2012 and a Return to Blogging

New Year's Day Birthday Dinner in Idaho

2011 was probably one of the most difficult years of our lives. After our return to WA things didn't get easier (quite the opposite, actually), so I elected to stop blogging until I felt I had the time and emotional well-being to get back to it. Since my last blog, my husband lost his father to cancer; we lost 2 of our dogs (1 rather suddenly); we were essentially kicked out of our rental home on the premise of its sale (which remains in question); the hubby was sent on another 3 month work-related stint across the country; and Dec. saw the passing of my precious 3 year old nephew after a long battle with numerous health problems. With so much going on, I really couldn't bring myself to blog. I felt I needed to focus my energy elsewhere and I felt as though I would have nothing uplifting to say. Not that this entry has, thus far, been all that uplifting. However, on that note, I have to mention one big positive that has come about on the tail feathers of some of the "not-so-great" stuff previously mentioned.

Not more than a couple of weeks after finding out we would have to relocate and move out of our rental, we stumbled upon a place kinda, sorta for-sale-by-owner, but definitely not on the market. Well, we fell in love with it! It was exactly what we had been looking for! We came to an agreement with the owner and moved in until we closed on it a month later. We have a darling little salt-box house on enough land for all the horses and maybe, even a few cows. Stay tuned for more on that this spring and summer. :) Plus, we are super close to the National Forest and I spent most of the summer and fall getting to hop on the horses and ride out onto public land. It was awesome. We live within a mile in each direction of our closest friends and have an amazing view from our western-facing porch. We have a lot of work to do on the place...fencing, new corrals, tree trimming, repairs and updates on the house and lots more, but we are excited about spending our time on something that is ours. I am looking forward to what this spring and summer brings and to planning our projects and even a garden I can call my own.

We are down to one dog now, which is a little sad because it is so quiet around here now. It is also a little bit of a blessing in disguise (now don't get me wrong we ADORE and LOVE our pets like they were our children), but having one dog is less complicated. We can pretty much take Logan, our only dog, anywhere. He is well-mannered and now that his brother and sister aren't around, the pack mentally is almost non-existent. He doesn't chase things now and has become an even better guard dog. We do miss Molly and Kenai a lot and their losses were very hard to swallow. Now, Logan is spoiled rotten and gets to sleep on the bed and the couch, so I think he has adjusted well to being an only dog. :)

Some of you know the backstory on my nephew, JW, thanks to his blog www.littlejwtaylor.blogspot.com. He was born in 2008 under less than perfect circumstances and after battling pneumonia and a collapsed lung, along with everything else, his little body just couldn't do it anymore and he passed away on December 10. His life has meant so many different things to so many different people and I feel truly blessed to have been a part of his life. My heart hurts, even now, for my sister and her family as I know they are still feeling the loss of their little boy. We all miss him every day, but we are so thankful for him and we are relieved at knowing that he is no longer suffering. His life had an incredible purpose that I have seen fulfilled in so many ways and through so many people. I will continue to thank God for him every day and look forward to the time I will see him again.

A positive as of late, is that I have been hard at work on my jewelry creations and now have my own etsy.com store....turquoiseandtrinkets. However, I am about to give my business a total makeover and will soon be announcing a new business name! Look for lots of new and exciting things in 2012. Also, I did a few craft shows/fairs in 2011 and plan on doing some more this next year.

I am thrilled and, at the same time, relieved that 2012 is finally here. I hope and pray this year brings less stress, loss, and trials and just as much, if not more, blessings, happiness, and change. I hope the same for all of you. Happy 2012!

Getting excited!

Very soon I will be on the road back to WA!! I am ready to sleep in my own bed, even if it will only be for a few days. I am road tripping with the husband on his way back home. I will return to TX and then wait for Spring to arrive before hauling all our critters back up north. I am glad I will at least get to play in the snow for a bit and see my friends. It has been too long. So, you know what that means...road trip photos and blog...coming soon! Send positive thoughts our way for safe travels. We are taking a different route this time and I can't wait to see some new country. Better get to packing!

