Christmas Quotes 2015

I am going to share with you a few comments made throughout the year by my family.
ADDIE ASKED "When did you get your first cell phone? Tammie: I was like 24. Addie: Why, that long? did your parents not trust you? Could they not afford it?
Tammie: I said, "WESTON" and then he quickly said, "Mom, Mom, remember the word of the day.........Patience."
Nana mailed some post cards and Weston said "Look, Nana downloaded these for me!"
When I grabbed Weston's arm to slow him down, then let go, he said, "You hurt my ankle."
Tammie to Weston: Can I tickle you? Weston: No my tickle spot is dead.
Weston: I already took a bath - 4 weeks ago.
Weston: My frog was still in the house, I just found him hopping around in your room.   He disappeared in there.
Allie got mad at Weston and said "WESTON" so then he said "OLLIE ANNA"
Addie: Why do you like blueberries?  Tammie: Because they are taste good and are healthy. Why do you like graham crackers? Addie: Because they go on s'mores.
I asked Weston what he was doing tunneling under the covers.  He said "I'm on a mission."
Allie: What is the most expensive thing you have bought me for Christmas this year? Tammie: Nice try.
Luke in a sleepy voice: What is wrong with this blanket, it doesn't fit. Tammie:  That is because it's Weston's blue blankie.
Luke: Why is there a birthday cake out in the freezer? Did you buy that on sale? I hope you are not going to try and make any of us eat that, what's it for anyway?  Tammie: Well, who has a birthday coming up? Luke: I don't  know?  Tammie: Your birthday is Friday remember? Luke: Oh I forgot. Tammie: I guess this will be your first and last birthday cake from Cold Stone Creamery.
Weston: I want the chicken noodle soup with the augers. (Spiral noodles)
I hope I put those in an order for your to understand.
So now the question is will I be able to handle Christmas vacation.  The kids are dying to know what they are getting for Christmas and we have a full two weeks off from school.  Should be fun.

Christmas Quotes 2014

I thought I might share a few of the funny things that my kids, and their cousins have said this year.
First grader: Mom...we should sell the minivan for $100,000 and buy a monster truck.
Second grader Ross is looking quite forward to the trip to Kansas told his mom he can't wait to go see all of the funny husbands. You know...his uncles.
Then he said..."I wonder if Wade and Chase and Kyle and I will be that silly someday?"
Then his mom asked, "Is Papa funny?" and he said,  "sometimes, but sometimes I don't get his jokes because they are farm jokes and I'm not from a farm.
"Mom when I grow up, I will have my kids do work for me." said my niece who is six.
Her mom said, "like what?"
Kaylee said "like manage my network."
My daughter Allie got a new set of spurs for her horse and asked, "Does the jingle in my spurs make me sound professional - the type you wouldn't want to mess with?"
"I can't take,
I can't take,
I can't take baths,
I don't like to take baths!"  Weston, age 3.
Weston asked, "Can I have a pop?"  "No," I told him.
So he went and got a different flavor.
"Can I have this? It coppee."
He was trying to tell me the second can he brought me was not pop, but coffee.
Before Weston could talk very well, he used to tell me, "My O's are old!"  Finally I figured out he was telling me, "My toes are cold."
Weston is turning into a farm boy for sure, because last week he told me. "There a cow out, the big gate open, more cows getting out!"

On the hunt

Luke and I went to the KLA convention in Wichita this last week.  We attended a workshop about employees. Here are a few nuggets of advice I took away from the presentation.
People don't leave companies, they leave bosses.
Pigs eat, hogs go to slaughter.
Managers get what they inspect, not what they expect.
You will have an abundance of what ever you tolerate.
More is not a number, soon is not a time.
Whom would you most hate to lose in your organization?
Allie had a Christmas program this last week.  They all wore Christmas pajamas and sang several Santa songs. She is in the Geography bee this week and Addie will have her Christmas concert on Thursday.
Sunday was pretty nice weather so we went out and cut our Christmas tree.  While out in the pasture the kids found an old tree stand.  If it weren't so far from the house, it would make an excellent tree house.

