Weber Family

Thanksgiving Weekend

2011-12-02T13:35:00.000-07:00

The weekend after Thanksgiving my family usually goes on a trail ride. This year we figured it would be on Saturday so Tate and I scheduled a team sorting on Friday night after dark. Well they did plan one but they planned it on Friday so Tate and I missed out. We didn't want to risk being late to our own event. On top of missing the ride they planned the ride to be one Tate has begged somebody to go with him on. They rode from the Hondo Arch up the Muddy to the Loan Tree Bridge. We did have a good turn out for the team sorting. But Tate couldn't stand missing the ride so he took Gary Price and Ken Moosmen and I drove on Monday.

Thanksgiving

2011-11-25T13:29:00.000-07:00

We spent Thanksgiving in Emery. I love spending time with my family and visiting but we are getting so big that we have to rent a big building to all fit. Well with that comes extra noise so by the end of the day you are overstimulated. I so badly wanted to spend some quiet one on one with my siblings but my head couldn't take any more. I fear I am getting old! This year I wanted to make my pies so I spent the morning doing this:

Halloween

2011-10-31T13:06:00.001-06:00

Drake and Zeek were so excited about halloween. I am not a fan of buying costumes and we try to make do with what we have. This year was no exception. Drake was a mummy. We had a good time laughing and giggling while wrapping him up. Zeek was a prisoner. We just used last years ninja costume and white duct tamp. Fun stuff! Cy was a spider. We used the other ninja costume and sewed stuffed black socks to his sides and tied them to his are. Whit Fit into the trusty old Hunter orange pumpkin! We had the school parade on Friday. Cy had his class party on Monday and then we went trick-or-treating that night in Emery. Tate left for Wyoming on Sunday.

Tate's job in Wyoming

2011-10-15T13:14:00.002-06:00

Tate spent 3 weeks in Wyoming gathering mustangs. I think it cured him of being a truck driver and spending to much time away from home. About 2 weeks in he was really home sick and so was I. I had had a really hard day with the boys and Tate called and said he was coming home for the night. THE NIGHT? Yup, he got home about 7pm and left again 8am the next morning. He then went to Carson City NV to haul some horses back to WY and then someone else would haul them to Nebraska. We found out half way through the drive that the horses on his truck were the horses for the Supreme Extreme Mustang Makeover in 2012. It was kind of exciting but Tate couldn't see much of them in the trailer. He did spot out a roan with tipped ears. We'll see what comes out of this in January.

Cows off the Mountain

2011-10-01T12:53:00.000-06:00

Some of my favorite memories of being a kid are bring cows off the mountain. Most of our cows the past few years have come home is such small numbers that we just sort in the holding corral and then haul them home in the trailer. This year we had a really cold spell that brought all the cows home and once and the boys got to help herd the cows down to the working corrals so sort. We got 43 cows home in one day!

Drake's Horse 4-H

2011-09-19T09:46:00.015-06:00

Drake started his first year of Horse 4-H the summer. Instead of the traditional Horse 4H they did a Working Ranch Horse 4H which suited us a lot better. He started off doing things just because it was a party to be there with friends but by the end of the summer he caught on and was improving in his riding skill and roping skills. His ribbon record for the summer is as follows.

June 13, 2011:3 whites, 3 reds, and 1 Blue with 4th place in Heeling! (11th Over all)

July 18, 2011: 6 Reds and 1 White with 5 place in the test. (11th over all)

August 15, 2011: 2 Reds, 1 white, 4 Blues with 5th in Reining, 2nd in Heeling and 2nd in Sorting!

Drake the Big Brother

2011-09-08T13:00:00.000-06:00

Drake is such a good big brother. He takes on such responsibility for his little brothers. He has a really soft heart and worries about them almost to much.

Airing My Dirty Laundry!

2011-08-14T18:15:00.000-06:00

Talk about embarrassing. All my boys have been nursing babies and because of that they have also all been attached to my silky underwear. By the time most are 1 we have gotten them attached to a silky or soft blanket instead. BUT, Whit has not stuck with the silky blanket or a blanket for that matter. Nope, it's still my silky "unders!" He finds them anywhere. I have tried everything. Now he goes into the dirty laundry to get them. GROSS! My neighbor came over yesterday and Whit was carrying them around outside. WHAT DO I DO?

Desertview Pro Rodeo

2011-07-31T09:47:00.012-06:00

What a neat experience! The theme this year for the rodeo was families. Grandpa Winn was asked to ride in the Grand Opening with his 4 generations. My boys were so excited. Once in a lifetime opportunity.

Here Kitty, Kitty, Kitty!!!

2011-07-19T09:48:00.006-06:00

This is a mountain lion that was treed in Merlin and Melody's back yard.

Drake's 9th Birthday

2011-07-13T09:25:00.016-06:00

Drake is turning into quit the little man. He didn't want any toys for his birthday and his wish list keeps getting bigger and more expensive. Grandpa and Grandma Weber gave him a canteen and a live trap. Grandpa Ken and Grandma Earlene gave him a mess kit. We gave him a hatchet and a hand-me-down BB gun and Laramie made a belt sling for it. His job for the summer is to trap and shoot as many prairie dogs. For every ear he would get a quarter. Within a 2 day period he caught 2 and used the hatchet to chop down a whole Russian Olive tree. I would say it was a successful birthday.

4th of July

2011-07-10T09:24:00.052-06:00

We spent the 4th of July camping at Wrigley Reservoir. Drake and Zeek used their fishing poles for the first time since Christmas. Drake was quit persistent and wouldn't give up until he caught a fish. He wasn't content just using a worm. He wanted to cast and reel, cast and reel. He caught 4 fish all by himself. I finally had to tell him no more because we couldn't eat the 4 let alone any more.

The first day we went on a ride down on sage flat and over to the rim on the Muddy.

Then Hugh's family came up. We took a ride around the Hunters Highway and back around to Wrigley. I had never been to the Ferron Look off before so I made everyone stop.

We did find lots of snow still!

These are our cows just grazing and lounging at Dairy Point.

It is kind of funny how our herd stays together even in a herd of 800.

On the last day we took a ride out to Spinners Reservoir. It was clear full.

The boys went out on a peninsula. It was a little cold that day and started to rain.

It started to rain and I wasn't prepared so Dad gave me a UDOT Bag for a rain coat! Worked great except for the water running down my legs.

The boys bundled up in the sleeping bag they were using as a seat pad.

We stopped at Heliotrope and played baseball with a stick and pine cones.

Whit found the exhaust pipes on the dune buggy!

Zeek Played T-Ball

2011-06-29T10:34:00.001-06:00

I was so glad this year that the didn't overlap T-Ball with the other leagues playing. They waited until June which worked out great! Zeek played a few games with Drake in the machine pitch so this was really easy for him. But he had a great time.

The Water Slide!

2011-06-25T10:07:00.000-06:00

Melody bought some Old Reagan Billboard Signs to use on the church hill for the Winn Reunion. We couldn't wait until July to use them. We had to try them out! LOVED IT. The boys didn't want to quit. It was so much fun.

Fathers Day!

2011-06-20T09:50:00.000-06:00

I took Cy to the pharmacy one day to pick up a prescription and we had to wait. (Surprise, Surprise!) While we were waiting Cy started to giggle and brought me a card that was shaped like a Donkey's head with those plastic eyes that move. The inside of the card said "Happy Father's Day from your smart-ass kid!" I told Cy we should get it for him for Father's Day. We modified it a little to say "from your smart-ass kids! Drake and Zeek could wait to give it to him.

They also made a tie from each of them. He had to wear them All at the same time to church that day. Love it!

Where's Boots?

2011-06-16T09:46:00.000-06:00

Whit has a new nick name. Boots! In the pictures you can see he is wearing his brothers bogs. But he is always walking around in someone's boots.

Playin' in the Emery Mud!

2011-06-15T09:27:00.001-06:00

We have had more rain this year than I can every remember. I could not keep the boys out of all the mud. Every time I turned around I would find this!

Vacation in Fort Collins Colorado

2011-06-14T13:55:00.000-06:00

Tate was entered in the Extreme Mustang Makeover in Fort Collins Colorado June 9-12, 2011. We left on Thursday Morning Early! I left Tate's music home and spent the whole ride there trying to figure out how to get it to us. The Colorado river was filled to the max. Such a pretty ride. I always enjoy the drive through Colorado. We made it in decent time to Fort Collins and Spent the evening at the arena. We ended up just emailing the music. So easy! Thanks to Erica!

Tate got up early on Friday and went to the arena for some warm up time with Al Dunning. I stayed with Merlin and Melody and we took the kids to a park in town. It was huge with lots of things to do. It had a small lake with fish and ducks and it had a trolley. It was 10 degrees cooler there then anywhere. I went to the arena and helped Tate and Merlin and Melody tended the kids. I don't know what I would do with out my great in-laws. I really do appreciate all do for me and my little family. Tate did really well on the trail course and he was so excited about how well Boggle was doing that he got a little emotional. That night Tate and I went to dinner with Merlin to a steak house. Good food and great company!

