Where's the song ~~ "Don't let your daughters grow up to marry a Cowboy" ?

​​​​​​​Life is tough! Requires hard physical work, long, long days of pain, dirt, and broken fingernails.​
​Days of frigid cold & scorching heat; through the dust & mud; daybreak into the darkness of nite~~​
​the heart & body becomes toughened & weathered replicating leather!​
​A forever constant factor for a real Cowboy's Wife is tons of sweat, oceans of tears and a constant 'drought' in the wallet!​
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​​​​​​​​​IF​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ she wants to spend anytime at all with her Cowboy, she must do as he does, you become partners!​
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​​​​​​Kick off your boots, grab a cup of coffee, sit back and envision yourself in my life!​
​... It really isn't that bad! There are many rewards to be had to make it a great lifestyle! ...​ ​​​​​​​


Thursday, January 1, 2009

2008 Memories...

...I bring with me into 2009

The following are my two most treasured memories...
the ones I will carry deeply embedded in my heart~ year after year!
***
Last Spring, our daughter, Hydro and her Wonderful Husband,
flew me to Southern California for a 10 day visit.
It had been a l-o-n-g two and half years since we had seen each other
and it turned into a visit of profound love and joy!
Getting reaquainted with the grandkids and witnessing how they had grown,
not just physically but emotionally, intellectually and as young children ~was astonishing!
These precious kids are amazing! I commend Hydro and WH on their spectacular job of parenting, teaching and for providing them with unlimited opportunities to soar on!!
I had so much fun being a Grammy!
I even tried those "Heeley" shoes with them around their garage and walkways!
I actually didn't even fall on my bum until I was standing still, talking with Hydro!
I helped them with their very first vegetable garden...
that is when they honored me with the title " a tough old bird"
as they skipped off to play with their friends for me to finish the grunt work!
I experienced the beautiful side of Hydro that I have deeply missed.
She is as a remarkable teacher as she is as a wife, as a mother
...as a best friend and as a daughter!
Her passion and compassion is endless!
Oh how I missed sharing in those times!
WH and Hydro have a huge project of getting their 2.5 acre desert
property landscaped since building their home.
I never imagined Hydro would learn to love gardening.
It was always my passion not hers.
I never asked for or expected help from her and her brother growing up,
as it was my private sanctuary, not theirs.
But she has found joy in gardening! And I was able to help!!!
We actually had the opportunity to spend some wildly windy days together ~
working side by side, as not just Mother and Daughter,
but as Best Friends!
(If you read this, Hydro...Thank You from the bottom of my heart!
I love you more than you will ever know!)
Ten days was not long enough!!
I wish with all my heart, that we could live close enough to
share in all of the daily things I know we are missing out on!
Thankfully, I do have this special time with Hydro, WH
and the grandkids
that I can reflect with love on...forever!
***
**
*
Then comes Christmas...2008!
This is a the most beautiful family memory...
Cowboy and I both, can languish in!
*
The kids came home from North Dakota and California!
We were able to spend our first Christmas together in OUR home in 15 years!
*
The Grandkids wished for snow! Well....they got their wish!
And then some more and more!



Let's go have some fun!
Who cares if it is only 12 or 13 degrees!
When you are young...
temperatures don't affect you much.
(I can vouch for that!)

Papa!
Let's Play!
The snow covered hills are calling!
(Mickey Blue Eyes & Papa)




The first day,
I'm telling my "Son"...(Hydro's WH) ->->
Now this is Freezing Fun!
(it really was!)
Mickey Blue Eyes and Dil had a blast creating a sledding run in deep, deep dry snow! Not an easy task either! Both "Sons" thought that driving a 4x4 up the hill would make for easier sledding. That was not possible! After a few trips down the hill, tredging back up again, Papa had an idea! Why not pull them on a sled behind the pickup...on a country road! He used to do that when our kids were young!
Oh how Mickey Blue Eyes and Dil enjoyed that! "Go faster Papa!"....and he did!

