RAIN

PLEASE MAKE IT STOP!!!!!!!

The calves are doing well so far!

Oh great news, we have a huge lead in finding our dirtbikes! We know the kid that planned it and where the bikes might be. We can't call the sheriff untill we have more information like visually seeing them. So keep your fingers crossed. We figured we'll find them not tell the boys and put a bow on them and call it Christmas!! LOL

OVERWELMED

Wow my sister Bobbi brought it to my attention I hadn't blogged since Nov. I miss it so much but when I tell you I have no time I'm not joking or fibbing just a little bit.
This calf business took off like crazy and going so well we've had close to 70 calves from start in Sep. We've sold some, traded one for a goat who's name is Nanny and we love her. LOL lost some due to weather or whatever reason.
We had a vet here last night Dr. Prante and so helpful and gave me a good grade just a couple small things to take care of but nothing out of control. He said the calves looked excellent he just said you're going to lose calves there's no way around it so that's that. So basically as soon as I see them act a little out of caracter give them fluid fluid and more fluids to help them through scours. Dr. Prante said they'll talk to you I know that may seem weird to most but they do and I know when they're not feeling themselves. Like when we get sick you don't want to eat or drink and just lay in bed and die. The calves literally will do that. So anyways I'm so loving my calves and I really have thought about it and someday I want to consult with other calf barns to make their programs a success I really have a passion for it. There's still a lot to learn but I have the experience so maybe someday that dream would come true probably not till my kids are grown.

That brings me to my family my kids are so awesome they've had to endure a huge change with us constantly doing something with the calves regarding building shades cleaning pens or what have ya. The good thing they're usually always out there with us during the couple rain storms making sure the calves are dry putting out bottles at feeding time etc etc. We've ate a lot more fast food than I like but Ron and I both work and go straight outside and were in the house around 7:30 I've been out there till 9:30 Ron's been out there till midnight I don't know how he does it. I can't and start at 4:30am feeding again.
So we still haven't figured this out but my laundry and house look like were slumming it. LOL I guess it bothers me because I like things tidy and organized(thanks Tracey) but enoughs enough I can't be yelling at the kids everynight about it and expect them to keep up with it if they're all out helping me with something or another and keeping up with homework so thats still a work in progress but Thursday night we got together for a couple hours and got it manageable but children really do not like to clean. Go figure! They have no problem with leaving their clothes on the floor instead of hanging it up. I guess it doesn't bother them why should I make it a unhappy home for them by me asking the first time then screaming when they don't do it. So this past week I've been better about realizing the house will suffer till I can get my hands around everything. My Dad told me there's better days ahead as I'm crying my eyes out so overwhelmed but I realized my husband has a great job I have a great job our calf business gets better everyday and all my kids have their health and were teaching them responsibility if you want something real bad you have to work and sacrifice and hopefully it'll all pan out in the end. So I don't have it bad and this year a lot of people have it so much worse. After rereading that sentence I almost deleted this post what am I complaining about. I'm not just overwhelmed.

On that note my sister Bobbi invited me to a Christmas cookie exchange party so you need to bring 14 dozen cookies. My friend was here last night and baked 5 dozen and she had enough fun so Laurens out there now baking so I need to get baking. wow is 14 dozen a lot but I'm sure I'll have fun getting away from the house and spending some time with Bobbi. I haven't done any Christmas shopping so hopefully this weekend I can at least get started and feel a little more like Christmas spirit. Oh that reminds me of a funny story Mike put up our lights this year and of course not knowing any better plugged them in together and blew a fuse so my Christmas lights hang but no one has had time meaning my husband to help Mike fix them. Maybe this weekend maybe not. LOL Its pretty sad around here but what going to do. Crying to friends and family make you feel better. LOL

So moving forward I have so many cookies to bake. I would love to make some for my family and friends but 14 dozen is enough so my eggnog cookies will have to wait till another time but I did try them and they're real good.

