending him off to the meeting. He wasn't really planning on going, but I told him that he needed to go. And seriously, if he is going to be around us, I would rather him go.

Saturday, VERY EARLY, morning was when Shelby and Greg left for Golden for the HS Rodeo. Shelby is only competing in one event this year which makes our rodeo day short and long. Short that her competition is one of the first of the day. Long if they are away from home and have nothing to do for the rest of the day. Very early means that they left at 5:30 in the morning. The dogs tried real hard to get me out of bed, but I was able to hold them off for another 30 minutes before Cicely came down ready to go to dance class, which starts at 9. So starts my day. With Greg and Shelby gone, the girls got up and fed. I had to do all the feeding and cleaning up. As time got closer and Cicely got more antsy, we were out the door. Dropped her off at dance class, Lizzie and I off to do our errands. Lizzie is fun to hang out with, not saying Cicely isn't fun either because she is a ball, but Lizzie is a riot. She is determined to push the shopping cart which is about two feet taller and weighs about three times more than her and will do this the whole time. Unfortunately, she loves to help when we are next to the toy section too. Since Easter was on Sunday, she helped with what the Easter Bunny needed to bring to her and Cicely. Then back to pick Cicely up, and race home to put things away before out the door again. In this mad dash, I called Greg to find out when Shelby ran barrels and we missed the first event. Whew and bummer all in one. Whew because didn't have to race up to Golden and bummer because we missed it. On to the dealership to get the car done, to the library to pick up a few things, and back home. By this time it is lunch and the girls were starving to death. Got them fed and then went outside to play. They came back in to help make the Easter cupcakes and to decorate the cupcakes as well. The girls also decorated the Easter eggs I boiled for them and had so much fun. Afterwards, we went to our local restaurant for dinner which was nice. Back home to watch a video and off to bed to start over again.

Sunday held pretty much the same scenario. Shelby and Greg left at the crack before dawn, but this time I woke up with them. I helped the Easter Bunny out and hid things around the house. It was way too cold to go outside to look for eggs, so inside sounded good. Once the girls came downstairs, they were ecstatic to find the Easter Bunny not only liked the eggs they colored, but ate one of their cupcakes. Sam, the puppy, helped with looking for the eggs as well. Once we were through with the fun stuff, they ate some candy, had some breakfast, ate more candy, I was able to get them dressed and out the door to head up to Golden to watch Shelby race. I love going to rodeos when they are close to home, especially with the two younger ones. Cicely and Lizzie do not have a long attention span and get bored easily unless they are also participating. Some day soon they will be out on that horse riding around the barrels, just not today. Shelby did pretty well considering. She decided to use spurs which Quincy didn't like and he sidestepped to the third barrel. Her time was three seconds off the leader, but she will get better as the time goes on.

Since Shelby's competition for Elizabeth Stampede Queen is coming up, she is in need of Wrangler jeans (big sponsors). Being Sunday and Easter, I didn't think anything was open and when we started driving around, it was apparent that we were right. Back home again, clean up of the trailer, check on the ducks and the chicks, clean up of the kitchen, lunches made, and then the whole "what's for dinner" conversation. No one wanted to stay up too late since our mornings have been so early and we had breakfast for dinner. It's the Williams way.

Next weekend we do it again. Minus the bunny.

Until then.

Amazing story

I am so proud of my husband in so many ways. The strength he has, physically and mentally, always surprises me. The troubles he has gone through and risen up from it is shocking. Growing up a military kid, his family moved around a lot until they settled in Merced Ca. Growing up, he had a stable and firm-handed home life. Once he moved out, the troubles started. He fathered a child out of wedlock who to this day is the light of his dad's eyes. Brandon is the most amazing kid that we all truly adore. Brandon is in the Air Force and currently going through Tech School in Lackland, Tx. Few years after Greg moved to Colorado, he met and married his first wife. She had a child already and was expecting Shelby when they married. When Shelby and Lyndssey were very young, she left Greg and took the girls. This was around Christmas time and it broke Greg's heart into a million little pieces. It took all his energy and drive to keep going. One thing that really helped him was AA. For the past 13 years, he has diligently gone to the Friday night meetings (maybe not every week currently, but pretty close) and has noticed that not only have the people there helped him with his addiction, but have helped put peace back into his existence.