On Saturday Merlin and Melody kept the boys at the hotel and let them swim and took them to the park for a Trolley ride. Tate got up early and went to another workout with Al Dunning. I went to the arena and watched. Tate did so good. Merlin was a little disappointed that he didn't get to see it all but we waited for the top 10 to be announced.

Preliminary Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqFc9uhjHBY&feature=related

Tate finished the preliminaries in 1st place. That was the ultimate goal. Tate didn't want to enter the top 10 at the bottom. He only had about 1 hour to prepare for the finals. They had to do a pre-finals performance that consisted of 10 Compulsory Maneuvers in 90 seconds. Tate and Boggle aced that! They went into the Freestyle Performance 14.5 points ahead of everyone else. He did a great jo

b! I was so proud of him. He did great and had such control the whole time.

Finals Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fw9arB0TuBY

Drake told someone before the whole thing started that "My Dad only wins 4th!" After it was all over Drake was beaming. He told Patti Colbert that we can pay the house off with the

money.

Merlin and Melody watched the kids while Tate and I went dancing with Jerry Jones and Brent Winston. We had a great time.

We woke up Sunday and Tate went to the Arena for a Photo Shoot. I stayed at the hotel and packed. We got everything in the truck so as soon as the adoption was over we could just head out.

We figured we would put Drake on Boggle and see if we couldn't get him sold that way. They went in hip number order so we where almost dead last in the adoption. We had hoped to get a couple thousand out of boggle but it just didn't look very good towards the end. I told Tate not to let Boggle go for under $1500. He was such a nice horse and we had more time in him than that. So as the bidding started it started really slow. And didn't get much better. They stalled at somewhere around $1200 and I felt like I was going to cry. Tate bid and they other buyer bin once more and then Tate went one more time and that was it. We bought him for $1450. It turned out better than we had hope though. We brought home a really good horse!!

Lazy T Hangin' J Branding

2011-06-03T13:33:00.001-06:00

So last year we registered a new brand.

I like it a lot better than the original TJ. Has a little more character. It has been fun watching the calves grow up with the brand.

Drake got to brand his own calf this year. Yup, he picked it when it was born.

We branded calves again like last year. We help Merrill and they help us. This year I made sloppy joe's in a dutch oven on the fire and it was a lot easier than making something and then everyone having to come up to the house to eat and then cleaning up the mess. Just throw the plates in the fire!

We bought some older cows from a kid that worked for the Magnuson's and they needed to be branded before they went on the Mountain. That was the highlight of the day. That and the bull.

JJC Reunion

2011-06-02T13:21:00.000-06:00

I really enjoy spending time with my family and am grateful for my extended family for starting the JJC Reunion. It is just the excuse I need to leave all the things at home and spend some quality time with those I love. This year we camped at the Rocks at Dog Valley. It was a small reunion compared to past years but those I wanted to see where there and that's all that mattered. Tate brought the horses out and we both had an enjoyable weekend. We only had one kid fall in the cactus. I stayed Saturday with Pennie and we went hiking around the rocks and took some cool pictures of the trees. I love where I live. I think I am stuck in the dry country for life by choice! I had to go home on Sunday to talk in sacrament meeting but the boys stayed with Grandpa and Grandma. I sent Tate home early Monday morning but I stayed until around 2:00.

Drake's American Legion Essay

2011-05-28T12:19:00.000-06:00

How Can I Encourage My Friends To Show Pride In Being An American?

I am proud to be an American and love my country. To encourage my friends to show pride in being an American, I can be an example. I can encourage my friends to be nice and respect other people. I can encourage them to keep our country clean. As a cub scout I do things to serve my community and can help my friends do the same.

I enjoy the freedoms of living in America. One of my favorite freedoms is to go camping with all of my family in our beautiful wilderness. I enjoy riding horses with my dad and herding cows. By respecting our wilderness, we can show pride in being Americans. I can teach my friends to respect the wilderness, too.

Soldiers sacrificed for our country so we can be free. I am thankful for them. To show I am proud of my country, I place my hand on my heart during the National Anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance. I also tell the soldiers thank you when I see them. I hope my friends will do the same.

My family obeys the laws of our country. When I am with my friends, I show them how to obey laws, too. By obeying laws, we can show pride and keep peace in America.

I am proud to be an American!

He won 1st place in the 3rd and 4th grade age group. I am so proud of him. He wrote it himself with little help. He read at the American Legion Meeting in May and then received a Certificate and some money on the last day of School.

Planting our garden!

2011-05-21T11:59:00.001-06:00

Starting to get the garden in. Drake got a cabbage plant from school so I made him plant it himself. I have such a big desire to be a green thumb but I feel like my plate is so full right now that I cant get everything done I want to. So I will continue to just be O.K. at it.

Tate's new side job!

2011-05-20T11:28:00.000-06:00

Tate and Kirk a few years ago started castrating there own horses. Well, Laramie came around and showed them an easier way to take the horse down before they did it so it doesn't take so much work. So this spring our neighbor Gary needed some colts done. He had an appointment for the vet to come and do it but the horses weren't worth the cost of the vet job so Tate and Laramie offered him to do it. They did an O.K. job but missed the "dog-nut" so Tate ended up going clear up to his elbow inside the horse to find it. Not as planned. The horse did swell some but lived through it. So Seth comes home from Texas with 3 horses that needed it done. So they knock them down and do it. He has done a few for some others since. Kind of an nasty job but it beats paying for the vet!

Supreme Extreme Pick-up

2011-05-14T11:16:00.000-06:00

We went and picked up the mustangs for the Supreme Mustang Makeover on May 13th in Palomino Valley just north of Reno, Nevada. We left in the Evening on the 12th and Tate and Kirk drove straight through the night while Riata and I slept. We then picked them up and drove straight back. I drove back across the Nevada Terrain. I had never been across it before. I have never seen so much country that looked the same. Hill after hill after hill! Wow. That is the closest I have ever come to running out of fuel on a trip! Oops, you think I would know to look down at the gas gauge after living in rural Utah! Kirks horses took pretty good. And Heaths black looks so cool. Seths is pretty sorry. Tate's turned out ok but one is sure watchy and the other is just a kicker. His name will be Double Scotch on the rocks. It's going to take double scotching his feet before you can saddle him and then you'll need ice to take the swelling down after he paws your head!

Heath's and Seth's Horses

Kirk's Horses

Tate's Horses

Double Scotch trying to Box

Easter!

2011-04-25T20:49:00.004-06:00

We went camping to the Rocks at Dog Valley. The boys had a ball. It was stormy weather all Friday. We woke up to rain on Saturday but decided to go on a ride down the the Hondo Arch since most of us had never been there. LOVED IT!! We explored some of the Uranium mines. I brought my new 4 Wheeler out but is was too cold to use it. When you're camping the Easter bunny comes of Saturday morning so you can play with your toys all day. The kids had a good time. Tate took Whit home with him for the night. It was snowing so we came home Sunday morning with the camper. We then spent the evening with Merlin and Melody. I love family!!

My Boys are Growing Up!!!

2011-04-20T20:36:00.000-06:00

My life is flying by and I feel like I am in the back seat with no control. I can't beleive how big my boys are getting. I had a weird image the other day. Drake was coming down the hall but he wasn't a kid he was a teenager. WHAT!!! Totally scary! I am getting old and I don't like that my kids are growing so fast!

Blue Hills Ward Relief Society 2nd Councilor

2011-04-17T20:41:00.000-06:00

The other night the ward secratary called Tate and wanted to us to come and see the Bishop. I have had the same calling since we joined the ward. I figured I was Tate that needed the calling. They called Tate in First so I really figured it was him. Holy Cats was I surprised when I was me. And Relief Society. ME? Are you sure? Yup, they were. I have been to Relief Society for a total of about 6 months of my whole adult life. And now they want me to help run it. WOW, this is going to be a major growing experience. I look forward to the growth but am going to miss my girls very much!!

Fort Worth Here We Come!

2011-04-17T17:15:00.004-06:00

Last year Tate wanted to adopt a mustang for the Supreme Mustang Makeover but it just didn't work out and I heard about it for almost a year! So this year we were not missing out. He talked Kirk and Heath into doing it with him. They started to eye up their horses in January and had a list for each. On the day of the auction that was broadcast on Superior Livestock, things all changed. We had an auction party with lots of talk and lots of food. The horses they wanted went for way too much so they all went to plan B. They each ended up with 2 horses. Seth got into the action and helped Heath get his second one. Seth will be able to show it. So we will go and pick them up in May in Nevada. Then it's 120 days of training and then on to Fort Worth to show off all their hard work!

