one of these days we're gonna set this circus down...

project 52|4

2012-01-30T17:47:00.000-07:00

week 4 | unexpected perspective

loving the little details

2012-01-25T20:38:00.000-07:00

Sometimes a birthday is best celebrated with fresh powder on a cold mountain side.

(and here i am checking mr. dogs teeth and eyes- seriously i call him my "lemon"-

the dog is about as accident prone as they come!)

2012-01-23T19:14:00.001-07:00

Have i mentioned the drovers is quite the charmer? He knows just how to make me weak in the knees. Case and point- this weekend he spent an entire afternoon at the museum of natural history- not because history or museums are really his thing- but because he knows how to spoil a girl on her birthday!

and if your out this way- you should defiantly check out the new natural history museum- it's simply amazing!

project 52|3

2012-01-23T17:11:00.002-07:00

week 2 | negative space

ah snow- finally.

2012-01-20T21:01:00.001-07:00

love is heart of the world.

It's true i love these two boys more than anything. The drover- he's my everything, my sounding block, the voice of reason, and the one who gets me and loves me despite all my craziness. And maybe i should be slightly embarrassed by how much i love that furry little guy- but i'm not- he's part of us- who we are. These two mean everything to me- the heart of my world.

oh and i'd advise everyone to attempt to take their pictures with a remote, tripod, and border collie- it makes for an eventful day and some seriously funny candid photos!

2012-01-18T18:14:00.001-07:00

Well i never figured i'd be the type of girl to make my own homemade laundry soap but hey here i am. This recipe is super easy and saves you money- big money. I'm talking around the total cost is around $6 for 550 loads. When we make this recipe/batch it usually lasts us (myself and the drover) around 2 months. Here's what you need;

1 bar of soap (any kind will do but i use dove free- i'm allergic to any kind of scents- yeah that includes lotion, perfumes, body wash, candles etc)

1 cup borax

1 cup washing soda

a big pot (that holds more than 2 gallons)

a grater

a funnel

a long spoon

2 empty containers

optional: a few drops essential oil for smell

Step 1- Place 1 gallon water into your pot-

Step 2- grate your bar of soap and add it to your pot- heat the water and soap until the soap fully dissolves.

Step 3- add 1 cup washing soda and 1 cup borax to pot- stir until it comes to a boil

*watch your pot carefully- it boils over it your not careful*

Step 4- once it boils add 1 galloon cold water- turn off heat and allow it to cool. As it cools it will start to coagulate (gets thicker) usually within 24 hours. Using a funnel pour soap into containers.

I use about 1/2 cup per load. On a side note this soap doesn't make suds like regular laundry soap but cleans wonderfully. I haven't had any problems with unclean clothes or colors fading. Happy washing.

2012-01-15T21:18:00.000-07:00

project 52|2

2012-01-15T21:16:00.000-07:00

week two | responsibility

This little border collie has taken on the role of a watchful protective babysitter without even a second thought. Someday mr. dog will make an awesome older brother.

and for more on project 52-

you can find the info over here and here

2012-01-11T20:36:00.000-07:00

Spent the day with these two cute boys! This very protective border collie and myself are sure gonna miss this cute little one when he goes home next week.

2012-01-08T20:08:00.000-07:00

Ahhh the snow finally came. Just in time for a lazy weekend filled with movies, morning cuddles, a costco trip and two snow filled adventures at the park. Love these two boys of mine.

2012-01-02T22:13:00.000-07:00

Seriously- i may be slightly partial (he is our seventh little) but there's not many things more

darling that this little man in his daddy's glasses!

more photos

2011-12-31T22:18:00.001-07:00

These templates for my sister in-laws baby shower have become quite the hit on pinterest- and since i've been sending them out in mass emails i thought i'd make my life a bit simpler and just leave them here to download.

Click on each image to download a PNG file of the template- i'll i ask is give credit back to my blog if you use them! Thanks!

2011-12-29T20:47:00.001-07:00

more of these cute little girls over here...

2011-12-26T21:19:00.000-07:00

We're blessed to have 7 (soon to be 9) little ones in our life. And since we love these little people just about more than anything- we always try to find them memorable christmas presents. This year i came across the idea for fort building kits and i knew thats what we had to do! (seriously growing up we were always building forts- once we made one that covered the entire basement) So I thought i'd share our DYI version of a build your own fort kit!

Rope (used to tie things- possibly blankets or possibly your siblings )

Lantern (great for reading AND those midnight bathroom breaks)

S'mores (oh yeah- and so far this little jar of stickiness is getting rave reviews)

I used chalkboard spray paint for the tops of the mason jars just to make them a little more personal!

Flat sheet(s) (i sewed heavy ribbon on all the corners and midlines so it could easily be tied to bedposts and dressers- you know the important things)

Clothes Pins (for added support)

And we must not forget the most important part of fort building- getting to do it with all the little ones we love!