Eggnog Bundt Cake

Ok Grandma this is a horrible pic of the cake because it was taken on my phone. I'll take a pic of it again with my camera this time. I just have to make another one. LOL My family loved this cake you could taste the eggnog, rum and nutmeg. Ron said he thinks its the best cake hes ever had. What a compliment! Thank you for your advice mixing the topping it was soooo good.

So I woke up late this morning 5:15 I look out the window and I see all the lights on with the calves I ran to the side door and guess whos out there feeding, Travis. Thank you so much Travis. That was so nice. He never went to bed so he thought he'd come over and help me at 4:30 he said he waited and kept looking at the house but nobody came. LOL He called me a liar feeding that early I said its the weekend and I was up with a sick son. Ricky has got this cold coming on hard hes already losing his voice he woke up with it Sunday morning. So he coughed all night next to my head.Sunday

EGGNOG BUNDT CAKE

1 yellow cake mix (preferably with pudding in the mix)
3 T. flour
2 c. eggnog
¼ c. butter, softened
2 eggs, slightly beaten
¼ tsp. rum extract
1/8 tsp. nutmeg

Beat until smooth and creamy. Pour into greased bundt pan. Bake at 350 for 35-45 minutes. Dust lightly with powdered sugar for presentation.

Caramel sauce:
½ lb brown sugar (~1 1/8 c.)
½ lb butter
½ lb powdered sugar (~2 cups)
½ T. cinnamon
½ qt. rich vanilla ice cream

Melt together over medium heat. Pour warm over individual servings immediately before serving.

BYE BYE DONKEYS !

So Ricky Lauren and I are sad we didn't even get to say GOODBYE to the donkeys!
The lady picked them up around 2:30, Ronnie helped load them and they were off.
Hopefully they went to a good home.

What's new!

Ron and I took Mike to the cardiologist today. Everything is stable with Mike we'll see Dr. Worsham in another 6 months.
Ricky on Sat night at the Halloween party really hurt his finger so we took him to the dr. yesterday and dr. McClure thinks its fractured and he put Ricky's finger in a splint. So we took him to get a xray of his finger today so we should know something soon. Ronnie came with us just to miss a school day. Then we went out to eat and came home and i got a bunch of stuff that gets away from me with everything going on all the time. Ron got to take a nap since he had to go into work tonight.
Sad news I think we found a lady to take the donkeys. She has 50 acres in Wickenburg. It'll be nice for them. We had fun with them but I really don't recommend them unless you're needing them to pack up a mountain. Billy's getting nuts with his hee hawwing at now 3:30 in the morning.
So the puppies will be ready to leave shortly to if anybody knows of anybody looking for a beagle mix cute little puppy.

Happy 16th Anniversary

Today Ron and I celebrate 16 years of marriage. Well I guess celebrate after work and taking care of the calves, we wanted to celebrate with the kids so it will be a crableg feast in my kitchen tonight.
I'm so grateful for my relationship with Ron he's my best friend and such a great Dad. He's always trying to make my life easier which can be difficult at times with four beautiful children, jobs and starting this calf business(which is going so well). Our lifes have been so busy but we do remember that we love each other and appreciate one another. It's a great thing. Its been 16 years and I truly feel life is great right now.

Other news congratulations to Tony and Bobbi,its a boy. He's due in April how exciting for them.

Lauren got up with me this morning to help feed, Ron worked till 12am so I figured I would let him sleep in a little while longer, well anyways Lauren made us her German Pancakes
(she learned in Family and Consumer Science)(FACS) they're so good
almost tastes like funnel cake. So we ate some and Ron was off to work so I need to do the same.

Hope everyone has a wonderful day!

Weekend fun

So we got my lawn ready on Saturday to be seeded today.Can't wait to see the rye come up. Thanks Ron and Ronnie. Ron and Travis trenched yesterday so we have water to the shop so handy. Still building pens for the growing calf business that is going so well. I went to Hailie's birthday party Sat. night I can't believe she's 8 already.
Ron stayed home to finish trenching and feed the animals so that was a nice break so I let him sleep in this morning(but it is much easier to feed 14 calves with 2 people).
Dad came up and that was a nice visit. It was nice to visit with my sisters and plan my Halloween party. That will be so fun I love Halloween its my favorite holiday. Maybe because I'll be married 16 years the day before Halloween. Wow! Who would have thunk it!
Thank you Kathie for sending over a roast and everything to go with it I love that on Sunday afternoon I'll put it in the crock pot this morning. P.S. I hope you feel better.
Well back to work I feel guilty when I don't keep up with my blog like Bobbi, and Nicole you're doing so good. Dotti you're another case I know there's lots going on with you, still waiting. Everybody have a great Sunday.

