My Baby Isn't A Baby Anymore...

My baby... I mean my almost 2 year old, Blaze is growing into an adult right before my eyes.

Where did my baby that fed every 2 hours, could cook up the most horrendous diapers, and that would snuggle up to me while sleeping and never wiggle go?

My baby... I mean, Blaze now won't touch any food that resembles the texture of baby food, is trying his hardest to convince me he can drink from a glass, talking up a storm, has had 4 haircuts and is developing his sweet but sometimes touchy personality.

For me, since I have gotten into photography, I am so sad to say that I have neglected snapping pictures of my own child. I am missing out on so many wonderful opportunities... if he stays still long enough for me to take a picture that is.

This Sunday when Clint came home from a horseshow in Tulsa, he decided that it was time for Blaze's summer haircut. You know, so the dudes can be low maintenance and cooler while they work during the hot summer.

Clint has given Blaze all of his haircuts and I do not dare take him to a barber. Clint thinks that it's a Daddy's job to fix his boy's do.

With every swipe of the clippers, I realized more and more that I don't have a baby anymore... I now have a boy. A crazy, dare-devil, accident prone, dirt lovin' little boy.

Here are a few pictures that I snapped. Don't you just want to eat him up???

Blaze showing off his new do.
Please ignore the scrape on his head...
and his bare feet...
and the ketchup on his face...
and the fact that he doesn't have a shirt on.

He's trying to tell me to hop in the passenger
seat. He doesn't realize "hop" is not in my
 vocabulary anymore.

Blaze loves riding horses. This is his attempt
 of saying "cheese". It sounds just like "shoes". I just love
Clint's expression. If that's not love and adoration, I don't
know what is.

This is our life in a nutshell. Dirt. Boots. Jeans.
Horses. Dogs. Baseball caps. Snacks.

This is my little "Sarge" overseeing
the dirty work.

Zoo Run

On Saturday, Blaze, Ashleigh, Becky and I participated in our second Zoo Run.

Blaze and me before the race. Of course the horse
blanket came along too.

Let me preface this with a little background on my running relationship.

It's non-existent because we signed the divorce papers a LONG time ago and reconciliation is a long shot.

When I was younger, the first thing on my body to grow was my feet. I had size 11 shoe in 3rd grade!

To top off my freakishly large feet, I was tall and didn't have an ounce of body fat.

My my my... how things have changed.

To say that I was awkward is the understatment of the decade.

So when I ran, or tried to, it looked like I had flippers on.

Needless to say, I would rather walk across hot coals than run because of my deep-seeded hatred for running. It made me look even more goofy than I was as a child. Thanks running, for scarring me for life....'preciate it.

Last year, Ashleigh (my childhood buddy) and I decided to enter ourselves in to our first Zoo Run 5k at the Fort Worth Zoo with our boys.

Ashleigh is a good runner. Always has been and probably always will be. I remember in high school when we had to run miles in basketball, she was usually the first one done.

Me, I was the one that my team mates finished and ran back to where I was to push me to the finish cheering me on saying, "Push it, Kaci! You can do it!" I wanted to punch them all in the face when they would do that. I mean that with the most sincerity possible.

So when I heard about the Zoo Run I had somewhat of an inner struggle with the idea. The running part I disliked but the raising money for the zoo and all the animals part was the kicker.

I'm a big softy when it comes to animals. Even if it means conquering my most hated pasttime.

I thought it would be a cool tradition for Blaze, Ashleigh, Noah (Ashleigh's boy), and myself to have as well. We would run the Zoo Run every year and we would walk away knowing that we did something good for the Earth and the conservation of animals and education.

And I thought that maybe since the rest of my body has caught up to my feet, and then some, that running would come a little easier now.

This "fun run" (what a ridiculous name) starts off by the front of the zoo, you run all the way around to the back, run through the zoo out into a neighborhood behind the zoo that involves hills that I swear are 90 degrees upwards and back around to where you started.

Last year, while pushing my stroller, I thought that I would flat line right in the middle of the thousands of people there. I had a vision of me tripping in slow motion with my chin crashing on the pavement and me flailing all about, flatlining and then everyone would just run over the top of me like I was roadkill. BUT I finished. I waked ALOT but I did finish.

For the last mile, I told Ashleigh, "Just go ahead, you don't have to wait on me anymore." I felt bad that she would be smoking me and then stop and run in place while I caught up.

I'm pretty sure she finished a good 15 minutes ahead of me. Of course I sprinted across the finish line like I had been maintaining that speed the whole time.... Oh geez! I crack myself up!

THIS year though I figured I would be at an advantage, or maybe that Ashleigh would be at a disadvantage, because she just had her second child in January. I thought to myself, "Oh that will slow her down to my speed, I hope."

I was thinking that I would fair better this year too because of my kickboxing classes that I have been half-ass attending have provided SOME cardio in my life.

