.

10 years ago

2011-09-11T19:23:00.000-07:00

The 9/11 ceremonies have been on tv all day. I can not believe how quickly 10 years have past. I remember driving into work, talking on the phone when the first plane hit the North Tower and thinking - what type of pilot couldn't see a building. Then going to work and turning on the tv and seeing the horror of the 2nd plane hitting the South Tower and being in total shock!

I left work, went to try to get my kids out of school to be with them and keep them safe, but they wouldn't let them leave, then all I could do was go home, watch tv, and pace back and forth.

Later to find out that the Pentagon had been struck and then the plane crashing in PA was almost too much - what was going on - what was to become of America?

Not too much later I found out one of my friends (Otis) had been killed at the Pentagon - it was too wild to think of - too much to comprehend - this wonderful - cuddly, big teddy bear of a man (a Navy Officer - but to me a teddy bear) was gone!

He was not only a wonderful man, but a true gentleman and he left behind a wife and 3 children.

Still to this day it is hard for me to believe he is gone, it is hard to believe planes actually flew into buildings, but what is NOT hard to believe is how amazing America is! How we came together and still can come together - how we will survive!!

May God Bless America! May God be with Otis' family! And may God, please, remind of us how wonderful America is and how precious life is!

It's Been a Long Time...

2011-09-05T07:24:00.001-07:00

...since I have been riding - over a year! Well, today I feel it - that is for sure! Need to ride more, it is so good for me and for Princess!

Here are my girls! Princess and Baby and

here is the newest addition, Tejas. I call her Teja - she is so cute and full of personality! She has also been accepted by Princess and Baby - finally - so that is good - I like it when they all play nicely together!

My cousin, Tim's daughter, Lindsey, came for Labor Day weekend. She is going to Sam Houston and will be visiting us throughout the year. She loves to ride as well and she was a big help after wards washing the horses with me.

Tressa got on too! It was really a fun day and the horses behaved so well. I just need to make sure Tejas can be ridden and break Baby and then the 3 of us can each have a horse to ride!

The Yard

2011-07-18T08:55:00.001-07:00

I have had fun this past Spring and Summer working in the yard, getting it all nice and pretty.

We need to sit out front more, but then the birds and squirrels can't eat, so I mostly let them have this area.

Here is my new sign, I got it while we were in CA.

I also enjoy our side yard - so many places to sit and just relax and enjoy our property!

I also got a new John Deere flag - loving it!

We need to build some sort of covering over the Hydrangea. It is not a fan of all the sun, this is the shadiest part of the yard.

All my Texas stuff - yeah!

The blue chairs are new - they were on sale - now we have the ability to sit under the canopy that Tressa bought for us.

Here is my newest addition, my boot fountain. Albert fixed it for me on Saturday. I still need some rocks to go around it. You can't really tell how the water comes out from this picture, you will just need to come over to my house and see it for yourself!

I love just sitting and looking at all the pretty things that we have done in our yard. Albert and I make a good team! It is just amazing to be able to enjoy LAST3 Ranch with my hubby!!

Fun in CA

2011-07-05T04:41:00.000-07:00

Albert and I had such a wonderful time in CA!! Here we are on the Midway, it is a wonderful tour if you are ever in San Diego it is worth seeing. It is amazing how the Navy lives out at sea! How airplanes land and take off in the middle of an ocean - just amazing!

I love Seaport Village and I was there 3 days in a row! It was such nice weather and such a joy to walk around and see all the shops and just chill!

This is my baby brother, Steve and my dad and I. We were able to visit Albert's family and my family on this trip. So much fun! So many laughs! It was GREAT!!

Here I am with my Uncle George (my dad's brother) and his wife, Anne. They have done so much work on our family history. Anne uses Ancestry.com and I think I might have to start using that as well! Would love to get all of my family history down as well as Albert's!

Here is my handsome hubby! We were able to use Thor's truck while we were in San Diego - it was awesome having a sun roof in San Diego! Fun fun!!!

The CA trip was just amazing! I was able to go to an All Class High School Reunion and reconnect with friends! We were able to visit family and even though we drove up half the state, we had a great time seeing everyone and really relaxing. Now the trip home was long - we drove home pulling a u-haul - but we got back all safe and sound! Ha, I must say though, I am ready to go back to CA and hang out in San Diego - that weather was WONDERFUL!!

Tim's New Home

2011-04-19T07:26:00.000-07:00

Here is Tim's new home. He has been working at his new job since January and now has the opportunity to move out on his own. Albert and I are so proud of him!

It is a cute one bedroom/bathroom apartment with a living room and a dinning room.

He loves the kitchen and how it looks. This is truly his look! Oh, he also has washer and dryer hook ups and was able to get a washer from Tara (traded a tv for it) and a dryer from Robin. So he is all set!

He has a patio area as well. He is on the ground floor, which he wanted. He is still working for some churches and has equipment to carry, so a ground floor was a MUST for him.

This is his view when he sits on the patio. There is a cute area where he can even go and bbq. He is almost all moved in and is already enjoying being closer to work and having his own space. He can even go home at lunch time now. Congrats Tim!

Hard at Work

2011-04-18T07:02:00.000-07:00

Albert and I have been working in our backyard. We wanted to extend our patio space so that we can have more room to sit when company comes over and to sit out there ourselves so we can enjoy the view.

We took out the old railroad ties so that we could put in new retaining walls. The railroad ties were rotted through and snakes liked to get in them, so I was happy to see them go! We loaded them up in the back of my truck - I love my truck!!

We were fortunate enough to get dirt from the Goode's. They built a pond, so they had extra dirt!! We got 4 truck loads from them! Off loading dirt sure reminded me of how old I am! It was HARD work!! But we got it done! And once again I must say, I love my truck!!!

Here are my stepping stones. We laid down a weed barrier and then put the stepping stones in place. I had to walk over them over and over again just to make sure they were in their right spot. Then we got 3 truck loads of River Rock to put on top of the barrier. Once again - I love my truck!!

Here is the brand new seating area! Albert is going to make the boot into a fountain for me. After that is completed, I will take more pictures. It is truly a blessing to have a husband who works so hard and likes to do home improvement jobs with me!

I will be adding more pots and plants (I got some new plants from my mother-in-law, so I will be adding them to this spot very soon!) and I also have to find a couple more chairs and the project will be totally complete! We are going to try it out for Easter when we have the entire family here - can't wait!

Charley and Cody enjoying outside

2011-04-17T06:48:00.001-07:00

This is what Papa and I got Charley for his birthday. It is a water and sand table. He loves it! Of course he has to make sure the water is equal on both sides as well as the sand, so we have to clean it out after he is done playing - ha - he loves mixing all the water and sand together. This toy keeps him busy for at least 30 minutes - I love it!

Charley also has to play with the sand in the horseshoe pit. The weather has been really wonderful lately, so we go outside quite a bit these days.

I know that this is a dark picture, but I just had to prove that Cody will smile! :) He talks up a storm and smiles all day long until you put a camera in his face to take a picture of him.

This is what happened after he realized that I was going to take pictures - silly boy!!

He loved the swing, but from this picture you couldn't tell - ha! Once again, he was all smiles until I wanted to take his picture!

We have had Tara and the boys here for 2 weeks while their truck is in the shop. It has been fun having them here - we have enjoyed our time with them!

Charley and Cody

2011-03-31T03:53:00.001-07:00

Charley loves to wear hats. He was wearing one of Papa's hats while riding on the tractor. He is such a big helper when we are outside and loves to work with us!

Cody sleeping in his mommy's arms. This was before he was 2 months old, now he is 3 months old. Don't worry they are all coming down this weekend, new pictures will be taken for sure!

Charley is such a good big brother!

Charley loves to play and Papa is his own personal jungle gym!

Here is Tantie holding Cody. He is a real talker, can't wait to hear what all he has to say this weekend!

I love seeing my grandbabies! It was fun watching and playing with them. Boy, they sure do grow up quickly!

Snow Day on LAST3 Ranch

2011-02-04T09:55:00.000-08:00

We had snow - not a lot, but enough to make it feel more like winter! Here is a picture of Charley and Cody's fort - I am thinking that Charley would have loved to slide down that snow slide!!

Here are the horses water buckets (don't worry there is another one that is not frozen - they can drink!), the hose is frozen inside the bucket.

Love the snow covered roof!

Albert wrote "Snow Day" on his car. Had to take a picture of that!

The greener part is where Tim was parked this morning. I love our "frosted" driveway!

The Boys were Back in Town!

2011-01-30T08:49:00.000-08:00

Tara, Charley and Cody came down this weekend. It was so good to see them! It was so fun to play with them and have a houseful again. Now, it is quiet, ha, I enjoy that too!! Charley loves his Papa!!!

Here is Cody - one month old! Wow, how times flies! He was having some tummy time on the couch, I was trying to capture his cute little dimple, but he was not cooperating! He would just show it off after I already snapped the picture!