Christmas at "home"

Wherever that might be. Home...I use that term very loosely now-a-days. Home to us has become three or more varied locations. At times I find myself actually missing our little, fixer-upper house in South Texas, the first home we have ever actually owned. And, have I mentioned how much I HATE renting. Well, I do. I am ready for some stability, certainty, and my own house, where I can hammer nails wherever I want, mow the yard however I please (or not), and let the horses and dogs go wherever I feel is best. Well, all in good time, right?

This Christmas was spent at what can only be considered "back" home, in Texas with my immediate and extended family. It was so nice to have everyone in the same room at Christmas, especially since it was the first Christmas without my grandmother. My, how I miss that woman. My sister and I did take some lovely poinsettias out to the cemetery for her. I still feel her around. I think its because in all my 32 years, I have never known life without her. It is taking some getting used to.

Christmas was such a blessing. I have never seen so many presents under the tree. I think we gave each other so much in an attempt to make up for the lack of Christmas spirit we all felt (or didn't feel) this year. I have heard from other friends that it wasn't just us. I don't know if it is the economy or what...but everyone seemed to be down in the dumps this holiday season. My niece and nephews had so much fun opening all their presents and I just love seeing their faces of surprise and amazement renew as they open each gift. It seems my immediate family and I all had the same idea. We each gave each other something that was really personal and sentimental. My sister and I lucked out and found the most amazing gift for my dad. We got him something he has been really wanting for a long time, but is hard to find. Dad has a moderate fascination with the old west, specifically things to do with mountain men...the ones who forged the way and were the first true wilderness pioneers. He kinda looks like a mountain man, himself and he loves them in art, books, just about anything actually. Well, we lucked out and found him a vintage Hudson Bay wool blanket coat. These were originally designed from the coats mountain men made from Indian blankets and wore ages ago. Then the Hudson Bay Co. picked up the design and made them for years, but the ones you can find now are typically from the 60's and 70's. The blankets and coats are easily identifiable by their unique colors and patterns...they are a cream color with black, red, yellow, and green horizontal stripes. Dad was so moved by our gift...we left him speechless, which is quite a feat with my dad. We got our mom a new over-the-stove microwave. Now, I know you are probably thinking: what is so sentimental about an microwave? Well, you have to know my mother. It is something she has been wanting for a while to make counter space in her kitchen. She would never buy it for herself, though. She was totally unsuspecting and was so touched that we would get her a "big" present like that...but she deserves it. She does so much for all of us, it was a small gesture of appreciation for how she cares for everyone in the family. I got my sister a ring with a pearl setting and had it engraved for her. I wanted her to know that I am so very thankful to have her as my sister. God couldn't have picked us more perfectly for each other. She is truly my best friend. My sister and parents surprised me with a gorgeous new comforter set that I had been eyeing but really hadn't given serious thought to buying. I was just admiring it from afar. I couldn't believe it! I am in love and can't to have a house where I can actually use it!!! :) Dad surprised us with gifts of his own. My sister and I opened his gifts to us at about the same time. He gave my sister his high school class ring. She, of course, cried. He gave me something so perfect...his horse patrol belt buckle. I, too, cried. He wants me to wear it, but I can't bring myself to do it. I want to put it in a shadow box along with some of his horse patrol photos from when I was much younger. I have one that is perfect. He is mounted on his horse in full uniform complete with hat, chaps, and spurs surrounded by the South Texas brush. I love it. He tried so hard when I was younger, but couldn't manage to keep that "horse gene" from creeping out in me. I don't know what possessed him to pass these things down to us now, but by the time all the gifts were opened, we had all shed our fair share of tears. I just love my family.