When the race started, there was 2,663 people that entered into the race and it took us a solid 8 minutes to even GET to the starting line. People were everywhere.

As soon as we could break out of the crowd enough to run we did. I thought to myself, "Self, just keep going. Don't wuss out like you did last year."

We made it to the back of the zoo and I was still running! I stopped to walk WAY before that last year.

We made it throught the zoo where you go out into the neighborhood AND I WAS STILL RUNNING!!!! WAHOO!!!

If it wasn't for the people that have no 5k etiquette and line up across the whole course and walk, I would have still have been running but instead of running people over with my stroller, I counted to 10 before I screamed and waited until I could get around those sweet little powder puffs!

We finished the 5k in about 45 minutes. Not too shabby!

All in all, I would say that I ran about 60% of the 5k and I think that is pretty darn good for a girl that is out of shape and dislikes running with a fiery passion.

Hopefully next year, I can keep improving. My goal is to eventually make it through one without stopping one time.

The most important part is that I did it, I finished, I'm alive, and all my vitals signs have returned to normal! Sweet!

To all of you people that are natural runners, I'm jealous. Oh so very jealous!

Peace out my little chicken dumplins!

-Kaci

We made it! Blaze tooks THRILLED!

I'm Still Here!

No, I haven't flaked out on everyone!

I have been slacking on the bloggin' but I promise it's for  good reasons.

1. In my spare time, I have been spring cleaning and getting rid of things that have seemed to set up camp and take over my house. I'm trying to get rid of all the extra junk before we move.

2. I am working on the design of my blog, and let me tell you, it's tedious stuff! I'm trying to personalize my blog more and make it easier on your eyes.

3. In my other spare time, I have been working a few jackpots! It's roping season and we are always on the road to the next roping.

4. Because we are on the road, I am in the middle of getting an internet hotspot so I can blog on the road. I'm excited!

I do have some pretty exciting posts coming up though!

Next week we are going to the High Oaks Ranch for their annual cattle branding! I'm extremely excited about this! It's a tradition that we all load up and go. I even took 2 days off of work for it. WAHOO!!  It's always a blast. I can't wait to share the experience with you!

Also, I have found probably one of the most incredible blogs and I will be sharing my new projects from that! You will have to wait and see all the goodness!

I have been baking and cooking up a storm from the Pioneer Woman's new cookbook and I will be sharing those with you too!

Oh oh oh!!!! I found another amazing blog about baking, cookies, cupcakes, and cake pops!!!!!! I will be sharing that as well! Prepare yourself because I don't think you are ready for all this goodness!!!!

Remember that as soon as Life As Kaci Knows It Facebook Page reaches 100 likes, I will be giving away the new Pioneer Woman cook book!!!! This cook book is a MUST for any kitchen!

Until I get all of my things together, hang with me, I will be back REALLY soon!

Love ya!
Kaci

Chicks

This past weekend I went to the feed store to buy a few baby chicks so I could take Blaze and Cooper's pictures with them over at our friends Ron and Beth's house. Cooper is Ron and Beth's new grandbaby that was born in December. Ron and Beth are two of my favorite people.

This is Beth with Blaze at his 1st birthday party. Beth is a sweetheart to the core. If I'm an animal lover, she is animal lover times a thousand. That's alot. She's my go-to gal for questions about cooking, gardening, canning, baby raisin', antique findin', decorating and everything in between. Everybody needs a Beth in their life. I'm glad she's in mine.

All of her animals that she has are rescues or dogs that were dropped off that she took in. I think it will take me a whole blog post to introduce you to her animals. They have 3 dogs, 6 cats, 3 horses and 2 calves, one coriente and one hereford. All of her animals, including her cows are the tamest and loving animals I have ever seen in my life. That's a testament on how much love she shows them. She grew up on a farm and very compassionate to all of the animals needs. When I die, I want to come back as one of Beth's animals.

I just knew that when I showed her the baby chicks she would want to keep them. She did. She has already drawn up plans for their chicken coop when they get ready for it.

This is Ron playing with Blaze in the grass. Both Ron and Beth treat Blaze like he is their own. Ron is very endearing and has a witty sense of humor. He is a hard worker and a provider to so many. He calls us his "young friends" and Blaze is his "youngest friend".

Ron is always accepting and nuturing to Beth's tender heart and always bringing needy animals home to one that shows them true love and care.

Ron loves his motorcycle trips with his friends and his son. He likes fixing up old muscle cars and gardening. He was kind enough to share his garden with me this year so I can get my feet wet and he can teach me the basics before I venture out with a garden of my own.

Now that you've met Ron and Beth, it's time to meet the new member's of their family. We are in the process of giving the 4 little chicks names. I hand-picked these little chicks. I took a lot of time with watching them and holding them. I wanting nice chickens so the ones that let me hold them and pet them, got loaded up. The chick box said, "Handling your chicks often will ensure friendlier chickens." There is no doubt in my mind that Beth will have the friendliest chickens known to man.