If you interested in my tags just leave me a comment with your email and i'd be happy to send them right along!

2011-12-22T21:38:00.000-07:00

I got to spend the whole day playing and snuggling with our newest and tinniest little. Simon we are so glad to finally meet you- your auntie and uncle love you- as does your cousin mr. dog (who spend his entire afternoon watching over you as you napped- just about melted my heart)!

2011-12-21T19:45:00.001-07:00

holiday greetings from us!

2011-12-20T20:48:00.000-07:00

Thought i'd share this tasty granola recipe! It makes a wonderful holiday treat/neighbor/co-worker gift! And as an added bonus it makes your house smell so yummy!

Apple Cinnamon Granola

3 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup ground flax seed
½ cup unsweetened applesauce

1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon

½ teaspoon salt

pinch of ground ginger

½ cup honey

1 cup maple syrup (the real stuff)

1 cup almonds

½ cup walnuts

1 tablespoon melted coconut oil

Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl until well coated!

Pour mixture on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 300 degrees for 50 to 60 minutes. Turn granola over every 15 minutes to prevent burnt edges!

Cool and enjoy! Its especially yummy with some dried fruit and vanilla yogurt!

2011-12-18T15:58:00.001-07:00

Remember these owl hats from one of my photography sessions? Well I absolutely fell in love with those cute things and since we don't have littles of our own Nicole's very talented mother was kind enough to make one for mr. dog. And i kind of think a border collie in a frog hat just might be one of my favorite things ever!

2011-12-13T20:00:00.000-07:00

I'm a mountain girl- born and raised. I love the trees, the dirt, the wide open places and the freedom. However there's something enchanting about the beach- almost bewitching. It's calm and beautiful but you can see the raw power behind every wave. Its amazing. I have found that the beach is absolute best place to read a book. I loved getting lost in the story with only the sound of the waves in the background- ahhh deep breath. Our few days spent on the beach in the luke warm water were just what we needed- slow and relaxing.

2011-12-11T20:57:00.001-07:00

While we were in California we spend a few hours walking around some quaint little antique shops. I was in heaven. I could have spend all day just browsing and trying to filter through all the stuff. And if we would have had more room in our car i would have brought home a dresser, a bench, about 10 yardsticks, and an old sign. But in the end this darling little 1920's camera found its way into my heart and home.

2011-12-07T20:07:00.001-07:00

Check out more from this cute family over here... or on facebook over here.

2011-12-03T17:02:00.001-07:00

and the stockings were hung.....

2011-11-28T21:47:00.001-07:00

home.

It always feels great to leave on vacation but honestly nothing beats coming home. That first night back in your bed is pure heaven- and regaining that border collie foot warmer you've missed so much. We had such a fun week enjoying the beach and some serious family time. After we dig ourselves out from under a giant pile of laundry, a weeks worth of missed work, and the christmas decorations- i'll be back with more pictures to share!

2011-11-25T20:46:00.001-07:00

Did you know you cannot take a basketball into Disneyland? Yep- we learned that one the hard way. My word you would have thought we were terrorists with all the fuss we caused over a single basketball! Other than the basketball episode and the typical wet jeans issue after getting drenched on splash mountain we had two fun filled days in happiest place on earth! Oh and california adventure- it might just a little bit better than disneyland!

(and please excuse the picture quality- they were taken with the good old point and shoot)

2011-11-20T22:09:00.001-07:00

Currently enjoying the holiday week in a quant little costal town with lots

of our family. The local farmers market and some antique/thrift shopping made for a fantastic weekend!

2011-11-18T22:11:00.001-07:00

See more of this little cutie over here...

2011-11-17T16:18:00.001-07:00

Loving the fall weather and a border collie who wears sweaters!

2011-11-16T13:51:00.001-07:00

Check out more of these two darling kids (and their red dog) over on my photography blog!

2011-11-13T21:13:00.001-07:00

Aren’t these the moments we live for?

2011-11-11T21:28:00.001-07:00

So i saw a burlap wreath last week on pinterest. And lets just say i fell in love with it! (remember how i love all things old) However the esty shop wanted anywhere between $39-59. And since that is more than i wanted to spend on a single wreath i figured i'd try my hand at DYI my own burlap wreath- and i love how it turned out so i thought i'd share it with you! Its so simple and easy!

All you need are three things

1- Scissors

2- Burlap- I bought 2 yards for $3.99/yard at Joanns plus my 40% off coupon so my burlap total came to $4.79

3- Wire wreath- $3.49 at Michaels plus a 40% off coupon came out to $2.10

Step 1: Cut burlap into strips roughly 1 to 2 inches wide and 4 to 5 inches long. I'm not patient enough to measure the burlap so i just cut strips and they turned out a little uneven but overall i think it added a nice look to the wreath.

