buStEd

"What is busted?", you say.

Well, let me say it has something to do with

my brand new(2 months old)

shower door.

We have been enjoying our new master bath

since it was finished around the first of October

It's wonderful.

There was one little thing that was a problem, one of the shower doors needed adjusted

The floor/rug was always a little damp.  The shower door just needed to be adjusted down a bit.

So, my hubby takes it out/off the track to adjust it

I am in the kitchen, cooking supper.

I am pretty far from the bathroom.

The boys are in the basement.

All the sudden I hear a "crash"

Like someone had shot out a window in the house.

JB is hollering.

The boys run upstairs to ask what happened.

I find him standing in the bathroom in a sea of glass.

His hands are cut up and his shirt is covered in glass too.

I am so shocked, I'm nearly speechless.  If you know me,

I'm rarely speechless{grin}

Let's just say that it was a dee-zas-ter.

He was standing there holding the door, getting ready to put it

back on the track when it just E*X*P*L*O*D*E*D in his hands.

Another fine picture of the problem.  Only sideways.  I am tired and frustrated with

trying to get my pics to stay turned the right direction.  When I download them and fix them in picasa

they NEVER stay when I download them to blogger. {boo-hiss on that}

I spent over an hour just scooping up broken glass.  I had 2 paper bags nearly half full of it.

I had to throw away my brand new {on sale} shower rug that I really liked.

Once I got it scooped up...I started in with the sweeper.  I do like my Rainbow sweeper.

I swept, swept again, and then swept some more.

Then I did it all again.  I was a little nervous to even stand in the shower again. 

Oh yeah, and the grout cracked all along the base of the shower. 

My new door should be in by Jan 4th, yes I'm talking 3 weeks without the door.  Not what

I was thinking, but...

It's Christmas Eve!

Wishing you and your families a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!  May your travels be safe, your fellowship be full of joy and peace.  Have a wonderful time friends!


Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.  Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.  Know that the Lord is God.  It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.  Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.  For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.
Psalm 100(NIV)

A New Recipe

We attended a family gathering over the weekend and had lots of delicious food.  But one little jewel stood out for me.
*Cranberry Salsa*
I would have never put those two words together
But let me tell ya, it's like peas and carrots...
Only Better{grin}

If you are like me and still have LOTS of last minute shopping to do and places to go...this is a great little treat and is quick to make.

Cranberry Salsa
1 bag fresh cranberries, chopped
1 8oz can crushed pineapple, drained
2/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup green pepper, chopped
1/4 onion, chopped
1 jalapeno, chopped and seeds removed
Cilantro, to taste
1/4 tsp salt

I think I would add more onion and jalapeno, but that's how my family and I roll, we {heart} spicy.
Some tortilla chips and a bowl of this and you are ready to rock and roll!  Enjoy!


Everyone's talking WHITE CHRISTMAS, but I think we are going to be too far east for that.  It's been raining here since about 630 this morning...thankful for the moisture.  If you are traveling, don't forget to check the roads and be careful!!
Merry Christmas Friends

E.M.A.W.

If you are a Purple People you know what this means

Every Man A Wildcat

********************************************

Back in September I found out that KSU Men's basketball was coming to Wichita to play West Virginia.

I knew I had to get tickets for this game and give early gifts to the boys.

Not only was it going to just be in Wichita(1 hour from our house) they were playing Coach Huggins

the mentor for our current coach, Frank Martin.  Coach Martin was the assistant to Huggins several years ago.  Then all the hoopla came with Big 12 comings and goings...now West Virginia is joining us in our conference next year.

This is as we are walking to the Arena.  We only had to park a few blocks away.  I was glad, because I couldn't take my camera into the game and had to walk back to the van to drop it off.  I was not happy.  There are no pictures like I had hoped.  I will say that when I got back to the entrance and had to be searched again...I intentionally got into the line I was in to begin with and got the same guy who told me I couldn't take my camera in and apologized.  I chose to NOT be happy and regretted it.  So, I chose to get happy and apologize.  It wasn't his fault.  *note to self, cannot take cameras with removable lenses to Intrust Bank Arena*

Despite the loss of the double overtime game{sad face}

We had the best time.  My boys were sooooo excited and had a blast.

