Arturo and Wrenn

Herb Garden

2010-05-16T20:48:00.000-05:00

Sorry I have been neglecting our little blog. However, I have launched my very own photography blog/website and business. To check it out go to: www.wrennbirdphotography.com

This weekend Arturo and I created a really cute container herb garden. We got the idea from Lucy, Arturo's aunt, who found it in a Martha Stewart magazine. However, we took it to another level and created it with old vintage things we had around the house. Check out the pictures on at www.wrennbirdphotography.com

Have a wonderful day!

Lauren and Clint - Engagements

2010-04-19T20:32:00.000-05:00

I know, I know it has been forever since I have blogged anything, but life is just getting in the way!

I had the honor to photograph Lauren and Clint's engagement session on Sunday afternoon. I am so looking forward to their wedding this summer! Lauren worked with Arturo as a student and now is a fellow grad student with Arturo. She and I have become friends, and I have to say that she is one cool chick! Clint is not too bad either...he loves and adores Lauren and that makes him a winner in my book.

Below are my top ten favorites from the session.

Aren't they the cutest thing! I had so much fun. Thank you Lauren and Clint for letting me take your picture on Sunday! Can't wait until the big day!

Spring Fever...

2010-04-01T10:15:00.001-05:00

So this beautiful weather is giving me Spring Fever and with Spring Fever I have the itch to clean, organize and redo.

Since Arturo is in the thick of calving season out at the Cow/Calf Unite we are not able to travel to see family over the Easter weekend. I love calving season, but I hate when it gets in the way of my weekend plans. But, hey, that is part of being married to a stockman and I would not have it any other way!

So here is my to-do list on this Easter weekend:

1. Swap winter clothes to spring/summer clothes. Clean out my closet and reorganize.

2. Clean house; including scrubbing baseboards and walls. I am going to get serious about it. I might even take all my blinds down and wash them with the water hose.

3. Start seeds for the garden. This should have been done a couple of weeks ago.

4. Start projects to finish this spring/summer. Arturo and I's spring/summer project is to finish projects that we have started and some that we said we would do and have not gotten too. These would be: cabinets doors for the laundry room; paint the patio furniture; paint the front door; build a window box for the front window; paint pots for the back patio; paint iron head and foot board and a few more that I cannot think of right now.

5. Play photographer...last weekend was busy with family and friends and I did not get to pick up my camera much; so this weekend I want to snap away. Maybe I will take pictures of all the unfinished projects and post them for you to see our progress as we go in to the spring/summer!

I saw this wall color on this blog and it makes me want to paint a room! Arturo might kill me though if I decided to paint a whole room...maybe I will just wait until we move to our dream house. I will just file it away until then!

What is your Easter weekend plans?

I hope this warm weather is giving you spring fever too...enjoy the day!

Spring is Here

2010-03-31T19:33:00.001-05:00

The weather has been beautiful this week...warm temps and sunshine you can't beat it. Below are some pictures around the yard of signs that spring is here! Enjoy!

And one of Pancho, that I processed a little differently!

Have a great week everyone!

Weekend Photos

2010-03-21T18:55:00.000-05:00

We have had a wonderful weekend...really not ready for it to be over. But I never am. Below are pictures I took through the weekend.

First are snow pictures from the fist day of Spring...crazy weather.

I played Pioneer Women and made cupcakes and took pictures along the way. :)

I even added some fun sprinkles!

Pancho...the Cow Dog

2010-03-14T21:25:00.000-05:00

Here are some photo's from this weekend!

Torres Family

2010-03-08T21:08:00.000-06:00

A couple of weekends ago I got the privilege to photograph the beautiful, Torres family. See what you think of my attempt to photograph people.

I took these this last Saturday. I also got a chance to take some of the Wileman family. I will post those later this week. Stayed tuned!

Here is the whole gang...the Torres family and the Wileman family.

Weekend Photos

2010-03-04T12:58:00.001-06:00

Good Afternoon All!

This past weekend was Arturo's weekend to feed. Arturo was shorthanded so I went along and drove the truck while he dumped feed. I took my camera along and this is just a few of the images I captured!

I think that I am going to get one of these images (below and above) blown up to put in the house. LOVE IT!

Siddartha Torres, from Mexico City, joined us on Saturday morning. He is a graduate student here a K-State and works with me in the BCI.

I also got a chance to capture Siddartha's beautiful family. I will post pictures from that session soon!

Have a wonderful day!

K-State Legacy Sale

2010-02-23T20:00:00.003-06:00

Well, most of you know that I am a Texas Tech Red Raider, living in K-State Wildcat country. Living in this Wildcat country for almost three years now, has started rub off on me. Let me state that I will always cheer for my Red Raiders when they are playing the Wildcats, but I am a Wildcat fan. This University's Ag program is huge. I believe the College of Ag, specifically the Animal Science Beef Division has a strong program that is producing bright, young leaders for the future of the beef industry.
Here at K-State there is a Livestock Sales Management Class. The main focus of this class is to put on The Legacy Bull Sale that is held each year in March. This is 33rd year of this sale. This class is lead by the herdsman’s of the Purebred Unit. Now I think that this is pretty cool.

Crystal Young is one of those leaders that K-State has produced. She works for the Angus Association working with the Creative Media side of the Association. She got to give back to K-State by producing a video highlighting the bull sale. It is a great piece and it really highlights what this great University is doing.

Way to Go Animal Agriculture

2010-02-22T09:13:00.001-06:00

The below article is from ABC News out of Australia. I just wanted to say that I am proud to be part of the Animal Agriculture Industry and proud that we are making a stand! I still am not pleased with Yellow Tail Wines, but I guess we all make mistakes and sometimes we are all guilty of not doing all of our homework. I was not a big customer of Yellow Tail Wines before there donation and I believe I still will sustain from drinking their wine. .
Aussie winemaker rattled by donation backlash

By Kathleen Dyett

Posted Fri Feb 19, 2010 2:45pm AEDT

Animal protection: Yellow Tail Wines donated $100,000 to the Humane Society of the United States. (Flickr: Clearly Ambiguous)

A major Australian wine exporter facing a backlash in the United States for donating to a key animal rights group says it will take its support elsewhere in the future.

The $100,000 donation by Yellow Tail Wines to the Humane Society of the United States' (HSUS) animal rescue program has prompted a flurry of angry online postings in the US calling for people to boycott the wine.

The HSUS describes itself as the United States' largest and most effective animal protection organisation and it sponsors workshops that teach people how to lobby for animal protection laws.

In response to the donation, a page called Yellow Fail has been set up on the Facebook social networking site and has attracted more than 3,000 fans.

A rancher from South Dakota has posted an online video of himself pouring the wine onto the snow in front of his cattle and urging others to do the same.

The issue has also prompted an article in the New York Post newspaper and comments in various US blogs.

Yellow Tail, owned by the Casella Wines company based at Yenda in the New South Wales Riverina, says it is the first time it has given money to the HSUS.

In a statement to ABC News, the managing director of Casella Wines, John Casella, says the company will look to non-political groups in the future.

"Yellow Tail is committed to the plight of animals in need and as a result, we can confirm that through any future activity, we will be looking to other non-profit organisations without lobbying interests that best deliver on our intended outcome of saving animals," the statement said.

Mr Casella says he never anticipated any negative criticism of the donation and the intention of the partnership with the HSUS was to celebrate and save animals.

Being farmers ourselves, we acknowledge those who care for their land and their environment, just as we do," he said.

"We are proud of our rural heritage and value a solid relationship with agricultural communities around the world."

The HSUS says the partnership is about celebrating animals and the money will support the organisation's rescue team, which saves animals from natural disasters or cruelty.

Beloved Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother

2010-02-21T18:45:00.000-06:00

A week ago today our family lost our beloved Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother, Magdalena "Mae" Montoya or Mema to us. She was an icon in the Montoya family and will be greatly missed. She was a strong, solid woman of maybe 5 foot tall. She was active up until the last week of her life. She loved to go to the barn and check on her chickens and goats and she was still milking a cow, even in her 80's. She raised nine children in a home without electricity and running water. She worked hard and played hard. We buried her on the ground that her parents homesteaded where she was born and raised and the same ground where she and Pompo raised their children. It has been a hard week, but we all know that she has been welcomed into Heaven, where Pompo and many other friends and family await.

Christmas in February

2010-02-13T19:02:00.000-06:00

Arturo ordered a pair of boots back in August and he just got them last weekend. Then later this week he got his new hat that was a Christmas present from his uncle. The hat was made by a guy from around Moriarty, NM. So it really was Christmas in February for Arturo!

One lazy dog.

Weekend Coffee

2010-01-20T20:48:00.000-06:00

This weekend Arturo and I got to sleep-in and have a leisurely cup of coffee...it was great. Arturo and I are going on eight years together dating and marriage combined and I know that I am one of the luckiest girls in the world. He is such a great guy and loves me unconditionally. He is also so encouraging and supportive...do not know what I would do without him. So here is to you, baby...May we have many more Saturday mornings full of good coffee and good conversation! I LOVE YOU!

I Heart Faces: We Are Family

2010-01-18T17:42:00.000-06:00

I am entering my first photography contest through I Heart Faces (http://www.iheartfaces.blogspot.com/) This picture displays nothing but family to me. A Grandmother and granddaughter making Tamales at Christmas...these are the times that should be cherished. Enjoy!

Textures...trying them out!

2010-01-16T08:50:00.000-06:00

Learning more and more about photoshop and loving it!

Happy Saturday!

Feeding Cows: Weekend #2

2010-01-10T18:47:00.001-06:00

This weekend Arturo asked me if I would help him feed cows. Well, I could not say no to a chance to get to spend my Saturday and Sunday mornings with the man I love most in this world. Plus it was a great chance for me to take my camera out and do a little shooting! I hope that you all enjoy!