Drake's Science Project

2011-04-15T20:14:00.000-06:00

Drake was so excited about doing his science project and mom wasn't very good at taking pictures but he did one. REALLY! He wanted to do a mini power plant. He got a book from the library and it had a small scale project that he wanted to do. We had him research how much energy the sun puts off and then compared it to how we make man made energy. He then made the plant out of copper wire and a magnet. He made the copper wire into a giant coil and then ran the two ends to a tiny L.E.D. light bulb. Using the high powered magnet you push it though the coils and it make the light come on. IT WORKED!! I am so proud of Drake for being the kink of kid that wants to figure out hows things work. Someday that will come in handy around here.

I love where I live!

2011-04-12T20:26:00.001-06:00

So sitting on the deck in my new furniture, grilling some hamburgers I witnessed some of the lasting memories of living on a Ranch! Tate went down to check the cows and found a dead calf.

We have been bottle feeding a calf for about a week and decided to try and graft that calf onto the other cow. Tate proceeded to drag the calf up the field so he could corral the cow. The dogs were with and weren't helping. So I sent the boys down to help catch the dogs.

Drake forgot what he was doing and proceded to follow Dad to see what he was doing.
We got the calf grafted on and the cow took it as her own after using the hide of the dead calf.
I witnessed this whole thing sitting on the porch! I enjoy living on the hill where I can see everything that goes on around me!

My new deck furniture!!

2011-04-11T20:19:00.002-06:00

Thank Heaven for My Great In Laws! Merlin is always looking for good solid furniture for our windy deck. He finally found some. They brought them over still in the boxes and it drove him crazy that is snowed the next day so we couldn't put them together. Finally it warmed up enough that I got the boys to help me! Thanks again Merlin.

Wrestling Again!

2011-03-31T08:48:00.000-06:00

So we decided to do the little league wrestling here in Emery County. The boys were excited so I said ok. Drake needed to stop thinking about what grade he was in and start thinking about size and skill level. Once we put him in with the second graders he did great. Zeek did great too. He only got to wrestle some of the matches because of his tonsils but what he did wrestle he did awesome.

Cy's 4th Birthday!

2011-03-26T10:32:00.000-06:00

Cy's is my shy guy. He is really funny when you get him warmed up but that takes a few minuets. He also is my sulker. He really knows how to hold a grudge. He is figuring out how to get out of doing things mom and dad ask. He has figured out how the-out of sight out of mind-theory. It works most of the time but we are working on following through on things. He is our little "nuggle-man." He has some fun phrases. Like, "I want to sit on "Your's lap!", "I like you, mom." But he has also picked up on the "I don't like you anymore." He has been approved for 2 days of Preschool next year at the elementary. He is so excited!

Zeek's 6! What?

2011-03-12T10:53:00.001-07:00

My little baby Zeek is growing so fast! He is too big for his britches. He is my go to kid when I really need something done. Jobs! That's where is most happy. He thrives on Hard work and praise. He is looking more like his dad to me everyday. He really loves kindergarten and loves his teacher, Mrs. Barton. I fear the day he grows into his mind. Watch out Emery County!

1st Pinewood Derby Car

2011-02-24T20:00:00.000-07:00

Drake had his first pine-wood derby car. It was a family affair. Tate and Drake went over to the Barney's in Ferron and used their saw. Tate came up with the design and was excited about it. I then learned that instead of helping people figure things out I just take over and do for them. Not a good trait. I finished the car. Painted it and added the weight.

To the race we went. Drake was so excited. He wanted to hold it and play with it. He had a hard time understanding that you cant play with it or you will mess up the wheels. It ran the first race and won. The second lane was a little slower but still won. Then he dropped it. Not so good. It went slower and then again slower. He was OK with it though. We had a fun night. I can believe how competitive some dad's get. WOW!

Valentine's Day!

2011-02-15T08:33:00.002-07:00

A few years ago Tate and I tried to go out to dinner for Valentine's. Not such a good Idea without reservations. Everywhere was packed. I can't even remember where we ended up eating but I do remember how crowded it was and you couldn't hear each other talk. We decided that we would either spend Valentine's at home or go to dinner on the off time.

This year we decided to kill two birds with one stone. I made a appointment to get our taxes done at 10:00 in the morning and then we would go to lunch. The day worked out great! Tate gave me a new ring that I can wear while I am roping that wont cut into my fingers. It's a CTR ring but I love it!

Kids and Shoes!

2011-02-15T08:23:00.002-07:00

So why is it every time it's time go out the door we can never find our shoes? Why is it that in every room in the house there are shoes laying on the floor calling "Come on, tip over me!" Why is it that we can never find the mate to our shoe?

We are having a shoe crisis at our "Casa!" Each child has a pair of tennis shoes, boots, snow boots, and church boots. There is a place in each bedroom for these shoes. By the front door we are to take our shoes off and place them together by the wall. WHY does this never happen? Mom has a saying "get dressed to your shoes." Now, this is a simple frase that most would understand but appeantly not for an 8 1/2 year old. Every morning as the bus pulls up to the house we are still trying to pull on our shoes! Something must be done!!

Master of my domain!

2011-02-10T10:48:00.002-07:00

I didn't sleep well last night. I laid awake until 12:30 or so and then woke up at 2:30 and then again at 5:30. When the alarm went off at 6:30 I didn't want to get up, but know I didn't want the kids home all day either I force myself out of bed and got them ready for school. That poor bed kept calling my name. So doing what I do best I climbed back in. I know I am not a morning person. I work best in the afternoon and evening. Have Tate home all day has made me have to adjust my schedule but me internal clock is still set on Julie time! I started running again. I figured that is what would get me moving in the mornings. Me, still in my pj's, slipped on my favorite shoes and jumped on the treadmill to try and push start this day. This was day three of my new found exercises routine. I didn't last as long as I wanted to. I ran hard for a total of 15 min. And my body took over and told me no more today. I decided to jump off and do some Power Sit-ups instead. I did the minimum and was stuck on the floor. I was hard to move from that spot. Tate wanted me to come help him feed cows. I didn't. Sorry Tate! I sat there on the floor for a while and then moved to the computer chair until my dear mother-in-law called. She was on her way to bring some soup for lunch. "Oh, Crap my house looks like a TORNADO came through!" I talked her in to waiting for an hour and pick up Zeek from school on her way. "Oh, Good! I have an hour and a half to mad dash!" I cleaned up the kitchen and dining room first, Started the dishwasher and worked a little on the entry way. Then I stepped back and took a look. Not so bad! OKay, so it was a lot easier than I though it would be. This Flylady stuff is starting to pay off I think! Everything that needed to be cleaned up was just clutter and the floors swept. By the time Melody arrived at 11:30 the house looked in order and I had moved on to my list for the day. One hot spot and making bread! I was able to sit down with her and visit and not feel like my mess was taking over the conversation. The rest of the day was spent cuddling my boys, making cookies, and reading. I feel like I'm in control!

Nephi Tournment YUCK!

2011-01-16T10:20:00.001-07:00

The boys have been wrestling for a few years now but we haven't really done much outside the county. I decided to take them to a tournament in Salina last fall. It was a small tourney and the kids had fun. The won some and lost some. We decided to take them to Nephi in January because it was suppose to be by skill level. Drake is small and doesn't have the skill that some of the kids his age do so I was under the impression that it would be a good thing. Tate ended up needing to do something here so I took them alone. We got there early thinking they needed to check in and weigh in. NOPE. The longer we were there the more ciaos there was. Things were not organized at all and you couldn't leave for fear they would call your name. After sitting for what seemed like forever. They finally called Drake's weight class. Drake's match only lasted about 10 seconds. Sad. Then the next was a little longer but still sad. The third Drake was a little fighter but he still go beat pretty bad. Zeek's didn't go all that well either. These kids were way more experienced than my boys. Zeek was so worried that he kept getting bloody noses. He is such a gritty little kid that he would let them pin him but he was on the defence the whole time. I left Nephi feeling like I had failed as a mother and ruined all the self confidence I have tried to give my boys. I told myself that I would never take them to another match until they were ready and not until then.

Cy...Enough Said!

2011-01-14T09:59:00.002-07:00

I love my Cy. I have a hard time not spoiling him. He is so sweet but sure can sulk. He is into hiding. When he is sad, in trouble, or just wants some one on one attention he goes and hides. He will hide forever. He is my boy that loves little small spaces. He has figured out how to climb up onto of things. He also waits till no one is looking and starts to rummage until he finds the sweets. We have had to watch what he eats more closely because he will just take a few bite and get down and wait til the deserts come out. What a sly shy Cy!

2010 fun!

