Dust Bunnies

We have regular sightings of dust bunnies here at the Abshire home front. I wish it weren't so but that is life. But we witnessed a large collection of dust bunnies at the girl's school last night. The school is fortunate enough to be able to bring in a performing arts club to their campus for one week out of the year. The Missoula Children's Theatre is a travel performing art company that does an absolutely amazing job in just one week.
They hold auditions on Monday after school, pick the cast, and start practicing after auditions. They have a full-blown production on Friday evening. It really is amazing. Our girls tried out this year. Hopie landing a spot as a "dust bunny" in the show

~ A Princess and a Pea.
With no further ado, Hope as a "Dust Bunny":

Heartstrings

Luke is growing up so fast. We have so much fun hangin' out together. Don't be fooled that he isn't totally two, because he is! Nevertheless, he is quite the helper and very independent. He shows signs of excellent work ethic. We will see about that when it comes time to mow the lawn before hangin' out with his buddies or working on a car. Okay, we are so not going there yet!!!

I will take today and love it!

Today I had one of those "melt my stinkin' heart" moments. I was getting Luke out of his car seat when he grabbed my neck and pulled my ear to his lips. He whispers in my ear, "Yuv you" several times ~ UNPROMPTED! I melted right there in the driveway. I didn't want to put him down or leave that moment, it was priceless. This little man has my stinkin' heart wrapped around his little finger. BUT life needed to be conquered, so down he went to go and pull EVERY dvd out and empty the pots & pans cabinet! Never a dull minute around the Abshire home front.

PS

Being such a big helper, he knows how to

"pick it up ~ put it away".

That makes the messes & memories more enjoyable on Mama!

Snow Day

Every winter there is a storm that brings snow to Grandpa & Gigi's home. Well we were not disappointed this year. Although it did bring out every nut for both sides of the hill to play in the snow too. It was absolutely crazy up there. The CHP had closed the road & off ramps. We explained that we were going to see "my dad" at his restaurant (dropping names & all)! It worked, they let us through with a nod & a wink. I wanted so badly to take a picture of the hill FULL of people. I had never seen it like that. I didn't want to look like a tourist or push my luck with the nice officer. Happily we were off to the snow for some fun. Papa & I enjoyed a visit with my folks with plenty of coffee & hot cocoa. Here are our snow bunnies...

It is branding season around here, which means lots of great rides to gather the cattle that needs to be branded. I was blessed to be able two weekends in a row. I missed one of the most beautiful pictures, because I didn't have that great small camera that my man got me for Christmas, in vest pocket! I was thrilled because the cow boss said I had graduated to harder areas of the ranch. With that graduation came more beautiful country. We had some long days but no problems ~ a close call, but no disasters. We had plenty of help, which is always a plus. I got to brand a couple of calves, which is was pretty special to me.  We all had a great time doing what we love. Afterwards we enjoyed fabulous food and a nice time of visiting.

This Amiga hasn't learn to throw a rope yet, so I am on the ground crew.

The cow boss is working on the ear markings. They have a very distinct ear marking that you can see a long way out. He is neat to watch work.

I got to brand a couple of calves.

John helped me with one & I got to do the other by myself.

As for this job, we aren't going to go there!

Happy Trails!!!!

Kung Fu Hopie

Hopie has wanted to be in karate for a couple of years now. We wanted her established in school before she took on anything extra. We finally decided she could do it. The discipline of the art would be good for her temperament. Don't tell Hopie that! So here is our little Tae Kwon Do student.

Hopie is learning the basics before joining the class.

She is loving it.

Tae Kwon Do will be very good for her.
Papa has been practicing at home with her and she is excited to show her master how much she is working on things. She just doesn't yell at class, which has us totally baffled. We as her parents KNOW she can yell, but won't at class. We know that she will as soon as she gets comfortable, so watch out master!

New Years Day 2010

Happy New Year from the Abshire Clan!
We decided this was a great opportunity to head to the beach. The water is never too cold for the children. They are crazy! So off in the jammies we go........beach bound. Rob surfed, the girls chased waves & collected treasures, and Luke fed the birds!

It was a good time!