Tara, Charley, Cody, Tressa, Mickey and I went to the zoo on Friday. It was a gorgeous day for sure! Charley loved looking at all the animals, but he really enjoyed running back and forth as the sea lions were playing. It was too cute! Tressa wants to bring one home, she thinks she can keep it in the tub - ha - don't think so!

Charley and I enjoying the elephants. He had to get up on the stand next to this one. I had Tara take our picture, since I am the one that takes most of the pictures, I needed to have one taken of us at the zoo!

And this is my favorite! Charley and Papa working! Charley ran out to Papa after we got home from the zoo. He had to go right out there and help him! He also loved playing outside with Papa!!! They had a great time! I think the next time they come to visit it is Cody's turn on the tractor with Papa, he will be a month and a half - I think that is the right age to start him working on the Ranch! lol :)

Changes

2011-01-19T08:38:00.000-08:00

Well, Tara and the boys have moved up to Ft Hood and the house is very quiet these days! I guess my blog will be very different from now on, unless they come to visit, then I will have pictures to post of my awesome grandbabies.

A change is definitely going on at our house - the quiet - more space - less to fix for dinner - all sorts of changes.

I am going to work on some projects in the house, I will be taking before and after pictures, so then you will be able to see all the changes inside!

Albert and I will be working on the property, we will be getting it ready for Tara and Jeff's wedding reception in April, so there will be pictures from those projects as well.

Tim has a new wonderful job that he loves. He is doing video and sound editing and will be going around America and the world for this job. He had to get his passport renewed, looks like this summer he will be traveling to where he will need it. He is planning to move out either this month or next.

Tressa is working at Kroger and for a daycare. The daycare is only a few hours per week, but she wants to pay her car off as soon as possible, so she is thankful for the work.

Albert is working hard on some projects for U S Bank, so that all is going well.

We are working in the man cave, trying to get that all nice and pretty. Well, I am sure Albert doesn't want a man cave that is pretty, but you get the idea, we just want it done.

I am working a few hours a week for Women's Pregnancy Center, helping them with fund raising events. I really like that, plus I get to spend more time with my sister. So that is nice.

Ok - that those are my updates and changes so far for 2011. I will keep you posted about what all is going on at the Ranch!

Hope that your New Year's was a great one and that 2011 is full of love and laughter!

Guess Who Is Two Weeks Old

2011-01-11T07:18:00.001-08:00

Here is our little "Snuggle Buddy". I can't believe how quickly 2 weeks have gone by, but when you are going back and forth from dr appointments and hospitals, time does fly.

Next time I will try to get a picture with his eyes open - ha! He just loves to eat and sleep right now - some times play. Not a big fan of taking a bath yet, but I have had a lot of fun bathing him. We are getting ready to take them to Ft Hood on Friday. After almost 3 years of having them here, it will be hard to let them go. I am excited though that I will see them in February - so that is really good! This week I am going to try to get all kinds of pictures of the boys - so the next couple of blogs will be about them - love those boys! Oh, and my kids too - ha! :)

Charley is a Working Man

2011-01-09T09:51:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, Albert, Charley and I worked on the property. We cut up trees and piled them up so that when our burn ban is over we can have a bonfire. While Albert and I took turns with the chain saw, Charley was putting wood in the back of our truck. Albert and I love to sit out in the back yard and have a fire. Our wood supply was getting low, so we took advantage of the fallen tree to re-stack our pile. We would put small logs on the tailgate and Charley would put them in the truck bed. He was nice and contained and working hard.

Here is what our wood pile looks like now! Yeah, more fires for me!

Charley wanted to sweep out the back of the truck - so hey - why not let him - ha! He sure was cheap labor!! Gave him a Capri Sun and he was a happy camper. Wonder when he will realize it is work and not fun!

Charley and Papa. They are both such good workers!

Cody day 2

2010-12-29T17:03:00.001-08:00

Here is Albert, Cody and Charley from yesterday. It is so cute, Albert and Cody have the same dimple! Charley had to have his hat and gloves on, so every picture we have of him, he has them on. I have hidden them until I wash them, so the next pictures we have of the boys together he won't have them on. Yeah!

Here is Cody - day 2! He had his pictures taken today as well as his hearing test. He passed - yeah!

He is so fun to hold and cuddle with. He is too funny already, he makes these little snorting sounds.

Proud mama! Tara is doing very well and will actually be released early from the hospital. I will take Charley up to the hospital so we can pick up Tara and Cody. Hope to be able to get some more pictures of them tomorrow. :) This grandma of 2 is having a blast!! :)

Cody

2010-12-28T15:27:00.001-08:00

Here is Cody - weighing 8 lbs 2 oz and 19 inches long

I woke up at 1:40 and couldn't go back to sleep. Got up before 3:30 drank my coffee and waited until 4:30 to leave to take Tara to the hospital for her c-section. Cody was born at 7:47 AM

He is such a cutie and such a sweet baby!

Proud Papa!!

More proud Momma! I will take more pictures tomorrow!

Christmas 2010

2010-12-26T07:38:00.001-08:00

We had Christmas in the man cave this again this year. I like having it in the man cave - nice to not have to worry about any little fingers trying to open presents before Christmas morning. And Charley didn't get into them either :)

Charley opened a present from Tressa (Tantie) - it was a dog with a little ball in his mouth - he was trying to figure out what was going on - thought this was a cute face!

Tressa didn't want me to take her picture - but I got this one before she could turn away! ha

What a cute boy we have!

Here is our oldest! Wow, in 2 days she will have another son - Cody! Can't believe how quickly they grow up. Next year Tara and her family will be in Alaska for Christmas - starting their own family traditions! I have a feeling that 2011 will be the year I learn everything about Skype and how to use it so I can watch my grandsons grow!

Sticker Fun

2010-12-24T05:16:00.000-08:00

Tara bought a Veggie Tale sticker book for Charley.

She was trying to help him put the stickers where they belong.

Well, Charley believes they belong on him and not in the book! What a cutie!!

Movie Day for Charley

2010-12-22T16:44:00.001-08:00

Charley, Tara, Christine (Tara's friend) and I went to watch Tangled at the movie theater yesterday. This was Charley's first time to go to the movies, we were all curious to how he would behave. He did a really good job. Tara had to take him out twice, but other than that he was very happy about the movie. He loved his huge bucket of pop corn and sitting in the chair. Not sure when he will be able to return to the movies, his little brother will be here in less than a week!

The Crosby's New Home

2010-12-16T16:13:00.001-08:00

Tara, Charley and I drove up to Ft Hood today to get the keys to Tara and Jeff's new home. I almost had a nervous breakdown when the woman told us that we were going to have to come back next week to do more paperwork - I said, "We live in Houston, we rented a u-haul and are planning to move in on Saturday", she looked at me and said, "oh, you can move in at any time - I just need for Tara to fill out more paperwork". Well, it took about 15 minutes for my heart to start beating normal again - ha! We also told her that Tara won't be able to do that paperwork until the first week of January. She said that was fine, after looking at Tara's belly, she knew that the baby would be born soon! :)

Here is Tara in the backyard. I was standing under their covered porch. The backyard is nice and it is so wonderful that they don't have neighbors behind them.

Here is the covered patio. I can see it with a bbq pit on it - ha!

Here is Tara in her kitchen. She has a nice size kitchen and laundry room. Lots of storage as well.

Here is Charley saying bye, come back and visit us! :) Tara is scheduled to have a c-section on December 28th, unless Cody decides to come sooner. Albert and I will take Tara and the boys to Ft Hood January 2nd and I will stay there for a week with her. Right now, Jeff is scheduled to come home sometime in January, so please pray that it will be sooner rather than later!

Tara's Baby Shower

2010-12-13T12:11:00.001-08:00

Tara chose a "Jungle" theme for Cody. Tressa and I sent out jungle invitations, we bought jungle decorations and had a good friend, Bridget, create a jungle cake. It was truly a wonderful time full of jungle surprises!

Here is the guest of Honor - Tara

Tara opening up presents.

We not only had a lot to eat, but also were able to play a few games, visit with friends and family and watch Tara open presents - I must say, Charley had the best time playing with Cody's presents. Wonder if Charley will let Cody ever play with his own things? Ha!

Here are Tara and Stefanie. Was such a fun day!! Now we sit back and wait for Cody to make his debut - he will be born on December 28th, unless he desires to come sooner - ha!

Family Picture Day

2010-11-06T06:33:00.003-07:00

Ok, so I am going to start off with the best picture of the day! Ha! I decided that it was time for family pictures, we are all so busy and it is so hard to have everyone home at the same time, so I had to plan this a week ahead and get everyone's schedule. There is no telling who will be home next year - so this was very important to me to get this picture and have everyone in it.

While others were still getting ready, I was taking fun pictures of Charley and Tressa. Tressa always has a picture with Boone, so this was our attempt. Boone wanted so badly to get into the truck, but he just couldn't do it! Charley loves getting in the back of the truck, so we had to get him up there as well.

