tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78487608158613416792024-03-13T20:58:40.002-06:00Cooper Creek Cabin**********************musings of a mountain girl, homeschooling mom, and firefighter's wife**********************Our Crazy Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13153395725677008975noreply@blogger.comBlogger126125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848760815861341679.post-43735756565356293182012-08-04T11:08:00.000-06:002012-08-04T11:13:22.384-06:00MacGyver and the Imam<br />
<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
<img alt="" class="rg_hi uh_hi" data-height="194" data-width="259" height="194" id="rg_hi" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQE82LCNexGHwJ5RsT5vDIgcxl75KcAT7dj6v_uc2K17v4oc72O" style="height: 194px; width: 259px;" width="259" /> </div>
<br />
So, MacGyver's department has a ginormous mosque situated right in the middle of their district. While he was on shift yesterday, he, the lieutenant and the paramedic were invited to the mosque for a "break-fast". It is the middle of Ramadan for the muslims and they fast from about 4:30 am to 8:00 pm. He had no idea what to expect or why they were invited but certainly had an interesting story to tell when he got home this morning!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When they got there they had a little "break-fast" which was a soup with curry, rice, and garbanzo beans, as well as some dates, bananas, a triangular-shaped pastry sort of like an egg roll and milk. About 8:30 Mac and his guys followed them into a prayer room. They had to remove their work boots to enter the prayer room. He watched as the men went in and the women went to their own separate prayer room. The prayer room was a large room with a glass dome roof in the center of the room. The room was carpeted and had lines on the floor that were about a foot wide and spaced out about 3 feet apart. As the first man came in he went to the center of the line in the front and then people followed and filled out the lines to his left and right. As one line filled up the line behind it was filled up in the same fashion. They all stood shoulder to shoulder facing East. Someone led the prayer in Arabic. He couldn't understand what was being said, of course, but it sounded very sing-songy; a lot like what is displayed in movies. He watched as they bowed at the waist and then kneeled and bowed with their heads to the ground. They stood and bowed and then kneeled and bowed some more. The prayer time lasted about 15 minutes. They were then invited upstairs to eat with the Imam. The others stayed behind to eat separately. Their meal was laid out on a cloth on the carpeted floor room. The Imam didn't eat on the floor, but invited the guys to sit with him at his table. They ate a meal of chicken and a rice pilaf-like dish. The station already had dinner just a couple hours prior and they were still full from that but were instructed to eat anyway, as it is disrespectful to turn away food that someone has prepared for them. Mac said he tried desperately but couldn't finish all his food. A man's stomach can only hold so much, you know! During dinner, they talked about the mosque and the Qaran. When asked how many people attend the mosque, the Imam said there is about 80,000 Muslim in Colorado and about 50,000 of those live in Denver. He estimates that most Fridays (their day of worship) they see about 7,500 people come in to pray. The Imam went on to explain that they don't worship Mohammed; that he was a prophet, just like Abraham, Moses and Jesus. Yikes! In this same conversation, they talked about how all of Mohammed's words
and actions were written down verbatim because he was illiterate. These
are the words they use to dictate how to deal with conflict and war, as well.
Creepy! I know from my studies that everything is dictated by the Qaran: marriage, dress, work, ethics, religious practices, food, etc. What most people don't realize is Muslim is not just a religion. It's their culture, their form of government and how they make decisions. This is their life. I liken it to our life, a little bit. We follow the Judeo-Christian Ten Commandments and the Bible. The difference is it doesn't govern us, but instructs how to serve the Lord, live your life, conduct marriage and business as well as treat people. We also don't believe Jesus was a prophet, but the Son of God, the Messiah, the Savior. All in all, it was an interesting dinner, no doubt. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Some of Mac's thoughts: </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1. He was surprised to hear that the entire Qaran was based upon the
vision and life of ONE prophet, unlike the Bible which was has countless
witnesses and testimonies, and is corroborated by other books and
people. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2. The Muslim faith is very similar to the Catholic faith with their religious practices.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
3. Listening and watching everything last night he kept thinking that every lie has just enough truth to make it sound legitimate and correct.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
4. When asked if his feet stunk up the prayer room: He laughed and said no...their was too much curry to smell anything else. Ha!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Our Crazy Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13153395725677008975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848760815861341679.post-77447761737924344072012-07-13T19:22:00.000-06:002012-07-13T19:22:32.612-06:00Goose, Dot and the FoxWe got the cutest baby chickens and ducks in March hoping we could again have fresh eggs. Izzy wanted a goose, but I think geese can be mean so I talked her into a duck. After doing some cursory research, I decided to let them have two ducks, so they wouldn't bond to my kids but each other. I could just see the nightmare THAT would create with separation anxiety every time my daughter left the house. We started with 10 chickens. I think they are Light Brahma, Giant Jerseys, New Hampshire Reds, Rhode Island Reds, and Amber Whites. I really wanted some Barred Rock but we were out of town when those became available. The ducks the kids picked out were a Cayuga and a Blue Swedish, I think.We kept them warm and dry in the living room long enough for them to get bigger and feathered and could regulate their own temperatures. We turned my old parrot cage into a makeshift nursery which worked pretty good and was fairly easy to clean. Unfortunately, there's absolutely nothing you can do about that smell. At first we had the ducks and chickens together until the chickens started picking (pecking?) on the ducks. Eventually we had to separate them until they got older. The kids figured out the ducks LOVED to swim in the sink from just a few days old. As they got bigger, they "graduated" to the bath tub. I kept having those "this is your life" moments sitting and watching ducks swim in my tub and chickens waddle through the house. The things we do for our kids! It is truly unreal! What colorful stories they will have to tell their kids, though! <br />
<br />
At the moment, I'm sitting in my lounge chair watching the horses and chickens free range. The chickens periodically come up and peck at my legs and shoes. I must look and smell tasty! This morning I let everybody out of their pasture and coop. When I went back inside I heard a horrible commotion out back and the ducks were squawking and squawking! I could tell something had gotten one because it was moving pretty fast around to the side of our house and up the hill. I ran out back but only saw the Cayuga, "Goose". I ran to the front of the house but couldn't see or hear anything. I saw the horses standing to attention watching something up the hill. I started to walk down the stairs and then had one of those flash thoughts, "I wonder if it was the fox or mountain lion"? I could see the fox at the top of the hill staring at me with Ike's duck, "Dot", hanging from his mouth. There was nothing I could do. It happened so fast! I woke Ike up to tell him the sad news. I needed his help to get the chickens back in their coop so we didn't have even more casualties to account for. Goose was in the pen carrying on and calling for Dot. I woke up Izzy so she could console Goose. When she picked her up she was still shaking. I feel so sorry for her! They've never been separated by more than just a few feet and she has been sad all day looking for her buddy. I think I'm going to have to find her a new companion. There's a thought. A pet for our duck!<br />
<br />
Just now I came out and scared the fox off. He got an easy breakfast and figured he knew just where dinner was! Not tonight, Mr. Sly. I've got my eye, AND my paintball gun, on you! <br />
<br />
<br />Our Crazy Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13153395725677008975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848760815861341679.post-29858778838544772902011-09-15T23:23:00.002-06:002012-01-07T22:15:34.617-07:00Where the antelope roam<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8X0QqFBntP0/TwkixlJqoII/AAAAAAAABKY/YhYs3p_uY2w/s1600/mtn1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8X0QqFBntP0/TwkixlJqoII/AAAAAAAABKY/YhYs3p_uY2w/s400/mtn1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Le-G3tX6MYU/TwkjHNdJ6HI/AAAAAAAABKg/RBXximGaCsI/s1600/mtn5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Le-G3tX6MYU/TwkjHNdJ6HI/AAAAAAAABKg/RBXximGaCsI/s400/mtn5.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sYj3px0puZM/TwkjvilMkqI/AAAAAAAABKo/jlnlbphJ7yk/s1600/mtn7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sYj3px0puZM/TwkjvilMkqI/AAAAAAAABKo/jlnlbphJ7yk/s400/mtn7.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BIHC4yop8gQ/TwkkESftZLI/AAAAAAAABKw/c5Maxxi5RWI/s1600/mtn6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BIHC4yop8gQ/TwkkESftZLI/AAAAAAAABKw/c5Maxxi5RWI/s400/mtn6.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-baFabh-RoSE/TwkkTAjWCjI/AAAAAAAABK4/_85m2eDG4ZM/s1600/myn4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-baFabh-RoSE/TwkkTAjWCjI/AAAAAAAABK4/_85m2eDG4ZM/s400/myn4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yZKycee1nnQ/TwklJtUV__I/AAAAAAAABLI/RRsSRBWQW18/s1600/D9271058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yZKycee1nnQ/TwklJtUV__I/AAAAAAAABLI/RRsSRBWQW18/s400/D9271058.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1k-0PA_b58U/TwkkyHa50FI/AAAAAAAABLA/N_ipJ5uQdb4/s1600/D9271091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1k-0PA_b58U/TwkkyHa50FI/AAAAAAAABLA/N_ipJ5uQdb4/s400/D9271091.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
</div>Our Crazy Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13153395725677008975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848760815861341679.post-82517070281151461722011-08-26T00:38:00.000-06:002011-08-26T00:38:46.425-06:00Mountain LionsMy goodness, has it been a long time since I blogged! I'm not exactly sure why that is; maybe a combination of lack of creativity, too much going on, not enough going on, sometimes I get tired of hearing myself talk, summer is chaotic, and I've had a string of not so fun or interesting things happen lately. With that note, I've got a lot to write about now. Or maybe I have all along but now I actually feel like writing about it. For whatever the reason, I am inspired at midnight on a Thursday night to tell you what happened just last week. <br />