Disclaimer: Cut your burlap outside- it makes a gigantic mess!

Step 2: Tie! Start at one end and start knotting your burlap strips around each wire layer. (just one knot was sufficient) It's important to cover all four wires all the way around so the wreath looks nice and thick!

The total project was made for less than $7 and took maybe 45 minutes to complete- I love how the burlap looks on our front door for Thanksgiving and then i might dress it up with a little red if I want to enjoy it through Christmas! Happy crafting!

2011-11-07T16:21:00.001-07:00

I thought i'd share my current favorite fall dish! This turkey chili is so easy, healthy, & delicious!

1lb ground turkey

1 onion chopped

1 clove of garlic chopped

1/2 teaspoon of cumin

1/2 teaspoon of oregano

crushed red pepper flakes to taste

1 13oz can of peeled cut tomatoes

1 small can diced chili's

chicken broth (to desired thickness)

kidney beans 2 cans

salt & pepper to taste

Brown meat, onion, and garlic in 1 tbsp olive oil.

Put all other ingredients into crock pot and add meat.

Mix well.

Simmer in crock pot for 3-4 hours.

Add sour cream and cheese if desired.

Try it- you won't be disappointed!

2011-11-03T06:00:00.000-07:00

So remember all those comments i've made about a big project. Well after much thought, a ton of planning, lots of prayer, loads of hard work, many legal headaches, and a lot of faith i'm finally ready to debut the finished project.

i'm ready to start taking chances & following my dreams...

So do come over and check out my website- become a fan on facebook- or refer a friend!

I'd be grateful for your support.

2011-11-02T19:47:00.000-07:00

Two of my favorite things about the drover's new job:

#1- Hello weekends! For the first time in five years they are all about adventures, spending time together and not about work!

#2- Hello hot scruffy man! Facial hair is not frowned upon and it is in fact a completely decent way to show up to work.

major bonus!

2011-10-31T19:34:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween from Harry Pawter

2011-10-30T12:45:00.001-07:00

Oh we sure do love these 6 little people! (and of course our newest 7th little, Simon- we can't wait to meet you!) But since they've gotten older Halloween night seems to be more about the candy and less about showing off your costumes to your aunt and uncle- so we improvise with a very spooky pre halloween photo shoot! Now time to bring on the candy!

2011-10-24T19:30:00.000-07:00

They are too cute not to share just a few of "Lincoln the Lion"

2011-10-19T19:17:00.000-07:00

i'm ready for hot apple cider, boots, scarves, crisp air, falling leaves, a warm fire, pumpkin patches, flannel & coziness.

i'm ready for fall.

2011-10-16T17:05:00.000-07:00

Last week got to enjoy the beautiful Sun Valley for a few days courtesy of the drovers work. While it wasn't quite as sunny and warm as we had previously hoped we still enjoyed a few rounds of golf (in the snow), lots of yummy food, and the

beautiful fall mountains. And after as crazy as life has been it was defiantly so nice to go and spend a few days relaxing with each other.

2011-10-09T12:02:00.003-07:00

Have you ever played loaded question? It by far is my favorite game- and that means a lot coming from me as i am a non-game playing person. Anyways I don't think i have ever laughed so hard in my entire life as i did playing loaded question. A few weekends ago we spent a few days in the mountains with my co-workers and their spouses. I can honestly say i love all my co-workers and my boss- I consider each one of them a great friend. We had such a great weekend "bonding" and enjoying the beautiful wilderness. Plus i really loved that each one of them missed their pups just as much as we missed mr. dog. Case and point we aren't the only crazy ones with dogs who are treated like children!

2011-10-09T11:21:00.001-07:00

Next week we lose another little brother for two years to the mission field. We are sad to see him and his crazy antics leave- but we are sure proud of his desire to serve a mission. We love you Mattie and we know you'll be a wonderful missionary!

p.s you look so grown up in these pictures!

2011-09-29T20:54:00.001-07:00

To say we've been busy would be an understatement (a very large one). I'll be back soon with

updates/pictures and a finally finished project/leap of faith.

2011-09-19T19:32:00.000-07:00

reason #314 why i love mr. dog... he looks very james dean in a hat

2011-09-14T19:28:00.000-07:00

I have this picture from when i was maybe 3 or 4 years old and i'm standing with my mom holding pink cotton candy completely sticky from head to toe. That would be my first official memory of the state fair and yes i still love pink cotton candy- and after all these years i'm finally better at not getting quite so sticky. For me the fair has always marked the start of fall, it's always filled with family, lots of people watching, tasty treats and good memories.

