The Horse Stories

Just wanted to take a second to introduce you to the two newest additions to our family here in Texas. Well actually they are not new to us, but all the same, we're tickled to have them here.

Dusty & Peanuts

After not having them with us while we lived in Midland, we are excited to have our ponies. Ty has commented that it really feels like home now that they are here. Despite the fence building and long faces staring over the fence when you get home in the evenings waiting to be fed, we are glad to be adding to our little place in Texas.

First Days of Pre-School and Halloween

Well as I was getting ready to start my new job at Angelo State, Trey was getting ready to embark on a new adventure by beginning pre-school. And cool enough for him Halloween was his second day of school. He got to dress up in his costume and go to the party that his pre-school was having that day. Lucky enough I managed to snap a few pics before we headed out the door.

First day of School



Happy Halloween 2008



Trey was excited that he got to wear his rubber boots to school, but wouldn't wear his "fishing hat" without his trusty CAT cap underneath.

After a little bit of a rough time the first week, Trey is settling into school well and in the midst of all of the hub-bub has about got potty training licked. Ty and I are really proud of him and can't wait to see him blossom in his new adventure.


On a side note- I have started my new job and so far really enjoy it. I work with a great bunch of people and really do like the campus at Angelo State. It's taking me a little time to get used to slacks and heels everyday, but all in good time for this jeans and flip flop mom. ;)

Good Ol' Cow Works

A few weeks ago we got the chance to go on a working vacation. I know that seems like a contradiction in terms, but for two country kids that had been living in the city and just now getting back to country life it was a treat. Ty's folks have recently moved back to Silver City to help Ty's grandma with the ranch and we went up to help them with the fall branding and shipping. Needless to say it was a great trip for all of us and we spent ten days doing what we really enjoy and have missed the most about ranch life.

There was never a lack of stuff to do while we were there, which was right up Trey's alley of course. He got to help feed cows and horses, work on trucks, fix water troughs, and still found time to make two new girlfriends.

Our trip was bitter sweet though, because as we were gathering the decision was made to sell the longhorn herd that Ty's grandpa Pete had put together. He passed away last November, and in the last 10 years or so he had taken up having some registered longhorns as a hobby. Well what started as a few cows turned into a herd of about 50. Luckily enough though, we had a private buyer who was very excited to buy some of the registered cattle and a bull. This man is as passionate about the business as Pete was and loved the pedigrees and history behind the cows he selected. What he didn't take we had another buyer for, so it all worked out good for everyone. We did keep back a few for posterity though- an old momma cow who we turned out with the heifers (she's good at bringing everyone in for a bite to eat), one of the first cows that Pete bought, and an old steer with a great set of horns that's the pet.

Other than that it was just a great trip for all of us and we really enjoyed seeing Ty's mom and dad and other extended family and friends that we hadn't seen in a while. It was also nice to have a little vacation before I started my new job at Angelo State and Trey started pre-school. I took a ton of pictures while we were there, and here are some of my favorites from the ranch.

Trey and Dusty- "Buddies"

Trey riding Dusty

Branding the late summer calves

Ty and Web dehorning

Branding smoke

Ty and Trey just before sun up

Heading out to gather the longhorns one last time

(I got the lucky and warmer job of driving the feed truck. Trey is even better than me at honking cows in.)

A few of the longhorns that were already at the pens

Even for as much of a pain as the longhorns were- we're going to miss them. Happy Trails...

Trey's Antics- Again

Well he's been at it again....

As usual, Trey has been keeping us well entertained. Here are a few pics I've snapped of him in the last few weeks of him "just being himself."

Playing in the post-holes that his dad had just dug

Stretched out.....

And....In he goes (Trey was actually laughing as Ty pulled him out)

Telling me-"No pictures, Mom, No pictures" (despite his peculiar get-up)

Who says bags are just for gifts?

Stay tuned for more antics....

Quick Update!

Just wanted to let everyone know that we haven't fallen off the face of the planet- just trying to get caught up. We had a safe and wonderful trip to New Mexico, and now we have two more family members here with us- our two horses Dusty and Peanuts. Trey has started pre-school and really likes it and even has a little buddy named Caleb. I started my new job at Angelo State University today as a Multicultural Program Specialist, which I am really excited about.

All in all we are doing well and staying busy. Will post more later!