Here is my cowboy! Out in his boot and hat riding his tractor. Actually what he likes to do is chase Boone around while riding his tractor. Boone is not a big fan of this game - ha!

Here is a car that Boone can easily get into! So I took a picture of Tressa and Boone in her car.

I talked Albert into having his cowboy hat on - just love a man in a cowboy hat! :) The sun wasn't our friend and so Albert had to take off his hat for our family pictures so that we could see his handsome face!

It was a beautiful day, but windy and a little cool. Had to make Tim take off his jacket while we were actually taking pictures. My 3 wonderful children! Wow, how they have grown!

Here they are - Tim, Tara and Tressa!! Love these kids!

Tara got Charley to stay still because of candy! He is too funny!!

Just had to end with this one, trying to get Charley to sit and look at the camera, even candy didn't always work! Life on the ranch will be changing soon. Cody will be born in a couple of months, Jeff will be coming home from Iraq in February (well, maybe, the Army doesn't always keep the same plan), then they will move to Ft Hood and in June they will move to Alaska. One day my blog will have pictures of Alaska and my grandsons!

Happy Halloween

2010-10-31T18:31:00.000-07:00

Trick or Treat - Guess who??!!

It's Charley! He is practicing his trick or treat drill! He didn't want his Halloween costume on, but then Grandma showed him how he could get candy in his bag - oh, he was ALL for that!! He and Tara are out right now; wonder how full his bag will be! I am sure Grandpa can't wait to get the "good" candy! :)

So I Had a Bad Day...

2010-10-15T07:06:00.000-07:00

...well in Charley's case, he had 3 bad days!

So day one, candy - check - razor - check - crying baby - CHECK!!

Day 2 - still a crying baby. Tara tried the best she could to cut his hair on day one, but Charley just freaks out at the razor. So, she did the best she could on day one and then put him back in the high chair one day 2. Well, that still didn't work, so she actually had to take him to the professionals on day 3. She had to hold him down so that the girl could cut his hair. He is too funny about things. We can finally cut his finger nails, but don't even touch his toes - ha!

So now here he is hardly any hair, but at least he won't have to get it cut for awhile!!

Visting with Family

2010-10-12T06:48:00.000-07:00

Here we are, on our way to Great Grandma and Great Grandpa's house in Kingsville. Charley was good on the 3 1/2 hour drive, of course he was able to watch his shows on the computer, so that helped!!

Charley found these hats, Papa HAD to wear one as well! What a great Papa to wear that hat!

Charley found the toy chest - he had a blast playing with all the toys!

Here is the family!! We really had a great time on our visit! Was so good to see everyone!

Charley is now at the stage where he likes looking at himself in the camera - I turned the camera around to get a picture of the 2 of us - he was busy watching himself - he is too funny!

Fun at the Zoo

2010-09-06T07:58:00.000-07:00

Jeff, Tara and Charley went to the zoo. Charley had a blast!

The newly weds!

Charley showing daddy the monkeys!

It took a little bit of time for Charley to warm up to the goats, but he finally did and had fun.

Looking at the snakes, not grandma's favorite thing, glad he enjoyed them.

Meet The Newly Weds

2010-09-04T05:36:00.000-07:00

Tara and Jeff were married August 28, 2010 on Tybee Island in Georgia.

Jeff is in the Army and was home on his 2 week leave from Iraq. They were not sure exactly when he was going to be able to make it home, so the wedding was more or less last minute.

Albert and I were not able to attend, we gave them airfare along with Tressa so that they could get to the court house in Savannah on time. Tressa was the maid of honor and Jeff's brother, Billy, was the best man.

Jeff is from Georgia, so this is why they chose GA for the wedding. Because he was only able to take a 2 week leave, holding the wedding in GA was also a way for him to be with his family.

Jeff will go back to Iraq next week and will be done with his tour most likely in March. The Army always has a way of changing plans at the last minute.

Over Easter weekend we will have their reception at LAST Ranch. Albert and I wish only the best for them on their new adventure called marriage! We love you, Tara and Jeff!

Fun for Papa??

2010-09-03T06:00:00.000-07:00

Last month we bought a new kitchen sink and faucet. Albert is such a great handy man! He put it in for me and he had a little helper! It is so cute because when Albert pulls out his tools, Charley has to go and get his Handy Manny tools!

So, when Albert got on the floor, Charley, of course, had to join him. If you think this picture is cute, you should have been here - it was too funny and too cute! Well, for me, I wasn't the one on the floor trying to tighten up the sink! :)

Charley has a big smile on his face - he is loving helping his Papa!

This is a face of "I have had enough pictures taken, Grandma". I must say, it is fun having a 2 year old around - he keeps us hopping!

23 Years Ago Today...

2010-09-02T06:30:00.000-07:00

...I married a wonderful man!

We have had many adventures...

...like going to PBR (Professional Bull Riding) events...

...and fun times... like High School reunions, playing horse shoes, and...

...river rafting down the Guadalupe River.

We have 3 beautiful children and 1 amazing grandson with one on the way. I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful man as my husband. Looking forward to another 23 years!

Chillin' on the Ranch!

2010-08-16T11:40:00.001-07:00

Here is how we swim on the Ranch these days :) Had to get 2 of them so both grandma and Papa can "swim" at the same time! ha

Charley loves to swim, but not alone...

...he has to have Papa with him.

Charley also loves walking around in his new mud boots. This was too cute of a photo for this grandma not to take. Can anyone say bribe when he gets a little older - ha!

He loves being outside, he is so funny and so much fun to be around! This grandma is hooked on this little boy!

Now this is Love

2010-06-10T11:55:00.000-07:00

Charley saw Grandpa outside mowing and had to run over to him. Since he couldn't ride with him, he decided he would walk and hold Grandpa's hand.

He was so excited to see me take pictures, he was waving.

What a happy boy! He LOVES being outside and being with his grandpa!! I must say he is such a good helper/worker - wonder when he actually realizes it is work if he will be the same way - ha!

The Graduate!

2010-06-06T10:49:00.000-07:00

Here she is the graduate! Congratulations to Tressa! So can't believe it, it is true what they say - don't blink - the years go faster than you think! One day your baby is born and then the next moment they graduate from High School!

Here is Tressa with her grandparents (Albert's mom and dad). They came up from Kingsville to help us celebrate! We actually had a house full for her graduation. My dad and his wife, Connie, Stef, Scott and Baine joined in celebrating with us as well. It was wonderful!

The proud parents!

We had good seats. Tressa had told us what row she was going to be in and we actually sat on the correct side - yeah!

Tressa graduated on Saturday, but had her party on Friday. She had a really amazing cake and so here she is cutting it at her graduation party. What an amazing time we had celebrating Tressa! Next stop college!!! A new journey will begin in her life. Tressa, we are so proud of you! We love you very much!!!! I know you will accomplish all your goals and dreams!

Charley's New Game

2010-06-01T05:06:00.000-07:00

Found out the other day that Charley likes to hid in Grandpa's shirts in the closet. He thinks he is so funny hiding back there thinking he can't be seen. He is looking at Grandpa right now and I was able to snap a picture.

Of course he had to jump out and say surprise - well, not that he really said that - he just jumped out. It was all too funny and cute. I enjoyed watching him play until he started taking all of Grandpa's shirts off the hangers - ah - then - fun time over for Grandma! ha!

Tressa in her Graduation Cap and Gown

2010-05-28T05:29:00.001-07:00

Waller High School has Cap and Gown day, so Tressa got to wear them to school on Thursday. I ironed that gown for a half an hour and still it had wrinkles! Man!

As you can tell she is sooooo happy that I am taking pictures at 6:30 in the morning and plus I was making her late. So she was all, "hurry up, mom!"

Tressa will graduate on June 5th and then head out to CA on June 7th for 2 weeks. She will stay with family and friends there and she hopes to spend a ton of time on the beaches! She wants to work as much as possible this summer and will start college classes in the Fall. We are so proud of her and know that she is going to do an amazing job in college and life! She wants to be a high school teacher and teach 11th grade History. Not sure where all the time has gone, my baby is all grown up!

Summer Time Fun

2010-05-27T06:39:00.001-07:00

Stef and Baine came over last Sunday so that the boys could play together. The weather is already hot here and so we thought they would have fun outside running through the sprinkler. Well, that is what we thought - ha!

They enjoyed playing in the fort and every once in awhile the sprinkler would hit the fort - so that was fine. The slide was wet, so that made it even a little more fun to go down.

Baine is trying to run away from the sprinkler. He did get brave enough to go through it once - so that was cute watching him.

Tara pushed Charley through the sprinkler in his car - well, that was not as much fun as Charley thought it was going to be! All in all a fun day for them. It is nice that they can play together. They are only one year apart and it is so cute to watch them play together. Sharing toys, well now, that is a different topic all together - ha! But they are learning!!

