Busy August

August is a month that is always very busy. Every year it is a busy month. Not only are we attending fairs, auctions, rodeos but we are getting together with family members to celebrate birthdays. My Mom's birthday was the 16th, Andrew's and Joel's was the 17th, my brother Dan's and Daron my brother-in-law's was the 18th, Lori my sister-in-law was the 25th, while my parents anniversary was sandwiched in there on the 20th. No I haven't even got all their cards sent but I did think of them of them all on their special day. So Happy Birthday to all of you!
Just a couple weekends ago Andrew's parents along with Joel came to visit. They did a trip out west to visit us, vacation a little and then visit Andrew's sister Rachael and her husband Daron. While they were here my parents were able to come down to see them. It just so happens that it was my Mom's birthday that day and since Andrew's and Joel was the following day we all went out to eat and celebrate. It was a nice time.
No sooner had I got the sheets washed and put back on and my nephew, his girlfriend and her daughter came to visit. We were tickled pink to meet her and tease him for a little bit. It is crazy as an aunt to see the babies grow up. What you are dating? What you are the age I got married? No, you are just the little boy I used to pick on! On the other hand, it is very rewarding to what them grow and make their own decisions in life. When he was little I used to watch him and had to keep him out of trouble and now as an adult he keeps himself out of trouble. Now I am his friend and not his bossy aunt.
This last Sunday we found out that the company is going to try and fix our home and have us moved back in by the beginning of October. We are optimistic and we are doubtful. There are so many feelings at this point. I'm just thankful that we are now moving in some sort of direction. There is some light at a 8 month long journey of "I don't know." Perhaps this will be the answer, perhaps we will finally find some kind of peace, perhaps we will be home. If it doesn't work- we will need to find our own housing of some sort off the ranch. We hope it works! Pray that if it is the Lord's will that he will heal the home. We have been packing everything up- that we haven't thrown away, so that the home is empty for them to work in. It is a lot of sweaty work! I feel like I'm back in college moving from one place to another. Thankfully my father has a moving van for us to store our stuff in so the mice can't get in it. Thanks Dad! and thanks to Brady and Rachel for getting it here.
All in all we are doing well. We need to pack up this home soon. Looks like September is going to be a busy month. I've been pretty active with the women's group at church. I am on the planning committee. I set up and decorated this last week for our garage party. It was fun! It is nice to be plugged in the community. I'm also on the planning committee for the young adult get together which will take place at the end of September. It is nice to live in such a small community where I can be part of it. I don't know if I would push myself to be so involved somewhere else.
Lastly, I want to say "Happy Birthday!" again to my husband. My buddy, my lover, and my other half. He is my softer side, he is my more loving side, he is my more understanding side, he is my more rational side, and he is my more positive side. I feel like I would be half of a person without him. He completes me. I love you B!

Daddy's Birthday Gift to his Little Girl!

Daraby got to spend some time with Dad riding her birthday away!




Andrew has been trying to work with the horses consistently. Dually is progressing nicely and he plans on riding her in the next week or so. I have to help him. I'm a nervous wreck.

Andrew's greatest wish for Daraby was that she ride on Dutch with him on her birthday. It was his birthday gift. I have to say I was a bit nervous about his gift. All the what ifs always pop up. But I knew it was so important for him to do this so I supported him. He warmed up Dutch and made sure he was a willing partner in his endeavour to bless Daraby's day. Dutch was very willing so I handed Daraby over. I can't say for sure that she loved it nor that she hated it. She was just in awe of holding on to the horn. For the most part Daraby is a willing kid. Sometimes she is a very strong willed kid but overall she is even keeled. We take her on the four-wheeler and in the tractor all the time and it doesn't rattle her in the least.
Andrew was tickled pink to be able to do this for her. He was planning on this ride for weeks. The love of horses is something Andrew wants to share with Daraby. I'm sure they will be the best of riding buddies in the years to come.
Daraby had two birthday parties for her first year. One with Andrew's family and one with my side of the family. Of course she loved the cake and all the attention. It was very nice of our families to make sure her birthday was special. Thanks for all the gifts and thoughts on her first birthday! We are so blessed with a healthy and happy little girl!

***check out additional photos below***

Happy Birthday Daraby!

Forget the present the paper tastes great!


Ready, Set, Open!

My father, my nephew Tyler and Daraby

Cake at the cottage in Michigan.

I can point. Yes this is my cake!

My very first bite. Wow that is yummy!

Singing "Happy Birthday!"

Balloons + Aunt Susan= FUN