Got Animals

Oh my gosh were up to 28 animals. Sandy our Beagle had 8 puppies last night. That makes 11 dogs,2 donkeys,3 horses, and yes 12 calves. Its so much fun around this place. Some might think so, some not so much.
What a weekend we had Moo Moo Palooza Friday and Saturday we answered a lot of questions about calves the kids visiting had a wonderful time feeding and petting the animals. Lauren did a amazing job working both days. Ronnie had been helping prepare for the event and helped clean up after it he was also amazing. Oh QcHs Jv team won again they played against Coronado the score I believe was 52 to 24.I didn't make it to the game its horrible I know but his Dad was there to support him but I'll make the last 2.
Ron and I volunteered Friday night at the varsity football game concession stand Ron cooked burgers and hotdogs. The varsity team lost. What a weekend I have to go grocery shopping there is no food here. My kids hate me. LOL

Go Bulldogs

We won 50 to 8. Ronnie played a lot he's getting so much better. He was insecure at first but his confidence is building. Football has been so good for him the responsibility to make it to practices,especially when his parents work and he rides his bike I believe 5 to 6 miles, the discipline, having to work as a team. I'm so proud of him. He's such a great kid.

So R&K Cattle Company is up to 7 calf's. Shirley from Mombe Dairy gave me calf pens they just needed some welding so that's what we do on the weekends and after work. Ron has been so helpful he's out in the morning help feed before he leaves for work,drives to get calf's at the dairy and just makes my life as easy as he possible can right now.
It was kinda stressful in the beginning but were getting into a routine. Everybody helps in the afternoon so it goes quickly to feed. My house was a disaster for over a week I was trying to figure out time management but then I remembered I have children. They have all stepped up and I appreciate everyone in my family.

Another dairy man is interested in selling all his bulls to me but we just don't think were ready for that they milk 3000 so that could be around 1500 bulls a year. What a opportunity but maybe down the road.I'm starting with these bulls from a different dairy just to get back into it slowly but I get all their bulls and that could lead into raising all their heifers. Thats my goal for now. I really think we have a great opportunity to get this business off the ground. Were trenching water to the shop this weekend so the whole calf thing is out of my house. LOL So if anybodys ever bored at 5 am come on over. I feel like Dad now the animals go nuts when the flood lights go on and they see me.
We got the horse shade done last weekend. Seriously so much work but were having the time of our life's. I know that sounds weird but most people know what I'm talking about.

Happy Birthday to Ron's brother Brandon he turned 32 on Oct 1. He has been so helpful with so many projects around here we appreciate him so much. He's such a all around great guy.

Halloween party is on but I need to look at the calendar to set date.

So Cute!!

Our new calf is so cute. Ron wakes me up at 10:30pm Monday night and said Kim you have a baby to feed so all said and done Ron and I went to bed at 12. My kids are having so much fun with these 2. Poor Ron went to work this morning with calf drool all over the back of his pants and didn't realize it till lunch..
Happy Birthday to Ron's Dad Ron today. Ron took him lunch at work and said they had a nice visit. Hope you had a great birthday today Ron.

Newest Addition

Bobbi I was jealous you had a new addition. I needed one. What a weekend. Post later.

Football

We won again tonight against Apache Junction 28/16 nobody scored till after half time so the second half was pretty fast paced. We won last Thursday against Seton 40/12 what a dust storm that blew through that game. Thanks to Dee and her family for coming. Ron and I volunteered in Oct. to help out with the concession stand for the varsity game. Yikes hope Ron's doing all the cooking. My Dad and Grandma Kathie are coming to Grandparents Day at school for Ricky tomorrow. He's all excited to take them to the book fair. We had fun with the whole family Sunday at the BMX racing championships. Good job to Tyler and Wesley. Ron and I went to our other nephews flag football game Sat. Kyle played awesome.

