We told Cade to stay out of the mud, so Bopoo went and told him the opposite......who do you think he listened to?

Cade in his cowboy boots and diaper, stomping through the puddles.

Jess and Peaches

Playing in the puddles

I told Cade not to get in the mud, so Bopoo told him to do just the opposite.......who do you think he listened to?

Cade in his cowboy boots and diaper, stomping through puddles.

Jess on Peaches, she just turned two and she is doing great!

Peaches......day one

I started my young mare, Peaches, this week and she is coming along very nicely. Will committed to riding with me for a little while, so that we could get her started, and a few miles put on her under the saddle. I have the best brother in the world! Now if the weather would just cooperate. I know some of you are hoping I get to see a little action in the bucking area......I'll let you know what happens.

Christmas morning

Mom and Cade trying to open presents
Emily and Cade with her castle

Jess and Cade

Emily

Cade on his new horse 'Lucky' that he got from Momoo and Bopoo

Gavin on his motorcycle

Brandon loaded up all the kids and took them for a 4-wheeler ride.

Santa was really good to the kids this year.....he brought Emily her princess castle, Cade a barn with animals, and Gavin a motorcycle. The kids had so much fun opening all of their other presents too, and it looked like a tornado had been through our living room by the time they were done.

Christmas Card 2009

Dear Friends and Family,

Wow, what a year it has been! It is hard for us to believe that 2009 has come and is almost gone. These are some of the things that we have seen and done this year.

Quinn is now in his fifth year working as a lineman for Pedernales Electric Coop., and he loves the work there and all that he has learned. He had many opportunities to travel and work in other places this year, such as two months in Kyle, a weeklong trip to Junction, and an occasional trip to Marble Falls, among many other places. He loved the opportunity to meet new people and overcome new challenges. He works very hard, and in sometimes extreme weather conditions i.e. 100+ degree temperatures and thunderstorms, but he loves the work and the knowledge he has gained. When Quinn isn't being a lineman and a dad, he and his good friend Eric, have lots of fencing work to do. It isn't unusual for Quinn to work 7 days a week for weeks on end. Sometimes we are not sure how he keeps on going. Somehow he manages to do it all and never complains. Even with all that on his plate, he still manages to squeeze in our weekly roping. He loves his horse 'Rusty', and has got him working really well.

Most of the Time, I am still a stay-at-home mom, with the occasional substitute teaching (once or twice a week). What a blessing it is to be able to stay at home with my children! I can't imagine not being there for all the little milestones. I also decided this year it was time to get rid of that extra pound or two I had gained somwhere between my pregnancy with Emily, and long after Cade was born. Sure, I wanted to lose weight, but I wanted to make sure that it would be a healthy lifestyle change, not just a temporary diet. I also followed my sister and a few other friend's example, and picked up running. I never knew that would be something I would learn to love and crave. I love the new habits I have formed, and hope I can continue this lifestyle. In my spare time, I sold a horse, bought a new one, helped out on the ranch, taught the youth Sunday school class, and managed to squeeze in some great times with good friends. Recently I was able to join the Blair's team and work on weekends. I love the people I work with and they have made me feel like part of the family. Not to mention, I get to work in the cutest store EVER!

Gavin Started 1st grade this year. He loves his teacher, Mrs. Meier, and tells her she is the best teacher he has ever had. This is probably why he makes straight A's, besides being exceptionally smart. We are so proud of him and the example he is to his siblings. He celebrated his 7th birthday this year, and we cannot believe how fast he is growing. He loves riding his horse 'Strawberry' and going as fast as he can. He also loves riding sheep, and won several buckles, ribbons, and trophies this year, along with a few ribbons from competing in the barrels and pole bending. Gavin was able to go to Alaska for a fishing trip and the NFR in Las Vegas with his dad. He has seen many places and done many things for such a young man.

Emily has turned into our little horse riding, tomboy, princess, meltdown having, sweet as an angel, funny quote saying, precious little girl. I've always heard that kids say the darndest things, well she does! She keeps us laughing, whether it is what is coming out of her mouth, or the funny things she is doing. She loves getting dirty down at the barn, but still loves going shopping for toys, clothes, and shoes. I guess she does take after her mom after all.

Cade turned two this year, and I have to say that he is the best two-year old I've had. We have lots of nick names for him, like plar bear, gentle giant, tator, schnoocklfritz, booger, among others. He is stout, but he has a heart as big as he is. He already blind sides Emily and takes her to the ground. He can also be found with a rope in his hand most of the day. We can't get over how good he is at swinging a rope. We have never seen someone so small, love roping so much. I even have to take the rope into the grocery store with us. We have convinced him not to take it to church though. He also loves hanging out at the barn and riding the horses, going and feeding the cows, standing out on the porch watching them graze, watching Tech the tractor, and playing with his woo woos (trains).

We have so much to be grateful for, and most importantly we are so thankful for the Gospel in our lives and the blessings it brings us. We love the opportunity we have to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. We hope that this finds all of you happy and well. We wish you a Merry Christmas and a happy and safe holiday season.

Love,

Quinn, Jessica, Gavin, Emily, and Cade

I love this time of year!

This is one of my favorite times of the year. I love to sing Christmas songs, bake and decorate cookies, and shop for gifts, but most importantly, I love celebrating the birth of our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Merry Christmas!

We went and watched Gavin sing in his Christmas program. He did such a good job and we were so proud of him.

During the Holidays there are lots of family around, so with the extra help, we usually end up working cattle. Quinn and Cade riding......what cute cowboys!

Thanksgiving

For Thanksgiving most families get together and eat lots of turkey and dressing, and watch football.....but not us! We get together and work cattle. Yes, we eat lots of turkey too, but the majority of the day is spent horseback, and we love it! We couldn't imagine spending the holiday with our families any other way, and while we were out riding all day, it gave us lots of time to think of all we are thankful for. Quinn and I realize we both come from wonderful families who are so supportive, and we are so grateful for the family we have created. We have three healthy children, and we could not ask for anything more. We came to understand this year that what we have to truly be thankful for, are things that you can't buy with money! We love and enjoy the friendships we have had through the years that have become stronger, and also the new friendships that were created this year. We hope that all our family and friends had a great Thanksgiving also.

This momma cow really didn't like what we were doing to her baby, I was a little nervous about what she might do to me.

Quinn roped and drug calves on his horse "Rusty"

Quinn went fishing and caught two!

Dragging calves to the fork.


This is Quinn of his horse Rusty, roping calves to drag to the fire.

The kids loved watching, but stayed in the back of the truck where it was safe.

This is a cow that Bopoo(my dad) gave to the grandkids. He thought she would be easy to recognize.

This cow is super friendly, she knows we have good treats for her.

Lee, feeding the cow

The ground crew