Prom Night for Tressa

2010-05-23T05:13:00.001-07:00

Tressa had this dress in her closet and took it to a friend's mom who does alterations. So Tressa had the idea of putting netting down at the bottom of the dress. Well, we all thought it made the dress look more 80's, so then she had the idea of wearing black converse with her dress. Her friend did her hair and the look was complete. I thought she needed those jelly bracelets that we used to wear, but she didn't have any.

I helped her lace up the back of it. I think she looks really cute all decked out in the 80's!

Here is a closer picture with her shoes. Albert and I have been putting up trim in the man cave, sorry for the mess in the background! The man cave will be clean in a couple of weeks - Tressa will have her graduation party!

Stephanie and Tressa in the backyard. Both girls didn't have a date so they thought they would go together.

Here is the gang! I think they all look so beautiful! When Tressa got in at 2 to tell us that she and Stephanie were home, I asked if she had fun. Her response was "YES"! So glad! Will have to get the entire scoop when they wake up - ha - not sure what time that will be!!

Tressa's Night

2010-05-22T05:52:00.000-07:00

It was a very fun and exciting night as Albert and I were able to watch our youngest child receive an award for being a Texas Scholar. I was also emotional knowing that my last child will be graduating from High School in just a couple of weeks. We are so proud of her and she has certainly grown up to be a wonderful woman. Man, in just a few months she will start college!

Tomorrow I will have prom pictures up - so come back to see them!

Around LAST3 Ranch

2010-05-19T11:19:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was a busy day when Grandpa got home from work! He and Charley mowed the front yard; then we went to burn. Charley loves being outside and he is a big helper! We also got the horse stuff ready so all we had to do was let them in at 8. It was really good that we did that because I forgot about them and let them in at 8:45 - let me tell you - they were not happy with me! ha!

Charley is so funny, when he thinks a branch is too low he has to duck. Grandpa is playing along with him.

Got Charley at the right time - he was looking!!

My awesome hubby put in sprinklers for me! My flowers are so happy! Right now all I have to do is turn the knob and they get watered, soon we will get a timer and then won't worry about a thing! :) That makes it really nice when we are able to go out of town, then I don't have to worry about my flowers at all!

I didn't want Albert to have to dig under the sidewalk, so I moved the flowers to a more convenient area to be watered. I love to put colorful items in the garden so that when you walk around you can see pretty and different things. So this little rock garden just has fun things in it for you to gaze upon.

Here is the ceiling of the man cave. We bought 1 x 4's and are putting them up to trim the paneling. It is truly looking great in there! It is fun to go in and just escape from the hustle and bustle in the house.

What a Thursday!!

2010-05-14T05:46:00.001-07:00

So Tara, Charley and I headed out to run errands early Thursday morning. After the little errands were out of the way and of course lunch :) we headed to Lowe's!! Ah, I have never had 3 shopping carts at Lowe's before, so this was a first. Of course if things were not so bulky or heavy, I am sure I would not have needed that many. We got flowers, pavers, bags of sand, potting soil, 1 x 4's and of course a cute toy for Charley. It is a puzzle type of a deal with tools. He loves tools!! After loading up the truck I had to stop at the feed store. Poor guy, it seems as I am always making it hard for him to load the feed. This time he had to put it around the wood, bags of sand and plants. So, we headed home and I got to unload all of it. I had to do the pavers first and see how it made the new seating area look. I love it! I now need to get some color in the seating area - so off to Wal-Mart I will go today to see if they have any fun stuff for the yard. Oh, and get this, Lowe's is all out of the squirrel chairs - can you believe it! And no, it is not a sign - ha - they will get more in!

I planted my plants and rearranged the flower beds. I had to sit in the new seating area and see if I like the new look. I did rearrange some more after I took this picture and I also realized I forgot to buy a plant for the planter by the front door - will have to see what they have at Wal-Mart so I can finish up with all my planting.

This is called a butterfly bush and this is why. The butterflies love it! I was so happy that they stayed there long enough for me to get a picture. I have some humming bird feeders out as well, 2 humming birds so far, but I can't ever keep them there long enough to enjoy watching them or take their picture.

I was able to finish up the side flower bed and have plants by the back door as well.

Now the horseshoe pit is really ready - come on over and play!! Let me just end by telling you this, be very thankful that you can't smell through the computer because after I was done with all the loading, unloading, moving pavers, hauling bags of sand and off loading the horse feed - ah - I smelled awful! You know it's bad when you can't stand to be around yourself - ha!

Fun Toy

2010-05-11T12:52:00.001-07:00

Charley and I saw these cute little chairs at Lowe's. You place a cob of corn on them for the squirrels. At first they didn't eat the corn because they had bird seed to eat - silly squirrels!

Then one day I saw one hanging upside down from the tree to grab a piece of corn - it was too cute - hence the photo!

He would then run up into the tree to eat his lovely corn. Albert was giving me a hard time because I wanted to get 2 more chairs. I do have 2 more trees that they would look so cute in! They also come in different colors - always need more bling for outside!

Well, I finally got to see a squirrel sitting in the chair and so then was able to let my hubby know how important it is to get more chairs - ha! I think we will be invaded by squirrels - but right now - I am enjoying watching them.

We have so many beautiful birds out here as well. I never considered myself a bird lover, living in Katy we had the wrath of Mocking Birds, but out here - wow - they are amazing and so different and beautiful. Next stop to the bookstore to buy a book on birds. I want to know their names and be able to tell Charley what each one is.

For now the birds, squirrels, rabbits and deer run our land as if it was their own. I guess I don't help when I buy food to keep them around - but hey - it is such a blessing to go outside and enjoy what the Lord has created!

Stay tuned - more chairs to come!!! :)

The New Horseshoe Pit

2010-05-05T12:39:00.000-07:00

Albert and I added new horseshoe pits to the backyard.

Tim and Albert are the first to play with it. We need a couple more bags of sand and it will be ready for anyone who wants to play!

Much to my Tim's dismay, Albert won this round!!

This is what Charley thinks needs to happen in the pit, playing in the sand with his shovel and rake! Silly boy!!

More Fun in the Sun

2010-05-02T17:54:00.000-07:00

Today we worked in the backyard. We moved the fire pit - just a bit - also needed to level it, so we took care of that as well.

Here is the horseshoe pit - blue team - anyone want to play?? ;)

down the path is the red team - think you can make a ringer?? :)

We have a few more things to do before Tressa's graduation, but I must say, it is all coming together! I love being outside!!

Fun in the Sun

2010-05-01T17:23:00.001-07:00

Albert and I have been working in the front yard. I am not sure that Albert would say that we are having fun in the sun, as he has been doing a lot of work for me; but with each new yard of rock, I am becoming more and more excited about my front yard!

So excited that I had to put in a new seating area. We can now sit in the front yard, the side yard and the back yard. Oh, more to come on the backyard as we have extended our fence line - can't wait to play horse shoes! Anyone game??? :)

This is our new plant on the side yard. I am so excited to have a hydrangea! My great-grandmother had one that was so huge. My cousin, Julie, and I were just talking about her and the hydrangea the other day. I so hope that it will be come as beautiful as hers was! What we remember from our childhood - amazing!

Just a view from the side yard to the front yard.

I saw the cutest thing to feed squirrels! This little lawn chair that you screw a cob of corn into. It was so cute! Charley had to hold it all throughout Lowe's. They do have other colors and I do think I will have to go back and get more of them - ha - much to Albert's dismay!

Albert and I have had so much fun getting our yard all ready for Tressa's graduation. If you want to visit us before then, just drop on by, we can have a cold beverage in the new seating area! FUN!!!

Senior Pictures "2"

2010-04-29T11:34:00.001-07:00

Tressa said that she wanted different looks for her Senior pictures, yesterday was "Comfy" style and today she calls it "Casual". We have a patch of yellow flowers in the back pasture that we thought would be a cute place to pose.

We have some down trees and Tressa wanted to be able to take pictures with them as well.

Also, you can see that Tressa is sporting a new pair of glasses. She is wanting to try them for awhile and not worry about contacts right now - I think she looks very beautiful in them!

Another one in the yellow flowers

And of course, Tressa has to stick out her tongue. Hey, it wouldn't be Tressa if she didn't have at least one picture with her tongue out - ha!

We will do "Formal" pictures and of course Cap and Gown - stayed tuned to see what our beautiful daughter will wear next and where she will have her pictures taken!

Charley the Cowboy

2010-04-29T04:11:00.001-07:00

After I had my doctor appointments yesterday, Charley and I met Grandpa for lunch. Charley found the Chuck Wagon and had to ride. At first he was on the horse, too cute, then I got some quarters and put him on the wagon seat. He was sad when the quarters ran out.

Guess one of my many jobs as Grandma is to make sure there are always plenty of quarters!!

Grandpa took his picture with his cell phone - got to love technology!

Senior Pictures

2010-04-27T11:02:00.001-07:00

Well, here is my baby girl, Tressa, all grown up and getting ready to graduate! Where did the time go? It is amazing to me how quickly they grow!