2010-12-31T14:29:00.001-07:00

CHRISTmas

2010-12-26T19:38:00.000-07:00

So this year we started a new tradition. We had an empty manger placed on the piano and the boys were to do kind deeds for people through December and then place a piece of straw in the manger so the bed would be soft for baby Jesus! Worked great! I will be doing that again.

Our christmas went exactly like Drake explained it would.

Santa came and brought too much! Mom and Dad were tired by the end of the day and all was well. I took video on the video camera which inclued interviews with each kid. LOVED IT! I hope we can remember the feeling and small moments from this time in life. It is passing by way to fast. I keep have flash forwards to when the boys are teenagers. Not YET! Not YET!

Christmas Eve

2010-12-24T19:30:00.001-07:00

We spent most of Christmas Eve at the Arena. Tate roped with his buddies. Then that evening we went to Grandpa Winns. Heath and Emily were there! It was a great evening.

10 Yeasr Later

2010-12-22T19:15:00.000-07:00

Tate and I decided we would go to St. George and celebrate our 10 years together without the kids, horses, cows, or a plan! I loved it. We just went and stayed in Merlin and Melody's house and went to dinner in Mesqute one night. Stayed in and watched movies. It felt so good! I haven't felt that relaxed in a long time!

So Ten years ago I was a 19 year old who was in love with a cowboy! 10 Years ago I was preparing for my wedding. 10 years ago I was dreaming of living on the ranch with a family! 10 years later I am still in love with my cowboy! And I live on a ranch with a big family. Sometimes things get tough but that has truley made us closer! I love Tate so much. He is the best thing for me. I am glad for the choices we've made together. I still want to be around him all the time. I still want to hold his hand. I still love to hear him laugh and in his laughter retell why he is laughing. He makes me mad sometimes but mostly because I'm a stuborn girl who doesn't know everything all the time. I wouldn't change a thing.

Drakes Christmas Theme

2010-12-17T19:09:00.000-07:00

Erica tended the kids for Tate and I's anniversary. Drake had some homework and so Erica helped him. He needed to write down what his favorite Christmas tradition. This is what they came up with.

Zeek's Kindergartan Program

2010-12-17T19:01:00.001-07:00

Zeek's class has worked really hard on their program! They learned alot of songs and each had to memorize thier favorite thing about Christmas. Zeeks was Playing in the snow.

Santa

2010-12-13T22:00:00.001-07:00

So the boys were so excited to see Santa. We went to the Clawson Town Christmas dinner. It was so warm that day we were teasing the boys that maybe he couldn't make it until it snowed. Drake waited outside until Santa pulled up in a PT Cruiser. Well, maybe he landed on the mountain then and had someone bring him a car. Cy being as shy as he is I really didn't think he would talk to santa let alone sit on his lap but he was the first up there. What a fun christmas this will be.

29?!?!

2010-11-30T09:17:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I am not sure how I feel about getting old! I think I will stay at 29 FOREVER! This is freaking me out a little.
*10 years ago I was getting ready to be married.
*10 years ago I still looked like a little girl (even the people working in Burger King thought so).
*10 years ago I still had not made any career plans.
*10 years ago I worked at a crummy job just so I could pay my car payment.
*10 years ago I had my whole life ahead of me.

So hows it going, you ask?

*10 years later, I have been married to my prince charming for almost 10 years and we are still in love and having fun!
*10 years later, I look a little older and have 4 kids, WHAT!?!?! Yes, 4 boys.
*10 years later, I still have not made any career plans!
*10 years later, I work really hard and being a secretary, care taker, house keeper, farm hand, cook, and laundry maid!
*10 years later I still have my whole life ahead of me minus 10 years!

Okay so its not so bad being 29. I really think I'll stay here!

Drake really badly wanted to give me a present so Tate picked it out and Drake wrapped it.

I couldn't tell what it was..wink, wink!

Hambrick Bottom

2010-11-26T18:44:00.000-07:00

Tate and Drake went on a ride out below Castle Dale with Gary Price. They went to see the checker board carved into a rock by the Hambricks in 1884. Tate said they had a good time even though it was a little cold.

Drake the Scout!

2010-11-18T11:56:00.000-07:00

Drake started scouts. He loves the social part but it took him a few weeks to pass off his Bobcat. But he did it all on his own.

Alone AGAIN!

2010-11-10T13:45:00.000-07:00

Tate went to Rock Springs to gather Mustangs. I really don't like being alone. I hope that we can make it after being layed off with out Tate having to travel for work. I pray things will be OK.

Halloween!

2010-10-31T22:56:00.000-06:00

The kids had the monster mile walk again. Drake was adamant about wearing the Ninja costume. I really didn't want to but sometimes moms have give alittle. They walk around the blocks and down mainstreet. The kids love it. I was just glad it warmed up a little. I started out really cold.

We carved pumkins. The boys have been pestering me since they found them growing in the garden. It was fun! The picked the faces they wanted and mom helped cut them out. We saved the seeds and roasted them. The boys scarfed them up. Not a seed left...Except for the millon scattered around the house on the floor and in the couches.

We spent Halloween just playing mostly! Didn't do much trick or treating because of the rain! It was cold. We went over and saw my mom and dads. I didn't take pictures but mom did. I hope I can get some copies. Drake dressed up as a Rodeo Clown, Zeek was a puppy, Cy was Lightning McQueen's Pit Crew, and Whit was a lion.

Kitty, Kitty!

2010-10-29T22:00:00.001-06:00

So Seth and Jill gave us a Kitty! So cute. The boys loved it. Whit would not leave it alone. He would follow it around and pack it by it's tail. So funny! I love having animals on the farm and love watching the kids learn and explore with them.

1st Ranch Rodeo

2010-10-24T01:42:00.000-06:00

We had our first Ranch Rodeo tonight. We had a pretty good crowd and 7 teams. It was a lot of fun and less work than a team roping. We had a little tiff with some friends but before we went to bed it was all forgotten. Sometimes it ruff when things get so competitive. All in all it was good and we plan to have another one.

New Puppies

2010-10-12T11:59:00.001-06:00

We got puppies today. It was one of the coldest nights so far this year. I didn't go check on mouse but Tate came home about 8:15 and went to check. She has them but the were scatterd around outside the dog house. All but one was frozen and just about dead. Tate brought them in and I rubbed them all until the were grunting and warm. We saved all 6. 3 males and 3 females. Tate showed Cy where they where and he wouldn't leave them alone. I then brought him in and told him to leave them until Zeek came home and then he could show them to Zeek. After lunch I was in the house helping Tate with something and Cy went to show Zeek. They played for a few minutes and then came in the house. I went to check on them. In Zeeks words "We tried to give them a drink." We had one dead and 2 weak. I then went back into the house and got Cy. I took them both back out to the dog house and asked what happened. I got two different story's. One, they where trying to give them a drink and Two, Cy dropped them. Who knows but One was dead. I made Cy pick up the dead puppy and hold it, and made Zeek go get a shovel. I made Zeek dig the hole and made Cy put it in and the cover it up. It then became real to Cy that the puppy wasn't sleeping and he started to Cry. "Mom, you covered him up." We knelt down and said a prayer and they both cried through it. Raising kids is a challenge but sometimes living on a farm teaches them reality where some kids don't get it. By the end of the day the other two died and I buried them too. So was now have 2 females and 1 male.

Tate the Burro Chaser.

2010-10-05T11:57:00.000-06:00

Tate went to California to help Cattoors again. This time is was for only a few days. He helped gather Burros.

Hugh the Runner

2010-10-03T13:48:00.003-06:00

I took the boys and went with Dad and Mom to watch Hugh run his first Marathon in St. Geroge. He did Great! He came in 25Th and 5Th in his age division. His time was 2 hr and 41 min. That is like 6 min miles. He was hurting coming across the finish line and said he wouldn't do it again. But he is already planning to run another. It still makes me smile to watch him. I get the same excited butterflies that I used to get when we would follow him around as kids watching him run in high school. I wish I had a pinch of his drive and desire.

After the race I took the boys to the downtown fountain to cool off. It was way hot! We played until Grandpa and Grandma came to get us.

Lagoon!

