We try to post the latest happenings here...

December 12

More going on than I can possibly keep up with... Had a nice visit with Bludgrass Bandit, a world champion walking horse. We also said goodbye to our last puppy; here's Aria sharing kisses.

Chock and I took a long-awaited trip to Phoenix, AZ and enjoyed visiting family and friends. Here are Sage and Ethan eating together with Aunt Ada, Aunt Britt and Britt's mom, Dorothy.

Here are some girl cousins, Sarah, Sage, Rylee and Katie; Sage meets a hamster; and Adrian, Sage and Chock at the Mesa temple.

We got to visit with many old friends--Sean Layden and his wife Laura and son Caleb; Sean is Chock's childhood friend and best man at our wedding. Diana Walker is a friend from Oklahoma days, where we shared many days of laughter and tears. Third picture is Wesley Ann Swagger, Adrian's roommate in college, with her husband Jeff (on the left) and Caroline Porter, Adrian's mission companion with her husband, Mike (on the right).

November 5

Don't have time to catch up everything, so I'll just post pioctures and tell you about them....

I got to ride Chock's latest bike purchase before it got taken apart. It's been 25 years since mom's been on a bike. Clason made a campaign poster that says vote for Clason. Finally got all the kids together to do a pyramid picture

Our Halloween costumes are always fun. This is a controversial holiday in some religious families, and after some research, prayer and thought, we feel that a holiday dedicated basically to the children that encourages people to visit their neighbors is good and fun. After all, it was based on the belief that in order to scare away all the evil spirits that were supposedly roaming the earth on the eve of All Saints' Day (a Christian holiday), you had to dress up and act weird and put a lighted pumkpin in your entrance. Maybe I don't have it exactly right, but it works for us. This is Tiana, the dog walker, Aria the sorceress, Sage, the lamb, Shelvin the civil war zombie, Belen, "Slayer of All Evil", Esther the princess and Bryce the gladiator (with Markell in the church parking lot).

Mom's birthday cake looks more like a funeral pyre with all the candles that the kids insisted on putting on there. I also had an awesome birthday trip to North Dakota to visit my dear friend, Arlene. Sage had fun at the Minneapolis airport in the play area and she is also trying to figure out how to keep her ice cream on a spoon until it gets to her mouth.

Tiana and Aria celebrated their birthday together this year. Here is my yin/yang cake because they are so different. They gave their friends unicorm rides. Dad worked on saddling Dandy, too. He's pretty calm right here, but you can tell his ears still don't like it.

Boating trip to Dale Hollow Lake, complete with mud fight. First boat ride for some of them. Pumpkin party with friends--Sage helped scoop out seeds.

The motorcycle project!--during and after. Looks great! Now we just need a buyer! Russell and Shelvin spent a month in Florida with Amory working on this motorcycle, sandblasting, shining and fixing. They did a great job!

Setpember 21

Whole lotta shakin' goin' on this week! Chock was in Canada, then Chile most of the week, I boxed and shipped motorcycle parts two days, there was a boys' campout at Boxwell and us girls had a girls' party. This campout is for all boys of any age, whereas the other campouts throughout the year are just for scouts. Clason looks forward to this campout all year long! Our cousin Zac got to go, too!

The girls started a tradition a few years ago of having some girls over whose dads and husbands are gone, and they invited a whole bunch this time. Of course, all of them didn't show, but we had enough to enjoy a fashion show with tape and fabric as well as crazy outfits (the little ones fought over the shiny tape). We even grilled pork chops that were very yummy and almost cleaned the freezer of ice cream!

September 14

We picked up Zac last weekend to live with us for a bit. He was born 19 years ago within 24 hours of the twins' birth, so they've kept track of each other off and on over the years. He'll be with us for as long as he needs to be and for as long as he can stand our chaos. He doeesn't have his own room, his own space, his own computer, but we'll share what's here. It has been fun to have him around. He plays with Sage and entertains the littler ones and brings his own smiles and personality to our family.

August 30

We have added a new dimension to our lives this week. Chock found a great deal on a BMW motorcycle that doesn't run--not very well, anyway. Why did he buy it, you ask? To dismantle it and sell the parts. So far we have sent parts to Canada, as well as CA, MA and other locations in between. We'll need to add another page to our web site for our pet projects that eat gas! He was right; it was profitable and we have earned back the cost and more and there are still parts to sell. Once the parts are isolated, there sure are some funny-looking pieces, like this "ancient African mask" below. Puppies are growing bigger, too, and learning about houses and manners.

