This Week: We Lost a Close Family Member

 This was a rough week.  Our favorite kitty, who has been at my side since my divorce six years ago, left this earthly place on Tuesday, October 17. 

She was a huge part of our family. 

This kitty had so much personality. 

My top ten favorites:

1. She would dart around the house when all three of us were home.  As if saying 'yeah, we are all here!'
2. She loved to sleep with us.  She would take turns visiting snuggling.  She started on my bed, on her blanket.  When I got up then she would go visit Jake or Sami.  If she visited Jake, he let her under the covers.  
3. When Sami took off for college I often found her sleeping on Sami's bed.  Then when Jake left last month, same thing.
4. If I didn't get out of bed by 5am she would come up and pat me on my face, as if to say 'get up, you're late!'
5. Her catnip was in a kitchen drawer.  Jake would open the drawer just a smidge and she would open it farther, crawl in and roll around.  
6. She had her favorite tree, that she slept in.  
7. She would walk out to the end of my 'sidewalk' and sit and stare at the mountains.  Just like me.
8. When I came home, she was waiting, just on the other side of the door.  She knew our cars.  She would run to the door when she heard Jake's truck or Sami's jeep.  
9. She loved to me on my lap, while I worked at my computer.
10. She loved to snuggle on the couch.

So now, when I come home, I look for her when I crack open the door.  

When I crawl into bed, my feet go to her spot, to feel her weight.

When I wake during the night, I wait for her to come up to me, and sniff my face.

When I am on the couch, I look for her to run in to the living room and snuggle with me.

I look at where her food used to be.

I look at where her kitty box used to be.

I look for her.

Rosie

Christmas 2016 - Getting it trouble for playing with ornaments

Watching for Birds

Her Catnip Drawer

With Sami and Sally - Just One of the Girls

Being Sassy with Jake

Plotting Another Ornament Attack

Not Happy with the Tree Arriving

Footprints in the Snow - Forever in my Heart

One Week Later - Missing Our Kitty - Mouse ( June 2007 - February 23, 2011)

Baby Mouse - He came to us in June of 2007

Little Mouse

Mouse Trying to Hang with our Older kitties Rosie, and Toes (Toes was ran over and left us in 2009)

Playing with Sami (who is in a box, wearing a Halloween Costume in June!)

Making Friends!

Learning how to hunt - snakes!

Getting older and Riding the Bus! 

Our Big Boy - Riding the Quad - Nov. 2010!

Our Cool Cat - Mouse

Out near his favorite hunting spot - Such a handsome kitty

Hangin' with his favorite peeps on the roof

He Was Loved - and Just one of the gang

Mouse's favorite chair.  He often just laid here, belly up, legs out.  Happy.

Last Wednesday was horrible.

The kids went out to do their chores at 6:30 am... Shortly, thereafter, Sami came in screaming, balling, sobbing.  It was hard to get her to talk.  'Mouse is dead!  He's out in the field!  Maggie and Bugs were out of their kennel'. 

I freaked. Maggie.  Sami's dog.

She has gotten out before, and has always done damage.  Last summer?  She and her accomplice Lefty, chewed the heck out of one of Sami's bottle lambs, bloody neck.  But it lived.  Sami had to doctor it for months. 

Then another time.  She got out in the fall and killed all of Sami's baby bunnies.  Sami found bodies everywhere.  They were just 'released' to learn how to be in the yard.  Only 2 days of freedom. 

The two kennel dogs have been 'on the list'.  Sami was to find them new homes, or else Dick would send them to their destiny.

I ran outside. In my jammies.  with just mud  boots thrown on. Out in the snow.  There was orange fur right there at the back door.  He must have been corned, fought, then ran.

Jake was standing in the middle of the yard.  Sobbing.

The dogs were back in the kennel.  I had grabbed a stick and told Jake to leave, that I was going to get the dogs.  Dick must have been watching.  I heard him yell to Jake..to go.

I did not beat the dogs, but I did give each of them a smack and a few words.

Then, I went out in the field.

Mouse was on the snow.  Dead.  He had been killed.  Poor kitty.  I started sobbing.  I picked him up and just cradled him.  I held him to my chest and carried him like a baby.  He was cold, so it happened earlier.  The kids did not witness anything, Thank God. 