Why I mention this story is last night Greg got a phone call. A guy from the meeting, Greg says one of the "newest" members, found out that we have a few horses and one of them needs ground work. Chris called us on the way home wondering if it was OK for him to come out and get introduced to our horse, Corky. Greg said sure and to meet us at our house. When Chris showed up, Shelby and I were inside getting dinner ready watching the interaction. Shelby said that she wondered how much experience he had with horses and wouldn't be surprised that it wasn't very much at all. I didn't tell her how Greg knew him and just left it at that, for now. I told Greg before Chris showed up to invite Chris for dinner. One thing I have learned living with Greg and knowing his friends is to feed them because sometimes they haven't had a home cooked meal in a while and I do like to make sure they have that home cooked meal at least once in a while.

Chris and Greg were outside working with Corky while I finished dinner and did some chores. Shelby went out to help with whatever they needed and to meet this new guy. When they came in for dinner and we sat down, the stories started. First off the girls took over by showing off. They love new people and usually tell amusing stories for a five year old and four year old. Once they were done with dinner and upstairs, Greg had a phone meeting he had to take, so Shelby and I spoke with Chris. I am pretty blunt and wanted to know more about Chris so I asked questions. Trust me, if Greg were there he would have said I was asking too many questions. Chris was kind enough to tell me his story and we listened in amazement. His mom died when he was 9 and his father raised him alone until he was 13. His father then remarried a woman who told Chris that he wasn't as good as his step-siblings. Chris started getting into a ton of trouble and getting into things he probably shouldn't have. He has been in and out of rehab for the last few years finally realizing that what makes him happy and calm are horses. Shelby and I told him about stories we had with our experiences with horses. Chris and I like the same author so we discussed that. Found out that he was in the military and one of their cooks, he has now be told he has to make dinner. And that he is new to the program of AA.

After speaking with Chris and living with Greg all these years, I come to realize my life growing up and in my 20's wasn't so bad. Yes, I had some problems along the way that I dealt with, but I didn't deal with my problems in the same way they did. I did have a drinking problem, but the moment I met Greg I knew that I needed to cut down on my alcohol consumption and have. I thank God for a very strong handed mom and step-dad that kept me from going to jail, which may have happened a few times.

I really hope Chris does stay on the path to recovery and does still come out to our house for it as well. I know we are taking a risk having someone that had addiction problems come over, but I truly believe in giving people a chance.

Until then...

Soccer MOM!!!

So for the past few years, I have revealed in the fact that I am not going to be a soccer mom. Needless to say, that stopped when my baby said she wanted to play soccer. Not wanting to deny such revelations, I signed her up hoping that this would be a passing fancy and I can go back to just being Mom. Yea right, now I have her sister enrolled in the soccer phenomenon as well. Thanks to Coach Kim who I adore more than anything in the world. UGH.

For the past few days, I have slowly been collecting the soccer stuff needed for said youngster. She has the shoes from a friend of mine who's daughter outgrew her soccer shoes. She has pink socks and pink/purple shin guards. She has a soccer ball with her name on it. She has one pair of soccer shorts. The girl is ready. I was able to leave a little bit early yesterday from work and race to the train. Granted, thinking I can leave a little early I can pick them up a little early I am OK. This is going to work. I can relax. So, not even! Train ahead of us breaks down and will take 5 minutes to fix. UGH! OK, that's OK I can drive like the wind to get to the school. The good news is that I got to the school and the girls had everything they needed and were ready to go. Got to the car and did the fastest change on Lizzie ever. I think it was three minutes and that's putting shin guards and soccer socks on her, which isn't easy. They had snacks that they munched on as well. OK, we are doing great time except I have never been to the park before and the directions were OK.

