Fishing, Forts & Summer Hair

We love summer. Who doesn't though? On Memorial Day we went up to Deer Creek to try our hand at fishing. We have been looking for a new hobby to get the boys involved in and decided fishing would be fun. Although Memorial Day was beautiful...the wind started to pick up right when we got our fishing poles all ready to cast. The wind was coming right at us, so we only stayed for a bit. Will still had a blast and keeps asking when we're going back. He also asked if we could catch a duck next time... hmmm...

Grant did what Grant does best. Eat.



Uncle Jor spent the night Saturday and built a fort for the kids. They loved it.



The boys hair has been out of control lately. So we thought we'd give them their summer hair cuts. I think they look adorable. I love these little guys so much. I was thinking about them last night before I drifted off and couldn't imagine a luckier mother.

She is more precious than rubies....

...and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.



My grandma is taking her final steps on this journey we call life.
She is a woman who never knew wealth.
She is a woman who knew the true meaning of work.
Caring for the sick was a way of life to her.
She never tired of reading to us, singing to us, or spending time with us.
Her testimony got her through the hard times...and there were plenty.

And now...Jeff & I are lucky enough to have her with us. She has moved in so she won't have to be alone as she makes her way towards her husband & daughter once again. I love the idea that through our service, we are becoming like her. So these final days/weeks...we enjoy every moment with her. Every story, song, or conversation will be tucked away in my heart to be cherished for the rest of my own life. I love you Grandma. You are truly more precious than all the jewels on earth.

With Spring Comes.....

Branding!

We went down this weekend to help Grandpa brand the new cows. Along with branding comes the castrating and shots. I am sure glad I'm not a cow around this time of year. One of my friends asked if we eat the "Rocky Mountain Oysters" after the branding is done. Although I consider myself to be a non-picky eater, I can say that RMO's are something I truly don't think I could stomach. Here are some fun pictures of the weekend.

Of course, the boys made a beeline right to the swing when we arrived on Friday.


Our favorite old Apricot tree.


Grant is in heaven on the farm. Dirt, rocks...and plenty of room to roam...what else could a guy want?


I don't think we even made it in the house before Jeff got out the 4 wheeler.



During branding we pack the guys up lunch and bring it out for them. The boys are always excited to go see exactly what it is that is going on.





We sure love Spring on the farm.

Two Reasons....

...never to leave chocolate frosting on the kitchen counter.

My Little Cowboy's Birthday

I just barely uploaded Will's birthday pictures although it was a couple months ago now. It was such a fun day with our "sunshine."
All Will wanted for his birthday was new cowboy attire. He had grown out of his boots which made him quite frustrated when he went down to the farm. So everyone chipped in and got him all suited up for his big #4 b-day.



We went bowling for the first time and both little guys fell in love with the sport.



Even Granters was able to join in on the fun.



Cousin Elle drew him an awesome picture.



And fortunately...he got the soccer ball cake he was dreaming of.



It was one fun birthday.

Bend in the Road

What a beautifully stated poem.

Sometime’s we come to life’s crossroads
And view what we think is the end.
But God has a much wider vision
And He knows that it’s only a bend—
The road will go on and get smoother
And after we’ve stopped for a rest,
The path, that lies hidden beyond us
Is often the path that is best.
So rest and relax and grow stronger,
Let go and let God Share your load,
And have faith in a brighter tomorrow—
You’ve just come to a bend in the road.

Simply Overwhelming

I was washing the dishes and singing to myself when I heard the garage open. I wasn't expecting anyone, but was glad to see my husband step through the door. My joy soon turned to worry when I saw tears in his eyes. He simply said "Stay inside."
I continued about my morning chores until curiosity got the best of me. I tiptoed to Will & Grant's room and peered through the wood blinds. It was then I realized what was happening. There was Jeff unloading his Chevy truck as another employee watched over him. I ran outside and asked "Jeff, What is going on?" Again he asked me to go inside and said he'd be in shortly.
I sat in the kitchen silently crying as he walked through the door. Here was my strong and mighty husband with shoulders shaking and tears falling. He had lost his job.
If you know Jeff, you know how much he loves his work. He treated the company as if he owned it. When Jeff would dream, it would be about work. I believe that is exactly why it hurt so bad.
It's been a week since that day. Although losing a job is overwhelming, it is bleak in comparison to the outpouring of love we have received. Family has provided food, money, and even a car. We have received sweet phone calls and emails expressing concern. Although I'm shamed to admit it, I truly didn't have a clue how wonderful my family and friends really were. Losing our job has been a gift. God's love has been richly manifested and we are grateful. I have learned life changing characteristics that I want to carry with me always. Thank you for all of your examples to me. I stand in awe of all of you and your Christ like love you show. It is simply overwhelming.