Timeline of Facts - Part 2

I was in denial for days. I had very little faith that the HPT was real. I was reeling at the thought that I would be a mom. Again, I was not dissappointed. Just really confused.

After about three full days of knowing about it and not saying anything, I finally decided I needed to tell Josh. It was Monday morning, and he was getting ready for work. While shaving at the bathroom sink, I walked in and sat down on the toilet. At first I starred at him for several seconds and after a while he noticed I was starring at him. "Yeeeesss?" he said, perplexed as to why I was sitting on the toilet starring at him for, seemingly, no reason, "So..." I began, "I have something to tell you." "Ok, what?" "I....I really don't know how you are going to react. It's kind of a big thing..." Half shaven, razor in hand, really, really perplexed, he says "Ok? Just say it...." "Well, um, I.....I......you're not going to believe this..." I giggle some, not really sure how to say it, so I just blurt it out "I'm pregnant...."

We both stared at each other for a few seconds.

"OH! Whatever!" he says with a smile, "you're just saying that so you can see what my reaction would be IF you really were pregnant..." He sure thought he had it all figured out, didn't he? He continued to shave. "No, actually. Why would I lie about something like that?" "I don't know, just to be funny, I guess..." "Well, I'm not kidding. I really am." "Really? Prove it!! Do you have the pregnancy test?" "I do, I actually have two." I open the drawer where I stashed the two tests and showed him the proof. "Oh wow....." speechless "....... How cool..." He looked at me and smiled. "Cool" he said once more.

I really did not know how he would react. I knew that he would not be upset, but I couldn't predict his initial reaction. Would he do somersaults? I don't know. Would he break out in song? I don't know. Would he pound his chest like an alpha male gorilla? I don't know. I can now say though, his reaction was completely natural and very him. A subdued, happy and content acknowledgement of a completely shocking revelation. "And they said it was along shot..." were his final words before leaving for work.

It was important to me to keep this whole thing under wraps until I went to the doctor to confirm what technically was a rumor. I didn't want to announce to the world that I was expecting and then not really be, only to have them tell me "Oh no! You're not pregnant, you're in the early stages of diabetes," in a pathetic, 'you poor girl' sort of way.

SO, we said nothing. For two solid months. Part of the reasoning for that was that:

1) I did not attempt to make a doctor's appointment for another two weeks. I was still in denial. I know, I know...get with it Tiffany!

2)When I called the doctor's office to make the appointment the next available appointment was 6 weeks out! I could not believe it! That put me not seeing the doctor until mid July.

3) I had to cancel the original appointment and reschedule because of another conflicting appointment that I could not cancel, putting my appointment now at the beginning of August. *I'm exhausted*

So, in the meantime, I was:

1) experiencing the worst case of morning sickness EVER - which really translates to all-day sickness, for me between the hours of 10:30am to about 8:30pm. I learned there really isn't a "morning sickness" - how nice.

2) trying to figure out just how far along I was...in my case, this was especially difficult. When you only have a cycle twice a year good luck!

3) trying to wrap my head around the fact that I was pregnant.

4) dealing with the unbelievable experience of heightened senses. While I was picking up a gallon of milk at HEB, I smelled freshly ground coffee from across the store, as if it were on the shelf right next to the milk and orange juice.

5) trying to brace myself for girl's camp. Whomever decided that TENT CAMPING would be a good thing, must have had a bad day the day they decided it. And, to top it off, learning that the Stake Leadership would be sleeping in air condition while the rest of us would be in tents, was really, really chapping my hide. Uh, hypocritical? Slightly. No, GROSSLY.

Ironically, the week of girls camp, the nausea was probably at it's absolute WORST. The Monday before we were supposed to leave (we were supposed to go up on Wednesday morning) I was trying to pack up the last of the necessities and I found it difficult to do even the simplest of tasks. Finally, on Tuesday, I expressed to Josh that I was not sure how I was going to be able to deal with being in the heat for 3.5 days having the nausea and the exhaustion doubly. He felt that I needed to tell someone, that way they would be in the loop in the event something were to happen to me or I just could not plain stand it. So, I did. I called one of the leaders who was already up there and told her in the strictest of confidence. Luckily, since the only girls from our ward were YCLs, she gave me the option to stay at home if I needed. I appreciated that, A LOT, but by the same token, felt a little guilty. I didn't want the girls to think I had ditched them. I opted to come the last day and stay the night, then pack up and go home the next morning.