Got there just in the nick of time with the hurricane forced winds blowing. Watching little kids try to dribble a soccer ball while almost being blown over was humorous. Because Lizzie's team is short one player, Kim wondering if I minded if Cicely played as well. The only problem I had (OK two problems she was in her new clothes) is that this was supposed to be Lizzie's sport and not both of their sports. Watching Cicely play though, she is good. I mean real good. Kept the ball with her and was able to score a goal. I know Lizzie had fun, but I wonder if she feels bummed that now it is both of their sports. Talked to her about it and she says she's fine with it because she made some new friends.

So now I am a soccer mom, stage mom (ballet/tap) and a hopefully soon to be rodeo Queen mom. It's not that bad I guess.

Until then...

Consignment Sale

Those two words together can put fear in husband's wallets and giggles in a wife's step. I love consignment sales and think they are a blast. With two child en under the age of ten, it can get very expensive to clothe them so consignment sales and garage sales are a godsend. If done and priced right, I can break even on what I sell and what I buy.

Usually, I am the one going to the sale and getting bogged down in items for the kids. Today was very different. My friend and neighbor Heather does this consignment sale every year. Heather is hilarious though and is so much fun to work with. Heather's daughter, Megan, was born very premature at 1 lb, 9 oz and had the March of Dimes help with her. Because of this, Heather usually donates her time and energy to raise money for them and today she was selling books at half price for them. Also, she was gathering information from people who may be interested in Melaleuca. My job was to make sure she wasn't over-doing it because she is pregnant again and to help sell books and gather names for Work @ Home United. The best part was that being a vendor, we got to go in real early and see what was up for sale. I was able to pick up dance things for Cicely, soccer things for Lizzie, and other clothes for the girls. Plus, two pairs of roller skates as well. Most things are going to be put away for their birthday though, including the skates.

The sale was also fun to people watch. Most people who walked in, of course, were moms or soon to be moms. Some came with their spouses, their parents, and of course their kids. Lots and lots of kids. Some families came with little babies, toddlers, kids, and everything in between. Surprisingly, most families were watching their children with no problem at all, close at hand and eye, never leaving sight. We loved watching the babies going by with their families, sharing a story or two with the grandparents, helping with directions on where to place the larger toys for holds, and just people watching in general. This of course went along with the extreme cases of moms who really should not be moms at all. One woman had two children, a newborn and a three year old girl. This woman would leave her newborn baby in it's stroller with a blanket over the top, all alone for almost an hour while she was trying clothes on the three year old. The baby was crying hysterically and when one of the other women we were working with told this woman, she didn't really seem concerned. It was horrible! Then another mom with six children all close in age were waiting in line to check out and the woman was screaming at her children. UGH! Why have children?

Children are so special and so precious. To be put through what we saw today with the extreme cases makes me so scared for the children. When I did come home tonight, all I did was love my babies.

To change the topic, we saw The Blind Side last night. What a wonderful movie. So empowering and enjoyable. Laughed in some parts, cried or cringed in other parts, loved it. Sandra Bullock has always been one of my favorite actresses and am very happy to see this movie. Definitely recommended.

Slacker

OK, so I am slacking a bit. Yes, I admit it and should write more. Hey, maybe one day I'll be famous too. Ummmm, probably not. Anyway, the last time I wrote was a few days ago. Now granted, things around our house don't happen that are exciting enough to write down for future readers, but ya never know.

Shelby went up to her mom's for a few days. I didn't realize she was going until Wednesday. Greg said that since they were not going to Cortez this weekend for rodeo and she hasn't spent any time with her mom in months, that this would probably be the last free weekend for a while. So, off she went. Well, Greg dropped her off at the drop off point. The car she drives has a leak in it (so he says) and he doesn't want her driving that whole way. Eventually, he will let go and realize his baby girl is all grown up. Maybe not. I like having Shelby around, she does help out and does good work, but glad she spends time with her mom. I have never trusted her mom and never will, but she does need to spend time with her daughter and see what a great kid she is. And that horses are not the only thing she likes in life. So many things I could say right now, not gonna.