Here you go Bobbi!

2008 QCHS JV Bulldog Football Schedule

Sept. 25th @ Buckeye

Oct. 2nd vs Tempe

Oct 9th @ Coronado

Oct. 16th @ Perry

Oct. 23rd vs Millenium

Love to see anybody at the games. Games start at 6pm

QUEEN CREEK JV FOOTBALL

We won are 1st game. We played Higley the score was 28/16. Congrats to the team.

MOTHER OF THE YEAR /GOES TO

Do you want to hear the most horrible MOM I am???????

So my truck was over at a Chevy body shop at Az Ave and Elliot getting some welding done because the bed was shaken so bad. Not important. Well anyways I left to go pick it up at 6:15am before any of the kids leave for school so I asked Ronnie to wake Lauren before he and Mike left for the bus stop. No problem Mom. Well I didn't call this morning till 7:17 Ricky needs to be walking to the bus stop at 7:25 I get a hold of Lauren and she is sleeping I freaked out I said is Ricky getting ready. Lauren, no hes sleeping oh my gosh tell him to get dressed and brush his teeth and hair. I call back Lauren said Ricky left for the bus. I was like good, thank you Lauren are you all set. Ya I'm good shes like I don't remember anybody waking me up. Well Ronnie just called her name that won't wake Lauren. Anyways, I feel bad I stop to get Ricky a milkshake this afternoon I walk in the door and Ricky is wearing yesterdays clothing. I was horrified I was like did anyone say anything about you wearing yesterdays clothes. Ricky was like no unbothered by the whole thing. So no hair or teeth brushed and no time to eat breakfast. Good news though we got all his homework done last night as he cried because he's having to practice cursive. Ricky doesn't think boys should have to do that. I love my baby.

To top things off I was watering the horses this morning totally spaced I left the water on and the whole dirt road in front of my house FLOODED.
Oh another thing Lauren thinks everything is hers so I go to blow dry my hair this morning I have 2 blow dryers. Can I find 1? No! Ron finds 1 I start blow drying my hair and my hair and hand are saturated in this yellow goo I think it was gel.
How about my freezer decided to defrost itself today while we were all gone. Water all over the kitchen floor. Nothing a few towels won't fix. Yes food defrosted to. My fridge was fine. Thank goodness.

So how was your day?? Remember I love my kids and my life!!Wouldn't trade it for the world.

Congrats to Matthew and Becky on their wedding today.

Pinetop/Lakeside

I love this pic of Lauren and Ronnies first catch of the day in her hand.

Well we went up north for 3 days and it was wonderful. The weather was beautiful with lots of rain. We went fishing, played card games. I finished my latest book Five Love Languages of Teenagers highly recommended.Mike Ricky and me have a pretty good cold going on. We came home a little earlier than we usually do. Do to Ronnies football practice at 4:30 he practiced till 7. His first game is Thursday at home against Higley.

My kids remember they like one another when were out of town. It warms my heart to watch them interact.






The bunkhouse in the background.

For some reason bubbles were a huge hit this weekend. Mike had a great time at the lake blowing bubbles and little kids wondering where the bubbles were coming from. He had a blast.


Oh this Apple Pie was $22 and so good we went to the country store that place has the best homemade goodies.

dr.Visit

Ronnie can't start practicing football till next Wednesday. I guess his concussion was considered class 2 which I've never heard of but since he was out cold for a couple minutes and lost time Dr. McClure said no contact. So there's a scrimmage Sat. Ronnie's bumming but what are ya going to do.



Lauren on the other hand is having a reaction to the allergic reaction that poor girl. Dr. mcClure put Lauren on steroids 3 pills for 3 days 2 pills for 3 days and 1 pill for 3 days. She is itching like crazy we told her not to or shes going to cause scarring. She was having a breakout while we were at the office. It just covers her body but good thing no fever she is also taken Benadryl at night and Clariten in the morning. Calamine lotion I guess won't do much so he suggested Aveena Oatmeal bath so I need to pick some up.