Kick Off to the Holidays

It is certainly holiday kick-off season.  PRE-BLACK FRIDAY SPECIALS and many more promotions coming at consumers this November.
The 4-H club had our annual bake sale.  We started it a few years ago because we were a small club, and we needed some money.  The bake sale was held in Lemon Park, (in Pratt.)  Each year they hold a yearly event to kick-off the Christmas season.  Several  musical groups, and the chamber gives away many prizes. My kids enjoyed a hay rack ride around the park once the lights were turned on. Allie won a toy nerf gun and was SO thrilled.
Have you ever seen the Lemon Park Lights in Pratt?  You should, it's one of the largest free Christmas light displays around. They turned the lights on Saturday and they will shine until the end of the year.

Veterans Day

Allie is a 4th grader and this was her last Veterans Day parade at her elementary school.  I think my grandpa has been able to come and enjoy the festivities.  My two nieces still attend the school so he will still be welcomed next year.
The third and fourth grades sang several songs. A few kids got to do solos.  A member of the Pratt Police force who is a veteran was the featured speaker.
One thing that stuck to me during his speech was how Veterans Day was celebrated when he was a child.  He said all of the churches in Pratt would ring
their bells or chimes at the 11 hour of the 11th day of November.
This year I also brought along my aunt to the assembly.  She has recently moved back to Pratt after living in Minnesota for a several years.  Hopefully her first winter back won't be too nasty.    I think she enjoyed the chance to get out and enjoy an event in the community.

Big Horn

I took a picture of this cow because she has such big horns, and when she swung her head around, all of the other cows moved back.  She was also a bit bigger than the other cows.  I imagine when she steps up to the bunk, she gets plenty of space.
What beautiful weather we had this weekend.  Of course it did rain on Friday and that messed up some of our early trick or treat time.  We went out Saturday and got enough candy to last us for a few days.  One house had hardly any kids stop by so they loaded the kids up. Weston was Spider-man, Allie was a box troll and Addie was a skier.
There was a cute video about the 'candy tax.'  I think you can imagine what the candy tax is: Dad gets what he wants from the candy bowl because he took the kids out trick or treating.
Sonic had 50 cent corndogs, so we had a few Saturday evening. Maybe more rain this week?

Change is in the air

Finally we reached the end of the first nine weeks.  The girls were glad to get out of school early on Friday.  My niece Kaylee got home and asked her mom if they needed to go anywhere.  Her mom told her they would be staying home.  Kaylee went and put on her pajamas and was ready to take it easy.  First grade can be rather exhausting.
Allie asked me today, "Why are things changing?" Why do things change?  I don't really know the answer to that but it seems to be inevitable.  Change can be hard, and change can be good.
One change I have noticed is our highways.  The expansion west of Wichita on US Hwy 54 is about to be finished.  I don't know if they will start another section of the road or not.  However, when I was a child it took two hours to drive to Wichita.  With improved roads, and the speed limit increased we can now get to the west side of Wichita in one hour and ten minutes.  I consider this to be a good change.
Addie and I rode horses Saturday afternoon and change was certainly in the air.  I had on a few long sleeve shirts and a jacket.  Fall was in the air.  It has stayed fairly warm so far.  I can remember one Halloween we went trick or treating in the snow.  Hopefully we won't have any snow this weekend.
One last change I would like to mention is Daylight Savings Time ends on Sunday, November 4, 2015 at 2:00 AM.  The clock is set to go back one hour at that time.  So remember Fall back, spring forward!