Sorry that there are so many...I kind of got carried away. :)

Have a great week everyone!

Moriarty Christmas

2010-01-06T17:57:00.001-06:00

As the snow falls outside I would like to share a few photos that warm my heart. As most of you know we spend our Christmases in Moriarty, NM with Arturo's family. These Christmases are so different from how I grew up, but I love it.

The Christmas tree with gifts for over 30 folks underneath!

All the stockings were hung.

The cookies baked with help from our little niece, Leah.

The pie crust are made, Juana (Arturo's Mom) specialty.

The tamales are made. Leah loves to help her Nana (Arturo's Mom) in the kitchen.

Spreading the masa.

Hard at work.

Could not decide which one I like best...so you get both.

I hope these photos will warm your heart on this cold, snowy evening.

Feeding Cows in the Snow

2010-01-03T19:00:00.000-06:00

This morning I got to ride along with Arturo. I took my camera, of course, and here are a few pictures I took. I hope that you all enjoy!

Cows having a bite of breakfast.

Arturo counting cows!

A little vintage action! Actions by the PW!

Fence row covered in snow!

Warm cup of cider when I returned!

Stay warm everyone!

More Snow Pictures

2009-12-09T20:37:00.001-06:00

The sun came out today, but it was still very, very cold! I think that it might have gotten up to a whopping 14 degrees. When we where home for lunch the bank read 11 and the wind blew like crazy so it really felt like -7 or so...it took your breath away when you walked outside. I took these pictures at lunch today...I am hopping I can talk Arturo into taking me out to the CCU sometime this weekend to snap some pictures! Here are the few I took today at lunch! Enjoy!

Our poor garden...we had planned to clean it up this weekend, but I do not think that will happen! :)

Arturo blowing the snow off the wood in the wheelbarrow so he can stoke the fire at lunch!

Snow on my poor tree...I do not think they are going to make it through the winter!

Pancho enjoying the snow!

Max enjoying the snow!

I have not driven since Monday. I wish I would have taken a picture of my car before Arturo cleaned it off for me. I will drive myself to work tomorrow, that is if I can get out of the driveway!

Bank clock reading 11 degrees!

Have a cozy warm night!

Let it Snow...Let it Snow

2009-12-08T21:46:00.000-06:00

Today was the first day of snow for the season...Here are a couple pictures from the snowy day!

The first two are the same pictures just differnt actions! These where taken today at lunch...at that point we had gotten about 3-4 inches of snow!

This one was taken tonight, I think at this point we have gotten about 6 inches of snow!

I am hoping for a snow day tomorrow! Have a great week everyone!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-06T23:07:00.000-06:00

I know that it has been some time since I blogged last. However, it has been very busy...in fact I am not going to type much tonight, because I need to get in the bed and get to sleep. However, I could not wait to share our Christmas decorations with you all.

I know that this is dark, but it is my Santa and my Christmas tree that I have put outside. It started snowing this evening and I tried to get some pictures of the snow, but it was too dark.

My wreath that I made out of a grrape-vine weath and douglas fir greenery!

PEACE over the TV on my shelf, along with a snowflake garland that my dear friend Karen gave me!

Decorations on the wet bar! Including my vintage Christmas ornaments!

My greenery swag over my white mirror over the web bar!

Close-up of my vintage Christmas ornaments!

I hope you all are having a great holiday season!

We are still here...It has just been crazy!

2009-11-11T10:11:00.000-06:00

So I have been pretty absent on the blog here lately. Sorry, but it has been busy since the Marathon. We have had something going on every weekend since the Marathon weekend. So this blog will be long with lots of images of some of the things we have been doing over the last month.

To begin the post is Pesto making adventure. I am not going to post the recipe, because it is basically just a pesto recipe. Nothing special. I did want to share the pictures that I took though, just for fun!

Cleaning the Basil from our garden!

Toasting the pine nuts and measuring the basil!

All ingredients go into the food processor and the oil is added.

Presto it is Pesto!

Pancho

We traveled to the ranch to get wood. This tree is dead and now it is cut into small pieces to keep us warm this winter!

Beautiful sunset at the ranch along with Prozac, Arturo's Dad's bird! He is pretty cool, even for a bird! :)

We also atended the McCurry Brother's Sale in Mt. Hope KS. We had a grand time!

Gunner McCurry

Jill, Cori and Lucy McCurry and Trip Phorbes.

Arturo's uncle Fred Montoya

A nice young female in the ring!

Taking bids!

Oh how I love sales!

And one little froggie! This is Wyatt Hallman, grandson of Greg and Pam McCurry.

We have had a blast the last month. We are home this weekend, but then the fun picks up again with a wedding and Thanksgiving.

I hope to have more pictures posted soon!

Have a wonderful day and week!

Group Suggests Undercover Activists Should Face Punishment

2009-10-15T09:30:00.002-05:00

Group Suggests Undercover Activists Should Face Punishment

Oct 14, 2009 2:40 PM, Source: Kansas Livestock Association

Animal cruelty should be stopped in its tracks, not redistributed through videos

The Animal Ag Alliance (AAA) is suggesting undercover activists who witness and record animal mistreatment be held accountable and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law for not immediately reporting the incident. Alliance members made the recommendation in light of the growing number of activist groups hiring individuals to seek illicit employment at ranches, feedyards and processing plants solely for the purpose of capturing video that condemns animal agriculture. The video is frequently produced and released to the media months after the alleged mistreatment occurred as activists plan a strategic media campaign.

AAA is a coalition of producers, organizations, suppliers, processors and retailers communicating the important role of animal agriculture. The group emphasizes animal well-being is central to producing safe, high-quality, affordable food and other products essential to consumers around the world.

The alliance strongly encourages all food animal owners to implement care guidelines, provide worker training and establish policies holding all employees accountable for their actions. Employers should screen potential employees closely to protect against illicit employment by activists, according to AAA.

I thought that this was an interesting article. I totally agree with the AAA. The undercover activists are just a guilty of the mistreatment of animals, when they stood by and watched and recorded the actions of their "co-workers". Seriously, if they cared for the animals as much as they say they do they would have put a stop to it there on the farm or at the slaughter plant not with a video they released to the media. I just don't understand! All of the food-animal caretakers that I know would have been appalled if their employees treated animals the way the undercover activist showed on their recordings and there would have been corrective-action taken to change the way of doing things.

I do strongly believe in training. The Beef Cattle Institute is working hard to provide easy-to-use, online training for employees in all sectors of the beef industry. We have to remember that many of the employees hired are generations removed from the farm. So they do not know, as owners, managers and operators, we must give them the tools to do their job correctly, safely and well.

My Thoughts on Lary King Live and IS MEAT SAFE? Story

2009-10-14T09:31:00.001-05:00

I realize I am a little late on blogging on the Larry King Live, Is Meat Safe?, story. However, I cannot seem to get this story off my mind. I know that we (beef advocates) have heard this type of garbage before and will continue to hear it. Beef Advocates across the country are working diligently to get the true message out about the beef industry. Something else that I cannot get off my mind is a story that I heard on The Early Show last week, The 10 Risky Foods. Do you know what number one was? Leafy Greens. Yes, that is right, not beef, or meat products, but leafy greens. These greens were the number one risky food because of their contamination with E.Coli. The story stated: Between 1990 and 2006, The Center for Science in the Public Interest used data collected from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as other sources to identify 363 outbreaks linked to iceberg lettuce, romaine lettuce, spinach and other leafy greens “variously contaminated with E. coli, Norovirus or Salmonella." This caused at least 13,568 people get sick.

So what it boils down to, to me, is that there is risk in everything that we eat, but there are risks in everything we do too. Every time you get in a car you have a chance of losing your life, but does that stop us from getting in our cars? So, why not enjoy a properly cooked old fashion hamburger, with maybe COOKED spinach on the side.

*Side-Note* As many of you know Arturo and I’s goals and dreams are to make our living in production agriculture, once we have completed our time at K-State. The beef industry has always been important to me and my family, however as we get closer to our dreams coming into realization I grow more passionate about the industry every day. Our blog will continue to showcase the “going-on’s” of the Pacheco household, but I also plan to write more about the beef industry and be a more active advocate. One day when we are living and breathing ranch life, I hope to have a dedicated blog to our daily interactions of on the ranch and our daily duties of production agriculture.

And what is a blog post without pictures?

Arturo counting calves and cows to make sure no one was left behind.

Weaning Time at the Cow/Calf Unit

2009-10-05T18:34:00.001-05:00

This morning I got to go out with Arturo and his crew to the Cow/Calf Unit to take pictures. We left to go out to the first pasture, the Pinch Belly, at 5:45. Yes it was early but it was worth it for the great sunrise pictures. Then shortly after the sun came up the clouds moved in and it got chilly. Here are some of the pictures I took. Be aware there are loads...so it is going to be a long post. Some I have processed in Photoshop and some are just straight-out of the camera.

Have a great day everyone!

The Chaps!

Blue...Arturo's favorite horse!

Friday Night Dinner, A Game of Chase and some Other Random Things

2009-10-03T18:13:00.000-05:00

Last night we made the Pioneer Women's Chicken Scallopine and man was it good! I got my camera out and took some shots of the ingredients and the chicken cooking!

The recipe, I thought the light was cool, and the mushrooms!

Parsley from our garden and the chicken cooking!

Poncho loves to play chase with Max, I think it is because he knows that Max cannot catch him. It is pretty funny to watch. Well Poncho has figured out that Max will pretty much chase him all afternoon if Poncho has Max's ball. I was outside playing with my camera and they started a game of chase. Here are some of the pictures I captured!

Poncho stealing Max's ball.

Poncho tantalizing Max with the ball…

And there off!

Max intent on getting the ball back!

Poncho still tantalizing Max with the ball!