Look at those precious little things! Everybody loved the chickens. Blaze had to make sure they were ok on the ride home. Once I got them home, Charli had to make sure they were eating and drinking like they were supposed to. Even when Vegas came home, he stood guard to make sure no one would bother them.

I think I want to name this sweet little angel, Beatrice.

Charli had to show the chickies some lovin.


There will be more chick pictures coming your way because we had quite the "photo shoot" wih Blaze and Cooper with these sweet little chickies!

Do y'all have any ideas for names? We like to go with names that start with a "B". Comment with your ideas below.

-Kaci

You've Got Mail!

Tuesday when I came home, I found this on my door step...

Getting packages is one of life's greatest surprises. I know, I'm lame. But I will take all the surprises that come my way, that's for sure!

I open up the box and find this...

How awesome of a mother-in-law do I have? She got me the new Pioneer Woman cook book I have been raving about!

I didn't call her and tell her it was on my wish list, she just knew that it would be a great treat for me. She ordered it and made sure it was delivered on the day that the cookbook released.

I called her as soon as I opened the package and squealed in her ear about how excited I was to have The Pioneer Woman Cook: Food From My Frontier.

It just donned on me that I own all 4 of The Pioneer Woman's books! Does that classify me as a stalker? I'm going to say it classifies me as a lover of amazing things. You should check out her other books too:

Black Heels to Tractor Wheels: A True Love Story

Charlie The Ranch Dog

and my first cookbook love:

The Pionner Woman Cooks: Recipes From An Accidental Country Girl

I opened the package and tried to sit down to read through it but I had to start the creamy potatoes (which are a recipe from the first The Pioneer Woman Cooks) because we were having guests over for dinner.

Oh, and I made the Chocolate Sheet Cake from the first cook book for a friend at work for passing her nursing exam and it was a total hit!

The cook book is beautiful just like the first but packed with a bigger variety of recipes. I absolutely cannot wait to dig into and make deliciousness from it. Here are just a few pictures that I took of it before I had to go cut up some taters.

Iced Coffee! Yes please!!

Beautiful photgraphy

Do you have any Pioneer Woman cook books? Would you like for a certain blogger chick host a giveaway for her new cookbook? Hmm...

Peace out,
Kaci

Where I Need To Be: Chapter 1

** I am re-posting this blog from when I originally wrote it back in September 2011. Sorry for the long delay but I will soon be adding more chapters very soon.**

A strange feeling of nostalgia comes over me and I feel the need to write these thoughts in my head down. Oddly enough, I have a notebook in my car. Isn’t it crazy how life works out that way? At the weirdest times you get what you need.  A notebook and a pen was what I needed on this rainy Friday afternoon.

As I begin to write, I’m surprised of how many things I remember, both good and bad. I guess this is what you get when you sweep 27 years worth of thinking under your brain rug.

I laid down all the back seats flat in my Durango so Blaze and I can stay out of the rain and have a little play area. Thank God it’s raining because we and all the creek beds have suffered through a summer’s worth of 105 degree heat with not a drop of water. They say it will take at least 5 years to recover from this drought, not to mention the thousands of acres that has burned up due to it being so dry. 

Tears well up in my eyes each time I see the neighbors pull out of their driveway with a trailer load of cows to take to the sale barn. All of that hard work, all of the early morning feedings, working the baby calves, vaccinating, and the overall maintenance to keep cows on their ranch just gets loaded down in a sale barn chute and auctioned off at a fraction of what they are really worth. The horse sale barn reached a history record of the number of horses up for sale last week. Horses around here are going for $200. That's just sad.

That's these rancher's last resort because all of the grass has burned up and all the stock ponds have gone dry. Hauling in water is too expensive and hay prices have skyrocketed. It seems like every prayer I overhear, I hear the people pleading with God for his mercy and to send some rain our way.

Blaze just turned 1 last week and being a mother is the last thing on Earth I thought I would add to my resume before Clint and I found out we were expecting. Clint is my husband of 3 years. We will get to his role in this whole thing later. But let's talk about this Blaze character.

Blaze is the most wonderful creature I have ever laid eyes on. If his icy blue eyes and wheat colored hair don't make you fall in love with him, his personality is sure to get ya. He is the most easy going little human being I have ever met. He only fusses when he's hungry or sleepy. It's rare that I see him without a smile on his face or that concentrated look of gears turning in his head. I know everybody thinks their baby is smart and I'm no exception. It is crazy to me how much he pays attention to things. He never meets a stranger. He loves everybody that gives him the chance to. He loves to swim and already an animal lover, that's where I see myself in him the most. He opens my eyes to the simple things in life. He has completely changed my life and he doesn't even know it.

