Outside adventures! Goats?

Every night we try to take a walk as a family. It is a time to talk about our day, exercise and enjoy each others company without working on supper etc...


While Andrew's grandparents were here we went to visit Jeff, Tracey, Johanna and Chance. They have a passel of goats. It was fun to run and play with them all. We didn't have time to stop by my friend Alice's home. She also has goats.


I love animals. Someday we'll have a small hobby ranch with an assortment of critters.


We grabbed a couple goats for quick photo. Daraby didn't know if she liked them or not. One started to suck on her toe and she was outraged. So funny! Oh Abby didn't know if she liked the goats either. Our kids are a bit jealous!


Daraby likes to ride in the tractor with Dad. She even grabs the steering wheel.

Season of Brandings

Andrew n Daraby hanging out at Thelander's branding. He wants to start her riding early. We will raise her to be tough.



This is our neighbor Diane on the paint horse pulling a calf to a couple wrestlers.



The calves have such a soft fuzzy look.

Here Andrew n Troy hold down a calf while it gets its' shots and brand.

One of the main reasons why I love living out west is the value of women and the role they live out on ranches. Out here it doesn't matter your gender- everyone works. My dad raised me to drive tractors and loaders and didn't question my ability because I was a girl. We were born to be tough and I'm grateful for the equality I was taught. I'm not a girl to sit in the house, cook and clean. I would rather be out on the tractor, horse or four wheeler. We both have the ability to work in the house so we split chores at home. We both cook, clean and organize. For us this is how it works- I would deck him if he ever told me my role in the home. :)

Making Cards!

It was killing me not to have my card making table at this house. I finally gave up my perfectionist side and crammed it our bedroom among all our clothes. The papers are scattered all over the floor. They often cling to socks or panties when you grab them in the morning. If you are a little late in catching up in our life, we don’t have any dressers at this home so our clothes are in piles on the floor. We live in beautiful chaos! Everyday is new and challenging. It is an opportunity to trust the Lord and be thankful for the things we do have.
Amongst the chaos, I hole away at my card table for a little reprieve. Something happens when I sit and create. All the stress of the day vanishes as I search for the right color, pattern and cut. I get lost in time just puttering away at my table. Reality really sets in when Daraby lets out a howl from her bedroom. I ask, “What nap time is over? Can’t be!” Oh if only I could create one more card but then that would lead to one more… I guess there is always something to look forward to tomorrow.
I hope these cards brighten your day! They brighten mine everyday. It is spring so I encourage you to get out and create some masterpiece of your own. Today it is raining! Oh the smell of spring! Only God can make water and dirt smell fresh. I relish these vibrant green days of the earth breathing after a blustery winter. Happy Spring Everyone!

Happy Easter!

Daraby is starting to scoot on her bottom to get where she wants to be.
One minute she is in the middle of the living room floor and the next she is under the kitchen table.
I'm not used to searching for my kid. Today, I decided to start baby proofing our home.


April 4-6 we were in Pierre celebrating Easter with my family.
We went back early because we watched the ranch over Easter weekend.
This picture is Daraby and Andrew before we went to church with my family.


This is Tyler, my nephew, holding Daraby. He is so good with her.
He played with her all weekend and even got her a stuffed pink bunny.


This is Dave, my brother-in-law, playing with Daraby.
He has lots of great hand motions that keep her mesmerized.


The turtle she is holding vibrates and plays music. She loves it and hugs it tight.
After a while I take it away because the song sticks in my memory.

Smiles

Lately, Daraby has been full of smiles!


She is getting the coordination of holding her own bottle.
She likes to do everything by herself.


Daraby goes a little crazy jumping up and down.

Always the signature look- bored, tired etc...

She is loving looking forward and watching mom/dad.