This will go on for some time and then they both will get tried, give up and curl up and take a nap.

The Randomness of this post!

Our pot of Oregano, Thyme and Rosemary!

My pumpkin that the Damn squirrels are snacking on!

And a little sun flare!

Today has been GREAT! I ran this morning, started at 5:30 and got to see a beautiful full moon go down and the sunrise over the flint hills! What a great way to start your day! It was such a beautiful site! I also ran with some great ladies...they are one of the main reasons I pull myself out of bed on Saturday.

After I got home from my run we went to eat at The Chef and then did a little grocery shopping. We then straightened up around the house and the rest of the afternoon we both have been playing with our hobbies!

So all in all it has been a beautiful day with great running company and of course great company in Arturo!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Loving My New Camera

2009-09-27T17:52:00.000-05:00

So I got my camera on Friday and I LOVE IT! I still have a ton to learn, but it is soooo cool! Here are some pictures I took around the house this weekend. I was hoping for more, but I ran 22 miles yesterday and I am a little tried...so this is all that I got. I hope to go out around sunset sometime this week and play...I will share if I make it out!

We have had such a great weekend! Arturo had to work yesterday morning and I ran 22 miles yesterday. The run was really good, most of all my nerves are gone for the race. Less than three weeks I will be running 26.2 miles! How crazy is that? Today I helped at a road race and then came home and have been doing laundry and knitting. Arturo has been working on his chaps all day that are going to be way cool! Here are some of the pictures of the chaps!

Cutting out the bell or the bottom of the chaps.

Working on putting our family brand on the bell.

The bell after it has been stamped. Pretty cool, huh?

I bought this coffee cup for Arturo when we were in MT. It says Cattleman on it...I thought it was cool and he must think that it is pretty cool too, because he uses it almost every day.

This is the yok of the chaps. I think that this is just beautiful work. I will share pictures once they are complete!

Have a great week everyone!

Changes in the future...begining with a new toy!

2009-09-21T16:42:00.000-05:00

Look what I ordered today...

That’s right my very first DSLR camera! I am so excited...I cannot wait for it to get here. It should arrive on Friday! So look for lots of pictures this Sunday...I hope to be shooting like a mad woman!

I posted a while back about wanting a change...well this is the beginning of that change. I will share more and I am sure most of you will guess what I am talking about, but I am not ready to reveal my plan, dreams and goals just yet! Stay tuned, it will be soon, when I am strong enough to share those with you all!

DARE

2009-09-17T08:44:00.002-05:00

Last night I took a Yoga class. At the end of the class the instructor read a poem for an inspirational thought. I am not much into poems or quotes for inspiration; I am inspired by many things. People, places, and much more. Anyway, the poem that the instructor read was really good, it was titled DARE, I think! What I took from the poem was dare to be great, dare to be you, dare to be happy! There were lots of other dares, but those three are the ones that really hit home for me. So I dare you to be great, dare to be you and truly you, and dare to be happy!

Have a great day everyone!

Meet Your Meat

2009-09-02T09:24:00.001-05:00

This morning I picked up the K-State Collegian. I usually do not read the school newspaper, but this morning I got here early and decided to give it a once over. Well it sure did get my day off to a fiery start! An opinion column basically bashing the livestock industry is what really got my day off to the fiery start.

Here is a little from the Meet Your Meat by Beth Mendenhall:
Bacon is delicious. I know it, you know it, even the pigs probably know it. Despite its tastiness, however, eating meat is bad for the environment and human health and causes billions of animals to suffer needlessly.

Albert Einstein once said, “Nothing will benefit human health and increase chances of survival for life on earth as much as the evolution to a vegetarian diet,” and he was right. This is especially true today as mechanized industrial farming has become the norm for poultry and swine production, and cattle feedlots have increased drastically in size and number.

Livestock agriculture is the leading cause of soil and water pollution, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. This is due in part to over fertilization of food crops — there is simply too much excrement and not enough land to absorb it without causing massive runoff into the water table. Waste from processing facilities, like Tyson’s meatpacking plants, adds to the problem. A U.N. report also identified factory farms as the leading cause of anthropogenic (human-caused) greenhouse gas emissions, more so than all modes of transportation combined. Simply put, our environment was not meant to handle the massive amounts of waste produced by industrial livestock operations or the fossil fuel emissions required to ship meat from rural communities to cities.

You can read the rest of the article by clicking here.

We have all heard these "stories" and myths before, and we all know that they are not true. We all know that the industry that we love and work in is full of hard working, compassionate, caring men and women. We know that farmers and ranchers care for their land and their animals because they are their livelihoods. We know that these farmers and ranchers work so hard to provide a safe, wholesome and delicious product for this country and the world.

I am asking you to make a comment in the comment section of this article to help correct the "stories" Beth is telling in her opinion piece.

Thank you and remember to EAT BEEF!

Sunday Morning Fun

2009-08-30T17:35:00.005-05:00

This morning I went out with Arturo to doctor a couple of horses and feed hay. Well, I did not doctor or feed hay. I did a little shooting! Below are few images I took. Check them out and let me know what you think!

Arturo brought me these Kansas Sunflowers for completing the 20.7 miles! I am a lucky girl!

Oh ...and I also took the picture for our new blog heading this morning! :)

Have a great week everyone!

A Lazy Satruday Afternoon

2009-08-29T17:52:00.000-05:00

After my long, long run (20.72 miles, thank you very much) I have not done much this beautiful Saturday. Arturo and I went to our favorite breakfast spot, The Chef, which if you are in Manhattan you must go to The Chef. Great food and great service! After breakfast we did our grocery shopping for the week. Then after that I have been on the couch all afternoon!

I decided to play in Photoshop this afternoon. I took the below pictures last night and edited them with the Pioneer Women's Actions. This is my vintage Arctic Boy water cooler that Miguel rescued for me. I absolutely love it, but not found a great home for it just yet!

See what you think!

Have a mentioned I LOVE Photoshop!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Random Friday

2009-08-28T08:33:00.000-05:00

Good Friday Morning yall!

It has been a while since I last posted...sorry about that. Life has been crazy! Well not really crazy, I just have been doing a lot of running and a lot of research on a crazy little idea, which I will share soon!

The running is going good! I ran 17.7 miles last Saturday and then went and got a massage. How nice that was! This week I ran four miles on Tuesday, eight on Wednesday and five yesterday. Today is a day of rest, to prepare for my 19 mile run tomorrow. I have really enjoyed the training process, to look back and think that this time last year it was a milestone for me to run four miles! I am ready for the marathon to get here, I am getting a little nervous about the whole ordeal and I am still six weeks out and still have two really long runs ahead of me. I can do it though...I have come this far and I will finish! :0)

Arturo started school this week. He is taking a couple of Statics classes this fall and a seminar. He only has class Tuesday and Thursday. He then gets to to go to the Cow/Calf Unit and work or play "cowboy" Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I am really thinking about taking a day and playing "cowgirl" with him some time this Fall. I think that would be fun!

Well...I better run! Lots of work to do this Friday morning! Have a great weekend everyone!

Random image of a rock from the ranch. I thought it was cool with all the imprints in it!

Discovered Actions

2009-08-17T17:00:00.003-05:00

I discovered Actions in Photoshop this weekend....How cool are they?

Here is a picture I took this summer at the ranch...this is straight out of the camera.

And this is the same picture, but with the Pioneer Women's Vintage Action run on it! I LOVE IT!

Have a great evening everyone!

Pumpkins

2009-08-16T16:00:00.000-05:00

Good Sunday afternoon everyone!

This weekend has been GREAT!

Yesterday I ran 16 miles! Can you believe that...16 miles! It wore me out, so we did a little grocery shopping and then just rested the rest of the day! Arturo cooked me a wonderful steak with blue cheese butter, scalloped potatoes, and asparagus. It was so good, a great birthday dinner! For desert, it was homemade chocolate cupcakes! What a lucky birthday girl I was!

Today we worked in the garden a little and just cleaned things up since we have been gone for three weekends straight!

Here are a couple pictures of my pumpkins in the front. They are taking over the front yard!!!

I have a total of four pumpkins, but they all look about the same!

Have a great week everyone!

Thomas Herefords

2009-07-31T12:59:00.000-05:00

Here a couple pictures from the Thomas Hereford Ranch.

This is the view from the front porch of the house.

Cattle...the guys where seriously looking at the cows and calves and us girls where just riding around visiting!

A view of the mountain from that Kurt and Jess will be getting married in front of.

Today is the rehearsal and tomorrow is the big deal...we are so excited for Kurt and Jessica!

Having a a blast!

Stay tuned!

Yellowstone

2009-07-31T10:08:00.000-05:00

Here are few pictures from Yellowstone. I have more, but my Internet connection is a little slow this morning.

This is Mystic Falls that we hike up to, BEAUTIFUL!

A BEAUTIFUL hot spring in Yellowstone...but it smelled a little!

Us in front of Old Faithful!

Old Faithful...just ok!

Leaving the Grand Tetons... my favorite!

Like I said I have more but the Internet is not that great! I will put them up when I can...the wedding festivities have kicked off and we are having a blast!

Hi from Grand Teton National Park

2009-07-27T18:32:00.000-05:00

Today was such a great day! We took a four mile hike around Jenny Lake, in the Grand Teton National Park! It was beautiful and I will let the pictures speak for themselves!

This is one of the pekes of the Grand Teton Mountains. You can see the storm blowing in that cut our hike a little short! Beautiful all the same!

Our first sighting of wildlife...a little ground squirrel or a chipmunk really not sure. I sure hope to see a moose before we leave this part of the world!

Tomorrow we are going to rise early and head up through Yellowstone and stop at Old Faithful and see it blow. You can not go to Yellowstone and not see Old Faithful. We will probably do a short hike and then we will head into West Yellowstone.

