Now That's Something One Doesn't See Everyday

Look what UPS dropped off today at The Rancher's house

A few kids gather around to get a look

Ohhhhhh, ahhhhhh, dry ice is magical

Oh! Ok! Kids, run and go play, the shows over

I told you we've all been learning lots of neat stuff since we got here.

Wordless Wednesday...It's FUN to Live in the Country

A Cool Night, Calls for a Warm Fire

The kids enjoyed gathering tree limbs (and scraps) tonight to make our first country, barn-house, fire.

Cole's marshmallow tree

Westin's lil tree

Look at my camera effects on the fire ~ sparks ~

~ Stars ~

~ Hearts ~

Riley enjoying hot chocolate and the fire

Can you tell which one of these boys was cold?

How about now?

Hay Bails

Until recently, my kids never paid much attention to hay bails. There were the occasional bails we'd pass in fields as we drove by, in which Paul always hollered out loud, "HAAAAAY!".

But now there are daily requests to go the 'bails'

The kids run, jump, play, roll and occassionaly will shout out, "HAAAY!"

Even the dog, Aggie, meets the kids there

The Barn House

We have been blessed each and everyday as we seek the Lord and His will for our lives during moving to Houston. I want to show you where we are living. The Rancher's parents have property that adjoins his.  They have a "barn" on it, and will begin constructing a house in the future. The barn serves as storage below, and living upstairs.  Our family of 8 fits in just fine. Paul and I have our own bedroom, with french doors that lead out to a wrap around balcony that reminds us of God's goodness each day as we marvel at His beautiful scenery.

Looking from front door, living area into kitchen (laundry area off to the left)

Looking from the kitchen. For sleeping, blow up's on either side of the couch, and singles fit into the window areas off to the left & right sides. Our bedroom is past the clocks on the far left, right past the bathroom. During the day the slightly deflated mattress are tucked into one window alcove out of the way.

View from front door. The cows aren't always there, but we enjoy watching them when they are.

Becca on the front porch

We spend lots of time out here playing, reading, relaxing

There are beautiful, thick webs everywhere outside

A view from our bedroom door

Cows looking at us

Kids looking at cows

Kids enjoy this sand pile right out our door

Everyday is a different picture

Absolutely Blessed!

Working Cattle Saturday

While I was away celebrating Paula's birthday in Dallas, the kids were experiencing life on the mini ranch.  Saturday, cattle is what was on the agenda. The Rancher's cattle needed to be checked out, given shots, and humm (clearing throat), uh, castrated.  Not to worry, no photos to share.

Being led into the pen one at a time. That metal pole is placed behind the steer so he won't back up, as he changes his mind.

Paul's job is to man the blue gate, and man it he did

Mr. H is beside Paul giving #107 his shots

Kids looking to see what happens next

These kids are just happy to be high up in the air, as Tracy snaps their picture praying they don't fall, break a bone, then she'll have to explain to her good friend, that is galavanting around the "Big D", just how her kids got hurt while she was watching them! Hee hee. 

Mr. H & his helper working away while the boys look on

Becca on the Big Wheel

Expert Kid telling New Kid, "This here yeller stick will shock the fire out of ya, so doooon't touch it. It's called a hot shot".

More little guys hanging around watching all the excitement

~~Now what you don't see in any of these photos~~

There was lots of castrating going on, which meant lots of questions from my city kids.  In steps my friend, Tracy, the Rancher's Wife, with lots of gentle, straight forward answers. She did a GREAT job as she explained the workings of animal reproductive organs to my older ones. She was sweating it out, not wanting to say too much, the wrong thing, etc., but she did fiiiiine.

This sums up the day ~ Got the Job DONE!

Tanner (neat kid) holding up a "cow pouch"

Coming Soon......

...working the cattle pictures.  What's castrating? Wellllll, you see.......