August 26

What a refreshing way to wake up! Rain! For the first time in over three weeks! I know the grass is happy. The chickens were out in it ruffling their feathers and the horses were running around. It was so nice! Lots going on right now. On Saturday had a busy day with the garden. This is a bumper year for apples, so we were making applesauce, canning green beans and putting up corn. We ended the day with about 20 quarts of applesauce, 7 quarts of green beans, 12 pints of apple jelly, and 10 quarts of corn. Whew!

August 3

We now have 2 litters of puppies and we are busy, busy. There isn't much time to spare. Annie's litter has 17! Blondie's litter is only 6, so she is fostering 4 of Annie's--just like a grandmother would, don't you think? I have always admired the grandparents who step in when their grandchildren need them. At the end of their working careers when they start to think about retirement, they find themselves giving more than they planned and are blessed for their efforts. Blondie is helping Annie out, and soon when their eyes are open, it won't matter which momma they find, the puppies will all be taken care of and licked and loved.

See the puppy page for pictures...

One quick note about Papa, Chock's dad. He found himself in the hospital and when his arteries were shown to be blocked, he had a 5-way bypass operation on July 28. He is doing well and is right on track with healing and recovering. It is slow, as it should be--he just had his chest ripped open and stitched back together and wired shut. He is glad to be alive and impatient to be doing more--but willing to give it some time.

July 26

Kids' 4-H club had a horse show today for a fundraiser and really enjoyed it. There were lots of horses and fast action around the barrels and poles. Shelvin and Belen got to run the flags at the start of the show. The horses and riders are truly athletes and work hard to be the best they can be. The 4-H club put a lot of work into it and enjoyed every bit. Belen also enjoyed girls' camp this week and had fun being crazy and weird like girls are prone to do when they're together (she's on the right).

Clason's birthday was celebrated with a sword cake--doesn't every boy turn every stick, pole or rod into a sword? I always have fun with cake-making on birthdays and enjoy seeing what I can do with each request.

July 15

Wow! What a crowded, fun, awesome, full and happy weekend! Chock's parents held their bi-annual family reunion last weekend. They have 10 kids and almost all of them have kids, and some of them have kids. I think the total count was 19 children and spouses, 33 grandchildren (3 were missing for mission, work and school, and 1 attending in utero), and 3 great-grandchildren. When you factor in Granny Talley, we had 5 generations there. Uncle Dan, Aunt Pam, and their son David's family also stopped in to join us. We had a ball! Our family is in the white shirts!

July 8

Another interesting week has gone by as we entertained the horse dentist, who removed wolf teeth and floated the rest. He pulled off a cap, and then was on his way. If none of this makes any sense to you, you're not alone! We're just happy that he only charges half price for the 4H kids' horses. When the horses need care, the kids are able to pay for the services needed from their savings accounts. That's what they have them for. Providing earning opportunities and then requiring that they invest a little of it in the things they are interested in helps to give them a feel for what things cost in this world. As a child asking for a horse, I had no clue what I was asking. My parents did, which was why I didn't get one. Now I know, and my kids know, too. And they know how to work to make their dreams come to life! And we now have horses that are done with their annual check-up. The picture below is Pete on drugs...

State show was also this week. Congratulations to Aria for a fine showing!

Sage's first birthday was also a lot of fun. Watching a baby turn into a toddler is so exhilerating as well as exhausting. My favorite part are the facial expressions as each new learning experience unfolds before her eyes. Her cake is purple pansies because when I was little one of my favorite songs was "Little Purple Pansies" and the last line is how they "gladden you and I." I have been so blessed to be able to look at Sage so many times each day and have my heart gladden within. She brings us so many smiles!

June 26

Everyone's back from the great boundary waters of Northern Minnesota...for the moment, anyway. Great stories about the awesome world God created for us and wonderful pictures, too, with that new camera.