Its always something but I wouldn't trade it for the world!!



Cousin Travis bought tickets to UFC fight night Sat. night so all my men are going to watch men beat on each other. Good times!

Doctor, Doctor

So since Ronnie had a bump to his head he needs to be seen by a Neurologist to clear him for football practice.

Lauren is practicing for cheerleading this week after school, tryouts are Friday. So I pick her up at 5pm from school tonight and I notice under her eyes they're all swollen I asked what it was? I don't know she replys. Lauren said Mom my arms and legs have been itching since practice started. This girl is covered in a allergic reaction looking rash on the bottom of her feet to her face to her ears. Poor baby! Thanks Tracey for the advice. I gave her benadryl and calamine lotion she fell asleep immediately.


So tomorrow morning I'll make some dr. apps for after work.

Sea Doo Accident

So we get a call around 5pm and its Ronnies friend Justin Kelley. Kim there's been a accident with Hunter and Ronnie (Seemed like a long pause) on the jet skis oh my gosh what happened? His Dad(Bill) gets on the phone and said they're both ok. Were headed to the hospital on Val Vista and 202 we think Hunter broke his leg. Ronnie was knocked unconscious for a couple minutes do you want us to have him checked out? Of course. We'll be there as soon as possible, we were right behind them. Ronnie just seemed out of it and was froze to the bone shaken so they went and got warmed blankets. So both kids went to have cat scans and Hunter a xray for his leg. Thank goodness both boys were perfectly fine except shaken up.
So what happened was Hunter was driving they hit a wave totally knocked heads and flipped the sea doo and fell off. When Bill Kelley drove up to them both boys were just laying there with their eyes closed. He said he jumped in the lake to make sure they were breathing. He said he was just so happy when they said something. Ronnie had a huge knot on the back of his head but that swelling has went down a bunch.
so that means we'll watch Ronnie close for 24 hours and no football for a couple days (sad).
Oh for those that don't know Hunter is always at my house and just a sweetheart and has sooooooooo much energy. He's in 9th grade with Mike.
So its 8:23 now its time for that pork roast thats been in the smoker all day. Hopefully thats all for today.

I finally have a minute. Tried to weedeat and mow the lawn before it got to hot. Been so busy. We had our nephews Kyle's, Derick and Owens birthday party yesterday and our good friends Steve and Cassandra welcomed a baby boy(still not named) yesterday morning so we went to the hospital and visited them.
So I said I wanted to put in a pork roast for pulled pork for supper and of course Ron wants to smoke it so off to Walmart we went this morning to buy a smoker and it smells so good cooking.
Ronnie had football practice Sat. at 6am in full pads and loved it. He's been so tired after practice and then doing loads of homework he has to keep a certain grade point average, overall its been good for him.
So our ac went out last Tuesday so my husband the handyman took Wednesday and picked up a new motor and fixed it by the time everyone got home Wednesday afternoon thank goodness thats all it was.
Well off to clean and do laundry to get ready for the week.
Grandma just let me know if you can't ever read this. Love you

Testing

Bobbi can you see this? Its a plain template with nothing added.