2010-09-26T09:10:00.000-06:00

Tate's company had a party at Lagoon for there safety record. We got a ticket for each member of our family. Last time we went to lagoon it was in the middle of July. We took the little boys and the Cy as a baby. We didn't get to spend much time playing because the kids where hot and tired. We couldn't ride the rides together because one of us had to watch the kids while the other stood in line forever to just ride one ride. We left by 2 in the afternoon. So this time we were excited to just go play. We debated wether to take any kids or just go by ourselves. We opted to take Drake and Zeek and give two tickets to Erica so she could go with us and take a Date. We left at 7 in the morning and dropped off the tow little ones at Grandma Melody's and picked up Erica. Melody was still getting her ready and making her some breakfast. We had to pick up Merrill to drop him off in Spanish and Erie's Date...Joe!(He lives on the Duncan Ranch in a Cabin) When we arrived at the Duncans Joe was dressed in some intresting clothes and eating his breakfast. (A donut with cream on top). We never see Joe without food in his hand. Tate jokingly asked him what he was eating and Joe's reply was "I don't really know, I found it in the dark." Erica pipes up and says "It looks like you ate it in the dark too." He had some on his nose.
We stopped in Bountiful to shop for a minute. Then on up the road to Lagoon. As we got out of the Truck Erica and Joe looked like two peas in a pod. Drake and Zeek were so excited. We only had to wait in line for a few minutes to enter the park and it was all to our selves. OK not really but we were there early and not many people so it felt like it was ours. First stop.... The pirate ship. We were going to try again and see if the boys would like it. Zeek not so much but Drake was diggin' it. What next? The train. YUP! We had to ride the train. Then to the swings. Then Dad decided he wanted to ride something alittle more scary. To the Colossus. Zeek: "no way" Drake "Lets go!" I stayed with Zeek and Dad and Drake went! Drake held his head down through most of it but he got off talking himself into thinking that it was fun. We then found the bumper cars and Dad gave me whiplash! OUCH! We then went to dinner with all the Consol guys. Again no prizes for us. Drake was game for about anything. He rode every ride that the was tall enough for. Even the WICKED!!! Tate and I rode the Rocket and decided that was the funnest ride of the day and we where glad that it was the last. We also talked Erica and Joe into riding it. We left the park at about 5:30 and headed home. We stopped in Provo and got a Papa Johns Pizza. It was a great day.

Laramie's Roping

2010-09-06T09:07:00.000-06:00

We helped Laramie put on a roping. I did most of the Secretary stuff and Tate helped Laramie with the cows. Laramie Flagged the roping. We decided that after doing enough roping's together that we won't do it with anyone but just Tate and I. We work well together and don't want to run the risk of getting feelings hurt and hurting friendships over business. All in all was a good day but was a lot of work.

Labor Day

2010-09-06T09:02:00.000-06:00

We went to Fish Lake to Church. Mom and Dad were camping up Thousand Lake Mt with the family. I was cold and windy. We had a picnic and then I drove Grandpa home in his motorhome and Tate followed.

Oats!

2010-09-01T18:21:00.002-06:00

I'm a farmer! I spent all summer (OK not all but most of the summer) Keeping the oat wet. Morning and night-back and forth! The result! 105 (1500lbs) bales of oats. It was so thick and tall that Merrill had a hard time cutting it. The boys all took a turn riding in the swather.

Drakes Surgery

2010-08-26T18:17:00.000-06:00

Drake had his tonsils and adnoids taken out and tubes put in his ears at the Central Valley Sergical Center on August 25th, 2010. He did really well. It made me fell a little helpless though. All he complained about was feeling like someone "ripped his neck out." Tough Kid. He can now hear and infact the sounds of things bother him. He feels a little over stimulted. He told me when we got home that "Zeek is loud!"

1st Day of School

2010-08-23T18:10:00.000-06:00

I can't believe I have 2 kids in school. Drake is in 3rd grade. His Teacher is Leona Behling. I am a little worried but things sound real positive. Zeek is in Kindergarten and his teacher is Angie (Cox)Barton. She is so fun. My only concern is all the other ruffians in his class. She will have her hands full.

Utah County Ranch Rodeo

2010-08-21T17:40:00.000-06:00

Tate was on a team with Merrill for the Ranch Rodeo at the Utah County Fair. We love it! I think this our next adventure. We are planning to put on a ranch rodeo in October or November. After the rodeo we let the kids ride 2 rides. They love every minuet of it!

Whit is Walking!

2010-08-18T17:27:00.000-06:00

Whit Started walking on our trip to Salt Lake. A little joy in a mad mess!

Trip to Salt Lake

2010-08-18T17:03:00.001-06:00

I don't get to the city very often and I really don't like going up there. So when I do go I try and schedule all our appointment together so I don't have to go up there alot.

I needed to take Zeek and Cy to the Dentist and get some fillings done. I also neede to get Drake into an ENT Doctor to get his ears looked at before school started. I talked Melody into going up with me to help Britt tend the boys while I ran all our errands.

We left about 1 in the afternoon and right away got stuck in trafic. I then took everyone to Britt's where we where to spend the night. I ran to target with Drake to look for shoes. NOTHING! I did find a pair that I thought would fit Zeek. NOPE!
In the morning I took the shoes back and then headed to the Dentist. I got just about there and the truck was shifting really bad so I thought while I was in the dentist I would see if the the dealership next door would look at it. Zeek and Cy both did really well in the Dentist but Cy couldn't hold still to finish so I had to schedule an appointment to come back. We then went to put up the truck. They told me that it wouldn't be safe to drive it home. The transmission was shot! Ok so now what? The warrenty company could give me a rental until they approved the problem and that wouldn't happen for 24 to 48 hours. I then called my mom to come and pick me up. Thank hevans she was at work this week. She then took me to Britt's to pick up Drake and Drop off the other 2. We then belined it to Provo to the ENT Doctor. Made it only 5 minuets late. They checked his ears and we got bad news. He needs tubes in his ears and his tonsils and addnoids taken out. We scheduled his appointment for the Thursday after school starts. I took mom to work and then took her car back to Lehi. I got a phonecall at 6:30 in the morning. It was mom saying I had her keys to the appartment. She spent 2 hours on the lawn until someone could let her in. We went and picked her up and she took us home. What a bad week! Everything we tried to do failed or ended up unfinished. We will see how things turn out. The truck should be finished by Tuesday. We will come pick it up when we come up for Drakes surgery.

1 Year Old!

2010-08-15T16:53:00.001-06:00

What a year! Whit turned 1 year on August 15, 2010. He took his first steps on his birthday and looks so big. We had a party at Merlin and Melody's house.

CAMPING!!!

2010-08-14T16:44:00.000-06:00

We haven't been camping since Memorial Day. We loaded the trucks up and went on the mountain for the night. We camped at Willow Lake and set the tent up for the Boys. We played in the water and the boys rode their bikes. Whit wasn't sure about the dirt on his toes. He still wont wear his shoes. We shot alot of 22 shells and roped alot. Tate took Drake and Zeek up big mountain to scout for elk. They saw a bear just up Mill Stream. That made us a little nervous to let the boys sleep in the tent. Tate went and woke them up and brought them into the camper.
The next day Tate took Drake and helped move cows on the North Side. I read a whole book and took a Nap. I loaded up camp and headed home. We met Tate at Dairy Point and drove home.

Drake and Zeek-"The Team"

2010-08-09T16:15:00.003-06:00

Drake and Zeek play so well together. They get so creative. I love watching them come up with thinks on their own and try hard not to hinder their creativity. This day they were pretending they were horses pulling the wagon. They came and woke Cy up from his nap to be the team master. Love it!

Castle Valley Pagent!

2010-08-08T16:03:00.001-06:00

We were in the Pageant this year. Drake got a speaking part. He loved every minuet of it. On the 3rd of August President Dieter F. Uchtdorf came. That was the first time we have had the privilege of having a member of the first presidency come to the pageant. We also had 4 generations in the pageant. Grandpa Farley and Mom (Earlene Christiansen), Me and my siblings and then our kids. Even Pennie and her boy came and were in it for 2 nights. It was great!

Whit's Growning

2010-08-05T16:22:00.002-06:00

I can't beleive it has been almost a year. Whit is such a sweet, fun, cuddly baby. I wish they would stay small longer. He started standing the first of August and I think it won't be long and he'll be walking. He is becoming quite independant.

I can't beleive it has been almost a year. Whit is such a sweet, fun, cuddly baby. I wish they would stay small longer. He started standing the first of August and I think it won't be long and he'll be walking. He is becoming quite independant.

Drake's Baptism

2010-07-31T15:22:00.000-06:00

So Drake turned 8! WHAT?!?! Yes, Drake is 8. WOW where did the time go? We had Drakes baptism on Saturday July 31, 2010. It was a good day. Drake was full of life and very excited. We were early for something for the first time in a long time. Almost too early. The boys were so active that Cy jumped off a chair and hit is nose. Just about the time we were trying to take a family photo.

We had lots of family there and it made such a fun day.

Days of 47

2010-07-25T15:16:00.002-06:00

Tate as been in all but I think 2 Days of 47 wild cow milkings since we have been together. This year we rigged the draws alittle. We had at least 2 teams from Emery County in each night so that the Finals would all be Emery County Cowboys. Tate won the Friday Night Performance but the camera would work. And on Saturday he didn't win but the camera did. Tate was so mad. He claims I never get any of the good stuff on camera. A least I try right.

This is a Picture Drake took.