The last few days have been all work related and long. So wish that I was taken more seriously there. I know the users appreciate what I do for them, just with the rest of the department did. Oh well, can't change the minds of a few bad apples. Hoping something good will come soon that I can walk with my head held high and not be belittled every day.

This weekend is another busy one. With the blizzard that just blew through, makes it even more busy. Last night, the girls and I watched some TV and played around. Greg went to his meeting, so he was out until after 9:30. The snow was coming down pretty good and the winds were howling. I was worried about him driving around, but he did fine. And brought home three loaves of pound cake. YUM!!! Today is running around day. Once the winds died down, I was able to venture out. First stop was to my friend Heather's house to pick up clothes for a consignment sale in Parker tomorrow. I used all my hangers and she was kind enough to give me more and eggs! Then off to drop off all our clothes that we are consigning at The Wildlife Experience for the consignment sale. Spoke with the gal who is charge of the consignment sale and somehow got talked into volunteering before the show begins. Good for me! I get to look at what everything is being sold and pick out a few things for the girls. Lizzie needs soccer clothes and guards. Cicely needs ballet clothes and tap shoes. Both need twirly dresses.

It's nice to sit at home and o nothing, but I would rather be busy and get stuff done. With spring and summer coming, we will be outside doing the garden and working on the house. We have a vegetable garden that needs to go in, chickens that need to move into their home, horses to ride, dogs to walk, and just enjoying the beauty of Colorado. Sigh....wishing it would come soon.

Until then...

Snow, snow, and more snow.

Last night was an interesting night. We knew and heard about the storm coming in and knew that the snow was going to fall. What we didn't realize was that there was going to be lightning and thunder. Shelby made a comment that she was waiting for the tornado to come through. So at dinner, we had the lights flicker and go off for a second or two. One of the dogs was scared to death and stayed with someone the whole night. I knew that the chicks were fine in the barn because of their brooder so I wasn't that worried. Or so I thought. This morning, there was no power in the house. Greg stoked the fire all night, which kept the house nice and warm. I woke up with a start and darted outside to the barn to check the babies. Unfortunately, we lost two chicks. A buff and red did not make the cold. The other dozen and the ducklings were fine though. I brought all of them into the house to warm up and to keep and eye on them. I have two plastic toy boxes filled with hay that I have been rotating all day because the ducklings keep playing in their water dish. So cute!!

Of course, without power means without Internet. Without Internet means a husband who is a little impatient. OK, a lot impatient. He said that he is so close in finishing one of his big projects and wanted to get to the office. From what I read on the news, our main road was closed, but that didn't stop my hubby. Nor did the two foot snow drift around the truck. So, off he went to work to get his project done. I think he didn't want to be stuck at home with the girls. How to entertain a five year old, four year old, and a teenager. Hmmm.....Well Shelby figured out a way. The girls wanted to play dress up and Shelby "put on their make up". Ummmm....well, it is purple that's for sure. They have also been playing on the Wii with Shelby as well and watching movies. Overall, not too bad for them.

The snow finally stopped about an hour ago and now the meltdown begins. I love the fact that when it snows like this, we can stay home. OK, I can stay home with the girls. We are safe from the crazies (excluding my hubby) on the road, got a fridge full of food and Oreos, and I have Internet with the Blackberry. Bummer I have to go back to work tomorrow.

Until then....

Another storm?

I love living here in Colorado. The weather is so unpredictable that watching the weather people squirm is hilarious. One station says that it is going to snow about 1-2 inches. The other station says 1-2 feet. And another station is usually right in the middle. Currently, we are supposed to have snow hit us now and snow all day today and tonight. Looking out my window, I see sun. Lots and lots of sun and blue sky. Probably real cold, but it is gorgeous. Just waiting for that illusive snow to hit. And if it does, I am one of those people who prays for a ton of snow. Like in the feet range. I love staying home, cuddled up on the couch, reading a good book or playing on the computer. Hanging out with my kids playing dress-up. Come baby! Snow!!

