Elizabeth's Birthday

Having a birthday the day after Christmas can stink. You are tired, it has been crazy. You probably have traveled Christmas day and are pooped. You are maybe even a little tired of "celebrating". You just want to rest and figure out how all these new things work that you got for Christmas. So, yeah, it can be a stinky day to have a birthday. How do I know this.......my birthday lands on the day after Christmas. It causes problems for my family who "just saw me yesterday". I use to get gifts or cakes decorated with poinsettias. Heck, I went 18 monthes without a birthday one time. We decided to have my birthday in June instead on December. I had to call everybody on June 26 and nobody remembered. I give up!

Then I got married.............
My man understood my birthday and has always made it special. I get my favorite breakfast and the royal treatment for my birthday. This year though my man did GOOD! He surprised me with a Kindle, which is a fabulous gift if you are a reader. It goes perfectly with my Slanket that I absolutely love! I personally choose to wear my Slanket like an oversized robe ~ wrapped around me and all the way over my feet to keep them warm! (Because having cold feet is just wrong!) I love my Kindle & my Slanket! He did good.
Then as if that weren't enough, he took me skeet shooting at his Mom's. He borrowed a 20 guage to see if I would like it better than our 12 guage. I had a blast. I found I liked the 20 guage better and wasn't near as sore the next day. I was a regualr Annie Oakley that day. Well maybe not really, but I had a lot of fun! I got to see this sight ~ which I could handle EVERY day!

Baby Girl (in the middle) is retiring out at the ranch.

Baby Girl and I have had some fabulous rides together.

I got to spend the day with my wonderful family!

And do one of my favorite things....shoot skeet with my man!
Okay, I know I am not in the photos but
someone had to capture the day!

I loved this picture at the end of the day!
The other favorite thing about my birthday is looking forward to "Birthday Dinner". Rob's birthday is the 30th so we always head to dinner in between our birthdays to celebrate. I love this dinner out with our best friends. I look forward to it all year. Keri got her buddy a gift card for her new Kindle - she is the best! Happy times!

Christmas at Joyner Ranch

Christmas continues with Aaron's family. Eric & Tracy head to the ranch for Christmas with Mom & Papa Bill. Tracy got a new camera from Eric and snapped the day away. Mama was experimenting with my new camera that Aaron got me. He got me a small Nikon camera that will fit in my vest pocket when I am working cattle. He was tired of hearing about how much I wish I could of snapped a picture of that......

So here are some shots from Christmas at the ranch.

Luke got the opening present thing down this year! How cute!

Abbie loves presents!!!

Hopie loves the golf chart! See stops in to say "Hi" to Dee Dee!

Aaron & I had Bill & Mom's brand put on some vests for Christmas.

They loved them. Aaron & I were so excited.

Thrills me to see this cowboy sittin' in that fine lookin' jacket!

Happy Trails....Merry Christmas!

Christmas 2009

When I was a child, I can remember hardly being able to sleep on Christmas Eve. I am back to that again with children in the home. They bring such joy & energy to the home. We all headed to bed late as it was because we take in a beautiful candle light service at church for Christmas Eve. Then we head to our friend's home for supper & a cookie decorating game that we play every year. So hopped up on the sugar & fellowship, it is always hard to get to sleep. Once asleep the children rest all night. I, on the other hand am up every two hours, like a child! I am excited for them and the excitement of the morning.
Christmas Morning

The children were tickled to see the presents.

Luke is all about Thomas the Train.

All Hopie wanted was a "Littlest Pet Shop".

Abigail got her first real sewing kit.
We didn't get pictures but

Papa was thrilled to get an ipod from Mama.

Mama is in heaven with her new Slanket

and camera (to her surprise)!

Up the mountain we go...................

We get to my sister's for Christmas with the family.

We had a lovely time.

Mama opening more toys......the packaging will drive you nuts!

What is up with my cheesy children..........

Long, fun day of giving & receiving ~

celebrating the greatest gift ever given...JESUS!

Papa & Abbie listening to the ipod.

Not a creature is stirring....not even a Mama!

