Our Life is a Novel

Okay, so life got the best of me. I'm sorry! We have been endlessly busy these past few months - or has it only been a few weeks? The thought of trying to catch up on everything was completely overwhelming to me, thus the lapse of blog posts. I threw it all together in a video - maybe some of ya'll will enjoy sitting back and watching snippets of our adventurous life out here in the Midwest.

Besides the endless tick checking - we hate ticks - fruit flies, goats eating all my plants, and a lawn that is turning into a forest along with our garden, we're doing really well! The weather couldn't be more pleasant, the dogs couldn't be more entertaining, and we absolutely love standing outside for a few moments in the evenings watching the lightening bugs flicker across the fields. Wow! Now that is a site everybody should see, especially out in the country. It's just like The Frog Princess and I like to imagine them skipping along the streams singing.

To give a brief narration.... let's hope it stays brief.


1. We went fishing..... once. It was fun. 

2. We went to the horses races and had quite a bit of learning to do as far as understanding how the whole horse racing process proceeds. We aren't the gambling type, so of course we were completely lost in that field, but we sure loved seeing it in real life and not in the movies!

3. I ran my first race this Spring across the Pensacola Dam!

4. Ty killed a beaver. It's not illegal to kill a beaver.

5. We thought we were going to be lucky and score on another amazing work dog. FALSE! Skud is only a water eating machine, literally. She will chase the hose all day long if she could, but ONLY if water is coming out. We have video here for proof! She is completely worthless, but a great family farm dog that makes us laugh. There is no way on the face of this earth she will ever attempt to chase a cow with this much enthusiasm. We've given up! We die laughing making her chase water and she face-pants it into any pond to catch anything and she can hardly swim she's so fat. When water is running and she can't be by it there is endless yelping and crying... is there a sport for swimming dogs?

*Video is better in full screen*

6. We had the pleasure of spending an evening with Ian and Pam Mitchell-Innes! So far it has been the highlight of our month. There was nothing more exciting for us then to have another feel for South Africa and share memories of our stay there with them. It was great to catch up and hear all the updates and listen to our favorite South African lingo! We attempted an "American" version of a South African Braai, on a REAL Braai, and cooked up a yummy meal for our guests. Although we don't drink, we sure miss the smell of wine.

7. We have a secret garden, due to the weeds. We're trying to keep up, but honestly how does that work when we both work? But, our veggies are there! And I'm happy to share the success of our chemical free, organic garden.

Mint, Beets, Basil, Rosemary, Parsley, and Lemon Balm. Just to show a few....

8.  Tyler celebrated his big 26th birthday on May 6th and our primary class sang to him. Unknown to me, I bought trick candles and we almost set off the fire alarms in church. The class has been good to keep it a secret. We weren't the greatest examples at that moment. No worries, we learned.


9. In two weeks I get to finally fly back home to Utah. I can't wait and am beyond excited to be back home with family and friends to celebrate my brother Kevin's marriage to Elsha Sanderson. It's going to be a wonderful two weeks.

I have the pleasure of pushing this outdated, old, lawn mower across our HUGE yard. It takes me three days to mow. I've finally given up on the front area... the backyard looks great!!

Where we relax when we have a few minutes to be with each other with our crazy schedules!!

We've Been Busy

Whew! Can you believe February has already come, and gone, AND we're only three weeks away until the end of March? Maybe, for the first time in my life, I actually want time to slow down a little - I literally can't keep up. We've still avoided the flu, which seems to be making its way around this state. Thank goodness for healthy bodies, whole foods, energy healing, and multi-vitamins! It has definitely paid off. From the looks of it, our ranch will be green in no time. The weather has been perfect and we are not complaining! There is always too much to be thankful for.

We've been busy out here in Oklahoma - building fences, moving cows, training dogs, getting ready for goats and chickens, catching mules, making plans for our pond, sticking to our weight loss program, working out, trying to accomplish our list of books to read on philosophy, economics, and getting rich, and planting our anxiously awaited garden. The list continues. Our plates are full, but it's wonderful to be busy and active - we feel we have very productive lifestyles and are very blessed, although sometimes we dream of our next vacation.