 We have lego’s, trucks and Goldfish snacks scattered all over the car. Being that it's Friday, my brain gives off a buzz from the last 5 days. It's the residual buzz of all the stress, phone calls and dealing with rude people of the week. I find myself letting that stress follow me into the weekend as I get a little frustrated that I look away for 2 seconds and Blaze turned the entire bag of Goldfish upside down and little orange fishes lay in a pile. Then I look at Blaze in the face. He thinks this is the funniest thing he has ever seen. He turns the bag upside down to make sure he didn't leave any fishies out. All of the whole fishes along with all their crumbs lay in the coarse grey material of the car's interior.

I see him not giving two hoots about the fact that we are in the back of my car or that it's raining. He is happy in this moment. Completely content. He has snacks, toys and his loving parents close to him and that's all that he cares about. And that right there ladies and gentlemen, that little moment of innocence and purity from the second person to shake my world to the core, is the reason for this epiphany.

The radio is turned on an old country station, the type of old country that was made well and made to last. Coincidentally enough “Rockin’ With The Rhythm Of The Rain” is on. I think the radio station knew what they were doing when they played this song because they knew most of the residents of our rural community are rejoicing that we are finally seeing rain again. We didn't think we would.

I do my best Wynona Judd impression and Blaze looks at me right in the face and gives out a good laugh. I just love his toothy little grin. I’m not sure if he’s laughing at me because I’m not the rock star I think I am or he’s just having a good time with the music and picking up Goldfish and putting them back in the bag again. In my mind, I’m going to tell myself that he’s just having a good time so my dreams of one day becoming a rock star can live on and my ego stays intact.

We have the back hatch open so we can watch the roping. We decided to ride along with Clint to get out of the house. When it's this hot, you go outside only if necessary. Clint is flagging this one because he's not quite back to competing yet after his shoulder surgery two months ago.

When I say roping, I mean team roping. It's a partner sport to where you have a header and a heeler. Each person is mounted on a horse and each have a rope. Each person is in their own box on either side of the chute, and a steer is in that chute in the middle. When the header knods, the steer is released from the chute and the time begins. It is the header's job to chase the steer and rope the steer by the horns and turn the steer to the left so the heeler can come from behind and try to rope the back feet of the steer. When and if the header and heeler rope their respective ends and are facing each other, the flagger gives the signal for the time to stop. If the heeler only catches one foot, 5 seconds is added to the time.

Team roping is a sport that I'm all too familiar with. A sport that I can't help but remember how it fully engulfed my childhood. A sport that I tried my hardest to stay away from since becoming an adult. A sport that was destined for my future.

**** More in Part 2. Coming soon***
Thanks for reading!
Love,
Kaci

A Chick with a Bow

Clint walks in the house the other day just as I was about to drift off for my Sunday nap. Don't you hate it when that happens? I do. Nap time for me is a very sweet and very precious time, especially since being a mother, they are exponentially very sweet and very precious times. Naps are necessary to keep up with the limitless amount of energy my child possesses. Sometimes I think he has an extra battery pack implanted in his body somewhere. What demented person implanted that battery pack in my child? They better hope I never meet them in a dark alley somewhere. Just kidding... kind of...

I was hoping Clint would see me with my eyes closed and let me be... but he didn't.

He said, "Come in here, I got your birthday present!" "What is it?" I grumbled back because in all honesty, I didn't give two hoots about what he had, even if it was a present, well unless it was going to be a bob-tailed kitten that I asked for. I trudged into the living room to see him holding a hunting bow and a set of arrows.

"Oh... Wahoo... you got yourself another bow. Happy Birthday to me..." I said in my very exaggerated, very not-impressed voice and turned around to go flop myself back in bed.

"No, it's yours! I got it so we can go hunting together."

I stopped dead in my tracks and tried to scan my brain for any memory in my life that I told him that I wanted a bow so I could go hunting with him. I dug deep, really deep, in my brain but came up empty. Did I tell him that in my sleep? I talk in my sleep alot.

Don't get me wrong, I totally appreciate the gesture. I will gladly accept gifts, unless it is a snake. Don't ever give me a snake, unless you want a dead snake. I was just having a hard time figuring out why my request for a bob-tailed kitten was ignored and he took it upon himself to think that a bow is what I really meant. I don't know about you but a bob-tailed kitten in no way, shape or form should translate into a bow.

I forced myself to paste on a smile. The last thing I want to do is hurt my sweet husband's feelings. I told him how cool it was and how I can't wait until hunting season starts so I can wake up at 3 am, take a shower and wash with no scent shampoo and soap, and then put on my camo gear, trek out to the deer stand in the freezing cold, sit on a little bitty chair in the deer stand that my butt is sure to feel oh so comfy on, and be quiet for hours until I see something to shoot. That = fun. Not.

Just when I thought I appeased him enough so I could get back to my nap he said, "You wanna go shoot the target?"

"I would love nothing more." I said convincingly. I think I said it convincingly. I hope I said it convincingly.

So I pulled my shoes on and when I went outside he had the target all set up and my bow ready to go.