Extreme Make Over

For Christmas this year we decided to surprise the girls with re-doing their room. They have wanted a make over on their room for a couple of years. I don't know why, didn't they like the Noah's ark ceiling fan from nursery days, ballerina bedding from 4+ years ago, & a bunk bed?! I do regret not getting before pictures. So we started collecting things for this make over. We had the date set for a week before Christmas. The girls got out of school for Christmas break and their Auntie Keri picked them up to spend the night. We got to work the minute the girls left for school that day. We couldn't have done it without a girlfriend who came to our rescue that day. It was so neat to see the transformation of our little girl's room. It wasn't a zebra print that Abbie wanted but it is beautiful. The canopy scored major points! The girls were absolutely surprised! They love their room. It has stayed the cleanest it has ever been. We should have done this a long time ago! :)

We got the girls a trundle sleigh bed that they have wanted. They were so excited about their bed. Papa & Mama are excited about getting rid of bunk beds with Luke around.

It is crazy how big their room looks.

They got a new bookcase and we found the perfect place to hang a quilt that their great-grandma made them. As an update, they got a new purple boom-box for Christmas from their Aunt & Uncle.

We did good! They love it!

Merry Christmas girls!!!

Nutcracker Obsession

Abbie & Mama went to watch the Nutcracker ballet this year. It was such a treat. Abbie was so excited the whole time we were getting dressed and driving there. She had never been to anything like this. Once we found our seats, I took her down to the orchestra pit to see the musicians that would be playing. She was in awe! Once the ballet started it warmed my heart to see her eyes light up at the dances. She would lean over to me and in a very excited voice tell me, "I know is song!" She was tickled pink to be there. Needless to say, I have had a ballerina spinning around the house ever sense.

Bestest Sisters Ever

It doesn't happen often enough, so I will take it when it comes. The girls decided they were coming to be "bestest sisters ever!" It is this Mama's prayer that my girls grow to appreciate their differences. They spend most days wondering why their sister is the way she is. So on a day they decide to be 'bestest sisters ever", I will take it for as long as it will last, which is never long enough!

Formula for Fun Times

Bonfires + Family & Friends = Fun Times

Shoot 'em Up

The Abshire Clan ~ Armed & Dangerous!!!

There has been a tradition start on the Friday after Thanksgiving, skeet shooting at Joyner Ranch! There are a ton of people who come out for great food, lots of visiting, and shooting until 1)we run out of clay pigeons, or 2) we run out of daylight! This year we ran out of daylight, too bad!

The children always find new ways to have fun in the country. This year they decided to climb the hill at the ranch. Keri was quite the sport in going with them. I have to be honest, I did not think they would make it. It was one of those times that it was nice to say, "Oh, I don't think Brother can do that! Shucks ~ I guess I have to stay here and look after Luke." Keri, you're the best!

Here they are at the beginning of the trek.

They look like ants on a hill.

Wow ~ I am impressed! They made it to the top! I love this photo.

Luke found his own form of entertainment while the girls were conquering their hill.

A boy & his tractors!

Later that day Hopie got her first shooting lesson. I don't know how I feel about that yet. I want her to be gun safe but I know how that little brain of hers works ~ yikes! I do know her Papa is VERY retentive in gun safety, so she is in good hands. She did have fun, and was a good shot.

The one surprise of the day was who the best shot was. Our buddy Rob was one of the best shots out there. Aaron & Mike bought him his gun a couple of years ago and look at him go! Congrats Rob! Your kids at school should know you are such a good shot!

We all had a fabulous day together.

Flood of His Love

Matthew 25:35-36, 40

35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, 40 ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’

• Flood provides services designed to meet the physical, relational and spiritual needs of the homeless, sober living home residents, motel dwellers and those entrenched in generational poverty within inner-city Bakersfield.
• The ministry is dedicated to spreading the Good News and Love of Jesus Christ through worship, Bible instruction, fellowship and volunteerism. Flood meets individual physical needs, strives to build personal relationships with all who attend, and provides a vehicle for Bakersfield churches to serve, with the purpose of improving life circumstances in order to promote self worth and greater self sufficiency.

Heaven won't have empty bellies, jobless families, or hurting hearts. When we love & care for others, we have an opportunity to be His hands & feet until we get there. The smiling faces of those who receive a new pair of shoes, the tears of those who receive a warm embrace, the child who is played with while the worries of life disappear for the moment, these are precious to Jesus because He loves them. We want to be about our Father's work here on earth and people are priceless to Him.

Spread His love and flood our streets & towns with His love!