While i'm not very fond of the drover's state fair purchase (yeah its that mexican poncho/jacket thing- and oh yes i know)- he of course he loves it. But i'll admit he looks quite good wearing it (however drover this does not change my stance on the fact it's just for "camping").

2011-09-11T14:37:00.001-07:00

dear sister in-law (whose actually more like a sister) i had fun showering you and soon to be baby ollie this weekend. we are so sad your moving away- but so excited to come visit.

2011-09-05T18:13:00.000-07:00

Mr. dog is a sheepdog. Has he ever been around sheep? ahh no. Will he ever be around sheep? likely not. Does he still like to herd things? most defiantly- his favorites are chickens, dog friends, and all our littles. And if you frequent our blog you've probably grown to realize we do love our border collie (very much indeed). So naturally we'd jump at the chance to drive just an hour away to watch the worlds premier sheepdog herding trials. The sheepdogs (one at a time) bring 5 sheep down a mountain side (over a 400 yard vertical drop) through a series of gates then separate the sheep into 2 groups and finish by then herding them into a pen- all in 13 minutes. They are guided solely by listening to their handlers whistles- these dogs are amazing to say the least. Beside from the trials they have a big festival with food, games, booths, and bag pipes. The soldier hollow classic will defiantly continue to be our labor day tradition for many years to come.

2011-08-30T18:05:00.000-07:00

Remember a while back when i mentioned that quick sundown photo trip with the drover. Well here are the results... and on a side note the Manti temple just happens to be my favorite temple- I tried (unsuccessfully) to get the drover to let us be married there (he preferred the temple much closer to home)- and i remember as a little girl getting up before the sun to go fishing with my dad and watching bats fly around the top- and as the stories go in 1928 my grandma watched from her front porch as the temple caught fire only to be a put out a few hours later- and for all our family the temple marks the gateway to the annual "m" family reunion. Its a beautiful place.

2011-08-24T19:25:00.000-07:00

On one of our many summer adventures we ~~found~~ (followed the signs to) this amazing set of waterfalls. Mesa falls is defiantly worth the 28 mile side trip although the view of the Tetons on the way home wasn't half bad either.

2011-08-21T14:04:00.000-07:00

Easy... like sunday morning.

2011-08-18T19:43:00.001-07:00

Deep breath.....

to say life has been busy would be an understatement. Since returning from our last family reunion we both worked 6 days straight- just to pack up the car and head back to the mountains with our other big crazy family. Mr. dog broke his tooth which required a surgical extraction and one very funny drugged puppy. I got into a little bit of a scuffle with a 80lb dog at work which ended poorly for my AC muscles and tendons in my shoulder (hence the sling). And the drover well he has been busy taking care of his two wounded counterparts. And since two of us have been down and out we've decided to finally join the craze and watch the all harry potter movies from beginning to end- currently we're lost somewhere in the middle. And just so you know the rumors are true- once you start with wizards, witches, and hogwarts you just can't stop.

In the mean time enjoy a few scenes from our latest campout...

And yes that sunset was breathtaking. However those clouds brewing in the corner are breathtaking as well and not in a nice beautiful sort of way. They will certainly take your breath away at 3:30 in the morning when your running from your tent to your car in a rain/hail storm because somewhere very close just got stuck by lighting and your afraid your next- yeah that kind of breathtaking.

and yes mr. dog wears both boots (to protect his paw pads from being warn off from the rocks and sand- yes it has happened before) and a lifejacket! because its safer that way- and we love him!

2011-08-08T20:29:00.000-07:00

Well another year of the Mayfield family reunion has come and gone. And although the camera was a permeant fixture to my side i really didn't take many pictures. I was too busy enjoying my four days of nowhere to be and nowhere to go attitude. But here are just a few of my favorite highlights-

a quick sundown picture trip with the drover (more on that later)
our caravan getting stranded on the side of the highway with the trailer containing all the refrigerated food- family bonding time people!
a six year old second cousin who told her mom the drover was the cutest boy at the reunion and i was lucky to be his sweetheart- its true i am lucky!
6:30am caffeine trips
getting to help cook and serve 200 people 5 meals- i cut more cantaloupe and watermelon than i ever care to see again
another little 2nd cousin spending 45 minutes alone playing with mr. dog (whom she called tom tom) and his friend william turner all while speaking in a british accent
one of my photographs was one of highest bid items at the auction- whose proceeds benefited the reunion fund!
getting to know our extended family better- uncle gary you seriously had us throughly entertained
4 days sleeping in a tent without air conditioning, computers, email, phones, or tv- it was the perfect nowhere to be nowhere to go weekend!

2011-07-30T11:39:00.000-07:00

Nothing says summer quite like saturday morning at the farmers market and fresh mint limeade-

the perfect start to a lovely weekend.