So, here's what we've been up to lately.... 

...We sent Marley off to school two weeks ago. She is being trained to properly herd cattle and listen to commands. Tyler has had some serious withdrawals, but we've discovered Marley isn't far behind. We visit every Saturday. She's about 35 minutes away, and she is beyond excited to see Tyler she has a hard time focusing on her training the first few minutes. But goodness! She's incredible. You'll spend a while searching to see another dog work cows like Marley :) While Marley has been away Skud has finally developed her own personality, which helps with her training, and is loving the 100% attention from Ty.

 

We can't wait for the weather to warm up a little bit more. Already our dogs are loving the water and it's a riot to watch them play. We have some big plans for our pond this summer; slippin' slides, rope swings, etc. We can't wait, especially for visitors! And, it's quite the fishing market as well. We have yet to throw in our own lines. AND.. it's much bigger then it looks - it wraps around to the left.

Please excuse the comentator:

I have a handy-man, wouldn't ya say? Not only did he build me a temporary book shelf, which I love cause it has an old touch to it, but also rigged up our Goat Stanchion. In just a few weeks we'll have two kids and a nanny. Tyler was successful in convincing me to go with goats milk instead of cows milk. I already have a book full of cheese, ice cream, and pie recipes for goats milk!

I love my bookshelf - it'll be nice to get things off the floor. Finally!

Weight Loss Challenge

Hello Everyone! I wanted to let you all know that we are making personal declarations that over the next 4 months we will lose 25-30 pounds! We started March 1st and have both lost 5-6 pounds, already! Our energy levels have already changed. We're really excited! We'll need all of your help to hold us accountable and cheer us on to reach our goals! Thank you! If you want to see what we're doing, log onto www.yourweightlossgoal.com.

I'll keep you posted with weigh in updates, slimming meals, and fun workouts for everybody!

A Wonderful Find

I came across this wonderful recipe on my cousins blog and was more than excited to share it with everybody! Homemade Pita Bread! Imagine what you can stuff inside of this! There are endless possibilities! Click on the link for more information! Homemade Pita Bread.

Lots Of Chocolate

Beings it is the month of Chocolate, I had to celebrate one last time. Tyler and I made the most divinely delicious, melt in your mouth, Peanut Butter Balls, while I sang the famous Audrey Hepburn musical, My Fair Lady. The two and two go together quite well! Happy February -

It Might As Well Be Spring

I couldn't help but think of the old classic, State Fair, when I saw our new friend Frederick (the baby turtle), our new baby calves, and all the flowers ready to bloom in our front yard! It may not be spring yet, but I'm loving every minute of it.

Oh, why should I have spring fever? When it isn't even spring? I'm as busy as a spider spinning daydreams. I'm as giddy as a baby on a swing. I've seen a crocus and a rosebud, a robin on the wing.
I feel so gay, in a melancholy way, that it might as well be spring! It might as well be spring!

Meet Franklin...

....say goodbye to Franklin. I had to let him loose. We weren't quite sure how to take care of a Turtle.

Garden Starts

I'm not quite sure what happened. I used to know how to plant a garden.

At least, I thought I did.

Maybe it's the MidWest fever and I can only think "garden" in Utah terms.

Possibly?
Even after the many, many years of gardening alongside my master mind, master gardener, herbalist mother I'm completely nervous and shockingly brainless!

The adjustments haven't even begun.

First battle: possums, rabbits, skunks, and raccoons.

Second battle: chiggers and ticks.

I thought gardening was supposed to be theraputic! I'm starting to doubt that statement. 

Thank goodness for good help. I had to stop and document the progress. Stage one, I've decided, was the easiest part for Tyler and I. We're blessed with wonderful soil and supurb ground cover.

As far as keeping all the critters out and off of me; well, I haven't reached that point yet. I'll let you know how it pans out.

