Briggs:Party of 6

MaXitO the ReD BanDito

2011-11-16T14:42:00.000-08:00

It is with heavy heart I write again about another one of our dogs. What are the odds we would lose 2 dogs in 4 days time?

Max was with us since we lived in Boulder. He was given to us by Mike's brother Bill to use as a cow dog. He was a red-healer mix and full of life. He loved to work cattle. He was aggressive with the fighting ol' witches and gentle with our kids. I grew quite close to Max... But for Mike, he is losing one of his right hand men. I can't even begin to count the hours the two of them have spent together, nor the miles they have gone.

Mike and Max headed to work!

Max and I riding on the sled (crazy dog)

Right before we left Helena, a cow got him down and broke his back leg. We thought this might be the demise of him, but he came back strong and returned to fighting cows. He was the mischief dog as well. He would act like he was taking off after something and get all the dogs riled up, then he would saunter back (grinning I am sure) while they tried to find what he was after.
We would get a kick out of his wily ways.

On Sunday Mike and I watched him walking through the trees by our house. I wish I would have known it was the last time I would see him. For days I have been waiting for his return, hoping that I would see him curled up in the flower planter he took over, or hear him whining, letting us know he wanted to go work cows. But he has not come home. He might still, we can hold onto hope. But he was almost 12 years old, we saw signs of his age, and he to mourned our Payson. So, again, I am writing about another dog...... But again, he was more than just a dog. He earned his keep.

He came home..... 8 days he was gone.... Who knows where.... We had given up hope, us of little faith.... We have had frigid, freezing weather with snow and all that.... Yet, the "terd" (Mikes word for him) came home ALIVE!

~PaYsOn~

2011-11-09T17:01:00.000-08:00

**Cheryl (my mom) do not read!**

Just over 13 years ago, Mike and I took a trip to Utah. While we were on this trip, Mike bought a truck (his dream truck, which he sold later to help pay for a surgery, but that is a story for another day). While we were getting new tires put on the truck, I happened to be looking through the classifieds and came upon an ad for yellow lab puppies. Mike had been telling me I could get a dog, so I jumped at the chance. By that I mean I took advantage of the fact he was getting a new truck, so I should be able to get a new puppy! Mike said go for it and I headed to Payson, Utah to pick out what would become the best $75.00 ever. Mike about died when he found out I paid money for a DOG! But he forgave me and soon fell in love as well.


Payson the winter after we got him!

Payson has been on every move with us, which has been quite a few. He started in Lima, went to Dell, then Rexburg, onto Ovid, back to Lima, to Boulder, Clancy, Helena, and now Dupuyer. He was a faithful dog right from the beginning. He kept me company when Mike would work long hours. When we moved to Rexburg I was 8 months pregnant and it was a hot August. Payson and I spent hours by and in the river that our yard ran into. I would park my plastic chair right in the depths of the water, right up to my chin, and he would swim around me fetching sticks.
When we moved to Ovid, I became fairly busy with a 1 year old and a new born, and Payson didn't get as much attention from me. Mike hated the sad eyes he would get as he and Jiggs would load up to go to work. It did not take long for him to succumb to those puppy dog eyes that I am sure Payson coined. Hence, Payson became a cow dog.
When Payson barked, he meant business. Mike and I can usually pay no mind to our other dogs barking, but the second Payson would give his deep, booming bark, we would jump and go see what the matter was. It could be a mountain lion he was warning us about, a stranger that was prowling around, or a cow that was not where she was supposed to be. When he was moving cows and would give that bark, he would almost create a stampede.
He was known to take a 2000lb bull on the fight down to the ground, hold calves down that had run through the fence until Mike could get around to them, and even let our kids ride him like a horse (he was their first pony). He loved our kids. He was so good to them, even when they would climb all over him.
He knew how to bask in the sunshine, usually sitting in a regal pose. We would call him our sphinx the way he would always sit with his front legs crossed. From the time he was a puppy, whenever I would sit by him, he would have to be touching me. Usually this meant a paw on my hand, or foot, or leg. He was never a needy dog, or a jealous dog, but he was a great dog.
13 years is a long time to have a dog in your life. Especially for us. In 13 years our lives have changed and grown, and he has been there through it all. He has changed as well. The once bounding, vivacious puppy changed into a old, crippled, broken down dog. It is hard to watch them get old. When we moved here, I remember looking at him and saying, "Payson, this is your last move old man." And it was.... Buried outside our home today, under a tree, is truly a close friend. I know he was JUST a dog, but he was my dog.... And he will be missed so much..... Goodbye Old Man, I love you!

He always looked sad, but was truly happy....

At the elk ranch in Ovid, ID

As iF I WilL GeT BeTTer

2011-10-12T04:24:00.000-07:00

Another 2 months has passed.... Oh how time flies, seriously, slow down!

August~

In August we went to Silverwood Theme Park as a family. The kids helped earn the money to go and we were so excited. At least until the weekend before we were to go. That is when Mike tore his hamstring muscle off the bone. Needless to say he was on crutches for the whole experience and in quite a bit of pain. But he tagged along all day on crutches and was a trooper, just watching us have all the fun.

We had a lot of fun, and it was great for the kids to see that their hard work this summer paid off.

The Kids also started school at the end of August. KwinLee is now a 6th grader, Spencer a 5th, Hyrum a 2nd, and Reed is in Kindergarten. Yep, all 4 kids are in school. The Dupuyer School has 9 kids total, and 4 of them are ours. You do the math. Of course I followed them to school. I love being where my kids are, I am kind of attached. I cook breakfast and lunch everyday there and teach music twice a week. I finally found a way to get paid to cook for my kids, now if I can find a way to be paid to do their laundry I will be doing great.

This is their first day of school photo. Do you see the dog at Spencer's feet? Her name is Emmie and she is attached to Spencer and Reed. She follows them everywhere.
September~
Well, this is birthday month for us. Spencer turned 11, KwinLee turned 12, and I don't talk about my age. KwinLee has now advanced into Young Women's and is enjoying it. Plus, she gets to hunt this year. Spencer can't wait for the day he gets to start hunting, but hunters education is not far off. KwinLee received her dad's cell phone for her birthday and couldn't be happier (wow!!). Spencer got his first, very own brand new bike. And he loves it. He has been riding it all over. He has even rode it the 10 miles to school a few times. We had to put a hold on that while the bears are migrating back. I received a Blendtec blender and absolutely love it (so does the rest of my family that has been benefiting from it!).

October~
Well, so far this has been just a routine month. Oh, except I hit a deer and did some damage to my car, KwinLee sprained her ankle and we found out that at some point she chipped a piece of bone off of it, and the kids will be getting a new school teacher within the next few weeks. So, as life changes, we try to roll with it.
We have also spent our non-school time helping Mike. We have most the cows gathered in, the calves pre-conditioned, and we are getting ready for shipping day. And the occasional wild beast is still feasting on our calves, we lost one yesterday to a Sow and cubs. UGH! But, so goes the battle of ranching.

We are also madly writing letters to all the powers that be (congressman, senators, the President, and Postmaster General) trying to convince them to keep our post office open. It would be such a sad thing to lose, not to mention the hardship. Round trip for us to another post office is 66 miles (over 30 of that dirt road and not great roads in the winter). All to save a tenth of a percent of costs because Congress won't deal with the real money saving issues (like no post on Saturdays or paying back the money they mismanaged of the postal service's). Well, enough of that, I just am sad to think of the hub of a community being tossed to the way side.

Here is to the next 2 months!

AuGuST ~ 2011~

2011-08-08T20:37:00.000-07:00

Lets be real. I stink lately when it comes to blogging. So, here are some pictures to make up for my slothfulness.

We have had a lot of family visits (which we LOVE). We have friends come spend time with us (which we LOVE). We have had our fair share of smores, bug bites, running through the sprinklers, and all that summer time jazz. We have spent time in the hay field (all of us), running for parts, moving cows, and doing whatever we can to spend time with Mike.
We just experienced our 2nd Dupuyer Grizzly Day. We loved every minute of it. The fireman's breakfast, the parade (which the kids were in), the music in the park, swimming in the creek, the duck race, the greased pig contest (Reed caught the pig and the other boys gave it a good effort), their own lemonade/cookie stand, and a impromptu music jam (Mike played his fiddle).
The kids have a couple of weeks before school starts, so...... we are following through with a promise..... We have purchased tickets, booked the motel, and the kids earned their spending money (thanks to said lemonade stand)..... WE ARE GOING TO SILVERWOOD! I will blog about it later.

2 Months... Really?

2011-06-11T08:25:00.000-07:00

I can not believe it has been 2 months since I have wrote on our family blog... Where is time going so fast? So, I guess to catch up to the here and now I just need to be brief (ok, it is me, and that is never possible).

-Calving season has about wrapped up, barring the few stragglers that we bought late.
-We were able to brand the big bunch of calves on a beautiful day (which we haven't had a lot of lately).
-The kids finished off the school year (with raving reports)!!
-I have been teaching a fitness class 2 times a week in Conrad.
-I also was hired to work at the school next year (now that all 4 kids will be going, sigh).
-We have been having heck with wolves in our cows.
-We took part in our first Conrad Whoop Up Days (Boys were in the parade, went to the rodeo, and I ran my first 5K in almost 2 years).
-It rained for 15 days straight, gave us a 2 day break and then we had down pouring for another 5 days.
-I got brave and went for a run out on the road and wouldn't you know it, there was a bear and 2 cubs!
-My kids have a job of mowing and taking care of 3 lawns this summer.
-And life is going on....
Our kids took part in an amazing spring program (musical play) and here they are-

Blacksmith Buck

Bronc Buster Bill and Isabelle

Their Biggest Fan

Whoop Up Days

5K Race

Scout Parade

And that is our life for the last 2 months in a nut shell!

My OwN PriVatE SpA TreAtmeNt

2011-04-09T08:51:00.000-07:00

You might have seen pictures, shows, or even personally experienced those spa treatments that entail ladies all covered in brown/green muck. They say that it softens the skin, giving it a rejuvenated, refreshed look. Or you see them in their swimsuits sitting in a tub of mud, soaking up the.... well, I am not sure what they are soaking up. I have always wondered how glamorous it must feel to have special treatment like that. After washing off the plaster of gunk, looking in the mirror and seeing a renewed you. Well, I finally got to try it. It wasn't all that glamorous.

It was about 4:30 in the morning and I was headed to check the cows. Why not, I couldn't sleep very good due to a little bit of back trouble. So, I headed out into the somewhat warm, dark morning. The moon was nowhere to be seen, and it was darker than a well digger's sit down. (I am trying to set the mood here). I grab my big mag-lite flashlight and start slopping through the foot deep muck to see if anything was going on. It didn't take long for me to find a calf planked out in the wet mud, shivering and a shaking. I knew I needed to spring into action, so I grabbed the be nice stick, the sled, and kept a tight hold of my flashlight.
I was able to pull the sled right up to the big ol' calf and gave the not so happy momma a warning tap with my be nice stick to let her know I wasn't wanting her breathing down my backside. I bent over this helpless lug of a calf and began to try and wrestle the slimy, wet, slick 80 pounds into the sled. Not wanting to put my influencing stick down, it was quite the sight to see me flop around with this poor calf. Eventually, I succeeded with minimal amounts of grunting, huffing and slipping. I grabbed hold of the rope, wrapped it around my shoulder, and gave it the "ol' heave ho"... Wow, the sled was sinking into the slop, and it was not wanting to budge. Another big umph, and off we went. I was making tracks, and the momma was following close behind. It was going just as I planned, the light from the shed was welcoming me like a beacon, and I was almost to the door. .....
Of course, it wasn't going to be so easy.... There was a patch of ice under the deep muck and i slipped. The weight of the sled won out, and the fact my hands were full with flashlight and stick, I went down hard. IT splatters. I was covered from head to toe. It was soaking through my pants, under my shirt, it was on my gloves, in my face, and my hair was not safe either. Well, there is no stopping here and "wallowing" in pity. I had to get up fast cause there was a mamma on my tail and she wasn't happy with me stealing her baby. At least since I smelled like her she wasn't so wary of me. I got the calf back into the shed, dumped it out in a nice pile of straw, reunited the big black cow with it's baby, and hobbled away, no pride in tact.
As I drove back to the house, feeling the "stuff" saturate through to skin, smelling like crap (literally) I was trying to decide whether I should cry or laugh. My sleeping husband heard me hobble (did not help my already hurting back, nor my knee) into the bathroom, and needless to say, he might have got a chuckle out of the sight I was.
I was able to peel my slop soaked clothes off, and then sat and thought, how long do I let this set before it softens my skin, gives it added nutrients, and renews me. A shower never felt so good. I was a new woman after the experience, no denying it.

This is the said sled, not the same momma, and I only wish it would have been snow and not deep shtuff...

MorNinGs WitH thE GirlS

2011-03-22T06:00:00.000-07:00

I spend my mornings with the girls. It is what I like to do. Who doesn't enjoy being out and about in the early morning, wee dark hours mucking around. It is who I am.
It all starts when Mike flops into bed around 3 in the morning and says, "tag, your it!" He then gives me a run down of how his night with the girls went. It goes something like this, "There is a cow in the shed that her water's hanging out, one that just calved so make sure her calf is up, and 708 is acting like she might do something so keep an eye out for her, and watch out for the skunk." After he groggily gives this slurred evaluation, he literally is out within seconds, and I am it.
I head out the door, dressed in the proper attire for a morning with the girls. It consists of a blue overall suit that is made for a male at least 6 feet tall, so of course it sags on me in all the right places. A pair of muck boots that I am sure will be seen in the next couture fashion walk, a pair of bright blue gloves (at least they used to be that color, now they have "stuff" on them that has changed their appearance), and some kind of stocking hat that I have stole out of one of my boys box. I feel good about myself looking so fine.
I then head over to the place where all the action takes place, The Calving Lot. I grab my big mag lite flashlight and go to work. First I get up on the fence and do a sweep of the light to see if anything stands out as being "nervous". If nothing seems to be acting as if they are going to pass something out there back end and would like some privacy doing so, I insist on going in for a closer look. This entails me shining the above said light at each cows dairy-air. I look for things like springing, bloody show, tail twitching, and then sometimes take a quick glance to see if their bags are tight. Oh, and if I do have one that is about to spring into action, I get all kinds of excited. I am a bit on the touched side, but I love it.
As the sun begins to come up, I get the job of kicking them out into the day lot, where they will be fed and can spread out a bit. So, this means getting a bunch of extremely pregnant cows up from their warm resting spot and kicking them through the gate. They let me know what they think of me as the all get up (very slowly) and turn the posteriors to me and unload what they have been holding in all night. The smell of ammonia is permeating and the sound of that many cows peeing reminds me of a large waterfall. But they don't stop there, but I will. Let's just say that as I follow them out through the gate, I have to avoid warm, steaming mine fields.
Why do I love it? It is glamorous! Well, alright, maybe not but there is nothing like seeing that new life hit the ground, the natural process (of a good cow) turning and immediately claiming her calf as she begins to lick it off. Then just a short while later, to see that calf get up on all wobbly fours, and start rooting around it's mamma to find a food source. It is creation at its best. I even feel good about myself when I can save one from complications, like the sack over their nose and not breathing. It is a miracle to get to see new life and I don't think I could ever tire of it.
There are a few aspects I might not like, for example when I watch the cows chewing on their own after birth, but I guess they need floss too. Or when a mean cow doesn't want you anywhere close and you feel them breathing down your backside as you try to drag their chilled down, dying calf into safety and warmth. But, you take the bad with the good and you make the best of it.
That is why I love to spend my mornings with the girls.

