EPIC Fail!!!

Okay, so my 31-Day Facebook Challenge has been an EPIC Fail. I got all the way to Day 16 and I fumbled because the picture I want to use is not scanned onto my computer. Since I didn't have time to scan, I just stopped doing it. Instead of skipping to the next day until I could get the picture scanned, I just stopped.

This was funny to me because I was recently having a discussion with Lauren about how I am not very good with lists. I told her the reason I don't write to-do lists anymore is because my OCD kicks into high gear and I start freaking out until I can get things done and totally crossed off my list. A list to me means it must be done before I can move on to something else.

Well, I apparently applied this logic to the list of photos we were supposed to post. Rather thank skipping one to make more progress, I just stopped. What an EPIC Fail.

...although I will say, this was a great opportunity to reflect on how I handle things.
LIFE's LESSONS... Gotta love 'em!

Just start living, that's the next thing on my list...

Recently, I started doing this 31-Day Challenge on Facebook - where you have to post a photo with a theme for every day. Day 7 was supposed to be a picture of your most treasured item... My items were symbolic of my most important relationships.

On Facebook I posted that my wedding ring and The Bible were most important to me because they were symbolic of the fact that ultimately my relationship with God and my relationship with my husband is the most important thing.

Well, today I was cleaning and had a playlist going on my iPod. The song "Next Thing on My List" by Toby Keith came on... and the lyrics really got to me. I was busy cleaning because I did not spend much time over Thanksgiving working on that - and it was stressing me out. I had spent entirely too much time working on Rockin' Spade things and not enough time getting house work done and spending time with my husband, which is really what a break is all about.

It would be ideal to live like the lyrics: "Raise a little hell, laugh til it hurts, put an extra five in the plate at church, call my folks just to chat, it's time that I make time for that. Stay up late and oversleep, show (him) what he means to me. Catch up on all the things I've missed, just start living that's the next thing on my list."

I'm not saying that I want to let Rockin' Spade diminish - but I just need to keep my goals in check from time to time. Another line of the lyrics that I loved said "I won't break my back for a million bucks that I can't take to my grave, so why put off tomorrow what I can get done today... like go for a walk, say a little prayer....."

Just a fabulous song. It moved me a stirred some emotion and much needed re-prioritizing. Thank you, Toby Keith! haha

I simply wish for one more day with you...

"Last night I had a crazy dream, a wish was granted just for me, it could be for anything. I didn't ask for money or a mansion in Malibu, I simply wished for one more day with you."

September 22, 2010 marks the 3rd Anniversary of the death of my Mother-in-law, Sheri Magers. We miss her on a daily basis. There are STILL times I want to call and tell her something or show her something I've done -- She was my Biggest Fan -- and I was blessed to have her in my life. But on this date, everything just seems to hit home a little harder. Writing the date is a horrible reminder that a few years ago, this is what seemed to be the "worst day of our lives".

What a MOTHER!!! I chose this picture because to me it just portrays how beautiful she was... and also because she was doing some mothering in this photo. This was at the 2005 Leakey Rodeo. Just before this picture someone had asked me to do something for the rodeo. She said, "You go do that, and I'll hold your purse." She just had an amazing instinct about her that just wanted to take care of everyone. It's something I had never experienced quite like this, before meeting her.

I must say I have to agree with the song... "One more day, One more time, One more sunset maybe I'd be satisfied" .... Sometimes I wish that were the case. My heart is content that she knew I loved her and I knew she loved me, so I don't have healing to do in that sense. I don't feel like I need to say something more to her... BUT, I am selfish and I'm always going to wish I had more time. More time to learn from her, more time to be loved by her... Just More. Kinda like her favorite thing to say, "Love you, More."

..."But then again, I know what it would do... Leave me wishing still for one more day with you."

I love you more, Mom! Gone, but not forgotten. Your spirit lives within me, forever in my heart!

Totally PROFILED!

We sold our old Ford pick-up recently... Yes, the green one that I have been driving since High School.... Anyway, we went car shopping last weekend and test-drove several different cars. After much difference of opinion, we finally decided that we liked the Dodge Avenger the best. A non-negotiable for me is I wanted a black car... John wanted ANY car that had decent fuel mileage.

I searched and searched online until I found this car. This was in the "Pre-Owned" inventory on the Brown Chevrolet lot in Devine, TX. One of the salesmen is from Leakey, therefore Brown was willing to deliver the car to us there.

