Farm at Sunset

Last night we headed out to check on the cows. It was right after 8pm when we got going. They greeted us at the gate in the back pasture. I forgot to take my camera off of "kids and pets" for the first picture so it's a little dark.

 

Isn't it beautiful?

This here, this is not beautiful. This is drought. We could use some rain. We could use a slow down pour for several days, maybe even a week or two? It's so frustrating to see such lush weeds and brittle brown grass. (I think we could do some shredding...) 

Again, a hard to see picture here. It's of the horses. They were running around kicking up their heels. I always get nervous when they do that. 

So, that was our little trip at sunset. I have the usual things to do today with the hopes that I can get all 4 loads of laundry put away (and wash more laundry),  clean up in the laundry room, get some plants potted, plan out supper, tend to the garden and chickens and horses.

Just for fun here's what I looked like last night. I need to explain my attire first. I went to town yesterday and was wearing jeans with this shirt. When I got home it was a blazing 143 degrees outside so I grabbed the first goofy looking skirt I saw in my closet. Then, because I didn't want to be bit on the ankles by a snake I pulled my boots on. This was all fine until T wanted to take my picture. So, here I am. Keeping it real for y'all. Laugh all you want.

Hilarious, no? At least I have the sense to not walk around in public like this. 

Wait, is the Internet public? Is this blog public? 

Possibly regretting this,

Mama

Bargains make me happy

Over the weekend we went to Lowes. (I know, big surprise!) We went to get some fencing for the backyard and I was going to ignore all the beautiful plants...until we got there. The first thing we heard (we went straight into the garden center) was that all the plants were 50% off and vines were 75% off. The exception was vegetables. Oh my word, I picked a fence out and then ran back to flowers and did a celebratory dance. At that price I could actually afford some really nice plants! I picked out two pink Knockout rosebushes (2 gallon pots), another plumbago, Esparanza (yellow bells), Carolina Jessamine (a beautiful vine) and a Bougainvillaea vine (both already about 3 feet high). I would have paid around $200 for those plants full price. We all know I can't afford that for my "Can I Keep It Alive 2011" experiment. It was a steal for about $45. Since we have black clay for soil and it's very difficult for me to work with I'm going to make a raised bed for the roses and pot the rest of the plants. I'll take some pictures for you while I'm out working and try to post them tomorrow.

We are getting ready for a trip to the grocery store (another big surprise). Also, I am getting the "rip it out and start over" bug. In my kitchen. We don't have any budget for a kitchen makeover so I'm going to be browsing the DIY blogs pretty heavily. To give you an idea of what I want my kitchen to look like here's these:

Sorry, I didn't save the source

 bhg.com It bothers me that the photo isn't "level"

So, open shelving.... what's your opinion of that? And I'm not into the curtain below the sink (no way! I need locks to keep the kids out!) Light blue walls and clean white cabinets with black hardware. No clutter. I am ready to throw a lot of things out. I have some motivation... but I also need follow through. Help me out friends! Give me some ideas down in the comment section or some "I've been there" encouragement. I'd really appreciate it!!

Have a totally terrific Tuesday,
Mama

Look, we went to the park

This weekend we: got fencing for the backyard, more flowers for me, the kids went swimming, ate (a lot), went to the park,  hung out with T's family, watched the Mavericks win (!), finally went to sleep. And now it's Monday morning... complete with messy house from the weekend, piles of clothes waiting to be washed, sink full of dishes and a Mama that needs lots of coffee to make it through.
I think I'll share some park pictures today.

D looking very handsome. He insisted on playing soccer the whole time.

Rose. Look at the freedom she has here. She really took advantage of it.

Ry had to pout for a few minutes...

Thank goodness we stopped at Sonic and got two Route 44 Cherry Limeades.

We were guzzling them the entire time. Especially D. After each kick of the ball he would run over and grab the cup and say, "Hold on, I need a drink cause it's hot out here." 

And it was hot. It was around 95 at 11am. 

This is just... my life. Can I not have one, just one, picture of me with the kids? Rose kept trying to run away, Ry was doing alright and D was only interested in Cherry Limeade. 

Here's the most acceptable photo. I wish I'd taken my glasses off. Notice they are all looking at the camera (it's a challenge) and I'm holding onto Rose and Ry pretty tightly (so they won't run).

This is why we prefer Jason to come out and take our pictures. (He took the pic I use for my profile.) We had been talking about it all weekend and then Sunday night he called T! (Like fate or something.) So we are scheduled for July. I may be asking for some of you ladies for advice on attire. Be prepared.

Here's the ending picture y'all.

This was Mama and Daddy's idea of a cute picture. Well, really we wanted the boys to give Rose a hug. With them all smiling and looking angelic. Rose would not have it. Ry decided to stay out of it but D tried his best. After this we left. The kids were worn out. (That's probably why they didn't want to cooperate for pictures. I'll remember to have them well rested in July.)

I'm a Monday's child,

Mama

Totally Boring (but you asked for it)

Hey y'all. I am happy to report that yesterday I actually got some things accomplished. I baked some brownies for after supper, otherwise called dessert (I might have sampled them pretty heavily before then, though.) I washed two loads of laundry and managed to put away some of it. I cleaned up the kitchen (don't laugh, it takes effort to keep it clean.) I planted a bunch of flowers that my mom dug up out of her garden and gave me. If they die I'm blaming my soil. I did the usual farm chores and even remembered to set out something to thaw for supper. We ate and then watched game 5 of the NBA finals. Actually I only watched half of it. T stayed up and let me know who won. Last night I kept waking up to unclench my jaw. Every so often I do this clenching thing and then suffer the consequences the next day. I've got a headache this morning. As soon as I eat breakfast I'll be taking some medicine.

She shares your boredom

I really wish she'd say something slightly interesting

In addition to my usual tasks I changed up some stuff on here. You'll notice I now have a profile picture, some share buttons at the bottom of the post and a new closing picture. You can also leave me a comment. That's not new, I just thought I'd remind you!

She shares my excitement

She also got all her coolness from me

I hope y'all have an awesome weekend. We've got plans (oh no!) for the park, swimming and maybe some grilling.
Mama
P.S. Look! I totally posted every day this week! (weekends excluded, of course)

Classic "I'm busy post"

Since I woke up late this morning, have some congested children to tend to, have a mountain of laundry to wrangle...I'm posting some pictures from yesterday morning.

Wednesday Morning Sunrise

Charity

Habenero

Who said I couldn't have pretty flowers if I have boys? They inadvertently watered my plumbago for me!

Have a fantastic Thursday,

Mama