The girls!

YoU WanT SomE TOO!

2011-03-11T05:29:00.000-08:00

We have this problem in our house that has to do with the corrosion of snow pants. Our kids wear them out by sliding on their backsides on any hill they see fit to give them a thrill. So, Mike has remedied this problem with an inexpensive (free) solution. It also gives added entertainment for the onlooker.

Mike diapered them in none other than empty (of course) mineral bags. They add surface speed, protect their snow pants from tearing, and make them walk funny. Yep, we love ingenuity. See, you want some too! They are not one size fits all, depending on your size you might need to go for 50 lb dog food bags.

He InsPirEs mE

2011-03-04T04:38:00.000-08:00

Almost 16 years ago, when I was an innocent 16 year old, I had a crush on this cute cowboy. He was an "older" man, and by that I mean he was no longer in High School. But he was so rugged and a gentleman all in the same. It amazed me at the time that he would show any interest in me, a young, loud, somewhat obnoxious teenage girl. But he did. And now for the last 16 years, half of my life, I have loved him. But what is more incredible, he has loved me back.

Happy Birthday to my ruggedly handsome husband! Now, in his honor, I will share another ranch life story, starring him...

Calving season has begun, which is a time of year I love, if only it were in April and not February. It is against nature to calve this early in the year, why do you think elk and deer do it in June. They know what they are doing, yet man has changed nature and made it so we have to calve in the dead of winter. See, I have issues. Well, on a cold night (and by cold I mean below zero, because anymore, anything above zero is considered almost tropical) we had a cow decide to try and calve prematurely. I decided it was prematurely, because she was not in our drop herd right next to the calving shed. No, of course she was in the Ramada a 1/2 a mile away. So, when Mike found her in a not so pleasant manner (warning: graphic... the calf's head was out and nothing else and it was dead) he knew she needed help.

Well, who better to employ than his trusty right hand girl, me. "I am just going to rope her and trail her back to the calving shed so we can pull this calf, " he said confidently. Well, that sounds easy enough, and for the most part it was. Well, up until we got her in the shed. You see, we have this chute and head catch, that in theory, is supposed to "catch" the cow and hold her in one place. We also have this cow who has been in labor, and has had a calf part way hanging out of her for awhile. As a mother of 4, I have sympathy pains watching such horrors. She was mad, she was honky, she was wanting to eat one of us for lunch. Well, by all means lets lock our selves in a confined space with her I thought to myself.

Mike, seeing my reluctance, fear, I don't know what I portrayed, but it was something, kindly told me to get up on the fence by the head catch and work the bar that should gently "catch" the cow. After I swiftly climbed to my safe position, I watched as my husband influenced her to head my direction, into the jaws of life, or the place where we would trap and torment, I mean help her. Well, as she worked her way up to the desired destination, Mike told me to close it. So, with great force I pushed down on the bar and much to my dismay, nothing happened. Mike looked at me as if I was somewhat incompetent, and then quickly observed that we had a bar blocking our progress, and even admitted it was not my fault. So, she escaped and we started over.

The second time around, it took a little more influencing to get her back into the scary contraption, but she stuck her head through the catch and with all my might I pulled that bar. And with all her might she pushed against the entrapment and the bar came flying up at me, risking life and limb, as I fell off the fence. But never fear, my handsome prince was there to catch me. Let's just say after a few rantings, we decided that there was something not so right with the head catch, and we had to do this a different way.

Lucky for us, she still had a neck rope on and was dragging it around. And by lucky for us I mean me, cause Mike grabbed that rope and wrapped it around a post and said, here hold this. Yes, he did, he put me on the end of a rope with a 1200 lb. cow who had been laboring for hours. On very unstable, shaking legs I did as I was instructed and held that rope. You can imagine my dismay as I watched my husband, father of my 4 children, climb into the area with her. I held his life in my hands, a little dramatic yes I am, but that is what I felt like. "Just keep pulling that rope and I will get her to trip herself up," he instructed with no edge or reluctance in his voice. And I did just that, in just a few minutes time, he had her lying on her side and was asking me to let go of the rope. I carefully unwrapped my end from the pole and watched as he drug it towards him. Wouldn't you know it, it worked. He was able to get the calf pullers and help get this poor "aunry" cow out of her misery. And I lived to tell about it.

GirLs TriP

2011-03-02T05:28:00.000-08:00

KwinLee and I snuck away for a long weekend and headed to Utah. We met up with Tracy and her 2 girls in Lima, and traveled the rest of the way down with them. On Friday we were lucky enough to go wedding dress shopping for Cimber. My mom, Tracy, Ash, Cimber, Cenz, Cali, Tristin (the lone male), me, KwinLee, and Fayth were all there. It was fun to have so many, and yes, she said yes to a dress.
Saturday we were able to get Char and girls and head to the mall. More shopping, it truly was girl time. Then, that afternoon we partied at Grandma's 80th birthday party. She looked amazing and not at all her age. They were taking pictures, so this is one KwinLee and I had together.

We then headed off with Steph and all the girls 12 and under to a movie. Sunday, found us packed up and headed home. Kwin and I stayed in Helena and had some time with Sharon and Buzz, before we drove to the winter wonderland on Monday. It was a great trip and a much needed girl time.

BiTs anD PieCes

2011-02-19T15:38:00.000-08:00

UpDAtes:

January 30... Reed turned 5


Birthday Boots and Hat

- I had my knee operated on
-Aunt Steph came to spoil the kids
-KwinLee and I started taking knitting classes
-Mike worked
-Hyrum lost more teeth
-Spencer earned a sleep over and a swimming trip
-Mike worked some more
-We got covered in 17 inches of snow

-Most of that snow was blown away in a horrific wind storm (160 mph wind gusts)
-Mike worked some more
-We went to a fun pancake supper at the school for the community
-Went to a fun super bowl party with lots of good food to watch the commercials
-Celebrated love day with the family
-and Mike worked

RoaD TrIp

2011-01-20T04:57:00.000-08:00

So, I took a road trip (1300 miles round trip). I was able to stop in Lima and spend some time with Dad, be visited by Tracy and 2 kids, and a overly friendly mouse. I then went on to Utah where I headed out to the mall with Cali (I know priorities should be shopping) yet, the most I bought were cinnamon rolls and a chocolate milk. Instead we walked for hours and let the Cinabon Cinnamon roll (it needs to advertise as a labor inducer) do its work of putting her into labor. That night as Cali was checking into the hospital, Boston, Grandma Cheryl, and I went and visited Steph and Great Grandma Nadine.

The next morning we welcomed baby Tristin Cash into the world, and as he was crying, watched Boston go crazy at hearing his sad brother. I was able to spend time with Char and family, as they were nice enough to put me up for a few nights. Hang out with Mason a little, and just enjoy getting to be an aunt, sister, daughter, granddaughter, cousin, and niece. Tracy and I even slipped over to one of the best hair stylists ever and got the treatment we were in need of. And there was this great dinner at Red Lobster too. Then, it was back to being mom and wife. I missed my family and was happy to be home to them. Mike is such a great dad and takes good care of our kids.

Tristin Cash getting ready to go home!

Brotherly Love

It was great to see everyone and have that time. I miss family being this far away, so the long drive was worth it.

That'S NoT thE Way DaDdY DoEs It!

2011-01-08T14:25:00.000-08:00

This year I have decided to have a post here and there about our "ranch life". Mainly, for my memory that seems to be failing. Just little tid-bits that happen here and there as a snap-shot reminder of our life. The first is titled "That's Not the Way Daddy Does It."

The other day after a vigorous work out and taking the kids to school, I came back to an empty house. With no school work for myself, and no house work to do, I felt kind of lost. Which you should never express in this house, because when you do the "light bulb" effect happens in Mike's mind and instantly he has something to occupy your time. "Why don't you come and do chores over at the barn and spend some "quality" time with Reed and I?" Of course soap operas and hidden chocolate were an option, but with the sweat and tears I have put into getting back into better shape, I chose the outdoors option. Nothing like cow crap and tractor exhaust to deter your cravings of sweet, succulent chocolate.

It didn't take long for me to end up in the drivers seat of the big green tractor, being coached by my ever loving husband, on the art of picking up round bales and ever so carefully (without tearing up the feeder) setting them inside. I personally love the hand motions that go into these directions, he really believes I know what he means with the sign language that is all his own (or so I thought). After guiding me through one success, he sends me on my way to retrieve another heavenly giant green alfalfa roll. His faith in the fact I am a fast learner is quite ego boosting, so off I drive to scoop up another bale and bring it to the balling black mammas.

As I near the bale that is next on the list to be devoured, it occurs to me that this bale is on its end, where the previous one was on its side. " Hmm, I'll be jiggered, I will have to go at this a little different," I thought to myself. First I was sure I needed to tip it over on its side, an easy task at best. As I pull up to this poor innocent unmolested hay, I begin to attack it in a way I am sure will give me the end result I need. Of course after three unsuccessful tries, there was this tiny voice of reason that with a loud sigh said, "That is not the way daddy does it." Well, you see, I had a passenger who had been doing a little hemming and hawing during my failed attempts. So, pushing back frustration and biting my tongue, I replied, "Reed this is my first time, I have never done this before, how does daddy do it?"

Well, that being just the question he was obviously waiting for, he picked up his right hand and began to not only tell me how to go about tipping over this bale, but he used the exact same sign language his father uses. So my first attempt I pulled up to the bale, lifted the loader head, tipped it to the right angle that satisfied the little side kick, lowered the head while opening the hooks, and closed in on the somewhat mutilated hay. As he told me to lower and reverse and lower some more, I was so proud of how I was making it work. Knowing that I had done just enough tipping, I opened the hooks and let it go. Much to Reed's dismay. As the bale popped back up onto its end he exclaimed in exasperation, "No, mom I told you to go lower like this (frantically lowering the said hand artfully to the floor) and not let go yet!" I instantly saw that I had made a mistake and my four year old was there to let me know how once again my not listening and being a touch impatient wasn't working in my favor. So, the second try came around and as he guided me through the signs, which by now I am starting to understand maybe about 50% of the time, I successfully tip the bale to his satisfaction and let go to see it gently thud on its side.

I scooped it up at the angle that the first coach instructed me to use so no damage would be done when dropping it in the desired location, and headed to do just that. When Mike signaled for me to grab one more to feed the starving horses, Reed had a look of disgust in his eyes that simply said he was not wanting to do this with me all over again. But wouldn't you know it, I was able to get that bale on the first try. Reed's response was patting me on the back and repeating over and over again, with a touch of shock in his voice, "Good job mom, you did good that time!"

The Side Kick

EndInG 2o1o

2010-12-29T10:31:00.000-08:00

WOW.... I guess it is time to say goodbye to 2010. This year has marked some major changes in our life, and as I watched a video about Lot's wife this morning, I realized I need to look back less, and await what is in store for me in the future. I mean, I don't want to turn into a pillar of salt!
So, here is to looking back one last time, before we focus in on the future:

Mike: What can I say about this man. He took a chance and some good council, and opened his heart to an opportunity that we might not have ever considered. His faith and positive attitude is what kept us going through some hard months, and the end result was what are family needed. He now has a job he enjoys, it challenges him, he wakes up every day with an "I love my job attitude". He has helped us to already make some great friends and has shown us as a family what "togetherness" truly means. He also took me on a business trip to New Mexico, which scored big in my eyes.

Me: The beginning of this year found me enjoying time with great friends, starting my first semester back to college in over 10 years, becoming a certified group fitness trainer, and in a great job. As the summer approached I was trying to be a willing party in our changing life, but on the inside I was literally kicking and screaming every step of the way. Through my tantrums and pity parties, I have overcome one little step at a time and life's quality is improving. I have renewed my love for being out on the ranch working with my ever patient husband. I have re-broke in my roping arm, improved my tractor skills, learned to bale hay, and learned a new respect/fear of wildlife. Most of all, I have learned to appreciate my kids even more, and though there are days I still need a break, I don't know what I would do if I couldn't be here for them on a regular basis.

KwinLee: Her loving spirit that is always trying to please others, has made her into a special young woman. Her talent on the piano is growing, her love of music is prominent in her life. By the end of the 4th grade she had made wonderful friends and loved everything about school. She has taken this move in stride and has loved being out on the ranch. She learned to bale hay, pick lots of rocks, cook more, and has become an even better "cowgirl". This move has not been easy, and making friends is a slow process, yet she continues to be the happy girl that she is and one that we can be proud of.

Spencer: Not only is he maturing, but physically he is growing like a weed. His dry sense of humor and wit can surprise you at the craziest times. He is a hard worker and this year has proven his love even more for ranch life and being outdoors. He is a great help to Mike and can handle a horse quite well. He finished up 3rd grade with great reviews and charged into our new life with a positive attitude. He has adjusted well and made some great friends. He had his first baseball season ever, and improved so much as the time went on. We were proud of his sportsmanship and hard work. He loves to shoot his gun and found a new love of shooting a bow. He is all about hunting and killing things.