The next day, both "Sons" asked for permission to extend the sled run up higher!
It will make for more speed, more giggles....even more hiking, I might add!
They were granted permission to cut the fence (behind where WH & I stood...above picture). Fence cutters in tow and shovels in hand, those adult men (..or rather Boys, as they are both kids at heart!) set off to make a sled run to be remembered! Complete with jumps! They would send the kids down for "compacting purposes" and by the time the kids climbed back up, the "boys" had extended the run by atleast another 15-20 feet. When all was said and done, that run was over 300 meters long! You can't see the steepness to the slope from that picture,
but if you knew Palouse country...it gets mighty steep!




Way to go Dil!! as he crashed over the last jump towards the bottom!
Sledding speed (or was that sailing?)
got to...who knows! Way too fast!
The "Sons" tried so hard to get down their
own creation on those plastic disks
and toboggans, but they aren't built
for the 200# club so they never
reached the speed the kids did!



Or what Hydro and I did!


It was quite hard on
thee ol' bum at the packed bottom,
and over the jumps...
but what great fun!


Your turn Mickey Blue Eyes!
Hey! You are flying backwards!










Now we can't have a long day spent in freezing weather having a blast without some good ol' hot chocolate, now can we?

Would you look at those rosey cheeks?













After a warm supper and the chill
has left your bones, you can begin to feel
your feet again so why not do some dancing!
The Cowboy swing of course!
And do our kids ever know how to dance!
They spent years watching Cowboy and I!








Ok, Grammy, I've been outside today for over 7 hours without a break...I think I'll relax and read a good book!

Now, this Dil, is our "Brain" grandchild!
He is only 9 and reads 12th grade level stuff!
NO KIDDING!!!
And a speed reader on top of it!
And comprehension like I've never seen!!
(he's been reading the newspaper since he was 4)






And then there is our Mickey Blue Eyes..
She is our Miss Independant~Jokster
and such delight for us!

Come on Mommy and Uncle C...
let's play another game,
but not Monopoly
this time!


Time was filled with games and giggles galore
I can't show you the gag
pictures....sorry!
I'm in one of them!


We had tons and tons and tons of love surrounding us!





Cowboy and Hydro ... it had been 3 years since hugs could be shared between them!!
(I love this Picture!)