<br />
About midnight (does anything good happen at midnight?) I heard the mountain lion right outside our window pacing up and down the road screaming its head off. I woke hubby up, too. I'm not sure why, maybe because I was so freaked out or maybe it was because I wanted to see if he thought it was a mountain lion, too. We were told when we moved in a couple years ago that if we ever heard what sounded like a woman screaming outside our house NOT to go outside and investigate because it would be a mountain lion. Evidently, that is their mating call. I am SOOO glad J.D. gave us the heads up because that was the absolute most eerie thing I've ever heard. I recorded it but haven't figured out how to upload it. It went on for about 20 minutes and echoed up and down our canyon. I opened the front door and stood with just the screen door between me and possible death and shook until I had thoroughly erased all chances of sleep that night, but I got it on audio, by George! MacGyver rolled over and went right back to sleep. Nerves of steel, I tell you, but not before telling me he was glad I woke him up because he wouldn't have believed me, otherwise. What? Thanks for the confidence, bubba! The kiddos were upset I didn't wake them but there was a good reason, which I will divulge another time. But I did promise to wake them if I ever heard it again. I'll have to warm up some milk and bake some cookies if I do, because there <strong>aint no way</strong> those puppies are ever going back to sleep after that, either! I know! Bad grammar! But this girl is NOT joking. That is the spookiest sound I have EVER heard. <br />
<br />
It reminds me of the time we were camping in our camper up in Pike National Forest. MacGyver was at work and my mom had come up to camp with us for my birthday. We made dinner and played some cards and when it got late we snuggled down to get ready for bed. About that time Maggie started growling at the door and we heard what sounded like a mountain lion outside our camper. Boy I have never been more excited to have four solid walls in my life! Anyway, the more Maggie growled, the more freaked out the kiddos got. I think we all got the willies pretty bad. I finally decided to take Maggie and our gun outside and shoot it off. The idea was to make the kids feel better because the gun shot would scare away the mountain lion. I have to admit it actually worked. It made me feel better, too. That was just one time when I had to put my "Big Girl Panties" on, as I like to call it, and muster up the courage to do what it took to make those kiddos feel safer, if not truly safer. There were more "Big Girl Panty" moments still to come, but this was one of the more memorable ones. Our Crazy Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13153395725677008975noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848760815861341679.post-56075882364486955162011-08-21T20:04:00.000-06:002012-01-07T20:04:42.720-07:00Happy Anniversary To UsWell, it was my anniversary, but unfortunately before knowing the date, I committed the kids and I to show sheep with our 4H club at the Colorado State Fair. So, 5 girls and Ian loaded up a bunch of sheep in the back of the truck, hauled them to the trailer, loaded them into the trailer and drove down to Pueblo. We then transferred them to their pens at the fair. Boy was that some fun! None of them were halter trained so we man handled them all the way into the fair. We got some weird cross-ways glances the whole way in! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D4ggaowL2NA/TwkDPlC__YI/AAAAAAAABJE/4vQblSSihAo/s1600/IMG_20110829_163609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D4ggaowL2NA/TwkDPlC__YI/AAAAAAAABJE/4vQblSSihAo/s400/IMG_20110829_163609.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hauling Hay</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wDZRtPJBqvk/TwkDYoU030I/AAAAAAAABJM/OYABuG365wU/s1600/IMG_20110830_131819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wDZRtPJBqvk/TwkDYoU030I/AAAAAAAABJM/OYABuG365wU/s400/IMG_20110830_131819.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Izzy hauling water </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R2qOgA7P8Qg/TwkDfpIABcI/AAAAAAAABJU/NWLFCUU4LTU/s1600/IMG_20110830_131946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R2qOgA7P8Qg/TwkDfpIABcI/AAAAAAAABJU/NWLFCUU4LTU/s320/IMG_20110830_131946.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ike & Dixie hauling water</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-493qgJEikbM/TwkDozIQ54I/AAAAAAAABJc/TEqU4yHIgqI/s1600/IMG_20110830_131859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-493qgJEikbM/TwkDozIQ54I/AAAAAAAABJc/TEqU4yHIgqI/s320/IMG_20110830_131859.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Kelly & Izzy feeding Dudley</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dTVWk5mNiR0/TwkDvzDOYaI/AAAAAAAABJk/Xew6Z1-3AtI/s1600/IMG_20110831_135919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dTVWk5mNiR0/TwkDvzDOYaI/AAAAAAAABJk/Xew6Z1-3AtI/s320/IMG_20110831_135919.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Waiting & waiting for the show to start</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EShrCOAje7c/TwkD0sLqKvI/AAAAAAAABJs/z1Iw_lGInmI/s1600/IMG_20110831_140013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EShrCOAje7c/TwkD0sLqKvI/AAAAAAAABJs/z1Iw_lGInmI/s320/IMG_20110831_140013.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And waiting</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VRVpeelzBn8/TwkD7Sd2kuI/AAAAAAAABJ0/MggReAlOLHg/s1600/IMG_20110831_171132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VRVpeelzBn8/TwkD7Sd2kuI/AAAAAAAABJ0/MggReAlOLHg/s320/IMG_20110831_171132.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Kelly, Ian, Shelby & Izzy taking Douglas for his winning picture</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-92xKPRhomd0/TwkD-9qDIzI/AAAAAAAABJ8/tmFU5wj9_9o/s1600/IMG_20110831_171217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-92xKPRhomd0/TwkD-9qDIzI/AAAAAAAABJ8/tmFU5wj9_9o/s320/IMG_20110831_171217.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Kelly & Sundance posing for the winning photo</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I finally was able to kiss and hug Mac and tell him Happy Anniversary at about 11:48 PM, with 12 minutes to spare! We learned a lot about showing sheep, finally were able to go to the state fair, and had a good time with our 4H peeps!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Our Crazy Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13153395725677008975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848760815861341679.post-22637227154299364522011-08-13T19:02:00.003-06:002012-01-07T21:40:13.012-07:004-Wheeling Georgia Pass<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bKB0NUpnBbo/TwkdOUoVTEI/AAAAAAAABKM/q3haqcME7Cw/s1600/D9271046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bKB0NUpnBbo/TwkdOUoVTEI/AAAAAAAABKM/q3haqcME7Cw/s400/D9271046.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xxh9YSdZlHY/Twj537JJRQI/AAAAAAAABH0/EVHDlHZvocs/s1600/D8130786.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xxh9YSdZlHY/Twj537JJRQI/AAAAAAAABH0/EVHDlHZvocs/s400/D8130786.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v32-qJLa4fM/Twj6GuioJOI/AAAAAAAABH8/hXYYRxXgZnA/s1600/D8130777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v32-qJLa4fM/Twj6GuioJOI/AAAAAAAABH8/hXYYRxXgZnA/s400/D8130777.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4s-Pl6BdYFg/Twj6btQpGYI/AAAAAAAABIE/yLE2FLrafIU/s1600/D8130781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4s-Pl6BdYFg/Twj6btQpGYI/AAAAAAAABIE/yLE2FLrafIU/s400/D8130781.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DaYI71PWHRY/Twj6nvhSucI/AAAAAAAABIM/3WPHFArf0k4/s1600/D8130779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DaYI71PWHRY/Twj6nvhSucI/AAAAAAAABIM/3WPHFArf0k4/s400/D8130779.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--ygvq6qt9_M/Twj7aKgOxPI/AAAAAAAABIU/ajq8WHcSkLg/s1600/D8130791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--ygvq6qt9_M/Twj7aKgOxPI/AAAAAAAABIU/ajq8WHcSkLg/s400/D8130791.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XSiX_nMogg0/Twj9VKto-0I/AAAAAAAABIo/YnB45uTphYc/s1600/D8130796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XSiX_nMogg0/Twj9VKto-0I/AAAAAAAABIo/YnB45uTphYc/s400/D8130796.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-esEymyWuiv8/Twj9zFmVx-I/AAAAAAAABIw/J_e0Ic3GokA/s1600/D8130801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-esEymyWuiv8/Twj9zFmVx-I/AAAAAAAABIw/J_e0Ic3GokA/s400/D8130801.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Our Crazy Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13153395725677008975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848760815861341679.post-69791964970526982642011-07-15T14:40:00.002-06:002012-01-07T15:08:36.798-07:00Rough Riders Horse Show<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M0jW99w-rn0/Twi-eeFcATI/AAAAAAAABG0/7x-aXpMjxD4/s1600/D7240611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M0jW99w-rn0/Twi-eeFcATI/AAAAAAAABG0/7x-aXpMjxD4/s400/D7240611.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z_Kk3yzSU54/Twi-2fb4zBI/AAAAAAAABG8/JWXU2HMy-RY/s1600/D7240630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z_Kk3yzSU54/Twi-2fb4zBI/AAAAAAAABG8/JWXU2HMy-RY/s400/D7240630.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tkr3eyzy7dE/Twi_SacGeTI/AAAAAAAABHE/2nd1U2iZ5QI/s1600/D7240646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tkr3eyzy7dE/Twi_SacGeTI/AAAAAAAABHE/2nd1U2iZ5QI/s400/D7240646.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UP8rtWy8rXs/Twi_fdn2IEI/AAAAAAAABHM/YTgKlNzmBfI/s1600/D7240718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UP8rtWy8rXs/Twi_fdn2IEI/AAAAAAAABHM/YTgKlNzmBfI/s400/D7240718.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B77d_m4a0RM/TwjAB8rLX1I/AAAAAAAABHU/NcHmF4pTlbE/s1600/D7240663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B77d_m4a0RM/TwjAB8rLX1I/AAAAAAAABHU/NcHmF4pTlbE/s400/D7240663.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ChxStkPxBvk/TwjAIzEVHjI/AAAAAAAABHc/THMgAGKbbhA/s1600/D7240614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ChxStkPxBvk/TwjAIzEVHjI/AAAAAAAABHc/THMgAGKbbhA/s400/D7240614.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Our Crazy Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13153395725677008975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848760815861341679.post-53117519567750039032011-07-15T12:41:00.001-06:002012-06-22T23:07:17.493-06:00Animals, Animals Everywhere!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_dKpKb1k-no/TwijXTPoGnI/AAAAAAAABEU/4w8cLY6nDjY/s1600/D6250577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_dKpKb1k-no/TwijXTPoGnI/AAAAAAAABEU/4w8cLY6nDjY/s200/D6250577.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My chocolate lab, Molli, broke into their kennel/coop area and attacked our nicest chicken, Melanie. When we got to her she was still alive but her wings were broken and she couldn't stand up or move. I'm guessing her back was broken, too. The other chickens and the kids were beside themselves! I sent the kiddos inside, and grabbed my leather gloves. I had to put my big girl panties on and do the dirty deed since Mac wasn’t around to do it. The kiddos were so traumatized, as was I! I kept thinking, “These are the hands of a murderer!” We buried her under some trees and they cried and cried. It was pretty sad. They were ready to shoot Molli. Ian helped me fix their coop back up and now all is well at the Cooper Cabin again. Now we’re down to 3 chickens. They aren’t laying as many eggs as they used to. Unfortunately, Melanie was one of our best layers. I’m trying a few new things to see if we can remedy that. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6dI5rf5JGk8/Twij0oKixtI/AAAAAAAABEc/_WKn9RfVkBE/s1600/D7150600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6dI5rf5JGk8/Twij0oKixtI/AAAAAAAABEc/_WKn9RfVkBE/s320/D7150600.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: 13pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We had a bear break into our pump house. That’s where we keep the horses’ feed and our garbage, too. When I went out that morning to feed the horses there were 6 bags of garbage strewn up and down our road and even up the side of the mountain! That was fun! I don’t think any of us ate much after that! I had hoped our webcams picked him up but the computer went down and didn’t pick up anything that night. So far all we’ve picked up is birds, birds, more birds, and some elk. Our neighbor picked up a mountain lion on his webcam. He walked up on his front porch! Can you believe it? </span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 13pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The DOW officer stopped by last week to let me know we have a mountain lion hanging out in the trees at the top of our pasture! He’s collared and they stop by all the places he hangs out if he spends more than a few hours there. Evidently, he’s been bedding down less than 100 yards from our cabin. YIKES! I’ve been walking a mile or two every morning and most evenings (when it isn’t storming). I have philosophical debates with myself every morning. It goes something like this… ”Is it better to know where your enemy is and be scared of that specific area, or not know specifically where he is but know he is probably somewhere around you?” I still don’t know the answer to that, but l’ll let you know if I come to some conclusion. Often my thoughts are influenced by tracks I see, or Maggie’s countenance, or when she alerts on something up the side of the mountain. Shudder. Regardless, I carry Mac’s awkwardly huge and heavy pistol when I’m out walking. As you can imagine, it goes a long way in making me feel safer. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 13pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mac and I went looking for me a new pistol once. The salesman asked what I was looking for. I told him a mountain lion gun and possibly one I could carry concealed. He said, “Ma’am, you’re talking about two different guns!” I had to laugh. He thinks I need a .40 for the mountain lion and a .9 or for concealed carry. We never did replace my old one that broke but I think I finally figured out what I want. I really don’t like how awkward I feel carrying a gun around, though. But I don’t think I’d like how awkward I’d feel if I didn’t carry it around and needed it. We both took the concealed carry class but I don’t think I’d ever conceal carry. So much responsibility! I’d just rather open carry! Mac had some guy we didn’t know coming up to the cabin to look at a ladder rack for his truck we were selling. I told him, I didn’t mind as long as he didn’t mind me having a big ‘ole .9 mm sticking out of my jeans! Regardless, when Mac is home I make him walk with me and carry his unusually bulky and heavy gun himself. Things just seem more right with the world that way! <o:p></o:p></span></span>Our Crazy Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13153395725677008975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848760815861341679.post-15315306443784848832011-06-22T00:31:00.001-06:002012-01-07T15:04:48.419-07:00Ike Returns<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ev0qbzRFKa4/TwjBWYnIxfI/AAAAAAAABHo/8lUNH3750S8/s1600/IMG_20110612_090110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ev0qbzRFKa4/TwjBWYnIxfI/AAAAAAAABHo/8lUNH3750S8/s640/IMG_20110612_090110.jpg" width="476" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Ike got back from scout camp a few days ago. We actually drove about three hours further into the mountains of Colorado to pick him up. We were about ten minutes from Wyoming. That's some beautiful country, though. I was so happy to see him and was pleasantly surprised that he was just as happy and excited to see me. That'll warm a mama's heart. If only he would have bathed once or twice while he was gone. But then the trip home wouldn't have been nearly as exciting and eventful. We actually stopped at the nearest gas station, made him go to the bathroom with a change of clothes and wash up as much as possible. I even paid three dollars for a tiny bottle of Fabreze. Unbelievable. I knew we would never make it the three hours home, though, with our heads stuck out the window. Really. It was that bad. You've never smelled the kind of funk a twelve year old boy puts off after a week of fly fishing, hiking, and horseback riding and not taking a shower. OH MY GOODNESS... And the layers of dirt...you couldn't possibly understand...And to think I hugged and kissed him without considering my personal health and welfare...<br />
<br />
Anyway, I was so glad to see my boy. I missed him like crazy. Izzy and I were pretty busy with VBS and chickens which helped. But every day I got more and more anxious to see that sweet-smelling boy. Hmph. Shudder.<br />
<br />
I think he was glad to get home, take a shower and sleep in his own bed, too. There is just something precious about coming home to your own bed and stuff. Not to mention all the hugs and snuggles he got...after a long, hot shower, of course... <br />
<br />
He said he had a blast, made some new friends, got a few more merit badges, learned a couple new card games, perfected Old Macdonald on the harmonica, and gained some extra blisters, too. Battle wounds, I suppose. He was very excited to learn that we got some chickens while he was gone. We got home late and the poor boy headed straight to bed after his shower, but he was up bright and early the next morning meeting the new additions before running out the door. We had a parade to attend...Our Crazy Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13153395725677008975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848760815861341679.post-54847653716240966332011-06-17T23:29:00.003-06:002011-06-22T00:11:22.992-06:00Chickens<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KEvvQu8pHmU/TgGCh7_ZQ0I/AAAAAAAABDQ/oqsbxQsLDnM/s1600/lulu+n+a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i$="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KEvvQu8pHmU/TgGCh7_ZQ0I/AAAAAAAABDQ/oqsbxQsLDnM/s320/lulu+n+a.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My girl and I found four laying hens someone was giving away last week. MacGyver helped us turn an old shipping crate into a roosting box. He put it up two feet off the ground and then made us a chicken ladder. Izzy and I went to the local feed store and picked up some laying feed and some pine shavings for the roosting box. The lady let us use her little cat sized carrier because the trunk we brought only fit two chickens. She told me she also homeschools her four boys and is involved in <span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">4-</span>H, as well. She invited us to come join her local homeschool group. Evidently they have a<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>12+ adventure club. I don’t think either of my kiddos need one more thing to do, but I might look into it. It might fit the bill for our friends’ young son. He’s not big into scouts but needs an outlet like that. Since one of my parenting philosophies is to let my kiddos dip their toes in as many ponds as possible until they find their niche, we might check it out. Who knows what we might find in that pond. Everyone needs a niche. The biggest problem for us seems to be narrowing down ALL our individual interests; and we have a bunch. So far, Ike’s niche is scouts and shooting sports. Izzy’s niche is definitely horseback riding. MacGyver’s is scouts and search and rescue. Right now my niche is supporting everyone else’s niche. What are my interests if I had all the time and money in the world? Medicine, horses, quilting, painting, scrapbooking, and since you asked me today…definitely chickens. Since we brought the chickens home I haven’t been able to keep my hands or eyes off them. Izzy seems afflicted with the same illness, as well. We are as excited as little kids on Christmas morning! I have wanted chickens for a long time. I don’t know how long we will be in this house, on this property, or in these exact circumstances, but as far as I’m concerned, it couldn’t be a better time to have chickens! The lady told us that she’s been getting about two to three eggs a day and isn’t sure why all four aren’t producing. I’ll have to give it a go and see what we can find out. One is an Anacona. She’s black and brown with a little crown on top. Her name is LuLu. I’ve laid claim to her. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f8_IMg4QrCc/TgGCwDoIxKI/AAAAAAAABDU/X43gH2wt8Ws/s1600/lulu.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f8_IMg4QrCc/TgGCwDoIxKI/AAAAAAAABDU/X43gH2wt8Ws/s320/lulu.JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The other three are Red Stars, I believe. We’ve named one Nana, another one Penny. Nana has the smallest "waddle" under her throat and Penny has a crown that looks like fingers. We’re waiting until Ike gets home from scout camp to name the last one. He won’t be home for three more days and we can NOT wait to tell him all about the new chickens. We set their nesting box up in one of the outdoor kennels so the mountain lion or other varmints don’t try and get to them. We figure we’ll let them out to do a little free ranging when we’re home and once they’ve figured out where home is. I think I’ll work on cutting some ventilation holes and attaching some hinges to the top so we can get to the eggs easier. It was sort of a rushed job. It will definitely keep them safe but I’ll make some modifications as I notice the need. Izzy and I are instantly in love with our new girls. We watched them scratch and scratch at the floor of the kennel. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L5T6eG_R9R4/TgGDw6GrAOI/AAAAAAAABDc/2KpL5XQ5ImQ/s1600/Penny+n+noname.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" i$="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L5T6eG_R9R4/TgGDw6GrAOI/AAAAAAAABDc/2KpL5XQ5ImQ/s400/Penny+n+noname.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">No name on the left; Penny on the right</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MwuLxDwbs2U/TgGDfLpwm0I/AAAAAAAABDY/Gayh-k98VtE/s1600/nana.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" i$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MwuLxDwbs2U/TgGDfLpwm0I/AAAAAAAABDY/Gayh-k98VtE/s400/nana.