We all had a blast! 

When we got home from school, I made them sit in the car for a bit~I literally had not had time to wrap the new t-shirts and tickets during the week, so I laid them out on the table.  They came in and saw them and were so excited.  It was priceless.  I miss my boys being babies, toddlers, etc, but it was so much fun to go and cheer on the CATS with them and watch them get into the game.  Loved it. {smile} 

Sweet Potatoes, Ducks and such

This my friends is a picture of heaven. 

Well, a delicious and favorite dish of my family's.

We only eat it at Thanksgiving.

When I say family, I mean extended family. 

My guys are weird and don't care for sweet potatoes.

That have butter, brown sugar and pecans.

It is W*O*N*D*E*R*F*U*L

IF you like sweet taters {smile}

My crazy, wonderful, onrey guys...and mutt dog.

We attempted family pics on Sunday afternoon.

After grumbling and arguing over what would be worn.

This is what I got.  I am trying to be glad {smile}

It decided to be COLD and WINDY for the day.

Don't let that sunshine fool ya.

(disclaimer: my pics will NOT turn right side up and due to severe frustration, I've chose to leave them alone! LOL)

My oldest boy, he's 14, he has his Learners Permit to drive.

He's now 5'8", he's grown 3 inches since March and wears a size 13 shoe.

He LOVES to hunt.  He brought home 2 ducks. 

I don't eat duck.  I don't plan to cook duck. 

He says he's going to make duck jerky.  After the mess he made

soaking the meat in salt water...we'll have to talk about WHERE the jerky

will be made. {smile}

Can I just say M*E*S*S*Y cook?????

 

another try at family pic...JB looks cold, CB would NOT scoot to his right, I have the dog on my hind side and hair flying high and ZB is the only one who looks good...for a change.  He had a serious case of goofies and was ridiculous.

We did end up with one decent pic, everyone looking presentable.

Even Angel the mutt.{grin}

My boys are getting one early Christmas present tomorrow and I will have pics from that.

Can't wait to share~after tomorrow of course!

Have a great evening friends.

Second Chances

I received my Christmas newsletter from Cal Farley's Boys Ranch in Amarillo, TX this last week.  It was FULL of great stories of kids who have been given second chances and are doing great things!  That completely touches my heart and soul.  I have been "acquainted" with Cal Farley's for a very long time, it was kind of a household name when I was growing up.  I had a lot of family in West Texas and one of my Great Great Uncles, Sam Wohlford was very active in helping Cal Farley's Boys Ranch begin.  My Uncle Sam was a wonderful man who was very giving...he and my aunt never had any children of their own, but they adored their nieces and nephews.  My mom got to travel with them a lot and saw many things she would have never saw otherwise.  I remember him well, I was pretty young when he passed away, but I have very fond memories of visiting them in Stratford and enjoying his company and kind heart. 
Back to Cal Farley's...(sorry about the rabbit trail there!)


My family knew of the Boys Ranch and what a good thing it was, and so, we always gave to them throughout the year.  It is a place for kids to go and get things straight in their lives, learn to make good choices and know it's not possible without God.  It's a GREAT program and I am proud to support their efforts in helping kids.


 In the newsletter the president states "our work is based on Christian principles and American values that remain consistent over time.  These beliefs do not morph or shift based on the economic climate or politics............We make deep commitments and stick to them."  "So, we trumpet loudly and proudly what we do and how we do it.  I never want Cal Farley's to risk being painted with the same brush as those who do not serve children well."(Dan Adams, President)


It started out as only a Boys Ranch, but later expanded into GirlsTown.  There are 27 different "homes"on the campus and each has a set of host parents and there is an average of 10-12 kids in each home. 


I ask that you pray for this place, pray for those Host Parents who are dedicating their lives to others in need, pray for those kids whose lives are being changed. 