**********Part 3 to come - I guess there is more to tell than I thought***********

Pregnancy: The timeline of facts Part 1

So, it's pretty much common knowledge that I am expecting a baby, last we heard and saw, a little baby boy. I have had so many people ask the who, what, where, when, why questions that I figured it would make a good blog post, not to mention document the history of the occasion before I forget it all. Here is the timeline of facts:

*First, a little history: nearly two years ago I had been tested for fertility issues and basically been told in layman terms that the chances of getting pregnant, naturally, were a long shot.

Back in early May I was feeling...let's just say weird. In the weeks before running Beach to Bay, I was feeling particularly drained. Actually, drained does not even describe the exhaustion I was experiencing. I could not figure out why. I had been running on a fairly regular basis for months, so I was perplexed as to why all of a sudden my energy levels were at negative 55% percent. But still, I didn't think too much of it...

May 20, 2011 - The day before Beach to Bay, I was still feeling oddly tired. So, I decided that I could not let my team down and I decide that I would make a rash decision of ensuring that I was awake and energized for my early morning leg of the race. I am a team player, afterall! I manage to run Beach to Bay quite successfully - all pumped on caffeine. More caffeine than I probably have consumed in my life. But hey, I never do it, and it was for the good of the team. Right? Right. I should add that I felt great that morning, by the way! Whew, good ole' caffeine - quite the witch's brew!

End of May/beginning of June - I am progressively feeling worse, the exhaustion is at it's worst and I now am experiencing terrible, burning, nauseating pains in my stomach.

Thus far, not once did I ever - EVER - consider that I was pregnant. Never.

June 1st - on my birthday, I am having a lovely lunch with two of my aunts and my precious grandmother and I begin to tell them how awful I had been feeling. I describe the symptoms and state that I need to schedule and doctor's appointment. My aunts suggested that it could be early diabetes or thyroid imbalances. Perhaps. I was considering anything. I had never felt this way before, after all. And my grandmother has thyroid issues anyway. Totally plausible!

June 2nd - I get a text message from my gay husband (not really, but I thought it sounded good) inviting me for jog down Ocean Drive, just like old times. Problem was, I was leveled. I had nothing to give. No energy, no desire, nothing. And boy, was I feeling particularly nauseated. I told him I was feeling yucky and was not up to it. Maybe next time! When he asked what my symptoms were, I told him what I was feeling. His immediate response was: "You're pregnant!"

Later that evening, about 10:00pm, I am talking on the phone my good friend Koth (pronounced like "cloth" but without the "L". To everyone else, she is Kathryn ;-)) I begin to tell her how weird I have been feeling. She asks "What are experiencing?" So, I begin to tell her. "Tiffany, it sounds to me like you are pregnant! Have you taken a home pregnancy test?" "Well, no. I haven't even considered it. Its not possible, remember?" "Well, you should at least take one to rule it out. GO GET ONE RIGHT NOW AND CALL ME AS SOON AS YOU TAKE IT!" "Don't I have to wait until the morning to take it?" "Oh yeah, you do. Ok, well, go get one now and then take it in the morning and CALL ME SOON AS YOU GET THE RESULTS! I won't sleep until I know!". "Ok, I will. Leaving now. Bye." "Bye"

June 3rd - I wake up and I take the HPT.

I'm shocked, I'm bewildered, I'm speechless - I'm pregnant.

The test came back with an unequivocal and positive POSITIVE.

Words cannot describe the flood of emotions that I experienced in those moment. I just stared at the test stick. The most prominent of my emotions was utter confusion. You must understand, at that point in my life I had sincerely and fully accepted that I would most likely not have children in this life. And, I was at total peace with that. I was at a point where I no longer yearned for children of my own. If truth be told, as I was approaching 32, I was beginning to seriously doubt my abilities to be a good mother. I was inching closer to becoming that woman that lost patience for those parents who could not soothe their crying babies in restaurants, or control their waddling toddlers down the aisles and pews at church.

I was not upset or disappointed. I just wasn't sure how to feel about it.

After about an hour, I decided to take the second test that came in the 2-for-1 kit. And, the results were the absolute same.

I did not tell Josh right away. I was still mulling. This whole revelation was still processing in my mind.

I had doubted that the tests were even accurate. I mean c'mon. They are only 99.% accurate. I could be that one in a million, you know. It happens everyday....