2011-07-28T17:23:00.000-07:00

mr. dog, boo, t-lamar, nan, border collie, tommy, bubby-lou, and most recently ferdinand. wow its quite amazing our furball actually comes ~~sometimes~~ to his real name. however i do love him and his many nicknames- oh and his modeling skills.

2011-07-27T10:36:00.000-07:00

Scenes from the very fun and busy last weekend....

2011-07-20T21:32:00.000-07:00

By-Belle ranch is a beautiful place. Not only does it sit at the base of gorgeous mountains but it is also filled with a very sweet hardworking family. I cannot say enough kind things about the Alder family. Thank you for inviting us to your home away from home, taking the time to show us all your secret spots, telling us the ranch's amazing history, letting me capture all your beautiful children and grandchildren, and making us feel more than welcome. I hope you enjoy a few of your many pictures...

2011-07-18T18:22:00.000-07:00

It was a very busy weekend around these parts. Complete with a 250 mile road trip, 4 individual family photo sessions, and 1 big combined family photo session, 1 horse ride across a river, 17 mosquito/deer fly bites (yep i counted), & one very kind family who put us up for the night and let us crash their big Wyoming ranch party. Needless to say it took me two naps yesterday to recover.

p.s Alders- i'm working away on your pictures- a little sneak peak coming soon.

2011-07-12T21:08:00.002-07:00

Every wedding as the bride and groom make their entrance i always ask the drover if he wishes it was us getting married today. And he always smiles and answers "nope i'm happy where i am" ahhh he's a good man- i do love him. Weddings are so fun- and little brother 'J' your day was beautiful- and your bride well she is timeless. I loved capturing your day- it was perfect. We are so happy for you two to start your life together- now if you would just give our parents some grandchildren so we can slip back under the radar- that would be much appreciated.

2011-07-10T20:49:00.000-07:00

My love for yellowstone runs deeply through my veins. So deep in fact i believe it was my great great grandpa who ran a sheep camp in and around yellowstone before it was actually a national park. My dad has been kind enough to show and teach me everything he knows and loves about yellowstone- some of my most cherished memories are riding in his truck around yellowstone listening to his childhood stories. And in turn i've instilled my love of the park into the drover- like it or not myself and yellowstone kind of came as a package deal. And so last weekend we were happy to play tour guides to the drovers parents- we had three goals to accomplish. 1) see old faithful- check 2) see a grizzly bear- check (myself and the drover have a reputation to uphold- we have never been to the park and not seen a bear so we had to find one for them) 3) eat a buffalo burger- check. Overall it was a great trip- and i'm already counting down until we get to go back.

2011-07-08T15:45:00.000-07:00

We are home- and completely overwhelmingly busy with work and a brothers wedding.

we had a wonderful trip- just quick enough to refresh my soul. more pictures soon.

2011-07-01T13:07:00.000-07:00

we are off.

to my favorite place in the entire world.

can't think of a better way to celebrate the 4th of july then

at our nations 1st national park

2011-06-27T19:05:00.000-07:00

Last week we headed up to mountains behind our house to watch our BIL and one of our littles in action on the motorcycle course. I'll admit i was quite impressed by both their skills- the BIL is quite the fearless jumper and little "m" is defiantly a dare devil. I'm hoping our future children stick with baseball and soccer- all that zipping, jumping and speed made me quite nervous.

2011-06-21T19:51:00.000-07:00

I can still remember the day this "little" was born- the drover was serving his mission and his mom called me to let me know he had a new niece. I met her almost a year before he did. And since she learned to talk she has had the deepest funniest laugh (the drover calls it her cackle)- and it is by far my favorite thing about her. I'm just not sure when she turned into a justin bieber loving six year old. Happy birthday little "m". Please don't grow up so quickly.

2011-06-20T20:20:00.001-07:00

I love sundays on the farm. This week i learned a few new things...

a) mr. dog has skills- like mad chicken herding skills. the boy is a border collie after all.

b) i do enjoy the drover in a good pair of motorcycle boots- even when he is riding a four wheeler.

c) turns out i'm not really that afraid of bees.

d) gus dog has a thing for fresh chicken eggs- like a big obsessive thing.

we really do love it out there. watch out parents- maybe one day we'll move in next door.

2011-06-19T13:25:00.000-07:00

Happy Fathers Day.

To all of our fathers, our grandfathers, and our brothers who are fathers. And to the drover- who for now is only a father to a crazy border collie but will someday be a father to a few darling dark haired little ones.

2011-06-15T21:16:00.000-07:00

Truth be told i've always had a thing for cowboys. Especially ones that are 2 1/2 feet tall and have the most gorgeous green eyes. B & M i had fun chasing your energetic little cowboy around the farm- and thanks for letting me saddle up again- it had been far too long!

and because every cowboy needs a cowgirl!