You can visit their website Cal Farley's

1+1=2 x 4

  Getting ready for the game

Our  QB, Collin Klein leading the boys out.

Collin is a good boy, he's tall, he's tough, he's smart

and he has Jesus as his Saviour--he's

not afraid to tell you that.

He's cute too(smile)

 

 

 

 

Can you say....4 overtimes?????  Geez.  We were calling our team the "cardiac cats" before it was over!  We had great seats and a great time!  It was a good anniversary. 

 

KSU Men's Basketball team was introduced that day too

GO CATS!

 

Some defense going on here...

I must get around, today is cattle sale day.

No school.  ZB is hunting and I think CB is going with me to the sale barn.

Looking forward to coming home, cooking all my goodies for tomorrow,

hanging out with my guys and having a relaxing evening.

May each one of you have a wonderful, Blessed Thanksgiving Day!

Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts.  Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.  Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.

Psalm 105:1-4

Which one are You?

Lately, I've been meeting myself coming and going.  Like many I know.  I have been a little stressed since changing jobs, there has been ALOT to do at my new job and helping the girl that took my place at the dr's office. Then of course there are my boys, husband, house, etc.  We are literally living in a construction zone, sheetrock dust everywhere, NO TIME to work on the house(that would require being home).  As if that's not enough for anyone.  Thanksgiving and Christmas have the nerve to SNEAK up on me.  Geez. 
I have been wondering/worrying/stressing about the holidays, Christmas cards-taking the pictures, shopping, no where to put my tree, etc.



Then.It.Hit.Me.  The Lord simply spoke to me and said "do you want to be a Martha or a Mary?"  Well, I knew I wanted to be Mary, but I was totally acting like Martha.  I went to that story in Luke 10: 38-41 and I love the last 2 verses...Jesus says, Martha, Martha...you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed.  Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her. 


This time of year seems to bring out the Martha's in us all, me for sure.  I have totally taken my eyes off of what is important.  Jesus. It does not matter if my cards get out on time, if I have to put a tree up in the basement amongst the boxes of unpacked stuff and ironing pile, that my house looks as if it's been "flocked" like a Christmas tree with sheetrock dust.  I will be joyful regardless.  I will not let the enemy steal my joy with the "worldy" things that go along with this time of year.  While I enjoy some of those things ALOT, I will not let it "make" my Thanksgiving/Christmas/NewYear bad if those things are not in place.  Then I went to Matthew 6:25...DO NOT WORRY.....
God's good that way.  Just giving us a little advice in that small voice.  Praise God I listened.  I pray that everyone I know will choose JOY.  I pray that all people I do NOT know, will see I have JOY. 

Today

is my "actual" anniversary date
It's very windy & cloudy here
It was windy & cloudy the day we got married
I am drinking my java
I have planned a surprise for JB
We are going north
It could be dangerous
But I doubt it
We are going into WILDCAT country
We are going to watch KSU vs TA&M
I'm so excited
He has NO idea, just that we need an overnight bag
We will buy a few Christmas presents
They will have WILDCAT stuff on them
The weather is going to be beautiful, the weatherman just said so
JB is nervous about the surprise
He thinks we are going to a concert
I told him it might be(LOL)
There is the WILDCAT band
Kickoff is at 230 p.m.
I must go finish up getting packed
I taped the tickets to the bathroom mirror
Think he will notice?
{grin}
I guess we will see!
Have a beautiful Fall day friends
I am going to

17 years

It's our 17th Anniversary on November 12th...when friends and family told me on my wedding day to enjoy every moment, it goes by so fast, I really didn't believe them.  I thought it was just something to say.  Little did I know at age 22, a newlywed, that so much truth was in that statement!  It has been an awesome 17 years and every year is better and goes faster! 