My neighbor Heather and her friend Michelle are distributors for Melaleuca products. These are touted as being natural products and less expensive that what is bought in the store. I don't mind trying the products out to see if they are not only going to save me money when I do shop, but are better for the family. Heather gave me a sample of the lotion called Renew and I have to say that stuff is awesome! I have yet to find a lotion that helps fight the dry, dry skin I have come to know. Not only is our water considered hard because of the minerals in it, but the air itself is dry too. Living in California and Hawaii, my skin was always soft because of the sea air and I didn't have to rely on lotion unless I wanted to smell real nice. I have tried so many different lotions that my counter is covered. I am not a smelly lotion person anymore, but want something that makes my hands look better than they do.

Anyway, tangent, Heather and Michelle want me to be apart of their company Work @ Home United which is based out of our town. Michelle is the founder and owner of the company and is passionate about the products and selling. Heather loves the products too for different reasons, but sells them just as passionate. Me? I am not a seller. I am not a sales person at all. I did work retail, but that is when someone comes into the store to buy something from me, not me going to them. I do not feel comfortable going up to someone and saying "Hey! Give me your dollar and you can buy this stuff". Michelle and Heather are incredible at selling and I can see Michelle selling anything to anyone, laying on her deck. Me? Not a chance. I got my packet of magazines from the company today and just reading though it all I am starting to get turned off. UGH! Hate this feeling.

It's bad enough that I can't talk to Greg about this at all. He knows I am doing this, just not why. My reasoning are two fold. One to get out of where I work now. I hate coming downtown every day to a job that I don't feel I am contributing anything to. Yes, I help people out with their "issues", but I am so bored at what I do and so not liking the 2 hour commute. The second is I would like to have enough money to not only work from home, but also extra to help pay for Shelby's college. Even though she is not my biological daughter, I feel responsible for her and making sure she gets the best education possible. She is such a smart kid and needs to get out and do more. The girls are also getting into different things and I want to make sure they are able to pursue their passions as well. And of course, pay off bills. All the bills that we have paid off is great, but we have a ton more. So, I thought that this adventure would be great and easy. Yea, not so much. I don't have any extra "start-up" money to spend on this. I barely have enough money to spend on my family as it is. So frustrating.

So those are my two storms. One is the Mother Nature kind that I don't mind as long as I am not driving and the other one is another way to get closer to home.

Until then...

Sunny Sunday afternoon

Around here on the weekend, depending on the weather, we are either outside cleaning pens or inside cleaning the house. Of course there's about a million other things that happen as well, but that's the extent of the major things. Yesterday, I went through all of the girls' clothes to figure out what to sell at the consignment sale in Parker next weekend. So much fun going through clothes and remembering how they looked in them. Plus, my mother loves buying them things and they usually have three of everything so I am now able to give away things that other kids might need. And make some money at the same time. I hope I make enough for the BIG sale next month. Roper is a western clothing line that I love to wear and every six months they have a huge warehouse sale where they sell things for 60% to 80% off retail. So, I can buy a pair of boots for $20 or less!

Greg got the carpets cleaned again, which makes the house smell so good and fresh in a way. With three dogs, two cats, three kids, and Greg the carpets start to smell. Especially this time of the year when we are stuck indoors a bunch. Shelby got her room cleaned up and the girls did too. I was able to get the kitchen done and sweep the floors. What the heck am I am in here blogging?