Tressa wanted some causal pictures as well as formal. We had a little bit of time today to just take a few. She is in our front yard and was doing different poses by the tree.

Charley saw Tressa with all these poses with the tree, so he had to do it too. Ha, he is too funny!!

We will be taking some more pictures so stay tuned! Tressa is also excited because after she graduates she will be spending 2 weeks in CA. She will be visiting family and friends there. She wants to work full time this summer and then start Lonestar College in the Fall.

Children, what an amazing and wonderful journey! I have truly enjoyed my children at every stage of their lives and I am so excited to have a relationship with them that is fun and full of adventure!

Happy Easter

2010-04-07T14:47:00.001-07:00

Easter was great this year! Stefanie, Scott and Baine came over to help us celebrate! Charley and Baine had a blast hunting for the eggs.

Here they are - ready, set, go...

Look here they are!

What a happy boy!!!

Another happy boy!!!

Hope that your family had a blessed Easter!!!

PBR (Professional Bull Riding)

2010-04-05T17:47:00.000-07:00

Robin, Albert and I went to New Orleans to watch PBR this weekend. It was a total blast. We left on Thursday and returned on Saturday so that we could have Easter with our families.

Sometimes they ride...

...sometimes they don't!

This is Guilherme Marchi, he won in Las Vegas when we went there in 2008

Here was his ride - unfortunately he didn't stay on.

We had a blast watching the PBR and walking around New Orleans! Our next PBR stop will be San Antonio at the end of July.

Chuck E Cheese Time

2010-03-26T13:31:00.000-07:00

Charley's first time at Chuck E Cheese. Just think, about 6 years ago both Tara and Tim worked at this location! Charley had a blast! Wouldn't play on the slide, so I had to go with him everywhere to help him with the rides and play the games. It was a lot of fun, but man oh man, wore me OUT!

He wanted to ride the horse once, only once! Ha, wouldn't get back on it. Guess he likes the real ones better!! That is my cowboy!!!

We went with a friend, Ada, my sister, Stefanie, and her son, Baine. Baine had fun on the rides as well. They played air hockey, but what they liked the best was putting the puck in the slot so that it would come back out. It was fun to watch them play together.

Charley also loved this game. You had to press down on the bone to feed this dog. So I helped him push the bone down to put all these balls into the dogs mouth. It was cute watching him play.

This is "Whack a Mole", well, Charley liked to hold the mallet and hit the moles with his hands. That was really funny to watch!

It was a really fun day. I am so glad that Charley wanted to play and ride the rides. Now if I can just get him to play on the slide and in the ball pit, I would have time to sit and recover after running around after him! :)

Charley's Exciting Day

2010-03-25T09:40:00.001-07:00

Charley has his first 4 Wheeler - He is LOVING it! It rained last night, so it was too wet to go outside this morning, maybe when Grandpa comes home from work Charley can show him outside how he can ride!

Yes, he likes driving around the house - but still can't figure out how to turn the wheel and he is too excited looking back at his mom and me to make sure we see him that he runs into things!

Look at him go!

Charley was also my big helper in the kitchen. I wanted him to help me bake a cake. He had fun doing the stirring and mixing. I hope it turns out alright, some of the ingrdients only made it on the counter and not in the bowl. Of course I had him working with flour while wearing a black shirt, let's just say, his shirt was not only black afterwards - ha!

Chef Charley!!

Brooks & Dunn

2010-03-21T05:53:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was really a great day! Fonda picked up Albert and I about 8:15 AM to go to the Poultry Auction breakfast and then attend the auction. Albert and I didn't bid, but Fonda, Paul and Jenn did. It was so much fun watching them and everyone else bid on the chickens and turkeys. Some of the kids did the chicken dance, push ups or brought out gift baskets to entice bidders.

Albert and I at the rodeo. It turned sooooooooo cold on the first day of Spring. For our last time to the 2010 rodeo, I wanted to ride the rides, eat another corn dog or even fried zucchini but a cold front blew in along with rain, so after the auction we all headed inside to hopefully warm up. It was cold in our seats as well; but I didn't mind that much, I got to snuggle with my cowboy!

I really enjoy Brooks and Dunn; they put on a really good show! Not only do I like their songs, but also how patriotic they are!!

All and all it was a wonderful day! Having a great time with my hubby and girlfriends!

I figured out that I have been to the rodeo 8 times this year (counting the BBQ Cook-Off) - that is amazing to me! I have never been more than once (maybe twice) in previous years and last year didn't get to attend at all!

It was because of Robin that I was able to attend 7 of those times! Thanks Robin for such a fantastic Rodeo season! I hope to become more involved in the rodeo. I found out that they have a Quarter Horse Committee - now that would be right up my alley! Of course I still dream of barrel racing one day - will have to see if that dream can come true!

At the Rodeo with Charley

2010-03-18T14:03:00.001-07:00

Charley and I met Robin and Colton at the Rodeo today. I was a little nervous taking a 2 year old, but he was a really good boy. He sat in his stroller, he took in the sights, he ate some food and he tried to be adventurous and try new things, but mostly if I was holding him. I think next year will be GREAT!

Charley got a new cowboy hat today. He and Colton were able to have matching hats. He was pretty good about keeping it on all day. He was so cute in his cowboy hat and boots!

Here are Charley and Colton waiting for the pig races to begin. This was the first event that we attended and the boys were not sure what to think about everything. They were very quiet and reserved!

Ah, the UT Pig didn't care about finishing the race - he let the A & M Pig beat him - now what's up with that - ha!

Well, Charley had a very busy day at the Rodeo and this is what he looked like on the way home. It was really a blast going today. I was excited to be able to spend time like that with Charley. His mom is going to take him to the zoo towards the end of the month, after seeing how much he enjoyed the animals at the Rodeo, I know that he will LOVE the zoo!

Look Who's 2

2010-03-17T18:31:00.000-07:00

Charley is 2 years old today! Tara made him a cake so he could celebrate at home and cupcakes so he could celebrate at school. I guess he likes eating the tops off the cupcakes and putting the other part back, well, that is what they told us at school anyway and because it is his b-day - they let him :)

Here he is blowing out the candles - he was so cute

yum - it is so good!

Grandpa is helping opening up the new fire truck! Yeah!!

Here is the newest draft choice!

Happy Birthday, Charley!!

And now there are 2

2010-03-15T06:32:00.001-07:00

Here are the unsuspecting cows. They had no idea what was about to happen.

Here are the cow hands, Albert, Brianne, Brian and Will

This is Sirloin, he was born on the property January 7, 2010. Now this is what Albert and I call him, not what Brianne has named him. He is looking at the trailer and thinking, "No way are you getting me in there!!"

Don't let this picture fool you, it was NOT this easy to get them into the trailer! Josh set up these panels to help guide them in, but it was too out in the open. So he moved the trailer over to the stall area so that we could use the wall as one side. The neighbors came over to help and we all slowly walked and got the cows into position. Then I was in the panel area with them, Will closed the the last panel to lock us in. When they saw that I was in this area with them, they just went into the trailer. We closed them in the trailer and Josh took off to Brianne's. Now that was so much easier than I ever thought! Now that we have no more cows I am really feeling like a cowgirl!

I do hope that we will have 2 little steers on the property at some time in the future, but this morning, I must say, it was amazing to only have 2 horses to feed! No cows mooing at me giving me that look like where is my food - it was quite a different feeling!

Albert and I worked on the property yesterday, we still have more to do where the cows grazed and around the property. The weather is so beautiful right now, we are having a wonderful time working outside. Can't wait to see all the improvements we are going to do! Guess I need to take before and after pictures!

New Look!

2010-03-14T07:43:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the new look of my blog! There will be a few more changes in the future - so check back often.

My girlfriends thought it was time I actually put horses on my blog, since I call "Just Horsin' Around".... So, Robin helped me pick this background out and we sent an e-mail request to August to help with the header, so as soon as she works her Blog Magic, I will add that.

It has almost been a month since I have worked outside the home. I must say, I am really enjoying this time. I have been able to get some things organized in the house; I have been able to just enjoy being home. Not feeling the pressure to hurry up and fix dinner, hurry up and take care of the animals, hurry up and talk with my family has been such a blessing. I am amazed how wonderful it is after 12 years to take time and focus on what the Lord has given me. A wonderful husband, great children, an awesome grandson and LAST Ranch.

I know that I will have to focus on a job this month, we need that income, but what a blessing it has been to be able to be revived. Being in the desert is so tiring and I grew weary and didn't even know it. I can tell now just how tired I have been, so good to get that much needed rest.

Today the rest of the cows will be picked up. Brianne, Fonda and Jim should be here shortly to try to get them into a trailer and put them on their property. They have worked hard on a fencing off a place for the cows, Albert and I have tried to help them as much as we could. It sure looks pretty - I am thinking the cows will enjoy their new digs!