Hyrum: The character. He finished up Kindergarten, which he absolutely loved, and headed into the summer with excitement. He had a few break downs over leaving his best friend, sense pretty much birth, but is adjusting. He loves school, playing with very simple things, and teasing. This year has found him quite toothless as he is losing a lot of teeth. He likes being outside and working with Mike, yet enjoys hanging with me as well. He can entertain himself for hours, and is just a happy-go-lucky kind of kid. He is great to play with his younger brother, and this summer became quite close to him. He too is loving the new life and the new school. He adjusted quite well to the 1 room atmosphere, and is like a sponge when it comes to learning.

Reed: The baby of the family, may be a touch spoiled (by Mike). This year he finished up pre-school, which he loved. He has learned his letters and numbers, once we associated them with cowboy "stuff" and learned to write and read a little as well. His passion for the ranch life has only intensified. He spent hours horseback, in the tractor, and any other work he could get in. His life is about work, roping, cow punching, anything to do with cowboys. He struggled with the move, and still has his moments, but he is beginning to understand the new life and what it means for him. He misses those we left in Helena, but is getting to know that life here means a lot of fun "work" for him.

So, this is the Briggs Family party of 6, wrapping up the end of an eventful year. We can't wait to see what 2011 has to offer, and we hope that it brings all our friends and family some kind of excitement and a lot of happiness.

SomE FirSts

2010-12-19T18:11:00.000-08:00

We had to go to Missoula on Friday for Mike's 6 month review, go over the three year projections for the ranch and the current budget, and to get his computer working better. We also had the Boone and Crockett Employee Christmas Party at "The Keep" that night, while the kids stayed at one of the employee's houses with a baby sitter. We loved the dinner and conversation, and the kids loved the pizza, movies, paper projects, and being away from mom and dad.

We missed out on any kind of family vacation this year, no promised trips to Lagoon, no trip to see family and stay in a motel with a swimming pool (swimming doesn't happen much for our kids), and not a lot of time getting to do much outside of moving and the ranch. So we splurged (not unreasonably I might add) and had a great time staying at the Wyngate with 2 water slides. Our 2 younger kids had never been on one, and our older ones were 4 and 3 when we went once in Billings and tried to seriously drown Spencer. It was a night mare experience for a mom who could see it all happening but couldn't do anything about it (good thing for a life guard who heard my screams from way up above!) Anyway, so this go around we had two experienced, older swimmers and two in life jackets. It was a blast and we tried to wear the slides out.

A style all her own!

Mike getting ready to shoot out like a rocket!

Kwin and Reed Loves

Another first, a Bloomin' Onion from Outback. When Mike and I were poor college students/ new parents, we snuck away once or twice and ate at the Outback, and loved their Bloomin's. Well, we ate lunch/dinner combined there with the kids and let them try. They all seemed to really like it, but it made me sick. I just don't have an iron stomach this last year, which is probably a good thing.
We then let them do their shopping for each other and Mike and I, then called it a day. The roads home were not so good, but we didn't let it ruin our trip. That is the beauty of Red Box and a mom with foresight. All in all, it was a great 2 days.

It'S aLmosT HerE

2010-12-15T16:30:00.000-08:00

I am having a hard time wrapping my brain around the fact that Christmas is just ten days away. Time has just been flying with all the wind that blows. We missed going to Utah for Thanksgiving, which was a big let down, due to real bad weather and roads. We made the most of it by having friends over and combining efforts for a fun day. The next week found Mike and I on a plane headed to Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Mike enjoying being out of meetings!

Our rental car and Me

Our Hotel/ Home for 4 nights.

We have not been on a trip for two (for more than a 22 hour stint) since we had KwinLee. So, it was a little over due, even if it was work related.
When we got home, we were happy to be home with our family. We celebrated Hyrum's 7th Birthday, had an excursion to find Christmas Trees and sledding. We took a trip to Helena, decked the halls (or house), and I finished my semester of college. So, bring on the Jolly ol' fat man, Christmas programs, parties, and the special time to celebrate the birth of our Savior!

We have so much fun Sledding

SleDDinG

2010-11-16T19:25:00.000-08:00

Today has been anticipated since we moved here, maybe even before then. Everywhere we lived before we moved to the Helena Valley, my kids had a sledding hill within a 100 yards from the house. When we lived in the flat valley by Lake Helena, they were extremely disappointed. Even sliding off the loose haystacks wasn't good enough. So, when we moved here and they saw the potential sledding options, they were ecstatic. That is exactly how I would describe them the second they got in the car at school this snowy day. I knew that the second we pulled up to the house they would be off like rockets, getting their snow gear, and heading the 100 yards out the front door to their new sledding hill. They loved it! It will probably take a few good days to pack down a good trail, but look out when they do. I think KwinLee and Spencer could be professional sledders.

I love the energy sledding burns. What comes down, must hike their little tails up!

HalLoWeEN 2010

2010-11-01T10:45:00.000-07:00

Major League Spencer

Amelia Earhart

Sheriff Woody

Calvin and Hobbes


Morning after Halloween!

Simple costumes, but patient kids who were willing to work with what we had! The boys had a great time, and KwinLee did get out for a little while, due to the stomach flu, she was down and out for most of it. We had a great time. Sunday night we met up with 9 other kids and their parents, and we went trick-or-treating around Dupuyer. It was a blast, and many of the community members were expecting us, and treated the kids well. Spencer commented on how we got more here in Dupuyer, then we ever did in Helena. Not sure if I am excited about all the candy, but we will figure something out!

BuRs, SpurS, and BeaR ScaT

2010-10-03T20:20:00.000-07:00

It has been a crazy few weeks, but we are starting to calm down, I hope. Between 3 birthdays, college, ranch life, kids school stuff, and beginning to get involved with our new life.... I have to say I am a touch busy. That is how I seem to roll. Here are the kids school pictures ( a few of them anyway). They take several at the school, cause they can when there is only 10 kids. Oh, and when I am the photographer! But wouldn't you know it is your kids that give the fake smiles out of the whole group.

And here is the whole school, all ten of them. They are a great group of kids.

What can I say about the last few weeks? Well, I have spent a lot of time horse back with my boots and spurs (or Mike's spurs anyway) on, gathering cows. Oh, and this is what it has looked like while out and about while on the back of a good horse. Tough to take, I know.

We have been gathering the cows, getting them ready for shipping day. Reed has loved getting to be out there with us. The other day I left him and Gunner by a gate to turn cows and rode away with the lead. I was almost a mile away for about half an hour and he did his job perfectly. How many 4 year olds can ride their own horse, work cows, and stay by themselves on an important job with no one else in sight (in bear country). Anxiety for a mom though..... Heart skips a beat just thinking about it again.
We have been dealing with weed sprayers, weed pullers, and ditch diggers (in a sense). The gosh awful hounds tongue is trying to take over here, so we deal with burs everywhere. Our cows, horses, dogs, and even myself have been plagued with those irritating burs. We did have 4500 gallons of weed spray go out, and 3 full days of weed pullers declaring war, trying to make a dent in our "problem".
Recently, I have found out that when the phone rings, it could be the fish and game calling to let you know that a collared bear is hanging out around your house. Little bit scary knowing she is there, but you don't ever see her. We have seen her "bear scat" a few hundred yards from the house, taunting us. Just as long as she doesn't want to see what a Reed steak tastes like, I'm good.
Also, we are finally adjusting to the fact the grocery store is 50 mins. away, you have to keep your tank half full if you don't want to run out of gas, and it is so worth an hour and 40 min. round trip with the kids for a night out. What can I say, life is good.

He'S In tHe DouBle DigiTs

2010-09-07T05:13:00.000-07:00

Sept. 7, 2010~ Spencer Turns 10!

Spencer Boyd

Just a fun KID!

It is hard to believe that he is 10, and yet all that he can do, shows just what a young man he is becoming. He has a fun personality, an infectious laugh, he loves animals, is quite the cowboy, enjoys shooting guns, and his new love is shooting a bow. He down right enjoys eating, especially good food and he isn't very picky, so there is a lot of selections for him. He enjoys being with other kids, but also enjoys working alongside his dad (he was his dad's first side kick!). He likes school, enjoys playing sports (especially baseball), and if the truth be known, he is a touch of a momma's boy, and that is OK by me.
Spencer, who was named after one of my hero's, my Grandpa, and one of Mike's hero's, his dad, is such a gift in our life and we absolutely love having this kid!

WhEre DiD it GO?

2010-08-28T07:56:00.000-07:00

I can't tell you how many people I have heard ask, "where did this summer go?" It has gone by so fast, and it seemed like it was incredibly short due to the weather. I was wishing for just a few more weeks with my kids home, a few more warm days to go to the lake, a few more days to do something as a family. But, alas, here we are back into a routine and living with the time we have ahead.

We sent the three older kids off to school in Dupuyer. They are there at 8:20, and not only do they have a really nice lunch program (perks of only 10 kids), but they eat breakfast together at 9 and then have a healthy snack provided to them as well. The cook, who is the grandma of 3 of the kids in the school, bakes cakes and treats for the kids who have birthdays as well. The kids are loving the teacher, making friends, and the fact they are the "Grizzlies".

Back To School and oh so COOL

So, we are back to just having Reed with us during the day. He is missing his Helena life a little and the last few days he has let us know that. But, with time, we hope he adjusts. Well, and maybe some more horse back adventures! Here he is with his faithful buddy Poppy!

We have had a few rough days here recently. Not only did we have to send our kids back to school, a little to soon for our liking, but we have had a run of events that have left us hoping for a good start to next week. Mike tried to burn the bailer down out in the hay field, so we had to take it into the John Deere dealership. Well, that day led to bolts breaking on the wheel that holds it to the bracket of the bailer and at 60 miles per hour on a very narrow 2 lane road with a good amount of traffic, lets just say not only was it amazing that we didn't hit the oncoming car, but Mike keping it on the road and away from the steep embankment which was a miracle to say the least (or someone watching over us). We were stuck in the middle of the road for over an hour, me holding the brake for all I was worth and Mike and a good Samaritan jacking the heavy piece of farm equipment up (with vehicles flying around us) and bending the wheel back in enough so we could limp it to a pull off area. We left at 10 that morning to go 50 miles and he finally delivered it at 8 that night. So, now he is down a bailer, but lucky for good neighbors, he has someone out their bailing hay with their equipment, which truly is a blessing!
As if that wasn't enough high adventure, he went to take salt out to his cows and found 2 dead ones on the forest lease. His cows were really "boogered" and had obviously not been to water for fear of what lurked in great beyond. So today he is up with the government trapper and bear specialist to see if it truly was a "grizzly" attack, and to see if they can get reimbursement for the lost cows. I know what you are all thinking, that is what ranch life is all about. It is, but some days it seems like you get a little more then you bargained for. So, here is to next week and great things!!! and to show just how positive we can be, look at this face that says it all!

That dimple is the best!

GriZzLy DaYs

2010-08-10T09:57:00.000-07:00

We were able to celebrate the 20th annual Grizzly Days in Dupuyer. Our kids rode their horses in the parade. They shut down the main street, which is also the main Highway up to Glacier. So needless to say, we had more spectators, whether they liked it or not.

Hyrum on Gunner and KwinLee on Cisco

Reed on Bean Dip and Spencer on Pistol Packing Pete

Our family joke is, we put the biggest kid on the littlest horse, and the littlest kid on the biggest horse. You should have heard the crowd. They loved seeing that tiny 35 lb. boy on that giant horse.

The kids loved the bounce house, giggled at the Chicken Bingo (you bought a spot on the board and waited to see if the chicken would poop on it), they helped gathered the rubber ducks as they crossed the finish line in Dupuyer Creek, and joined right in the Greased Pig Contest (they oiled pigs up and then the kid to catch one, won).

Hutterite giving the kids pointers on how to catch the pig!

Hyrum in the chase

Spencer going in for the dive!

None of our kids won, but they helped in slowing the pig down for the other kids to get it. We then headed to the creek where the kids washed of the oiled pig smell, swimming. What a fun day!

AdaPtiNg

2010-07-20T14:27:00.000-07:00

We are adapting to our new lifestyle. We have been swimming in the creek, hiking in the hills (out in the wide open bearless hills), visited a few parks, and now tote library cards to two of the libraries in different communities. The kids have spent a lot of time playing outside, a plus because we have no t.v. channels and so nothing to draw them in! Mike brought this great stock tank over and we filled it up. This has been a great thing!!

The kids have also been taking turns going to work with their dad. And sometimes we all go with him. This was Hyrum and Reed's turn to go out and do something???

And this one here is for BUZZ and SHARON ( I hope it makes you smile!) Hyrum inherited the hat from Buzzy.

We were able to sneak back to Helena yesterday and get in some much needed shopping. We had a good day up until it was time to leave. My Reed declared that he didn't want to live on the new ranch and he wanted to live in Helena. Then he cried himself to sleep in the truck declaring he wanted to go back to Buzzy. It was a little rough for me, and then when we got him home he wouldn't get out of the truck. His dad had to pick him up and take him in, which to was a little rough because he began crying all over again for his Buzzy. But, after a good nights sleep, he woke up and headed out to spend a few hours with his dad and is doing much better. So, I won't be packing his bags quite yet!

GlaCieR and MoRe

2010-07-09T05:37:00.000-07:00

We already made our first trip to Glacier. And I do mean first, cause we now have a 1 year pass (I know, real handy in January) but we are only an hour or so away! Steph, Karsyn, KwinLee, Spencer, Hyrum, and I had an enjoyable day!

The kids loved being out on a Glacier. I loved that there was a family who had sleds out there. It was like 89 degrees and they were sledding away. Note to self, bring sleds on the next trip!

This was Snow Goose Island. Right after this we ran into the construction, which worked out perfect. While we waited for the pilot car, we broke out our packed lunch and indulged!

I reported earlier about the experience of doctoring a bull with Mike. Well, the poor thing needed to be re-doctored. So we snuck out early one morning and of course our little cowboy woke up to join us. Reed was so excited that his mom could help dad rope a bull. Some days I actually can impress him!

Note: I said early in the morning, before I had time for hair and make-up!

AlmOsT a NoVeL

2010-07-04T16:31:00.000-07:00

WARNING: It is a long one, hence the title!