Tates Vacation

2010-07-23T15:39:00.001-06:00

Well Tate went with the Cattoors to help gather mustangs in Nevada and Oregon. He left on July 9th. He first went to Nevada and helped set up things there and then loaded up some trucks and went to Oregon to gather mustangs there. They were having problems in Nevada so once they finished in Oregon that crew went back to Nevada. He didn't come home until July 22nd. We have never spent that amount of time apart since we started dating. I was the longest and hardest 2 weeks of my life. I realized that I don't want to do anything with out Tate and where ever he goes I go. I also have a much better appreciation for military wives. I couldn't do it. What ever comes our way we will do it together. The boys were good kids but they do act different while dad is gone. I truly think that little boys need their dads on a regular basis. They need that role model and his presents. I will just say I love Tate and want to be with him FOREVER!!

Riding Lessons

2010-07-15T12:50:00.000-06:00

Britt brought her kids over on the 8th and we gave the kids some basic riding lessons. Drake was a great help. He showed them how to get on and taught Bailey how to control the horse. He also showed them how to run FAST!

Drake's Birthday

2010-07-13T12:30:00.001-06:00

Drake had 2 birthday's this month. We celebrated his birthday just before Tate went on his wild mustang gathers and then again on his birthday we had a pool party. He was in seventh heaven, or is it eighth? Such a fun age. But I can't believe I have an 8 year old.

This is pictures of his new bike. He was so suprised. It was sitting in the back of the truck all day and he didn't even see it.

Grandpa and Grandma Weber took us to dinner at the Grub Box and he got a new "Sing Song" (That is what he used to call a harmonica.)

Birds and the Bee's but in our case its Puppies!

2010-07-09T13:36:00.000-06:00

Tate had to give the "talk" to Drake and Zeek today. Our female cow dog is in heat and we have had everything from weiner dogs to coyote in the yard. We decided that we needed some good puppies if we were going to get any so Tate told the boys to load her up in the truck and that they were taking her over to get puppies in her belly. Tate said the questions just started coming. I think he refurred to the cows and how the bull climbs on the cows back that it's not a piggy back ride. Then it got pretty detailed. They came home and Drake proceeded to tell me all about it. I am sure glad it was Tate and not me because I would have just scirted the issue.

Is it Scruffy or Luke?

2010-07-05T09:38:00.001-06:00

We got a new puppy. He is a bearded collie. The boys want to call him "Scruffy" but I like Luke. He might just be named "Luke the Scruffy dog." Whit loves him but gets made when the little stinker bites him.

4th of July Weekend

2010-07-04T09:25:00.003-06:00

On the 4Th of July Weekend we stayed home and played but on Saturday we went up to see my family at Spinners and Tate pushed cows on the South Side.

We took a truck ride up to Blue Lake and Enjoyed the cool air.

Jamison (Ross' Boy) decided it looked fun to go swimming. He's only 2 and he dove face first in.

Luckily ShaLane was close by to rescue him.

On our way back Grandpa Ken was persistent to make all the little boys hike up to the Camel above 12 mile Flat.

Team Extreme Mustang Makeover!

2010-06-13T15:36:00.000-06:00

So Tate competed in another mustang at the Team Extreme Mustang Makeover in Fort Collins Colorado. This competition consisted of two professional trainers/horsemen (Al Dunning and Ken McNabb) that would pick teams and act as coaches through the week. This is the main reason Tate decided to do this extreme mustang makeover. We arrived on June 10Th and that night Tate had to do a 30 second bio and then a 1 min freestyle.
Tate was picked to be on Al Dunnings team. They were then given instructions on their schedules. Tate was to be at the arena early in the morning for a workout with the coaches and then that night they would participate in the Trail Course. Tate felt pretty good on the trail course Friday Night except for going to fast. He seems to get into a rush. He placed 10Th over all.
That night they had a Team event. They picked some of the team to come up with a drill routine. Team "Ken" did a real drill and they did a good job. Team "Al" did a Young Guns theme..Not so good. But it was a good time. Saturday Morning they were to go to a workout early and practice the cow work and reigning. Al Dunning told him that if he didn't have so much talent that he would fall off because he rides like a drunken Indian. He also told him that he could come to his place ride any of his horses. I think that he told him that he needs to ride with people better than him not less. Each of the Teams had to pick 2 people to count for the team scores for the team events. Tate was picked for the cow work. The video is cut short and you miss the cow work but he did really good. He placed 7Th overall. After the cow work they went right into the reigning stuff. He placed 8Th overall and that put him in the top ten placing 9Th.
Because he placed in the top ten then he made it to the finals and got to do his freestyle routine. By this time the horses were all tired and ringy. OK not all the horses but the ones that where broke and well mannered. Pokie was such a quiet horse but by Saturday night he was acting just like the kids. Silly and couldn't hold still. This is a picture of Pokie pulling on Tate's spur. He truly was acting like one of the kids. I forgot to post in the last post that the ladies from the Mustang Heritage Foundation made a video staring our boys and Pokie.

Here is a video of Tate with "Pokie from the Pokie" It isn't very good but it isn't me videoing it either.

Tate and Pokie won 4Th place overall and felt really good about their placing. The competition was really hard and the other trainers did a great job. Tate came home with 3 days of free clinic advise from some really great professionals and $1250 prize money. Not bad for a coal miner.

On Sunday Tate rode Pokie through the Adoptions with all 3 older boys on him. So sweet. It was a bitter sweet moment to see him go because he was such great horse. Quiet and well mannered. He was adopted to the Hideout Ranch and will be a great asset to there string of horses.

Vacation?!?!

2010-06-12T22:14:00.000-06:00

So I will post on Tate's Mustang stuff later but for now this is about our trip to Colorado.

Tate came home from work about 4:00 in the morning and we all loaded up and headed to Fort Collins, Colorado for the Extreme Mustang Makeover. I was way too tired to drive and Tate was still on graveyard time so he elected to drive first. Zeek was so excited that he couldn't sleep. He was Tate's driving partner. Tate said it was like someone gave him sugar before bed because he just never stopped talking. I woke up in Grand Junction and drove from there. About that time the check engine light in the truck came on. We have had a sensor come off and on so that is what I thought it was. The Colorado River was full to the brim and fun to watch going through Glenwood Canyon. Our first stop was in Copper Mountain to fuel up. Now mind you we haven't stopped the whole way (5 hours) and the boys really needed to "go." I was getting Whit out of the car seat and before I could shut the truck door there was a classic farm boy scene. Cy was draining his radiator right there in the parking lot. He didn't leave a small puddle either. HUGE! What do you do? The steep climb to the long tunnels was a killer but I didn't think it would be that hard to climb with just one small horse in a small trailer. I was going about 35 mph and had the truck floored. WHAT?!? I woke Tate up and told him that the truck wasn't running right. This is not something we enjoy doing on our vacation, ie. waiting on trucks in the middle of nowhere. I drove through the tunnels but made Tate drive from there. We started to make phone calls to anyone who could give us advise about what to do. First, we where told to take it in to the dealer. "NOT now!" The truck ran fine down hill so we thought maybe if we make it to Denver we can find someone there who can help. Then when we got to Denver the truck ran just fine. WHAT? I made some more phone calls and there was a dealer in Fort Collins so we figured that if it could make it there we would be O.K. In the mean time the boys where still riding like champs and only had a few complaints. We made it to Fort Collins about 12:30. The boys got out and started running! They never stopped the rest of the weekend.

When we arrived at the arena Patti Colbert adopted Drake and Zeek right away. She gave them lots of jobs and "LOTS of JUNK!" Drake was so excited. He felt like he had lots to do all the time. This was the start of Something! Patti told them that if they would help her she would give them $10 each. This got Drake's mind going. All the Extreme Mustang Family let Drake and Zeek right into their space. Yes, their space! They had a room where the judges and coaches could go and get something to eat. This became Drake's office and by the end of the weekend Drake was selling their treats for what ever he could get out of people. Then Drake moved into the announcers stand. He had his face plastered to the glass the entire performance! He felt so important. So, on Friday night Patti had all the little kids go around and sell these foam hands that where for team blue "Al Dunning" or team read "Ken McNabb." Tate was on team blue but right away they had these two little mascots. Drake sold 2 right away and then people stopped buying. Drake got an idea. He would look for a lady wearing lots of jewelry and go sit by her. In his words "ask lots of questions." Then get her to support his daddy on Pokie because his dad lets him ride Pokie. I think after all was said and done between the two of them they sold about $25 worth of these little hands. But this also got Drake started on selling things. By Saturday afternoon he wanted to make some money. He found a notebook and wrote $1 on the page. Then he signed his name. His words "I'm going to sell my autograph." By golly, he did too. I think he sold 3. After Tate's Top Ten performance Patti had them run out into the arena with him and the announcer said that Drake was selling his autograph for $5 but if he follows in his dad's footsteps that might be a bargain. It might be worth more someday. He might just be right.