I took him in the garage and found a box for him.  I went into the house and got him a large bath towel, and made him a cozy, safe place in the box.  Jake came in and said goodbye.  When Jake went inside I put the box in the back of my car.  In times past, we have had funerals on the ranch, but it's winter.  The ground is frozen. 

I think Sami was still in the house.  I'm not sure.

We made the kids go to school.  I told Jake, he did not want to be home while his Dad took care of the dogs.  He understood.  It was hard to send them to school.  It was painful.  It was a very bad day.

I drove to La Grande for work.  An hour away, with the snowy roads.  I went first to an Animal Hospital and told them, our kitty had been killed.  That I needed a humane way to let him go. 

I decided to have him cremated.  I have never done this before.  And, it's done in a different state.  His ashes will not be here for another week.

After work, I went to a gift shop and got each of the kids a beautiful stuffed teddy bear.  I picked them up from school. Poor Jake.  We started sobbing the minute we got to the car.  They each got their bears.  I knew the night, when it was time to go to bed it would be very hard to sleep, and they needed something to cuddle, and remember Mouse by.

And I made spaghetti for dinner.  Their favorite comfort food. 

Jake.  My poor son.  He was in so much pain.  We prayed and asked God to take care of Mouse.  I told Jake Mouse is one of his guardian angels now, and that he is watching us.  Poor little guy.  Not sure I comforted him.  I can still see his face, pools of tears, and just shaking.  My little man.  Toes was his kitty and so was Mouse.  He needs something he can hold onto, that doesn't leave him. 

This morning he asked about Mouse - when do we get his ashes.  I told him next week.

We will then figure out how we will say goodbye.  Not sure yet, but the kids will be in charge.

We miss you Mouse.  You were one cool cat.  Thank you for taking care of Sami and Jake these last close to four years.  Thank you for being a gentleman kitty - you never jumped on the kitchen counters, you always meowed to go outside to do your business, you had your own favorite chair, and you never scratched the furniture or us.

We love you....

Project 365 - The Random Approach - Day 26

Rosie's Twins
Born: 1/24/10
Zoey and Caitlin.
Don't ask who's who!

My camera has been busy!

There are so many photos of the new baby goats that I have taken that I wish I could just toss up here! But I'm trying to contain myself.. just one photo... So here is one taken today...

Sami's goats have been having babies! Sami's boy goat was a very busy boy!

Rosie had twins, on Sunday.
Olive has one baby, yesterday.

Ramon's goat has twins, Saturday! Or was it Friday... I forget... Ramon works for us. All 'his girl critters' get visited by 'our boy critters'. Sheep, dogs, and now goats...

Ranch life.

5 goat babies since Sunday....

What's her name, Betty, still has not given birth. She's the one we brought in before Christmas! So while she was spoiled rotten in a barn, the others gave birth out in the elements... brrrrrrrrr.

And, as is the circle of life.. this morning Sami found one of her bunnies had died during the night. One of Bitsy's girls. Sigh.

It also snowed today.. I took some real fun pictures, but shucks... will just have to save them for another day.. and share just one!

Yesterday morning we woke to a layer of ice. I drove over the pass yesterday...to La Grande, but did not leave until about 9:30am. A semi had done a 180 (black ice) and flipped and spilled a bunch of batteries. When I saw the truck, I said a prayer for the driver and any one else that might have been around...

And I got to thinking.. Does anyone else do that? Say prayers for people you don't know, but sure hope are OK and taken care of? I do it mostly when I hear the news. Bad news.

But I also say prayers of Thanks... Like when I catch myself loving the day. I thank God for that day and bit of joy. Sunshine. Happy family moments. Contentment. When I feel 'full', I just have to thank God.

Anyway, the accident. Hazmat was on duty.. It was a one lane, slow drive. When I came back the Hazmat team was still working.

Hope all is well.

Thanks for listening to my random thoughts:)

Ranch Related News

Tomorrow is my monthly Sexton Ranches Grass Fed Natural Lamb & Beef delivery day... I posted some photos and 'info' on the ranch blog.

Before I hook you up with a link, thought I would share some 'info'.

We have added eggs to our bag of tricks... Naturally raised chickens, who roam free (to my gardening and gorgeous back deck's dismay)... happy fat and sassy chickens...

Our chickens are darn lucky the dogs haven't eaten them (well, I take that back.... we have lost a couple to the evils of young dogs...as in MY FAVORITE HEN GOLDIE!)

