Cousins!

Can't believe we got this shot.....

Tires and roping

We were en-route to the bay area on Sunday for Francesca's birthday and we got a flat tire near Rohnert Park. 

What did we do while we waited for the tow truck to come change the tire????  We practiced roping of course.  Isn't that what everyone does?

I'm TWO!

Will post more pictures later, but here's one for now......  my niece Francesca!  Aren't those eyes gorgeous?!  No photoshopping done!

Happy 2nd Birthday Francesca!

Francesca's birthday was on Friday but we are celebrating today.  Pictures to come...

What's wrong with this picture?

Yep that's my drain rack in the kitchen.... yep those are cattle syringes for vaccine.  What is wrong with this picture?????

New ranch pictures

...are up at the new Shamus T Bones restaurant in Eureka.  My original 3 are still up, as well as these 6 new ones... in no particular order.

The food is great and now they have a wonderful view of Humboldt Bay.  Go check it out!!

Thought for the day....

Thought for the day....

Don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything.  Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.  If you do this, you will experience God's peace.  ~ Philippians 4:6

See you later...

It's been an interesting week.  And emotional.  Our good friend, Ernest, moved to Hong Kong, at least for the time being.  We met him about 4 1/2 years ago when he came to work for us on the ranch.  He seemed so young at the time, but I guess he was.

He came into our lives at just the right time.  A month prior to him coming to work for us, we lost our great friend/business partner/mentor, Matt.  That was, by far, the toughest thing we've ever been through.  Our cattle business was pretty young, barely finishing up our first year, and we were still figuring things out.

Ernest came to work for us in October 2007.  It was Andy's first experience managing an employee and I think it's fair to say that Andy learned as much as Ernest, if not more.  It was a learning experience for all of us.

J.T. and Ernest developed a special relationship too.  It started when J.T. was really into John Deere tractors and farming because Ernest did some hay making on the side.  J.T. used to love to ride with him.  This picture was taken in 2008.

Now J.T. is more into the cowboy and horse thing.  J.T. has been spending some time riding here at home and he insisted on having Ernest watch him ride before he left.

As time went on, Ernest became much more than an employee. He was truly interested in the success of our business.  Andy told me that Ernest made him want to be a better person.  I agree completely.  Its hard to put into words how much impact he's had on our lives.  The resulting relationship is definitely not something any of us expected.

"Sometimes you have to stop worrying, wondering, and doubting.  Have FAITH that things will work out, maybe not how you planned, but just how it's meant to be." ~unknown

This quote fits so perfectly.  We all need to remember to have faith that things will work out.  Many times I've heard the phrase that "God works in mysterious ways."  Isn't that the truth?  There are many times that we don't understand why something happens, but that's okay.

Ernest actually stopped working for us at the end of 2011, but he's been around to help with brandings, etc.  He and Andy have met for breakfast often and have had a great time discussing business, life, etc.  Ernest is, without a doubt, part of our family.  We will miss him a lot.

We are so proud of him for following his calling, even if it takes him across the world.  Saying good-bye was really, really tough on all of us.  I have to keep reminding myself that it isn't good-bye, it's see you later!

I see a trip to Hong Kong in our future....  :)

Photography books for sale

Online yard sale.... photography books first!

The Hot Shoe Diaries by Joe McNally (new $25)  ~  $10                          

Master Guide for Photographing HS Seniors by Dave Wacker (new $23)  ~  $10

Digital Wedding Photographers Planner by Kenny Kim (new $22)  ~  $10

Boudoir Photography by Ellie Vayo (new $35)  ~  $15

Beyond Portraiture by Bryan Petersen (new $25)  ~  $10

Contemporary Wedding Photography by Julie Oswin (new $25)  ~  $10

If someone wants them all, or several of them, I will make you a great deal.  Email me at sarah@sarahalbinphotography.com.  Thanks.

Baseball season!!

J.T. is playing baseball again this year.  We thought he would be playing in the coach-pitch division, but they moved him up to the Little League "Minors" because they needed to fill out some teams.  He's one of the youngest on the team so he's still working on a lot of his skills. I think he's enjoying it though....

Dare to Be

When a new day begins, dare to smile gratefully.

When there is darkness, dare to be the first to shine a light.
When there is injustice, dare to be the first to condemn it.
When something seems difficult, dare to do it anyway.
When life seems to beat you down, dare to fight back.
When there seems to be no hope, dare to find some.
When you're feeling tired, dare to keep going.
When times are tough, dare to be tougher.
When love hurts you, dare to love again.
When someone is hurting, dare to help them heal.
When another is lost, dare to help them find the way.
When a friend falls, dare to be the first to extend a hand.
When you cross paths with another, dare to make them smile.
When you feel great, dare to help someone else feel great too.
When the day has ended, dare to feel as you've done your best.
Dare to be the best you can -
At all times, Dare to be!

by Steve Maraboli, author of Life, the Truth and Being Free