2011-06-14T20:04:00.000-07:00

Meet our newest and tiniest little, baby "e". You can tell he is just adored by his big brother and big sister and as his aunt and uncle we love him lots too!

2011-06-12T17:25:00.000-07:00

Ice cream, two wonderful sister in-laws, a couple of our littles, and the drovers softball game was the perfect way to finally and officially kick off the warm weather of summer.

2011-06-07T20:55:00.000-07:00

I remember when we were little and kicking around a soccer ball was all that mattered. (and that time we weren't allow to wear our raiders jackets to school because the principal thought we were a gang- and when we went dateless in our prom dresses to the spaghetti factory- the memories go on and on) When did we grow up? Its so amazing to see life long friends bring beautiful babies into the world and fall right into motherhood- just like they were born to do it. Thanks 'w' family for letting me capture your little man- baby Owen is darling.

2011-06-06T19:58:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend... we were supposed to go camping. Instead we got the official news the escape (our camping vehicle) was totaled. I almost cried when they came and hauled him away- oh how i loved my little suv. So we improvised, the drover went golfing with my brothers and i went with family to a baby shower. Then we went and brought a new car (and i say that easily but trust me finding a car we both liked, had 4 wheel or all wheel drive, & was in our price range was not easy- just ask ryan- but in the end walked away with hugh and i'm beginning to love him). Most sunday nights you'll find us with one of our big crazy families and last night was no exception. Nothing beats an after dinner walk in a beautiful place with some of our favorite people and four wet happy dogs.

some of the farm inhabitants are defiantly more charming....

than others...

2011-06-01T20:11:00.000-07:00

Have you read the enjoying the small things blog? If you haven't you are defiantly missing out. She is a wonderful photographer and writer but she also finds beauty in all parts of life. Her blog inspires me to document more of our life (so we never forget these moments) and to really find the beauty in life- and enjoy it. So yesterday when i was involved in a car accident (which was not my fault) and things could have been much worse then they are- i'm fine, mr. dog is fine, the other driver was fine, and the car- well not so fine. But it shook me and made me realize there are some very important things in life... like the drover who shows up unannounced to scene of the accident even after assuring him multiple times that we were ok and could handle everything (i tell you that man makes me weak in the knees). And dog seat belts- even though mr. dog wasn't wearing his we learned an extremely valuable lesson about taking the time to buckle him in even if it is a quick trip. And a doctor coworker who came to get mr. dog check him out because he knew thats what i was most worried about. Life is unpredictable and scary but i have so much to be grateful for so i'm going to take the time and enjoy the small things. So tonight when the drover asked if i wanted to go hit a bucket of golf balls I typically wouldn't have gone (golf is not really my thing) but tonight i said yes and i'm really glad i did.

2011-05-29T20:56:00.000-07:00

This weekend some of our friends invited us to tag along with them to Old Ephraim's Mountain Man Rendezvous and of course we jumped at the chance for a new adventure (anything beats yard-work right?). I've been to a rendezvous when i was growing up but this was the drover's first experience of the true old west. And it defiantly didn't disappoint. We wandered the tents and purchased a handmade slingshot for the drover and i came away with some fancy knee high striped socks however i wish i would have brought home some of those beeswax candles. We did alot of people watching and enjoyed some homemade rootbeer and indian fry bread. It still amazes me that not many years ago mountain men were the people of the west. Its unreal how far things have come- however i quite enjoyed our little step back in time.

(how to make an australian shepherd- accidentally cover a border collie in powdered sugar)

2011-05-26T21:14:00.001-07:00

The view from where i sit-

Sometimes i don't even know why we brought him a bed. The floor is obviously the preferred pillow of choice.

2011-05-24T17:46:00.001-07:00

Here's the cold hard truth. I am not a cook. Sure i can cook spaghetti, a sunday roast or stove top chicken. I'm not exactly sure what is about cooking that drives me away but i have a couple theories. Mostly its just that it is time consuming and then you eat the finished product and there's nothing left to show but leftovers. Ugh- the kitchen. I've vowed one day when i'm home more i will learn to love to cook. maybe. But for now i've been trying to find healthy snacks. The sunflower market has defiantly become my new favorite- and when i found this recipe for strawberry fruit leather i knew i had to try it. And boy is it yummy. Time consuming but yummy. Here's the recipe if anyone wants to give it a try.

Cut the strawberries into quarters or halves.

I used between 7-8 cups of freshly cut juicy strawberries.

Cook berries on low heat for 10 minutes to bring out the natural sweetness. Add two tablespoons of honey- stir- and continue cooking for 5 minutes.

(ok this are not part of the fruit leather but i thought i'd show mr. dogs healthy treat of choice- low fat vanilla yogurt/applesauce mix and freeze- not only a treat but this keeps him busy for at least 20 minutes)

Place berries into a blender and mix. You want the mixture to be the consistency of a runny shake (yes that is best analogy i've got)

Lay parchment paper on a cooking sheet and pour berries and spread thin.