I find it convincing to think you'll find our garden project entertaining.

Despite the obstacles that haven't even arrived (maybe we're creating them?), I am beyond excited about our garden this year. I'm burned out buying grocery store produce and yearn for the awakening taste of freshly grown vegetables! Chemical free too. I can't wait to be 10x more healthy. It's going to be fabulous.

Are we overwhelming ourselves? I'll leave that up to you.

Our Veggie Garden Entails:

Beets. Cabbage. Carrots. Swiss Chard. Buttercrunch Lettuce. Red Sails Lettuce. Russet Potatoes. Sweet Potatoes. Spinach. Green Beans. Cucumbers. Peppers. Squash. Sweet Corn. Tomatoes. Onions. Garlic. Blackberries. Raspberries.

Our Herb Garden Entails:

Basil. Cilantro. Chives. Parsley. Mint. Chamomile. Oregano. Hyssop. Lavender. Dill. Rosemary. Coriander.

One Lucky Gal'

Don't get me wrong. I love Valentines Day! The month of love. 

Flowers.

Chocolate.

Candles.

Sweet Kisses and Darling Songs.

But, why can't everyday be filled with some sort of "valentine" favor?
Watch my favorite movie with me.
Make dinner.
Help with the dishes.
Hand picked flowers because you love me?
A box of chocolates simply to make me happy?
As we dipped our strawberries in our simplistic chocolate fountain, I thought about the good things Valentines Day has to offer, but also how silly it seems to feel obligated.

I'm one lucky gal'
Tyler does all of these things - even helps fold the laundry!
We love riding horses and relaxing in the grass.
Singing songs and laughing so hard we can hardly sing the next note.
Eating delicious southern BBQ every Friday night.
Enjoying the Old Western and Classy Hollywood classics.
Long walks on Sunday afternoons, watching our cows, the birds, our dogs, and talking of our dreams as the sun sets in the Midwest.

He makes a Valentines Day "obligation" part of his expressions all throughout the year!
Which is why I didn't ask for anything! We willingly enjoyed our beautiful ranch and cuddled up to a movie in our simple country home.

I can't think of anybody else I'd like to share my dreams with. Happy Valentines Day Hubby!

We Have Plans.

We Have Plans. Take a moment and vision this with us. Here is our pond. To the right, across the pond on the hill, we are designing a tower with a rope swing, launching you out into the depths of our 25ft clear, blue watered, pond! I'm telling you, we will be ready for the surge of humidity and spending our summer days basking in our luxurious pool. With inner tubes, canoes, swimming dogs, rope swings, and bonfires (braai's), we will be loving the small moments we get to cool off! Come visit. It'll be a blast!

We Wear Carharts. And We Like It.

There's a first for everything, right? After a few minutes adjusting the straps, pulling up the legs, and snapping on some extra buttons, I slipped into Tyler's eighth grade carharts and walked around feeling like I'd gained 20 pound (mind you, they were VERY large on me). What a heavy outfit! If you can call it an outfit. With 26° and the Oklahoma winds, it was a necessity as we moved our cows. Oh joy! Surprisingly, they're warm. Quite warm. Too warm even. Comfortable. I'd wear them again.
I married a cowboy. I'm doing things I never thought I'd do and I'm wearing things I never thought I'd wear.

P.S. I have the coolest husband. Kudos to him for taking these photos with me :)

We Love Our Dogs

Can't be a Rancher without some good dogs! They say dogs are a man's best friend! There is no room for disagreement there. We've ACED on picking out some pretty fabulous cow dogs and we LOVE having them around, maybe a little too much. Skudder-butt (her knew acquired name because her bottom bounces while she runs) occasionally stops, midstream sprinting mode, to chase her tail, which is full of burrs! Quite hilarious. We've discovered Marley isn't only a hero everyday as she herds the cows, but is extra-sensitive and gets upset when her best friend, Ty, leaves her by herself. She's never happy the next day. Skudder-butt willingly ignores Ty, every so often, and Marley willingly ignores me, every so often. They've picked their favorites and I have no problem teaming up with Skudder-butt. I shake my head as I write this - we need a little person. 