All in all, we definitely made up for our lack of early Christmas spirit by finishing strong. We celebrated the birth of our Savior and showed how much we love one another. I don't think you can get any more Christmas-y than that. With all our family has been through in the past year, and continues to go through now...here's to hoping 2011 holds a little more cheer.

Dad with his Hudson Bay blanket coat

Nephew, M, with his new cowboy boots

The hubby with M...LOVE that smile!!

Sister with nephew, JW...check out his blog HERE

Niece, T and nephew, M

A Booming Business? Maybe.

I have decided to take the leap...to "launch" my jewelry business. I am taking my winter insanity cure and turning into a little side venture. So far, so good. Things are selling pretty quickly and I almost can't keep up. I have gotten several custom orders and am trying to post new items on Facebook as quickly as I can. My newest items are custom horse rhythm beads made with semi-precious stones rather than plastic pony beads. I got my first order a couple of days after posting the first pictures! I hope to make matching sets for horse and rider. I also have a couple of local stores interested in consigning some of my designs. Now, I just need a formal business name. Something catchy, sassy, yet also descriptive of my range of styles and something flexible that can encompass future additions and changes. I have been racking my brain for weeks and can't come up with "the one". I am all ears if anyone has any suggestions! I am doing things that are elegant and sassy western/rustic, vintage-inspired, custom wedding, and pretty much anything else custom. Here are some of my latest designs...now taking Christmas orders!!!

What's Wrong With The World We Live In?

Being back in my hometown makes me think of a lot of good memories from my childhood. I enjoyed growing up in a small town where everyone knew you and still knows you to this day. My parents always knew the general vicinity of my locale but I would be gone for hours, almost all day, riding bikes with my friends on the nature trails outside of town and we never worried about pedophiles or other dangers that kids and parents worry about today. I knew never to talk to strangers or go with someone I didn't know or that my parents didn't tell me to go with, but I never worried too much about being out of my parents' sight or riding my bike across town by myself. When I got older, things didn't change much. We all felt relatively safe most of the time; didn't give much thought to things like online predators and cyber bullying (because they didn't exist); and the words "liability" and "risk management" didn't hold much meaning for us. We would never have dreamed of posting inappropriate photos of ourselves on something called the internet or anywhere else for that matter. I actually enjoyed high school very much, with the exception of a few typical teenaged girl dramas. Life wasn't at all bad and I sure had a lot less to worry about than I do now. My, oh my, how times have changed.

I went to the high school pep rally today. Sitting there in the gym bleachers, I realized how sad our lives have become. Kids can't do anything now-a-days for fear they will hurt themselves and parents will sue the school or anyone else that gets in the way. Apparently, they also can't be counted on to be responsible for themselves or their actions in any way....they aren't allowed to make decisions for themselves and live with the consequences of their actions. Everything is set up to protect them and keep them from making bad choices or doing anything "dangerous". Well, I know others might disagree with me, but I don't care. I think it is wrong. I think it is a travesty. And we wonder why our children are glued to video games and TV screens and why they can't deal with responsibility....because we teach them they don't have to....that someone will do it for them. And the video games...that is the only excitement in their lives because all the fun and excitement is taken out of everything. I saw this on display when I worked for the YMCA. A kid can't even stick a toe in the river for fear they will slip, fall in, and drown and the parents will blame the organization instead of blaming the river bank and realizing accidents really do happen in this world. Risk management was probably the most stressful part of my job. I couldn't, for the life of me, explain to our Risk Management Dept. how horses are unpredictable and that, try as I might, I could not prevent a horse from stepping wrong on a rock and slipping to his knees. He is a horse and I am not God. Well, today was an eye opener for me. I learned that the cheerleaders can no longer wear their uniforms to school on game days. The kids aren't allowed to wear mums and bells to school during homecoming week anymore...because the are "distracting". The cheerleaders have to use a gym mat under their feet for EVERY stunt they perform and the volleyball net is taken down during volleyball season. The pep rallies are now held at noon instead of at the end of day, so as not to interfere with school time....though we never had a problem passing tests or doing well in school when they weren't at noon. And as for the mums and bells...that was tradition. Those were things that had been done that way for decades before us and they were never considered "distracting" before. What makes it any different now?!?!? Are we now raising a society of wimps?...that we can't even teach our children safety without going overboard on it? I think the key to it is teaching our children things, not doing it all for them. Accidents happen, but that doesn't mean we should stop living! I will admit there are some changes I agree with. I think its not such a bad idea that everyone who comes on a school campus should check in at the office and that children should be supervised as much as possible. However, supervision doesn't mean hovering over them like a helicopter correcting and picking apart their every move. They have to learn responsibility, self-control, leadership, and independence. Also, they should be allowed to live an adventurous life is they so desire. Present them with the risks, teach them right from wrong, and let them start deciding things for themselves at some point. Experience is often the best teacher. Okay, I have ranted enough for now, but I miss the good ol' days and feel sorry for today's kids that they have missed out on all the good stuff by being born 15 or 20 years too late. Is that so bad? When will we wake up and smell reality?