Our Christmas together ended much too soon!
We all vowed that it was the best ever and that there will never,
ever be so much time lapsed between building more beautiful memories~ together
Thank you, thank you...Hydro, "Son" aka Wonderful Husband (WH),
"Son", Dil and Mickey Blue Eyes for making these memories of 2008 so profoundly beautiful!!
***
**
*
(and Thank you Hydro and WH for capturing these pictures!)

~~~~~~~

I have 2 other memories of 2008 that will travel with me into 2009...


One is how wonderful my gardens displayed
for me last summer! Each year, with every
new growth and bloom, I'm amazed and
filled with pride!

I yearn for Spring, as I am anxious to expand my lavender, as my original plants blessed me with so
many new 'babies'... they are in pots and
ready for Springs arrival to find their own new beds!

Besides, I hate Winter!
I know, I just told you that last post...
but it's true!


Secondly, is the memories I've found here in this wonderful world of blogging!
I have made such wonderful friends here!
Shared in so many lives! Discovered amazingly talented people!
I am so blessed and so very thankful to have met each and every one of you...
so I'm dragging you along with me as we enter into a wonderful and brighter New Year!
Happy New Year Everyone!

44 comments:

BloggessJ said...

Happy New Year! Looks like 2008 was a pretty good year! I hope that 2009 is just as good!

Sage said...

Looks like your christmas was just heaps of fun and games in the snow, with family... lovely pictures but where were you? lol

Hope 2009 gives you as much endless pleasure with the family, and that things improve on the financial front. xx xx

The W.O.W. factor! said...

Sage! You early bird! (or am I showing my night owl feathers..)
I'm in the 1st one w/ daughter and then on hillside w/SIL! That is ALL you get! ;)

Anonymous said...

Dang it.... I stopped in for a quick peak before work, Now I have to go fix my makeup! What a wonderful time.... I love the smiles and the joy I feel reading your words and seeing your photos. I am sooooooo happy you had this time. My lovely friend, this is wishing you and your family a Happy, Safe, Prosperous New Years! Love,
Christina ((((((hugs)))))))))

Mrs. Mom said...

HAPPY NEW YEAR WoW!!!!

What a wonderful post, and a great way for to start the day here in the Southland. What beautiful pictures too- you have a lovely family, and those smiles are just fantastic!

May 2009 bring you ALL nothing but the best, health, joy, and prosperity!

The Wife said...

Loved your list of 2008 memories. Thanks so much for sharing. Your Christmas sounded absolutely perfect! I will not stand for you being away from your kids that long again. I will get you a plane ticket next time!

I want to thank you for being such a wonderful friend. Here's to 2009!

The Wife said...

Oh, one more thing...your Cowboy is pretty hunky! ;o)

Cactus Jack Splash said...

So glad you are posting again.
Have a wonderful New Year!

Alexandra MacVean said...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! :)

**hugs**

Sherry Sikstrom said...

What a wonderful post, you have a beatuiful family. So glad you were able to spend time together this Christmas. Happy New year to you and your Cowboy, Stay warm and safe and I too a m looking so forward to spring an d the warmth os the sun to renew us all.

Theresa @ Take A Sentimental Journey said...

Hi Barb, I am so thrilled that your whole family got to be together this year for Christmas. I bet those kids had a ball ! They will always remember that snow at christmas at grand mother's house. What a memory !
I hope you and cowboy have a healthy and prosperous New Year ahead ! HUGS to you my friend !

Sarah said...

I'm happy to be dragged into the New Year with you! I loved looking at the photos of your kiddos having so much fun in the snowy weather. You're right, I bet the "big" boys had just as much, maybe more fun than the kids making the big sled run!
I want to learn more about growing lavendar by the way...

Tatersmama said...

What a wonderful post and thank you for sharing your memories! It looks and sounds as if everyone had a wonferfully relaxing time and I'm so glad that you got to spend the time together as a family. :o)

Sam Elliot? Oh yeah baby! He's like a fine wine... he only gets better with age - and he could leave his boots at my door anytime!

BTW... you're not dragging me with you into the New Year... I'm coming willingly!
Have a Safe, Healthy and Happy New Year my friend!

(((hugs)))

Tatersmama said...

ooops... didn't spell check *blushes* I sounded like Lawerence Welk!
wonerful wonerful

Far Side of Fifty said...

Beautiful "Grands" I love their rosy red happy cheeks! You certainly had wonderful sledding conditions! You made good memories lady! Thanks for sharing those memories with us. Oh yah, I guess you can drag me along into this new year too! :)

The Blonde Duck said...

What a wonderful post! You have a beautiful family!

terri said...

Thank you for sharing your new Christmas memories with us! That was so fun! It looks like everyone had a fantastic time. Your pictures are great and your family is beautiful! I hope that 2009 is good to you.

AnneDroid said...

Fab post. I feel quite tearful reading it! My brother in law and sister in law are in mid air on their way back to New Zealand and I'm missing them already. That, together with your post, make me think I will treasure the time with my four kids now and take it less for granted, as they too will fly the nest one day.

Anonymous said...

Thank-you so much for sharing your family with us. You, dear lady, have become very dear to me. Happy New Year!

Rising Rainbow said...

What great memories! They looked like they had a blast in the snow!

Wishing You a Happy New Year!

Rue said...