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Several of them found worms and then fought over who got them. We got a few chuckles out of that! Izzy cut a bunch of grass and gave them a billion little tiny snippets. I gave them some chunks of celery and they seemed to love that. All I know that they can’t eat so far is potatoes. We’re going to have so much fun learning all about chickens. Nana wasn’t feeling so well when we got home. She was pretty lethargic and even let Izzy hold her and pet her for a long time. She eventually “laid” a broken egg and the shell was thin and rubbery looking. I’m not sure what that means or what to do about it. She drank a bunch of water and came around enough to eat some fresh grass and scratch around with the other girls. We were happy to see her acting more normal. I’m still worried about her, but have a better feeling that she’ll at least make it through the night. Izzy asked me to check on her first in the morning before she did. She has already found herself attached to Nana {with Izzy on the right} and doesn’t want to find her lifeless body in the morning. I don’t blame her. Neither do I! it was so much fun to watch them first huddle in a corner and then settle into their new home and set about doing what chickens do…scratch around for bugs and plants. What fun.</span></div>Our Crazy Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13153395725677008975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848760815861341679.post-79318301378374096872011-06-15T14:24:00.001-06:002012-01-07T15:07:32.673-07:00Evergreen Rodeo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JdNJYB9OPHU/Twi4gEdm43I/AAAAAAAABGI/ll4Zs_xpKO8/s1600/D6190499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JdNJYB9OPHU/Twi4gEdm43I/AAAAAAAABGI/ll4Zs_xpKO8/s400/D6190499.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zcPwO-vrrtI/Twi413Lot_I/AAAAAAAABGQ/F462xaIpUpc/s1600/D6190520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zcPwO-vrrtI/Twi413Lot_I/AAAAAAAABGQ/F462xaIpUpc/s400/D6190520.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OIC7rtB1il0/Twi5JfUh45I/AAAAAAAABGY/iGmbFl7UAFI/s1600/D6190525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OIC7rtB1il0/Twi5JfUh45I/AAAAAAAABGY/iGmbFl7UAFI/s400/D6190525.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cqdip_dh3oA/Twi57JDkgPI/AAAAAAAABGg/U61Xa3vJG-g/s1600/D6190538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cqdip_dh3oA/Twi57JDkgPI/AAAAAAAABGg/U61Xa3vJG-g/s400/D6190538.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VdRql-ee-WQ/Twi6ONjbk4I/AAAAAAAABGo/1eDh3v0LkLo/s1600/D6190527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VdRql-ee-WQ/Twi6ONjbk4I/AAAAAAAABGo/1eDh3v0LkLo/s400/D6190527.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Our Crazy Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13153395725677008975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848760815861341679.post-35824862635359757302011-06-15T13:32:00.002-06:002012-01-07T15:09:24.486-07:00Evergreen Father's Day Parade<div style="text-align: center;">Our 4H club, the Rough Riders, got together this year and made a western themed float for the Evergreen Parade. We had a blast and handed out gobs and gobs of candy. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-onGCg9zDPdg/TwivEYXU7fI/AAAAAAAABEo/vI9NKLsDaVE/s1600/Ev+Parade+Rough+Riders.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-onGCg9zDPdg/TwivEYXU7fI/AAAAAAAABEo/vI9NKLsDaVE/s400/Ev+Parade+Rough+Riders.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y1zBHJdRFwY/TwivahLRhGI/AAAAAAAABEw/vhURQtMXtUA/s1600/D6180469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y1zBHJdRFwY/TwivahLRhGI/AAAAAAAABEw/vhURQtMXtUA/s400/D6180469.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ttspqppCR_0/TwiwjRufiMI/AAAAAAAABFE/2_DmJY9cWZg/s1600/D6180450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ttspqppCR_0/TwiwjRufiMI/AAAAAAAABFE/2_DmJY9cWZg/s320/D6180450.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MUwIjX4VuoM/TwiwMoKAxOI/AAAAAAAABE8/LP4z_WhDIGE/s1600/D6180447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MUwIjX4VuoM/TwiwMoKAxOI/AAAAAAAABE8/LP4z_WhDIGE/s320/D6180447.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a0ZmdX2w6u8/Twiz-vsz9YI/AAAAAAAABFQ/ugJT5FkO2yE/s1600/Ev+Parade+cow.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a0ZmdX2w6u8/Twiz-vsz9YI/AAAAAAAABFQ/ugJT5FkO2yE/s400/Ev+Parade+cow.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EA_nqgLsvzY/Twi0ejg-wRI/AAAAAAAABFY/291_5t_RTwU/s1600/ev+parade+arrow.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EA_nqgLsvzY/Twi0ejg-wRI/AAAAAAAABFY/291_5t_RTwU/s400/ev+parade+arrow.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R2377K830MY/Twi1Adlfg7I/AAAAAAAABFg/E3eoJCwzpLY/s1600/Ev+Parade+canoe+map.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R2377K830MY/Twi1Adlfg7I/AAAAAAAABFg/E3eoJCwzpLY/s400/Ev+Parade+canoe+map.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1CouhmASHDc/Twi1dJWauTI/AAAAAAAABFo/JCqx7YW4Rxc/s1600/Kelly+%2526+Max.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1CouhmASHDc/Twi1dJWauTI/AAAAAAAABFo/JCqx7YW4Rxc/s400/Kelly+%2526+Max.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vEl5U-ou_KQ/Twi3TNSA-hI/AAAAAAAABF8/Vv020jChkiI/s1600/Ev+parade+lacy+marley.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vEl5U-ou_KQ/Twi3TNSA-hI/AAAAAAAABF8/Vv020jChkiI/s320/Ev+parade+lacy+marley.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Our Crazy Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13153395725677008975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848760815861341679.post-45344015967133756972011-05-15T08:44:00.000-06:002011-05-15T08:44:45.998-06:00Expectations<div style="text-align: justify;">I'm sitting here on a cold, snowy May morning having some hot oatmeal listening to the dryer hum, the cat meow, and the horses scoot their feed bucket around in the pasture. It seems like an eternity since I blogged last. I thought we had made it through winter and would have a spring before summer came. I'm doubting both at this point. I planted my Mother's Day flowers, following the Rocky Moutain planting guide which says not to plant flowers before Mother's Day or risk losing them to frost. It's a week after Mother's Day and we've had snow 5 of those. Ugh! I know I shouldn't complain. Rationally, I realize I am surrounded by 360 degrees of a constant reminder of wildfires. In April, there were no less than 10 fires within 20 minutes of me. Every summer is like that in Colorado, but that many fires before spring is quite sobering. But since I am a female, and not always rational, I do get carried away sometimes by emotions. Really; it's true. :-) And today, my emotions tell me I hate gray. I hate cold. I hate muddy roads. I hate slipping and sliding when I go out to feed the horses. I hate when the dogs track their muddy feet all over my rugs and recently mopped floors. I hate that I will have to slip and slide on the way to church this morning. And then I am reminded, "This is the day the Lord had made. I will rejoice and be glad in it". So, I choose to see the beauty in the sparse snowstorms, abundance of mud, rejoice in the moisture our trees and brush are getting, and be thankful we'll have a few less wildfires, recognize my flowers can be replaced, and be thankful my loving, rational Father is in charge, not me. I wouldn't be so good at deciding when it should snow and rain. I'm spoiled that I live in a beautiful, sunny place like Colorado. We get more sunny days than Florida, the Sunshine State! Even yesterday, it was overcast in the morning, the sun came out for a few hours and then it started to snow. I think it all breaks down to expectations. I expect May to be warm, sunny with the typical 2 hour rain showers every afternoon. When my expectations don't line up with reality, I get mad. I'm that way about a lot of things. I expect someone to act a certain way and they don't, therefore I get mad, hurt, or disappointed. I'm learning to take inventory of my expectations and compare them to what God's Word says. In Ecclesiastes it tells me there's a time for everything. Right now must be the time for snow and cold. Again, not my idea of the perfect timing. I'm just glad I don't have to be out in it. My sweet and giving husband is. He's been camping in this mess all weekend with Ike and his scout troop. I got a text message that the wind ripped apart their tent and they've been sleeping in the truck. I think they'll be ready for a hot shower, a roaring fire and a nap! See? There's always a new perspective. I've been sleeping in my warm, comfy bed all weekend while they've been out braving nature in THIS weather! See how blessed I am?</div>Our Crazy Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13153395725677008975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848760815861341679.post-88259328194996862042011-04-01T11:58:00.001-06:002012-01-07T12:34:08.698-07:00Best Concussion Story EVER!March, 2011<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-91f-CKGiKO0/TwicfF9xPiI/AAAAAAAABEA/IygVTSMw0tI/s1600/IMG_20110824_133246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-91f-CKGiKO0/TwicfF9xPiI/AAAAAAAABEA/IygVTSMw0tI/s320/IMG_20110824_133246.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Our 4H club is called Rough Riders. We usually meet at Dixie's house for riding practice. Not only does she have horses, but also laying hens, 15 or so sheep, and a whole herd of dogs! One day while at Dixie's riding, one of her Shetland rams, Douglas, managed to get over into the pen with the ewes. She asked us to help her get him back into his pen. The four of us tried working together to squeeze him into a corner so we could grab him by the horns and then lift him back over the fence. At one point I managed to grab for his horns as he darted by, missed, and just got a handful of wool. Well, Mr. Douglas didn't want any part of that! In a split second he turned around, butted me square between my eyes and knocked me off my feet. The world just about went black. I lay there, face down, with my head in my hands not caring at all that I was reclining in sheep poop. I thought I was going to be sick. The world would not stop spinning. My eyes began to water, as snot and blood poured out of my nose. When the kids asked me if I was okay all I could manage to say was "Ice. I need ice". I didn't know if I was okay. I didn't know if I needed stitches. I didn't even know if I had passed out. I just know I wouldn't be able to stand up for the next 10 minutes. I could see. I could talk. But my head felt like it was splitting open. All I could think about was how badly I wanted ice. It wasn't until I finally managed to drag my dissheveled self up off that manure-covered ground that I knew I would be okay. I called my husband and asked him to meet me at the bottom of the mountain and somehow managed to drive the curvy roads with a bag of ice between my eyes and melting water running down my face. I will never forget what it felt like to be taken down by a ram. They may not be very big, 90 pounds maybe, but they pack a whallop! I had a headache for the next two weeks, but hands down one of the best concussion stories, ever! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8YaOK8_rqKg/TwicP5a2UAI/AAAAAAAABD4/KyETSep0ZrQ/s1600/IMG_20110429_125509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8YaOK8_rqKg/TwicP5a2UAI/AAAAAAAABD4/KyETSep0ZrQ/s400/IMG_20110429_125509.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eTTrG9Ro-sc/TwidI8U9t0I/AAAAAAAABEI/gBUBINV0D8c/s1600/IMG_20110429_124831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eTTrG9Ro-sc/TwidI8U9t0I/AAAAAAAABEI/gBUBINV0D8c/s400/IMG_20110429_124831.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Our Crazy Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13153395725677008975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848760815861341679.post-25009974289519115462011-02-25T09:31:00.000-07:002012-01-07T09:31:47.561-07:00It Takes A Family To Raise A FenceFebruary 25, 2011 - A look back at 2011<br />
<br />