I strapped the release on my hand and clipped it on to the pull string, or whatever it's called. I put the arrow into the whisker biscuit. Now I know that it's really called that. I can't help but giggle everytime I hear that. It sounds like something you would call your sister. "Stop wearing my clothes, you whisker biscuit!"

I pulled back on the string and then reality hit. I could barely pull back the bow. Am I that out of shape? Yep!

Clint told me, "You better get a grip because I can't turn it down any lower." Awesome. After about 20 tries (seriosuly) I finally got my rhythm down to where I was able to pull that sucker back. I put my lip to the kisser button (This is a real thing too, I'm not making it up. All these names are a clear indictation that a man gave them their names.) Look through the sight and let 'er rip! I hit the target dead on where I was aiming.

From that moment, I was hooked. I have shot guns before and I love it. There is something about firing a gun that is powerful and stress-relieving. I didn't think there was no way I would get the same feeling with shooting a bow.

I loved shooting it so much that Clint made me come inside from shooting at the target because he said my arm would be really sore the next day if I didn't stop. It was. Really sore. Like can hardly put my purse over my shoulder sore.

I have officially caught the bow hunting itch! I want to go to Cabela's and buy up the whole store to get my pack prepared. I can't wait to go buy all of my camo stuff, and face paint, and no scent smelly stuff. My only fear is that I shoot something just bad enough to injury it and it has to gimp around and be hurt. Then I will feel awful. I hope that doesn't happen though.

It's not a bob-tailed kitten, but I think Clint did a pretty good job on picking out my birthday present! Thanks honey! I don't know how he does it all the time but he picks out the best gifts.

I guess now you can be expecting hunting stories and pictures on the blog in the future.

Do you hunt? I want to hear a funny or entertaining story from you. Don't forget that the blog now has it's own email address: lifeaskaciknowsit@gmail.com Whoop whoop! Big timin'! So email me or comment below with your stories. I can't wait to read them!

Over and Out!
Kaci

New Pioneer Woman Cookbook!

ALERT!!! ALERT!!!

The Pioneer Woman's new cook book, "The Pionner Woman Cooks: Food From My Frontier" goes on sale March 13th!!!! I'm thinking maybe a birthday present to myself!! Check this link out here to view her blog post about her new cook book.

It has 119 recipes and the pages are covered in beautiful pictures and precise step-by-step instructions. I'm chompin' at the bit to get my hands on it!

By the way... everytime I hear or say the words "step by step", I am whisked away to when I was 6 years old and The New Kids On The Block (or NKOTB as all the cool kids called them) are the coolest things on the planet and everything I have: notebooks, sleeping bags, lunch boxes and t shirts have all of their faces plastered on them.

"Step by step, ooooo babay! Gon' get to you giiirrrrlll!"

Good times. Frizzy hair, big bangs, scrunchy socks and all!

Back to The Pioneer Woman... If you have been following the blog for a while then you know that if my family solely depended on me to have a home cooked meal on the table every night, then we would all starve... seriously... not joking..

It's a darn good thing I married a man that knows his way around the kitchen.

I'm not sure if it's because I didn't know what I was doing around the kitchen, or because I am actually a bad cook, or what but the only thing Kaci and kitchen have in common is the same beginning letter.

The Pioneer Woman has shown me simple, easy and absolutely delicious recipes that I (me, moi, Kaci Wright Johnson) can make that are not only edible but they are crowd pleasers. This has given me the confidence to try other dishes outside of the cook book that might as well be called my Kitchen Bible. You have no idea how monumental this is in my life.

I will love The Pioneer Woman forever for giving me this edge.... My husband will love her forever too for giving me this edge, too.

You can pre-order her new cook book on Amazon or make sure your local book store is going to carry copies.

If I were you, I would get this puppy in your hot little hands, like.... NOW! Or at least on March 13th.

If you haven't figured out how big of a freak I am, I'm about to give you confirmation.

I, along with my good friends Beth and Colleen, am going to Dallas on April 14th and meet the Pioneer Woman for her book signing. There you have it! There is your confirmation, folks! Save me a spot at the looney bin!

Love ya!
Kaci

Winning

This past weekend my Dad came into town to rope at the World Series roping in Stephenville. Clint was roping there too so Blaze and me packed up a load of toys and parked ourselves in the stands for 2 days to root on our guys.

Friday night fared no luck or winnings for either my Dad or Clint. Saturday morning though I could tell they were both after something. I could see the fire in their eyes. They had both roped so good on Friday night but with team roping, sometimes it's not all about how good you rope. Its about how good your partner ropes, how good your horse works, how good the steer you draw is, if you're holding your tongue in the right position...among many other things. Most of the time it's just about luck.

 Luck is a word our household has been without the past year in the roping pen. But you can't turn it around if you don't keep trying, right?