Anyway, often 5 or 6 will sneak into a dog kennel to snatch dog food - with a dog in the kennel! Death wish! I didn't say they were the smartest chicks on the planet... As a matter of fact, one keeps laying eggs under my itty bitty wooden chair decor by the front door - then a dog comes and steals the egg.

Loose Dogs and Loose Eggs are an issue around here... 'Bugs' has been caught sneaking into the chicken house and stealing eggs! Just like his mother Maggie... But, we forgive him.. He is a cutiepie, how can we not love a dog that actually sits in the middle of all the younger chickens and just 'hangs out' like a guard dog! He hasn't eaten a live one (yet?), so he is forgiven...he also hangs out by Sami's goat Olive and calf Star..

So, I thought I would share some Chick-A-Wah photos, and what Spring looks like around here...

Oh.. Speaking of Spring, we got hit with a storm last night.. Crazy... At 4:45 pm I was watching HUGE flakes flowing down - then a sideways wind hit... 1 inch in gosh, 20 minutes?

It stopped, so we went to the school for the Dr. Seuss program... I was sitting on the fence on driving in a storm...

Then, when we left the school after the program - it was a blizzard! GADS...

No Spring...

OH!

Here is a link to the ranch blog post!

Looking Back... Things That Happened

2007 Our Three Kitties
Mouse, Rose and Toes

Jake and Mr. Toes - 2007

Today is Friday....October 3rd... I think I am finally ready to share what happened to us...

**********

Exactly one week ago the kids and I left at 6am to go to Boise. Meat business and a little playtime. Borders Books and Olive Garden - two favorites! I love that my kids love books... Just like me! I played in the scrapbook/stamping mag section, the kids in the kid section... heaven is a bookstore where you can just hang out...

We returned at 4pm. A long Day... and we had to get ready for a tasting the very next day...

Yet, we came home to some bad news from my husband...

We found out out our beautiful, wonderful, funny, hilarious, deeply loved, snugglisous orange and white, seven toed and stubby tailed kitty, Teeny Tiny Tiger Toes

was ran over by a car...

About a mile down the road. And gone to kitty heaven...

My kids were devastated.... They cried themselves to sleep... Deep, racking sobs, two nights in a row... They slept in our closet the first night (it's huge)... Tissue boxes by their sides...

Monday night Jake asked me if it was good to cry. I said yes.

Jake loved Toes.. They grew up together... Poor Mr. Kitters.. Poor little Jake...

Oh my babies...
Oh my kitty...

We had lots of talks with God... We asked him to take care of our kitty... To pet him and love him and let him know we miss him very much but understand he will be our guardian kitty now, and that he is with us...

Jake slept walked down to our bed two nights ago.. He has absolutely no memory of coming downstairs or crawling into our bed.

Toes used to jump up onto on the dining room window screen (from outside) and hang there, spread eagled, meowing at us when we would be at the table.. Cracked me up every time...Cracked up any guests that visited..

We would tease him.. Go to the back door and turn the door knob, and then he would jump down thinking he would sneak in...

Toes had double toes... A feat (pun!) to get those suckers up on that screen, no doubt....
He was also a big cat! He loved to make biscuits and give us love... He had a little boy meow.. A sweet little boy kitty meow...

I miss my Toes... He was one cool cat...

Sigh...

Peace be with you Mr. Kitters

While The Cat's Away - Huffalumps and Woozles

Greetings From My World!
Yep. That's me in the reflection wearing my workin' mama rain gear.
Ranch style, that is.
No Jimmy Chew shoes here (or whatever they are called).
My husband has been out of town and the kids and I have been
assigned a few tasks in his absense.
Morning and Night.

A new Additon to the Household
This sweet little thing is Pumpkin.
Pumpkin has also created more work!

Some of the puppies
Don't ask me who is who. I give up.
Sami and Dick are in the endless puppy batch cycle.
I am loosing track of who is who. They all look the same
after a while!
Dogs. Black and White. All of them.
These guys are cracking me up. They have itty bitty growls and barks
for all the things that invade their space.

Snacks.
Mr. Sexton was a buying fool at the kids School Open House
this last Thursday. We (obviously) had a desert auction to raise bucks
for our PTCO's 'back to school supply' fund. Our parents do not
have to purchase school supplies. Our PTCO gives the teachers money
to buy (their own darn) class supplies. It's a win win. The teachers know each
student will be equiped. The parents don't have to shop.
The 'less fortunate' kids don't have to arrive without their needed goods if their parents are not in a position with money, or are flakes, drug addicts or selfish pigs. Some parents just really make me mad with the way they treat their children and their children's education. But don't get in the way of their fancy coffee drinks or big screen TV's! Uh uh.
Which happens.