I don't know what it will be like to only have 2 horses on the property. What will Albert and I do with all that extra time. Ha - we will be getting ready to have Tressa's graduation party in June! Actually going to cut up some trees as soon as I get this posted.

Thank you for letting me share this morning. Not sure any of this makes sense, but was really good to just be able to blog! :)

Salute To Our Troops

2010-03-11T13:14:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Tara and I were able to attend the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. We had a really wonderful and exciting time! We were able to park in the Yellow Lot for only $5 and then we were able to walk 5 miles just to find the person who we needed to check in with and receive our tickets - the reason I know that it was 5 miles is because Tara and I are wearing pedometers right now to see how many steps/miles we take in a week. Let's just say, my boots were made for walking - thank goodness!!!

I guess I didn't realize that I didn't take any pictures of animals while at the Rodeo, so this horse statue behind Tara will have to do for my proof that we were actually at the Rodeo - ha! The grounds of the Rodeo are very nice (believe me, we covered all the grounds just to get to that woman!).

My baby, a soldier!

So, let's play a game. What is missing in this picture?? You can tell that Tara is in the picture and she is turned sideways - she has done this for a reason. Tara had washed her uniform and forgot to put her patches back on - well, let me tell you - 3 different people (soldiers) went out of their way to let Tara know this! In this picture, she is missing her flag on her right arm. This one guy came running after us, he was all, "you forgot your flag". Tara said, "yes, I know that". So, then he proceeded to ask her if she had another one on her and said some other things to her, I think he was going to get on to her; so then I just simply asked him, "Do you have another one that she can borrow?" That made him all flustered (I don't think he was expecting me to talk - see he was actually a higher rank than Tara), not sure if he was going to be polite or not, but he was and said, "no, mam". So, here I am thinking, why would you bring up that question to Tara about having another flag? Don't you think that if she did, she would have put it on? Obviously soldiers don't carry around extra flags because if they did, then you would have had a spare to give to Tara. Anyway, let's just say, when Tara and I are together, we sure have some interesting adventures!!!

We went to our seats and every time Tara got up, she borrowed a friend's flag so that she would no longer be harassed about not having one.

If you ever have the chance to ask Tara about this story, it is a good one - ask her to share her side of it! :)

After the all the calf roping, steer wrestling, bull riding and barrel racing where over, the Air Force had men repel from the ceiling with our beautiful flag in tow. It was truly a wonderful night and Texas, along with the Rodeo, sure do a wonderful job of making sure our troops know how much we appreciate them and all they do for this great country of ours! May God bless America!

Going to Auction

2010-03-08T15:43:00.000-08:00

Albert is getting ready to move the trailer so we can take T-Bone to auction

Here is our T-Bone, he is a really good look bull and we found out that he weighed 760 pounds - what a big boy for only being 1 years old!

Here are my 2 favorite cowboys.

We had a busy Saturday, loaded up T-Bone about 11:00 and drove to Navasota to the auction house. We got a seat about 12:30 and T-Bone went up for sell at 3:00 - yes, a long time to wait and a lot of cattle to go through before his turn. Charley was a really good boy through the whole thing, loved looking at the cows, but fell asleep on Albert before T-Bone came out. He started out at .70 cents a pound and went for .90 - it was very exciting to watch people bid on him. In my head he is going to be on a ranch surrounded by cows - having the time of his life - if it is a different story and he is headed to the slaughter house - ah - don't want to know about it!

It was a very interesting project for Albert and I, having a bull calf, raising him for 8 months and then selling him. We might consider this venture again, but not until we can more grass for the cattle to graze - the price of hay - ouch!!! I must say, getting him into the trailer without any cattle equipment - we are now officially cattle ranchers!! :)

I'm Back

2010-02-23T07:21:00.000-08:00

My life has been crazy for the past couple of months and I have not felt in the mood to blog. I am coming to a point in my life that I think I will be able to - no more writer's block - ha!

Just got back from a wonderful trip with some wonderful friends and I am feeling refreshed and ready to take the world on, well, maybe Hockley! :)

So here I am, 45 (almost 46 - yikes) without a job, and not knowing what the future holds, and really feeling ok with that. Now my husband, I am sure, would like the job to come sooner than later - funny, my family likes food in the house; but right now, hmmmmmmm what is it that I am to do?

Ever feel this way? What direction am I now being led? Where does the Lord want me to go next? What path is the right one for me?

I have been so involved in ministry for the past 12 years that I am not sure if that is still the direction He is leading me or could it be a new ministry path He wants for me?

I love my horses (guess you get that from the name of my blog) so what is it that I can do with them to actually make money? Is that something that could actually happen? What about cattle? Having T-Bone has been fun, crazy and fulfilling. Is that something I can make money doing? From what people tell me, cows and horses are not the way to make money, but is that true for my life?

I am not talking about becoming rich, just making a life that will work for my family.

This year has passed by way too quickly already, things at times, feel out of control. It is time to take my life back; to enjoy life, my family, my friends and the beautiful home that the Lord has given us.

I want to take this time, before I turn 46 (March 3) to figure all of this out. I hope to share this process on the blog and that you won't mind more words than pictures. Although I will still have to put in pictures of my grandson and animals - that's just me! Ha!

Thank you for taking this journey with me! Until next time....

The Newest Member of the Herd

2010-01-07T05:53:00.000-08:00

Went out to feed and to my surprise - had another baby on the property!

Thinking he was born a few hours earlier.

He is already walking around, trying to nurse and just getting used to the property. Should be fun watching a little one running around the property!

It is Christmas Eve!!

2009-12-24T10:40:00.000-08:00

Charley is helping me make cookies for Santa

yeah, cookies for Santa!!

We stir the mix...

More stirring...

Now time to sprinkle the sugar on top - Can't wait to put cookies out for Santa - Santa can't wait either - ha!

Charley and Grandpa

2009-12-24T10:33:00.001-08:00

Charley loves playing with Grandpa

Charley thought this was so funny to have Grandpa get on top of him

Ah, so cute!

Charley wants that hat

He got it!

Ginger Bread House Time

2009-12-13T09:40:00.000-08:00

Tara bought Charley a Ginger Bread House kit. He really liked putting the decorations on.

He is also getting better looking at Grandma when I am taking pictures! He is learning! :)

I am not sure if he liked decorating the house more or eating the decorations more! ha!

Anyway, Charley had a blast! It is going to be a fun Christmas this year!

Chillin' with Charley

2009-12-06T06:59:00.000-08:00

Charley loves to be in the tack room. He has to touch all the feed cans and the hay. It is so cute, he goes from one can to the next as Grandpa or I call out - Horse Food - Cow Food - Hay - he has to make sure we see him and call out what the cans are holding.

Ah, he found his favorite ride and had to get it on. Grandpa wasn't going to get away without moving him around the property!

Yeah for Grandpa! Charley is having fun and toasting his wonderful Grandpa!

Ah, the cattle don't get it! They had to watch Grandpa and Charley from afar - it was too funny!

Oh, and just in case you were curious about Barn Bunny - He is still here! He loves to eat the horse feed and the cattle feed. He hangs out in the stalls and our trees. I see Hawks around, but Barn Bunny has managed to stay far away from them! Life on the Ranch - I LOVE IT!

SNOW DAY

2009-12-06T06:49:00.001-08:00

I wanted to show you that it was snowing on the LAST3 Ranch, not that any stuck on the ground here, but with Static being so dark, I thought the snow would show up better. Albert had much more snow at his work and he was disappointed that we didn't have more here.

The snow is not phasing the cows from eating - that is for sure!

My sister and her son, Baine, came to stay with us. They had more snow in their area and wanted to make sure they didn't lose power. Here is Tressa with Baine out in the snow!

T-Bone has the "grass is greener" syndrome and is sticking his head through the fence. Hope you can see our snow against the darkness of the cattle.

It was a very fun snow day. It didn't last that long, but it sure made it feel like Christmas was in the air! I sure would love it if we could get another snow day!

Happy Thanksgiving! 2009

2009-11-27T16:37:00.001-08:00

Charley says - Happy Thanksgiving!!

This year we had Thanksgiving in the mancave. It was really cool - all of us being able to eat together. Albert carving the turkey. My sister, Stef, and her family joined us as well as Kristen and Ruben. Tara's boyfriend, Sam and his family also joined us - it was so much fun cooking for everyone!!!

Tara and Sam

Stef and Baine

Ruben and Kristen

Trying to get Christmas Photos

2009-11-22T12:43:00.000-08:00

We had this bright spot - not sure if it is because of the white shirt or something on the camera

Always having to play around! :)

Baby wanted to get in the fun as well

She is so cute and so curious!

Well, we tried - maybe another day! ha!

So do we have to play with everything???

2009-11-13T19:51:00.001-08:00

When the rain came a couple of weeks ago it washed away a lot of our dirt. Today, we had dirt delivered - ah - the cows found it! :) Here is Ms March playing "move the dirt" with her head!

Here is T-Bone playing hide and seek behind the dirt pile!