In the number 13 roping, my Dad was high call back. High call back means that you are the fastest team that has caught 3 out of 4 steers. The fourth round is called the short go. This particular roping took the fastest 20 teams for the short go to compete for 10 winning places. First place paid right at $14,000. They start with the 20th fastest team and work backwards to the first high call back. This does two things:

1. Makes is easier for the first high call back team because all of the other teams have already gone so the #1 team knows how fast they have to rope a steer to win big money.

2. Makes the first high call back team doubly nervous because they know that if they miss, they are out of money because there has been teams that have already claimed the 10 spots. If you miss, you go home sad with empty pockets. If you catch, you go home happy with a pocket full of money, but not before making a trip to the bar they ever so conveniently have at the arena for a celebratory drink.

Clint told me that he was down by the chutes with my Dad trying to calm him down before they called his name because he was so nervous. When I heard this I was confused at why he would be so nervous. My Dad made a career out of team roping in his early adult years and made 5 trips to Last Vegas for the National Finals in team roping. He's a veteran. No need for nerves and worries.

Clint said that my Dad told him that he woke up that morning determined to get one last win in for my Mimi, his mother, before she passes away. Clint told him to go out there and make this one count for Mimi. At that moment, all of his nervousness left and he set his mind he was going to win it.

Mimi is such an essential part of our family. She is a dynamic woman that I can only hope I am half the woman, mother, daughter, and wife she has been. She has taught me so many things including how to be strong, how to be the constant rock for your family, how to stand by your husband no matter what, to love your children with every fiber in your body and stop at nothing to ensure their happiness, to make your loved ones know you will always be there in good and bad times, and always give people the benefit of the doubt.

Dad (his friends call him Rusty or Buskin) nods his head for the gate to open, takes two swings and heads the steer, makes the prettiest turn for his partner to rope the feet and his partner Phil Lyon drops his rope and gets both feet. It's one of the prettiest runs I've seen, not that I'm partial or anything. They had to be an 8.86 to get first. Their time was a 7 flat.

As soon as Phil dallied, both guys faced, and the flag went down, I let out a scream that filled the whole arena. Everyone in our family are big cheerleaders and we aren't afraid to express ourselves, that's for sure.

After the announcer let us know they clenched the win with his deep and velvety announcer voice, Dad immediately got off his horse and tears welled up in his eyes. Blaze and me met him down in the arena and gave him a tight victory hug as we both started letting the tears fall. He was so happy that he could make Mimi proud one last time. I was just proud that I came from such a person.

Here are a few pictures from this weekend. These were taken with my new camera. I have so much to learn but I am happy with my start. I decided not to do any editing to these pictures because I like the rawness of them. Enjoy!

Love,
Kaci

My sweet Blaze at the beginning of the day.

This is what happens with no nap and constant playing with other little kids.

I just love this one. Had to throw it in the mix.

Buskin getting a pep talk from Blaze.

Buskin loves his Blaze.

My action shots need work.

The winners.

Dad getting congratulations from everyone.

Special moment.

I'm Baaaacccckkk!

I apologize for the blog hiatus. There are several reasons why I have temporarily abandoned my blog.

1. I have been waiting, waiting, and waiting ever so patiently to buy myself a DSLR so I can give you better pictures than what I have been delivering in the past. I wasn't happy not one bit with the quality of them so I am holding out on some of my blog posts to bring you better pictures.

I have finally made the plunge! I bought myself a camera! YAY! Hip Hip Hooray! I didn't realize how stressful the decision was going to be to do so. I am quite the impulsive person and when I see something I want I usually just go after it, so to research the camera I wanted so diligently, bother other photographers to death with questions until they probably wanted to tell me to go fly a kite, keep up with competitive prices with different retail avenues, and researching the lenses I wanted is quite uncharacteristic of me.

I really am surprised with myself by this behavior. I tend to go out and buy something and learn the hard way on what I should have done. I was really stressed out about this because I wanted to make the best decision for myself and my beginner hobby photographer skills.

Which brand should I get? Which model should I get? What can I afford? If I get this camera, will I outgrow the usage of it in just a couple months and wish I went with the next model up? What lenses do I absolutely need first? What accesories are a must?

See! I was driving myself crazy! But I'm happy that I did because I am happy with my decision now... I think.  Should I have gotten the next model up? No! I am happy with my decision! I really am freaking myself out about this. This is coming from a girl that just breezes through life with almost no worries.

So anyways, I will share with you my camera adventure in a later post.

2. I wrote a blog post that included a quote from a Buddhist that comforted me in a time of pain. It seemed to speak to me and give me the words that I needed to hear. To me, it could have been written by a kindergartener and I would have still found comfort in those words. Just because the words came from a different religion doesn't mean I should turn my head away from them. I guess my boundaries of people, things, and thoughts are more blurred than others. I don't pay much attention to boundaries and segregation.