The To Do List Left By Mr. Husband
OK.. These are the types of love notes my husband leaves me when he splits town.
Dude! Get a clue!
The kids and I have been 'lagging' on the check water thing.
But it rained 3/4 of an inch...
Not worried about it.

Dinner for Champions
The Corona is mine... All mine!
Friday night's dinner.
Whole Grain Mac & Cheese, with tasty whole milk and real butter.
When the boss is away, we indulge in highly processed white starchy carbohydrates.
I remind myself of my dad! When my stepmom would go out of town my Dad loaded up on twinkies and other tasty forbidden kid stuff.
Let kids be kids. At least once a year, eh?

Watching TV from the doorway
Carpets got cleaned late Friday. Oops.

Morning and Night Job
Putting up electric fence and taking down electric fence.
Twice a day.

The Huffalumps Moving from Yesterday's Grass to Today's New Grass
Life.. It's just so daily!

So...

My dear sweet husband has been out of town since about 11:30 am, Friday. Every time this man goes out of town I have grand plans about how much fun I am going to have while he is away! This usually revolves around hours of scrap booking and playing in my crafty zone with the least amount of work as possible!

Mr. Husband returns in 2 or so hours. Guess how much scrappy time I have had?

Nada...

We have been busy little campers over here at Casa de Sexton Ranches!

Here's the rundown:

1. The kids and I were given a job to do while Mr. Husband was out of town. We call it our 'Huffalumps and Woozles' job. You see, we 'get to' setup electric fence and take down electric fence, every morning and evening, and move the Huffalumps (Heifers) and Woozles (Direct Market Beef). This job takes us 'a while'. If you toss in going out the back 200, and feeding Jessie, the entire process takes 2 hours! In the morning at least. The pm job goes faster, because just the Huffalumps get moved at night. And of course, we have our usual chores as well. I'm not complaining though. Oh my gosh the weather is so darn beautiful right now! I love the drizze of rain, the smell, the clean air! Gorgeous!
   
2. It started raining Friday, about 5:30 pm. It did not end until sometime in the wee hours this morning. Puts a new twist on things... like, the Saturday 10:30 am soccer game the kids had yesterday. GADS! We had to husstle with our morning jobs, get to soccer, and they actually played in the rain the entire dang dong time. OH my.. It was the only game played at the Sports Complex! Diehard coaches. Our team has not yet lost a game. We are the champions.. in a 'nonkeeping score' YMCA liberal minded 'we are all equal' kindof way. Come on. Let us keep score! You know we all are!
   
3. The kids and I have been on an everlasting food fest. It started Friday.. I made the kids Mac&Cheese for dinner. A healthy one, of course. No, not really. Just slightly. We chased it with one of our four desserts that we got at the kids school Open House Thursday night. Yesterday we went out for Chinese Food for lunch, and had pizza for dinner. And then more dessert. (Burp.) OH.. and my little sister and I have been enjoying Happy Hour together! Fun... Even though we are 3,500 miles apart, I open a Corona, she makes a margaritta and we call one another and chat. Bliss. Sans the bloated feeling I have!
   
4. Oh.. let's not forget to mention the lastest addition to the household! Yep. Another critter! Friday morning Sami went with Dick after our huffalump 'how to' demo. They ended up at the barn, and Sami caught a baby kitten. Minature. On Friday. First day of freedom day became first day of kitty laundry day. I'm glad to say today little miss Pumpkin is potty trained. Alas.
5. And, not to be outdone by previous Husband Be Gone experiences, I scheduled a home improvement project. I do this everytime my Husband goes out of town! Something epic. Something I don't want to deal with on my own, yet find myself having to be available and supervise the help for several hours type of project. I had our carpets cleaned Friday evening. And, to prep for this event, I spent the morning hours vacuming and arranging things so the job would be easier for the project dude! What a dork I am. Why do I feel the need to make someone else's life easier? Dang. Well, the carpet guy arrived at about 3:30 pm and left at 5:30pm. I was plump tired after that. Which put a damper on Friday night's movie watching plans. Get it? Damper? As in wet carpets and furniture? Ha! I just kill myself sometimes! The kids watched a show upstairs in the doorway to Jakes room (why that room has white carpet is beyond me - and why we put our boy child in it is a testament to my lack of forward thinking) and I watched a mommy show downstairs, atop a sleeping bag, on the floor. Mrs. Pedigrew Lives for a Day. Super Movie!
   