Stay tuned!

Hello from Jackson Hole, WY

2009-07-26T17:53:00.000-05:00

Well, we have made it on our journey to Mt...we are having such a relaxing time so far. Yesterday we drove 12 hours to get to Rock Springs, WY. Man that will wear you out...we were asleep by 8:50 last night! However, this morning we were up and ready to go on our three hour drive to Jackson Hole, WY. Jackson Hole is a cool town that has a bunch of little shops. We walked around and checked it out this afternoon...pretty cool! We then stopped and had a beer at a little Tavern that looked out over the town square. Tonight we plan to dine at the Burke's Chop House...it looks to be pretty good food! Pretty excited!

Tomorrow are going to drive up to Ginny Lake, in the Grand Teton National Park, to do a day hike around the lake. We are looking forward to the breath taken scenery! I will share pictures!

Here are a few from the last two days.

Me at the Tavern taking in Jackson Hole!

Arturo at the Tavern...taking in Jackson Hole!

Coming in to the Bridge's-Teton National Forrest on our way to Jackson Hole.

Bridge's-Teton National Forrest.

Mountains to our East as we travel to Jackson Hole.

Our view on our way to Rock Springs, WY.

Eastern WY...not all that pretty!

We will leave Jackson Hole and drive up through Yellowstone National Park on Tuesday. Headed to West Yellowstone. We plan to hike around Old Faithful on Wednesday and then head to Deer Lodge, MT for wedding festivities.

Stay tuned!

Ten Things I love

2009-07-22T07:53:00.000-05:00

1. My husband: he is a GREAT man and my true sole mate. I love you Baby!

2. Our home: It is not big or fancy, but it is so warm and inviting and it already has a collection of memories of Arturo's and I first couple years of marriage and I know that there will be many to come.

3. Our dogs: To be honest I am really not that big of a dog person, but I love our dogs and once they are gone I really do not think that I will have another.

4.My family: Of course my family, Momma, Daddy and Robin and the Harris' and the Gertz group. They have all helped shape me into the person I am today. I also love and adore Arturo's family. I have always known that when you marry you not only marry the guy you also marry the family. I have been blessed to marry into such a wonderful family...the Pacheco's, the Montoya's and the Saiz's are AWESOME! I want to thank my family and Arturo's family in advance for helping me develop into the women, wife and mother that I am today and that I will be in the future.

5. Running: The way I feel after a run...so liberated and strong. It is a great feeling. (Never would have guessed this would be in my top 10.)

6. Photography: I am not an accomplished photographer and sometimes I even forget my camera, but I love to admire other people's work. I am in awe by the beauty they capture. One day I want to be able to capture that kind of beauty.

7. Technology: Crazy, I know, but it amazes me. Especially the Internet. Where would we be without it?

8. Arturo's Cooking: What can I say it is just DANG GOOD! I am a lucky girl!

9. Turquoise Jewelry: This one is crazy, but I love the colors and how cool it looks on. I am sure it is out of style, but I do not care I love this stuff and will probably never stop wearing it.

10. Chocolate: Milk chocolate that is. I really love a box chocolate cake with a big glass of milk. YUMO!

What are ten things that you love?

Have a great day!

What a great weekend!

2009-07-12T17:35:00.000-05:00

We have had such a great weekend....

I ran yesterday morning! Twelve miles all by myself. I felt great up until the last four miles. They were though, but I powered through. Next weekend is 13 miles, and that is the halfway point! I think that it will be hard but I know that I can make it!

After I got my run in and Arturo got his chores done we cleaned the house and did the yard work. Then our evening was filled with great conversation and great food. We had some friends over that will be moving in a couple of weeks. Arturo grilled some steaks and made cheese enchiladas with a red chile sauces. YUMO as Rachael Ray would say! He also made a peach cobbler. I think I consumed all the calories that I burned on my run! Oh well...

Today has been a great day...we have lazed around all day. Arturo worked on some leather stuff and I made all our reservations for our trip to Montana. I hope to have the discipline to journal our trip with pictures and everything! We will see... we leave on July 25th! Can not wait!

Here is a picture of Arturo on his new saddle...he loves it!

Posting from my ipod.

2009-07-12T16:01:00.000-05:00

This month marks a year!

2009-07-02T16:12:00.000-05:00

So a year ago I was border line overweight and felt just plain awful about myself. Not the low depression, want to hurt myself kind, but the kind of feeling that I was just fat and there was nothing in my closet that fit right and I am not going up another size feeling! I know we all have these types of days, but mine seemed to be everyday.

So I decided to take control...I hit the gym and hated it...I tried spinning, step, weights, but nothing stuck. I then meet a couple of great girls (Sarah and Sara) that were training for a marathon and I thought hey I could try running. I always wanted to be a "runner" so what the hell! I found a program on runnersworld.com and took off. It was really hard at first, in fact I pretty much hated it. What kept me going were Sarah and Sara and Little Apple Road Runners Group. LARR is a group of new and veteran runners that are so encouraging and want you to succeed. I continued my program and got to were I could run three miles...what a great feeling that was!

From there I continued to build and late this spring I signed up for my first Marathon in Kansas City. That is right folks I will be running 26.2 miles on October 17th. I am about a month into my training program and have gotten up to 11 miles for my long runs. Next weekend I will break 12 and continue to build up and will run a 20 miler before the big race.

Running has changed me physically and mentally. I have lost 8 lbs and quite a few inches all over. Not really for sure on the inches, but all of my clothes fit me great and I am even back into my skinny jeans with a little room to spare! It has also made me stronger mentally...I feel strong and powerful. I feel that I can pretty much take on about anything if I put my mind to it!

So cheers to all that are runners and supported me and continue to support me and cheers to those that inspire to be runners...you can do it!

Need a change...

2009-07-01T08:29:00.000-05:00

To begin this post a picture of the beautiful sunset at the Ranch in Sedan, KS!

Have you ever just felt like you are so sick of doing the same thing everyday and you are just not satisfied anymore? That is where I am right now. Don't get me wrong, my job is great and what I am doing is rewarding, But here lately I have been really itching to see what else I could do. I want to do something creative, I want to work form home, I want to work for myself...I just have not figured out what that something is that will allow me to to do all of those things and be worth loosing all my benefits that I have here at K-State. So this post is asking for you all to say a little prayer for me that I find that something! I know that God has a plan for me and that I have to be patient and let him reveal that plan to me, but it is so hard sometimes!

Thank you!

Take care and love you all!

To end this post, a picture of an old rock building on the Ranch!

Catching up!

2009-06-28T21:11:00.001-05:00

Hi guys...
Once again I have fallen behind. Sorry!
Here are a few pics of the house and the garden!

Our Green Beans and Peppers!

Our really tall tomatoes.

Our massive squash plants...

Our first little corn...let's hope the squirrels do not get to it first!

My pumpkins in the front!

Front of the house with the pumpkins... I think that we are going to paint the door black, just have not gotten to it yet.

That is all that I have to share this evening. Last week was a crazy busy week for Arturo...they worked calves and bred cows all week last week and it was really hot. I am still running and training! Things are going well...my legs are feeling great!

Have a great week everyone.

A Wednesday Morning!

2009-06-03T07:49:00.000-05:00

Good Morning everyone!

I do not have much news to share, but it has been a while since I posted.

Arturo and I have been super busy with getting the Garage painted. I will share pictures when it is done. Right now it still looks a little rough! We are making so much progress on our little house. We are both sure that once we get it all done and just the way we like it, it will be time for us to move on and start a new project. Oh well, what do you do!

I am still running and training for the big day in October. This morning I ran about 5 1/2 miles on one of the hilliest routes in Manhattan. It was a beautiful run and I got to see the sun rise this morning. I know that it is crazy that I like to run so early, but it is the perfect time of the day. As it is quite, cool and it is just you and the landscape!

Well, I better get to work...sorry I do not have any pictures to share! Maybe next time!

LOVE YOU ALL!

House

2009-05-25T16:18:00.000-05:00

Good Memorial Day to all!

We have had such a busy weekend! I am so worn out!

Here are a few pictures of the house and the garden.

The house after it's new coat of paint! YEAH! Should I keep the red door or paint it black?

The Garden...We have tomatoes, green beans, corn, peppers (bell and Jalapeno), squash and lots of other stuff!

The new fence around the garden, doesn't it look good?

The garden gate that we hung this weekend...I love it!

Have a great evening everyone!

LOVE YOU ALL!

Let the Training Begin!

2009-05-11T16:58:00.001-05:00

I started my training for the Marathon this week. I was going to wait until June 1, but I think I will go ahead and get started. This way if I get hurt or sick I will have a week or two to recop!

Today it I ran three on a simi-hilly route! Tomorrow is speed and yoga, then four on Wednesday, yoga Thursday, three on Friday and six on Saturday!

I will keep you all posted on how it goes through the summer and into the fall!

Oh and please pray for Arturo this week, he has his final in Bio-Chem on Friday!

Talk to you later.

Our weekend progress!

2009-04-26T21:48:00.000-05:00

Good evening...

We had a great weekend, a very productive weekend! Arturo went to work and tagged babies and I volunteered at the Arbor Day Run, here in Manhattan! Then we worked in the yard all afternoon. Arturo tilled up the garden and I planted a few plants and mowed the yard! Here are a few pictures of our progress. Also, I have added a picture of our silly puppy sleeping by the door!

I hope you all had as good as weekend as we had!

Have a great week!

Arturo tilling up the new front flower bed!

My flowers! Still need a little more in my containers, I just could not find what I wanted!

Our garden space, last year it was a 12x12 and this year Arturo made it 16x16. We are planning on putting a cute little fence around with a iron garden gate. It is going to be sooo cute!