When I write my blog, I write it as though I am talking to a friend. I don't hold anything back, I'm honest, and I don't try to shrink myself down to what would be popular and get my blog more followers. I want this blog to just grow organically because in all honesty, for me, it's just an outlet.

I was surprised by some of the comments in passing that I got from people that read that post. I had people trying to pretty much "save" me from the Buddhist religion and show me the error in my ways, that I should choose Chrisitianity. I had people comment that they loved the quote and that is was so true, but they weren't going to reveal the source because it was Buddhist.

I know that I knew better to write about something as sensitive as religion, but I wrote was true to me at the time. I felt like I needed to defend myself and email people back explaining why I wrote that but I never could bring myself to press the send button. It almost hurt my feelings that people were reacting this way, but I get that my words were misunderstood. My relationship with God is just fine, by the way. Reading a book on Buddhism does not make me a pagan.

I thought long, hard and soaked everything in from that experience. Should I filter my blog to make it more reader friendly? Should I have not been so vulnerable and write what I did? Do I need to explain myself?

All I can say is that I will not change who am I and what I write. I do understand that people will not always agree with what I have to say but I am setting myself up for that when I type the words out and send it out to cyber space. I can take it. I'm a big girl. 

I don't feel the need to explain myself, apologize, or debate my reasoning. What I do feel is that the people that know me, understand me and my love and appreciation for everything in this world, know that I mean no malace or hurt in my expression of this love. I love culture. I love understanding things. I love digging to the roots of everything. I love knowledge. I wish I could be a full time student and just learn my days away.

This expereience somewhat scared me away from my blog for a little bit but I will let you know that I am here to stay. I will continue writing what I have to offer this blog and I won't stop until I'm ready to stop.

On that note, upcoming blogs will cover my first year of gardening, Blaze's new goldfish tank that I have taken on as another obsession of mine, great photos, and more exciting things.

3. I've just been too darn busy!

Love all of you that read the blog. Whether you like it, love it, or hate it... Thank you!

-Kaci

Strong Enough

Like I have said before, I enjoy reading and studying different cultures and religions. I have collected several books on Buddhism because my love for yoga had me in search of what everything about yoga meant. Yogis rely heavily on the Buddhist religion for their meditation practices and overall mental well being. When I get interested in something, I dive head first and want to learn everything about it. I feel the need to dig deeper and find the roots and inter-workings of that particular interest. I read books, I google, I subscribe to magazines... it gets pretty ridiculous at times. I can get consumed by it and it usually drives my husband crazy.



A couple of months ago I picked up "The Pema Chodron Collection" at a book store. This book is a collection from individuals that spent time with the Dalai Lama at one of his teachings. The Dalai Lama does these often to inform those interested about the Buddhist way of life. I am not a Buddhist expert but I never seem to be disappointed everytime I open a book on the religion. What I take away from the Dalai Lama's work is a realistic, simple and selfless point of view. I think that is something that everyone could benefit from eventhough you are devoted to another religion. It makes you realize that you can always give more of yourself. I have read several books by the Dalai Lama and his words are so pure and to the core of life. There is no fluff.



I haven't read a word of this book yet until the other day. I was sitting in bed on my laptop about to publish a blog about the reason why we go through hardships and why we experience pain. I felt the need to write a blog on this subject after getting back home from an unexpected trip to East Texas to visit my Mimi in the hospital. She was walking out of the grocery store when she was struck by a vehicle and was care flighted to East Texas Medical Center to undergo emergency surgery for a brain hemorrhage.



I deleted the blog because it seemed like a sob story for myself when it was my Mimi going through probably the hardest thing she has gone through in her whole life. It wasn't my intention for it to sound that way, it's just my words weren't jiving. I closed my laptop screen and opened this book that has set on my bedside table for a couple of months and this was on the first page:



"There's a common misunderstanding among all human beings who have ever been born on the earth that the best way to live is to try to avoid pain and just try to get comfortable. You can see this even in insects and animals and birds. All of us are the same.



A much more interesting, kind, adventurous, and joyful approach to life is to begin to develop our curiosity, not caring whether the object of our inquisitiveness is bitter or sweet. To lead a life that goes beyond pettiness and prejudice and always wanting to make sure that everything turns out on our terms, to lead a more passionate, full, and delightful life than that, we must realize that we can endure a lot of pain and pleasure for the sake of finding out who we are and what this world is, how we tick and how our world ticks, how the whole thing just is. If we're committed to comfort at any cost, as soon as we come up against the least edge of pain, we're going to run; we'll never know what's beyond that particular barrier or wall or fearful thing. "



I wish that these were my words because this is exactly what I was trying to get across. We endure pain and hardships in our life to see what we are made of. These things don't kill us. We learn and gain strength from these moments and hopefully we pass along this strength to others around us. Nothing in this world happens to us because we aren't strong enough to make it through and see it to the other side.