After John and I test-drove the car, we walked around and inspected it. I commented on the tires and rims and told John, "I don't know about this, Homie!" John liked the way the car looked and thought I was being silly - so we bought the car.

The next day, my sister Brittany, brother-in-law Cole, cousin Starla, and a few friends teased John about the rims. So John came to my classroom and said, "Maybe those rims are a bit much - everyone keeps making fun of them. Let's find some others."

So, we finished out the work week, and planned to look for new tires/rims soon. Saturday, we are driving to San Antonio to do some school clothes shopping (for me) and go to the movies. We were discussing some wheels John had found online just as we were pulling up to the Border Patrol Check Point... We state our citizenship to the agents and expect to roll on through - well that didn't happen - they pulled us over and asked us to get out of the vehicle while they inspected it.

As we're walking to the bench to sit down the agent sternly tells John, "Sir, you need to get your hands out of your pocket. " So John holds his hands up in the air. Then sits down on the bench. They make John stand up so they can pat him down for weapons... And while they are doing this they are holding onto their own weapons... CRAAAAZZZYYYY!!!!!

The agent was wide-eyed and was scanning both of our faces with his eyes - I guess looking for guilty expression...? Anyway, John told him, "Man you need chill out, you are making me nervous." And when John said that, the agent kinda toned down a little.

They asked us a million questions including: Where did we get the car? Where are we from? Where do we work? How did we meet? Do we smoke? Do we smoke in the car? How long have we had the car? Have we been checked out at the checkpoint before in this car? Why are we going school clothes shopping? Did we tint the windows like that?

After all the questioning, I jokingly look at John and say kinda quietly... "It's those rims, Vato!"

The agent overhears me and says, "Dogs have nothing against rims, Ma'am. He smelled something."

So they continue to search the car, with the dog... As the search continues I get more and more anxious. The agent tells me to "Calm down, if they don't find anything, it will all be fine."

I replied, "Well, it's nerve racking because we have never been pulled over like this... and this is a new car to us. You can bet if you find something we will be calling some car salesman and chewing him out."

The agent quickly replied, "Yeah, when you get out of jail you can do that."

OH MY GOODNESS!!! Now panic has completely overwhelmed me. I mean, I joke with my BP Agent friend, Ty, about this all the time... But now, this is getting serious... and all I can think is, "I'm a 3rd Grade teacher - I can't go to jail." Then I think... What if I do? Who will come get us? Will I lose my job because south Texas can't get a handle on the drugs that are moving around this area?

FINALLY, the other agents say our car is clear. They think the dog smelled the scent of our dog in the car. (Which, I think is a crock - because Pearl, herself, has been through the checkpoint in our Yukon and has never set a dog off.) So all in all, I think we totally got PROFILED!

As we continue on to San Antonio, John notices one of those signs that says "Drink, Drive, Go to Jail"... He said, "I think they need to change it to Drink, Drive or Buy a Car used to move drugs and Go to jail!" Hahaha... So I guess the moral to the story is, be careful which rims your ride has! lol

"I was a kid when Elvis died, and my Mama cried"

"I was a kid when Elvis died, and my Mama cried..." Okay, not really. However, today on Facebook a friend had posted as her status: "Elvis died 33 years ago today". That made me think of that song Nineteen-Somethin' and it's lyrics. The thought of Elvis made me think of none other than my wonderful Mother-in-law, Sheri Kaye. Goodness, I miss her! EVERYDAY! She was definitely one of those Mama's that cried when Elvis died.

Anyway, I just got a little nostalgic thinking about this event... I wonder what it was like when Elvis died - I wonder what it was like for that generation. Don't get me wrong, that generation is not much older... But older enough to have different dynamics in their life. It seems to me life was a bit simpler then.

Sometimes I wish there was a time machine that we could go back and experience life in different generations... I often think it would make us more appreciative of what we have now. Then again, with all the hustle and bustle of modern day living, it might make us wish we could live in a more simplistic time.

It's a Girl!!!

My new niece was born today

Ryan Rae Coy

5lbs 15 oz - 19"
Her parents Brittany and Kevin are doing well.

We are very excited about this new addition to the Cline family :)
Papa Tod and Aunt Keta can't wait to see her.
Aunt Breann Ryan has been anxiously awaiting her arrival... and has been keeping the long-distance family up to date.

Welcome to the world, Ryan Rae!

PROCRASTINATION... It will get you every time!

