A Dear John To My Twenties.

Y'all I turned 3-0 today!  

My lovely twenties,

Boy, did we have some fun?!

We also made a lot of dumb decisions...like driving across the border into Tijuana for a fun weekend. How can that ever be a good idea? A lot of stupid occured with you; you had a way of justifying everything. I was young with you, very immature with you and very ignorant with you, but I loved you so, so very much. You were a constant reminder that I could (and did) get away with almost anything. I was 20 and I was living and loving my life even if I was pushing it to the edge a bit.

I made a lot of friends while with you and also lost a few which, I've learned was a good thing...for the most part.

I joined a sorority which I never thought I would do, but am so grateful that I did.  You were there when I dealt with two hard losses that I didn't think I'd get thru. You were there after these losses triggered a chronic disease that I thought at the time would ruin my life. I can be so dramatic. With you I was blessed with two adorable nephews and the most unique little girl that I get to call my niece not to mention one special little four-legged that I fell in love with even after I thought I wasn't ready to be a dog parent again. You most recently blessed me with this wonderful, beautiful life in the country. You are pretty badass for that. Thank you.

While with you I was often mad that I couldn't and didn't voice my opinion when I really wanted to. I've improved on that. Thank Gawd.

I spent lots of money that I didn't have on trips to Vegas. I am, however very glad I went often with my awesome college sorority sisters because had I not I would have never met my hunky hubby. What a story! So, thank you again for justifying everything.

With you I moved away from all I knew for "some guy" that I had so much hope in. I just had that feeling. You know, that feeling you only really hear about in movies. It was a huge leap faith that I owe to you. All of my experiences led me to have the courage to take such a leap of faith. I now call that guy, my husband and I love him with every ounce of my soul.

Looking back, I've come a long way. I'm no longer that ignorant, immature girl I once was. I've graduated from a girl to a lady. I walk with my head up, I speak my mind when appropriate and I feed the friendships you gave me as often as I can. I continue to make new friends and experience new adventures...something you taught me to always look for and leave my door open to.

I had a lot of challenges with you and while going thru them it was impossible to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Looking back I realize everything worked out just fine. Thank you for having my back and looking out for me. That is something I will take with me. The reassurance that everything always just.works.out.

Thank you for an educational, unpredictable and wild ride. I wouldn't change one thing about it.
Not a thing.

I'll take the loss, all the mistakes, sadness and bouts of depression for all the life I can say I've lived. And to think...I'm only 30! I have lots of time to accomplish so much more! :)

I'm embracing this new decade and will make it mine. It's about damn time 30 looked good!

Today we say goodbye. You will be missed, but not forgotten.
Thank you,
Veronica

Family Trip to the Farmers Market

One thing I love about summer is the Farmer's Market.

A few weeks ago we took a family trip to the Farmer's Market here in town and walked away with some delicious fruit.

We took a walk on a nearby trail and Jiggy got to cool off in the pond. She loved it.

Summer has been good to us this year.

It's sad to see it come to an end.

{What is one of your summer highlights?}

{happy friday!} Where the hell have I been?!

Wowza! It's been a busy last couple of weeks.

We got back from vacay and jumped right in to planning our local Farm Bureau's summer picnic. The picnic was last night and although the turnout wasn't as large as we'd hoped, it was still a success!

Now that the picnic has passed, I will begin working with a committee on our local county fair. Before the fair however, a few city slickers er, I mean family members will be coming into town!

My mom, Aunt Toni, Aunt Dolores and Grandpa will be coming to visit us next week! I am so excited for them to come, see and live my life out here in the country for a few days. I know they will love it, after of course, they get passed the sheep sh*t on their shoes, the elevation change and the mosquitos attacking every uncovered part of their bodies.

I predict this visit will be a great success because I have some very fun things planned.

Here's some insight to one place I'll be taking them ....

Yee haw!



source: from here



So, tell me what fun things do you have planned for the weekend.

Hope you are staying cool wherever you are!

 Stay tuned...

I have some awesome giveaways coming up the first week of August for my one year blogiversary. 

You don't want to miss 'em!

June is a good month.

What a wonderful month this is going to be! Let me give you a few reasons why.

Summer is here!
The lambs are looking strong and healthy and our feed is nice and green.
Vegetables have been planted in my first garden. (With the help of my green thumb mother-in-law.)
We've booked our summer trip to Mexico. Yippee!
My mom is booking her tickets to visit me next month. Double Yippee!
My sister-in-law, her husband and my nephew will be here in a few weeks.
Morgan and his girlfriend are coming back for a visit this month. 
My best friend shared with me the most wonderful news a few days ago.
AND I am celebrating 2 years of marriage today ya'll!

I love that our wedding day remains to be the happiest day of our lives. J and I often talk about all the fun we had and how wonderful that day was.

Here are a few of my favorite pictures from our wedding day.

Here we are, two years later living in J's hometown tending to hundreds of sheep and most importantly, we are happy.