6. Let's not forget the guests in my bedroom each night. First Sami on Friday night. Then both kids last night. Oh mama. But heck, they are so darn adorable! And no, they don't get to sleep in the bed. They have sleeping bags in the room. I do have my boundaries afterall.
   
7. Last night, pizza night for kids, and salad for mommy night (but caved and ate pizza anyway), we watched Nim's Island. Cuteness! Love the critters. Love the actors/actresses. Jody Foster, you rock!
8. This morning's after chores breakfast: Peaches and heavy cream, french toast with almond butter and syrup, coffee for mama, juice for kids... and I am so tired (or in a food coma, they feel the same)!

So.. off to napland for this camper!

Have a great rest of your weekend!

Horse Riding Update(s)

On the Left is Sami with Doc, on the Right is Toby with Ernest
Toby is actually my horse. But he does not like women.
I found out the hard way.
Dick rides him now.

Sami & Doc
Doc is awesome. I love this horse. And he smells so good!
Love horse musk.

Jake & Blackie
Blackie is the kid's pony.
He was a Christmas present many years ago!
I'll have to find that photo. The kids are really small on him!

Dogs, Horses, Crew
Ernest, the dog on the right, is actually retired (he sleeps a lot).
Ernest loves to go with the horses! He was 'on it'.
He got off his retired dog rear and would not take no for
an answer. He went with the crew and worked.

How I work my Anxiety
Pit by pit. Cherry pie.
OH! And I did buy a cherry pitter!
I still think there must be an easier way!!!

OK.. the Horse Back Riding/Working Recap:

So... the kids and Dick started on Sunday about 10:30 am getting the horses ready.. For some reason they still were not ready by noon, so they 'undid' the gear, tied up the horses under trees, ate lunch, napped, then, started over at about 2:30 pm.

I did notice that during the morning process there was a whole lot of prep work going on. Horse trimming, practice riding, learning to saddle up, etc... Basically a whole lot more work than was probably anticipated by you know who...

So.... when the crew went back out, saddled up again, and took off down the road in the horse trailer, I worked out my frustrations... I made a pie. Cherry pie.. all from scratch, which is my way...

Everyone came back safe and sound at 4:30pm. A quick trip I thought. They all settled in at the table to warm pie, ice cream and lemonade. Then, we talked.

Dick was mad. The kids held there heads down for a bit, but they did tell me later (after Dick left) that they did like being with the horses. Thank Goodness... Dick had shared that nothing went right. They were supposed to be sorting cattle, in a field, meaning, cutting out about 5 steers from the rest of the bunch and it just was not working. Hello. I know experienced adult riders that can not do this. Horse experience is one thing, cattle experience another. Two opportunities for learning here. But what do I know. I am a city girl.

So, Dick informed me that 'we have a new rule'. The rule is the kids can not play on computers or watch TV (without us) unless they have worked with the horses for at least an hour.

Guess what? Yesterday, Jake wanted to ride at 8 am. Woah! I am so glad the kids are NOT harmed by their experience (I obviously have the thinnest skin in this outfit). However, I did inform the kids they can not just go out and grab a horse and play (which Dick said was just fine). I told them all of there other chores must be done, and second I have to be with them. No questions asked.

So, about 3:30 pm yesterday I helped them get the horses again, and ride. They rode bareback and boy, do they have lots to learn. Neither one could put the bridle on. And 'brushing' was a half-a**ed task for Jake. He missed lots of dirt!

It seems I do know a thing or two and can help teach the kids. And, I will be with the horses - more than I thought.

Which really, is not a bad thing. I want the kids to learn, in a safe environment, and have fun.

And, I might just attempt to ride Toby before it's all said and done. Toby is my horse. And who I have not 'spoken with' since the time he reared up behind me and smacked me in the back with his front right hoof and left a big nasty bruise.

And that, my friends is one reason I don't ride and a story I will save for later.

Chicka Chicka Wah Wah!

Oh remember these cute little buggers from April?

Take a Peek at Them Now!

