All Hands on Deck

When we get to brand our new calves in the Spring, everyone wants to help!  I mean, Jeremy and my parents by this point have branded hundreds, but for the few we keep near our house, the kiddos count down the days.

Everyone has a job.  But, I would be lying if I said they didn't also look forward to sitting on the tailgate and eating as many mini Snickers bars as they can, washed down by their Gatorade.  Branding is hard work, you know!

This year, they even rode a bit more.  This is my mom's orphan horse she raised from birth, so you can imagine how close she is to him.  Well, John Paul was pretty upset afterwards when she wouldn't trade him for a piece of candy.  The nerve!

This one is always observing.

So it begins.

 One helped hold.  Another helped brand.  And, another sprayed the Iodine.

My mom has always been the brander, and there isn't anyone better!

Who would have ever thought that when we moved here, this guy had never ridden a horse?!

No drama here.

This one is afraid of every dog she sees...but a giant horse, no big deal.

It's a season of a lot of work for weeks.  I know it's much harder on the ones doing it all than it is on me, but for the few hours we all get to help brand our own, it's magical.

December: In Review

This is a long one...

Papa and Elley got a little pony for the kids to ride.  His name is Peanut.  And...he is ornery!

 We saw Santa.

 And, we had fun decorating despite what some faces may appear to be saying.

 We made cookies for the feast of Saint Lucy (a few days early).

 Saint Nicholas came.

John Paul turned five!

 He wanted to go to Kabuki.

 And, he very specifically wanted this...

The kids had matching PJs.  Some were happier than others.

We had a cookie decorating day with friends.

 Some like sprinkles more than others.

 She is a pro.

That same friend made me a cake, and I immediately had to make one for my family.  Seriously, it's on my list of all-time favorite desserts.

We made a gingerbread train (we like to mix it up from time to time).

 Carter and Peter had their first piano recital.

 Then, Christmas began.  These two are only two months apart.

 And this girl adores her uncle.

 He got new spurs.

 Christmas...Round 2.     

We read the Christmas Story.

 John Paul decided to help Sophie make use of her nail painting kit - sweet brother.

 The kids helped Aunt Julie open a ton of presents that weren't really hers...and I joyously caught it all...not knowing they weren't hers either.

 John Paul got his s'more maker.

 Christmas...Round 3.       

 We went to Mass on Christmas Eve.

 And, we celebrated again on Christmas Day.

 This girl had a popcorn ball...or five!

 Jeremy learned to make pasta.  This might be very bad.

 I finally learned how to make my grandma's fudge.  It only took seven attempts over the last two years.

 We took Peanut for a ride.

 And, I got a week with my best friends...

And, we finally had somewhat of a little snow.

2017 -  it's been great, and we've been so blessed.