June 17

Way too many trips these weeks.... Shelvin, Belen and Aria left for horse contest in Lexington 5am Monday morning. Shelvin and Belen came back early to leave for Kirtland, OH and Palmyra NY 5am Wed. morning with Russell and Dad along, also. They all got back late Saturday and Chock, Russell, Shelvin and Bryce left Sun. after church for Canada, well almost to Canada, for a scout canoe trip to the boundary waters in Northern MN. If things seem like a whirlwind hit the house that's because it did! Bought a new camera, too for the trip. Can't go without a camera!

June 8

Had a great week and borrowed a camera to take to the District Horse Show in Bowling Green. Shelvin, Belen and Aria enjoyed the experience. Dance recital was a first for both Aria and Tiana and they were so psyched. They loved everything about it--rehearsals, costumes, make-up, sitting in the wings waiting their turn...

Here are...Shelving winning a purple ribbon showing Dusty in the yearling class, Belén and Sam executing a 360 in a box smaller than he is in Trail Class, and Aria with Bitsy in Bareback Equitation Class.

May 30

Annie and Buddy tied up today. I hope it takes this time. This puppy income is supposed to be extra, but I have been surprised at how much we have come to depend on the income. Hopefully Annie will have a regular-sized litter (16 was too many for her and for us!) and we will be able to provide beautiful puppies for the families that keep contacting us asking when we will have more. Aria and Tiana have a dance recital next week, postponed because of costume glitches, and the summer takes off from there with District Horse Show, 4-H trip, church trip, scout trip, and more....

May 10

Somehow we have lost our camera. It's hard to write down what's going on when I can't take pictures to share. Life continues, however, even without a camera to record it! Russell and Shelvin have entered the world of voters and have signed up as poll workers for election days. Kentucky's primary is on May 20 and they are preparing to spend the day at one of the polling locations in the county. Yeah for them! Even when we don't feel enthusiastic about our voting options, we can still take part and be counted.

April 25

This past weekend was a fun one at 4H horse camp. There were lots of trailers, trucks, horses, kids and fun. They learned a lot about care, riding and showing their horses. I made a new friend at church and we drove to a concert together. Finding a new friend makes life more fun and it sure was good timing to help me get out of my rut. Sometimes I just have a hard time seeing the good things I have because I feel so disatisfied with all the things around me that I need to work on. Having someone exclaim how lucky I am to have land and animals and room for a garden helped me to be more positive this week. Even if she moves next week and I never see her again, she has blessed my life and I thank Heavenly Father for leading her here.

April 14

Another batch of kids joined us this week. That makes a total of 6 baby goats this spring! We're done unless one of the wethers decides he's gotta have one, too.

April 7

Back home again with gratitude for a safe trip, for family and friends who love us, and thankful that the deer we hit less than a mile from home didn't do any severe damage. In fact, it's in our freezer now with permisssion from the Sherrif's office. I don't recommend that method of food provision as it could be quite costly. Here's a picture of us hanging out at Grandma and Grandpa's house waiting for Chock to join us mid-week. It was Russell and Shelvin's first trip doing some major driving in long stages and they are great drivers. I am very grateful becuase Chock wasn't able to join us until mid-week and then drove back home with us. (And I want to know where Sage got that sleek convertible!)

Mar. 27

We're off to Texas tomorrow for a week plus with Grandma and Grandpa in our new van, well, new to us anyway. Our white Ford Econoline that we have had for almost nine years has almost made it to 200,000 miles, so it's time for another to take its place. We found a Chevy Express with just over 100,000, so it should serve us well for many more years. It was only an 8-passenger with room for a 3rd bench seat in the back, so it now is a 12-passenger, or will be as soon as we finish getting the seat belts installed. Otherwise it's life as normal with alien invaders and painted ladies.

Mar. 20

We had a few new additions to our kids--goat kids, I mean. Allie had a pair and Amy had one a few days later. We didn't even realize she was expecting! This little one quickly decided he was the reincarnation of Dumbo and jumps off anything he can find and spreads his ears wide. I'm sure glad my kids don't start climbing and jumping when they're a few days old! It is good to have some little animals around the place because Molly just lost her litter of pups. It was all still-born and the vet can't see any explanation as she is in good health and fine shape. She had a difficult whelping ending with a c-section for the last one that wouldn't come out. Sometimes it just happens. We have found a loving home for her, since we don't want to take any chance that she will be bred again, and with our male on the farm there is always a chance no matter how careful we are. We had a tearful goodbye and a warm hello for the new arrivals.