State fair time

We finally made our annual trek to the Kansas State Fair on Sunday.  My niece got 6th  and 4th in the intermediate barrels and poles for the 4-H show.
I chose the picture below because this is how the boys took in the fair.   These two little boys were facinated by every part of the fair.    They loved the animals, they wanted to explore every building and go through the carnival.
We took our annual trip through the old mill.  Then Addie got to ride on it with her older cousins who insisted on rocking the boat as hard as they could.
Luke and I have our new favorite at the fair. It started last year, but I must recommend the Wheatland cafe in the Pride of Kansas Building.  The apple

dumplings were very delicious.

Sleep over

This past weekend my sister and I went to go hear bible teacher Beth Moore at the Intrust Bank Arena.  I was pretty surprised the event was basically sold out.  The event was a simulcast.  So the event was being aired in 50 states and 19 countries. Kind of a big deal.  I was surprised they were in Wichita, but then I figured out the group was from Texas.  So with a new state of the art arena, and a quick plane trip home, Wichita seems like a very nice venue.
She told a story about living out in the country and discovering how to live with snakes.  I could relate.
We ate at a little restaurant that had sprung up next to the arena.  They served the food on a large slab of wood. We got some type of smoked meat slab.  It was very different from where we would normally eat.  My sister and I both agreed it was a good thing our husbands were not with us, because they would not enjoy a different style of food.
So while we headed off to Wichita for the day my parents agreed to watch our kids.  My brother even got in on the deal.  His kids got to spend the night at Nana and Papas too.
My poor brother in-law had to suffer through his 50th birthday.  He had a few funny cards, but a good day overall.

S'more fun

This week the girls started school.  On the first day we took them to school I took Addie to the middle school where she quickly met up with her buddies and basically didn't even say, "Bye mom."
Luke took Allie to her school where she met up with her cousins who were starting first grade and Kindergarten.  This year Allie has the same forth grade teacher as Addie did.  She came home spouting all kinds of facts and information from the first day of school.
Weston got a taste of life without his sisters.  The first day he did pretty good, he got a haircut and Dad kept him busy. He did ask a few times when would his sisters be home.
Addie could not figure out her lock so I advised her to bring it home and practice.  After a short tutorial from Dad she was able to get the lock open.  Now she thinks she needs a locker shelf.
She told us that one of her teachers does not give detentions.  He said, "I take care of it."  A few of her teachers are new to the school and I am sure are trying to get their bluff in on some of the students.
No late papers, after one day their papers are a zero grade.   That should teach the kids to get their work done.
The first day the bus came she was about 30 minutes late. I was just about to take the girls in myself but the bus pulled in.  The driver said her lights were not working properly and they had to be fixed.
On Sunday we headed out to my parents and enjoyed a meal and the grandkids enjoyed running around and eating s'mores.  The evening was nice after it finally cooled off.

Party is over girls

The party is almost over.  This is the last hoorah.  My girls start back to school this week.  Many other schools around us have aready started.  It was only a matter of time before 4th and 6th grade class schedules came out.
Allie seems to be excited about her teacher this year.  She is a little concerned about not seeing the name of one of her friends on the list.  I made the girls go through the school supplies they brought home from last year and Allie only needed a few things.
Addie has her bag packed and is a little concerned about staying organized this year.  We got her trumpet picked up from the music store about a month ago.
The girls and I went shopping the other day and picked up the last few items needed for the school year.  Addie noted that people try to make a good impression on the first day of school with what they wear.  I wonder when her extensive wardrobe of T-Shirts will change.
Sunday our 4-H horse group got together and had a swimming party.  The kids had fun.  Luke noted that just the right number of kids were there to make the party fun.
Poor Weston, he might have the most adjusting to do.  I bought him some preschool books for him to work on this year.  So far he seems to be having fun with them.  Addie has helped him.  It's pretty funny when he tells her no, and that he knows the answer, when really he is wrong and has no idea what he is talking about.  It's definitely nice to see her get a taste of her own medicine.  She does the same thing with her homework when I help her.