We said goodbye to Helena. It was not easy, and I feel I will personally mourn the loss for a LONG period of time. Helena was so much to our little family. It was AMAZING friends who brought me out of my shell and were such great examples. It was the place I gained employment in which I came out of my comfort zone and did things I never thought possible. It is where I proved to myself that I could go back to school, at my old age! It was where my kids learned about park hopping,cow camping, and best friends. It has been a great 8 years! But most important it is where we gained some of the closest friends/adopted family and we know that because of that friendship, we will have them for life!

But, it is time to move on. Sometimes that is easier said then done. I am learning what it is to be 45 mins. from a grocery store again, and to keep an eye on the gas tank. I am also learning that my kids became very independent in our crazy lifestyle these last few years and that I now am almost learning to be a different kind of mom to them. I love that they are so enthusiastic about this change, and I can't help but feel some of their excitement be contagious. I love their example to me.
So... Life goes on! And for those who have expressed some concern, here is a picture to prove that so far none of my children have been eaten by bears. (Charlene, Karsyn is incident free as well).

Yesterday, Mike decided to break me back into the ranch wife life slowly (yeah right). He picked me up, had my horse saddled and ready, and informed me that we were going to doctor a bull. What does this mean for me? I have to rope it. I haven't roped anything in quite a long time, and at that they were just calves. So I get the bull around the neck and he says, "Just pull him over!" I am on a horse that I am sure is half this bull's size, but has heart like you wouldn't believe. And yes we just pulled him over. (Insert note that he was in pretty bad shape with foot rot, so this task was only mildly scary). Mike doctored him and then informed me to not let the bull up until he was back on his horse. Hmmmm, I could be really mean at this point and see just how fast he could get back on that horse, but I wasn't! This picture is right where we were doctoring the bull and the eye sores that we have to look at are just terrible (being facetious).

The first morning I was here, Mike asked me to go and help him move his dams (around 5:30 am). So we got on the 4-wheeler and cruised in the peacefulness of the morning (and when I say peaceful, I mean realllllly quiet). We came onto these elk, I whipped out my camera and took this picture, and then, my camera battery died. So, that was that. Later, I dropped him off at the tractor he needed to drive back to the shop, and took off by myself ahead of him. As I crossed a bridge and came out in a clearing, there was my first bear sighting. My first morning out on the ranch and of course I see one, all by myself. Mike has been here for over 2 weeks now, and hasn't seen hide nor hair of one. Ok, that is not all true. He found a backbone of a dead animal with the meat still fresh on it and a pile of bear dung right next to it. But, no bear around for him to glimpse at.

That is our life as of right now. And once again, thank you Helena area for the wonderful life you provided our family for the time we were there (all 8 years).

SigNiNg oFF frOm HeLeNa

2010-06-26T06:23:00.000-07:00

We are officially being "disconnected" from Helena. Well, for the most part any way. Future post to come from Dupuyer, Montana along with a final goodbye :(. We will be back online in a week or so ;)

3rd PlaCe

2010-06-15T06:57:00.001-07:00

Spencer wrapped up his first ever baseball season with a bang. His team took third place and had a great last game. Spence was up to bat in the last inning with 2 outs and 2 on base, of course he had his best hit of the year. Line drive clear out into out field, but the great defense of the first place team tagged one of the other runners out, ending the season. But he was given the game ball and one of the other boys gave him one of his bats that Spence used through out the year. To end it off, they had Dairy Queen ice cream too.

I missed the final days of the tournament, due to the fact that I was in Utah with my family. Cali, Justin, Boston, and baby on the way went to the Mt. Timpanogas Temple and I was lucky enough to be there and share the day.

Sunday was Mike and I's 12th wedding anniversary, so I drove straight home and made it in time to have a steak dinner cooked by my great husband (sad to say I could not eat much due to a bad toothache) but it was appreciated. We are hopefully going to take some time down the road and celebrate 12 years together. I mean, the man should get something for putting up with me for that long!

MovInG iS NoT FuN!

2010-06-07T12:56:00.000-07:00

Well, after 8 years (yes, I said 8) of being in the Helena area, we are making a move.

This will be where we are living, only the house is much closer to those mountains, and the Grizzly Bears that live there. Mike will be the manager of the ranch and we will be his main crew! The Boone and Crockett Club owns the ranch and they also have located there on it a learning center. Mike will mainly be over the cattle operation, but will sometimes be needed for the teaching end as well. He will do great.
I can not yet put into words how I feel about the transition, it is a win/lose for me personally. But in the long term aspect, it will hopefully be a WIN. Most important, I get to see my family spending a lot of time together. You can't go wrong there!
More to come on this new adventure! For a little more info on what he will be doing: http://www.boone-crockett.org/conservation/conservation_trmr.asp?area=conservation

MyRtlE's BirThdaY and BrEa ToO!

2010-05-26T10:23:00.000-07:00

Myrtle (also known to the world as Charlene, Char, Charlie, Charles-p-butter butt, and mom) is having a birthday. I won't tell you how old she is, cause a lady doesn't like her secrets told. But she is 4 1/2 years older then me. She was lucky enough to not only be born on our grandparents wedding anniversary, but she gave birth to her first daughter (second child) on that day as well. May 27th marks a big day!!! Not to mention she usually always has a long weekend right around her birthday thanks to Memorial Day. So a big shout out to Char and Brea for their birthday! Hope you ladies have a great day!

I thInK I CaN

2010-05-13T05:38:00.000-07:00

It seems strange for a 31 year old woman to be amazed at a simple thing such as getting a few good grades. But I have to say, after 12 years of what has felt like dormant brain activity, I am a little proud. O.K., so maybe it hasn't been completely dormant, but I promise you one thing, my vocabulary has changed, but not strengthened in the last (almost) 11 years of mommy life. My multi-tasking skills have definitely been kicked up a notch, my patience has increased, and every fiber of my being has felt love of all kinds. And to my astonishment, it has all made me a better student.
I know that some may think I am crazy, but I enjoyed learning again. Well, learning of a different sort. Not the kind that wakes you up in the middle of the night, crying and you are learning the lesson of why mixing sugar and carnival rides makes for a really long night for you and the groaning kid. Or, the teaching I received from my daughter when it comes to her fashion and tastes. Not that kind of knowledge, because I have had a lot of that. But the kind that makes you use big "words" and out of the ordinary numbers.
So I finished my first semester back at college the second time around. I earned A's and 9 more credits. I don't know what my future holds. My life is going to change in the next month or so, and I might have to once again put things on pause. But I now know that I can do it. And that is a touch satisfying in my simple mind.

....As for an update on our life. We our waiting for 1 possibly 2 interviews in the next week or so, and from there we will see what our life will bring! We could be moving to the middle of nowhere, or the middle of nowhere, or to a destination yet unknown! You know me, I will keep you posted on "further developments" as my wise old dad says!

SmeLL oF BurNing FleSh

2010-05-08T06:06:00.000-07:00

I don't know why I am so attracted to this. But I love branding season. Nothing like the smell of burning calf flesh, crap all over you (sorry), rope burned hands, gritty eyes and teeth, and all the glory that comes with it (no glory really). The kids love it too, well except for maybe #3. Hyrum is missing in these, cause the kid didn't want to miss school, but as soon as school was out, he was in the thick of it. As I type they are getting dressed and ready to head off for another one. Extra laundry and long showers tonight!

LifE's LitTle JoyS

2010-04-19T11:25:00.000-07:00

We had our first emergency trip for stitiches! Not bad considering we have four kids. Poor Reed, who already has so much one on one time with doctors, was the lucky canidate. He is good though, stitches are out and he is back to being as wild as ever!

For over a year now, Mike has been saving money for a Spade bit (spade spoon is the type of the mouth piece that goes in the horses mouth), and after a lot of looking, and I mean a lot, he finally purchased one and is quite happy with it!

Spencer started baseball. He played 3rd base his first game, and he was so excited. He is number 10, and quite handsome in his uniform, if I do say so myself!

Life is a little crazy, but we are surviving. I have said it before, the unknown is a bit overwhelming, but we have a whole world to conquer! Well, maybe not a whole world, but Mike wants me to consider Australia anyway :) Til next time!

LoVe SpRinG

2010-04-02T07:20:00.001-07:00

I Love Spring and Here are some reasons why:

Blades of green grass shooting up in unexpected places.
Spring Break with my kids home.
Hearing the baby calves outside my window, and watching them play.
EASTER (this has always been my favorite)
Cool mornings that lead to sunny days.
The occasional wet snow (just a reminder where we live)
The smells in the air.
Branding season up and coming.
A reason for my sister to bring Boston up to visit!!!
AND.... My husband shaved his beard off!

I love Spring!

A WeEk To RemEmBer

2010-03-23T19:43:00.000-07:00

A lot of people have been wondering why I have a dazed look on my face. One that is on the brink of tears. I have told some, but the story is that to me some days, just a story that I am not sure if "that all just happened" or not. SO to put it briefly:

A couple of weeks ago Mike received a call from a guy who wanted his resume'. We sent it to him and immediately he called back and set up an interview. We met with him on a Friday, amongst me going through mid-terms, an extra work load, and a huge Relief Society project coming up, we went. We spent eight hours with this gentleman, and at the end of the day, he had won both Mike and I over.

He told us over the dinner he was buying us, that he would like us to go home for a day, think about it, and if it was what we wanted to ask Mike's current Boss how soon Mike could leave. He said that Mike was his first pick, and he would meet with us in the next day or two to finalize things. So we went home, prayed, made some hard decisions, figured out how we would make it all work, and Mike gave notice to his current employer. We then tried to make contact with the new future employer.... after 3 days, we finally did. To find out, he found someone who could be there sooner. Mike happened to mention that it put us in a bad situation, because he had given notice like he was told to, to his current employer. But in an unfriendly manner, the gentleman told him that was not his fault. So, here we sit, knowing that Mike is going to be replaced in a few months here, and we will be starting a new adventure, we just don't know when.

So if I look a little dazed, or you wonder why I have to keep going to the Dr. for ulcers and stress induced pancreas problems, why when Reed says he doesn't want to leave his house or his Buzzy, and Hyrum says he can't stand leaving his best friend of 5 years, And I want to cry every time I think of leaving the amazing friends, the job, and school.... well maybe this can explain why I tend to be somewhat of a basket-case......

But then I remember, the Lord has given me so much. I have so much to be grateful for, and he has never let me down yet. This morning as I read about faith, and planting it as a seed and then nourishing that seed, I realized that my little sapling is far from bearing fruit, and it will take these life experiences for me to get enough faith that I can someday enjoy the fruit of faith!

That is my last week or so, in a nut shell. And yes, I am going to be ok....

AliVe We aRe

2010-02-20T19:39:00.000-08:00

Just a look at our last month in pictures!

Cousin Reese and Reed. Reese is actually in Argentina, hence the cardboard cutout for his sister's wedding.

KwinLee working the Guest Table

Country boy meets long legged beauty

Roland taking his Aunt Kadie for a spin around the dance floor!

Spencer's Scout Troop got 2nd at the Chariot Races

We aRe IN WoVe!

2010-02-08T17:00:00.000-08:00

Wove, true wove, is what has brought me here today.... With 4 kids, a great husband and a somewhat crazy life... Happy Valentines day 2010!

Quick notes: Kids all got rave reviews at parent teacher conference, and I missed my first one ever. Mike took one for the team and went cause I had class. They really are doing great. School is going fine for me, I am in the thick of homework and reports and all that. Mike is still my cowboy in shining (hay, grease, cow crap covered) armour and I mean that in a good way. I love that rugged man!

On the 31st of January Reed, KwinLee, and I went to Rexburg to see Baby Boston get blessed, and I got to love all over his cuteness. Then we went on to Utah to attend Alyssa and Jake's wedding in Salt Lake City. It was so fun and the couple was perfect.

I have to say, for the first wedding I have ever got to take pics of, they were fun and very patient with me!

JaNuaRy 2010

2010-01-28T15:15:00.000-08:00

Where this month thinks it is going so fast, I don't know. Have you ever wished that time would fly through some parts of your day (while accomplishing much) and then would come to a very slow trudge through other parts... Like resting and time with your family?
Our January has been great so far. It has found us in a lot of snow, sledding, building snow men, and staying in out of the cold as well. The kids are back into school and starting there third quarter. Mike goes in for parent teacher conferences next week to see how they have been doing!
This weekend is Reed's 4th Birthday, and yes, he kept tradition by asking for another pair of cowboy boots, that's it. Blue this time. Pictures will come later. Today I spent time in his pre-school class helping and doing treats, fun times!
Hyrum is still just loving Kindergarten and I get to go in on Wednesdays and read to his class. I love getting to be in the thick of the kids and learning about them. His teacher is great as well.
Spencer is really enjoying reading this last month, which has been partly motivated by free pizza for reading minutes turned in. He has also been driving the tractor and working with dad when he can. He is especially excited about his upcoming chariot races for scouts!
KwinLee is loving her Accelerated class she goes to on Mondays. They have been doing some fun projects and right now they are working on Greece. She really likes helping me in the kitchen, and I think that I will start teaching her a few simple meals to cook, so that she can do dinner every once in awhile. She is getting independent and I don't know if I am ready for her to be soooo grown up.
Mike is in the thick of feeding cows and staying warm. He brought the first calf born (early) to the house the other night. Lets just say I have pictures, but I don't think I will share. There was no bone structure.
I have official word that I am a certified group fitness instructor. With this I also certified to be a Pink Gloves Boxing Instructor and teach that as well, which is a blast, and yes I have pink gloves! I also have started college, taking 9 credits. I am re-learning Algebra, getting to go through College Writing, and introducing myself to the Psychology world. The biggest test is keeping my time organized so that I don't take away from my kids and Mike very much.
Well, I have dragged on and there is not much humor in my dry post... sorry. Nor pictures. I will put more effort into this when I get some time (haha there's the humor).

2010 ThiNgS I wAnt AnD NeeD To DO

2009-12-30T14:56:00.000-08:00

First off, Happy Birthday to SandyKay! Yesterday was Milton's Birthday,Mike's oldest brother (shout out) and today is SandyKay's Birthday, his older sister. Hope that you who are sometimes lost in the mix of the Holidays, had a great day!
So, I have been taking pictures and I was published in a magazine. Ok, so it was a horse sale catalog and not a huge deal at all, but hay (pun intended) I am moving on up!