Our Girls - Almost All Grown Up!
(there are three breeds)
I just call them the 'yellow ones' (Buffed Orphington), 'the red ones' (Rhode Island Red), and those 'funny looking puffy faced ones' (Aracana - which lay blue eggs)!
Interestingly, they hang out in their own little clicks by breed. Amazing, isn't it?
Social structures. Familiarity. Sisterhood!

And, Low and Behold! Our First Egg From The Chickas!
(the bigger eggs are from the bigger girls).

Chicka Update:
It was brought to my attention that I have left you all hangin' in regard to the chicks and their fate (thanks Barbara)! I have taken photos of their latest growth, so thought I would share with you how the girls are doing..give you a recap of their adventures to date, and share our latest discovery (today's surprise find - the first egg)!

Stage 1:
We started with about 21 chicks back in late April. If you recall, they stayed in the garage, in a cozy box with a heat lamp. The kids and I did all the box arranging, cleaning, moving, etc. A chore that I had hoped Mr. Boss Man would help with, but heck, the babies needed to let out of their itty bitty 'shipping' box! (and boy was it itty bitty)..

Stage 2:
After a few weeks of growth, the box got moved outside, so the chicks could roam in the yard during the day, and get couped up at night in their box. This stage is the 'let's see who is smart enough to survive' stage. We are now down to 17 'chicks. They are actually young hens now! My, have they grown. Well, the litter buggers discovered some great juniper bushes on the side of the garage, where they would 'hide out'. Each night about 8:30 pm, at bedtime, we had to call the chicks.. Our call is 'Chicka Chicka Wah Wah!'. Nice and singsongy and a bit loud. Most of the girls would come for a peek - then try and hide if we went to assist them. We started out having to catch them and stick them in the box! Over time, they go into the box on their own.

Stage 3:
Well, then the bummer lambs got moved outside 'during the day' as well. Each night the lambs were getting moved into their boxes in the garage. Well, if we were too late, the lambs decided the chick box was a cool bed to 'hang out in' until we got them. Great. One evening we found lambs in the box, sharing space with a few chicks. That 'hook up' scared me. I could just imagine a few chicks getting smooshed...

So onto the next move! The chicks then got moved to the big chicken house. After another project... Moving all the chick nesting boxes from one of the sheds over to the chicken house and setting up more roosts, and cleaning the dang house (another one of those mommy/kid projects). The chicken house got setup right after school let out - 2nd week of June. It took 'me and my crew' another 2 or so weeks to get the chicks actually moved. Sami and I had to catch every single chick - one by one - stick them in a dark bag, and carry them to the house, and let them loose.

Stage 4:
Chicks and Chickens and Rooster establish pecking order. Poor chickas! The big girls are mean to the little girls. Pushy broads. We kept everyone in the fenced in area during the day for about 3 days. After that, we open the pen door so the girls can be free-range (aka free yard and adjacent fields) cruisers! The chickas would be found hangin' at their old juniper digs the first week or so. And we had to 'herd them' back to the house each night. Ernest likes to help.

Stage 5:
Everyone is 'jellin'. Yep. Chickas and big girls and Mr. Doo (the rooster) are all hangin' - somewhat. There is still some peckin' going on, and everyone is still hangin' in their own little club as they move about in the yard, but at least they are living together.

OH.. Sami wants me to let you know that one of the chickas is called Puffer Cheeks, and another is Rocketa. Beats me how she knows who is who!

I'll keep you updated as to the egg production.

And, in case you are wondering about those missing chicks. Annie, the rotten female killer dog (who also attacked groucho) killed one of the chicks, for sure. She was busted. The 'girls' escaped from their kennel and went on a tare sometime ago.

The others we are not certain about. No one has been caught in the act.

The Highs and Lows of This Last Week

Oh dear.. what a week!

4th of July Recap:
I left you with the 4th of July plans... We had a GREAT 4th! Did the parade, the pool, and BBQ and fireworks! All of us actually saw the fireworks for the very first time in the 9 years we have lived here! I do have some photos from during the day. I 'forgot' my camera - but had my cell phone. Then came the 'how to I get the photos to my computer' question. Gee whiz. I had to buy a special phone/computer cable during the week! Once I figure out all the camera online stuff, I'll share the photos.