Grandpa turns 90

This week my grandpa did what few people accomplish.  He turned 90, and he is in pretty good shape.  Few medications, and no walker.  He goes to exercise class everyday and has taken a walk every day for the last 25 years.
He had many cards that people had sent him.  A fruit basket came from his nieces and nephew in Oregon that he was quite proud of.
I think one of his best birthday presents was learning that his daughter was moving back to Pratt.  She bought a house just a few blocks away from his apartment.
This is the same daughter that was born the day he was walking home from Oklahoma after being discharged from World War II.  Can you imagine our troops being discharged and walking home?
After the war he started his farming career.  Building many of the existing terraces in the county is one of his lasting contributions to this world.
He also built a grain elevator and had a seed wheat business.  Many of the land owners he farmed for, my dad also farms for them, or their children.
It took some courage, but he went on a few overseas missions trips.  He told me that he looked out the window of the plane and he felt like God made him a promise not to worry, that he would return home.  Often times he still gets together with his Gideon group and still distributes bibles.
I think he is pretty happy these days because several of his lifelong friends are living at the some residence center, so they look out and take care of each other.

Alta Ross a lifelong friend and my grandpa, Anfred Smith visiting at his birthday party.

Vacation time

Well we are in the final push before school starts back up.  The kids are politely reminding us of all of the things we wanted to get to this summer.
On Friday we went to a halter horse showmanship clinic.  They also got to ride a little bit too.  I think both girls took home a few pointers.
We finally got packed up and left for South Dakota. Luke and I had been there B.K.  You know, before kids.  And et me tell you I had forgotten just how far it is up there.  It's a wonder Weston made it.  I think sleeping part of the way helped.  But we did get one 4-H record book done on the way.  Now we need to do Allie's.
In the darkness we made it to our destination.  We stayed at a nice mountain resort in Keystone.  They had a very wonderful breakfast and even a s'more pit for the kids to enjoy in the evenings.  In the morning we could see the side of Mount Rushmore.
In Keystone there was all kinds of "tourist trap" type places.  This worked out well for Allie, since she loves rocks.  She added a few pieces to her collection. Rose quartz, a large geode and some mica were just a few of the pieces.
Mount Rushmore was hot and packed with people, but the view was of course spectacular.  I am not fully sure if the kids realize what a national treasure this national park is.  We looked around and took some pictures by the outdoor theatre.  Then we took a path that lead us even closer to the monument.  One of the guides was Native American and he presented a short talk about the sculptor Gutzon Borglum and his relation ship with the local Native Americans.
We rode a train through the mountain pass, which was ok but not a standout for me.
Then we headed out to the Badlands National park.  We saw mountain goats and buffalo  in the park.  The size of the Badlands is hard to comprehend.  But they are certainly spectacular to visit.  We also made a quick pass at Wall Drug.

Texas the Musical

Last week we headed to the Panhandle of Texas to Amarillo.  My mom took us to a musical. It was the fiftieth anniversary of the musical Texas.  The musical is performed in the background of the beautiful Palo Duro Canyon.
The show was full of dancing and singing.  Horses and other animals were part of the production. The girls enjoyed the show, however Weston didn't make it though the whole show, he fell asleep.
We headed back to Kansas and in Texas the speed limit was 75.  Then we reached the Panhandle of Oklahoma and it was 55. But just for a few miles, it as a construction zone.  I was very glad it didn't last the whole way through Oklahoma.

Birthday party for Lane

From time to time we try to change a few things at the paper.  We try to keep our readers happy, and also gain new ones.  We have been trying to put together community news each week. I would like to encourage anyone to call the office or visit our website if they have any upcoming events they would like us to print.
I also changed the pictures of our writers.  Now they look like sketches, hopefully giving them a unique look for the paper.
This weekend we went to my little nephew's birthday party.  He turned three and seemed to enjoy about every minute of his party.  He was having so much fun I think he would have loaded up with his cousins and fallen asleep on the way home.
We had a good time, there was plenty of chocolate cake and lots of garden tomatoes. Then we went out and rode his mom's horse, Cash, around.