Now, it's your turn. What is going to make June a wonderful month for you? 

My people.

I'm back!
It's amazing how disconnected I feel from the blogosphere after only 6 days away. I'm trying to get back in the swing of things and have lots of stories to share with you, but for now I will tell you about my trip.

My visit with the fam was amazing and the sad reality is that it will never be easy leaving them. It's taken me a few days to try and pull myself out of this funk. This always happens. When I get home from seeing my family I get a little depressed and obsess about finding a weekend I can get back out there for another visit. This will all subside in a few days and I will be happy and content again.

After 5 and a half years of being away from them I still cry every single time I leave. My feelings remind me of what Kelle Hampton said a few weeks ago, "The unfortunate part of going home to visit is that once you are there, you begin to remember what you gave up to move away."

Although we flew out to TN, CA is home base for all of us. My mom, dad and little brother will move back to CA at the end of this year after fulfilling a 5 year job contract in TN.
When I use the word 'home' I am referring to wherever it is that my family is all together.

This was home this past week.

I am happy where I am in my life, but no matter how happy I am there will always be a bit of sadness because I can't see and be with my family as often as I would like.

My family is very important to me. We've been through a lot together and I will never have a bond with anyone like I do with them. It's special and one of a kind. Like my sis always says, they are, "My people."

On a lighter note the graduation was fantastic! I had shirts made and some pretty awesome signs too!

My little brother was so happy to have us all there and it was great to be there.

We spent quality time together, ate like pigs, played Scrabble, went to Chickamauge Battlefield.

Chickamauge Battlefield

I got to spend a whole day with my cousins, aunt, uncle and brother at  Dollywood, which I haven't done in years!

We celebrated my niece's and my birthday, my sister gave me a make-up lesson, we shopped a little and continued to eat like pigs.

I was sure to enjoy the beautiful (and very green) scenery.

Now that I am home I think about what I gave up to move away and although that was my choice it still makes me a little blue.

I do feel however, that being a few states away is healthy for me and my family. You see, we argued a lot when we were all near each other. A lot.

The time we spend together now are better cherished since they are far and few between.

It was a wonderful visit and I am grateful for the memories.

Now...back to ranching.

Happy Birthday and Hasta Luego.

Well friends, I turned 28 years old yesterday and it felt just like any other day. I'm happy, I'm healthy and I am loved.

Although, I am not as cute as I used to be.

My day started with a flood of messages from my wonderful friends and family and ended with a delicious dinner at my in-law's house. This morning I jumped on a plane and headed south and am now spending time with my lovely family.

Another reason to celebrate is my little brother is graduating!

Happy Dance!!

I couldn't think of a better birthday.  

This was my little brother as a baby:

This is my little (big) brother now...



Isn't he handsome?

I can't believe he's graduating! I remember the day he was born like it was yesterday. ::sigh::

It wasn't a happy beginning, him and I were fighting for the "baby of the family" spot.
I did not hand over the title nicely.

So, a bunch of us will be staying at my mom and dad's beautiful home in the south.

I do wish J was here, but he hasn't earned enough PTO on the ranch. That was a big, fat JOKE.

Rancher's don't get days off. This, I am learning and I have a feeling this is the first of many trips I'll be taking solo.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend and while you are at it -
Have a celebratory drink for me!

I apologize if this blog post has already shown up in your blog reader. Blogger ate my post yesterday. :/

Herding with the Puppies Vlog.

What do you think of my vlog post?

A Mother's Day post for my sister.

"Your sister is your only friend."
Dad used to tell my sister, Jen and I this all the time when we were young.

As teenagers we scoffed when he'd say this and reply (with an eye-roll of course), "Okay Dad. Whatever."

He would go on to explain that you should never use the word 'friend' loosely because people you think are your friends may just hurt you.

It wasn't until high school and college that I accepted that, once again, our parents were right.

My sister, my best friend - Happy Mother’s Day to you.

You are a cook, chauffeur, a nurse and a teacher, but the list doesn't stop there.

You are a cheerleader, a referee, you are the glue that holds your family together. 

You always wear a smile.

You are patient, you are giving and you are kind. You are thoughtful, sincere and always consider other people's feelings.

I am so glad to have you by my side each and every day.

We were best friends as little girls and best friends now (we won’t talk about the years in between ;)) and for this, I am grateful. I strongly believe God made us sisters for a reason. We are so different, but I think that is a good thing - I can't imagine being exactly alike. That wouldn't be very fun.

I love the way you can make people laugh. I love how you bring the fun to every gathering. I love your quirky moments and corny jokes.

I love your laugh.

I enjoy each moment we spend together.

This is a day to celebrate your many accomplishments as a mother and a day for you to know you are loved by so many.

You are a blessing to all those that know you. We are the lucky ones.

I love you sis.

Happy Mother’s Day.

...and because I know you love the little lambies. I took this picture just.for.you.

Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers reading my blog! I hope your day is as wonderful as you wish it to be! How are you spending your day?