Also, we are going to get our house painted in the next couple of weeks! I am so exicted. I am thinking a mossy green with black shutters and white trim. I will share pictures once it is done!

Well got to go to bed...I am running early in the morning and Arturo has to be at work by 6:30.

Earth Day - Celbrate with a Steak tonight!

2009-04-22T08:27:00.000-05:00

Today is Earth Day...the day we celebrate our planet that we live on and the environmentalist that take care of it.

As some may know many of these environmentalist are trying to put blame on the American Farmer and Rancher for global warming. Well, the funny thing is that the American Farmer and Rancher are environmentalist too. They take the best care of the land, because it is the way they make their living. These American Farmers and Ranchers have made a commitment to care for their animals and their land. They work harder than anyone I know to make sure they fulfill that commitment.

So with that being said, please celebrate with supporting my faviorte enviromentist! Have a steak tonight!

HAPPY EASTER!

2009-04-12T15:23:00.000-05:00

Happy Easter everyone! I hope you all have had a wonderful day.

We are having a great restful drizzly day, here in the Little Apple! We are getting a nice steady rain today! I keep thinking of all the folks that have family in or the little girls in the Easter dresses! However, the rain is wonderful!

Arturo had to go out and check babies this morning and they had six this morning! Six little Easter babies! I stayed here and did my normal Sunday morning stuff, balance our checkbook, pay bills and start laundry. We also made it to the 11:00 Mass at our church this morning. It was a nice service with BEAUTIFUL music. This afternoon Arturo has been watching baseball and I have been working on Accounting I homework. Arturo is cooking us the best smelling pork loin for dinner and my contribution is the corn bread and deviled eggs. You just can not have Easter without deviled eggs.

Well, I have made the leap and registered for my first FULL MARATHON. Can you believe it, I am going to run 26.2 miles on October 17th. Me...the one that made manager for the 8th grade basketball team, the girl that always got picked last. The one that would have been voted most nonathletic in school if that would have been a category. Yes, me...I am going to do it! My training will begin the first week of June, however I am going to continue running my average 12 miles during the work week and then do a longer run on the weekend such as 6-10 miles. Yesterday, I ran 6.67 miles and next weekend I am going to try for 7 and then keep working up until I get to 10 miles, before I start training. I think that this will give me a good base to start training. It is going to be an interesting ride...I plan to keep you all posted on my runs and how I am doing on my training program. So if you care stay tuned!

I am still knitting and still working on Arturo's sweater vest. It is taking FOREVER! It is going to be great once it is all done. I am ready for it to be done, so he will have it, but mainly so I can move on to the next project.

Here is the back of the sweater

And this is the beginning of the front...I still have a long way to go!

We hope you all have a wonderful blessed Easter Day!

LOVE YOU ALL!

A First!

2009-04-09T05:12:00.000-05:00

Good Early Morning! Well it is 5:15, AM mind you, and I am up and waiting on the gym to open up! I do not think that this has every happened to me, truly a first! The game plan was to run with a friend at 5:30, however we have some serious thunder and lighting going on this morning so we chickened out. Our bed is really calling my name, it is saying "please come back to this nice warm toasty bed and sleep a little longer," however I think I am going to make my self go to the gym! I have a busy day ahead of me and hopeful it will help me stay focused!

Please say a little prayer for Arturo today...he is ultrasounding his research cows today and tomorrow. Which is really not that big of a deal, but with this thunder and lighting this morning and then it is suppose to rain today, it could turn into a long day!

Have a great day!

Just wanted to leave you with this...I will be dreaming that I am sitting here drinking a cup of coffee while I am on the treadmill this morning! This was the view from our room in Jamaica almost two years ago. Oh man, I so pine to return!

Slacked off again!

2009-04-08T09:46:00.000-05:00

Sorry guys...I have slacked off on blogging again! We have been busy and I have not had easy access to a computer, but at work and we all know that I should be working not blogging!

Things are really good here, Arturo still has cows on a research trial and they are still calving so he is out at the Cow/Calf Unit seven days a week. He loves being out there and "Playing Cowboy." WE just can not wait until it is our own that he is checking on seven days a week. I will really never see him then!!!

I am still running, ran four this morning! I am so ready for it to warm up...today it is suppose to be 68 and then I think turn cooler tomorrow. I know I will be griping once it is a 100, but I bought some new spring things and I really want to wear them!

Well, I better get back to work...Have a great day everyone.

What is a blog with out a picture and lately I have not posted many pictures...sorry. These where my pansies from last year. My goal this weekend is to plant my cute vintage wheelbarrow with a load of pansies. We are also going to get our seeds started for our garden, the last freeze date is just around the corner!

Running - week 5

2009-03-25T08:33:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone!

Just wanted to let you know I ran three and a half this morning. It was a little chilly but we made it through. Tomorrow before I leave for Texas I am going to run four and a half and then hit the gym.

Not much else is going on here, just trying to get through the my short week and Arturo is busy, busy with school and work.

I hope everyone has a great day!

Running - week 5

2009-03-23T09:22:00.000-05:00

Good morning all!

Well, it is official I DISLIKE, no I HATE running in the gym on the treadmill! I decided to try it this morning, because it was really windy outside and I really did not feel like running by myself in the dark. I did get in three and then some weights. I had a good work out but it was painful, painfully boring!

Well got to get to work...I have been trying to post this all morning and have been bombarded with questions on this Monday morning!

Have a great day, everyone!

Running eight!

2009-03-22T20:18:00.000-05:00

This weekend was pretty exciting! I completed an eight mile run! It was a little tough, but I made it through it! Go me!

This week I am going to run three tomorrow, four on Tuesday and five on Thursday. I leave to head to TX to see my Mom and Robin on Thursday, so there probably will not be much running while I am there. That is ok, it will be great fun! We are headed to the Warrenton Antique Fair. It is acres and acres of cool junk. It will be great!

Sorry, I do not have a picture to share. I did not get many taken this weekend.

I have also finished the back of Arturo's sweater vest. Now I have to get through the front. I will share pictures soon, I promise!

Arturo has been really busy! Baby calves have started hitting the ground at the Cow/Calf Unit, so needless to say he is having to tag babies seven days a week. Spring has really sprung! I just love it!

I hope you all have a great week.

Take care!

Training - Week Four, Day Three

2009-03-20T08:21:00.000-05:00

Good morning all!

I ran three, easy miles this morning, with the Brew Crew. Tomorrow is the the big eight...wish me luck!

Have a great Friday and first day of Spring! Yea!

Training - Week 4, Day Two

2009-03-19T06:47:00.000-05:00

Good morning all!

Just wanted to let you know that I ran four this morning. There was about seven of us that meet this morning! We tackled the Manhattan Hill or the "Gut Buster" as some like to call it. I have run this hill a couple of times and it is a killer every time. This morning was not much different. I am getting stronger though, I could actually make it all the way to the top without having to walk and my heart not feeling like it is about to pound out of my chest! One day I am going to be able to power up the hill with no trouble, like the folks I ran with this morning, one day! I think that I like running hills early in my run, for one you get them over with and for two it gets my legs all warmed up and I feel like I could go forever. This morning was the first morning I felt like I could continue running another mile or two with no trouble! This a milestone for me!

Tomorrow is my early morning, Brew Crew Run! I am going to only run three, because Saturday I am going to try eight.

Well got to hit the shower and get ready for another day with the BCI! I hope everyone has a great day!

Catching up!

2009-03-17T21:09:00.001-05:00

Friday night Arturo and I had a date night! Arturo surprised me with tulips. He is so sweet, I am such a lucky girl!

Arturo also brought me home this chair for my Valentines present! Isn't cool?! He got the chair from the cow/calf unit. His bosses picked it up on the side of the road, and it has been sitting out there for a while. I spotted it and Arturo asked if we could have it and lo in behold, it is sitting in our garage waiting to be recovered! Once I get it recovered, I am going to put it in the corner on the left side of the fire place. I just have to find the right fabric and someone to recover it. Once I get it done I will share before and after pictures.

Running - Well I got through my six on Sunday! Yea! My legs did well, but by about 9:00 that evening I could barely hold my eyes open. It wore me out! I did run four this morning, and plan to run four on Thursday, three on Friday and I am going to try to run eight on Saturday. Wish me luck.

Arutro is enjoying his Spring Break, he gets to just work and not have to go to class. He is doing some studying to try to stay on top of the game.

I hope you all have a great week and I promise to keep you updated on this weeks runs and the weekend happenings!

Training - Week Three

2009-03-13T16:40:00.000-05:00

I know, I know...I have been slow on blogging about my running this week. Unfortunately, I have not gotten all my millage in this week. :( I did run three on Tuesday and Three this morning and Sunday I plan to run six. However, I was suppose to get another four in. I have had a bit of congestion and it has been pretty cold here this week, so I slacked a little. I will make it though. I also learned that a friend of mine is getting married on the Saturday before my 1/2 marathon on Sunday, so I guess I will have to find another race. A wedding is way more fun than a 13 mile run! I am still training though, I really want to see if I can do the millage. I will probably run a 1/2 sometime in the fall.

Have a great weekend everyone!

What a great weekend!

2009-03-08T21:45:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone! I hope you all had as good as weekend as we did! Our weekend was so relaxing. On Saturday, Arturo made homemade pasta with a Bolognese sauce. The sauce was made with some our tomatos that we canned this past summer. With our lovely dinner we also had a great salad and some yummy bread and of course some red wine!

Wanted to share a picture of our dinner!

Tonight we had some ribs, beans and coleslaw! It was delicious as well! I am so glad I have a husband that likes to cook!

I also ran five miles this weekend and the old shines feel pretty good! This week I have to run three, four, three, six!

Have a great week everyone!

Training - Week Two, Day Three

2009-03-06T08:35:00.000-06:00

Good morning all!