It's almost time for BACK TO SCHOOL. I have 5 days of summer left to be exact. . . (yikes)

My classroom is pretty well in order and I have a lot of my lesson planning complete... However, I keep thinking about my summer days and wonder if I have used them very wisely. There are a lot of home projects that I had intended to get done... Like cleaning out the shop and carport, getting our jewelry website more updated, building up a ton of jewelry inventory, etc. I also planned to visit the doctor and dentist while I had time off.

I have had a million things to do, but the procrastinator inside me took over and often times I put those projects off until the last minute. Now here it is with 5 FREE days left, and I am trying to cram it all in.

Working well under pressure is one of my best-qualities, but I do not think my body or mind appreciate the elevated stress level that comes with it. I wonder, maybe... just maybe, if I did things in a more timely manner and didn't wait until the last minute, if life would be a bit easier. Then again, the procrastinator in me keeps saying, "that might be a boring life." haha

It's ALL About Me...

Remember when it was "cool" to fill out all those surveys on MySpace... Well, I don't use MySpace anymore but I thought it might be a good idea to add a survey to my blog.

1. NAME: Keta Marie Cline-Magers
2. BIRTHDAY: May 25th
3. BEST-FRIEND'S NAME: I hate picking out a "best-friend" but some of my closest are Gilla, Jody and Lana.
4. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW: Reruns on television... I think it's a Roseanne episode.
5. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE NUMBER: 22
6. WHAT IS THE LAST THING YOU ATE: Cereal
7. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE: Magenta or Turquoise
8. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE: Maxine
9. DO YOU HAVE A SIGNIFICANT OTHER: An AMAZING Husband, John.
10. FAVORITE TV SHOW: The Big Bang Theory
11. SIBLINGS: Brittany (20), Breann (16), and some may be surprised to know I have brothers: Jaime and Tod.
12. FAVORITE HOLIDAY: Thanksgiving for sure!!!
13. DO YOU HAVE A TATTOO: Nopes!!! I couldn't imagine doing that.
14. HOW MANY PILLOWS DO YOU SLEEP WITH: I'd say about 6. I put them on either size of me and sleep on 2. It drives John crazy!
15. DO YOU HAVE A BEST-FRIEND OF THE OPPOSITE SEX: Of course, I have John... and my good pal, Jason Wright!
16. DOGS OR CATS: I love dogs, especially Pearl!!!
17. WHAT DO YOU DO: For work??? I'm a 3rd Grade Teacher and LOVE It <3 I'm a jewelry designer too and that rocks as well.
18. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FOOTBALL TEAM: By default I get roped into my husband's teams - so we watch our favorite College and NFL... the Texas A&M Aggies and Dallas Cowboys.
19. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE SPORT: Definitely Rodeo
20. ARE YOU TIRED OF TAKING A SURVEY: Yep, so I'm gonna stop right here! ha

Hoping it's not in VAIN....

So, I've officially written 6 weeks worth of lesson plans. I am talking real, intense, good lesson plans... Not just something written down to pass a "lesson plan check"!

This year as I am planning, I seem to be more organized, more concise and including all of my resources in an effective way. I know I sound like such a nerd when I say all this - but I am really excited to get the year going. As much as I hate TAKS testing; it has become almost a game to me. I work really hard with my students all year and then the "Final Score" of the game is determined by those TAKS results. So right now, my little troops are about to go into FALL TRAINING in hopes they have the endurance to win the race!

As I was looking over my lesson plans today, I got to thinking there are several days I do not have penciled in yet -- simply because I do not know them. I also got to thinking, I hope my careful planning was not done in vain... I hope my eagerness to be efficient this year does not cause extra efforts later -- ya know, like erasing a lesson plan book and rewriting lessons. Oh yes, I am still using a hand-written planner - nothing electronic. This could be interesting... Ahhhh the joys of being a teacher :)