"Drake and His Office"

We didn't get back to the hotel on Thursday until 10:00 so no swimming that night but we did have to hold the kid still til' they fell asleep. Long day but to much junk.

On Friday we spent most of the day at the arena. After talking to Deri Jewkes on the phone a few times it was decided to take the truck in and have the fuel filter changed. Merlin did that for me while I got the kids up and fed. That fixed the truck! YAY!!! That night we did make it back to the hotel at a decent hour and so I told the boys I would take them swimming. Way too cold! But we stayed in long enough to get Tate to come down to swim. Drake wanted to trick him. We all pretended that the pool was warm and that he should just jump right in. He played along real well and jumped right back out. I honestly think it was a cold and the reservoir.

We slept in on Saturday and I took the boys to Walmart to get some stuff. They each bought a car and that made their day. Drake went right back to his office and the rest of us just hung out!
After the Top Ten was over it was late, we where all tired and hungry. I knew Tate needed food so we where driving around about 11:00 at night looking and Zeek says he need to puke! "Oh, no I'll be O.K." "No, Dad I really need to throw up" Tate hurried and rolled down the window and stuck this poor kids head out into the wind. By the time I got pulled over Zeek made a mess down the side of the truck but acted like nothing was wrong. You would have never known that he just threw up. I really think Patti just kept shoving things into their mouths. "Too much junk." Needless to say we ate at Denny's or Tate ate at Denny's while the rest of us just sat there.

Sunday we got up early and checked out of the hotel. Went to the auction and then to dinner at a Mexican grill. Good food! Then I drove the entire way home. Tate slept from just north of Denver to the Spotted Wolf out side of Green River. Drake was my driving companion. He didn't sleep at all. We left Fort Collins at about 2 on Sunday afternoon and made it home by 9:30. What an exciting weekend. It was fun to just be together and watch Tate learn. I really like when we get to go places together and see new things.

Before I blog about Tate I want to say thank you to Merlin and Melody. We couldn't have done the whole weekend with out you.

Not a very good bronc rider!

2010-06-03T08:30:00.000-06:00

Tate and his friends wanted to rope in the morning. I wasn't in the mood. I put on my tennis shoes and drove the 4 wheeler down to watch. Tate really didn't want to rope much because he was trying to ride Pokie. He needed to head a few steers for Laramie so he asked me if I would. I was in my Capri pants and shoes. I thought, "I shouldn't be doing this but it'll be O.K. for a few steers." I got in the box and Tate says "Hold him in, He's really cutting left today." He was talking about the horse. So I did! I roped the steer good, took his head and held Duce in but we where drifting up the arena instead of going to the left so I guess I let the reins loose a little because that gave Duce just enough of a loose rein to cut left hard. I lost a strup and kicked my right leg back to hold on. Well, I must have been just in the right spot on his back flank to make him drop his head and start kickin'. I flopped around in the saddle clear across the arena and then he started running. I saw the fence and thought to myself "Ground or fence?" I chose the ground but just I as I dove off he cut left again and he slung-shot me right into the bottom of the fence. My face hit the bottom rung and leg of the fence panel. Tate took me to the clinic and they gave me 5 stitches. It took me till I was 28 to get bucked off a horse and 28 to get my first stitches. WHY?!!? I rode Duce a few days later. Tate says he is FOR SALE!

Tate took this picture just before the stitches.

This the night after it happened.

This is the day after. I really thought I would get a big swollen eye. It did swell and my cheek and eye brow hurt but my eye didn't swell shut.

JJC 2010

2010-05-31T07:49:00.002-06:00

My Family Reunion was held in the same place as the last few years. (Yes, it's time to go somewhere different!) I love spending time with all my cousins but I love spending time with my family more. It was a great weekend. The boys had a lot of fun and Tate brought his horses which made things fun for him. We went on a ride on Saturday to the sand dunes "again" but this time we found some new ones to play on. Tate, Hugh and Kirk went on a ride and saw some mustangs. I always look forward to Memorial weekend and this one was a great one!

Branding Season

2010-05-27T16:12:00.004-06:00

So Tate decided along time ago that branding wasn't suppose to be work. He wanted to do it the old fashioned way and rope the calves. So from the time we bought the ranch that is the way we have done it. The first few years it was fun for only the ropers because "US" (meaning me) on the ground where doing all the hard stuff. (Yes, I am 7 months prego in this picture. Spring 2002) After Tate had worked at Castle Valley for a year he had been reading about branding using a "Dead man." This was done by roping the calf by the hind feet and dragging it to a rope tied off to a post and then putting that loop around the front feet. Still alot of wrestling because the calf can flip his head and move around. Then Tate read an article about this contraption called the "Nord Fork." He talked Castle Valley into buying a couple and trying them. "WOW" what an invention. The Church ranches use them. After Tate left Castle Valley we "borrowed" one. We figured that it was a going away present for Tate. Anyway, after some convincing, we are now branding our friends and families calves all the same way. Lots of fun and less work. Here is a video of Tate riding the mustang "Pokie" and to show you how it works. After a few years of doing this we have decided it is easyest on the calves and less work to put them in a large pen, like the arena and then just rope the calves as they stand next to their "mommas."

Rookie League

2010-05-27T15:58:00.003-06:00

Drake played in machine pitch baseball. He got really good at hitting the ball really far. He even once hit the girl playing shortstop in the face and gave her a bloody nose. His favorite part was hitting and he got very sad if he didn't. Some of the machines around the county need some serious work because they were throwing some wild pitches. It was good in some ways because it taught the kids to watch the ball but bad because it sure hurt their confidence when they would strike out. We played in all kinds of weather but the kids where troopers and played really hard. In all, I felt that they all improved and where real winners.

I had to throw this picture in. He is just too cute.

A day of reflection

2010-05-09T22:13:00.003-06:00

I love my children very much. Wow, that sounds so weired "children". How did I get 4 little boys? One day I was a little girl watching my first sister-in-law with her little boy and couldn't even imagine myself married and then the next day I am a mother of 4 beautiful boys. I am so blessed. I have such cute boys with such different personalities.
Tate watched the boys on Friday while I went shopping and had the cutest experience with them that shows their personalities. They went and changed the sprinklers and had to put some sprinkler lines back together that the wind had scattered. There where about 15 wheels separate from the mover but all connected. Tate had to roll them about 200 yards by hand back the wheel line. As he is rolling them you have Drake trying to help push and Zeek and Cy hanging on trying to get a ride. Once they got the wheels back to the place they didn't quite fit so Tate tried all his easy tactics to put them back together ie. pull with the truck. After breaking a rope and make holes in the field he decided that wasn't working so he proceeded to take the 15 wheels apart and put each one back on one at a time.
Drake is such a thinker. He could see that this was a lot of work and time consuming. He says to Tate "Dad, this isn't a very bright idea." Showing his personality that if it isn't the easiest way, let's think about it for a min. and see if we can't find an easier way. But when he wants something to happen, he wont give up until he figures it out.
Now Zeek's reply. "Sure it is, I'll help Dad." he proceeds to help his dad by carrying the clamps to him and help put each wheel back in its place. (Doing twice the running as needed.) Once Zeek sees a need and that we are getting something done he puts his "shoulder to the wheel" and gets it done. I still say he said it best when he was 3 and came to me "Mom, I need a job." That is just the kind of a kid he is.
Cy is just coming into his personality. He is really funny. Everything is a joke. And if he thinks it isn't funny he tries to make it funny. He loves his "Dadda" and they play the cutest games. Cy still has a hard time saying some sounds when he talks but he is his dad's "nuggle man." He plays so cute with all his brothers and if nobody is around to play with he goes and finds someone. Even if it means waking "Baby Whit".
Whit started sitting up on his own this week and is quite the cruiser. My little inch worm is getting quite fast. I put him down in the play room and walked into my bedroom and before I could turn around there he was at my door. Where did the time go? He is such a happy kid. Yesterday I had a lot I needed to do in the church library and he let anyone that came in hold him and when he got tired he let the librarian give him a bottle and fell asleep in her arms. Why can't they stay small forever?
So I spent Mother's Day being a mom. I did all the same things and not much was different. Drake did pour him and Zeek some cold cereal for breakfast. When we got home from lunch at Merlin and Melody's Tate did get the boys to clean up and he did the dishes and cleaned out the silverware drawer. We all laid down and watched a movie.

Time to baby proof... AGAIN!

2010-05-03T18:54:00.006-06:00

Whit has been trying to crawl for the last month. He could get up on his toes and do push-ups all day. He could even push himself backward on the hardwood floor (which made him really mad.) But this last week he finally put it all together. He is now trying to do it on his knees.
O.K. So it is more like an inch worm right now but he gets around. And he is much happier now that he is mobile.