I ran four miles this morning at five AM. That is right I got myself out of bed at 4:30 to go run. Crazy, huh? The only reason for this madness is the Little Apple Road Runners Group...there is a Friday Morning "Brew Crew" run. After the run we all go to Starbucks and have a cup of coffee, before we start our Friday. The coffee is so worth getting up at 4:30!

Have a wonderful Friday!

Training - Week Two, Day Two

2009-03-04T08:29:00.000-06:00

Hello all!

This morning I got in four miles, with no pain! YEAH! I bought me a new pair of running shoes yesterday, and think that has been my problem all along. Thanks to the Manhattan Running Company, I learned I roll my ankles in when I run, so therefore it puts pressure on my shins and knees. Which in turn makes them hurt like crazy! I got me a shoe with support to help correct that and my legs felt GREAT on my morning run. Thanks Manhattan Running Company!

Have a good day everyone!

Training - Week Two, Day One

2009-03-02T08:43:00.000-06:00

This morning I got up and headed to the gym to run on the treadmill, only because it was like 11 degrees this morning. Way too cold to run by yourself! I was suppose to get in three miles today, but unfortunately my shins killed me. I could only get through two miles. They hurt soooo bad! I am headed to get some new shoes this week...let's hope that fixes the problem.

Have a great day everyone!

Man, Fourth Post in One Day!

2009-03-01T21:33:00.000-06:00

Ok, I will not bore you with much more, but I wanted to share a couple more pictures.

Our precious niece in her new sweater, that I made, and my boots! She loves other people's shoes!

Now she is running around with a roll of ribbon! She was so much fun this Christmas.

Our silly puppies watching the guys tear up the kitchen!

I also ran four miles today! I have to run three tomorrow, four on Wednesday, three on Friday and five this weekend! Wish me luck!

Have a great week everyone!

Bedroom Changes

2009-03-01T21:24:00.000-06:00

I also decided that our bedroom needed a new coat of paint. I do not have any before pictures, but I do have the after! This is the picture that started it all!

Our new piece of furniture! I think it looks great in our room!

I am still looking for the perfect bedspread. But this one will do for now. Janet, your quit will always have a place in our bedroom! I really love it on our bed!

Our New Dishwasher, YEAH

2009-03-01T21:07:00.001-06:00

Well as stated in a couple of post earlier...we got a dishwasher for Christmas! YEAH!

Here is a picture of the boys putting it in... things were kind of a mess, but that is okay, I got a dishwasher!

This is what it looks like now! YEAH!

We also installed a Microhood and a new gas stove. Here is Arturo cutting out the Cabinet above the stove!

Here is what it looks like now!

Training has begun!

2009-03-01T11:20:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone! Sorry for the deliquesces in not posting... I am making a pack to start posting again, at least once a week. Spring is on its way so there should be a lot to post! We are planning a lot for this spring and summer. The house (outside) needs painting, we are planting a vegetable garden, again this year and we are also going to do a little landscaping! Busy, Busy!

On to the title of this post...

I have started training for my first half marathon! So last week I ran 3 miles, Monday, Wednesday and Friday and I am going to run 4 today. This coming week I plan to run 3 on Monday, 4 on Wednesday, 3 on Friday and then five over the weekend. From there I will continue to build up on mileage! I plan to run the 32nd Annual Lincoln National Guard Marathon & Half-Marathon, in Lincoln, NE on May 3rd! I will keep you all up to date on my progress... Wish me luck!

Stay tuned...I have pictures to post of the kitchen and bedroom up-dating!

Long Time, No Post

2009-01-31T10:56:00.000-06:00

Well, it has been ages! The Christmas season took a tole on me, but it was a blast. We are just now slowing down and getting in the swing of work, class, research and life!

We had a great Christmas, I went and watched Robin graduate from Texas State. It was great to see all of my family during the Christmas season. I think I miss that the most. Then I flew to New Mexico and we spent a week in Moriarty. Like always it was a blast! We got some great gifts, but the best was money to by a dishwasher. That is right I will never have to wash a dish again, or at least in this little house! YEAH! We also bought a new stove and microhood. We have had a blast updating our little home. I also repainted our bed room last weekend. I am not for sure about the color, but I will live with it for a while. I do not think I could paint it anytime soon. That is such hard work. I will share pictures of both kitchen and room, once I get them taken.

I have been in Phoenix at the National Cattlemen Beef Association convention. I have had a great experiences and can not wait to come back. There are some great folks working for the beef industry. It excites me!

Well, I have got to run. Need to catch a flight back to Manhattan.

Hope all is well with you all and I promise I will be better about posting.

Love you all!

IPod Touch

2008-12-10T08:43:00.000-06:00

Well, I have been introduced to the IPod Touch and I want one something fierce. These things are amazing! You can use it as an IPod, but also have your calender, access the internet and so so much more. Check them out here at the Apple Store.

Isn't a beauty? Arturo thinks I am crazy, but I think he will be in amazement once he has a chance to play with one. They are way cool! Technology today...

Vegas Baby!

2008-12-07T19:53:00.000-06:00

We just returned from Vegas. We met some of our closest friends out there for the Rodeo Finals! It was sooo much fun. Here are a few pics from our trip!

Us at the top of the Efile Tower at the Paris hotel!

The ladies after the rodeo!

The group headed to the Rodeo. From left to right Justin and Danielle Noble, Shelby and Landon Shaw and us!

The National Anthem at the Rodeo. This brings me to tears at any Rodeo. I believe that it is the true American way!

The strip during the day. I thought I took a picture at night, but I guess I did not!

Christmas

2008-12-07T19:41:00.001-06:00

I wanted to share our Christmas decorations in our little home! Below is what Mom did over Thanksgiving. I found the vintage ornaments in Warrenton at the Antique show and LOVE them.

I did the PEACE over the TV on my little white shelf. I love it as well.

Then our little tree!

I have a tree and a Santa for beside the door, but just have not had time to put it up!

Merry Christmas to all!

Running on Post

2008-11-10T12:19:00.001-06:00

Yesterday was such a beautiful day... a tad chilly, but the sun was out! I have two great friends that are both Army wives and runners. They are both marathoners so needless to say, I can barley keep up! They are a great inspiration though, one day I will be classified as a "marathoner" as well. Anyway, I had a chance to run on Fort Riley with them yesterday. It was my first time on an Army post and it was pretty cool. Fort Riley is a fairly old post, so there are some historical homes. They were beautiful, with so much character. There is also a museum there that I would like to visit one day. I do not know much about our armed forces, but I do know that I respect the hell out of the men and women, along with their families, that serve our country.

Thank you Sarah and Sara for letting me slow you down yesterday. Enjoyed it as always!

Pancho the Border Collie

2008-11-02T22:15:00.001-06:00

Well we have reach the level of being crazy dog people...we now have two big inside dogs. We would like you to meet Pancho the Border Collie! We got him last weekend from our friends Ty and Nicklyn Williams. Pancho has adapted well, however Max is not so sure of him. He has come in and taken over Max's bed and bone. Pancho seems to be a smart little guy, he has already gotten the going to the door thing down, now we have to work on his sit and stay... We hope that he will be a great help to Arturo in the future here at KSU and later down the road with our own cattle!

What we had for dinner tonight! I made steak pot pies tonight for dinner, they were wonderful and didn't they turn out pretty!

I ran three miles this morning...last week was crazy at work so I did not get to run. It felt great to get out this morning. Plan to try to get in 11-12 miles this week. Wish me luck.

Arturo has a lot going on this week, with school and work. Please say a little prayer for him.

Have a great week everyone!

Catching up

2008-10-21T21:20:00.000-05:00

HI everyone! Sorry it has been a while... things here are busy, busy.

I have included a few pictures of us and our lives!

First is Max, he has one big stick that he packed off while we were cutting fire wood!

Us a the Tech/K-State Game! Go Red Raiders!

My baby sweater for little Leah. I have made more progress since this pictures. You are looking at the back of the sweater and the start of the sleeves.

This is my fall display for the front of the porch!

We are good, I am still running and enjoying the heck out of it. Arturo is still working like crazy. Life is busy, but we are loving it!

Take care all.

Wrenn

Pacheco Up-Date

2008-09-23T06:39:00.000-05:00

I just love these little white pumkins!

I have not blogged in a while, sorry about that! I have a ton to share, but really have not taken any pictures to share and in truth what is a blog with out pictures!

We had such a busy weekend...Arturo installed a new storm door on the back and it looks great. I hope to get some pictures of that soon, we stole some corn stocks for decoration, we worked in the yard and I ran four miles. I also finished another dish cloth, gave up on my Baby Surprise Jacket, but have found a different pattern that I will start next week, and bought some more yarn that I plan to use to make a baby blanket for our neighbors.

My Baby Fern Dishcloth!

I am headed to San Antonio this weekend to see my Mom. I am soooo excited, we are going to Warrenton for a HUGE antique, vintage, junk market! It is going to be fun!

Well, got to run and jump in the shower. Ran another 4 this morning, that makes 8 so far. Plan to run 3 on Thursday and call it good for the week!

Have a great day everyone!

Fall Harvest

2008-09-17T06:59:00.001-05:00

I LOVE FALL!

I think that it is my favorite season. Spring comes in a close second though. I love the smells, the colors and the coolness in the air. The trees have all ready started to turn a little here, I can not wait till about the middle of October. It will be beautiful!

Last weekend I drug out my fall decorations, Mom got me the Fall Harvest door hanger last year and I think it looks pretty cute with the fall wreath behind it! I am dying to hit Hobby Lobby and pick up a couple more things for in the house. Maybe this weekend!

Garden ~
I think that the garden is beginning to slow down. The tomato plants still have green tomatoes on them, but I am afraid they are not going to turn with the cool weather we are having. We may have to have some fried green tomatoes pretty soon!