It certainly does take a family to raise a fence. We spent two weeks constructing a brand new fence out of trees. Mac or I would fell them, Ike would delimb them, and Izzy would haul the trees over to the fence. We'd measure out a 7', 5' and 3' section and construct an "A" frame (or more like an "X" frame with a 3' horizontal piece at the bottom), space our frames about 12' apart and then lay another log on the top and bottom pieces and nail them together using Mac's nail gun. One of the most memorable days was when one of the nails Mac was nailing must've hit a knot in the wood, made a U-turn and shot right through his hand; in essence nailing himself to the fence. He had to pull his hand away to free himself. He was bleeding everywhere so I loaded him up and took him to Urgent Care. We probably could have handled it ourselves, but him being a fire fighter and in the middle of a fencing project, we weren't willing to chance any long-term effects. Fortunately the x-rays were clear so they just irrigated it and put him on an antibiotic without much concern. They did, however forget about him after x-ray brought him back to his room, which afforded him a much needed hour nap and gave me a chance to sit back, relax, and catch up on some reading. Although considering we got a break from fence building in 3' of snow and it wasn't a terrible date, I think I could have come up with a better way to spend a couple of hours and $75. I think I would have preferred a steak, a movie and a massage. Unfortunately, it was back to fence building as soon as we returned from the Urgent Care. No rest for the weary (unless you were the party that took a nap at the Urgent Care)!Our Crazy Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13153395725677008975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848760815861341679.post-84725881853629423972011-02-12T00:02:00.001-07:002011-02-12T00:10:02.372-07:00An Episode of "I Shouldn't Be Alive"Yesterday was a terribly, tragic, torrent of troubles. Say that ten times fast. I felt like I was on an episode of <a href="http://coopercrew4.blogspot.com/2011/02/animal-rescue.html">Animal Rescue</a> (you can read about yesterday's episode here). But today felt like an episode of Discovery Channel's show "I Shouldn't Be Alive". Seriously. I crashed last night at about 11:00 after a rice bowl, a hot shower and starting a fire. I woke up two hours later to a horrible acrid smell. I lay there wondering what it could be. When it dawned on me what it was my heart leapt and I jumped out of bed and ran to the fireplace. It registered a dangerous 750 degrees. We try to keep it below 400. Above 600 you run the risk of fire. What I was smelling were the walls melting. Again. This smell I knew. I closed the dampers and turned the fan directly on it on the high setting and waited to see if it would work. I checked the walls and they were too hot to touch. The temperature gauge slowly began dipping below 700, then 650, then 600 and finally got below 500. I opened one of the dampers back up to see if it would stay low. It did. I returned to bed with my heart still thumping hard. I woke up around 3:00 and 5:00 to check it again. Luckily, it slowly began to cool and by 5:00 was completely out. So scary. <br />
<br />
Although exhausted, my alarm woke me up to go do morning chores by 6:30. I felt fear and dread (and cold) this morning. I didn't know what my future would hold but I was pretty sure it wouldn't be good. Before my feet hit the floor I read my Bible and cried out to the Lord. I had nowhere else to go. I begged for forgiveness for my arrogance, pride, anger, haughty words and unkind thoughts towards GA; especially for the previous days since we had words over the horses and fences. I asked Him for his guidance, mercy, grace, energy and strength for what had to be done today, help for the trouble, provision and protection. I'm glad I did. I needed every bit of it. I climbed out of bed and got dressed, pulled my coveralls and mucking boots on. I found my hat and gloves and jumped into the Jeep. I knew MacGyver hadn't finished clearing the road between our houses so I went out to the main road and up the front way to GA's house. I set the four-wheel drive. I got about 300 feet up and found a patch of ice. I lost all my momentum and my tires began to spin. I slightly backed up and then tried it again. I did this several times until I realized I couldn't even rock it out. There was just too much ice. I started to back down the mountain when my tires locked up on the ice and I started sliding backwards. I knew I was either going to slide right off the side of the mountain or bank it hard to the right and slide into the two foot wall of snow and stick my tires. I chose the latter. I was a little freaked out over the sudden stop on the opposite side of the road. At least I was out of the way if someone came down the road. I walked the half mile up to GA's. I was happy to see that all was well. Sharif had a small tear on his shoulder but didn't need stitches. I was going to have to figure out how to get everybody water since the pump seemed to be frozen. It seemed the day was going to be even more challenging than the previous. It all seemed to be too much. I fed all the horses and started back down toward the cabin. I couldn't shake the feeling that something was following me. I kept stopping suddenly and looking back over my shoulder, not really wanting to look, but not daring to not look. Don't you just hate that? I made it home without being eaten by anything. The kiddos were up by that point and we got breakfast. The vet called to update me on Amar. It seemed he was fine and could go home anytime. Oh! The relief. God had heard my prayers and Amar was completely fine. The kiddos and I gave thanks for that! MacGyver arrived home after his shift after stopping first to get some more diesel for the Bobcat. Good man. It seems we needed the Bobcat more and more as the hours ticked by. I told him more about my night, suddenly more aware of the dangerous possiblities of what could have happened with the fireplace. I told him about my morning. I found myself in tears and he wrapped his arms around me. He didn't have to say anything. I was just so relieved he was home and would share the burden. I shared with him my four acute problems that needed to be addressed: <br />
<br />
1. The Jeep was hopelessly stuck but I was alive. <br />
2. We needed to dig the horse trailer out so we could go get Amar. <br />
3. The horses needed water and the pump was frozen. <br />
4. The fence needed to be repaired so Amar and Sharif could be returned safely and without any more incidences. <br />
<br />
He decided to work on clearing the road, digging out the trailer from its three feet of snow, and then rescue the Jeep. I decided the kiddos and I were going to work on the fence. After breakfast, we all donned our <br />
Carharts, grabbed the chainsaw and got busy. Ike and I felled our first tree(s) today. We dropped about a dozen 20'-30' trees between us. I was so proud of him, and he of himself. Izzy helped us move and lift the trees into place and then haul off the limbs. We all four worked most of the morning and into the afternoon on our individual tasks and made some good headway. By 2:00 the pumps were thawed and I was able to water the horses while Mac chained up the truck. We were able to haul the trailer down the crazy snow-packed road beautifully since MacGyver had cleared the bulk of it out of the way. The truck pulled the trailer nicely and I called the ER Clinic to let them know we were on our way. Our day was uber-productive and the only thing ahead of us would be getting the trailer back up the mountain, Amar unloaded and he and Sharif back into their pasture. However, once we got to the clinic, the front office ladies informed us that GA had, in fact, contacted them just before we got there. It seems God answers prayers, people. GA had decided to leave Amar at the clinic until he returned next week and have him gelded. GELDED! Wonders never cease. This is the very argument we have been having. I argued that no fence can truly contain a stallion trying to get to a mare in heat. He argued that the fence is weak and it is our fault he keeps getting out. I argued that a standing fence doesn't need to be fixed and the snow is so thick he just steps over it in places. He argued that he hasn't had that kind of problem in the past. I'll refrain from going on. Suffice it to say, we've been going around and around on this issue for over a week now; him blaming me, me pointing to the problem of a stallion and his insane levels of testerone. Even the vet agreed with me. It seemed it took something of this measure to get his attention and agree that something needed to change before something worse happened. I haven't talked to him and probably won't until he gets back next week. I have a feeling he is pretty hot, though. I choose to trust God in this, as well. I've done everything to the best of my ability with the limited resources GA has provided. The rest is in God's hands. MacGyver and I had a laugh (more out of relief) that this is truly an answer to prayer. I was so thankful that God heard me, that Amar is safe and sound, that we were all still alive, and that I am never alone. He is my ever help in times of trouble. And for that, who could ask for more? MacGyver still has some acute stress and strife he is having to deal with at work. We're not sure how that will all turn out, but we know God has heard our prayers and has a plan and purpose for our lives. What we do in the meantime is seek Him daily, constantly and desperately. He hears our cries and turns His ear to us. He gave us a beautiful, sunny day to work and we have a whole day of fence building tomorrow. I believe tomorrow will be even prettier than today. God is GOOD!Our Crazy Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13153395725677008975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848760815861341679.post-55613221890395374012011-02-11T22:38:00.000-07:002011-02-11T22:38:29.930-07:00Animal RescueI realize it's been over a month since I've blogged. I've had plenty to write about but I've been so busy or too exhausted. The last month or so have been a little more than a normal person could bear. We've been sick, the pipes have frozen, we lost water, the weather has been unbearably cold and last week we got three feet of snow. Last Friday the stallions, Amar and Sharif broke out of their pasture to go socialize with the mares. Unfortunately, we were visiting cousins in Steamboat Springs and didn't get home until 10:00 that night. Needless to say, it was a long night. I think we finally crawled into bed at 11:30 cold and exhausted. And then Tuesday night they did it again. Fortunately, we found them about 1:30 in the afternoon and were able to get them situated and the fence patched up by about 4:30. Unfortunately, it was 7 degrees and there was three feet of snow on the ground. The owner flew out to Cabo, Mexico yesterday morning and I had to take the kiddos into town for school. Everybody was safe and sound and feeding quietly when I left. When we got back from town to do afternoon chores at 4:30, we found Amar out of his pasture and straddling a fence trying to get to the mares. His stomach and front end were in the mares' pasture and his back two legs were barely touching the ground on the outside of the fence. The top piece of steel was bent into a "V" shape. He was quiet and a little out of it. I didn't know how long he had been there but he was covered in sweat, even