Ever since I can remember remembering I can hear my Dad say, "The good Lord doesn't put anything on us that we can't handle." This statement has become more apparent these days. This is one of the truest statements to live by and remember when there are things in our lives that aren't going according to the "perfect plan".



We are strong enough for the pain. Period. It brings out the best in us.



Show the world what you are made of.



Love, Kaci

Hunting Trip: 4 Aces Ranch

As promised, here are some pictures that came back with Clint, Clay and Colleen on their hunting trip this past week. Clay is Clint's boss and Colleen is Clay's wife.

 The 4 Aces Ranch is a 18,000 acre ranch that sprawls across South Texas. The ranch belongs to a customer of theirs. I only wish I could have gone and seen all there is to see. I am truely jealous! Enjoy these beautiful pictures and day dream that you are sitting on the porch gazing out at the sunset of this beautiful landscape.

The entrance to 4 Aces Ranch

A beautiful white tail buck hiding. Look at that rack!

Colleen with her trophy.

The whole crew.

Mama and baby Zebra. Love this picture. I think I need a Zebra.



This is overlooking just one half of the ranch!



Clay with his Axis buck.

Clint with his scraggly ol' mountain rams!

Country Life

I feel blessed that Blaze can grow up around agriculture and the cowboy way kind of life. In a time where there is so much hate and violence in this world, I love that we can retreat to a lifestyle that is pure and honest. I hope Blaze appreciates this one day. Here are a few cute pictures to share of the boys out roping the dummy.

Those blue eyes get me every time.

Daddy teaching Blaze how to spin to win.

Do we have a bull dogger on our hands?

Blaze has lots of "big brothers" to look up to. This is Noel. He
is a wonderful kid.

The best part of the country is the dirt!

I hope you guys can take time out of your day to remember and appreciate the simple things in life!

Love,
Kaci

Put Yourself First

Putting myself first is something I'm not too good at. That is probably the reason why I look in the mirror sometimes and see catepillars for eyebrows, cactus needles on my legs, and the extra 30 pounds of baby weight that has decided to set up camp on either butt cheek. And not to mention that I still sometimes where my favorite pair of maternity capris because of the elastic wasitband doesn't dig into my love handles. Yuck! Yep. I just said that.

I'm all about feeling good about yourself at any shape but this is all because a total lack of putting myself first, or even second. I'm not talking about neglecting your kids to get your coif just right, I'm talking about giving yourself the proper attention to make you feel good about yourself. It's not selfish. It's reasonable. It's also necessary. I believe that for you to take care of others like us women and mothers do, we must take care of ourselves first.

Don't we envy those moms we see out and about that have it all together and look beautiful?

I hate to keep talking about my weight loss journey but I'm going to. I could stop talking about it at any time. Promise. But it just proves my point. I'm about to start my 3rd week of Turbo Fire and Shakeology and the best feeling of all of this is giving myself the 30-55 minutes each day to myself. The feeling I have that the time is for me and to reflect on myself and grow as a person is priceless. Not to mention that people that are physically active are better equipped mentally to deal with the everyday stresses, they look younger, and of course the obvious health benefits.

It doesn't have to be workin on your fitness. Maybe you decide to give yourself 20 minutes each day to read a book, or pledge to have a massage once a month, or give yourself so much time a week to work on your favorite hobby.

You are better apt to take care of others at your maximum potential if you take care of yourself first.

That's my sermon for the day. Take care of yourself ladies and gentlemen! You will thank yourself later!

Peace & Blessings
-Kaci

Kate's Birthday

I am WAY behind on posting blogs and pictures so I am doing a little clean up.

Last September, we went to our friend's place at the High Oak Ranch in Cranfills Gap to celebrate Kate's 2nd birthday.

The Cobb family are some of the sweetest people I know. They treat you like family from the moment you meet them. Scotty and Stef Cobb are the patriarch and matriarch of the family. Scotty is a mountain of a man with a kind demeanor. Stef is a firecracker and is someone to be admired. Her decorating style belongs in a magazine.

They have two daughters, Natalie and Tai. Natalie is married to Sean Koehler and Tai is married to John Klam. We know them because John shows team roping horses too and we have become good friends with the whole family. Sean and Natalie have a boy Kase and a girl Karson. John and Tai have a girl, Kate and baby boy Klam is on the way.

They all are such a pleasure to be around. You will be seeing more of them on this blog, especially when we go to their ranch in April for the annual branding. It is such a blast and their sprawling ranch is absolutely gorgeous. You can see the annual branding on their TV show "All Around Performance Horse"  on RFDTV. Check it out.

Here are some pictures from Kate's 2nd birthday Fiesta!

Pretty girl Kate and her friend waiting in line to have a go at the pinata!

Blaze thought the pinata was pretty cool.

Karson gave Blaze a pinata hat.

Blaze with his maracas and the gentlemen in the background.

Daddy and Blaze enjoying the festivities!

Blaze gathered up a pile of maracas!

Over and out!
-Kaci