Fair Week
Wow, this week has flown by and we managed to survive the Pratt County Fair.
First off I would like to address a mistake I made in last weeks paper.  The flow of the classifieds got disrupted.  I know it made the paper hard to read, hopefully I can keep the flow of the classifieds without any interruptions this week.
Monday and Tuesday were horse events. The girls had some good runs, and not so good runs.  We also did judging for indoor exhibits such as foods, photography and crafts.
Wednesday we brought the market animals to the fair. We also worked in the food booth.
Thursday the girls started the day with pigs, flowed by lambs, and then finally the bucket calf show. Allie won one of her pig classes.
On Friday the girls showed their heifers. Thankfully the beef show got over quicker than expected.
Saturday I was building monitor, and then we got the lambs, and pigs ready for the livestock auction.
Sunday we attended cowboy church, cleaned up the fairgrounds and headed home.  The camper is put back in the shed.  Now it's time to tackle laundry.
This week was so hot.  Several storms went around us and finally it rained Saturday night. The girls finished the week with lots of blues, reds, a few whites, purples and reserve grand champion ribbons.
Allie has started her thank you notes. Addie will need to work on her notes tomorrow.
County fairs are only successful because of the many volunteers that give their time. Thank you.

Farm vacation

Well my sister made it in before the 4th of July and the celebrating began.  All of the kids could hardly stand not being able to light the fireworks.
My nephew Wade from Illinois, has been wanting to ride a horse that didn't take a coin.  So we saddle up a few horses and brought them out to my parents.  That night we were having a picnic out in the pasture.  So a few of us rode out to the picnic location.  Then they got their chance to ride horses.  I think they had fun, because they barely took time to eat.   The next day they were asking me "Did you bring the horses?"
The boys usually visit during winter holidays, so they were happy to get in the combine and cut some wheat.
Addie got to ride in her first district horse show in Kingman last week.  She was pretty nervous, but she had fun too.  Addie even wanted to clean the trailer out before we headed to the show.  Unfortunately, her dad has too many cows and the job was a little bigger than she anticipated.  I got all of the fair entries done, so now it's time to finish projects and do some last minute walking with critters and practice showing.

 I have a week off there will be plenty to do.  My sister is coming to visit with her four boys.  We also plan to celebrate my Grandpa's birthday.
Some where my kids will need to squeeze in time to work with their 4-H animals.  Addie needs to practice for the district horse show.  She had to pass a written and riding test to be able to go.
We finished cutting wheat, but there is still plenty to do around the farm.  We are working on farming and doing maintenance to the pipe fences.
My nephew Levi is pictured below on the combine.  He was visiting with me all about cutting wheat.  But his dad told him to "get back in the cab - it's was time to cut wheat."
It reminded me of the John Wayne movie The Cowboys where he said, "We're burning daylight."

Harvest time
What's that saying? "This ain't my first rodeo?"  Well for farmers it must be, "This ain't the first time I've cut wheat on Father's Day." If you weren't cutting wheat Sunday then you are very devout, your cutters are not here yet, or your combine is broken.
We took the girls to the 4-H camp drop off and then slowly made our way back home.  Then Weston and I headed "out west" to my parents.
I saw a man working Sunday, and let's just say his is a pretty nice guy, but perhaps he is less that perfect in other ways. His kids came out to see him.  I saw them rush up and give him a big hug.  At first I thought, does he deserve that?  But then I quickly thought to myself does any parent deserve the love their children give so freely?