though the temperature hadn't exceeded 35 degrees. I was concerned that he may have cut off the circulation in his rear legs. It didn't look good. I silently prayed that the Lord would help me, protect Amar and not to let him be lame or have to be put down. Ike was with me and we tried to drop the fence but his 1600 lbs +/- 200 lbs pressing down proved to be too much. The section of fence it was hooked onto was frozen to the ground in three feet of snow, as well. I thought that if we could get something under his back legs, he might have enough leverage to jump over the fence or get his weight off the fence so we could drop it. We grabbed a couple bales of hay and I instructed Ike to push it under his hoof when I said go. I used my shoulder to push his weight onto his left leg and lifted his right leg. We were able to get his hoof on the bale of hay but I just didn't have enough strength to lift the other one. After about twenty minutes, I knew I couldn't do it alone. I needed some manpower. I ran inside to call for help. I called MacGyver at the station to see if he could get ahold of our dispatch to get an assist up here. I called the vet and got them on their way. We fed the others to keep them busy and away from the action and tried to get him on the bale of hay again. No good. After about an hour I heard the sirens and shouts from the firefighters. After a few minutes they were gone. Again, I knew they couldn't find me and wondered what to do. I knew the vet would know where we were. I prayed they would intercept the firefighters so we could get some extra manpower and power tools. The vet got stuck on the incline and had to back her truck the rest of the way down the mountain. One of the volunteer firefighters was able to get her truck up top where I was and the vet caught a ride with her. I gave the vet a quick run-down as more firefighters started showing up. With more hands and power we were able to get him up on three bales of hay and relieve the stress on his abdomen. By this time it was 6:30, dark, and the temperature was quickly dropping. Everybody seemed to be out of ideas. While we worked that angle, I asked if they had a saw that would cut the steel pins on the fence so we could drop it. By the time they got back with the saw and had it running, Amar had tried to use the bales of hay just as I had hoped. Unfortunately, he got his right fetlock hung up on the fence and was now balancing vicariously on three legs. It made me cringe. The Animal Control Officer arrived about that time and asked if we needed help. The vet requested a transport to the local Equine ER Clinic so he could be checked out and help for observation. She had to go back down the mountain to get radio contact. It seemed to take forever, but the firefighters were finally able to get the saw running. I'm sure the weather didn't help. But as soon as they got it running strong and started to cut into the pins, Amar freaked out enough to get the rest of the way over the fence. We all cheered. The vet and I ran aound the fence to secure him and check him out. We were both pleased to see him being able to hold his weight on all four legs. The relief was short. As soon as he was free of the fence, the shock started in and he began shaking violently and swaying side to side like he was getting ready to go down. I called out to the firefighters to "block traffic" from the other horses who were curious to what was going on. She quickly sedated him to calm him down and we got him back outside the fence and over to the single light pole so we could check him out. His shaking grew worse and I feared he was decreasing rapidly. His gums were pale and he didn't look so good. I asked her if he needed some fluids for the shock (which is one of the first things they do for people who are in shock and have had some kind of trauma). She said that would be a good idea but she would have to get down to her truck to get it, which was a half a mile down and then back up. Somebody offered to give her a ride down. I think she was gone twenty or thirty minutes. The Animal Control Officer said everybody was getting stuck and were having to back down the mountain but they were blocking the main road below. She called for a horse trailer but didn't think they would be able to get it up the road. She wanted to know if we thought we could walk him down to the road. By the time the vet returned, Amar was eating some snow and nibbling at the bales of hay he had previously been resting on, and his shaking had decreased dramatically. The vet explained that, unlike our human counterparts, a catheter (IV) was a surgical procedure and would have to be sewn into his neck and would need some assistance to keep it sterile. It reminded me of old war movies I'd seen of the army medics doing field surgery to stabilize someone for transport. That was basically what she was doing. I always find it so fascinating watching them work! I held Amar's head, not because he was struggling but because he was sedated and wanted to drop his head. I had to get my shoulder under there to be able to support that kind of weight. Once we got the IV started, the ACO told us the transport was on its way and that we might want to start the trek down the mountain. He did pretty good, even though he was wobbly at first. He woke up enough halfway down that she had to give him more sedative. That made for a much more compliant boy! The road was, of course, slick so we just took it slow. Once we turned the corner and saw the flashing blue and red lights, he startled a little so we called down to have them turn off the lights. I couldn't see the trailer but assured it was coming. When we reached the bottom, there were SO and fire vehicles absolutely everywhere blocking traffic. After a few minutes two more ACOs arrived hauling the trailer. They got turned around and loaded Amar. It was about 8:30 by then. The vet showed them the way to the hospital and one of the firefighter was kind enough to give me a ride back up the hill. I asked him if he wouldn't mind helping me get Sharif into Mia and Serena's pen so he wouldn't be left alone all night. He graciously complied and was able to lead Sharif in beautifully while I distracted Mia and Serena. I took him back to his truck and Ike and I headed home. It was about 9:00 when we got home. We all ate a rice bowl and I sent the kiddos to bed. It had been a long day! I had to email Gary to let him know what had happened and so he could contact the ER Clinic. I had know idea what would happen next, but I knew he was NOT going to be happy. I called the vets to make sure they had my contact info, made a fire, took a hot shower, prayed desperately that Amar would be okay, and then crashed. I was so glad the day was over but I knew the next day had its own set of troubles!Our Crazy Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13153395725677008975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848760815861341679.post-34480208498004793832010-12-25T00:12:00.002-07:002010-12-25T00:27:32.952-07:00Christmas 2010<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The kiddos in their new PJs</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TRWX52nKebI/AAAAAAAABCM/G7vhXXMjoxI/s1600/Christmas2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TRWX52nKebI/AAAAAAAABCM/G7vhXXMjoxI/s400/Christmas2010.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My handsome sleep-deprived hubby</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TRWX8Lr0qxI/AAAAAAAABCQ/-zd47FfZj3w/s1600/adam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TRWX8Lr0qxI/AAAAAAAABCQ/-zd47FfZj3w/s400/adam.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Meet Gabby, our new calico kitty</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TRWYSu07lqI/AAAAAAAABCU/Hph4FjYD51E/s1600/DC225672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="367" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TRWYSu07lqI/AAAAAAAABCU/Hph4FjYD51E/s400/DC225672.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TRWcKYxPCoI/AAAAAAAABC8/KgX9YmSr3qs/s1600/baby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TRWcKYxPCoI/AAAAAAAABC8/KgX9YmSr3qs/s400/baby.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ike's new Army helmet and holster via the Army Surplus Store</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TRWY0Nd2U2I/AAAAAAAABCY/QSZYx-CnsS0/s1600/DC225677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TRWY0Nd2U2I/AAAAAAAABCY/QSZYx-CnsS0/s400/DC225677.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Izzy's new baby cow</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TRWZF6FabfI/AAAAAAAABCg/r8UbsJA8c-4/s1600/DC225694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TRWZF6FabfI/AAAAAAAABCg/r8UbsJA8c-4/s400/DC225694.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Meet Pretty, our new horse</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TRWaRvgmN5I/AAAAAAAABCo/ZJDxbm0uKpk/s1600/DC225722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TRWaRvgmN5I/AAAAAAAABCo/ZJDxbm0uKpk/s400/DC225722.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TRWablc747I/AAAAAAAABCs/cppg7h7yCPM/s1600/DC225721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TRWablc747I/AAAAAAAABCs/cppg7h7yCPM/s400/DC225721.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TRWa9P29zdI/AAAAAAAABC0/VZpsnGqyK5c/s1600/DC225735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TRWa9P29zdI/AAAAAAAABC0/VZpsnGqyK5c/s400/DC225735.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Our Crazy Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13153395725677008975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848760815861341679.post-58436217898615221222010-12-24T23:53:00.002-07:002010-12-25T00:02:15.404-07:00Christmas Eve 2010Although our Christmas morning (Dec. 22) actually happened before the real Christmas Eve (Dec. 24), I'm posting both our Christmas Eve (Dec. 21) and the real Christmas Eve (Dec. 24) just to confuse you. How's that? You're welcome. <br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TRWVFQzc82I/AAAAAAAABB4/nfN0vMz8DVE/s1600/DC245743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TRWVFQzc82I/AAAAAAAABB4/nfN0vMz8DVE/s400/DC245743.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TRWVOth8B3I/AAAAAAAABB8/LQMh2Rn9DnM/s1600/DC245747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TRWVOth8B3I/AAAAAAAABB8/LQMh2Rn9DnM/s400/DC245747.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>On the real Christmas Eve, we attended our church's Candlelight Service. We took some pictures before going. They were having three services. We got there early but it was still packed. The four of us sat in two seats and there were still people standing along the sides and back. This was our second such service at our church. We laughed. We cried. We sang. And then we ate prime rib (not at the church). It was awesome. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TRWVeDTz3lI/AAAAAAAABCA/9Q8KcSpHYa0/s1600/DC245748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TRWVeDTz3lI/AAAAAAAABCA/9Q8KcSpHYa0/s400/DC245748.