Project CLEAN

In addition to getting my classroom ready, I have been organizing and rearranging the house... Sort of a "Feng-Shui". ha! I'm beginning to think that Project CLEAN around the Magers casa is taking on a life of it's own... Just when I think I have finished cleaning, I start to find more things that I think I can purge. Forget the fact that I've over-purged already and accidentally threw away my 2009 Tax Return (thank goodness the CPA was able to email me a second copy - whew!) But I keep thinking - do we really need all this stuff? Aside from our bedrooms, the other rooms in this house are actually pretty large - so why have I had the overwhelming desire to fill them up with STUFF? Recently on Facebook a friend posted a video about a guy who lives in and builds these "Tiny Houses". This man is taking a minimalist approach to living - his house is 89 square feet and looks like a storage shed! The website for these houses is www.tumbleweedhouses.com As I was watching the video, I got to thinking - What's wrong with this? Nothing. His life is pure - he takes time to enjoy the little things... He probably spends more time outside, he has time to reflect, maybe more time to read and he probably has a stronger relationship with God (if he believes). Wouldn't that be nice? Another interesting tidbit in the video was the cost - this man spends less than $100 a year for utilities - how awesome is that?!?!?! My last month power bill paid for the next 4 years of this guys power expenses.
I told John someday I want to live in a "TINY HOUSE"... He laughed at me. I'd have to give up jewelry making and all other hobbies - but wouldn't that be some pure and awesome living? I think it would feel like being on vacation all the time because all you have is your clothes and a few momentos, just the same as when you check into a hotel. Something to think about...

**These pictures are of a larger TINY HOUSE... I'm being realistic - John and I might need a little more than 89 square feet. We might go insane in 89 square feet.

To clean or not to clean - that really is NOT the question!

This summer I've really been working on getting things cleaned up and organized. I am wanting a smooth teaching year, so I am working on lesson plans and getting materials ready - etc. Well, a lot of my friends are giving me a hard time because I am spending a lot of my summer break in my classroom... HOWEVER, I am so horribly un-functional with clutter. In fact, here is an example of what my classroom desk usually looks like:

Definitely not the poster for classroom perfection. In fact, I prefer to run like a well-oiled machine... and when my desk is like this I tend to run more like a jalopy that backfires. ha! I do prefer to have a much more clean desk - but without well-planned lessons it doesn't seem to work out that way. Here's my class when it is clean and ready to go :)

So, I don't get too offended when everyone gives me a hard time about where I'm spending some of my summer days... Because I figure I need the preparation to keep receiving messages like this - where "Mrs. Magers Rox" (: haha!

Mushrooms

So, everyone gives me a hard time about disliking mushrooms. The typical reactions is "Really? You don't like mushrooms?" And then I get this shocked look, you know the one. It's not that I dislike mushrooms, in fact, I do like the flavor of them - It's the texture and the very idea of them that bugs me. In 7th Grade Science Class we were studying fungi, and our teacher wanted us to grow our own mushrooms. Naturally, since I was the only cowgirl in a Carson City science class, I was elected to bring in the horse poop to grow the mushrooms... After that experience, YES, mushrooms bother me a bit. Next time I over chop mushrooms, don't give me a crazy look - I'm just pretending they are not in my food and trying to forget yet another one of those weird childhood experiences. ha!

Let there be Zzzzzz's!

Speaking of cleaning... The realtor called on Saturday to say they needed to show the house today. So all weekend I kept thinking about how I needed to get the place spiffed up. Well, in true Keta fashion I waited until the last minute - but since I've been organizing all summer long, it didn't take as much time as usual... However, I didn't get to sleep in because they were showing the house this morning.

ANYHOW, the realtor called back about 1PM today to let me know they were not showing the house because the people had already made an offer on another house. Well, Yay for them - but Boo for me because I didn't get to enjoy my summertime sleeping in! I don't mind this realty stuff - in fact, I think it's good for us to get those sporadic calls because it kicks our cleaning mode into high gear... But on the other hand, it can be a pain too when it comes to sleep -- because you can't really nap waiting for them. I'd hate to be laying on my bed taking a nap and have a realtor and some random people bust through the bedroom door... Talk about awkward. Do I overthink things or what? haha! Well, since there wasn't sleep this morning - there will be tonight! Let there be Zzzzzzz's! Goodnight :)

Room 8

Forgive me as I jump right up on my soapbox for a moment... I was feeling a bit "teachery" today as I had a ton of things I was wanting to get done.

So I made my way to Room #8 to work on a few things. I was just going to stay a couple hours... well a couple hours turned into 6 hours - and I just got to thinking -- Isn't this my summer?

Then that got me to thinking how annoying it is when some ignorantly assume that all teachers leave work at 3:30 every day, have weekends and summers off. Ummmmmm, I don't think so! I work most nights until well after dinner, if not late into the night... And so far during the summer - I have spent a ton of time preparing for the next year. So for those that comment "What are you complaining about - you get the summer off?" hahaha! I smirk and laugh at you.

Stirring up some Faith!