Good morning Mamma Barb!!

Your family is beautiful and so are you. It sounds like a fantastic time and I'm so glad :)

I know you don't like winter, so could you send that snow here please??? ;)

Happy New Year and may you and your cowboy be blessed with all your hearts desires!

love and many hugs,
DADR

Janice Thomson said...

Loved hearing about your favorite memories Barb - how delightful that your family was together for Christmas after so many years - it was meant to be :) Wishing you even better memories in the coming year.

Glenda, saved by grace said...

What good times!
Happy new year Barb!

Shirley said...

Awww, great pictures and what a good looking, happy family! So glad you got to have a Christmas all together!

Paula said...

Wonderful memories! Your family is beautiful and I'm so happy they spent Christmas with you and Cowboy! What a wonderful time.

Blessings~
P.

gtyyup said...

What a beautiful family! Thanks for sharing your precious times.

I wish more of the same for you in 2009!

DesertHen said...

What a wonderful post. Look at all that snow and all of that FUN! Your Grandchildren are so darling!! I love the photo with their rosy cheeks while they are enjoying their hot chocolate. What wonderful memories you made over the holidays!! I'm so happy I found you in blogging land and have enjoyed getting to know you...=) I'm so glad you are dragging me into 2009 with you...oh the fun we will have...=)

Happy New Year W.O.W and Cowboy!!

Sending warm (((HUGS))) your way!

Sarah said...

Oh, Barb! It looks like you and your family had a wonderful time together. Such sweet pictures.

Paula said...

Barb - Thank you for the beautiful comment. I have you saved as a favorite!

Blessings New Friend!
P.

Renie Burghardt said...

Oh Barb, what beautiful memories, with beautiful pictures that clearly show the love and the fun you all had together. The grandchildren are adorable, and Hydro looks like the Cowboy! Both have beautiful smiles!

What a loving tribute to your precious family. I hope you get to share many more magical Christmases together.

Happy New Year, dear Barb.

Hugs and blessings,

Renie

Jenn said...

OOOHHHHHhhhh blogger dumped my comment in the process of posting! Ohhhhhhhhh!

Lets see... you mean you went 2.5 years without your bathrobe? HYDRO!

I love the grandkids and the snow pictures. I bet they are thinking this sure isin't the desert! LOL.

And I agree with the other ladies, cowboy is hunkalicious!

Now for you... I hope you have a calmer new year! No more chasing wild fillies in your pj's with a flash light, no more critical ice storms, and that you keep all your digits in tact!

Luvs ya and God bless you and yours this comming year!
JennyLu

RazorFamilyFarms.com said...

What gorgeous pictures!!! I love them! You have such a beautiful family and it is simply no surprise because you are so completely wonderful!

Thank you for your love and support throughout this foster, adopt, go a little crazy, and suddenly wake up with kids time in our lives.

We are busy but happy. It feels like we are finally exactly where we are supposed to be.

Love to you,
lacy

Tracey said...

How wonderful that you were able to spend Christmas with your family! Loved the pics...looks like everyone had a wonderful time.

Vaquerogirl said...

What a wonderful Christmas you had! Hurray!
I am so glad for you and your daughter to reconnect. My daughter lives just a few miles away, we see each other almost every day and I treasure each moment with her!
Happy New Year!

The Muse said...

What a treasured post of family....I feel as if you were in flight as you wrote these words...my what a glorious time you had!

LL said...

Dern sobbin' women...

Mighty fine lookin' family WOWie... Mighty fine...

Have I ever asked you if you have any single daughters? :P

The Ginger Darlings said...

Happy New Year to you. When I was a kid I dreamed of being a cowboy!
My kids have grown so fast and in the last few days I have realised my son has become a young man!
Ah well, time flies.
Good to meet you.
Love from Jackie and the gingercats

Egghead said...

Oh Barb it sounds like you had such a lovely Christmas. Thank you for sharing the photos. You have such a beautiful family, all of you. Treasure all of those memories. Blessings to you and yours for this new year.

Vonda

Amy Plumb said...

It sounds as if you had the best Christmas ever! I hope those memories do make your New Year seem so much brighter all year long.
Amy

Robynn's Ravings said...

Hi There! What a beautiful way to start your year....looking back at the good stuff! I LOVED your pics and you have such a lovely family. I can't wait to dig in here and read more.

I'll be back and want to thank you so much for stopping by my "house" and for letting me know you laughed!

I'm a country woman at heart, stuck in the city. I'll live vicariously through you and not be bothered with pesky things like reality. See you soon.

Train Wreck said...

Look how pretty you are! What a great looking family. I am thankful to have met you. You are one in a million my friend. Yes it was warm in the valley. I enjoyed sitting in the sun. Warm wishes sent to you, For a start of a wonderful New Year!

Anonymous said...

I am completely charmed by the big smiles on those beautiful kids! And your picture with Cowboy is so special. What fun to have such family time together.

Anonymous said...

Absolutely beautiful, loving, and fun family! Your pride and love for them shines from these photos shared. Family time is special beyond words.

Anonymous said...

I'm catching up with what's been going on in your life. It must have been so great to be together like that! What an unforgettable X-mas it must have been. If it wasn't for not liking winter one would almost wish it was X-mas again!