I'm A Weather Mixer

Flowers? Blooming? February? What did the groundhog say, anybody know? Because our front yard decided it's spring. These lovely flowers are popping out their yellow heads and I don't know what to do with them because it's supposed to snow this week! They have no idea disaster is about to strike! Poor plants. 

I've been enjoying the well known "Utah weather" here in Oklahoma. I have to admit, I love having Spring right in the middle of Winter. It's priceless, and VERY much enjoyable. I don't own one pair of shorts anyhow, so the in-between-ness fits well.  We've had winter, spring, summer & fall all in one week. Good thing I'm a weather mixer!

We Butcher Pigs and Milk Cows

Can I say city girl gone country? I'm just about there. I've learned the process of butchering pigs to milking a cow all within one month. Holy smokes! We drove up to Missouri and spent the weekend with some friends who are well trained/educated in the hog butchering process and rendering lard. We have lots to learn, but more to look forward to. There is nothing like fresh, grass fed, acorn finished ham and cooking with lard (who would have thought?). I'm a lard addict now. Ew? Not really. You can make pie crust with lard! I consider myself in great shape if our country ever crumbles. We'll have plenty of meat, butter and cheese and still be able to enjoy the simple luxuries! In just a few weeks I'll attempt my own Mozeralla and homemade cream. I can't wait! Cream is almost $8.00 here in Vinita, which just about rapes my wallet along with cheese and butter. Considering I probably don't need any of it, at least I can make it OMO (on my own).

The country only continues to get better out here - if we could only receive some rain. I'm looking forward to the Spring. Wait, isn't it already Spring? I think we completely skipped winter.
Self Reliant? I think so. See ya later grocery stores and super Walmart's. HA!

You see these little guys......

...this is what happens when they're BIG and grown-up.

And this is what happens in order for us to EAT EAT EAT

Next we render the Lard( a.k.a. fat). Stir, Stir, Stir. About 4-6 hours.

Welcoming.... Ezma our new milk cow. She's sure gorgeous, ain't she?

And yes, besides the fact that Ezma kept pooping and it was splashing in my face, I kept on pulling and squeezing- there is actually a technique. Who would have thought. It was good for me, humbling. I needed to learn how.

Lastly, I had to give praise to our awesome dogs, Marley and Skud. We sure love having them around. They're a handful! Lots of energy and ALWAYS wanting the cows - exactly what we want.

Welcoming in the New Year

We had a wonderful Christmas, a relaxing New Years, and are very excited about the future - even with all the economic upsets across the globe and disastrous governmental situations in the US. Tyler scored major points this Christmas leaving me very impressed with his ability to shop for his wife and wrap gifts all by himself! Tyler's parents are out to visit for the next month and half and we welcomed in a new border collie puppy last week, Skudette or Skudbucket. Its been a pleasure having all three. Tyler and I are still busy with work, can't understand the weather in Oklahoma (feels like Spring), and have begun laying out our plans for our garden! I'm also thrilled about our piano and the save arrival of my guitar. Hurray! We've met many delightful people over the past few weeks and have adjusted well to our new place. 

We can't believe 2011 came and went so quickly and have many fond memories. With financial, personal, family, health, and business goals in place we're ready to take on 2012. We are soaring in education, learning many new and great things, and feel really blessed to have had so many wonderful opportunities in such a short amount of time, while we've been married.

Top 10 Memories of 2011

1. Living in South Africa & coming home

2. Smith Reunion & Kamalu Reunion

3. Mitch & Kevin come home from their missions

4. South African Braai

5. 50 Mile Mountain

6. Male Bonding

7. Kanani's Wedding

8. Summer BBQ's at the Farm - Roberts Ranch CSA

9. Getting our first dog, Marley

10. First Bee Hive and honey harvest

AND ONE MORE FOR TY

10. Moving to Oklahoma