So the new year is fast approaching, and I have to say that last year I actually somewhat stuck to my New Year Resolutions and had some good things happen. So this year here is my forever eternal long list:
1. I want to keep up my good habits from last year and this year take a step back and enjoy what I have been given.
So that is it. I have decided to not be overzealous and unrealistic. I am adventuring out new roads this year, and I intend to just let life come at me and learn to deal and not have too high of expectations of myself!
I hope all of you have a great New Year.

ChrIsTmaS Is AlMosT HerE

2009-12-23T03:52:00.000-08:00

This is our attempt of taking a picture for Christmas cards.... KwinLee is the photographer. We our inside, becuase at the time we were not getting above 0 degrees!

We had a great time making this Gingerbread House. The kids did a great job decorating it! I have to say now, that their are pieces of candy missing off the roof and few other places. Reed has really enjoyed having it down within his reach.

My kids. This is me getting them laughing at me and not taking me serious! They are so excited for Christmas and I am excited to have them home. Spencer has been out helping his dad feed cows and learning to drive a tractor, KwinLee has been decorating the house and being my little elf, Reed and Hyrum have been playing up a storm (I think they miss each other, for now).
Tomorrow is Christmas Eve and we get to go collect food items for Food Share at the Live Nativity. This is such a great thing to do on Christmas Eve, it has become a tradition for us. We were fortunate enough to deliver Christmas to a special family a few nights ago, and that will be a memory that sticks in my mind forever. Our little family is so blessed, and I just want everyone to know we truly hope you have a Merry Christmas!

HyRuM WayNe

2009-12-04T04:06:00.001-08:00

Tomorrow this little man turns 6. He is our December baby that was supposed to come in January, but what a very early Christmas present he was. I have to say that I had really good babies, but this baby was the easiest baby out of all of them. And then... He turned 1. Anyone who knew Hyrum from the age of 1-4, knows what I am talking about. He is so full of life that when he was little it bounded out everywhere.
He is a smile that is contagious, he is spontaneity, he is handsome, he is kind, he is witty, and he is lovable! His name is special and every time Mike and I think of how we came about it, we are in awe. He is such a great addition in our family and we are thankful for him.
Happy Birthday my little Ball of Fire. You are loved!

ThAnkSGivInG 09'

2009-11-29T04:28:00.000-08:00

And the days that followed!

This year, for the first time ever, it was just Mike and I, and the kids for Thanksgiving. Mike had to work a good part of the day (only breaking for my race and to eat), so we stayed close to home and made our own quaint little day. This year I chose to have each of the kids pick a menu item and then spent time with them making it. This was so much fun. KwinLee learned how to make homemade rolls, Spencer made some awesome deviled eggs, Hyrum made pumkin pie (did you know that singing to the pie crust makes it tasty), and Reed made sweet potato souffle and hearing him pronounce it makes a person giggle.

Mid morning we took a break so I could run the 5K Turkey Trot. I beat my time from the last 5K, so I was happy. We then took a quick ride around the auto mall to peak at vehicles (the dreaded day of needing a newer reliable vehicle has come)due to some major problems and money to be spent in the near future!

We had our great dinner around the 2:30 ish hour and then as Mike headed back out the door, the kids and I just chilled. I did dishes here and there (ones that Mike didn't do before he left again, always helping) and we just relaxed. Of course at some point I had to get the Black Friday ads and make a game plan (and it worked well).

3:30 am Friday found me getting ready to go shopping. And I did and I was somewhat victorious at saving money and coming in under budget for every kid!!

Friday night (thanks Boyd and Diane for watching the boys while we shopped) and Saturday morning found me doing the car salesman shuffle. We had a plan and when we went to the dealership to sign papers, Mike had a "feeling" and so we totally changed our mind and went a different route. Mike got an early Christmas present of a 6 passenger truck that will be the family vehicle. Now I am in search of a little "jitney" that gets good gas mileage and is cheap for driving around town.

That was our last couple of days and it has been good to have the kids home. Hope everyone else has enjoyed time with family and friends and great food! Oh and my pictures that I took on a camera with no memory card in it will have to just be burned forever into my mind!!

BosToN ArrIveS

2009-11-19T15:56:00.001-08:00

Boston arrived on November 15th on His Aunt Tracy's Birthday. It was so neat to be there and be a part of the first few days of his life. I might be biased, but he is dang cute!

BosTon'S MommY

2009-11-04T09:54:00.000-08:00

This is my beautiful baby sister and her husband. She is the only younger sibling that I have and for a long time I was the baby... But fortunately for me, she came along and stole my title. Here she is with me, back in the days of me not so sure of the title being taken.

And now these two cuties, have a cutie on his way.

In just a few more days ( I am just sure she will cooperate ;), my wonderful little sister is going to have a Mr. Boston Joseph. Bringing another boy and nephew into my life. But how cool it is, because I have been the little sister having the babies for my older sisters, and now it is my turn. My turn to be the big sister to her and let her know how proud I am of her. To let her know that this is going to change her life in ways that are only going to be for the better. I am here to give her advice and laugh with her through the trials like my older sisters did for me.
I love you CaliChey. You are the best little sister, well right next to me I am sure!

HaLLo-WeeN

2009-11-01T15:31:00.000-08:00

4 class parties, one cub scout party, 2 friends parties, trunk-r-treating, and a Halloween dance later, and we have all survived another year. KwinLee was a cheerleader/football fan, Spencer a soldier, Hyrum was Handy Hyrum, and Reed was .... a cowboy big surprise. Let's just say I can wait for next year!

OcToBeR

2009-10-13T09:28:00.000-07:00

Don't you just love October. It is a sign of everything to come. The best thing is when you walk into the stores and they have all the Halloween junk, right next to the Thanksgiving junk, which is also placed right by the Christmas junk. Really, why don't you make it hard on moms and go out and confuse the children by your retail greediness.
I get asked, "Mom, why do they have Christmas stuff out if we haven't even had Halloween?" It is then followed quickly by, "can we go look at what we might want for Christmas?" Yes, by all means, lets go look at costumes and toys and put me into stress overload at the cost of everything for a family our size! Whatever happened to the let's take one step at a time. No joke, we spotted Christmas items for sale and decorated trees in stores in September. I guess I just don't get it. Or is it because I truly think of Thanksgiving as a time to give heart felt Thanks instead of superficial honors. Oh, and Christmas is not about a man in a Red Suit who tends to spend way to much money, but about the birth of an incredible Man who lived His life in such a way that millions want to be like Him, and then went on to be Our Savior.
Silly me, what do I know though!

iCe BloCkInG

2009-09-27T07:07:00.001-07:00

Don't knock it until you try it... For a youth activity the other night, they went ice blocking down a perfect hill. I had never done this, nor had seen it done before, so I had to come and watch (ok, I couldn't resist, I tried it too). The best was when they had like 15 of them going at one time in races. The mayhem at the bottom of the hill was priceless. I must say that it takes some core balance to stay on that little ice block at a bumpy rate of speed!

Really, what a cheap way to entertain a large group of people, I highly recommend it!

LaGOoN

2009-09-20T20:08:00.000-07:00

Well, we spent a crazy weekend where we packed up the kids, drove 7.5 hours to Utah getting in late Friday night, then waking up and getting to see some great friends and my Grandma in the morning.... AND THEN it was Lagoon time. Let me tell you that our kids were so excited they shook. They could not even fathom what they were in for. Lets just say that Mike and I's love for wild rides and scaring ourselves has been passed down into our four children and it made for an awesome day.
KwinLee and Spencer did all the Roller Coasters except one, oh and Mike did to. Hyrum did as many as they would let him on, and believe me, he would have done everyone if they weren't so diligent about measuring height. Reed loved the ones that would go in a big circle really fast (not his mom though). We loved doing all the rides we could as a family (even if it meant mommy getting soaked). The kids were so good and listened all day. I have to say that they were on their best behavior and the older ones were great at trying things and the little ones were great at being patient.... Oh, it was just a great day. And I ended it by going on Wicked all by myself. I think I could have talked Mike into it if we would have had someone to watch the kids. But I also think Hyrum would have gone without any questions if we would have let him.... We shut the park down and literally just escaped the monsoon that hit right when we pulled out of the parking lot.
This morning we packed up, headed to Richmond to see Mike's Grandpa Pope and visited for a little while before we headed the rest of the way home. Talk about whirlwind, but it was so worth it. The kids did amazingly the whole trip and it was truly enjoyable. The Highway Patrol who pulled Mike over was even generously nice! What a weekend.

FrOm WoLf tO BeaR

2009-09-17T14:58:00.000-07:00

Spencer is advancing from a Wolf to a Bear in scouts. He loves scouts and is doing great with it. Our pack meeting last night, was right out here on the ranch. It was a lot of fun and Spencer received a lot of badges. Here he is showing his dad the badges and also with his troop in front of one of the tepee's that were set up!

And here is Reed. It is tradition that on the way home from school all the kids tell me about their day, taking turns. Well, I forgot to include Reed (having already talked to him when I picked him up earlier in the day) and so when we got home he let me know that he was upset. So I got him a glass of Dotty Milk and called everyone around the table to come and listen to Reed's day. This is a picture of what he did for about 5 minutes, not once mentioning what he did that day, just making his brothers and sister giggle by pulling funny faces over the mug.

MiSS KwinLee Is TurnIng 10

2009-09-11T20:33:00.001-07:00

10 years ago we were getting to meet our first and only baby girl. Our little "Tootsie Bella". I can't believe how time goes by so fast. I am not kidding, it seems not long ago those cute little chubby cheeks holding up tiny little glasses were toddling around the house. Now I have a little girl who is turning into a young woman before my eyes.
And to prove it, this year she asked that I get rid of the "little girl" decor and redo her room to be more "modern and age appropriate". I surprised her with her new room and she loved it, she even thought the big paint spots on her carpet were cool (but they will be going out with the carpet!)
Mike and I love, love, love this talented, brilliant, soft hearted, fun little girl (yep that is what she will always be to us).
Happy big decade Angel Baby, Tootsie Bella, Ninnee, Sissy Bear, and (AKA) KwinLee Elizabeth... We love you so much!

LaBor dAy

2009-09-08T13:54:00.001-07:00

What a weekend. Saturday evening we headed over to White Sulphur Springs to stay with Mike's family and to spend some time with Buzz and Sharon and their family. The first night brought Mike and I to Jello Wrestling. Waste of good jello if you ask me. I thought that was the one thing we haven't used jello for :) Sunday we went to church and then had a great lunch, followed by a wonderful nap, and then some good visiting and music. Then Mike and I went out on the streets and danced until we thought the carriage would turn into the pumpkin or when those around us had become consumed by "the drink". Monday led us not only into Labor Day, but it was Spencer's 9th Birthday as well. His Grandma Diane made him a great breakfast, he and his sister rode their bikes in the big parade, he went to the rodeo, and then he shared a bunch of cake with family and friends at the park. It was a good day for him and he let us know several times. For his birthday he got a new vest and he wanted his room changed up a bit from the little boy stuff to the more "cool" stuff. So he picked out a new beadspread and we put some things together for him.
At the Rodeo Hyrum rode a sheep. He did pretty good, except his mom missed a few shots coming out of the chutes because the announcer and clown were giving her a bad time and distracting her! He was so excited when he got a dollar and a soda pop. It made his day.

SchOOl BeGinS

2009-08-26T13:46:00.000-07:00

The first day of school. The kids were so happy, Mike and I sad. But it has come and we will just have to face it. KwinLee is in 4th Grade with Mrs. Nyland (1 day a week she will be going to Peak), Spencer is in the 3rd Grade with Mrs. Martinelli, and Hyrum started Kindergarten with Mrs. Ralph.
Hyrums first day was only 15 minutes and he felt he was totally jipped. But we did get to do a messy project and take some pictures ;)
Now, for the first time in 9 years, I have one child at home for long periods of time. Except, his dad is already claiming him. But I can't wait to get some one on one time with Mike Junior (aka Reed)!

AuGUsT DaYs

2009-08-21T13:23:00.000-07:00

The kids love to sleep on the trampoline. Reed makes it for about 20 minutes, Hyrum makes it until he gets a bloody nose and has to come in, and KwinLee and Spencer make it the whole night through. Not real enthusiastic when their mom comes and jumps on the trampoline to wake them up and take their picture.
We love the lake! The kids love to play in the water and the sand. I love that it wears them out.
We went to Utah last weekend for CaliChey's Baby Shower. She will be having Boston in Novemeber, any day is good except for the 20th. I have a movie date that night. We had fun throwing her the shower and spoiling her. While I was there my mom and I took the kids to the zoo and really enjoyed that too. Reed loved the baby giraffe, KwinLee loved the penguins, Spencer loved it all, and Hyrum liked the bats. My mom's favorite part was when the kids and I popped our heads out in the prairie dog tubes and became part of the exhibit. I loved that hardly anyone was there and also watching my kids react to each animal. Oh, and Utah was introduced to Reed in shorts and Orange Topped Cowboy Boots, Fun Times!

We HaVe To dO WhaT To GeT IcE cReaM

2009-08-06T13:19:00.001-07:00

I took the kids out for pictures and then threatened them that if they were not good they would get no Dairy Queen Ice Cream. I just gave up and decided that I need a much better woman then I to take my kids pics... And they still got Ice Cream. We had fun though!

BrIggS FamiLy ReUniOn

2009-07-27T15:53:00.001-07:00

We wore out the water, slept in a tent, ate by the fire, played games, drank home made root beer, and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. What a great time!

JuLy

2009-07-27T05:40:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Where has July gone? It seems to be flying by and before I knew it, it has been almost a month since my last post. Here are a few pictures of what we have been doing since the end of June.
We went to the Air Show, celebrated the 4th of July in a grand way, had Aunt Steph here and enjoyed Harry Potter, Gates of the Mountains Tour, Swimming at the Lake, and even entered some things into the fair. We have been busy! Not to mention a lot of extra work days, Mike's surgery, and a Briggs family reunion (which a post will be coming soon about that!)

CoW CamP 2oo9

2009-06-27T08:04:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

What a fun week it has been. The kids were in the heighth of their glory. They loved every minute of cow camp this year, except for maybe when we told them it was bed time. We slept in a tent, chased cows early morning to mid afternoon, fished, played Folf, roped, ate great food, sang around the campfire, froze a little at night, woke up with aches and pains, smelled not so great, and did I mention chased cows. It really was a great experience this year and I know it was everything my kids had been looking forward to since last year! I will look back on this later as a reminder why we lead the "poor" cowboy life. It raises great kids!