I picked this bunch on Sunday and Arturo just roasted them in the oven with EVOO and salt and pepper. Then he served it with lamb shanks that had been cooking in a port sauce most of the afternoon and orozo on the side. Oh my word, was it amazing! I love that he his a wonderful cook!
*Side note to Janet and LA we have, no let me correct myself, Arturo has used the pot multiple times, so far. I know that we will use the dog out of it this winter! Thank you again!*

Knitting ~
I am still knitting, I have three projects going on at once, and that is probably why I have not finished any of them! I get board with one and pick up another and just go back and forth. I am working on a Baby Surprise Jacket. It is giving me fits. I will try to take some pictures this week and get them up!

Running~
I am still running...Arturo and I ran three miles yesterday and I plan to run another three today. Then we will run three tomorrow. I am starting to loose some, it is just so slow. However, I really have not changed my diet, I still eat pretty much whatever I please. I do eat pretty good, just sometimes to much on the portion side. I really do need to work on getting that under control. It is just sooooo hard for me though. I LOVE TO EAT!

Well, that is about all I have to ramble about this morning. My car is in the shop so I have been at my desk since about 6:30 AM, so I better eat a bite and I guess do something productive.

Have a great day everyone!

4.5 Miles this morning

2008-09-10T08:29:00.000-05:00

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyrun.com/run/united-states/ks/manhattan/642636581531"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;4.5 up Ponytz&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br/&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyrun.com/find-run/united-states/ks/manhattan"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Find more Runs in Manhattan, Kansas&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;
This is what I did this morning at 5:30. It had some killer hills, but I made it up them. My calves are tried , but I feel pretty good.

Arturo had an early morning as well this morning. They were processing calves out at the cow/calf unit, so he will be worn out this evening!

Have a great day everyone.

Tuesday Morning Run

2008-09-09T11:33:00.000-05:00

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyrun.com/run/united-states/ks/manhattan/383802989433"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;3.1 campus&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br/&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyrun.com/find-run/united-states/ks/manhattan"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Find more Runs in Manhattan, Kansas&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;
This morning Max and I drug Arturo out of bed to run with us. It was 50 degrees, so far the coolest morning of running. Above is our route. It was a little hilly, but a great workout. A total of 3.1 miles! Tomorrow I am running with my Wednesday's group, we are going to run 4.56, with hills. Wish me luck!

Have a great Tuesday!

Kansas Flowers

2008-09-07T08:11:00.001-05:00

Texas has Blue Bonnets and Kansas has Sunflowers. Being a Texan I have to say the Blue Bonnets are amazing carpeting the hills of Texas, however there is something about the Kansas Sunflower in the late part of Summer. It is like the last little glimpse of summer before it begins to turn miserable cold. I picked an arrangements worth yesterday. As I was picking them Arturo said, "I have been meaning to pick you some of those, but I always get to busy and forget." I hate that our lives are moving at such speeds that we forget to do things out of the way for each other, I am the same way with him though. I mean to pick him up something special at the store or to make him something special, but by the time I have a chance to stop I just want to sit down and rest. I know we both need to try and slow down, but it seems we just can't right now. It means the world to me though that he still thinks of me when he sees pretty wildflowers or just that he thinks of me throughout the day! Man am I a lucky women!

This arrangement is sitting on the kitchen counter by the sink and it it just brightens my day every time I walk into the kitchen. I love fresh flowers!

Our two squash from the garden. I think we are going to try them out tonight!

Also to update you all on my running, I only got in 8 this last week. Not bad, just not my goal.

Have a great week everyone.

Garden Veggies

2008-09-03T06:35:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to share some photos from the garden...Arturo thinks that it is petering out due to it is starting to cool off up here! The high is only suppose to be 70 degrees today. Arturo keeps telling me "we better start sharping the chain saw blades, it is going to be a COLD Winter." Last Winter was the worst Winter I have every been though and it was not even that bad compared to like Alaska, I am kind of a wimp when it comes to miserably cold weather.

Anyway, here are some our tasty tomatoes.

Baby Cantaloupe...I need to take another picture he or she is starting to really look like a cantaloupe.

Acron Squash...These are some of my favorite types of squash

Butternut Squash...another favorite

More tomatoes on the vine.

On a side note I ran 3.3 this morning. Go me!

Have a great day everyone.

Running and rock laying

2008-09-02T06:40:00.000-05:00

Good morning everyone....

Just wanted to keep you updated on my running again this week. My goal once again is 9-10 miles. I want to stay steady at this for about a month and then start increasing.

This morning I only ran 2 miles due the fact my back was killing me...

We laid rock yesterday morning and some how I got the job of fetching the rocks. The laying part looked pretty hard too, so either way I think my back would still hurt this morning. I am going to rest it tonight and plan to run 3 with a group tomorrow.

Here are some before and after pictures of the rock and the deck.

We are going to line the beds in rock as well, I think that it is going to look pretty cool.

We still have a lot of work to do, but it is coming together. This time next year it is going to be awesome!

Hope you all have a great day!

2.4 miles this morning

2008-08-28T12:29:00.001-05:00

Just a quick note... I ran 2.4 miles this morning. So that brings my grand total up to 9.48. Lets just say 9.5! Yeah for me! I am also going to run with my friend Sara Lily on Saturday, she is training for a Marathon and Saturday she is running 20 miles. So I am going to help her out with a measly three or maybe four since I know I can do it! We will see.

I am doing all this running and I really do not feel any slimmer. I feel stronger, but not any trimmer. Arturo says that I am, but he has to say that! I think my metabolism is all ready slowing down...and I am not even 30! I guess I am just going to have to hit the weights, do some dreaded core training, eat better and cut back on my red wine! I might hit the gym and eat a little better, but the wine thing might be hard to give up!

Well got to run. It is lunch time here...hah, hah!

Have a great Thursday.

I took some great pictures of the garden yesterday, I will share them this weekend! Check back soon.

4.4 MILES THIS MORNING

2008-08-27T06:49:00.000-05:00

Can you belive it...I ran 4.4 miles this morning! I ran with a diffrent group and was planning on only running 3, but once we had done three I still felt good and decided to go all the way. There were a few killer hills and I slowed WAY down, but I finished!

That puts me to a little over 7 for the week! YEAH!

Got to run....I need to start getting ready for work.

Have a great day!

2.68 miles this morning

2008-08-26T08:23:00.000-05:00

Just a quick note...

I not only got in 2 miles this morning, but I got in 2.68 miles according to the Map My Run Web site. Check out my route here .

Have a great day!

Canning and Birthday Presents

2008-08-25T20:41:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone, wanted to take a moment and share with you guys our first or my first canning experiance.

Arturo and I canned 50 pounds of tomatos with my friend Sarah Lilly on Sunday. This was my first time canning...it was not as bad as I thought it would be, it just took time. Here are a few pictures and these are taking with my new camera! I got it this afternoon, and have been playing all evening!

Arturo and I with one of our beautiful jars!

Another one...

Three of the 12 we took home!!

I think that we are going to do some peaches and make some pickles...next year Arturo, says we are going to have a HUGE garden so we can can our own produce. What fun!! I think...

My Mom sent me this great mosaic mirrow for my Birthday...I love it. It is so cool. She is a pretty talently lady. LOVE YOU, Mom!

We had a great weekend, it was crazy busy. Saturday we cleaned and got the house ready for our party. We had about 25 folks over Saturday night. It is was great fun! Then Sunday we canned most of the day. Needless to say we are pretty tired today.

My running goal for this week is 9 miles for the week... I did not run this morning so that means I have to catch up tomorrow morning. I think I will do 2 tomorrow, 3 Wednesday, 2 Thursday and 3 on Friday. That will get me 10. Wish me luck!!

Have a great week everyone.

LOVE YOU - the Pacheco's

Home from Vacation :(

2008-08-19T17:37:00.000-05:00

Hey Everyone...
We made it home from New Mexico on Sunday. We had such a great time and you know I did not even take my camera. So I do not have any pictures to share. It is always good to go home, NM is really not my home, but I call it home. I love it there. I do not think I would every want to live there but I do enjoy visiting. The skies are just beautiful and the landscape can be breathtaking. It was only 60 degrees on Friday, which was my Birthday, I do not think I have every had to wear a jacket on my Birthday before! I guess there is a first time for everything. Juana made us some amazing red chili enchiladas with homemade sopapillas and beans. Man it was good! I probably gained five pounds! Oh well I guess that is what vacation is for!

For my birthday I got some really cool things. My mom made me this awesome mosaic mirror for our kitchen and Robin got me this cool needle case. Thanks to you both! LOVE YOU! I also got a little cash and I think I am going to get a new camera! The one I have is only like a 3 mega pixel, so it is about time to up-grade. I am thinking about a Nikon Coolpix with 10 mega pixels. I think I am going to order it tonight. I am pretty excited. I will share pictures of my gifts once I get my new camera.

We are planning a get together this weekend...Arturo goes back to school on Monday. Less than a week left of his summer. He is pretty bummed about it! Next summer will be here before we know it though.

I am running with the Little Apple Road Runners tomorrow morning 3 miles...lets hope my shines can stand it! I am thinking that the half marathon is going to come in April or May...before it gets to hot and I can start training after Christmas. I will let you know how it goes tomorrow.

Well that is about it from this home front. I hope you all have a great week. Check back soon for some pics!

Catching up!

2008-08-06T21:16:00.001-05:00

Well...we have been pretty busy. August is going to be a little crazy.

Last weekend we traveled to Sedan or to the ranch. We picked up some rock for making flowerbeds and a fire pit. It is going to be really cool. We hope to have at least the flower beds built this coming weekend. I will take some pictures once we have things built! Arturo also butchered a lamb while we where there so we now have lamb. Man that is good stuff...I would have never guessed I would every crave a lamb chop, but I do and it it is so good with a glass of red wine!

