2009 Hot Iron Branding

We survived another Hot Iron Branding and BBQ. This was the 13th year that we have done it. My parents hosted for the first 10 years. We took a year off, and when Andy and I took over the business, we brought it back. We had a beautiful day and I think everyone had a good time. There were so many kids running around that it seemed like the kids outnumbered the adults.

I thought I would share some action shots....

Here are the winners of the "Pro-Am" branding.... Bert, Don, Brian, and Donny. They each received a silver buckle.

And the winners of the "Open" branding... Lane, Cameron, Lane and Wes... They received silver spurs.

Overall, I think it was a great day! Should we do it next year?

Busy, busy

It's been crazy around here.... leading up to a very busy weekend. We've had something every night this week! Tonight we have Abigail's school carnival, then we are going to my parents' house for dinner because Mary, Jeff, and Michela will be here. Tomorrow the craziness really starts! I am taking pictures for 1st Communion in the morning. Then we have our 13th Annual Hot Iron Branding and BBQ in the afternoon and evening. On Sunday, we have Clint's branding. I will try to get some pictures posted on Monday.... Have a great weekend everyone!!

My Mothers Day gifts

In addition to Andy's perfect Mothers Day gift, the kids made me some very nice gifts too. I wanted to share them....

Here's a necklace that Abigail made...

And a frame that she made at school...

And the necklace that J.T. made me...

And the "Garden Angel" flower pot he made at school...

Pretty neat, huh? This was definitely my best Mothers Day ever...

Mothers Day

Do you hear something? Me neither because it's totally quiet in my house since I am home alone! Yes, that's right.... I am home alone on Mothers Day! This was Andy's gift to me. Don't I have an awesome husband? Yes I do! Andy took the kids out to the hills to some friends' branding today. I was invited too, of course, but chose not to go so I could spend some time with MY mom today. My dad took her and I to brunch at the Scotia Inn. The food was really good and it was a nice, relaxing time to spend with my parents.

I feel a little guilty that I am not spending time with my kids on Mothers Day, but they really wanted to go to the branding today. We will celebrate later with dinner at Andy's mom's house with the whole family.

Now I am off to take a walk in the sunshine! Happy Mothers Day to all of you!

My assistant

I had a photography session today in Ferndale. J.T. was at a birthday party so I brought Abigail along to be my assistant.

When she wasn't climbing the tree...

I had her sit on my stool to check the lighting, etc. She had quite the time... (do you notice the blue tongue? She had just eaten a blue popsicle)....

I guess she figured she could make any face she wanted since I really wasn't trying to get any "real" shots of her....

Here's a couple of the girl I did the session with. She is graduating from 8th grade in a few weeks. Isn't she gorgeous!

I am really happy with how my photography business is coming along. I am not too busy with it so I am really enjoying it. I have a couple "events" to photograph in the next couple weeks. I will try to get photos posted when they are done....

Today

I had a great day! Andy took J.T. with him to the ranch so I had a peaceful day to myself. Thanks to my wonderful husband for giving me a much-needed break!

I was able to do several of my favorite things... a little shopping this morning, and laying in the sun, taking a nap, and taking a walk this afternoon. Can't beat that!

Tonight we have Kindergarten orientation....

Mothers Day Tea

On Wednesday, J.T.'s school had its annual Mothers Day Tea. My mom and Andy's mom were able to make it. We had muffins, fruit and juice or iced tea.

Yay! I am in a picture! Here's J.T. and I with his Mothers Day gift for me. Do you notice that he picked green and yellow for his paint colors. You probably can't see it, but on his Mothers Day card that he made, he drew a camera! Isn't that cute!

The Childrens Center staff did a great job putting together the Tea and the gifts!

Happy Birthday Grandma Pam!

Last night we celebrated Pam's birthday here. The kids always want to help with blowing out the candles and opening the gifts... this time was no different.

5 years ago today...

Just for fun I dug this out of the photo archives...

So sorry

Andy said he's going to stop reading my blog because I never post anymore.... sorry about that, my wonderful husband. :) I haven't been able to think of anything to write about this week... Maybe I need to be asking anyone who reads this how to deal with my 8 year old daughter who I think is a teenager already.... suggestions on how to deal with all this attitude?