Saturday:
The 5th started out sad. The kids and I attended a funeral for one of our neighbor friends who died of cancer. The service was beautiful. It was held at the Haines cemetery, and while we were waiting for the service to begin, the kids wandered around reading tombstones - which is one of historical things I tend to do. Ever been to a western/cowboy funeral? Cowboy poetry. Outdoors with our mountains around. A beautiful setting. A beautiful day. A great send off. Sigh.

We did attend the night rodeo. This was the first time Jake actually wanted to stay! He had fun - of course he made a few friends and ran around most of the time - within view. Good for him.

Wednesday:
Vacation Wednesday started out with a fencing project - orders from the Boss. The kids and I had to fence off a portion of a field/pen that the bummer lambs are now in. Not an ideal project, especially on the day that's supposed to be a play day. Another one of those 'mommy does the work' things. I now have a few extra scars as well. Summer legs are scratched up from wire cuts. Great.

Later that day I took the kids 'roller blading'. I do have photos to share. Later. These are for Auntie Paula - giver of the roller blades. Let's just say the kids need a better teacher! My arms are still sore from holding up Sami for a good stretch uphill and then down. Roller blading was followed by a trip to Charlie's Ice Cream Parlor.

Thursday.. Another Funeral
Well, let's back up to Tuesday. I helped at a blood drive and the kids and Dick worked cattle. When they got back, one of the dogs (Annie) attacked one of the bummer lambs. Groucho, who is Jakes lamb. Groucho made it through the night and most of Wednesday. Wednesday night when Jake went out at 9pm to put the chicks to bed, he found Groucho, dead. I so wish I found him instead! Our poor little boy came in, crying.... Nothing worse. Nothing sadder... Jake slept at my bedside. He has had the blues.
So, yesterday, the kids and I buried Groucho in the Warm Springs Creek field. He is in a beautiful meadow area. It was a project. Jake did most of the digging. Broke my heart to see my little 9 year old boy, doing a man's job. He channeled all his sadness and madness into each shovel kick. I could see it. All three of us shared in the job. After we buried Groucho, we made a circle, held hands, and said a prayer. My heart aches for my son.

Then, the kids swam in the creek. Jake did not want to, but Sami caught a frog, so Jake was back in the game. Ernest and a couple of the other boys (dogs - one eyed Louie and Lefty) came with us. Ernest was like a puppy again. He swam as well, ran around and kept an eye on the kids. I love that dog.

So, that was our week. One with highs and lows. The lows keep pulling at our shirt sleeves, dragging us down. It's 8:00 am right now and the kids are still asleep. They are exhausted from all we have seen, experienced and done.

Today is Friday, and I have a market tonight and one tomorrow. Wish I could just lay low, but as we all know, life must go on. We have to get back into our groove and keep going.

It will be a gorgeous day. The high is predicted to be only 77 degrees. A great summer day.

Sigh.

More Sheep Photos!

Hello friends!

I posted more sheep & lamb photos at the ranch blog. Go check it out! There is also a post about Badger, our newest bummer lamb.

Just click on the link below. There are two new posts.

Sexton Ranches Round Up

See ya!

Promised Photos - Lambs, Birthdays, Spring Program

My Birthday Boy! Blowing out his "Indiana Jones' Cake

The Raiders of the Lost Arc - Plus a Lamb!

For the party 'we' had four challenges the 'raiders' had to accomplish before I gave them the clue to find the hidden arc treasure. They were in teams of 2, and they had to help each other:

1. Swing the farthest on a rope over the snake pit (garden hose)
   
2. Untie the bow on the rope swing, above the snake pit
   
3. Walk blind folded forward and backward on a log over the bottomless pit (log on the grass)

Those 3 challenges were plenty - since we timed or measured the distances for each group. Then, each team got their clues and off the went! The girls won! The Arc had something for everyone, but the girls split the 'big prize' - Cube world. A set of 2.
Oh. and whenever we go out into the yard, the lambs come running to find us! We now have 6 bummer lambs that are being bottle fed.

Two of the Bottle Lambs - Hanging at the Front Door!
And, ignore those dandelions... I have some serious work to do!

Spring Program!
Jake is the cutie pie looking at the camera
Sami is the cutie in back - hair up!

Sami singing in front!
Keep in mind that Sami does not like being in the limelight.
She is somewhat a shy girl (furthest on the right) - unlike her ever so aggressive mother!
See her cute outfit? I am sure it's from Grandma Grace. Sami adores this outfit!

I still need to share my Birthday flowers from my sister Paula, and a few cards! Phew!