Next week we are leaving for New Mexico to see Juana...I am pretty excited. Three days off and getting to enjoy to great NM air! Also we will get to spend some time with our niece and nephew. It is going to be a great trip!

The squirrels have discovered our garden. They have eaten all of Arturo's corn. The little varmints! Arturo has gotten a Beebe Gun to try to thin them out, but he has not gotten a single one! :)

I am still really enjoying knitting. Here a few of my finished projects and my first bit of stash yarn.

Knitting ~ Headband from my beginners class

My Hat did not turn out quite right...but it still is pretty cute on! (also from the class)

My Cable Scarf! It is coming along great!

My first bit of stash yarn. I picked this up a Wildflower Yarns and Knitwear on a great sale. I am not for sure what I am going to make with it just yet, but that is what makes it stash!

Running...I am still trying to get in shape! I have shine splints though, so I have had to back off and slow down on my program. I have decided that I am going to run a half marathon in the year 2009 it my be this time next year but I am going to do it!

Well that is about it for now.

Hope you all have a great week!

Have not Bloged in over a week! Oh my!

2008-08-01T08:04:00.000-05:00

Hey Everyone,
So sorry for my lack of blogging, but life has been a little crazy this last week. I do have some pictures to share and will have more after this weekend, but for now you will just have to live with this...

A friend and fellow blogger, Lauren tagged me for my first every tag. So here it goes.

10 years ago: Ten years ago I was 16 about to turn 17 and entering into my Jr. year of High School. Man that is crazy that was 10 years ago, it almost feels like yesterday!

5 things on my list today: Well at work I have to watch and OK two of our educational training modules, retrieve our video footage from the International Symposium on Beef Cattle Welfare, have a birthday party, then I have to go to the doctor and go home and pack for our weekend at the Ranch. Busy day and it is Friday!

Snacks I enjoy: pretty much anything savory or sweet...I am not that picky!

Places I've lived: I have lived in Texas, Georgia and Kansas.

Check back next week and I will have pictures of some of my once again blooming flowers, new purchases, knitting and the rock we are getting from the ranch to make our flower beds.

I am still Alive!

2008-07-23T06:26:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone,

Just wanted to let everyone know I made it this morning! We ran a THREE MILES! It was a slow three for me, but I did it! I am sure I slowed everyone down a little, but they seemed cool with it!!

I have my knitting class tonight, I think we start a hat tonight! Will take pictures and share later!

Hope everyone has a great Wednesday!

Wanted to leave you with a picture of my two favorite guys!

Running Week 2

2008-07-22T21:58:00.000-05:00

Well, I have stayed on my program so far.

Arturo and I ran yesterday afternoon in the heat! It was kind of a stupid thing to do, but we made it! I was really sweaty when we got done....It was pretty gross. Sure did feel good once I got cooled off.

Tomorrow AM, and when I say early I mean 5:30am. I am going to run with a group from the Little Apple Roadrunners Club. I am a little nervous, but they say I will be able to hang in there. So we will see. I will give you a report tomorrow evening if I am still ALIVE!!!:)

Arturo is playing softball on a city league team, named the "Animal's of Science." I do not think they have won a game yet. The average age of the team is 50, so age is not on their side! He is having fun though. They play on Tuesday nights with a double header. Tonight they lost both games :( They will get one win hopefully before the season is up.

Well that is all the news I have from this home front!

Have a good night everyone!

P.S. Lauren...I will get to your tag soon, I promise!

Knitting

2008-07-20T21:18:00.001-05:00

Over the 4th of July, Janet and L.A. (Arturo's Step mom and Dad) came to visit us! We had such a great visit.

Janet is a knitter and she brought some of her knitting along. She showed me a couple of things and got me started in a class. The class did not make at first and I was determined to learn so I checked out a few books at the library and taught my self a few things. My first project was this bald-band dishrag. It was so much fun to make and turned out pretty well, if I do say so myself.

I got this pattern out of the Mason Dixon Knitting book (http://www.masondixonknitting.com/) . I love their stuff I plan to do a few rugs that are in that book someday soon.

Finished Product

The class did end up making, so I am taking a beginners knitting class which we make a headband and a hat...I am pretty excited about it! I also have tried to start a scarf this weekend, but am having some trouble. I will get it figured out though and place pictures as soon as I have them.

There is a great knitting shop here in town, the Wildflower Yarns and Knitwear (http://www.wildflowerknits.com/index.html), that is where I take my class and they also have an open knit night on Thursday nights. There are some great ladies that come to the knit night! I have enjoyed making new friends and getting involved in a group here in Manhattan!

Well, I think that I am about caught up on everything. I think we plan to do some work around here this coming weekend, so I will keep you updated on our progress.

I hope everyone has a great week!

Garden

2008-07-20T21:06:00.000-05:00

Arturo and I both grew up in families that had a garden every year... so it was only right that we have one of our own. We were a little late putting it in, so our veggies have been a little slow producing. They are coming on though! We have tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, green beans, peppers (they are not doing very well),corn, cantaloupe and watermelon. So far we have harvested a few green beans and tomatoes, the other stuff will be ready soon. I love home grown produce, it always taste soooo much better than the stuff you get at the store.

We all ready have ideas on how to make it bigger and better next year!

Enjoy the pics!

A few pics of my sunflowers...

Backyard Project

2008-07-20T20:20:00.000-05:00

Finally, I have time to share what we spent almost every weekend working on in the Spring. We are so pleased with it and still have so many things to do to make it just the way we want it. We are working so hard on our little home, but it has been so fun putting our heads together and getting a great outcome. Arturo has some great ideas of what he wants to do with the house and so do I. We have had some great learning experience on how to work well together! We are getting it figured out, more and more on each project. :)

This spring we put in a six foot privacy fence, along with tearing up the patio and replacing it with the same stones as well as a few new ones to give it a cooler effect. I have to give a quick shot out to Miguel, Arturo's brother, if it would not had been for him we would have never gotten it done!

Enjoy the pics!

Back Fence ~ Before

Back Fence ~ During the Project

Back Fence ~ Cleaned Up

Back Fence ~ Building of Fence

Back Fence ~ Completed (Well not completed, waiting on a gate. We have completed, I just need to take some more pictures.)

Our Help...Thanks again!

Patio project ~ Before

Patio ~ During

These are all the stones or pavers we pulled up, this was my job, in that I could not carry the fence panels to well.

It rained on us multiply times and made this a huge mess!

And finally the finished product

We still have flower beds and fire pit to build, but we plan to get that done in the month of August. I will keep you up-dated on the progress.

Pretty Prairie

2008-07-18T16:50:00.000-05:00

Strap on your boots and spurs we are headed to the Rodeo! We are going to Pretty Prairie, KS for the largest night rodeo in Kansas. We went last year and had a really good time. Arturo's Aunt and Uncle live down there...so we get to hang out with family this weekend. Always fun.

Well got to run!

Will have updates on the house and other projects hopefully Sunday...so check back.
Have a great weekend!

Running

2008-07-16T11:43:00.000-05:00

Sorry that I did not get anything posted about our backyard project...the Internet was down last night and will probably not be fixed until Thursday. :(

Now back to the reason for this post.

Before the wedding I starting working out, you know to look good in my dress and all, and became a little bit addicted to spin. I think it was the location of the class, the time and the instructor, because I just do not enjoy it as much here in Manhattan. So I am trying a new form of exercise. I am teaching myself to run... well I guess I am training my body to be able to run a straight 30 minutes. Today was my first day and I ran a minute and then walked 90 seconds. I did this eight times, and will do this three times this week and then I keep increasing my time running over the next eight weeks. So we will see if in eight weeks I can run a straight 30 minutes without feeling like I am going to pass out! I will keep you all posted on my progress.

Exercise is a funny thing...you hate it until you get in a groove, or at least this the way it is with me. However, when I get in that grove I love the way it makes me feel. It makes me feel strong both mentally and physically!

Anyway, just wanted to let you all know what is running through my mind today. No pun intended!

Have a great day!

Our First Home!

2008-07-14T21:05:00.000-05:00

Well most of you all know that we purchased our first home last June. So... we have been in it a little over a year now and have done a few things to it, and have a lot more things on our list. I want to share some before and after photos of the house.

Before

After - With still some work to do... we are planning on painting the exterior this fall. I will keep you all updated on that project.

Kitchen ~ Before

Kitchen ~ After Please disregard the dishes, we are still hand washing the dishes :)

Living Room ~ Before

Living Room ~ After (Please note that the curtains and the pillows were my first sewing project)

The Kitchen Table Area

Bathroom ~ Before

Bathroom ~ After

The Hallway ... one of my favorites

I hope you all enjoy these...we are sure having fun with our little home! Making great memories everyday. Stay tuned for more pictures of the back yard project.

LOVE YOU ALL!

Honeymoon ~ May 27th

2008-07-14T20:53:00.000-05:00

The views from our room!

The Honeymoon...man did we have a blast! We traveled to Ocho Rios, Jamaica and stayed at the Royal Plantation. If you are every planning a trip to Jamaica we would HIGHLY recommend the Royal Plantation...it is GREAT!

Wedding ~ May 26, 2007

2008-07-14T20:46:00.000-05:00

As most of you know Arturo and I were hitched in Lubbock, TX on May 26th of last year. This began our journey of husband and wife, the last year has been great fun! We have bought our first home, moved out of the state of Texas and have loved every minute of it. Well...maybe not every minute, but most!

Post number 1!

2008-07-14T20:43:00.000-05:00

I have been wanting to do this forever and have never made time! Well... now is the time! I am going to begin by catching you all up on happenings here in Manhattan, KS. After that I plan to keep it updated with Arturo and my travels, projects and just life happenings. Thanks for checking in with us! Take care!