This week

Lauren didn't make the volleyball team bummer. She was fine with it she said they took the best girls that have experience. Least she was dedicated while tryouts were going on so I was proud of her. I don't think she minded either way.
Ronnies on the jv football team so official practice starts Monday they had 3 unofficial practices this week. Ron and I went up to watch a practice and Ronnie and several friends were sitting under the canopy drinking water. He was takin a break he felt nauseus. Has anyone just sat outside at 4pm here lately? It is so sticky and HOT! But seeing Ronnie sitting there reminded us of Ronnie when he was 3 or 4 and we put him in soccer with Mike and their friend Harry. Ronnie would cry and when he wasn't crying he was playing with rocks and dirt in the middle of the field while everyone was playing the game. Good times we were just laughing about it and Ron said "Where have all the years went"? Now were looking at Ronnie taller than me 6ft only 135 I guess he needs to put on some weight for football. He's in weights at school and him and a bunch of friends are lifting out in the shop with our weight set. Ronnie's always shirtless with all the girls that hang out here he's very proud of his physique.
Mike is also lifting everyday. Anybody knows him he's 100 soaking wet. So he to is putting on weight he said he just wants to get huge with muscle its so neat to have him back in humor. That kid is a riot and he never seems to run out of material. So last night at 6pm he says I need to take him to the movies there's a bunch of girls going. So I took him and 2 buddies then of course Lauren and 2 of her girlfriends want to go. So I took them and hung out in the area till 9:15 and was home at 10 by the time I dropped everyone off. This is usually a Ron job but he had to work at 2am to 6am for router maintenience so I did my deed for the weekend.
Ricky is doing good in school so far I absolutely love his teacher Ms. King she was Mike's 4th grade teacher also and she just loves her job.
Today we got to go pick up Ronnies gear for football up at school then of course he needs some stuff so will go to the sports store. Ron built a wall in a coworkers new house last week so he needs to go haul drywall for him so I'll get to go to Lowes and get some flowers for my planters out front I miss my color in front of the house. Travis Ron's cousin wants to bring his weight bench over to start lifting with the boys and Ron so we'll go pick that up later. So busy day so I need to go and get started.
Happy Birthday to my Dad and our nephew Owen tomorrow we'll be going to Casa Grande tomorrow. Hope everyone has a great weekend.

Volleyball

I'm so proud of my daughter! Lauren and I were on our way to her new middle school at 6:45 in the morning. Why you ask? Lauren wanted to try out for volleyball. I thought it was a fabulous decision since only a couple days before that she told me she was going to try out for flag football. Well anyways she started telling me she wasn't going to make the team on the way to school. I told her you need a positive attitude and believe in yourself. Lauren seemed pretty scared when I dropped her off. After school she told me 57 girls showed up. I was like how many girls make the team she said 12. I was kinda nervous for her but positive attitude is what she needed. Today Lauren came straight to find me and told me she made first cut which there's 22 girls trying out for 12 positions. So thats where were at. Good luck Lole! I believe in you!

Newest Addition

I kept saying no but the children kept saying yes. Laurens friend had brought this puppy home and her parents said no. The kids went picked this puppy up and brought it home Thursday. Well to find out there was more puppies at Bashes so the boys went and picked up another puppy for one of their friends.
So all the kids went with Ron to pick up the 5th wheel up north last night so I stayed back to organize and clean to get ready for school on Monday. So I got to babysit the puppy well she only needed to go outside twice so it was'nt to bad. Cant wait for the kids to get back and take over.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE" Mike turns 14 today. We adore this kid he's so funny and smart. Mike of course everybody knows has had a couple of trying years. He's withdrawn a few times then came back and started hanging with his friends and did this a few times but I think hes back and accepted his limitations and all his siblings and friends know this and don't remind him. Which he hates. Oh ha but he trys to use his heart condition when it comes to doing chores. Love that of course it doesn't work for me but it would and does work with his Dad. Were working on that. So everything is good he's getting all ready for high school. We were leaving yesterday and Mike is the slowest of everyone to get ready so I went to speed up the process he's laying on the end of my bed with his head hanging over the foot rail. I was like what are you doing he was letting his hair dry so that it all spiked evenly. Never heard that before but to each his own. Mike got voted best hair for the 8th grade class and he decided a few days ago to cut it off and go with his spiked hair again which looks so much better than the hair wisked in his face I think. But it looked good the other way. So anyways he gets up and looking in the mirror saying how good looking he is. I was standing there laughing and I said yes you are but can we go. " I think he gets that from Grandpa Grover". So Mike's next appointment for a MRI is in November so hopefully nothing changes. Well Mike I hope you have a great birthday and can't wait to go fishing this weekend.