I have made it my summer goal to get the house organized. Now, if you know anything about me you know I tend to be a little bit OCD. HOWEVER, I am a unique kind of OCD - I'm an all or nothing kind of OCD person. If I am going to clean, I am going to really deep clean every detail... and if there isn't time for that - then I abandon the project altogether. Horrible habit I know! Anyway, trying to find the friendly middle here - I decided to de-clutter my life and clean up! PLUS, this jewelry business has taken on a life of it's own and I am storing some clutter in some prime closet/storage real estate.

Anyhow, in my organizing I came across this notebook. When we lived in Leakey and attended Living Waters Church in Utopia, I used to take a notebook with me. I'd jot down notes during Pastor Robert's sermon and even write down prayer requests. As I was thumbing through this notebook I came across this note about FAITH!

The means to our success is Faith. "For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world - our faith" 1 John 5:4

As I was reading that, I got to thinking - when I am focused on my Faith, everything else just seems to fall into place. Now, I am not being ridiculous and saying that when I say I'm faithful and proclaim how much I love Jesus, that all my wishes come true... NO! I am saying that I receive a comfort from my faith that helps me get through whatever turmoils this world tosses at me. It was just a comforting little reminder that I needed!

Get your Fright Face On!

Recently, I attended the CAMT Math Training in San Antonio. To get geared up for this training, I spent the day before working in my classroom trying to get myself into "teacher mode". Several people told me what a great training this was - so I started to get excited. Well, Max dropped the bomb on me that we were staying at the Menger Hotel. "Isn't that the haunted hotel?" She hadn't heard that story before... But she she heard it when we checked in and asked the front desk clerk about it. Anyway, the training was okay - too crowded in my opinion... So although I was disappointed about the Math, the night life and the Menger Hotel were quite entertaining. One night we came in from a late dinner on the Riverwalk and we decided to walk through the old side of the hotel which is supposedly "haunted". As we walked through the lobby on the old side we came across this couple that was sitting there with cameras waiting for ghosts to come out. There were more ghost hunters upstairs wandering around. I had read about this the night before online - apparently people travel in from all over to look for ghosts. They linger in the old side of the hotel from midnight until about 3am. I managed to spook myself from sleep the first night, as I decided to read this nonsense at midnight. Anyway, the last night of our stay Dana and Tina came up to go out on the Riverwalk with us. As we were walking back to our room, we decided to go through the old side and see the ghost hunters. One of the Menger employees was offering "tours" of the old ball rooms. We decided to put on our best Fright Face and take a picture with him.

I finally concluded that the Menger Hotel is GENIUS! As we were walking through the Ballroom, the guide announced that he would take us into the next room in a few moments so hurry up and snap a few pictures in the room we were in. When we entered the Ballroom, something crashed and made a huge noise. Everyone plowed me over trying to get out the door. So, I concluded that the Menger is GENIUS -- if they keep the hype about ghosts going, then people will come stay in their Hotel regardless of the quality of rooms... Because trust me, there have been little to NO updates to this hotel since about 1960 something. In fact, the toilet in the bathroom is like school locker room style with the silver handle about 2 feet above the toilet. I don't necessarily believe in ghosts, but hey, to each his own! If it brings in the business then go for it... Rock on Menger Hotel, Rock on!!!

I think the best part, was my sister's COMFORTING text! hahaah! Thanks Britt!

More Stephenville Adventures...

We visited Stephenville over 4th of July Weekend. M.Jo and K.Mae were super excited to be spoiled by "Uncle John" and "Aunt Keta". haha! We love these girls! First on our list was to take the girls to the bouncy house. I loved this picture of them in one of the bouncy houses... It perfectly captured their personalities. Kaylee was super sweaty from racing around the Bouncy House... and I especially loved the long socks she insisted on wearing with her boots. Only Kaylee would have such a wardrobe! We love, love, love spending time with these precious little girls. Their parents aren't too bad either ;) haha!

Mrs. Almanza

Well she's in the Married Lady Club!

Congratulations to Lauren & Ralph

6.26.2010

Home means Nevada to me!

I don't always claim to be a Nevadan -- I am a bit of a gypsy when you ask where I am from because I claim both Nevada and Oregon as my home states... Specifically, because my childhood was divided between the two places. I can't remember the lyrics to the song, "Home means Nevada to me"... But if it would get me a ticket home to the BFI Roping in Reno - I'd sure make some up! I am always incredibly homesick for Nevada in June - it's BFI, Reno Rodeo and All-Girl Roping time! I love running into old friends and the BFI and catching up. It has been a long time since my last BFI trip. I'm definitely due!