True Beauty ~ Horseback

This weekend I was able to visit Long Meadow one last time before winter. It was a beautiful weekend. We were gathering the last of the cattle. We had to find those critters in those mountains. What a beautiful time of year. All the trees were changing color and the air was crisp. Saturday was filled with a day of riding through some beautiful country looking for cows. We didn't find any that day but saw a lot of beauty. I never have my camera, which I often regret. I need to get a small camera that can fit in my vest. Sunday I got to go down the chute by myself. It was a great experience for both me & my mare. She is horse-sour, meaning she doesn't like to be alone. I had never ridden like that alone and was excited to be able to do so. We both did alright. We both have work to do but I couldn't have asked for a better partner. Pearl is fabulous. I look forward to many years and trails ahead of us!
I had a wonderful time with the Lord, my mare, & my friends. Even with all the beauty, my heart is never far from home. Aaron's favorite song for us is "My Front Porch Lookin' In". I understand that so much. My favorite view is from my front porch looking into our home. There is nothing to compare with when those you adore come running to you when you get home and grab your legs. They are so excited, and so am I, to see them, grab them into my arms, and hear their stories. It makes my heart swell at the recollection. I can't imagine what it will be like to run into my Abba's arms or grab His legs and tell Him how happy I am to be with Him. I can't wait! :)



Fall Colors in Sequoia National Park

Honor Roll

Fourth grade is when you are eligible for honor roll, at the girl's school. So we were very happy for Abigail to have made her first honor roll. As a proud parent, I attended the assembly and wanted to capture the moment on film.

Boy, am I happy I did that!

She was thrilled to smile for her Mama! It has begun!

Nevertheless, we are so proud of her & her hard work.

A Boy & His Tractors

Halloween 2009

Spirit Week

This week is "Spirit Week" at the girl's school. They are having so much fun dressing up each day. Today is Wacky Wednesday ~ too fun!

The posing photo..........

My "wacky" kiddos!

Happy Times!

Pearl's Debut

I am thrilled to report that Pearl had a fabulous debut. We have had the opportunity to work cattle the past couple of weeks. We had to gather cattle at a friend of my father-in-laws and I was able to see how Pearl was going to work out. She did great. She gives me what I ask for, when I ask for it, and doesn't get bothered by much. Okay, I still have not got the sorting thing down, especially when four people are telling me what to do! But experience will be the best teacher on that issue.

I also got to go help push cattle down from Tyler Creek. It was suppose to be an easy/short day. It was everything but that. It took a crazy amount of time. We had soooooo many calves we had to stop and load some up and just trailer them. The one funny story from this day was when I was chasing some cows that had turned back, my reins ended up on the same side and I was pulling the wrong one to stop. Hence Pearl was not stopping, or even slowing down at this point. I am running by Benny yelling, "We're gonna have a WRECK!!!" I was actually laughing and trying to get my reins in order. I was able to get her turned without having a wreck ~ thank you Jesus! That was a crazy day. The calves were so young and so many, they just made for the slowest day ever. We only did half the job that day, as we quit at dusk. I was assured that that was the worst they had ever had it go. Good, I can't wait for next year!

One thing is very true ~ cattle predict how long things take!

With all this, Pearl did a wonderful job. Wow, what a difference. Once you have had a "sassy" mare and then get one with a great temperament, it is crazy how good it feels. I am so thankful to have had Baby Girl first. I learned so much on her and through her. I would have been spoiled if I had had Pearl as a "first" horse. I have so much to learn & work on with Pearl.

I am excited for this journey in front of us.

A Day in his Shoes

We have established that the Abshires are already in the poison control database, due to our excitement with Hopie. Well, in this post it is a wonder how I make it through a day with Luke Josiah! I wanted to share a day in the life with Luke. Mamas of young boys will shake their head in understanding the following account.

Luke is totally two right now! He doesn't talk, but trust me when I say he makes his needs & desires known. I spend the day juggling the many tasks & chores that mamas do during the day, then add the wave of mess of a toddler to boot. I am walking through the house, talking to Aaron on the phone, when I pass by the girl's bedroom. I notice that a toy is flying in the air a little higher than it should be for Luke's size. I decide to check out what he is doing. I walk in on him standing in the middle of the top bunk of the girl's bed, throwing animals across the room and into the ceiling fan that is on! He climbed up the side of the bed, because I took the ladder to the bed down weeks ago to prevent him from climbing up to the top bunk.

