Bare Naked Alpacas....

Here are a few of the before and after photos. The "during" photos will come soon.

Shearing day was so much fun! It went from a normal shearing appointment to an all out yard party. Brian Fitzpatrick is our shearer. He and his family were traveling to a family event for the weekend. We happened to be on their way. So we figured since the wife and kids are along we'll plan on having a supper for everyone. My parents heard about it and asked if they could come and watch/spend part of the weekend here. SURE! Why not. John's parents were interested in seeing it too so they planned on coming. A few people from town heard about it so they showed up. A couple guys John works with stopped by with their wives. And the neighbors decided they'd like to see what all the fuss is about and showed up later in the evening. Needless to say we served about 40 people (15 of which were kids age 8 and under....YIKES!). It was fun. I think next year we will actually PLAN for the party and send out fliers or something.

Okay, the before and after.....

A Fellow Blogging Mommy....

I have to pass this blog on. I don't think she'll mind. Heck, that's what this whole "mommy blogging" is about anyway.....supporting eachother. Sharing. Mallory is actually the little sister of a high school friend and she married one of my brother's childhood best friends. We go back. But I think we've found a kinship in the blogging world, parenthood, and faith. She is a fantastically REAL mom with 2 young boys. She loves her faith, her family, her husband, and her life. Mallory's blog is definitely one to take a peek at.

Speechless

Butterflies and Weak Knees

Yeah. I just can't help myself. I'm just wondering if there is anyone else out there who goes weak in the knees, gets butterflies, and needs a fan when your husband or significant other wears sunglasses and/or a tool belt.??? There is just something about my man when he's working outside with power tools and a shovel that gets me all worked up.

Cheers to all those women who caught themselves a hard working handy man.

Good luck and happy hunting to those who are still looking. ;-)

Darn Squito Bugs

The mosquitos are out. If it weren't for the fact that I grew up in Minnesota, my nearest and dearest reside in Minnesota, and the scenery of this state is truly spectacular.....if it weren't for those things, I'd leave. Scratch that. The only reason I stay in this state is because my family is here. That is it. I'd give everything else up because of those blasted bugs! Seriously?!!!.....I cannot for the life of me think of any possible benefit for the existence of mosquitos. They are quite possibly the most annoying, blood sucking, disgusting parasites that JUST DON"T GO AWAY! Perhaps that is the reason for their existence......to get everyone that much closer to heaven. Sanctification. Could that be their purpose?......to help instill some level of virtue in the inhabitants of Minnesota? Nah, that couldn't be it. That is too noble of a purpose. Mosquitos are not nearly that important. *sigh* I hate them. I do. But I live with them because I love my family. There. *sigh*. I sure do hope my family realizes how much I love them. ;-)

The weather has been absolutely beautiful for a couple days now. After weeks of rain and gloominess, the grass is like a thick jungle, the bugs are hatching and spreading, and my little babies are getting eaten alive! Does this stop them from playing outside? NEVER. My oldest son Hayden comes up to me yesterday (while itching the nasty little bites on the back of his neck) and says, "Mom, do you think that if we were nice to the mosquitos and let them sit on our fingers like butterflies do then they won't bite us anymore?"
Sigh. Oh the innocence. But I just had to break the news to him, "No sweetheart. Mosquitos are meant to be killed. You go ahead and swat at every single one that lands on you."
"OOHHhhhhh. Okay. Don't worry Mom, I will save you from the squito bugs."
Since our mini facts of life conversation, he has taken it upon himself to be the official mosquito hunter of the family. He's getting pretty good at it too.

Darn squito bugs.....

Scheduled Posting.....

I made a post schedule. Apparently that is the thing to do for "serious" bloggers. Now, I really don't consider myself a super serious blogger. But I DO appreciate it when my favorite blogs are updated on a regular basis. I suppose I could only follow suit and return the favor. I'm told there are a good handful of people who read/check this blog on a daily basis........but aren't very good at leaving comments. ;-) Okay Okay....I'm an affirmation junky. People tell me they read it and nag me when I don't post but they very rarely leave comments to encourage me to keep up. Yup. This IS baby cry for affirmation.

Okay, I'm over it.

Anyway, like I was saying, I've gotten the idea that many bloggers (I read) tend to have a general topic for each day of the week. For some it is the same every week. For others they mix it up a little but go back to an organized schedule on a regular basis. They never really admit this. I've just kinda caught onto it. Maybe this realization is a blond moment this "little known fact" just isn't "little known" but rather common knowledge? Whatever. I just now figured it out and I think it will help me stay on track and be a bit more committed to posting.

Thanks for reading. I am flattered that people actually care.

Stay tuned for a post every day this week. Yes....EVERYDAY.

Mothering

I fell in love with Mothering Magazine when I was pregnant with my oldest son. I was preparing for a homebirth and found this publication to be such a breath of fresh air in regards (most of) our views of parenting and how we wanted to live our family life. I love love love Mothering Magazine and they are offering a free 1-yr digital subscription. Check it out!!!