What a cute couple they make - ha! I must say this - these cows keep us laughing - or crying - but mostly laughing!! :)

Fun in Austin

2009-11-09T20:46:00.001-08:00

Albert and I went to Austin this weekend to see my cousin, Tim and his family. Here is Evan their youngest!!!

Michelle loves horses just like I do - it is such a blast to be able to talk with her about horse stuff! We want to plan a ride in the Spring. We figure we can ride horses and the guys can ride their motorcycles. Works for me! :)

Here is Meagan, Michelle and Lindsey. We were at their house to celebrate Meagan, she joined the Air Force today! Yeah Meagan!!! We are so proud of her!

Tim, Evan and Albert having fun. Tim made ribs and a pork roast - it was great and we had a blast!!! Next time they will visit us - but I already warned Tim, he will need to bring his chain saw - we still have trees from Ike to cut up! Work party at Last3 Ranch! :)

The Little Pirate

2009-11-04T04:13:00.000-08:00

Charley was ok with putting on his Halloween Costume, but wanted to play with my little bears more - when you pull them apart they make a kissing sound and then the girl bear flaps her wings - so grandma had to do that for him in between taking pictures.

He is so cute - trying to figure out how to pull them apart...

Here he is with his hat on! What a cute pirate!

Charley's School Pictures

2009-11-02T19:34:00.000-08:00

He is growing up so quickly!!!!

I think he is the cutest grandson ever!! :)

yep, I will keep him! Too cute!

And the middle child turns 20!!!

2009-10-31T11:13:00.001-07:00

Tim loves Bucee's - Fonda got him a shirt!

Brianne got him a gift that keeps on giving! Tim got covered with Silly String!

Ah, but Tim got his turn as well!

Ok, so my question is - who is going to clean up that mess! :)

Play Day for Baine and Charley

2009-10-31T11:02:00.001-07:00

Baine is having a moment of silence - just kidding - thought this was a cute picture of him looking out the window.

The boys really had a blast climbing up the stairs and then sliding down - what a fun afternoon for them.

Yeah for slides!

We are so happy - Charley loves being outside!

I also took a video of them running back and forth screaming - they really had a blast!!

He can always make me laugh

2009-10-26T13:36:00.000-07:00

Not only has this boy gotten a bucket stuck on his head (Baby's water bucket), but he has also played with Barn Bunny (yep, Barn Bunny is still around!). The 2 of them were zig zagging around the pasture - now I know you don't believe me that a bunny and a bull calf would play together - but - I saw it and Barn Bunny is the one that started playing with T-Bone first! ah too funny - but now on to what I saw today...

Yes, it is a rainy day and yes, that is T-Bone INSIDE the round bail feeder!

I couldn't lift it up all by myself, the cattle have the hay all on it and it is wet, so it was very heavy - I had to get in there with him and shoo him out - hope he remembers how to get out in case he does this again.
He is just too funny!

On to Fun Times!

2009-10-25T17:51:00.001-07:00

Here are Kristen and I at Drill Team practice...

We had to practice with flags with the horses - they did really well!!!

I love my Princess!!!

Look at the fun chaps I get to wear for Drill Team - I get to be light purple - so much fun!!!!

Sad News

2009-10-25T17:48:00.000-07:00

Little Ms March lost her calf today - it was heart breaking to see him on the ground like that. Albert was the one who had to bury him. We will have the vet come out, but it looks like Ms March is doing well. Whenever I close my eyes I see him - just breaks my heart! He was fully formed, just had to grow some more. My prayer is the Ms January is fine and her baby is healthy! Sorry, just had to share this news!!!

Yeah for Hay!!

2009-10-18T19:37:00.001-07:00

Ms March and Ms January are very curious, but not so much as to leave the new round bale feeder! They are enjoying their new "self-service" life style!

T-Bone also enjoying the new feeder...

Aren't they all just so cute! They are so much fun!

New Adventure for Stacy

2009-10-18T19:21:00.001-07:00

Kristen is ready to go for the new adventure....

Princess is ready to go as well....

Star is hoping we leave soon...

Even Charley is ready to go - where are we going????

To watch Grandma ride on a horse drill team. Kristen and I decided that we are going to ride in parades and go to competitions on a drill team. We started group practice today. I started riding Princess last week so that we could be ready for our 2 hour group practice. She was a tired little Princess, but she did a GREAT job! More pictures to come for sure! Just wait until we wear our costumes and are holding flags - so can't wait for that!!!

Almost Complete-part 4

2009-10-17T05:53:00.001-07:00

We just have a few more things to put away and unpack...

I need to find my dishes from storage so I can put them in the hutch...

Albert is very excited to have his office back...

Tressa is enjoying having her own space...

It is very exciting to have a new space to go too. Before Tressa moved in, Albert and I had the opportunity to drink coffee in the morning and just visit, it was a nice place to escape. It was a lot of work, but really we enjoyed building it together. We are looking for the right trim pieces and we are going to build shelves in the tv area, also looking for rugs and then I believe it will be completed!! Ha - Probably just in time to put up a Christmas tree! Actually right now we have taken a break from working in the man cave as we have been putting up fencing and doing other things outside. Today we will put together a round hay bale feeder - look for new pictures of the cows and horses to be posted soon!

More of the Man Cave - part 3

2009-10-16T05:41:00.001-07:00

My working man! We found these ceiling fans that we really liked from Lowe's and Albert wired the ceiling for them then installed all 3 of them...

We chose some ceiling tiles that have insulation already with them. They were very light and easy to install. We stapled them up...

Part of them are up at this point...

All ceiling tiles are up - ceiling fans are on - this is what the tv area looks like...

More of the tv area and then the little blue corner table that used to be in my grandparents home - it was in their kitchen where we would eat breakfast and lunch - I want to use it to put together puzzles and color with Charley...

Work in Progress - part 2

2009-10-16T05:33:00.001-07:00

A garage door before framing...

One of our air conditioners and the back wall...

What a framed out garage door looks like...

A side wall and other items that we had to find a "Home" for because our garage is now a room! :)

The Man Cave Before

2009-10-15T05:38:00.000-07:00

Here is our garage - we turned it into a "man cave"...

Because it was the garage, we had to work around so many items that were being stored in the garage...

Albert and Jim framed the garage doors so that they won't open...
More pictures to come...

Working on the Ranch

2009-10-11T10:52:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a really great day! Albert, Brianne, Tressa and I worked on fences and around the Ranch! We have 3 cows now - yeah! Brianne has 2 pregnant heifers and they hang out with our T-Bone. If you have gone to Fonda's blog, you were able to read about our great cattle adventures! The cattle have all settled in now and are taking over the horse pasture until we can fix more fences and move them into their area.

Albert and I are going to go into business with Brianne. We are going to change up our ranch name to include Brianne - so our new name will be The Last3 Goode Ranch! I thought it was catchy! :)

We want to raise pure bred Brangus - they are very hearty beef cattle for our area - heat tolerant as well as bug resistant! Gotta love genetics - Brangus are a mix of Angus and Brahmas!

I love feeding time. I have the cows trained to come when they hear my hitting the metal scoop around their food bowl. At first they were very nervous to be around us, now they are calming down and getting used to us.

One cow is due in January and one in March - I will be taking pictures - you can count on that!

Yesterday, I went out to feed and had Tressa holding Charley so that he could enjoy the moment. He was actually able to pet T-Bone, what a smile on his little face.

Charley and Grandpa Playing

2009-09-26T06:05:00.001-07:00

By looking at this picture you would think that Grandpa is going to haul something and Charley is walking by him as his helper...

...but that is not true! Charley is trying to find the right time and position to get on the dolly...

...he has to go riding with Grandpa all over the yard!

He loves riding on here - looks uncomfortable to me, but this boy loves it!

Truly Charley and Grandpa have lots of fun together!

Fun running after a cow...

2009-09-26T05:56:00.000-07:00

...I think not!!!

I put T-Bone with the horses so that they could all graze together - well, T-Bone is still a little afraid of them. So one of the horses ran towards him and bam he jumps over the fence into the neighbors yard.

I saw him do this but was not outside, so I had to put on my boots, run to the back pasture, jump over the fence and call out his name. He was no where to be found. I am calling him and then all of the sudden I see him running down the road. He was on his way home. The neighbors saw him and helped guide him back through the front gate. After that I was able to get him back into his pasture with food - ah the way to his heart is through food! So, all was well, except for the fact that I am too old to run after animals! I can tell you this, life on the Ranch is always interesting! :)

Interesting Stable Mates

2009-09-05T06:10:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I saw a little black bunny around the stall area, he was easily scared away, very timid. I saw him today when I was mucking stalls, he was almost coming up to me where I could pick him up. I gave him some hay, but that is not what he wanted. All of the sudden I saw him in the stall with Baby. It was so cute that I quickly went to the house and asked Albert to get the camera for me. Here is what I was able to capture.

I guess rabbits like horse feed, he didn't want the hay, but was very happy with the feed!