"Plus a Happy Birthday to Aunt Bev"
"My nephew Tyler on the 20th"
"Jacob on the 19th" Happy Birthday to all"

High School

Well, I'll have 2 in high school this year. This is so amazing to me. Where did 15 and 14 years of raising my boys go to? Ronnie a sophomore and Mike a freshmen Lauren not to far behind in 7th grade and of course our baby Ricky going to be a 4th grader with only 2 more years in elementary. I went down this morning to get books and pay fees and all that good stuff for high school and it was so upsetting to me that my boys only have a couple more years to go. Like seriously where did time go? It made me feel older for a bit this morning but it still blows me away I have 4 children that give me so much love and joy everyday that I'm so grateful for. They've definitely made my life complete(of course my husband also). Of course there's better days than others but I believe everybody has that happen. Mike's turning 14 tomorrow and I have absolutely no idea what to do for him. Were going out of town this weekend he wanted to go fishing up north but besides that I'm clueless. Lauren and 1 of Mike's friends has come up with a idea to have his friends over for the afternoon and have pizza. I thought it would be better to take them to the mall and drop them off. Who knows I guess I'll ask Mike when he decides to wake up today.

Jujube tree

I was so sad to see this happen to my tree, but I and others believe it just got a beating on Thursday during that monsoon storm. Its not dead by any means but it just makes me sad. Look at my fig tree(to the left) that seems to be hanging on, it was larger but this heat is brutal this summer. Lauren and Ricky found our first scorpion in the house on Thusday hope no more to come.

Happenings

So not a lot new. Pretty quiet around the homefront the kids have been running here and there. Ronnie was up at the lake for a couple days. We've went to several movies Ricky just saw Walle(Pixar movie) he loved it, Sunsplash Golfland,several pool parties celebrating birthdays and homecomings.Were going out of town for the 4th its so hot here it'll be a nice break.





Thank you to Grandpa and Grandma Grover for Lauren's birthday present.(Its the halter and leadrope)looks good on Mallory.


My banana tree had 2 pups. You can see them to the left and right of the original tree.


My jujube tree has fruit.


My almond tree is awesome.


My first apple. Hope you can see all my fruit I'll be able to eat of my land soon. I love my trees I've had a blast as other family members have. Remember people its the little things for me.


Aunt Bev this is Az corn right now.


This is what happens when you don't strap a load of hay down. Our neighbors went with us to my Dads to buy hay and on our way back we went around a curve and they lost around 10 bales.



We made 2 trips with around 360 bales with both these trucks. The second trip it was 112 loading it was HOT! This is when I say HORSES and donkeys are worth it. They are I get pure joy out of them at 4:30 for morning feeding. Special thank you to Ronnie and Lauren for helping. Lauren drove my truck and our neighbors crew cab in the fields as we picked up the hay and she did a amazing job for the first time driving ever.







This is the 5th wheel we went and looked at this Friday night in Heber. It is Rons Dad's friend from work we just need to meet up with him this week and take care of everything and then camp in it this weekend. Very exciting for our family.

Bobbi's birthday Friday and Dee's birthday Saturday so they had a pool party at Bobbis and it was a great time with Jake and Tony hosting the party you guys are great.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Happy Birthday Bobbi!!

Hope you have the best birthday ever. You deserve it.

New York

WOW what a weekend. From flying to ATL then Pittsburgh driving to Chittenango,driving to NYC, and driving back to Pittsburgh and making it back in time for Ron to go straight back to work Monday morning. We had so much fun this weekend we laughed,talked with no interuptions, ate and boy did we(Ron) drive.