************************* PART 2 to Come*****************************

A Calling

Well hello, blogsphere! It's been a while since my last post. I totally blame Facebook for having turned my fairly regular blogging habits into nearly nonexistent blogging habits. I think it's completely reasonable, don't you?

As most of you know, I have been called as Young Women's president of our ward. I would be lying if I said that I was happy about this. I was recently visiting with one of my counselors and she made the comment that sometimes she does ask Heavenly Father "Why me?" when given a trial. Without her really knowing what I was referring to, I replied with "I don't ever really ask Heavenly Father 'Why me?'. But, what I do ask him, though, is 'Why now?'". I felt like this calling came at such a precarious time in my life, that I was mostly devastated when the call was extended to me - how many of you have wanted so much to say "No, thank, but I think I'll pass"? Less than a year ago I was Relief Society president. By my calculations, that meant I needed a long, relaxing break. Nursery Leader? I get to play dolls, AND eat snacks. Primary Secretary? I just gotta take roll and learn the new year's primary songs.

While I am still adjusting to things, I can say that I have come to enjoy a couple of certain aspects of being a leader in this program. I, without a doubt, love the girls. I see so much potential and life and promise in each of them. Most of these girls come from really difficult circumstances. Which brings me to the second thing I heave learned to appreciate: their uncertain and dysfunctional circumstances, encourages me to want to teach them ; to teach them that life does not have to be "that" way and that through their choices to be diligent to Heavenly Father, and that by raising the bar they can attain better.

One of our most recent lessons was on "Eternal Perspective". It helped me to think eternally about my situation. When I read over the lesson, I came across this powerful quote that applies to each of us:

"God bless you to realize where you came from and the great privileges that are yours. If the veil were rolled back and you could see one glimpse of God's great eternal plan concerning you and who you are, it would not be hard for you to love Him, keep his commandments, and live to be worthy of every blessing that He has had for you since before the foundations of the world were laid" ~ Elder LeGrand Richards

I know this to be true. I hope each one of you knows this too. These were the words I needed to just keep on. I may be struggling, but if I know this, then I can get through anything.

OXOX

PS: new banner design was taken from Tangie Baxter. It was a cool freebie!!

Beach to Bay

For years I have wanted to run in an annual marathon-length relay race that is held here in our city. It is a big deal and people come from all over to participate! Over the years the number of teams that signed up have grown in number - this year was the largest yet: 2675 teams at 6 people each! You do the math!!

In past years, the reason why I never joined in is because I was not physically ready to do so. FINALLY, this year was the year for me!

Initially I tried to recruit my family members to form our own team. I thought it would be so rewarding to do it as a family. I had three "definite's - count me in" and thats it! So, that idea was tossed.

Then I found out the YBP (Young Business Professionals), a group Josh attends, needed a person so I said I would do it. Yippee!

Cute Kayla eating pizza, free to all runners

So, I met the Deases' who are also involved in YBP and some of the other team members and knew I was on a great team!

Kayla and Hubby Steve

Anyway, my leg was the fourth (out of 6) and probably the most boring. It was the 4.2 mile stretch on the Naval Base. Did you hear me: NAVAL BASE. Think: sparse, barren, no trees, helicopter and airplane hangars, bland building colors, no views of the Ocean, BORING! And, there was a stretch of the run that had no wind, so at 10:00am, high humidity and a beating sun it made for a very hot, very long run. My saving grace was that when we ran through the residential part of the base, some very kind people were out on their lawns with their water hoses and sprinklers hosing us all down with cool water. RELIEF!!

I did learn a few things about running in Beach to Bay:

1. I will not run the 4th leg again.

2. I do not run well in crowds. I become way too distracted and lose my focus easily. That being said, I would love to run Beach to Bay again!!

3. Never buy brand new running shoes the night before a major run like that.

I had so much fun! I was on great team and I am looking forward to it again next year.

For All Mothers

I know I don't have any biological children, but I can honestly say I have loved so many children dearly. I love children in general - I always have. The other night, while visiting our good friends, The Lees', I instantly became so engaged with their two oldest (4yrs. and 2yrs.). Each one had so much to share with me about their toys and their treats and their favorite cartoon and their amazing tricks of running across the room and sliding onto the carpet! I got an earful, but it brought me so much joy.

I feel the same when I am around some of my cousins' children as well. I love what they have to tell me and what their little minds and mouths will share. I love their personalities and their love of life and their imaginations.