We actually met at the sale barn...dad and I took some cattle up to sell and went into the cafe to get a drink and he comes walking in, walks back to the kitchen(like he meant to be in the kitchen ;) to talk to someone back there to find out my name, little did he know-the girl he asked was my cousin! ha ha  I am of course, thinking he's pretty cute and I know who he is...our folks had known each other for a long time, our dad's were in the Natl Guard together and our mom's had run around together in their younger days but for some reason...we had never met.  He finds out that my 21st bday is a few weeks away and that I was planning to be at the local dance hall that weekend...he made plans to be there too.  So, we actually meet that night--I'm with friends and my sister and we have a fun time.  He calls me the next day, we go out..Our first date was at the Greyhound track in Wichita...we met a bunch of his friends up there that night...I was a little nervous, he offers me some money to bet on a race...I didn't know anything about betting on dogs.  I bet, I lose.  I bet again, I lose again.  I was surprised he called me again!  I wasn't really wanting to date seriously, I had a big idea I would go to stewardess school in Dallas TX and fly the friendly skies. So we date a little off and on for a few months.  Then he doesn't call.  I wait.  He still doesn't call.  I move forward.  It is August and I'm thinking I really like this guy...so I call and invite him to our local fair.  I was singing that night.  He comes, brings friends...we have a good time...we were nearly inseparable from then on...we got engaged the following March (7 months later) and married in November that year.
 
 I didn't have a fancy wedding but it was nice...it was us.  I wore my mom's wedding dress, I borrowed my cousin's white cowboy boots, my m-i-l to be made my headpiece and veil.  The guys wore jeans, boots and tux jackets.  My flower girl wore pants and woven in thru out the decorations were stalks of wheat, grown by my dad.  I LOVED my cake...it was tiered and had a fountain under it...then there were cakes that spread out from it. Octagon shaped. JB and I LOVE white cake.  We had small bags of wheat in burlap bags full of more of my dad's wheat to throw.  A very dear friend sang "I Cross My Heart-George Strait and The Lord's Prayer"--the music would not play at the wedding and she's so wonderful...she didn't need music!  We were married in the town where I live now because the church was much larger and his family went there...then we drove to my hometown for a dance.  Tables were decorated with mason jars full of sand with votive candles inside.  Fancy huh?  I thought so...I'm not a Fru-fru girl. ;) 
It was good and of course there are things I might do different, but ya know...it doesn't really matter to me.  We still love each other and have had a wonderful life together...none of that "stuff" would make any difference now! 

This is probably my favorite picture

NOT taken by the photographer

and you can see the scratches and marks on it

We look so young

I was

ha ha

I'm 4 years younger ;)

Fall Frenzy

Hey
I'm still alive
Somedays I wonder
but then I have a fit
and then everyone knows I'm still around
Life is crazy
I feel like that is my normal
I do not like that normal
I still have NO computer
Which means I have NO pics to share
I LOVE my new bathroom
I have sheetrock dust ALL over my house
I do not like to mud, tape and sand
Someone told me Christmas is about 9 weeks away
I screamed when I heard it
I made a very tough decision about 2 weeks ago
I have a new job
I loved my old job
I love(d) the people I worked with
I love the new people I work with
It's my husband and f-i-l
It's quite a story...for another time. maybe.
I ran another 5K Saturday
I felt GREAT afterwards
I'm running another race this weekend
My boys are keeping me BIZZY
My dad was 70 yesterday
I love KState football
I'm about to celebrate 17 years of marriage in November
I have a F*U*N surprise for my hubby on our anniversary
I really must go now
Please don't stop coming by my blog
I miss everyone
Really
I do

THANK YOU

ThanksAmy!  I received my BOX of GOODIES on Saturday.  What a nice surprise...I totally LOVE all my goodies you sent for Fall Swap!

You are so sweet and it was such a treat to be your partner!  I'm about to finish up your box...hope to get it in the mail this week!!



I'm still without my computer, therefore, NO PICS right now. 
Have a great week friends!