So, we brought the new chicks and ducks home yesterday. I picked up 8 buff orfingtons and 6 Rhode Island Reds. Our friend Chuck said the Buff's are a good breed that lasts and does very well in this climate. I like the Reds for their egg production as well so I wanted more of them. And the ducks, well the ducks were given to us. I wanted either two geese or two ducks to protect the chickens. When ducks and geese imprint on their chicken counterparts, they will try to attack anyone or anything that comes close to them. Because the neighbor's dog killed all my chickens the last time, I want something in there to at least help protect the chickens. The kid at the feed store gave me a discount because we are locals and I was nice to him, so the ducks were thrown in for free. Chuck also gave us his old brooder that is set up in the barn with a 60watt and 100watt bulbs to keep them warm. They won't be ready to go out to the coop for a while, which is why we have the brooder.

Looking outside now, Shelby is in the horse pen talking to her horse. Cicely is in her pink Barbie dress with pink cowboy boots and Lizzie is in jeans, t-shirt and cowboy boots in the horse pen too. The dogs are playing in the snow and having a blast. Amazing live we have out here. Good for the soul and for the heart.

Until then....

Fridays are supposed to be fun

Today was the start of a huge spring storm. In Colorado, we can have 70 degree days one day and a foot of snow the next. It happens, ya get used to it. Unfortunately, we forget and the drive home after work is very, very long. Take this week for example. The last few days, the girls and I have been able to walk the dogs at night when we get home because of the beautiful weather. Last night, Cicely made the comment that it was getting cold and we need to turn around. The wind was blowing pretty good which usually means a storm is coming. When I woke up this morning, I checked outside and did not see any snow on the ground. Whew! Maybe it passed us by? Nope, not even close. By the time we left for work, we had about an inch on the ground with more to come.

The day itself was uneventful. One of my co-workers decided to quit her job and move home. Good for her, better for us. She hasn't been happy for a long time and needed to be closer to her family. As the day progressed, cake was served to celebrate her leaving the firm. Cake was good, but I would have rather gone home. At 4pm, an email went out stating that the firm was closing for the day. YeeHaw! We all piled out of the building and onto the freeways. So not YeeHaw. I got onto the train and was engrossed in my book for the 45 minute ride. When we got to my train station, I sighed and shrugged knowing that the commute home would be long. About two hours later, I arrived home. Thank goodness Greg picked up the girls and brought them home. Even more so, Shelby was home today for the start of spring break and didn't go anywhere. Here's the best part of the day, it's over. And even better? Tomorrow it is going to be 50 degrees. Got to love Colorado.

Until then...

Walking in the fields

For the last few days, it has been so warm at our house that the girls and I have been taking a walk with the dogs. The dogs are beyond thrilled and push each other out the door the minute we have our hand on the handle. Once outside, they shoot out like bullets and find, sniff, and pee on everything. You would think that they were stuck inside with no place to run. We walk to the back part of the pasture where there is a dry creek bed with lots of hills of dirt to climb around. The dogs find every type of smell from rabbit to coyote to fox and sniff away. It is so nice to be able to get out of the house and away from the TV, the dishes in the sink no one wants to touch, trying to figure out what to make for dinner, and just listen to the laughter of the girls. Of course, being Colorado and spring time, there's a big snow storm suppose to hit tonight that will end those wonderful evening walks for another few weeks. Come summertime though, the TV is off when we get home, dinner usually is served later in the evening, and the dishes are still forgotten.

It must be a Williams trait not to do dishes for some reason. Greg's going to be changing his tune soon though when Shelby goes off to college. Things are going to have to change in our house.

Oh, and the best news is that Shelby is going to try out to be the royalty queen for the Elizabeth Stampede. The woman in charge of the whole thing sat her down and explained why this would be a great idea and it would not interfere with her barrel racing for the HS rodeo circuit. I am excited because it will be an experience she so needs. She has been isolated to the world around her and to be able to go out and say I am an ambassador to the town of Elizabeth and to the Elizabeth HS Rodeo team will be an amazing opportunity.