I wouldn't mind a little splash in Lake Tahoe too... and a chance to see the beautiful Carson Valley. Notice, I said Carson Valley not Carson City -- BIG DIFFERENCE!

Anyway, I am still rooting for all my favorites to take home the BIG BUCKS in Reno. I'd love to see some Northwest or Nevada cowboys and cowgirls clean house at the Reno Livestock Events Center :)

Happy Father's Day Daddio!

"He didn't tell me how to live, he lived and let me watch him do it." I learned from the good and the bad. He is the reason I am me :)

Happy Father's Day Daddio!
I am so lucky to have Tod Cline as my number ONE fan. I love you, Dad!

May of 2000 • "Cline Racherito"
on my 18th Birthday!

Dad had no idea I was running off to Texas a few days later... or Did he? Hmmmmm!

(PS: The "scrunchie" on my arm is cracking me up! Never go anywhere without a spare scrunchie!) haha!

My Seestarrrr!

June 8, 1990 was a significant day for me... It was the day God made sure I wasn't my Dad's only little princes... (or tomato, as he liked to call us). But it was also the day He gave me one of my best-friends • My Sister!

Happy Birthday, Britty!
ILY

The Graduate

We love the Graduate! No really, we do! (:

Trevor is officially a high school graduate! We attended his graduation this weekend. His ceremony was at Moody Gardens in Galveston. Let me tell you, that was a dream location during Memorial Day Weekend. Ughhh! But making up for the ridiculous traffic, his graduation went really, really fast! Yay!

We're super proud of Trevor! Now he's off to A&M through the Blinn Program! Whoop! Way to go you little Aggie you :)

Rockin' GOOD BUSINESS!

Have I mentioned that I'm in Business?
I have been making jewelry with one of my teaching co-workers Lauren Henke. At first this started out to be a little hobby to keep us occupied and to stop us from obsessing about our school work - but here lately it has turned into it's own full-fledged affair. Business is steady, which is a nice change of pace. We've added to our business too - originally we were only doing jewelry - now we're selling some home decor, some clothing and bags. I am excited to see where this little venture will take me :)

We are on Facebook at Rockin'Spade -- Be our FAN!

Or we have a website

http://www.rockinspade.com/

Happy Birthday to me!!!! (early)

I've been begging and pleading with John to get me a TOY Australian Shepard.... and he FINALLY found one in Stephenville! I was sooooo excited to get this early birthday present :)

So, Announcing the newest member of our family

PEARL

She will stay tiny. She is supposed to be under 13" tall. Already she is definitely my dog - she plays when I want to play and she sleeps when I want to sleep. Can't get much better than that!

Roping Fever!!!

A recent visit to Stephenville, TX made me realize how much I have roping fever... We didn't attend a roping when we were there - but we saw a lot of the "old crew"... Okay, Kain Garcia & Steve Warnock constitute old crew, haha. Let me have my moment! Anyhow, we always had the best adventures with Steve when we all lived in Pendleton -- I remembered I had this picture of us with Steve during our First EVER roping. Of course, I don't mean my Dad's "Rockin'Spade Ropings" I am talking about my first roping produced by just John and I... It was called "The Turkey Roping". Simple enough - the winners won turkeys and fleece jackets... The roping was the weekend before Thanksgiving. I remember Steve saying, "A turkey? What am I going to do with a turkey?" haha!

I loved visiting Stephenville... It was sort of like a Northwest Reunion since Kain Garcia, Steve Warnock and Brett McDowell all live there. Makes home feel not quite so far away! But it also made me wish we were back home on an alkali arena, roping a few corriente steers :)

Pretty in a Tutu

I recruited two of the most beautiful tutu models I could find. I was ecstatic to dress Hallie and Emma in tutu's and take a few pictures of them. They are both little Princesses, so this was right up their alley to be able to model :)

I love you, more!!!

"I thought of you today, but that is nothing new. I thought about you yesterday and days before that too. I think of you in silence and often speak your name. All I have are memories and your picture in a frame. Your memory is a keepsake, for which I'll never part - God has you in his keeping, I have you in my heart."

It seems like yesterday that we had Sheri Kaye on this Earth with us. I have wanted to call her a million times to ask her a recipe or share some sort of news with her. I miss her everyday - her guidance, her mother-in-law nagging, her wisdom, her faith, her laughter and her love! She was a Mother to me, she was a best-friend! Happy Birthday, Mom! I love you, more...