A Mother's Day post for Mom.

It took me a long time to realize this, but my mom is one amazing woman.

Not only has she successfully raised 6 children (including a stepdaughter), but she taught us so much. My mom instilled beliefs and morals in all of us that I think a lot of people lack and most importantly she taught us how to love.

She taught us that it's okay to be overly compassionate.
It's okay to show love.

It’s okay to speak your opinion as long as it's in a respectful way.

It’s okay to have a bad day (just don’t take it out on her).

Hug often.

Smile at strangers even if they won't smile back.

Give with all your heart.

Befriend often and always believe in the good in people.

This Mother’s Day my mother deserves an award. You see, she’s been raising children for 40 years and next week, her youngest, my little brother is graduating high school. Now that is a huge accomplishment, don't you think?

Mom, here is your award.  All your hard work has finally paid off!

Thank you for your support and encouragement all these years. Thank you for the love you give (and the care packages you send). Thank you for always listening to me, even when I get up on my soap box. Thank you for your honest advice each and every time I ask for it. Thank you for always being just a phone call away. Thank you for always believing in me.

I think I speak on behalf of all your children when I say, thank you for all you've done for us and continue to do for us. We love you and truly do appreciate you! 

Someday when I am a mother I hope to have the strength, courage and devotion for my kids as you have for yours. 

I love you so much. Happy Mother's Day.

it's a lovely day.

Seven years ago I was living my life - working, living on my own I thought I had it all. Then I met my husband.

That is when I started loving my life and everything about it. I learned what it meant to love with all my heart and to give for the sake of giving.

Since I met J things just keep getting better. Through my husband I have met some awesome people and created everlasting friendships. 

I've also learned how to keep my long distance relationships alive because even though I don't see you everyday I love you with all of my heart and soul.

How lucky are we to live this life surrounded by friendship and love?! Valentine's Day is yes, a Hallmark holiday, but also a day to celebrate love. Today and everyday I am celebrating the love that makes me complete, the love that makes my life so wonderful and beautiful and real. THIS is what life is about - not the car you drive, the house you live in or how much you have in the bank. It's about the stuff you can't REALLY see...the things that fill your heart with joy.

Today I thank my husband, my family and my friends. Thank you for all the love and support you continually show us. You make my heart whole. Each and every one of you.

*it's nearly impossible to post pictures of everyone that I hold close to my heart - but that is a fabulous problem to have. 

tell me something I don't know.

In honor of Valentine's Day I thought I would tell you a bit about my husband since you don't know too much about him.


J is a lover, a steadfast friend, a peace keeper and a damn hard worker. He loves me (that says lots!), he loves his family and is one of the most loyal people you will know.

He's pretty awesome and here are a few reasons why...

Not only does he put up with me on a daily basis he owns two businesses that are running quite successfully.
He sets goals and conquers them even if it takes a few attempts to get it right.
He is patient. Oh, so.very.patient.
He cooks dinner when I am not up to it.
He makes my breakfast every morning.
He starts my car in the morning and in these freezing cold temps - that is love.
He sees the good and beauty in everyone and everything.
His cup is always half full.
He gives 110% into everything he does.

People tell me I'm a lucky girl, but I already knew thaat. :)

funny cards.

My mom finds the most appropriate cards for J and I.  Here was J's birthday card.

30 years

My lovely husband,

Happy 30th birthday.

You have worked so hard this past year (especially the last few months) and deserved a birthday celebration to remember!

This past weekend was a great way to ring in not only the new year but the next decade of your life! Can you believe that twenty of your hometown friends came, some driving as many as 16 hours, just to celebrate your special day?! Goes to show how very special you are to everyone that knows you.

I look forward to celebrating many more birthdays together and on your 60th being able to look back and see how far we've come.

I love you so very much.

Happy Birthday.

At J's b-day dinner. He walked into a room full of his closest friends yelling "Surprise!"

J grew up with these boys. They hadn't skied together in years.

This was the year...

This was the year I took a trip to Seattle, Costa Rica and of course a few trips to California to see my family and friends. 

 

This was the year more healthy babies were born.

My good friend Aubs and Maris had beautiful baby boys and my handsome nephew Siley was born! 

This was the year that good friends came to visit me in Colorado!

 

This was the year our family of two grew by one furry dog,

hundreds of sheep...

some goats and horses...

and 11 working dogs!

This year started and ended like any other year; trips were taken, babies were born and memories were made. 2010 however, will hold a special place in my heart. This is the year my father-in-law was diagnosed with cancer, the year we quit our jobs and moved to the ranch. This is the year I became a Sheep Rancher's  Wife.

For 2011 I'm not going to make any New Year's Resolutions or make a 2011 To-Do list because if I've learned anything this year it is that plans don't always go as planned. I can make a list to do a million things but in an instant my priorities can and will change. Instead I am making a vow to enjoy the moments in 2011 and to simply roll with the punches.

I look forward to what 2011 has in store!

Signed,

A Rancher's Wife