Baby was fine with sharing - I was nervous thinking that she might step on the Bunny - but that didn't happen.

After Baby left the stall to eat her hay, I gave the Bunny a little more feed. I am thinking that the Bunny got misplaced after the storm that blew in on Thursday. He looks so dirty and evidently very hungry. Wonder how long Bunny will stay with us? I will tell you this, never a dull moment around the Ranch! :)

22 Years of Wedded Bliss

2009-09-02T04:23:00.000-07:00

In Taft, CA on Sept 2, 1987 a Catholic boy and a Baptist girl were married by an Assembly of God preacher. Albert and I were married in my grandparents home and 9 people were there to witness this happy occasion. We had our honeymoon, for one night, in Bakersfield, CA, then loaded up the u-haul and drove to TX.

We now have 3 wonderful children, Tara, Tim and Tressa and beautiful grandson, Charley. We have been through good times, bad times, rough times and amazing times! I must say the whole 22 years have been the best adventure of my life and I wouldn't trade any of it because it has gotten us to where we are today!

Marriage is such a blessing and I am blessed to have had 22 years with my best friend! I look forward to what the next 22 years have for us! I love you, Albert!

Christmas came early for Charley

2009-09-01T04:21:00.001-07:00

Here is Charley with his new play set.

He really loves it. We were able to buy it from a friend and got a really great deal on it!

I am hoping this will keep Charley busy - he can do tons of climbing and even slide down the slide - it was fun watching him play on it last night.

Tara was trying to help him climb up, but I had washed it down earlier and he found water still left in the little cut outs - so he had to play with the water - he is too funny!

Having fun with Momma.

T-Bone

2009-08-28T07:06:00.000-07:00

I caught T-Bone eating hay

He had to come over and see what the camera was all about - he is too funny!

He wants more feed - sorry - not time yet!

He loves it when you scratch him where his horns are coming out. T-Bone is still a bull, we are going to get a vet over here to show us how to make him, ah, a bull no more! So more news to come on that process. We are trying to fatten him up so that we can take him to auction. After that we are going to focus on the Brangus breed. We are also taking about going into partnership with another person who wants to be a cattle rancher. So more news on that when it is all comes together.

Life on the LAST3 Ranch is good! Horses are doing well, man cave is coming along, T-Bone makes life fun and I was able to watch a momma deer feeding her twins. Not sure if it was the same twins that were born on the property or not - don't know how long deer allow their young to nurse - but both twins eating at the same time - it was a pretty cool sight to behold!

Boone loves to be by Charley

2009-08-28T07:03:00.001-07:00

Whenever Charley is over - Boone is close by - just watching and waiting for Charley to drop some food or some times Charley will actually feed Boone!

I think Charley is wanting Grandma to give him more food! Boone is looking on the ground for his! :)

Tressa's Senior Year Begins

2009-08-24T04:26:00.001-07:00

Tressa is ready for school - funny as I am taking this picture I am wondering where the time went - seems like just the other day I took her to her first day of Kindergarten. She was as independent then as she is now.

As you can tell she is leaving very early in the morning.

So, not only is she off for her Senior year, but in her new car. She wanted to learn how to drive stick shift before school started and she accomplished that! So off to school she goes.

I am sure this will be a very exciting year - Go Bulldogs! Class of 2010!!!

Man, it's hot!

2009-08-15T14:54:00.000-07:00

Baby and Princess got their hooves done today - I was just out there with the Ferrier and I was sweating - it is so HOT!

Well, they look good - so I guess that is all that matters! I just have to ride - it has been way too long! I also need to work with Baby, but it is so HOT!

Went to the cattle auction today, I think I could sell my cattle there, but not sure I can buy them there - we will have to wait and see. But I do know this, our bull calf, T-Bone, looked so much better than most of the cattle there! Some sold for $1.44 a lb - can you imagine - that could be very good for our new business! yeah! I need all of my cattle to sell at that high of a price! I hope to get another calf soon - I will be sure to keep you posted!!!

Tressa bought her first car!!

2009-08-11T15:36:00.000-07:00

Here is Tressa with her car - she is trying to think up a name for it... I said "Old Yeller" but she said that is what they named the school bus - so that was a no go!

Here is Tressa and Stacy - she bought the car from Stacy (Stacy works at the Center with me)

Always having to make a face - silly girl....

Albert and I are so proud of her - you go, girl! It is a stick shift - Albert is teaching her how to drive it right now! I could possibly have more stories to tell after they return - ha ha!

Meeting the GANG!

2009-08-11T15:29:00.001-07:00

Not so sure Boone is a big fan of T-Bone - we will see what happens next - Boone sure was barking this morning and T-Bone was looking like he wanted to head butt that dog! ha!

Princess had to come over and check out the newest addition - she was so funny - when she was eating breakfast - the calf didn't bother her - she just wanted her food -but after she was done - she had to check him out...

Here are the rest of the girls - just watching him...

Here is T-Bone - I think this is the best pic so far - what a handsome bull calf!

With the Morning comes much Mooing!

2009-08-11T05:59:00.000-07:00

Here is our little guy - camera shy I am thinking

We got him from Ruben and he said that he weighs about 300 lbs

I love this photo!

I woke up to the gentle sound of mooing this morning - guess our little guy needs a friend - He paces a lot and I know that he is lonely..... maybe we will get another one soon so there will be 2 - stayed tuned!

New addition to LAST3 Ranch

2009-08-10T20:46:00.001-07:00

Here comes the newest addition to LAST3 Ranch!

It is our bull calf

I am not supposed to name him - but everyone/thing needs a name - right?

I think his name should be T-Bone - what do you all think??? We are going into the cattle business - stay posted - it should be an interesting ride! :) I do think he needs a buddy - we will see what we can come up with!

The Rest of the PBR Story

2009-08-06T04:20:00.001-07:00

So I see Leah Garcia in the stands (she is an announcer on Verses that travels with PBR) and I asked if she would take a picture with the guys....

...little did I know that I was now going to have the opportunity to be the Fan of the Night! So here I am talking with her on camera.

She took me back to the shoot area and I actually got to talk with her again and also my favorite bull rider - J.B. Mauney.

Here I am getting ready to ask my question.

It was a total blast being down with all the action, the guys riding, having dirt flung over my head as the bull was bucking. This trip was so wonderful, not only to share my love of PBR with my hubby and best friends, but to have the opportunity to be in the middle of all that action. Oh, and being on national tv 2 times in one night - ah - that was a blast as well!!!

Can You Say San Antonio?

2009-08-03T15:36:00.001-07:00

We are setting out for our trip to PBR - it was held in San Antonio so we packed up 2 cars and made the trip! The 5 of us had a blast! We were there from Friday until Monday - the River Walk is so much fun!

Albert and I are ready to go out to eat on Friday night...

We ate at a Mexican Restaurant and Fonda and I had our picture taken with these fine lads...

Well, here I am on Saturday with Robson Palermo - he is from Brazil. His average score is 86.23 and has a 52.38 riding average for this year. We got his picture in the hotel lobby where we were staying.

Here I am with Guilherme Marchi - also from Brazil. He and his wife own a restaurant in Dallas - would love to go there some time. He won the world title in 2008 and is trying to do it again this year. His average score is 85.86 and his riding % is 58.14 for this year. He was signing autographs at the place where we bought Albert's new cowboy hat! It is a great hat! Looks great on him! ;)

PBR Baby!

2009-08-03T15:09:00.001-07:00

Here is my cowboy! See how great he looks in his hat!! Can't wait to go to the cattle auction with him sporting his hat! :)

Here I am with Wiley Petersen - he is so funny and truly enjoys the fans. His average score is 85.28 and his riding % is 61.9% this year. Go Wiley!

Here I am with Skeeter (yes, that is his name) Kingsolver. He is new to PBR and only has 30 rides out so far. His average score is 86.42 and riding % is 43.33. He is young that is for sure! We actually could have gotten him in trouble because he posed for the picture while he was supposed to be in a team meeting - sorry, Skeeter!

What great looking cowboys! My hubby and Jim. We had fun in San Antonio!

Here is a piece of the action! It was a blast to watch the cowboys!

Charley likes playing in the water

2009-07-29T19:17:00.000-07:00

Look at me - I love the water!

I was supposed to help Grandma water, but I just wanted to water myself...

Here am I playing with the hose...

I am soaked...

Grandma is taking the hose away from me so that she can water!

Noise????

2009-07-27T05:48:00.000-07:00

You know the saying - If a tree falls in the forest and no is around - does it make a sound?

Well, a tree fell on our fence line last night - and we didn't hear anything.

So, I guess, if a tree falls when no one is around - it does NOT make a sound - ha ha!

Guess you will know what Albert and I will be doing this week on the Ranch! :)

Playing with Water

2009-07-26T11:08:00.000-07:00

Charley was having a blast in the little pool

but even more with the hose...

so fun in the sun....

yeah for Grandma and Grandpa's house!

Just a fun day in the sun