Chilling Time: 7 hr
Ingredients

2 cans black-eyed peas, drained
1 can Mexicorn or whole kernel corn, drained
1 can Rotel diced tomatoes, drained
1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded and diced
2 scallions or green onions, sliced
2 jalapeno peppers in vinegar, drained and minced
For the dressing:
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon tabasco sauce
Freshly ground black papper, to taste
Place the beans and vegetables in a large bowl. In a small bowl, combine the dressing ingredients.Toss into the vegetable mixture until well blended.
Let the salad stand for several hours, stirring occasionally, to develop the flavors. Serve at room temperature with tortilla chips, corn chips or crackers.
Read more at http://www.recipelion.com/Dips/Mississippi-Caviar#z881b4TaixmkcSql.99

Celebrate Weston

On Sunday we had a little birthday party to celebrate our wheat harvest baby Weston.  He was born in the middle of harvest.  This year I am not so sure when exactly harvest will begin.
We had cousins over for the birthday party.  After dodging a small rain shower, we stepped out of the house and the wind had died down.  The air was nice and steamy just perfect for a water balloon fight.  I had bought some water guns too so the kids had fun.  I think some of the adults did too.
The downfall of a water balloon fight would be blowing up all those balloons.
Weston managed to acquire a few more pieces of farm equipment for his collection.  He also got a cap gun and a costume.  This week we need to sell fair memberships and we have a few  horse activities.  And cut wheat.

Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
1/2 cup cream cheese
1/2 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
12 jalapeno peppers, halved lengthwise, seeds and membranes removed
12 slices of bacon
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
Mix cream cheese and Cheddar cheese together in a bowl until evenly blended. Fill each jalapeno half with the cheese mixture. Put halves back together and wrap each stuffed pepper with a slice of bacon. Arrange bacon-wrapped peppers on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven until bacon is crispy, about 15 minutes.

Leah and Allie before the water fight

Weston preparing for battle

Morgan 

Levi - Pack'n some heat.

Aunt Kristi filling squirt guns

RUN its KRISTI

In the water freeze zone

Addie attempting to get Katie

Family wedding

What a weekend.  After dating for seven years my nephew and his girlfriend finally tied the knot. One week ago she was quite worried that her outdoor wedding was going to be ruined by rain. Thankfully those long range forecasts are not always correct.  Saturday evening was a beautiful day for a wedding.
Weston was the ring-bearer.  He did so good.  His cousin Nathan kept giving him a steady stream of Smarties during the ceremony.  Weston also managed to keep his suspenders on until the wedding reception.    Tanner the groom, was the ring-bearer for my wedding.  I guess we have come full circle now.
To be honest, this was one of the most beautiful and fun weddings that I have been to in a long time. Congratulations Tanner & Victoria.

Homemade Cream Cheese Mints
8 oz. package cream cheese
2 lb. package powdered sugar
1/2 tsp. flavoring (mint)
food coloring
1. Mix cream cheese until it is soft in mixer.
2. Add mint flavoring when cream cheese is soft. Then add coloring. Start with a little then wait and see how the color turns out. You may need to add more depending on your preference. Mix.
3. Gradually begin adding powdered sugar. Be careful–this step can get messy! You may have to knead the remaining powdered sugar in later when you remove the dough.
4. When powdered sugar is mixed in, or mostly mixed in, remove the dough. Place on cutting board.
5. Use a food mold. You can buy these at most craft or cooking stores. Take small chunks of the dough and press into the mold. Remove mint from the mold and place on plate.
6. Keep plate refrigerated until needed.
http://www.radacutlery.com/blog/cream-cheese-mints-recipe-video/

Summer keeps us busy

This was a busy week for summer.  The girls had a 4-H quilt class that they took everyday.  Tennis and piano lessons started up.
Last year Allie took tennis, and Addie didn't want to.  As soon as we pulled up to the tennis courts I knew she wished she had signed up.  So this year I just enrolled both girls.  Of course Weston thinks he is going to tennis also.  We had some extra time last week, so we packed our lunch and ate at the tennis courts.
The girls had their first horse fun show. Addie is riding a three year old this year, so many of the events are new to the horse.  Both girls passed their 4-H Level 1 riding test this week too.
How about the new Triple Crown winner.  It was nice to have some other excitement in the news rather than the usual trash.