Oprah said once that children were just small adults. I have to agree. In my studies as an elementary school teacher, I have learned a lot about the development of children and how incredibly capable they are, but sometimes, as adults, we assume they aren't.

I could go on and on, but the point I'm making is that even though I don't have kiddos of my own, have lived vicariously for short moments through my good friends and family. So, thank you!! I get to enjoy them and their amazing little ways (and not so amazing, i.e. tantrums, and fusses and what not) because of you.

I admire you Moms out there. To top off this post, here is my favorite quote about motherhood:

Motherhood is near to divinity. It is the highest, holiest service to be assumed by mankind. It places her who honors its holy calling and service next to the angels.”

Hope you have an amazing Mommy's day. You're amazing!

~Hugs and Kisses~

31 Party

(The two mathematicians of the 1st generation cousins - oh, how I wish my brain operated that way)

Ever heard of 31 Gifts ?

If you haven't check it out! My cousin, Lillie, on the left, is a sales rep and she has quite a talent for this kind of stuff.

Anyway, 31 offers the neatest products! personalized anything - practically!

This past weekend I hosted a 31 party in Kingsville. My Aunt Toni, Lillie's mom, offered her cutely decorated, cottage guest house as the venue. I took her up on her offer and all of the women in the family gathered together over food, catalogs, handbags, school bags, organizational/storage compartments, baskets, you name it!

Speaking of food, look at the spread. It was supposed to be simple. My initial idea was fruit and punch. Then I began to worry, what if people are hungry? What if it's not enough? I can whip up chicken salad, and we can have that and fruit.....Wait. Why am I worrying? It's my family they won't care.

Right. Until, you get a text message and have a conversation like this:

Denise (cousin): Hey! What's on the menu for tonight? Is there going to be dessert?

Me: I was going to make mini chicken salad sandwiches, fruit, chips and dip (at this point I had received a text from Lillie saying she was bring chips and dip). Should I bring dessert?

D: yes!!!!!!! We need dessert!

Me: Ok. LOL

Silly me!! What was I thinking! Of course, this crowd , me included, NEED dessert! Luckily, Lillie was game enough to do the pineapple upside down cake and Denise brought this amazing dip! We're a crazy bunch, I tell ya!

Here is the 31 sample spread. So many neat things and I loved all the fabrics you get to choose from!

**Off the record: if you host a party, there is SO MUCH in it for you! I got some really neat stuff with great discounts and even some free merchandise. Book a party with my cousin Lillie today!**

My Tia Toni...

My cousin Denise....

And the beloved matriarch of the family. She was sure to come too. I felt so happy that she was there. She has been unwell for a long time and she still put on her best, little floral house dress and came to my party. I just love her.

Anyway, I was so glad to reconnect with my family at this party. We had a great time. I can't wait to do it again soon!

And, as always, I always wish I had taken more photos! When will I ever learn?

Gardening 101, for me at least

This spring I was determined to get my gardening on. However, I know myself well, and I thought it might be a more prudent idea to start out planting things that I use a lot, namely herbs, in pots instead of raised beds. I figured it would be a much easier way to keep up with it, rather than be married to raised beds that required weeding, watering, and t.l.c (did you know that the initials of name spell out tlc?)

Another reason I opted for potted gardening was because of the canine that occupies my backyard and sneakily sleeps on my couch, then slithers off if she hears us walking down the hallway at night, eats, drinks 9 gallons of water a day, barks incessantly at all 3 squirrels that runs along our back fence. She's ornery and can be stubborn. Her name is Sasha. Heard of her?

I was afraid she would lay in the beds and/or dig them up.

So far, the potted gardening thing has been a great idea. I planted, as I said, fresh herbs. Ones that I use regularly in my cooking: parsley, thyme, basil, rosemary.

Here's the thyme. It smells so heavenly! And it is growing like crazy - of course they all are.

uh-oh! Look who decided to help? Little miss Sunday is usually just a few steps behind me. It's funny to me that when I inspect my herbs, make sure they are doing ok, pull any dead leaves off of the stems, etc. she usually inspects with me...

See, I was looking at my parsley and pulled herself right up and began to sniff it and bat the leaves. She's a nut!

Here is the canine I was referring to earlier. I love her. But, she is naughty.

I feel fortunate that the two species have become such fond friends. At first, they literally fought like, well, cats and dogs. I think Sunday was more intimidated by Sasha's size. And Sasha, I'm sure, felt threatened. But, now they have come to an understanding.