Okay, Luke is down on the ground safely and the bed is blocked. I head upstairs to make my bed and hear something fall down outside the back door. I come down to find Luke holding his finger saying, "oooouuuuwwwwweeeeeee". He is giving me his finger to kiss. So I kiss his finger and ask him what he did. He takes me to the steps out back where my little man has stuck a set of keys into an outlet! Praise God, he blew the circuit. Ouwee! Ya' think partner! Ya just stuck a a set of keys in a 110 outlet. I am glad you can say ouwee! My feeler was stuck for a little while after that one. Needless to say, keys were put up HIGHER after that incident. He had used a chair to retrieve this set. He is a resourceful little critter!

So I bring him inside where things are safer. Within 5 minutes of being inside my little man has striped down to his birthday suit and dumped every toy basket in his room. He is so proud of himself. I just shake my head and decide to go get the camera. What can you do? I snap a picture of my son in all his glory.

Finally after my feeler has come down from the "electrician" escapade, I hear Luke callin' "Mama!" It is the mama that says "come see what I am doing". You know the tone! I head to his room quickly to find him in my saddle that is next to his "big boy" bed. He has figured how to get from the bed into the saddle. He was so proud he decided to show me how he did it. He stood on the edge of his bed and threw his chest on the seat of the saddle. Then he swung his leg over the saddle and pulled himself - upright!

I confess, I was impressed!

Go Luke Frost!

Keep in mind, this was ALL in one day! It is a wonder how mamas make it through some days. I wonder will Luke make it to his third birthday! He is killin' me! Boys are busy! I do love my little guy. He brings me the biggest smiles and cracks me up daily. He keeps me on my toes and is the reason I take a daily multi-vitamin!

Pumpkin Patch with Hopie

Magic Mountain

I can remember when Abbie was just a baby thinking that a trip to Magic Mountain was so far away. I wasn't eager for it, I just thought that she would never really be older enough or big enough to go to such a big place. Silly Mama! My little girl spent the day at Magic Mountain with her Papa & classmates as a reward for selling barbecue tickets for her school. This was her first year to sell tickets and she came in third place of her school in ticket sales. Go Abbie! She was quiet the saleswoman as I heard her on the phone selling tickets. She worked hard and we are so proud of her. But is she really big enough to go to Magic Mountain??? Papa informed me that they spent the day in "kiddie land"! That made this Mama happy. I know the day is coming that she will be off and running, but I am not there yet. I will add a picture once Papa sends them from his phone.

CBS - Community Bible Study

One thing I love about my fall schedule is getting back to CBS after the summer break. I miss it during the summer but love the break. This year Aaron & Abigail have joined CBS too. Aaron attends Monday night with Rob, at a small group. Abigail is doing the home study with Mama at home and enjoying being in His word. I have been out of leadership at CBS for a few years but have loved being back with the ladies that lead this Bible study. Here is a picture of most of the leaders in our aprons that our director made us this summer.

This year I took on the position as the Primary/Junior age Children's CBS. I teach the home schooled children the same lesson their moms are doing but at their level. I have loved it. I have a great group of children who faithfully do their lessons and come ready to learn. I love doing the object lessons, crafts, & snacks to match the lessons. We are studying Genesis this year. The children have loved some of the snacks we have made. When we did creation we made dirt out of pudding, Oreos, and gummy worms ~ they loved it. We also had fun studying the tower of Babel. For snack we made towers out of marshmallows & frosting. *Note - I served snack last ~ I didn't want to deal with children on a "sugar high" & the crash! * Sorry Moms!

My children have had their own fun with the leftovers from class.

Abbie in stitches

Abigail was playing over at her girlfriend Ellie's home Saturday, when things went south ~ fast! They were playing on a trailer when Abbie's leg broke through part of the metal. Papa got the call from Mike that Abbie needed stitches. We knew it was serious. She is amazing! Her high pain tolerance came in handy, for once! It wasn't handy when she was a toddler getting a spanking'! But we will take it here! 15 stitches later she looks pretty good! We praise Jesus for protecting her from any further damage. He is so good to us. Here is our patient going to church today.

Beach Trip

We were blessed to join our friend Bob and his family at the beach this past weekend. It was a weekend filled with lots of food, fun, & fellowship. The children had so much fun being right on the beach. We built the most incredible sandcastle that withstood the tide. We had such a lovely time and won't soon forget it.