Cook on 150 degrees for 6-8 hours. (yes it takes that long)

Cut into strips with kitchen shears and roll. They will peal away from the parchment paper with ease. Just like a real fruit roll up.

Enjoy!

2011-05-22T19:43:00.000-07:00

Last night i finally got the campfire and smores i've been longing for. We slept (using the term slept lightly- between mr. dog waking up every 20 minutes because "something" made a sound and getting rained on twice- i think i slept soundly for maybe 1 hour) out under the stars. But the fire was warm, smores were delicious, the frogs were croaking, and company was delightful- it was great night.

2011-05-20T21:36:00.001-07:00

We are supposed to be spending the weekend camping- enjoying the wilderness. But since its been a non stop torrential rain here for the past week we decided it wasn't worth threat of mudslides, flash floods and chance of spending 72 hours in a soggy wet tent. So we are home- and i'm pouting. The smell of wet grass just doesn't have quite the same appeal as clean mountain air. Tonight the drover mowed the lawn (in the only 90 minute space of time that has been rainless) and i milled around the yard taking pictures dreaming of a campfire and smores.

2011-05-19T19:28:00.000-07:00

Most days i love my job. Today i really loved my job.

6 brand new puppies delivered via c-section makes for a happy day.

2011-05-18T19:58:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking lately that i'm ready for something new, just something new exciting and different. So sunday i asked the drover for his suggestion on an new adventure... and then i suggested a choice between a new puppy or baby? And guess what he picked- baby. Now family- before you get too excited you must realize the drover saw right through the question and knew if he answered puppy there was a very likely chance i might just come home with one- however if he said baby he knew a. i'd panic and b. he could buy himself more time because he knows me and knows i have a plan- and right now that plan doesn't say baby. It says things like alaska, school, work, pictures, and picture projects. So for now we are still puppy-less (can you imagine how upsetting a puppy would be to mr. dog- he has a bad case of only child syndrome- eventually we plan to break him of this). And someday we are gonna do the baby thing- and i really hope when that day comes the little one inherits their daddy's eyelashes.

2011-05-11T20:39:00.000-07:00

i found this today and is it not perfect for us. i'm in love. and incase you're wondering i found it over here. (warning- if you follow this link be prepared to become addicted to this site- its full of all things pretty and wonderful)

2011-05-10T21:38:00.000-07:00

some memories are just better in black and white with a little grain.

2011-05-08T15:41:00.000-07:00

Happy Mothers Day

To all our wonderful mothers, amazing grandmothers, spectacular sisters, and all the other mothers that have left footprints in our lives. We are truly blessed.

2011-05-05T20:00:00.001-07:00

When we were on our honeymoon in mexico we found this cute little sombrero and i just knew someday we'd find a use for it. Today (4 and a half years later) i found one.

Happy Cinco de Mayo

2011-05-03T20:53:00.000-07:00

this makes me wanna take a back road.

2011-05-01T13:10:00.000-07:00

Yesterday i learned a few new things.

1) A short 45 minute drive from our house is a beautiful reservoir and when its a cold 35 degrees outside there is absolutely no one around- making it all the more enjoyable.

2) The drover gets so excited to take me places he has been and i haven't. Its like he's sharing a really great secret and i'm adding this to my list of my favorite things about him.

3) Mr. Dog really likes sticks. And he really does not like stickers in his paws (not that i blame him) thence the drover carrying him up the shore. And he has no sense of the cold- there were ice chucks in the water and we had to constantly be attempting to keep him out the water.

and i really love spending my days with these two boys- they are my world.

2011-04-29T18:16:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we explored a beautiful green park. I had dreams of going back today and lounging on a bright colored quilt with the drover and mr. dog just enjoying spring and a little time with my boys. Then today it snowed. Ugh- i'm so over winter.

2011-04-26T17:21:00.000-07:00

So we had mr. dogs hair shaved yesterday (yes the day before it snowed "again"- and yes we are just those kind of parents) Truth be told i could no longer stand the large amount of hair he was shedding- something drastic had to be done. And if you know us and mr. dog you know his first hair cut of the season has to be something unusual. You've seen the lion cut (my personal favorite) and the zebra, and the plain mohawk so without further ado i give you speedracer- complete with his very own racing stripes.

2011-04-26T16:53:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful Easter weekend filled with all three of our families. Living so close to all of our families is a huge blessing- it also makes for some very busy holidays. Saturday night we enjoyed watching some of our littles hunt for easter eggs. Then the real games began when the adult hunt started and needless to say we didn't come home with the coveted golden egg. Sunday we spent the afternoon with one family then it was off to dinner with another (and sunday i just relaxed and didn't take one single picture). It was so nice to spend such a wonderful meaningful holiday with the ones we love.