SShhhh. Don't Tell Mom

#1  My laptop has CrASheD ;(   
Me, "Boys, what is going on with the computer?"  Boys, "I don't know, why?"  Me, "Because it looks like it's crashed."  Boys "Well, it gave a quick message and I was only looking at bow and arrows on amazon and then the screen went black."  Me, "was SOMEONE going to tell me?"  Boys  "well, Ya.  It's not working"  Me, " I see that."
#2  It's OCtobEr...EEEEKKKK...where is the time going?
#3  I hope I get my laptop going soon
#4  Dear Lord, Please send us rain
#5  We are in full re-do mode in our house...tearing paneling off walls, my bathroom is COMPLETED and is FABULOUS!
#6  KSU Wildcats R*O*C*K*
#7  KC Chiefs FINALLY won a game!
#8  We are short-handed at work
#9  There are pics on my laptop that were NOT backed up ;(
#10  Gotta run...

ThiS anD tHAt

Check this out...it's a FALL SWAP.  If you are interested, go visit Laura, she is the organizer of this.  It is really fun!  Even if you don't want to be in the FALL SWAP...go check out her blog--she is so creative.  She lives here in my neck of the woods, she has the cutest little boy AND she is a Front Row Rock Star in Photography here in my town!  {Love} {Love} {Love} her work. 

This past weekend...I accomplished MUCH.  And I'm so glad.  My camper has been cleaned and ready to winterize. Bought new knobs for my bathroom cabinet and got them on and got all the sawdust out of the drawers.  Saturday morning, left early for Hobby Lobby, picked up frames and some misc I needed to get the boys' rooms decorated.  While watching my KSU WILDCATS kick the 'Canes on Saturday, I whipped up a batch of my own laundry soap~it was super easy and so far, I like it.  After that...I decided I wanted to do a practice run on making a pillowcase...(I'm thinking Christmas gift) and so I dug out my sewing machine, blew off the cobwebs...whipped up a pillowcase...not yet hemmed...could NOT find my pins and sewing misc from moving.  But it was easy, I haven't totally forgot how to thread my machine!

After supper, I headed back to the basement to organize my scrapbook stuff and it turned into a card-making frenzy!  It was so nice to have space for my stuff and when I was done, I threw a sheet over the table and went upstairs.  Good weekend...just not long enough.

Did I mention that this could be the LOngEsT post

EVAH?????????

If I haven't bored you to tears...read on.

Look at that dust...

Our bathroom/closet remodel has brought all this 

lovely dust into our bedroom.  

Such a mess.  But going to be sooooo worth it.

My new Onyx countertop/sink and new faucet.

{Love it}

FYI~Onyx is a man-made solid surface.

Made here in Kansas!

This is my NEW shower...only I can't seem to get the picture

to rotate and STAY...so go ahead, turn your head to the left

and use your imagination. ;)

Today when I got home...the floor was tiled too.  I used the same tile

only in a 12x12.  Tomorrow he will grout it all.  We are in week 3 of destruction/construction

and I'm ready to get back to normal.  I will try to get better pics of everything...ya know, right side up and all.

Yesterday, we shot skeet...JB got a new 12 gauge and he was anxious to try it out

Our neighbors we had in town came out and we had hamburgers later.  It was such a beautiful day/evening

it was a treat to be outside.

ZB taking his turn.

CB giving orders for his clay pigeons

I thought this was a cool pic...it's our friend, Russ

I liked the shadow-look it had.

Fruits of our labor??? lol

ZB...was NOT wearing the shoe of choice.  He agreed after he trapsed thru

the corn field picking up clay pigeons!

Fall is around the corner

What I Love

Cooler Weather

Soups

Football

Hot Apple Cider

Beautiful Colors

Sweatshirts and Jeans

I {love} it all.

Another beautiful sunset view from my front yard

I put up my old screen door with my orange lights

My pumpkin swag and grapevine wreath.

I {love} old junk

I {love} old junk decorated

It's also dove season.  ZB and his buddy hunted

on Labor Day wknd and came home with a few birds

Can you tell he was pretty excited?  Taking his own picture on his phone

I thought it was hilarious!

The cleaning of the birds. ICK

Feather frenzy

Praying for those that are in great need for moisture.