First I have to thank my children,you guys were so great for Aunt Nicole(so she says) and you stepped up with no phone calls about fighting, anything just a few texts about how much they hoped we were having a great time. Calling Dad on Father's Day made his day and saying all those wonderful things. I'm so proud of each and everyone of you and I love you all sooooooo much. Ronnie called all excited that my banana tree had a pup which starts a new tree so that was exciting to Ronnie and I. My son has such a green thumb so he appreciates that kinda stuff like I have learned to. Aunt Nicole you're the best I knew I never had to worry about my kids you've always been so good to my family and Ron and I say thank you and we appreciate this weekend more than you know. But I know you know I needed a long weekend with my husband away from all my responsibilities. It makes me appreciate my family and marriage even more than I already do.
So that out of the way I just want to say WOW what a weekend. It started out we left Pittsburgh at 5 after Ron got off from work we had already picked up our rented convertable for the weekend so we were off to Chittenango, New york. Some funny stories about that. NY has some toll booths that you pay when you go thru well we needed to eat supper so we were on a toll road so we start getting off at a exit and I start saying we can't get off we have no cash. We pulled over and looked at the toll and it was only $1.30 so we were fine. LOL Anybody that knows us knows we don't carry cash because of our children they end up with all our cash. So we got a bunch of cash out after that and we ate at a restaurant and laughed. It was raining most of the trip up to upstate NY but so beautiful how green everything was the old barns, the cows and buffalo in their green pastures.
So we pull into Grandma Nancys house around 10:30pm. We visit for a little bit she makes us fresh strawberry shortcake it was so yummy and we all went to bed. There was a crow outside our window(crowing) and woke me up at 6 which is 3 AZ time. Nancy and Ron got up at 7 and we took showers and went to breakfast`(yummy food at the local diner). We drove down mainstreet and saw my high school and middle school and the yellow brick rd. Chittenango was the home of Frank Baum (Wizard of Oz).We visited for a little while longer with Nancy. Thank you Grandma Nancy for letting us stay there and for breakfast. We were on our way at 10am.









This is Pat Olmstead she was my babysitter and housecleaner that helped my Dad. I just adore her. I was shaking while I was talking to her it was just overwhelming I can't explain it but it was wonderful visiting with her of course she had some great stories of me and my sisters. Ron loved listening to the stories as I did.



Grover house my Dad built. Double cick for a better view.




Grandma DeWitt's house I have so many memories. I would say I didn't feel good Gram would pick me up from school and I would just go straight to the barn and go riding. Gram you're the best.



Uncle Tom and Aunt Fran's N. Manlius house they sold years ago.

Uncle Tom and Aunt Fran's summer home.


Were going to try to grow grape vines like this. Impressive.


Ron and Aunt Fran We didn't get to see Uncle Tom as he was golfing and we were on a very tight schedule but we had seen Uncle Tom 2 months ago as they were in Az for 6 months this past winter. It was wonderful they were in Casa Grande while Dad was going through surgery and radiation for cancer.




Aunt Bev's working dairy farm

Aunt Bev's home

Aunt Bev and Me


So we visited with Aunt Bev she gave us a tour of the farm and all the corn and hay fields. It was a wonderful visit.
So we were off to see Tom and Kristin Carpenters horse facility it was so impressive. So we got on the road for NYC at 5pm. This next picture is our view from inside the car to NYC.






Ron had bought a GPS when he got to Pittsburgh its very confusing around here. So anyways we had just set the GPS to a certain address in NYC well it wasn't anywhere near where we should have been so we didn't get to Ron's Aunt Eve's apartment in NYC

till midnight. (We should have been there around 9:30. We went to bed within 5 minutes.

HAPPY FATHERS DAY RON! You're such a great Dad the kids love you so much.

We woke up and Eve and Ron went to get bagels for breakfast. We all visited for quite awhile then decided to go shopping take a walk and eat pizza.


Ron and Aunt Eve




This is the pizza I've heard about for the past 17 years. Ha Ha


Ron in front of his school he attended.

School


Ron's family he hasn't seen in quite a few years. We totally loved visiting and had a wonderful supper. Thank you Hikmat and Eve for letting us stay at your home and for dinner.

We finished off the night eating at Saharas with a couple of these amazing platters of food.

So Ron and I said goodbyes and left NYC at 11:30pm and pulled into our hotel in Pittsburgh just in time for Ron to shower and get to work. I went to sleep for a few hours and did nothing but return the rental car with Ron and he got back to the room after work and we fell asleep till 10 got up went to supper. I leave tomorrow can't wait to see the kids but will miss my husband till he gets home from working here this Friday. The end.