RooT BeEr FlOaTs

2009-06-09T16:03:00.001-07:00

What is better then some Root Beer Floats after sitting through your sister's piano recital. Oh, did I say sitting through, well there were those 8 trips to the bathroom between 3 boys! I ran the Governor's Cup Race 10K (6.2 miles for those who are not good at conversions) last Saturday, in the rain/sleet/snow. I was happy to accomplish it and even more excited to run with my kids in the mile fun run. Hyrum's little legs carried him the whole way without stopping and there were some good hills in that mile!

KwinLee and Spencer got out ahead of us and they ran the whole way too.

Spencer beat us all and he actually beat a lot of the runners. He did really well.

This was my race at about 6.15 miles into it. I had the finish line in site and was just happy I made it!

SumMeR WiSh LisT

2009-05-31T07:22:00.000-07:00

Summer is fast approaching and I have decided this summer I am going to make a wish list of things we want to do.. either as a couple or a family. Hopefully later we will be posting about the success of fulfilling our wish list!

*** Go to the Temple (it has been 2 1/2 years)

**Get Mike on a couple of fishing trips

*Camping (this is easy to fulfill on the week we have Cow Camp)

*Swimming at the lake

*One boating trip

* A trip to Utah for me and the kids

* At least 2 days at Mike's family reunion

**See "Singing In The Rain" at the Big Fork Playhouse

Like I said this is a "wish" list. Mike usually only gets Sundays off in the summer, so we will see how much we get done. (*** means top priority, ** means I really would love to see this done, *means we will live if it doesn't happen!)

I hope that everyone has a great summer. Enjoy what time you have with family and friends because time goes by so fast and before you know it your wondering where it went.

OuR WeEkEnD

2009-05-24T08:08:00.000-07:00

I have been asked, a numerous amount of times, what we will be doing with our Memorial Day weekend? Well, nothing more then what is usual, for us. Friday night Mike and I spent 3 hours on our yard, and although Better Homes and Gardens will not be calling, I am happier! Saturday we both did our early morning things like feed cows and run, then we collected 5 horses and our kids to head up to the Gates of the Mountains and help brand at a ranch there.
This is Mike's horse Cisco, he bought as a colt with his graduation money and then broke him. One thing to know about him is that he loves roping calves. He comes alive when he gets to. You can see it in him, and that is why he and Mike fit so well together!

We bought Hyrum these yellow topped boots off of ebay for $6.83 brand new. Aren't they great and they fit his personality. He couldn't wait for them to come in the mail. Spencer got a pair of orange topped ones just like them brand new. I have to say that Mike's ebay browsing pays off once in awhile.

Yep and here they are, my 4 children. Sometimes I stop and look at these 4 and get so overwhelmed that they are all mine and that I have such responsibility. Mike and I let time pass and then before we know it we have a 9, 8, 5, and 3 year old who depend on us and look up to us. We love them so much and are grateful they fit into our lifestyle!

I am also happy to report that I witnessed and photographed both Spencer and KwinLee roping and dragging a calf. My day was completed by a barbecue of pork ribs, baked beans, potato salad and lemon bars. Summer can officially begin!

RaCe FoR ThE CurE

2009-05-16T15:55:00.000-07:00

Sharlene, Tiffany, Me, and Nichole

Anna, Stephanie, Tiffany, Sharlene, Me, and Nichole

Below...Me

Not really cute pictures of me. I don't photograph well after I haver ran over 3 miles (anytime really). But I did it. I ran 3.2 miles in 33 mins and 34 secs. Not a fabulous time, but it beat what I hoped it would be! In 3 weeks it will be over 6 miles...
This race was important for more then just running. It was The Race For The Cure and Breast Cancer Awareness. Something I feel strongly about. One year ago I missed this race to be at this special woman's funeral. This year I ran in memory of her, and I even imagined what Coach McGraw would be saying to me when I wanted to slow down or stop. She was a wonderful woman, who touched my life more then I understood as a "young punk kid"! I think of her often!

MoThER's DaY

2009-05-10T07:51:00.000-07:00

It's Mother's Day. A day we celebrate the wonderful women who have or are raising children (is the job ever really done?). The day when we recognize all the efforts that have been made in our behalf. I am grateful for the "moms" in my life. All the ones that I have been touched by, especially my own mom. She who knows me "Oh, so well". She has loved me for 30 years and is literally a part of my daily life! I love you mom and hope you know how important you are in my life and the best part for me is to know you are only a phone call away!
Spencer made this cute little flower basket for me. I love the little hand made gifts on Mother's Day, the are so cherished.

Mike got me a wonderful bouquet of red roses and I love them! He also will be cooking me dinner with a yummy chocolate dessert. I can't wait!

My day started this morning at 4:30 am, when I loaded 4 sleepy, groggy kids into the car and headed home from Lima. We spent the night at Grandpa Steve's to celebrate his Birthday. Mike was out working already when I got here so I fed the kids, bathed the little boys, ironed church clothes, cleaned up a bad nasty mess in the bathroom on the floor and all over the toilet, and then cleaned up the mess in the kitchen. Yep, what better way to celebrate Mother's Day then doing motherly things!

Happy Mother's Day!

GiRlS CaN ToO!

2009-05-07T07:41:00.000-07:00

Well it is with much pride that I sit here today to report that KwinLee roped her first calf yesterday too! She too caught by both back feet and drug it to the fire. Once again, I was not there to witness it and no pictures were taken. But I am so happy for her, I won't mention how old I was the first time I got to rope in the branding trap. But yes.. Girls Can TOO!

We have been fairly busy lately. It seems this time of year makes it that way. Today is my DAD"S BIRTHDAY. Happy Birthday "Old Man"...

BraNdInG

2009-04-24T20:31:00.000-07:00

Mike on my horse 36. He is a good looking horse, although he was not having the best day.
Spencer was able to get his first time ever of roping in the branding trap. He was a little frustrated and it took him awhile, but low and behold he caught one. Not only did he catch one but he caught one the "cowboy way" by both back feet. And where was I with the camera. Well, I waited with anticipation for about 45 mins. and then when I left to get KwinLee from school..... He caught. Over 8 camera phones were there and yet everyone was so busy cheering they didn't think
to take a picture.

This is Spencer on his trusty steed Gunner. Gunner is an old pro at the branding thing!

Here are some unedited, random shots I got. I love taking pictures at the brandings.

A DaY LonG AwAitEd

2009-04-19T07:19:00.001-07:00

When Mike and I were dating and newly engaged, we threw around the idea of a dream of having beautiful kids (which we did) and having the opportunity to all ride together as a whole family and work cows. I have to say that when Kwin was almost 3 and Spencer almost 2 we had an experience or two where we went out and they rode on the front of our saddles... But never just us as a family doing it "our way". Well, Mike's way anyway! So the last few days we have gathered one large field of Cows and their week to two week old calves and moved them across a bridge, around and through fallen trees and heavy brush, down a road through a boggy swamp, and by a large canal. See it makes it sound better if I add all the particulars... :) and of course I took some pics of our days as seen above....

One of the highlights for me was when Mike left KwinLee (with Reed), Hyrum, and I to gather the majority of the cows, while he and Spencer rode through the brush and gathered the stragglers. I sent KwinLee out to one side and instructed Hyrum to ride down the road and gather any of the cows that were there. I in turn was going to do the in between work through the trees and dead fall. Hyrum informed me after we started that I need to get those cows (as he pointed) and he would take care of these ones (directly ahead). He then once in awhile would further his instruction and "line me out" on what I needed to do. As we got along into our journey, he started to get closer to me and abandoned his post. Knowing in my mind he was lonely and having heck keeping his horse on course away from the other horses, I asked him, "do you think mom needs some help?" In which he replied, "yes!" Well, moving new calves through trees and dead fall can be an experience and my horse being well trained was moving at a hurried pace going back and forth directing calves... I am sure it made me look a little frantic compared to Hyrum's saunter. Finally after observing my state for a period of time, Hyrum calmly said, "Wow mom, you need more help then I thought!" Try staying on top of a fast cutting horse chasing after a rogue calf while laughing into hysteria. I managed, but not gracefully. The story only continues from here...but I will save it for another day and stronger constitutions!

Disclaimer: No horses, cows, dogs, or kids were hurt in this experience... Well, maybe one cow will have a head ache for a few days.

EasTeR DaY

2009-04-14T15:09:00.001-07:00

Buzz and Reed looking for eggs... The ironic thing was that Buzz hid the eggs, giving Reed an unfair advantage! Grandpa Boyd pulling little Luke on the bike. It was pretty dang cute.

Zane, what can I say but he is just dang cute.

The cousins. Our 4 and Keri's 4. Poor KwinLee is the only girl.

Reed inspecting his basket early Easter Morning.

Hyrum looking for the goods...

Spencer liked his Star Wars Kite...

The kids had a good day and so did we. Mike was very lucky as well to not have very many calves, so he could go to church and spend time with us.

EaSteR PrEp

2009-04-14T15:03:00.001-07:00

The day before Easter and the excitement levels were high. It was a lot of fun and I enjoyed getting to do some fun things with the kids. KwinLee and I made these Peanut Butter Chocolate eggs and then made Rice Krispie Treat nests to put them in.
Egg decorating was also fun and the kids didn't even make to much of a mess. They even let me and Mike help color a few too.

A DaY WiTh ThINg 1 & 2

2009-04-04T19:05:00.000-07:00

I did it. I spent a full day without thing 3 and 4, and put my whole attention and time towards KwinLee and Spencer. Their request for what they wanted to do in the big civilized Utah was to go to the "Bigger Nacle" and see Temple Square. No malls, no movie requests, no Lagoon (although they now know it exists), nothing else but to go there.

It was a great day. We had so much fun together. I loved being with just the two of them out and about. They said that they really enjoyed themselves as well. I asked Mike when the last time I had a whole day with just them and he said before Hyrum was born. Which is probably true. I surprised them by taking them to the Imax theatre afterward and they thought 3D was pretty cool. They were so good for me and they told me thank you a ton of times. I just am lucky to have these two.... And a special thanks to my mom for watching the the other 2 wild things, she did employ others to help!

HaRdTwiSt

2009-03-28T16:23:00.000-07:00

Grandpa Dick, what a great man with a wonderful posterity. I say this because there is part of him that runs through my wonderful husband. I am sure that the love of good horses comes through the blood line of this man. The love of a good dog as well, and I know that is how our Jiggs got his name. He passed the love of ranching down the line and it always made Mike happy to be able to tell his Grandpa that it still runs thick in his blood. I often think of Grandpa when I hear Mike walking around with his spurs on, and anyone who knows that sound I am sure thinks of Grandpa as well. One year Grandma gave Mike some money to buy something that reminded him of her, and he bought a pair of spurs. Odd to some, but to those who knew how she would listen for Grandpa's to jingle in, they know this is a reminder of both of them for Mike.

Grandpa was one that enjoyed enjoyment. He loved to golf, bowl, take the family to eat to Chuck-A-Rama, and made sure that the game of Cribbage was passed down (with all the rules as well!). He in fact was the reason that my wedding gift to Mike on our wedding day was a Cribbage Board, that we have used many a time. He is also the reason my husband has such a desire to ranch in Wyoming. There is no doubt that he lives on through his children and grandchildren. He will be missed, but I hope that he is dancing with that beautiful woman he was so fortunate to call his wife!!

HapPy FeEt

2009-03-21T11:28:00.000-07:00

This is the movie that we made for the Happy Feet contest 2 years ago. I can't believe how little the kids were. SandyKay helped me put it together and she did such a great job that they won. We got a Pizza Party and the movie "Happy Feet" given to us. Clips from this movie were also played on the tv station for about a month during commercial breaks! It was fun...

HaPpY St. PaTrICk's DaY

2009-03-16T13:15:00.000-07:00

Nope, not a one of us is Irish, but we like to celebrate. Well, to an extent. I don't drink green beer, but we love Corned Beef and Cabbage. Yum. We even like to get the kids without their green on! It kind of looks like our St. Patty's day will be wet and icky. But it is March in Montana, so that is just par for the course.
We are doing good. A low key week, where I am staying home all week to be with the boys and keep Reed where he loves to be. He is recovering from having his tonsils and adenoids out, but is doing well.
Spencer and Mike are getting the DERBY car ready for the big race. It has been fun to see them work together and enjoy doing it. Mike has been letting Spencer do as much of the work as he can. Tonight they finish painting it and then I am sure it will be going for a few test runs!
KwinLee is getting ready for a piano festival. She plays in front of a judge and they comment on her effort. She did really good with this last year, so it will be interesting to see how she does this year.
Hyrum chipped one of his teeth and it is causing him some pain. Which is really sad because when Reed is having a Popsicle, Hyrum has to pass because it hurts to bad. Where is the justice in that. He is being pretty "tuff", but we have an appointment coming up.
Guess I will have some definite photo opps with the race and all coming up. Will have to post more later!

OuR HapPeNinGs

2009-03-10T16:10:00.000-07:00

We have just been moving along through our day to days. We were able to have Flat Stanley come visit the ranch. He was able to meet cows, our horse, Dotty, Long John, see the cows be fed and meet the cowboy Mike with his dog Max. This is a picture of the boys with Flat Stanley before we sent him back to Utah and Payton's Second Grade Class.

On Sunday we went to White Sulphur Springs to see Keri and her family. We went to church with their quaint little twig (not quite a full branch, but very cool). Then we had dinner, music and games with them. Little Luke was sad at one point, so Uncle Mike decided to pick him up and make it better. One look and you can probably tell what Mike's discovery was, he was STINKY! I captured this at the right moment.

Today was very cold. A snowy, blustery day as a certain Bear might say. For those of us who witness these kind of days from the inside, we are lucky. Mike worked all day out in the bitter stuff and this is him driving by the house (of course I wasn't going outside to take this!) with a load of loose hay for the hungry cows! Let me just brag for him, it is quite a substantial load of hay. He kind of takes "pride" in how full he can stack the wagons.

TakInG IT LiKe A MaN!

2009-03-03T19:09:00.001-08:00

Someone is turning 34.... And I have to say, that he is being a little bit of a boob about it. In fact he said something to the effect of "knocking on the door of 40". I told him not quite! Well, he is 34, married to me (how lucky :0), he has four wonderful children that think the world of him, he has his own horses, 3 dogs, and even a cow.. hee, hee. What more in life could he want?