I try to show an equal amount of attention and affection between the both of them, but I cannot help myself when I look at Sunday's petite frame and beautiful face. I melt like a chocolate bar trapped in a car in South Texas. Her little ways are so darn cute!

And, I said before, she is almost always just a few feet behind me.

It's amazing to me how one little feline has turned our lives upside down, over and out.

All American Girl

I love this girl. Well, actually I love her whole family. But, I'd like to think I have a special connection to this girl. I can always count on her coming up to me and giving me a hug at church, and I can always count on a meaningful conversation with her when we hang with her folks, I just love her.

And, this happens to be one of my favorite photos of her.

Not too long ago I photographed this girl and her sweet family. Her momma had a baby girl and so I captured not only the baby's goodness but the rest of the family too.

Often times, after I edit and turn over the DVD of images, I will go back (a couple of weeks later) and look at the images again - usually to see how I can do better next time. And, often times I forget about many of the candids that I caught and those happen to be my all-time favorites. Same thing happened here: I had forgotten about this series of photos that I got of her when we had a few moments alone.

Here, we were having one of those meaningful conversations and I snapped away while we conversed.

I think I asked her "So, KK, tell me about your favorite book you've read this year, so far?"...

And then she said, "hmmm....?"

And then she proceeded to tell me...." ." Except, I do not remember what it was....

And then, I said something silly....I do not remember what it was, but I got this amazing and completely natural smile from her. A treasure...

It was definitely a sweet moment between the two of us and I'm glad that I had my camera to capture it all.

Dear girl, you are our joy. I vicariously claim you as mine too! :)

For Gabe - sorry no photos!

After church today, our friends, Kremer and Gabe, invited themselves over for lunch. It was perfectly fine with us, since we do it to them quite often. It was great company, lots of laughs and we always enjoy spending time with them.

Anyway, I really had not thought ahead about what I would make for lunch. So, when they arrived, I glanced at the fridge and whipped this tasty, easy pantry meal. I am posting this for Gabe since he enjoyed it so much and wanted the recipe:

Pan-Seared Chicken with Reduction Sauce

**Since I had four chicken leg quarters thawing the fridge for another recipe, I decided to use them for this meal, but you can use whatever you have on hand**

4 Chicken leg quarters

3 tablespoons butter

3 tablespoons olive oil

salt and freshly cracked pepper

4 whole garlic cloves

2 whole lemons, quartered

**Pre heat your oven to 425 degrees**

1. Heat a non-coated, stainless steel frying pan to medium high

2. Salt and pepper your chicken

3. Melt butter and olive oil, swirl in pan several times to mix. When the pan is VERY HOT, place your chicken skin down on the frying pan. Sear chicken for several minutes, about 7 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy (yum!). Turn over and sear the other side for the same amount of time.

4. Once seared on both sides, transfer into a baking dish along with the whole garlic cloves and lemon quarters. Place the baking dish into the oven and roast for at least 20-30 minutes, until chicken is cooked and juices run clear.

Using the drippings from your pan, make the sauce:

You will need:

2 tablespoons of flour

Chicken broth

sour cream

juice from one lemon

leaves from 3 sprigs of thyme

3 garlic cloves, minced;

1/4 red onion, chopped

Juices chicken in baking dish

1. After the chicken is in the oven, and while your searing pan is still hot, throw in the flour. Mix well with a whisk or fork until the "raw" is cooked out.

2. While you continue to whisk, add in a few splashes of chicken broth. I did not measure, I just eye-balled it and when the consistency was thin enough. It should be simmering still.

3. Add in your garlic, onion, and thyme. Stir with whisk a few times until the onion and garlic have softened.

4. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the liquid reduces some, uncovered. About 3-5 minutes.

5. Add in the lemon juice and 1 heaping tablespoon of sour cream. Stir well with the whisk.

6.Once fully incorporated, allow it to rest for a few minutes, uncovered.

7. Sauce will thicken. When the chicken is finished roasting, add about 1 tablespoon of the juices from the baking dish to the sauce. Whisk to mix, salt and pepper to taste.

Serve on the side or on top of the chicken

I served the chicken along side asparagus, macaroni and cheese and flat biscuits - don't ask.

Without the color of the asparagus, It would have been one tasty BEIGE meal.

Tagged. TP'd. Hit.

There is a group of serial TP'ers in our ward and we got tagged this weekend.

However, we were not surprised in the least. They always talk about who they TP'd last.

So, it was just a matter of time before we were hit too.