Tate's Find

2010-05-03T18:50:00.004-06:00

Tate went on the mountain to work on a ditch to a pond. It is still pretty snowy up there so they had to ride horses down to the pond and pack all their supplies on horse as well. On their way Tate found a matching set of shed horns for an elk.

Sleepy Boy!

2010-05-03T18:27:00.008-06:00

Cy is going through alot of changes latly. He loves to talk. He has become a major "Dadda's Boy" and nap times are becoming nonexsistant. The other night Cy was way tired and wanted dinner. I asked him if he wanted to wait on the counter and help me cook. I turned around and this is what I saw. He slept there until I moved him to his bed about 30 min. later.

This is a better picture but I can't seem to make it stay upright.

Whit's new Teeth!

2010-04-07T10:07:00.003-06:00

So a week ago Sunday Kristy Guymon asked if Whit had any teeth. I told her no and I hope it isn't for a while. Well boy was a wrong. They started to look really swollen on Wednesday and by Friday night he was pretty miserable. The first one poked through and by Monday the second one came. Here is a picture but it is hard to get a picture of a 7 month old's mouth.

Easter

2010-04-07T09:29:00.007-06:00

We went camping for Easter. On Friday Tate took a ride on his horses and I stayed in camp with the family. Around dinner time Uncle Lannie said there was a sick cow of ours up the road so I jumped on the dune buggy and went to find it. Thank Goodness it wasn't ours. Saturday morning the easter bunny came and the boys gathered eggs.

We then went on a ride to see if we could find Hondo arch from the south side. We went in trucks because it was just too cold. I love going on the desert but I expecially love going on rides to places I have never been. It was a good day.

If you look close there is the hondo arch next to Tate's right shoulder

There was a definate cliff where we were standing in these pictures. Most wounldn't get close.

I took a picture of the lava dike down in the bottom.

After everyone had had enough Kent and I were standing next to each other. I had spent all day looking for a piece of flint for Drake to take to school. Kent looked down and found a arrow head. I have never even found a piece of one and right a my feet Kent spotted it. NOT FAIR!

Wrestlers

2010-04-07T08:16:00.007-06:00

Zeek is my little natural. He is built just like my dad. Long body and short legs. Once he figures this wrestling thing out and that it's not just a game, watch out!! He is so fun to watch. Sometimes he gets agressive and sometimes he sits and talks to the other kid. I love to watch him. He smiles through the whole thing.

Drake has the best double leg take down I have ever seen. Do you think I could get it on camera. NOPE! He is such a soft hearted kid that it is taking him some time to find the fire he needs but in one of the matches the week befor the tournement he got frustrated and that's when the fire came out. He is small and all muscle. He kept getting matches that were bigger than him because of his age. In the video this kid is way bigger than him but Drake pinned himself. He forgot where his back was. He was doing a really good job.

Out like a Lion

2010-04-07T07:37:00.003-06:00

I started the last week of March off trying to get my house clean. Tuesday was the boys wrestling match. (more on that later.) Wednesday was get the camper ready for Easter day. When I pulled it out and started checking it I thought "O.K. where are the water leaks?" NONE!!!

I have had this thing for 7 years and this is the first year that I didn't have to make a major repair on in. No water leaks, the fridge works, heater works, no leaks in the roof. I must have done something right. YEAH. OK some might say why worry about a camper. I will be the first to admit that when it comes to camping I am spoiled. I love camping. I would go every weekend if I could. I grew up camping for vacation. But I also grew up in a camper with running water and a bed. I did sleep in tents and the back of the truck but I could always go in if I needed to and wash my face and use the restroom without being out in the cold. I love my camper and it makes things nice for Tate too. He grew up hating camping. What kind of cowboy doesn't like camping? His dad didn't like camping. His grandpa would take him out on the desert or the mountain and leave him in a camper infested with mice with no water or food. (OK I shouldn't say no food, but not food you or I would eat) He would have to tuff it for 2 or 3 days alone and when he would get sick of it he would just get on his horse and ride home, how many ever miles it would be. (17 miles from the desert.) So I like my camper and I am going to try and take care of it. The boys kept saying this weekend that we should live in it.

On Thursday I was suppose to help Tate with a project. Try and get ready for spring. It was just too cold and the wind was blowing hard. Made for an irritable day. Tate tried to get the tractor started. It did but wasn't running right. Then he tried to clean ditches with it. Didn't work to good. We spent the majority of the day spinning our wheels. Then the first truck load of pipe for the new sprinklers came. We unloaded that. Talk about an overwhelming feeling. That will be 8...I repeat 8! wheel lines to change this summer. Yes mostly by myself. Tate is working another mustang and spends 2 hours a day with him. After unloading the pipe we sat in this 40 acre field that has been fallow for who knows how long with prairie dog holes the size of cars in it and decided we aren't farmers. We decided that with the lack of equipment, time, and funds the we will hire it done. We will hire to have the ground worked, planted and harvested. Sounds good to me if Tate can come up with the funds to have it worked the harvest will take care of it's self by crop sharing. 1/2 to us and 1/2 to who ever will put it up. Drum roll please. Brett Behling is our man. By the end of that day he had agreed to do it. He was actually excited. We bought this piece of ground because of it's location to us, it is square, and the ground is really good dirt. They say that it was the best ground back when it was in production. I don't know when that was but more that 20 years ago.

Friday was off to Easter. Even if it 20 degrees outside and dusting of snow on the ground.

"I'm free"

2010-03-28T20:18:00.005-06:00

Cy's birthday was Friday and the first thing I did when he woke up was start singing "Happy Birthday to You." He got the biggest grin on his face. When I asked him how old he was he said "I'm Free." Meaning I'm three. So cute. A week ago we went to Salina to a roping and bought Cy a new pair of boots. He wouldn't take them off so he didn't get to open them on his birthday.

We decided to just have a small family party and invite Grandmas and Grandpas to join if they want. Grandma Melody came around 6 but Cy was taking a nap so she left the present. Then Grandpa Ken and Grandma Earlene came. We sang Happy Birthday and had cake. Then we opened presents. I ran to the dollar store and bought some fun toys to share with his brothers and then he opened Grandma Earlene's present.

"Pokie"

2010-03-28T20:11:00.003-06:00

Tate entered another Mustang Makeover. This time it is in Ft. Collins Colorado. Tate and I went to Canon City Colorado to pick up the new horse on March 5th. Tate said he reminded him of his first horse as a kid, named Pokie Pony so that's this horses name. He has come along really fast and Tate is doing some cool things on him. Tate has a blog for his horses now so you can follow his progress on there. tateshorses.blogspot.com

Bar J I Branding

2010-03-28T19:36:00.003-06:00

We kept Drake and Zeek out of School on the 18th to help Grandpa Ken brand his calves. I didn't get the camera out soon enough and missed all the boys doing thier jobs. They all worked so hard. I really appreciate raising little boys on a ranch and not in the city. They have somewhere to burn all that energy. We branded 133 calves before 12:30.

"Erica's A Chicken!"

2010-03-28T19:21:00.002-06:00

Aunt Erica was in the community play call "Honk" The story was about the ugly duckling. We went to see her as a family. Tate loved it...Wink...Wink. It was really good to go spend the evening together as a family and support Erica. "We love you!" Drake was so into it. He followed everything and was on the edge of his seat the whole time. Zeek on the other had was board out of his mind and made comments like "Is it over yet?", "Now what?", "When will she stop dancing?" "Now is it over?" But when he saw Erica after he gave her the biggest hug! Cy spotted Erica right off the bat and yelled out "Erica's a chicken!" It was a fun night out! Erica did such a job and we are all so proud of her!

Zeek's 5th Birthday

2010-03-28T19:04:00.002-06:00

I can't believe Zeek is 5. I asked him what he wanted to do for his birthday and he said he wanted a party with all of his buddies that wrestle. We had a party after their wrestling match. We ate breakfast at 7:30 at night. It is also Sid's birthday so we just combined their parties. Zeek asked for some new rubber boots so that is what we gave him. It was also the first party we have had with our new floor. It was noisy. It kinda made me second guess my decision to put in hardwood. Oh well. It is easier to clean. That was the main reason I did it.

Tate's Late Birthday, Christmas, Anniversary

2010-03-28T18:55:00.006-06:00

So Tate finally got his new saddle. It was supposed to be here in December but didn't come until March 1st. It was like Christmas for him. He had followed the package online and knew it was coming but didn't know when the truck would show up. He waited until 2:00 and finally fell asleep. The UPS man showed up at 2:15. I woke him up and This was what he looked like.

Whit is 6 months old!!!

2010-02-23T09:53:00.003-07:00

Whit is trying to sit up and he is starting to say bababa. He is such a good natured baby.