Mar. 10, 2008

This past week found us with enough snow on the ground to play in--I mean really play. There was the traditional snowman, of course. But wait. You remember that crumpled hood? With a little straightening and a good stout rope, it makes a pretty mean sled. The kids had a ball and invited some friends over to join them since school was out. Sam makes the perfect sled horse and the snow flew! So did the kids!

Feb. 20

The kids' day at the Farm Machinery Show was a huge success. They came home with samples and giveaways and a few things they bought with hard-earned "puppy money." The happy smiles were fun to see, and I enjoyed my day at home with baby. I visited with my neighbor, went shopping and took baby in for a massage which was supposed to be my appointment, but she needed it more than I did. I'll get one later....

This week also finds us with a new horse on our place. Back when we acquired the first few horses, I thought it would be nice to have 2 or 3 horses to ride and the kids could get involved in 4H and learn a lot caring for and showing them. Now there are nine.... How did this happen, you ask? I'm asking that, too. Let's see...two of them Belen bought, one I bought (finally fulfilling my girlhood dream of owning my own horse), one quarter horse given by a friend, one mule on loan from Uncle Dan that Russell rides, one brood mare on loan from Uncle Dan who gave us a foal, one pony loaned for Tiana to ride. So that's Samson, Dakota, Bitsy, Pete, Tarbaby, Dolly, Dusty, Snoopy. We have been very blessed to be able to find ways to care for them all and we actually have enough hay so far this winter, which isn't the norm around here after the summer drought. This new guy Dandy is a walkaloosa, or Tennessee Walking Horse and Appaloosa mix. He was given to us by a retired vet, from whom I bought my horse 3 years ago. He shows promise and looks good. He has the slender build of the Tennesse Walker, so the kids have dubbed him "Dandy Long Legs!"

Feb. 13, 2008.

Monday was Esther's birthday and we celebrated by getting her a lovely purple cast from her toes to mid-thigh. She had fallen on the trampoline--not even off, just into the springs--on Saturday afternoon, and she said her leg hurt and took it easy. By Monday she no longer felt sore, but still wouldn't put any weight on her leg, so we knew something more was wrong. Sure enough, the x-ray showed a crack at the top of her tibia. At the doctor's office she made faces at the nurses and blew raspberries at the cast-wrapping guy and giggled through the whole thing. Tuesday morning she woke up, and on her first trip to the bathroom, she started tugging at the cast, saying, "Help me take this off...." She is now a pro at scooting around on her bottom and crawling on hands and knees sliding the cast along. I'm sure the knee will be worn through by the time three weeks is up. Tomorrow Chock is taking all the kids, including Esther, to the International Farm Machinery Show in Louisville. Bless him! My back is wearing out (casts are heavy to hoist onto the toilet) and I know she will enjoy it. P.S. Eagle Scout Court of Honor a definite success!

Feb. 9, 2008

Preparing today for a double Eagle Scout Court of Honor tomorrow. Eeek! The last one I attended was my brother's almost 30 years ago. I don't remember a thing. Thanks goodness for the internet and all the many resources there. My twin boys are as different as night and day and pleasing them both is almost an impossibility, but we're trying. Shelvin is looking up stuff, finding programs and neat ceremonies, wanting to incorporate everything because it all sounds so cool. Russell, on the other hand, could care less and would be happiest if they gave him the award and cut to the food. So he's in charge of food and he came up with a rather fun idea that all the kids are eager to help with. We're making a few of the items that are favorites at the campouts, like buns on a stick, hobo dinners, dutch oven cake and cobbler. I guess you could say we're cheating by using the oven instead of a campfire....

Also had to head out to the field to take some pictures of Russell on his mule. In gathering pictures for the slide show he couldn't find any good ones of Tarbaby... Oh yeah, smashed the car hood this week, too. The wind storm blew down some large pines into the road. Chock wasn't going very fast, but the brakes locked up on the wet road and he slid right into it. of course the large branch was high enough that it missed the reinforced bumper and crumpled the hood. It now has a white hood and we can't decide whether to call it Skunk or Shoe.

Check out