2011-04-24T16:02:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter!

more on all our easter adventures later but for now here are some pretty eggs and a grumpy bunny.

2011-04-22T10:34:00.000-07:00

Happy Earth Day!

2011-04-21T18:08:00.000-07:00

Last night we dyed easter eggs with one of our large crazy families. Well to be correct i dyed easter eggs with the family while the drover sunk one egg into some color then went to put a basketball stand together (he's in first place for son-in-law of the year ya know). Oh and i may or may not have dyed my eggs in coordinating colors just so i could take some pretty pictures of them. And i just kinda love the brown ones- so much i can't bring myself to make them into an egg salad sandwich... quite yet.

2011-04-19T20:10:00.000-07:00

Truth be told i actually wanted real little fuzzy yellow chicks for easter. When i asked the drover our conversation went something like this..

me: Can we get a baby chick? Think of all the cuteness and the possibly for darling easter pictures.

drover: You do know they grow up into Chickens?

me: Yes.

drover: No. mr. dog would freak out.

me: Please we could build them a coop out back with a nice little fence so mr. dog couldn't get to them. Think of all the eggs.

drover: No. We don't even eat that many eggs.

me: We could. Please. They are so little and fuzzy!

(at this point my mom interjects about how messy chickens are- and how you have to clean up loads of chicken poop- blah blah blah)

drover: See... no chickens.

It seems no matter how much convincing i try the drover is not budging on this one. So i'm now stuck celebrating easter with some fake bright yellow marshmallow filled chicks.

2011-04-15T20:49:00.000-07:00

Tonight we went for a little adventure/date night up north to one of our favorite stores. I've been going to smith and edwards since i was little so a while back i figured it was high time to introduce the drover to all its glory. Imagine a hardware store/home goods store/horse tack/clothing/military surplus/camping/outdoors store all in one. (not to mention the terrific selection of candy) Oh yes- its as crazy and wonderful as it sounds. We could spend hours wandering around not to mention the large sum of money one could spend there. And tonight since the weather was warm and we are in the market for a fire pit we wandered around the outside/junk yard portion of the store. Oh there's a lot of junk- composed mostly of old military items. But in all the mess we did mange to find a decent barrel we think will work for our fire pit and a cute little wood box (that i think once housed ammo) thats destined to become my new flower box.

2011-04-12T19:34:00.001-07:00

Spring is here! (insert happiness) Now lets hope it actually sticks around for longer than a day.

2011-04-07T21:06:00.002-07:00

I doubt you'll find any set of parents more grateful for the safe arrival of their little one than these two. I can only begin to imagine how many prayers were sent on this tiny guys behalf. I firmly believe he had a very sweet and special angel looking out for him- and i think his parents would agree. Thanks for letting me capture your sweet little guy- Congratulations- he's perfect.

2011-04-02T14:34:00.000-07:00

Go Wildcats!

2011-03-29T19:02:00.000-07:00

Good news. I'm no longer mad at my sewing machine. We're on good terms again which means lots of sewing (I commented to the drover the day that my sewing machine may be one of my all time most useful gifts!) I mean hello i made that bright happy yellow pillow for like $4. For that price my throw pillow obsession can officially be justified. And now for the new spring pillow collection...

Ok this is not a pillow but i don't think i've ever publicly expressed my love for my bedside lamp. And I do love it. We found it at an old antique store and it was a killer deal because it didn't work- step in handy fix it husband. Now the lamp works and i get to admire it every night before bed.

Next task- a new bed for mr. dog. a) i have never actually sewed side paneling on anything in my life. b) somehow in my rush at the fabric store i let the drover talk me into putting in a zipper with no previous zipper experience. c) its finished and together but by all means not perfect- like the corners don't exactly match but the mr. seems to enjoy it and thats what counts. right?

And i've been busy sewing more dog collars. I've been selling a few here and there so if you're interested in any or have a special pattern/design you would like made- send me an email. blackborder(at)live.com- Let me know if you like them because this is my test run to see if an esty shop would be worth my time and energy.

And my model sporting the new spring fashion. On a side we are currently in week two of his shock wave treatments and (knock on wood- and don't say it out loud) his shoulder/limp seems to be getting better. And at this point i'd just mention it is nearly impossible to keep a border collie/any dog on leash restraint for 4-6 weeks. There's no way to explain to him why he can't run and play fetch anymore- or why he is stuck inside all day- or that i'm doing this for his benefit. He just looks at me like i'm the meanest person in the world. Its no fun- no fun at all.

And lastly... meet our new neighbor. He looks just like mr. dog- and therefore we think he's pretty darn cute even when he is trying the wedge himself through the fence.