Last, I am excited about starting a new business adventure with my neighbor Heather. I am so hoping this is a success and that I will be able to make enough to work from home and still help financially as well as have more to be able to have fun. I won't know all the specifics about what is going to happen until either tomorrow night or this weekend. Praying for positive energy surrounding this though. I really do love where I live and want to stay where we are. This will hopefully pan out that not only can we stay where we are, but add on to our existing lifestyle. Working and living on the ranch that we have is wonderful and so rewarding.

Car conversation with a four year old

Happened over the weekend.

Lizzie: Mom!
Me: Yes?
Lizzie: Mom!
Me: Yes?
Lizzie: Mom
Me: WHAT!
Lizzie: I love you!
Me: I love you too, baby.

(2 minutes pass)

Lizzie: Mom!
Me: Yes?
Lizzie: Mom!
Me: Yes?
Lizzie: Mom!
Me: WHAT!
Lizzie: I am not a baby.
Me: I still love you.
Lizzie: Love you too Mommy

(2 minutes pass)

Lizze: Mom!
Me: Yes?
Lizzie: Mom!
Me: Yes?
Lizzie: Mom!
Me: Yes?
Lizzie: Mom!
Me: WHAT!
Lizzie: I forgot

Sigh.....

Wet, cold, muddy Sunday

Well, the weekend is finally done and boy-howdy I am ready to go back to work. Wait....did I just say that? Maybe not. Today was a crazy busy day, but I had so much fun. With the time shifting forward, everything kinda felt off which is normal. Cicely came downstairs around 2am or so saying that she had a nightmare. She is the kicker and the cover stealer so between the snores from the hubby and no covers, it was cold. She told me this morning though that she thought she heard gun shots or booms of some sort. It could have been the Air Force fighter jets that fly over sometimes at night doing maneuvers. Anyway, it was the start of the day.

Got up and breakfast started. Sundays are reserved for Big Breakfast Sundays. Yes, they have to be in capital letters. Very important day because we eat a lot. I make scrambled eggs, sausage, and pancakes usually. Sometimes add in or change to bacon, waffles, cinnamon rolls depending on who comes over or whose hungry. Usually, Greg and I are good until dinner. The girls can eat again around noon for lunch. After breakfast was done, I started on The Best Dang Sheet Cake which is a chocolate upon chocolate cake that is incredibly good. Just smelling it I gain about 10 pounds. Very easy to make too and you frost it when it comes right out of the oven.

Once that was done, the girls had a shower because they stunk, laundry done, dishes done, I got about 45 minutes to sit down. Of course, didn't feel natural so I did some other things. I guess it was because I was so excited about being a volunteer for the Elizabeth Stampede Royalty. Today was a clinic for girls interested in trying out to be a Queen or Attendant. I made Shelby go for a few reasons. One being that it would be an amazing experience and if she won Queen, she would get scholarship money. The second being she is on the board for the Elizabeth High School rodeo and would be a great representative for them as well. The girls who did show up for the clinic were so diverse. From a girl who is raised on a cattle farm to a couple princesses from other rodeos to other rodeo contestants. Great turn out, even for being small, and really fun. When all was said and done, Shelby said she has to think about it since it is a big commitment of time. I am bummed in a way that she is not jazzed up like I am, but I understand that it is a big commitment and it does last a full year. No matter what, I enjoyed it.

Afterwards it was off to Monkey Bizness. If you have never gone, bring ear plugs. Very loud place for 4, 5, and 6 year olds to run around for about 2 hours. Cicely and Lizzie's classmate Noah was celebrating his fifth birthday and everyone was invited. The girls had a great time running around, going down slides, squealing, and just enjoying themselves.

So now it is home again to rest up for tomorrow.

Until then....

Saturday is over? Really?