Addie loves to make the ice cream topping below.

Graham Cracker Crunch Topping
3 graham crackers, crumbled
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 tablespoons white sugar
 1 dash salt
Original recipe makes 2 servings
PREP 5 mins COOK 15 mins
READY IN 20 mins Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Butter a small baking pan.
In a small bowl, mix together crumbled graham crackers, brown sugar and cinnamon. Combine melted butter and vanilla, then stir in. Spread evenly in prepared pan. Sprinkle white sugar and salt over the top.
Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until lightly browned.

My new addiction

I must share with you my newest addiction.  They are photo apps.  If you don't know I am a graphic designer and I work for the Rural Messenger.  The main part of my jobs involves layout of the ads and newspaper.
Photoshop has been a dear friend of mine for years.  It's an expensive photo program the usually only professional photographers or publishing companies have.  I have enjoyed having my own photoshop for years.  Can photoshop do the same things as photo apps?  Sure.  But these photo apps do them at lighting fast speed, and with previews.  LOVE IT! Plus it amazes people.
Here are a few.  My two favorite apps are Photo Lab and Photo Studio.  Please note I got them both from the Amazon App Store.

Before: This is a photo of my dad.  It sits on my grandpas dresser.  So I thought, "Hey I love that photo." So I took out my phone and snapped a picture for my own personal photo file.  You can even see my shadow in the photo. (may need to retake)

1st result of me playing with photo apps.

After #2

This photo was sent to me from an advertiser (Benton's Greenhouse Hutchinson Kansas) to be in one of her ads.  I just love this photo.  The purple and teal hues - are some of my favorite colors.

I made this one for Mothers Day

Horse and Little Girl photos

Addie and her horse Snazzy Two Socks

Allie on a bareback test run - on Goldie

Cousins -Levi, Allie and Weston.

Art Shots

Before (Trees at the feedlot)

After

Allie jumping on haybales

Bridal bouquet

Bridal Bouquet

Riding with friends

We did it! The girls were able to roll out of bed a few more times last week and make it to the end of the school year. Weston woke up and asked, "Where are my sisters?"  I was finally able to tell him they were at home, not at school.
Allie was sad to find out that her good friend is moving to Medicine Lodge.  Her mom is a teacher and has accepted a teaching position there.  Avery came over and the girls played and had fun.
Addie celebrated her birthday this week.  She brought home a few friends on the last day of school.  Her friends wanted to ride horses.  They saddled up and rode even though it was cold and misting.
Then they came inside and made S'mores in the oven.  We totally burned the first batch.  The marshmallows got burned quickly.  The next pan I set on the middle rack and I made the girls sit in front of the oven and watch the marshmallows.  Then we added the chocolate, which melted quickly.  Then we pulled them out and added the top piece of graham cracker.  They were pretty yummy.
The guys artificially inseminated a group of cows on Friday.  Somehow they managed to get it done in between rain showers.
While it seems like we have gotten a lot of rain, I try and remember that it could quit raining and not rain again until August.

Sure Fire, No Fire S'mores
6 whole graham crackers
1 bag mini marshmallows
3 (1.55 ounces) Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bars, split into 2

Recipe courtesy of Paula Deen

Total Time: 6 min Prep: 5 min Cook: 1 min

Split graham cracker into 2 halves. On top of graham cracker squares place mini-marshmallows. Place under broiler for a few seconds until toasty. Remove and place 1/2 of a Hershey bar on top of marshmallow. The heat from the marshmallow will melt the chocolate bar. Place other 1/2 of graham cracker on top. Press lightly to flatten marshmallows. These may be made ahead and wrapped in plastic wrap until ready to heat and eat.

Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/sure-fire-no-fire-smores-recipe.html?oc=linkback

Allie and her friend.