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TRWVsXKhjYI/AAAAAAAABCE/N6gaeaxjiqY/s1600/DC245758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TRWVsXKhjYI/AAAAAAAABCE/N6gaeaxjiqY/s400/DC245758.JPG" width="300" /></a></div></div><br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TRWSG5N0BCI/AAAAAAAABBw/M-zjOr2V85w/s1600/DC215665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TRWSG5N0BCI/AAAAAAAABBw/M-zjOr2V85w/s320/DC215665.JPG" width="320" /></a>On our Christmas Eve, we went to a PJ party at Chick Fil A. They had some high school kids singing carols, a lady making balloon animals, crafts, games, Santa Cow, and free kids' meals. The kids didn't know we were doing Christmas early so letting them open their PJs early so they could wear them to the PJ party was perfect timing and a brilliant plan. It was like Christmas Eve without all the excitement and anticipation and childhood insomnia. See? Brilliant! Right?<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Did you notice the bare feet? Sort of reminded me of a ski bum. But they played and sang good! </div><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TRWR_kmZIXI/AAAAAAAABBs/9cxIfqg-_Rc/s1600/DC215662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TRWR_kmZIXI/AAAAAAAABBs/9cxIfqg-_Rc/s320/DC215662.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">So, I wanted to take a picture of my kiddos with Santa Cow. If you know them at all, you know they HATE anybody in a cartoon-like suit. Santa and Santa Cow included. They know they are just real people dressed in suits. Somehow, they have developed this irrational fear of them, similar to how some adults feel about clowns. How did I talk them into letting me take their picture not just sitting with Santa Cow; but smiling? Here's the thing. I told them if they did, they could open a present the next day. Remember me telling you that I failed to inform them that the next day was our Christmas? Yeah. They figured it all out the next day. Evidently, the evil grin I gave Mac didn't register until the next day. Somehow, though, they found it in their hearts to let me off the hook. Maybe the bribery worked after all! I have to admit; it is getting harder to pull one over on them. They are getting smart to my ways. </div><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"></div>Our Crazy Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13153395725677008975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848760815861341679.post-53581790919996671532010-12-24T23:27:00.000-07:002010-12-24T23:27:58.396-07:00Horsin' Around<div style="text-align: justify;">The kiddos save most of their pent up energy for Mac. Thank goodness. So when he gets home from his shift at the fire house, one of the first items on the agenda for the day is to wrestle with daddy. They get plenty of horsing around with mom; but it just isn't the same. Although the candid shots are funny, I thought I'd post some of the more "freeze and smile" shots. Poor daddy didn't get much sleep that night but was nice enough to play along anyway!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TRWM1fwksPI/AAAAAAAABBY/WELTHPMKpKw/s1600/DC215638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TRWM1fwksPI/AAAAAAAABBY/WELTHPMKpKw/s400/DC215638.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tank wanting in on the action...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TRWNGs3P3XI/AAAAAAAABBc/J8xwPDCCXpk/s1600/DC215642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TRWNGs3P3XI/AAAAAAAABBc/J8xwPDCCXpk/s400/DC215642.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I always love to hear how the kiddos plan their secret attacks to try and take daddy down. No matter how tired, he still always wins. I wonder how long it will be until the tables are turned?</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TRWNMbn8InI/AAAAAAAABBg/phP52_buJcY/s1600/DC215644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TRWNMbn8InI/AAAAAAAABBg/phP52_buJcY/s400/DC215644.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Little Miss proud of her attempt to tickle daddy.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TRWNPMTQ3WI/AAAAAAAABBk/oOqVk0XW-lM/s1600/DC215641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="367" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TRWNPMTQ3WI/AAAAAAAABBk/oOqVk0XW-lM/s400/DC215641.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It still unnerves me watching them get tossed around like rag dolls imagining their heads smacking the coffee table and calculating how long it will take to get to the hospital.</div><div align="justify"></div>Our Crazy Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13153395725677008975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848760815861341679.post-2392075051078240752010-12-16T18:46:00.001-07:002010-12-18T22:04:57.234-07:00Snow Day!!!<div style="text-align: justify;">The kiddos had a planned snow day today. Yes. Even homeschool families love and take adavantage of snow days. Our goal: to do only those things we deemed fun. The only caveat: we had to clean up after our messes, feed the animals and wash sheets. It started with Krispy Kreme doughnuts. We moved quickly to cutting out snowflakes. Then they decided they wanted to go sledding which quickly became, "Hey, mom, will you pull us on the four-wheeler?" That definitely sounded like fun so I jumped on board. </div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TQq4mu7LT3I/AAAAAAAABAQ/eiFRF7MoPps/s1600/DC165369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TQq4mu7LT3I/AAAAAAAABAQ/eiFRF7MoPps/s320/DC165369.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TQq46Uyo8JI/AAAAAAAABAU/uK7tsk0GjqE/s1600/DC165370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TQq46Uyo8JI/AAAAAAAABAU/uK7tsk0GjqE/s320/DC165370.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TQq8BcNEfRI/AAAAAAAABAw/MnWLTXrJa4Q/s1600/DC165373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TQq8BcNEfRI/AAAAAAAABAw/MnWLTXrJa4Q/s320/DC165373.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TQq8bslR4AI/AAAAAAAABA0/GyZiGPkNzYg/s1600/DC165372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TQq8bslR4AI/AAAAAAAABA0/GyZiGPkNzYg/s320/DC165372.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TQq8BcNEfRI/AAAAAAAABAw/MnWLTXrJa4Q/s1600/DC165373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TQq8BcNEfRI/AAAAAAAABAw/MnWLTXrJa4Q/s320/DC165373.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TQq7jisdk5I/AAAAAAAABAs/awiIfZHAeHc/s1600/DC165381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TQq7jisdk5I/AAAAAAAABAs/awiIfZHAeHc/s320/DC165381.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TQq66aRKorI/AAAAAAAABAo/Zz0vU2DlsHM/s1600/DC165392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TQq66aRKorI/AAAAAAAABAo/Zz0vU2DlsHM/s320/DC165392.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Next on the agenda was building a ginger bread house.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TQq-CFI8aYI/AAAAAAAABA8/oQZ8CvKg9Rc/s1600/DC165341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TQq-CFI8aYI/AAAAAAAABA8/oQZ8CvKg9Rc/s320/DC165341.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TQq-XVXetZI/AAAAAAAABBA/90EFfKKdwPE/s1600/DC165352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TQq-XVXetZI/AAAAAAAABBA/90EFfKKdwPE/s320/DC165352.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TQq-na6Co-I/AAAAAAAABBE/UHrK1Q9UB8s/s1600/DC165356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TQq-na6Co-I/AAAAAAAABBE/UHrK1Q9UB8s/s320/DC165356.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TQq-5gAVSKI/AAAAAAAABBI/iO9CWQUyUQg/s1600/DC165359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TQq-5gAVSKI/AAAAAAAABBI/iO9CWQUyUQg/s320/DC165359.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Complete with Santa on the roof, snowmen on the lawn and a goat they found in their toy box. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">We did some more "sledding" via the ATV until we destroyed their sled. We played Life and Mexican train (dominoes), sat around the fire, had cocoa and generally enjoyed our day. Yes. The house needs to be picked up and there are dishes in the sink ready to be washed. But I must say, all in all, it was a fun, relaxing, non-schooling snow day with my kiddos. The BEST!</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Our Crazy Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13153395725677008975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848760815861341679.post-78876587460111213032010-12-16T17:55:00.000-07:002010-12-16T17:55:11.987-07:00What God Wants For ChristmasHave you seen this little nativity set? I bought this one about four years ago and it is still the highlight of my kids' Christmas experience. I think it is less than $20 and comes in a nice little compact box. I think you can find it at Walmart or Hallmark. You can also order it online at <a href="http://www.familylife.com/">http://www.familylife.com/</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TQqySgXefNI/AAAAAAAAA_8/RSm0pGwqnjI/s1600/DC165394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TQqySgXefNI/AAAAAAAAA_8/RSm0pGwqnjI/s320/DC165394.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TQqyfN3XlBI/AAAAAAAABAA/ZIAkR9c4wYY/s320/DC165395.JPG" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">It provides a box you can open starting a week before Christmas. It also comes with a booklet with some Bible verses to go with each figure found it the box.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TQqypcdzSbI/AAAAAAAABAE/Az0RJuilPWQ/s1600/DC165397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TQqypcdzSbI/AAAAAAAABAE/Az0RJuilPWQ/s320/DC165397.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At the end of the week you have an adorable (and durable) nativity set for the kiddos to play with. The last box is a surprise and I won't ruin it for you. It is what God really wants for Christmas, of course.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TQqy1miGq3I/AAAAAAAABAI/SoSP0ruUICU/s1600/DC165399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TQqy1miGq3I/AAAAAAAABAI/SoSP0ruUICU/s320/DC165399.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">If you are looking for something that brings the focus of Christmas back on Christ, this would definitely fit the bill. It is also simple and understandable for the youngest in your family. As my kiddos have gotten older, I've had them start reading the Bible verses and little poem found in the booklet. I hope they never tire of this little tradition of ours.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Our Crazy Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13153395725677008975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848760815861341679.post-46622733370665575692010-12-15T11:49:00.000-07:002010-12-15T11:49:07.429-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TQkJEQhekRI/AAAAAAAAA_w/FVeE1CCALzw/s1600/mountain-lion-cubs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TQkJEQhekRI/AAAAAAAAA_w/FVeE1CCALzw/s320/mountain-lion-cubs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Disclaimer: This is not my photo. This was found on google images.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now that I got that out of the way...