I know he doesn't get to fish (at all), we travel very rarely, we are not joining the millionaire club, and he doesn't have a large cow herd, but he does have a lot of other blessings in his life. I love him so much and he means a lot to the other 4 under his roof that he works so hard to provide for. We are fortunate to have him in our life. So Happy Birthday my "ol' Man!"

My RanDoM ThOughTs

2009-02-27T13:21:00.000-08:00

Here is my mind at it's random stage. I really do worry about myself. In fact I asked my husband what he would do if I started going crazier, and he replied. "I will join you, I won't be left behind!" Anyway, Dotty is back to providing us and others milk. She is such a nice cow and such a good momma. So here is a shout out to Dotty Ann aka. "Polk-A-Dot".

This is a picture of my mom when she was young, and I just need someone to validate me on this. Do you not see Tracy in her eyes and cheek bone area. When I first saw this picture it screamed Tracy for some reason?
We have received snow "YAY". But it is a little chilly, so in thoughts of dry, dusty days, I am posting this picture. I took it when we were trailing cows home up above York, you know right on the top of the steep hill with the switch back!

So now that I have been very random in my thoughts today, I am just going to end on a funny... This morning when Hyrum was watching his dad "knock of his whiskers" I asked him if he wanted us to knock his whiskers off. He said, "No, because I'm not a human yet!"

Lil' MiSs SmarTy PanTs

2009-02-20T13:03:00.000-08:00

My little girl is growing up fast. This picture was taken of her in the first grade and she is just getting so much bigger and smarter. I am not just talking about book smart either. She is entering into that stage where she pops of comments that are out of the blue and very witty. Mike and I find ourselves saying, "Where did that come from," which then in turn is followed by us usually laughing. I say usually because every once in awhile, she crosses some boundaries of being funny, to being a smart allic. But what can I say, she is my daughter and well, I have been known for being the same way!

Yesterday we were at the breakfast table and she commented that Hyrum's ecosystem was off, and I asked her if she knew what that even meant, and her reply was, "Mom, he is in his own little world and he has his own ecosystem too." Of course if you know our little Hyrum, this was hysterical to us. I also love it when she mumbles things out of hearing range (so she thinks). For instance when I am hurrying the kids out the door and she decides she has the wrong purse or needs something out of her room and I tell her she does not need it and to go get in the car, as the door is shutting I hear, "Watch out boys she's gonna blow!"

Or another one of my favorites is when she is quick and at the right time she recites a quote off of one of the shows she has watched like (ASAP and I don't mean act swiftly awesome pacaderm). And then there is the time she drew Bob on her hand and does this reciting thing and when it is all done she has a picture of Bob after he gets smushed by the bus.
I can't believe she is getting so big, so fast. And I have to say, teenage years are looking , well um, adventuresome!

ProJecTs

2009-02-17T15:14:00.000-08:00

I am working on getting this picture done and framed for my living room. Just another project I have been trying to get done and have not finished.
I can report that for Valentine's I made Reed a horse blanket and a cowboy pillow case and Hyrum received a "Mater" blanket. I had them finished for them before Valentine's day. Yay, I can complete things. Right now I have a request for a poem and a surprise coming up in a few weeks, so I need to get my act together and get going. I am in the process of boxing up my craft supplies and some of my scrapbook stuff and putting them out in storage. Let's face it, I just don't have time lately and when I do, I find myself on the computer instead. But to be honest, I am getting hooked with digital stuff anyway.
Somehow the talents skipped over me and landed on the rest of my family. I can't recreate my kitchen table, or do a bathroom that everyone is in awe of. I don't make scrapbooks that are to die for and I can't paint. I don't decorate beautiful cakes either. But someday, I will find my hidden talents! Someday....

Hold You Momma

2009-02-12T21:29:00.000-08:00

Little man has been clinging to me the last few days, saying "Hold you Momma." Which of course means he wants me to pick him up and hold him becuase he is miserable. Then I pick him up and snuggle him close just to hear, "I want Daddy." I know I am second in his life, but that is ok, I am dealing. This week I have been told, "No Doctors Momma" as well. Monday we got the suggestion that we should get his tonsils out along with his adnoids, due to their size and the problems they will cause him. That night he started running a fever and 3 days later we have a sinus infection and a double ear infection. I guess we will be scheduling surgery, much to my dismay!

As hard as times get with this little tough nut, I just look at this picture (one of the only ones I have of him in the hospital) and think, we have come along way and he is tough. As hard as it is for me to have him look at me with sadness everytime I take him yet again to see another dr., I remember he is resilient and hopefully one day he will either forget about it all or just love me anyway.

Sorry, I am done. Just kind of been a rough day and I needed to depressurize. In the morning I am sure his fever will be better and the antibiotics will be running their course. Hopefully he will get some much needed sleep.

3 YearS

2009-02-06T18:00:00.000-08:00

Some might think me a terribly bad mother for not even mentioning that my baby has turned 3. The baby that is a little bit spoiled and a lot loved. It isn't by any means the fact that he is just an after thought in our lives and that I have completely down played all we went through to get him here.... Ihave been trying all week to post some great pics of him celebrating, but of course ... to no avail...
His birthday was spent in Utah, where his Grandma Cheryl and Aunt Cali made it special with a great cake and a party at his Great Grandma Spencer's. His present from his dad and I came the day after we left for Utah, so we had another party here at home on Monday. So maybe, just maybe I can add some really cute pics to this post someday and show the captured moment of him opening his bright orange topped boots, it was priceless. Oh yeah, that someday will be sooner then ya think, cause I am going High Speed baby.... February 11th. It is my tax return present to myself... The price we pay for me doing our taxes!

A Sneak Peak

2009-01-26T19:28:00.000-08:00

Here is 2 chapters of a book that needs comments on for it to go on to the publisher. I know the story because the writer is my step-sister and I have heard bits and pieces from the last few years of knowing the family. It is very interesting and the stories they have to tell are eye opening....
Go to the blog, read, and comment!
http://motherhadasecret.blogspot.com/

Mike's Best Fishing Buddy

2009-01-24T06:22:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we found out that Mike's best fishing buddy returned home to Our Heavenly Father. As much as we are glad she is no longer suffering, she will be very missed. Mike loved his Grandma so very much and has so many memories of her. He loved to go fishing with her. He loved going to stay with them for periods of time, especially when they lived at the Rife Place. They would go out fishing to their favorite spots and best buddies they would be. She loved to have fun.
I remember when she taught me the game Pollyanna and that their were no "nicies"! I also remember that on one visit to their house she made salmon patties (I had a loathing for fish) but I ate them for politeness and ended up loving them. In fact now I have broadened my horizons and eat fish a lot. I also remember her sitting and telling the kids the story of Pandemonus (sp?) and we recorded it on video tape so that we would always have it.
She was a very special person and meant so much to so many. There are not enough words to express what she has meant to Mike and I, so most of all, we loved her and were grateful to have her in our lives....

WhY mY HeArT StilL BelOngs

2009-01-20T18:02:00.000-08:00

He was a great sport about modeling this tux for a friend. He wasn't thrilled about it, but you can tell he did well. I am still very much attracted to this COwBoY.....

A FuN FamILy

2009-01-18T15:18:00.000-08:00

This was a fun family to take pics of. And they were good sports about it as well. It was a cold day and it was hard to smile when it felt like your face would shatter..... But they were troopers...

HiGH SpeEd

2009-01-16T05:45:00.000-08:00

Oh, how I wish I had high speed internet.. I have just spent a lot of time trying to get my computer to up load some photos I have taken... but it won't! It is having one of those days, or actually I should say months because it has been doing it all month... Someday!

We have been having a pretty normal January. KwinLee and Spencer are doing there school thing and Hyrum and Reed have been hanging out with me, a lot. I did take the boys out the other day to help work bulls, I rode Angel and brought them 3 at a time up to the chute (with help) and Mike and the boys(with help) worked them in.... Of course they are brave when the bulls were safely in confinement, but once in awhile one would snort and they would get wide eyed. It was a fun time.

Today Mike and I finish our Sacred Heart Cleanse. This is something we are doing with my friends that have joined for the goal of running in the Governor's Cup. It is to help with energy and get all the junk out after the Holidays. Let's just say you eat a lot of vegetable soup. This is the 7th day and I was very faithful about sticking to it. I can't wait to not eat soup though!

We are prepping for the baby of the family to turn 3. I can't believe he will be there, and yet I feel like we have had him in our life longer. We registered Hyrum for Kindergarten the other day and he cried when he realized it meant that he couldn't go to school right then. I know it won't be long and it will be just Reed and I trying to figure out how to spend our days...

Well, I am done now. And no pics to even help with the boring droning (sorry!).

8 DaYs In!

2009-01-08T15:26:00.000-08:00

Ok, well I will not be reporting here on a regular basis (yes I just heard your sigh of relief) but just to let you know, I am on my way to developing great habits I am sure (If only in my head).

I have been reading my scriptures better (yes, can you tell already how learned I am becoming). I am doing all that I can to be a better mommy to my kids. Not one of them have gone without food today and I am sure they are somewhat clean as well.... Mike, when he decides to talk to me again, will surely forgive me for only trying a little to be a better wife. My camera is hidden somewhere in the closet and I am sure it is enjoying the break because it will be used a lot... soon I hope! My application for classes is sitting on the table awaiting the $30 to go with it (oh, can any one tell me how to get sticky hand prints and scribble marks off, not professional to have them on there). And I am sure the Hershey Kisses are working somewhere into my eating better. Of course, I know that my body is truly feeling the "kicking it up a notch" I have been administering to it......

Just kidding.... I am trying, I mean it is only 8 days in, how far off the track could I have fallen????

ReSoLutiOns!

2009-01-01T08:27:00.001-08:00

Happy NEW YEAR! May 2009 bring everything you want, and if it doesn't, well join the rest of us who don't always get what they want. Speaking of what I want... Here are a few of my standard Resolutions...

Lose weight and look like Jennifer Anniston
Be recognized on Oprah for the incredible Mom I am
Be a PUBLISHED author or photographer
Get my PhD
Be Translated

Okay, we all know that I am nearly perfect, but not quite.... So here are my more realistic goals!

Lose weight and get in even better shape (like be able to run a 5K)
Just be a better mom so my kids love me even more and even a better wife
Take more pics (why not, it's digital baby!)
Take some classes to get me closer to my degree
Work Harder At Being More Spiritual (you know, all the good habits that come with that)

(the above are in random order and in my mind a couple are definitely more important then some others!)

There they are, now everyone can hold me to them..... What are yours, so I can return the accountability favor!!!

A WondErFul WhItE ChrIstMas

2008-12-29T15:24:00.000-08:00

Our kids asked for a few things for Christmas, but one of the things they wanted most was a "White Christmas". Last year we had no snow, so this year we had our miracle and it was even fairly warm (i mean it was above zero!) They went sledding with some of our friends behind the hay wagon out in the field. It was a great day.

Reed, being a product of his father, received a pair of chinks (chaps), pistols with holsters, a barn, and a miniature roping steer with ropes. His dreams came true.... He could not wait to put the chinks on over his pirate pajamas!

So, I being a little excited woke Mike up early so that we could get things rolling.... Yes, I wake the kids up on Christmas morning! So after we opened presents, Mike fell asleep in his chair with his new hat and gun close by....

What a fun day we had, and the magic of having our kids at this age is so much fun!

ThEy SToLe The ShOw

2008-12-19T15:52:00.000-08:00

Today we were lucky enough to get to watch KwinLee and Spencer in their Christmas Program. Of course as parents we have to say they were the best! KwinLee played the piano, a piece from the nutcracker, in front of the whole audience as prelude music. Then they sang and sang and sang. Our Spencer also played a mean electric "air" guitar. They dressed up and looked sharp. I am glad I had no buttons on my shirt because I would have been popping them and it wouldn't have been from all the Christmas goodies I have been indulging on!

Tonight we had a big date planned that Mike came up with on his own, our babysitters were on board to take the rug rats and off we would go. But wouldn't you know it, a few minutes ago, KwinLee was hit suddenly with the stomach flu. "I hate the FLU". She is really upset and I am feeling pretty bad for her. Hopefully she will be over it fast!

GuEsS WhO?

2008-12-15T14:58:00.000-08:00

Guess Who We Saw?............................................................

The "REAL" Santa! We had a great time too.

OHHHH CHriSTmAs TrEe

2008-12-08T05:09:00.000-08:00

We went for a "drive" yesterday and happened to be up Soup Creek, which is the ranch's private ground... While we were there, I saw a tree way up on a very steep side hill. My wonderful husband took his climbing gear and scaled the mountain. He rode this tree down and after all that I decided it would be the tree, no matter what! So as you can see we decorated it as well......

Reed thought that one little section was his and he put as many ornaments in that section as he could... hanging them off the lights!

So I let the kids do the majority of the decorating and decided to just let it be, except for some of the ones on the lights of course. Mike cut them trees for their room and told me to decorate mine how I wanted, that they could do their own. But I informed him that their will be plenty of years that I can have the tree just like I want, and only a few years of having little helping hands decorate it how they want. So, here is the finished project. ....

HyRuM's GoLdEn!

2008-12-05T05:48:00.000-08:00

Watch out ladies, here he comes... The ladies man is turning 5 and he knows how to steal your heart. He loves to give kisses and hugs to the women in his life and he does not skimp!

We love our Hyrum Wayne and we are so happy that he is a part of our little family...

His smile is contagious and he makes your heart flutter when he gives you that big old single dimpled grin.....

I hope he truly has a great day and that on this his GOLDEN BIRTHDAY he knows how much we love him!

We SuRviVeD!

2008-12-02T04:36:00.000-08:00

Well, we made it through a great Thanksgiving. It was great to have all my family here (that were able to make it!). My dad and B0nnie, Mom and George, Tracy, Bill, Cimbrelyn, Caden, Cenzington, Cali, Justin, Justin's brother Josh and his baby girl Grayson, and yes of course all 6 of us in my family. Many people thought it a little strange that I had my mom and dad with their spouses and there was no awkwardness. Well, that part went well until my mom got mad and threw some mashed potatoes at my dad and in return my dad spit his false teeth in her pie. Other than that it went smoothe. (ok, I am really just kidding, nothing exciting like that really happened.)