Today was a standard busy Saturday. Ok, maybe not standard, but it felt like it. Cicely has a ballet/tap class every Saturday at The Turning Pointe here in Elizabeth. It is run by a no-nonsense woman by the name of Ms. Michelle. The first class Cicely took with her, Cicely wouldn't let me leave. I didn't mind sticking around and was so impressed how everything went. Cicely is a very social little girl and makes friends so easily. I don't think I have ever seen her not make a friend or go up to a little kid and make friends. This time though, she felt like the outsider. Ms. Michelle would see none of that. By the end of the dance class, not only did Cicely learn some dancing steps, but she made friends. The second class, Cicely turns to me and says "Mama, you don't have to stay. I will be fine". Ms. Michelle hid her smile and winked. Today was her fourth class and she has now excelled in the Charleston. There is a big recital in May and all the kids have some sort of performance they are doing. Cicely is not sure what a recital is yet, but I know she will do great.

While Cicely is dancing the morning away, Lizzie and I do our errands. Usually, it consists of WalMart and racing back to get Cicely from class. Lizzie is such a great help by marking off what is on the list and then trying her best to get a toy. Always fun shopping with a four year old.

This afternoon, Greg and I ventured out to do our own errands. We went by Bass Pro Shop which is mecca to the hunting and fishing expert or novice. Today, we were there to look around and spend quality time with each other. Shelby was kind enough (ok, she had no choice) to babysit the girls. At Bass Pro, it was fishing day. All kinds of booths were set up with hooks, lures, and tons of other fishing type stuff. I like to fish, but not fly. I learned how to deep sea fish from my Uncle Ted in Florida who also taught me how to sail and the love of the water. It was pretty neat looking at the booths though.

Tonight I made Chicken Fried Steak from The Pioneer Woman's cookbook. If you have never heard of The Pioneer Woman, you definitely need to check out her site(www.thepioneerwoman.com). She is my inspiration on how to write and try to cook. The only thing I do have a problem with is her obsession with butter. Otherwise, I have made a few things from her site and they have all been very tasty.

Until then....

It's Friday and the last Show and Tell

My daughters are five and four and live for Fridays. Ok, so we all live for Fridays, but this is a very special day when you are five and four. This is the day you bring in to school your favorite toy and show it off. Found out yesterday afternoon when we were picking them up from school that today is the last day of Show and Tell or Sharing. Why? Something that little kids look forward too is being taken away. When I called their teacher to find out what is going on, she says the person above decided that Sharing is to be no more. Hmmm....try telling that to little kids.

So, onto other subjects. I love to read and I do read a lot. I finished a book called The Help by Kathryn Stockett. It is about three women, different in so many ways, that are writing a book. One of the women is a white woman who was raised by a black maid. The other two women are black maids. One older and wiser, raised seventeen white children on her own and the other one a younger one who gets in trouble for speaking out against her employeers. It takes place in the 60's in Mississippi, during the Rosa Park/Martin Luther King era. Amazing book, hard to read in some places, laughter in others. Highly recommended.

This weekend is a weekend of busy. Tomorrow is ballet for the five year old (Mama, you can leave now and come back later to pick me up. Maybe at the end of the day), errands with the four year old (Mama, I need a toy since I am a bigger helper than C), off to see a friend of mine to start a new side business and a website, and somewhere in there make dinner. Sunday is filled with a royalty clinic for the Stampede and how girls should act and be if they want to be a rodeo queen and a birthday party for a five year old at Monkey Bizness.

Until then....

So, I am going to try this

Decided to try this whole blogging. Seems like everyone is posting what they think, feel, react, see. Well, I am going to do a little bit of that and more. Living on a ranch for the past seven or so years, being a city girl, I have learned a ton. My commute is very long from said ranch, so I read a ton. Raising three girls (a teenager and two younger ones), I have learned a ton. Raising a husband, well that's something totally different. I enjoy reading blog sites and have my favorites that I check every day or every other day. Most are opinions on a reality show that I watch, but there are a few that are unique. One is becoming extremely popular and a couple are hilarious. So, what I thought I would do is write about what is going on, what books I have read and like/dislike, what my kids are up to, commuting back and forth, ranch life, and gosh knows whatever else.

So, here we go. As the days and weeks go on, I'll try to post more things and more pictures.