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Mac and I were on our way home from Christmas shopping the other night. It was about 5:30 and getting dark. As we headed up our driveway, we rounded a corner and saw two little mountain lion cubs in the middle of our driveway. I think they were about 2-3 months old and cute as a button. They even still had their spots. I wanted so bad to jump out of the truck and get a better look. As I put my hand on the door handle, Mac reminded me that mama was probably sitting on the rock outcropping just above my head watching and waiting. Was this a trap? Surely no! They were so cute and I wished that the kiddos were with us to see them. As soon as we got home, we told them all about it. They were excited until Ike remarked, "Great. Now we have to watch out for THREE mountain lions right by our house." They wanted me to show them what they looked like and I found the picture above which was the closest to size and look. I'm guessing it was the mama I saw right by our house a few months ago. You can read about that here in <a href="http://coopercrew4.blogspot.com/2010/10/exhilirating-and-terrifying.html">Exhilirating and Terrifying</a>. I don't know how common it is to see mountain lions, much less a baby, or a set of twins. I have to tell you, though, seeing twins, the mama, the bear, the <a href="http://coopercrew4.blogspot.com/2010/08/kenosha-pass-georgia-pass-breckenridge.html">mountain goats and then the moose</a> all add up to a very memorable year!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Still loving the adventures,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Shotgun Brooke</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div>Our Crazy Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13153395725677008975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848760815861341679.post-52236314896744659972010-12-03T20:33:00.001-07:002010-12-15T11:53:52.627-07:00Christmas is a'coming<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I got a late start this morning. MacGyver had today off and we didn't have to jump out of bed and attack the world. My morning coffee was about 9:30 in fact. But when I bundled up to go out to feed the horses, I was shocked to find that it was already 52 degrees outside and was instantly surprised and excited. We've been putting off getting our tree for several reasons. We've had a hard time lining up several things...time, lack of snow and freezing temperatures, Mac's days off, time (which seems to be short these days), and no agenda or kids' activities. Today seemed to be that day. I almost pushed Mac out of bed. He didn't seem to want to budge. So this is how much I packed into today from about 9:30-7:00. Got breakfast, cleaned house, did two loads of laundry, made 2 roasted chickens, spent 2 hours putting 5 rim joists about twenty feet into the air, wandered around the property and found 2 Christmas trees (will explain below), spent an hour locating and digging out our Christmas trunks from the storage shed, cut and stacked several trees, finished dinner, made dinner for the next night and spent an hour cleaning up that mess. I just sat down to listen to some Christmas music and eating some of my leftover gluten free pumpkin pie which happens to be delicious. The kiddos are playing with the Christmas train and setting up the track. MacGyver is trying to see which of our lights work so he can string the tree. Whew! What a day.</div><br />
So, the 2 Christmas trees. Our goal was to cut one tree. Unfortunately, the first tree we cut was perfect except for one fatal flaw...the pine needles were just that...needles. Four of the fingers on my left hand were stabbed trying to hold it while Mac cut it. It wasn't until it was cut and loaded on the truck that I began to question the sanity of such a sharp tree when nobody would want to get within 2 feet of it and I wasn't sure it would ever get decorated. Therefore, we continued the hunt for the perfect tree. This time we set out for the touch test before deciding which one was "the one". True to history, we cut a 40' tree and had to cut it down to a size that would fit in our tiny cabin. We cut the rest of the trunk, and some other brush that was evidently bothering my hubby, and he decided to keep going and spent another hour cutting up some of the other wood in our pile. We're planning on cutting up the razor tree for firewood, as well. The second tree is truly beautiful.<em> </em>I think it might just be might favorite one so far. Full, round and soft. Very soft. What more could a girl want?<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TPmyui_NVxI/AAAAAAAAA_M/o0i-iq6FPQE/s1600/DC035183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TPmyui_NVxI/AAAAAAAAA_M/o0i-iq6FPQE/s320/DC035183.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Being so patient waiting to go cut our tree</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TPmzJyA1O1I/AAAAAAAAA_Q/kEiJg8IXQKI/s1600/DC035185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TPmzJyA1O1I/AAAAAAAAA_Q/kEiJg8IXQKI/s320/DC035185.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Both trees and some extra greenery for the front porch</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TPmzf2XmrEI/AAAAAAAAA_U/sryqS5Qulhs/s1600/DC035189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TPmzf2XmrEI/AAAAAAAAA_U/sryqS5Qulhs/s320/DC035189.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cut down to size</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TPmzzp4j1UI/AAAAAAAAA_Y/l3n4L_kg8yo/s1600/DC035198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TPmzzp4j1UI/AAAAAAAAA_Y/l3n4L_kg8yo/s320/DC035198.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Izzy all excited to put the tree up</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TPm0IGep6wI/AAAAAAAAA_c/u4iz3QMm5o8/s1600/DC035199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TPm0IGep6wI/AAAAAAAAA_c/u4iz3QMm5o8/s320/DC035199.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ike trying to play it cool</div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">So, dinner. I'm trying to go completely gluten free. I'm pretty certain I've got gluten issues. Izzy, too. I picked up 2 whole chickens that were on sale and decided to roast them so I could cook them at the same time. Normally, I would throw them on the rotisserie in our dual function toaster oven. This is my favorite way to cook a whole chicken. But I knew I wouldn't be around to babysit it. I had places to go, things to do. Plus, I love my retro roaster I picked up for something like $13 at a local antique store, The Barn, in Castle Rock. Love that place! I just love the design on the bottom. Isn't it cool?</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TPm0pMIU7BI/AAAAAAAAA_g/9yuuqcURCic/s1600/DC035216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rXJQsKt7Z58/TPm0pMIU7BI/AAAAAAAAA_g/9yuuqcURCic/s320/DC035216.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Anyway, I tried some new gluten free garlic risotto and made some parmesan green beans, cranberry apple jello and sweet tea. Have you ever made that jello? I stole it from my MIL and I crave it this time of the year. It's just lemon jello, cranberry sauce and diced apples. You can throw in pecans or walnuts if you feel crazy. This stuff rocks. I've seen it with strawberry jello, as well. Good, too.</div><br />
Obviously, we had a bunch of chicken left over (my plan). I pulled the chicken off the bone and put some of it aside for another dinner and finished boiling the bones to make some more broth. And then I looked at all the leftovers I had, the report for snow tomorrow, and all that chicken I just made and that leftover ham from Thanksgiving. And I started thinking about Brunswick Stew. I start craving that, as well, in the fall and winter. Ever had it? I'm a Georgia girl. It was a staple growing up. It is a barbecue based stew that we used to throw in a crockpot with whatever leftovers you have. I'm sure at some point in my childhood squirrel or rabbit found its way into the pot. I personally have never chosen to eat or cook either of said wild game. This is basically what I put in it but can be substituted with whatever leftovers you have (even squirrel or rabbit if that is how you roll). <br />
<br />
Chicken<br />
Beef<br />
Pork or Ham<br />
Chicken broth<br />
Potatoes<br />
Okra<br />
Lima beans (not my favorite)<br />
Corn<br />
Green beans<br />
Onions<br />
Celery<br />
Garlic<br />
Canned tomatoes<br />
*Liquid smoke <br />
*Brown sugar<br />
*Worchestershire<br />
*Tobasco<br />
(*or bbq sauce instead of the previous four if this scares you or you don't have)<br />
Salt and pepper to taste<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I cook it all day and then blend it up sort of chunky with my submersible blender but that isn't necessary. I make a big pot of it and freeze it for another day. Like chili, it just gets better and better. Add some creamed-corn cornbread and you've got a meal made for a...Georgia Girl. Not many people in Colorado have ever had or even heard of such a dish. They just don't know what they are missing! Yum!</div>Our Crazy Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13153395725677008975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848760815861341679.post-9222912261847432212010-11-22T07:48:00.000-07:002010-11-22T07:48:31.269-07:00Wild Wild West<div style="text-align: justify;">I woke up this morning to let the pups out and realized something. I look out the window, scan the horizon, open the door, and scan the horizon before letting them out now. I expect to find the mountain lion. And I don't want the puppies to fall prey to the mountain lion or be an easy scooby snack! It struck me in an odd way today. We live in the wild, wild, west. A very different approach to life than we had in our neighborhood (come to think of it similar in some ways)! There are many things we have to spend time and energy on in a very conscious way. The water consumption has to be managed, as well as the propane. We are constantly in a state of gathering wood, both green and dead, for the wood stove. The road is in a constant state of flux depending on the weather and how much it is being used. And don't get me started on the dust and dirt! It is a daily battle keeping the outside...outside. And then there are the wild animals. I have an awareness that they are always there. Sometimes it is very obvious. Just last night Maggie was growling to the side of the house when I let her out. And this next morning I went out to feed the horses and they would have no part of it. Usually they are all over me and very impatient to eat. But this particular morning they were spooked and would not come down to eat for a good hour. You could just feel it in the air.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">I've been learning a lot about the enemy lately. This is how we are supposed to be...having an awareness that our enemy is always there. Lying in wait for us. "With this in mind, be alert" and then use the resources God has given us to fight...the armor of God as found in Ephesians 5:10-18 "so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes" with the Belt of Truth, Breastplate of Righteousness, Feet Fitted with Readiness, Shield of Faith, Helmet of Salvation, and the Sword of the Spirit. We never know where the enemy is or how he will try and launch an attack. Sometimes he even uses the people in our lives at a weak moment. (Like snapping when you are having a bad day or your expectations are not being met...guilty as charged). Sometimes it is the circumstances in our life, or the pride or fear we do battle with daily. We are called to live lives of righteousness and be strong in the Lord. Sometimes we take shots because we are walking with the Lord. Sometimes we take shots because we are not. I just want to heed the words in Ephesians 5:13-14 "and put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to STAND your ground, and after you have done everything, to STAND. " And then in verse 14..."STAND FIRM".</div>Our Crazy Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13153395725677008975noreply@blogger.com0