These lovely folks were kind enough to leave the toilet paper roll on our lawn.

I feel so special.

Sunday

I really don't want to say this publicly, because I think that I am still in denial. But what's happened has happened and there is nothing I can do about it.

Our dear babydog Paris was taken from us.

There. I said it.

Paris was a bold personality. Definitely the leader of the pack. Full of personality and mischief. One day she was gone. And I am positive she was taken. It was very unlike her to just run away. The times that she would climb over the fence she was knocking at the front door within a few minutes. So our gut tells us that she was taken. We have also witnessed a few other incidences, which I will not go into, that lead us to that conclusion.

So, after that happened and I have still not gotten over it, I had this hankering for a kitten. For a few reasons. 1. I love cats. 2. There is a mouse in my kitchen that continues to outsmart me and my mouse traps and 3. I wanted a kitten.

I named her Sunday. Because I found on her on a Sunday afternoon.

There is much debate between my aunt and I about "finding" her. She says that I took Sunday away from her. Nevermind, that she has 9 other cats and a sweet daughter dog named Lucy.

I say I found her - literally. Sunday was on the doorstep of her front porch when I found her and she was tiny and darling and pretty.

I brought Sunday home and bathed her, and fed her and have been nursing her back to health. It amazes me how much she has grown in the 2 1/2 weeks I have had her.

But, the vet says it's because she is actually getting healthy, quality food now. Before she was "on her own" and more than likely the runt of the litter anyway.

She had a fever, an upper respiratory infection, was malnourished and very sick, with swollen and watery eyes. And the shocker was she was the size of a fourth month old kitten. But to prove to me that she was 7 months old, the vet showed me her molars. The baby teeth were falling out and the adult teeth were growing in. She was just full of surprises!

Anyway, with antibiotics and love and FOOD she is one playful, healthy kitten - 7 month old kitten, that is.

PS: I am thrilled she is not scared of my camera!

Ranch Hand Breakfast 2010

Each November, the King Ranch holds an annual breakfast that they allow the public to enjoy. They hold it on the King Ranch at the arena.

Each year the head count grows and grows.

You stand in line, and volunteers from the community serve your breakfast, you grab an orange juice from a feeding trough, you find a hay bail to sit on and you chow down on eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy and bacon. Yummy!

There is so much going on at once. Different tables and booths - well, not booths really more like old fashioned wagons - offering a myriad of thing to enjoy. There was a demonstration on how a horse blanket was woven, there was education on the different types of guns that were used in the "old west". And, what I love, REAL VAQUEROS!

Vaqueros=cowboys.

These two young men are probably some of the oldest living today. I grew up seeing them around town. I knew they were cowboys. Not sure how I knew - just did.

At the different wagons were different freshly made "cowboy" foods such a camp bread, or Pan de Campo. If you've never tasted pan de campo. you are missing out. It is SO GOOD. It is very simple. It is sort of like a cross between biscuits and tortillas. But, freshly made off the griddle they are wonderful!

At this particular wagon, this family was making fresh biscuits, peach cobbler and apple crisp - ALL IN DUTCH OVENS. OH MY! It was so wonderful and tasty.

Fresh coffee...for those who drink it. I heard it was delicious.

Then there was this kind gentleman. He let me snap away as he rolled biscuits while his lovely wife served peach cobbler to everyone.

We got to carrying on a conversation when I asked, "So, what's your name?"

He looked up from what he was doing and quite seriously said, "________ Ellis" (I don't remember his first name - sorry!)

Here are the biscuits - yummy!

While this was going on, there was roping in the arena.

I just had to snap this beauty. 1946 Dodge Fire Truck - the King Ranch had it's own (not sure if they still do or not).

We went with our friends, Jared and Kiersten and their three small children and naturally they didn't want a photo - they wanted to run around and play.

They also had a band - I took this picture only because I wanted to remember the song they were playing, which was "Pancho and Lefty" by Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard. It reminded me of Samuel. And I got all swelled up inside.

As we were leaving, I finally got to see a couple of these beauties. Oh, do I LOVE horses. I don't ride them often at all, but I have a few times and it's a wonderful feeling.

I asked this kind man if I could get near. He was apprehensive. At first he said no. He started to explain. But I already knew why. The King Ranch is very particular about the treatment of their animals. But then he said, "go ahead but don't let anyone see you." So I did. I approached with care.

All in all a really great time. I was glad Jared and Kiesrten and Co. were able to join.