We also made a good showing at Black Eye Friday. My niece and mom took out some elderly lady to get a gift for Tracy's grand baby, I faked labor pains with the pillow stuffed in my shirt to get to the front of the line for another hot ticket item for my sister, and Cali gave some poor Walmart worker the black eye! Ok, so I am a little far fetched! My mom was the elderly lady that almost got taken out when they dropped the box and some guy came to their rescue, I did not fake labor pains of any sort, but I really did not feel good in my tummy region, but it did not get me to the front of the very calm line, it just got me sweat beads, and Cali gave no black eyes, she just made some proo worker very confused due to lack of their "Walmart Team" not communicating. And after hearing news reports, I guess I should not joke about how everyone tends to lose the Christmas Spirit to "get a good deal". My favorite part was getting to be with the girls and seeing some of our friends in the frenzy! As for me, my best deals were at Goodwill, they were having a 50% off day!!! The next morning after everyone left, I got up and went shopping again early in the morning and their were absolutely no crowds and it was a success for me!

I am THanKfUl foR My GrAnDmA!

2008-11-22T10:39:00.000-08:00

A while back I gave a short talk on service and the importance our hands are as we use them in service. I reflected on my hands and as I looked at them, they immediately reminded me of my Grandma. So the beginning of my talk started like this......

Our hands….. Another gift from our Heavenly Father that through creation’s process did not get overlooked, for the importance of these wonderful tools are immeasurable. When I look at my hands, I have to say, I do not see femininity. I see scars and roughness from years of outdoor physical labor. I don’t see well manicured nails or graceful fingers. But what I do see, and have grown to treasure, is my grandmother.

I inherited my grandmother’s hands, and that I love. She is a woman who has used her hands for taking care of her children, and even her younger sister, when their mother passed on at a young age . She has used her hands to sew wonderful things for her grandchildren, including amazing Barbie doll clothes for me when I was a young girl living in her home, and I did not appreciate them nearly enough. Her hands cared for a wonderful man in whom she was married to for 60 years, and then I watched as her loving hands stroked him tenderly as she bid him on to our Heavenly Father. So you see, when I see my hands, I see a gift from her, that I hope to live up to. .........

I love my Grandma dearly. She is an important part of my life. I lived with her and my grandpa for a short while when I was young, and during that time, I realized how much they loved and cared for me. Grandma has raised 4 girls and been a part of their children's lives as well. She is witty and smart, and she is a Fry... (those of you who know Fry's know what this means!!!)

I hope she knows how much I love her, and I am grateful for her influence in my life!

This is one of the many things I am Thankful For, So... What are you Thankful For?

SiCk is IcK

2008-11-20T16:09:00.000-08:00

Well, the season has started! The flu season in the Briggs house, that is. We have been battling colds and stomach flu for the last little while. And let me tell ya, it has not been fun. Reed sits now on my lap with a fever he has been running for the last 24 hours, and I love to snuggle him...but! Last night he and his very sick dad did not let me get very much sleep.

Today I covered for Mike at work, which meant giving full grown pregnant cows 2 shots in the neck while they were flailing around in the squeeze chute... One cow ripped the gun for shots right out of my hand and another jammed it back at me making me stab myself in the finger. But oh, ranch life is good...

Hyrum and KwinLee seemed to have taken their turns with the flu bug, as well as me.. But I haven't officially taken a sick day! Spencer seems to be keeping it at bay, hopefully for his sake he will continue to! I dislike this part of life, especially when my kids and husband are sick... I feel so bad for them, and it wears on me! But Life is still good..........

LiFe Is GOod!

2008-11-17T14:38:00.000-08:00

Here is the wonderful man I married... Since he has been home more, he has been kind of spoiling me...

We have been able to work with him around the ranch more lately. He comes home earlier at night now that it is getting dark sooner, he has been great at taking time with the kids and giving me breaks, and has been dating me!!!

This last weekend, as a surprise to me, he and some of our friends, had a wonderful night planned for us.... They had candle light, our song playing, and food that was out of this world that they cooked and served us! It was awesome! I am amazed at how good people can be, and to do this all for us, just touched my heart so much... We had a great night!

This weekend we host a dance for adults and I hope that all goes well. I am getting excited, because I love to dance with Mike. We have so much fun, and we don't really care what we look like, well maybe a little. But we just love to dance!

Oh yeah, did I mention that I got my hair cut... It is an A line with stacked layers in the back, medium tones with blond and bronze highlights.... I wish it could have been Jo doing it for me, but Jo I think it turned out almost as good as when you do it! I like it a lot, and Mike loves it... so, I guess it will do!!!

All in all, I am doing great. I am excited for all the family coming to be with us for Thanksgiving. I am starting to slowly plan for Christmas and I am constantly reminded of all the great people I have in my life... Speaking of which, I am stoked to be going to the Twilight showing with some amazing friends this Friday! I can't wait...

An EeRie DaY!

2008-11-09T17:10:00.001-08:00

Today we have had a fog set in, and it has given such an eerie effect. I couldn't help but go and take pictures just for fun. Not to mention we were ready for church early and I was bored!

This is one of my faves... Believe it or not their is a house not far beihind the trees in the back ground, you just can't see it. We already live out a little, but today it felt like we were in our own world...

Today we watched the 3 state broadcast of Stake conference or Stale conference as it was referenced in our Ward Newsletter. It was good, but I would like to know why they wait to have the highest ranking General Authority speak last. By the time they start, our kids have already sat still for an hour and a half and they are done. And I am sure what is being said is very important, but it is hard to get when you are sitting with 4 restless kids! But all in all they tried their best and conference was good....

HaLlOwEEn! (take 27)

2008-11-07T13:36:00.000-08:00

Well it took me forever and a lot of tries to get my pics to come up, but here they are. Halloween was a great experience for the kids and we had fun watching them get a thrill out of it.....

Reed was a Cowboy riding a horse. We started with two other costumes and he wanted nothing to do with them. He had seen this one in the store and his heart was set on it.... Of course I modified it with the pants and boots! I don't know how many people told me that it fit him! We went to a costume dance and watching him dance with the horses head flopping around was quite a riot. But what really got us laughing was when he would fain dead in front of the cute little girls and they would come and do chest compressions to revive him. I laughed so hard I could barely get a picture taken!

The last time we were in Utah, Aunt Tracy took the kids to the place in the Layton mall to build stuffed animals. Hyrum picked a dog and then dressed him up as a fireman and named him Hydrant. So we found a costume that matched and they were the fire fighting duo. This fire truck was outside on display of the main street!

Spencer was a blood hungry vampire.... He wanted to be a vampire so bad. It was hard for me to give him fangs and the Dracula look after reading the Twilight series. He just doesn't fit the bill... But he was a great vampire!

Then their was our Hannah Montana. KwinLee hated the wig because it was giving her headaches and it itched, but she was a trooper! The best thing was she just didn't go as Hannah, but as Miley too. Several people commented on the fact that she looked like me as a blond.

We had a great night and it was fun because we were also celebrating a week of having Mike home..... I have been pulling extra shifts at work the last two weeks for a girl who got to go to Australia with her husband..... How lucky is she! So I have been getting behind again, but hope that a quiet weekend will help change that. Mike is gone again this weekend moving cows, but it is good because we have been able to have him home earlier at nights since the time change and we get to spend time with him then..

Parent teacher conferences were last night and of course they had to tell me how unruly my children are. KwinLee's teacher said she should have made up stories about her so that we didn't hear the same old, same old. But hey, who tires of getting told how brilliant and well behaved your child is. I mean she is my kid!!!! (ha, ha) And Spencer's teacher was very happy with him as well. He is reading so well this year, above his expected level. He does very neat work and is a polite young man, the teacher said. Now if we could get a little speed into him we would be set! But his report card was awesome, and I can tell he really likes this teacher by how he performs for her. I will have to keep this in mind when he is 30 and looking for a prospective wife. Maybe one a little less intense then his mom!!!

BeTweEEn FriEndS

2008-10-23T06:58:00.000-07:00

Last December I was walking through a store and saw this bronze statue sitting on a shelf. Immediately it brought a chill to me, because it was so perfect for Mike and I. (not that I look like the skinny cowgirl, but...) the title of the statue was between friends, and that is how I feel about my husband. As I sat there and stared at the statue, trying not to think of the price, the words to this poem came to me. Needless to say, for Christmas he opened this statue and on a paper, hand written, was the poem I wrote to him. I told him that later I would do it up better so that he could have a nicer version, but he adamantly refused to give up the hand written copy. So, I made this version up, just recently, and decided that I would print it for him and let him do with it what he wanted.....

Between Friends

Sharing a night at a hometown dance
Trailing cows, catching a meaningful glance
Saying goodbye and parting their ways
Only to find each other after hundreds of days.
This is what happens between friends.

A beautiful night when he said “ I love you”
A proposal of marriage not out of the blue
Some planning of details, then came the day
They said yes to forever and were on their way.
This is what happens between friends.

The loss of a baby they suffered together
The birth of four more to have for forever
The hard times that came trying to pull them apart
Never succeeding because they share one heart
This is what happens between friends.

Starting out knowing they’d be great friends
Going against odds and not keeping with trends
They now have a love that’s been tested and tried
And know they can make it with The Lord on their side.
This is what happens between friends!

More Pics!

2008-10-22T12:31:00.001-07:00

I have been taking pics again.... and this is what I have been playing with! These are Keri's Boys.... She has four very boyish boys and no girls! Jake, Seth, Zane, and Baby Luke (you can tell the two mamma's boys.. they are the ones looking up over the camera, smiling a great smile at their mom who was standing above me).

High School Tag

2008-10-19T18:16:00.000-07:00

High School Stories

1. Did you date someone from your high school?: A few, but I dated Mike who graduated from the same school and then we dated when I was in high school!
2.What kind of car did you drive?: 78 Ford LTD, 90 Chevy Cavelier (my friend wrecked), 90 Toyota Carolla, and my favorite my Senior year I bought a few months before I graduated, a cherry red 94 Pontiac Grand Prix! 3.What is your most embarrassing moment in high school?: I had so many, when I had to be Miss Piggy or when my coach carried my bra holding it up in the air for all to see!
4. Were you a party animal?: Not really
5. Were you considered a flirt?: Nope
6. Were you in band, orchestra, or choir?: I was in Choir two years I think!
7. Were you a nerd?: Depends on the day I guess
8. Were you on any varsity teams?: Volleyball, Basketball, Track all 4 years
9. Did you get suspended/expelled? : I had to sit outside during lunch break for a full week, because a boy hucked something at me and I tossed it back and got caught!
10. Can you still sing the fight song? : Both Versions (thanks to my sisters)
11. Who were your favorite teachers?: Coach Hutch and Ms. Benjamin had to rank up there for me
12. Where did you sit during lunch?: Outside or in the hall (except for one week my Sophomore year)
13. School Mascot?: Bears (not the Lima Beans)
14. Did you go to homecoming and with who?: Yep one I remember was with Guy, my sophomore year I can't remember my date's name but I missed going with him and met up later because I had a concussion from the basketball game I played just hours before. But if I remember right I scored 18 points and we won. So it was worth the suffering.
15. If you could go back and do it again, would you?: Nope
16. What do you remember most about graduation?: Not wanting to graduate because I was scared to have to go out and pay my own way, but yet really excited at the same time. I think I was really sick that day and ended up missing out on the party at my house for a few hours...
17. Where did you go senior skip day?: Senior Skip day we went to Idaho Falls, Senior trip we went to Utah
18. Have you gained weight since then?:Actually, I weigh about the same or a little less....
19. Who was your prom date?: Freshman was John, Sophomore MIKE (the best), Junior President Hunter's Grandson, and senior year i skipped out.
20. Are you planning on going to your 10 year reunion?:Passed it in 2007, I was the President though, so it was my fault I didn't get one going...
21. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself?: Enjoy the simple things and respect those who worked hard to educate you better!

I tag anyone who read this!

STuckKk In A RuT!

2008-10-17T16:02:00.000-07:00

Have you ever felt a little dragged down, and can't quite figure out what it is that makes you feel in a funk. I mean with me it could be several things, the fact that I am starting to miss having my husband around and the few hours I get each week just doesn't seem to be enough, or my house is not in the shape I wish it was and I can't find the ambition to make it so, or the fact it has been a year since Kelpie came into our life and now I realize once again how much I miss her, or is it the fact that I know that several members of the family will be getting together and picking pumpkins "celebrating Grandpa and Grandma's tradition" while I sit miles away.

I love where we live, I love the so many wonderful friends I have here, but every once in awhile, I miss family. I know how fortunate I am to have a close family, and sometimes I think that we are close because we aren't living right next door to each other, so we appreciate each other more. But I miss them. I miss the silly things we do when as sisters and mom get together and it gets late at night. I miss the fact that it is pure chaos when our kids are going every which way, but only a little. I miss ganging up on dad together with my sisters and giving him heck, or telling him over again all the corny jokes he told us for so many years. I miss Stephanie's laugh when you think you might have to do CPR because she quits breathing, or Tracy's way of shooting water at long distances because she is the "Gleek Queen" and her laughing at us because she thinks it so funny when we think we are funny and we really aren't, I miss Char saying "nuh-uh" and getting to tease her about being Myrtle, I miss my baby sister Cali who can make us all laugh while letting us all know that she is the #1 in the family, I miss my MOM reminding me of how much I am like her in so many ways even though she tries to blame my dad for the way I am, I miss seeing my dad pull funny faces at my kids, the same funny faces that he pulled at me when I was little.

I don't say it enough, but I truly love my family. They understand me, they know me, and they still put up with me. I know that when I am having a bad day, "sorta like today", I could pick up the phone and call, and they would make time for me. Yes, it is true, we fight, we argue, we are female sometimes....but we are human, and the Fry/Hess genetics do run through us!!!!

So, I am stuckkk in sort of a RUT. But I will pull through my lonely day, and I will do it because not only am I blessed with a great family, a wonderful husband, terrific kids, and amazing friends...I realize all the time, I don't have life to bad, at all!

What I HaVe BEen Up tO!

2008-10-12T15:16:00.000-07:00

I have been taking a few Senior Pics as of late and even though they are dealing with an unprofessional photographer, I have really been enjoying myself! Here are a few samples of what I have had to play with on Photo Shop!

This one was just minutes before I was stung on my trigger finger by a hornet. It started to swell so fast the ring I had on would barely come off and then later that night and the next day I could not even get it on. It's the price you pay!