The Best Enchildadas EVER

Not being a fan of New Mexican cuisine, and now that I am back in TX I had to go to my favorite hometown eatery for what I consider to be the best cheese enchiladas in the world. I love these enchiladas so much and the secret is in the enchilada sauce. To be complete they have to be served with some fresh salsa, ranch dressing, a side of french fries, and an iced tea with lots of sugar. That is what makes my heart happy. If you are from my hometown, chances are you know exactly what I mean. Here's what you missed out on today...you know you are jealous.

All My (Our) Children

It seems like everyone I know is having a baby or just had a baby. Well, maybe not everyone, but I do have quite a few friends in one of these situations. So, I have been getting "the question" a lot lately. "When are you gonna start having little ones?" I kindly reply, "I have 10!" I get a lot of funny looks, especially from people who don't know me. I don't know if David gets the same questions and looks. I then explain the 5 horses, 3 dogs, and 2 cats. We have always been of the mindset that whether it happens or not, its totally in God's hands. We love our freedom and maybe that's selfish of us, but we also don't think that we should have a kid just because everyone else is or because we are getting into our thirties and don't have a lot of time left or because that's what married people do or because if we don't start trying now we might not be able to or because then we wouldn't have to worry about who will take care of us when we get old and the list goes on. None of those are good enough reasons FOR US to have a baby. Babies aren't for keeping up with the Joneses or getting a tax deduction. The decision to have children should not be taken lightly. You should really, really want to have a child before you try for one and first and foremost, I believe, you should seek God's will on that one. It is a LIFETIME commitment. Once you are in it...there is no turning back. Now, don't get me wrong....if you find out you are expecting a little surprise and you are ok with that, great!...more power to you! If I was in that situation and hadn't thought about all the aspects and ramifications...I would probably freak out a little. But I feel the need to over-think a lot of things, so that would just make me feel unprepared and overwhelmed. Also, I don't hate kids. I love kids. I love my niece and nephews and even have a few "adopted" nieces and nephews thanks to some dear friends.

So, with all that said, I wanted to introduce all our kids. Well, the rest of them anyway. The only one I don't have pictures of is our old cat Angelo.

You already know Ranger, Bailey and Scout from the other blog. If you haven't met them, check out Saddlestrings and Other Horse Things. Meet the rest of the family:

Blackjack

Blackjack and Festus

Festus is our old guy...he is in his early 30's and is now retired.

All the pups

Kenai

The youngest of the dogs, he is still very much puppy...silly boy.

Molly

Logan

And last but DEFINITELY not least, Ewan (as in Ewan McGregor)

Ewan is the best, friendliest cat I have ever had. He is so playful and will let you do almost anything to him without putting up much of a fight. He also gets along with the dogs very well and has the biggest personality....he doesn't know he's a cat.