Declaring RAIN over our dry and thirsty land!

And the Winner is...

Rachel!
{Ranchin Moma}

How ironic that she wins my give-a-way.

I won the coolest necklace from her awhile back!

NO

It was not a set up.

I don't roll that way.

Rachel, I hope you enjoy this cute sign and find just the right spot for it.

Send me an email with your address and I'll get that sign to ya!

I have enjoyed having a give-a-way and helping out a fellow blogger

If you haven't been over to visit Creekside Creations

You should.

Thank you for all the comments re: your favorite kitchen item.

My personal is not just one...it's a list.

Cast Iron Skillet

Crockpot

Pampered Chef sheet cake stone

Santoku knives

What I want on my list...

Kitchen Aid Mixer

In Fire Engine Red

{smile}

Have a great Wednesday friends!

I am off to enjoy Bluegrass after the cattle sale today tonight.

Rain is in the forecast.  We'll take it anytime.



Clock is Tickin'

I'm drawing for that cute sign tomorrow morning! 

Please leave me a comment to enter AND become a follower if you are not already!

Have a great evenin'!

Great Fall Giveaway

I have pondered, wondered, thought, whatever you want to call it.  I wanted to give something fun, something that represented cooler weather, a change from the HEAT.  While I was visiting one of my favorite blogs, it hit me...a Fall sign!  If you have not been to Creekside Creations etsy shop...you should.  Mandy is the sweetest thing and lives in TN...Somewhere I would LOVE to visit...when and if I ever go, you can be sure I will look her up!  Anywho...back to business.  I'm going to giveaway one of her CUSTOM fall signs...I think it's adorable and may have to order another one, just for me!



Here is the scoop for the giveaway...
#1.  You must be a follower of CowPies & MudPies--if you are not~become one!
#2.  You must live in the United States(for shipping purposes)
#3.  I want to know...what is your FAVORITE kitchen appliance/tool and why.
#4.  No kitchen favorite?  Just say hi!

I will announce the winner on Wednesday, Sept 14th.  Good Luck and Thanks for stopping by!

Have a great weekend...we are enjoying some BeAUtIfUL weather here...nice and cool but VERY dry.

School

It has begun!  I think we were some of the last ones to start! 

ZB started on Monday and had orientation.

CB started on Wednesday.

This is last years 1st day of school picture.

I thought they looked so handsome and grown-up.

Then I look at this year's picture.

What the Heck?

CB has grown alot!

He's a big 6th grader this year.

He goes to the Intermediate School

It's 5th and 6th grade only.

Then.

I have.

A Freshman.

Repeat.

WHAT THE HECK?

ZB has changed

ALOT in the last year.

Becoming a young man instead of a boy.

{wow}

I am not ready for him to be in High School

I have been dragging my feet about it.

He just takes it all in stride.

I'm glad.

House pics #2

Here are a few more pics of my house

This is a close up of the drapes that were

EVERYWHERE in our house.  These are

actually still hanging in the basement.  For now.

I hope to have something else up soon...but

my list of replacements is quite long.

This is in the basement...looking into my scrapbook room.

It's far from where I want it to be, BUT.

I am so thankful to have somewhere to put it!!

This is the other HUGE room in our basement.

The game room.  Pool table, foose ball table, the boys

have set up their Wii.  This room I really like, it's fun.

Great spot for the boys and their friends to hang out.

Yes, the carpet is RED.  Actually...

I kind of like it!  Wouldn't want it everywhere,

but for a game room, it's great.

This is looking opposite of my scrapbook room.

A HUGE room that needs HELP.

Notice the hodge podge of things.

I am stalking Craig's List for a used Leather Sectional

for down here...once again a HUGE room and that means

BIG furniture.  There is a fireplace back and left of this picture.

Will be a great spot for football watching this Fall!

They are hopefully going to start on our master bath in the next few weeks.

I have everything but the faucets picked out.

I am very excited.

I want a shower.

Now.

Seriously.

Peace Out.