tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80892366781295344552024-03-12T18:29:39.547-07:00The Hohman HomesteadTwo country bumpkins displaced to the city streets... with 3 barn cats, 2 ranch horses, and a cow dog (plus another mutt!).Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger186125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089236678129534455.post-79494916275066094862011-10-29T15:51:00.000-07:002011-10-29T15:51:33.880-07:00A New Chapter<div><br /></div>Hello folks, how y'all doing??<br /><br />Once again, I've been MIA, but I'm sure y'all are used to it by now. Honestly, half the time I tell myself I should can this whole blogging thing. But alas, I love it too much and therefore have started ANOTHER blog. Yes, you read correctly. Miss Once-Every-Two-Months-Blogger has started a second blog.<br /><br />Don't be alarmed, The Hohman Homestead is not getting canned and hopefully will one day (soon!) be running at full-tilt again. But, I had this little (ok, maybe not so little) squishable, kissable, loveable baby about 5 months ago and well, people are demanding photo updates. So I'm here today to announce:<br /><br /><a href="http://russellmaniaexpress.blogspot.com/">Russell-Mania</a><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>The posting style there will be much different than here at the Homestead, hence why I started a whole new she-bang. Each post will consist of a date, Baby H's age at that time, and a slew of photos. But NO WORDS. Making it much easier for me to get some posting done. :)<br /><br />And now, on to the real new chapter. Cowboy H and I (and well, the whole entire herd) are packing up and moving out. Yup, after all the sweat and dirt (literally) and tears (not really) and hours of improvement we've poured into this home, we're moving on.<br /><br />While things are going to be a little complicated at first (think 2 adults, 3 cats, 2 dogs, 2 horses and 1 baby moving into my parents' house) eventually we will be moving onto a 2 acre piece of property, complete with horse pens, a chicken coop, a pump house, a brick patio and a GIANT avocado tree just to name a few amenities. (Wow, that was a really long sentence.) The home is a 150+ year old farm house that my family has owned for many, many years. It was originally bought by my grandmother's parents (yep, my great-grandparents). My parents actually lived here when they first got married and so did I until I was about 5 years old.<br /><br />The first phase of the move has already been completed; Crow and Maria have already been relocated to the back pasture of my parents house, where I'm sure they're getting even fatter. And just in time for Thanksgiving dinner, the rest of the Homestead will be snuggled closely (and tightly) into my parents' house as well. <br /><br />Wish us (lots and lots and lots) of luck!<br /><div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089236678129534455.post-14354849755588107012011-08-27T08:15:00.000-07:002011-08-27T08:15:53.678-07:00A Few Things<div></div>
<br />1. Baby H is 3 months old now! (Yes, its been 3 months and I've only blogged about him once. Shut your mouth.) He is growing at an exponential rate; he weighs 19 pounds already! All of his clothes are 6 or 9 months and the 6 months I should probably rotate out since they look like little muscle shirts on him. He talks and laughs up a storm, especially when you stick your tongue out at him, or show him a mirror. He is almost sitting up on his own, but still kinda dumps over forward or sideways. He's very close to rolling over, but hasn't quite figured it out yet. He loves water and bathtime and lounging in the backyard naked. He's grabbing anything that gets near him and of course, everything goes in his mouth now. It's all so amazing!
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<br />2. My laptop is dead. RIP Macbook Pro. You were only 2 years old. Yep, my precious, beloved computer is dead. It was sitting on the backyard grass after a naked baby session when the sprinklers accidentally came on and soaked it. For a minute solid. Fortunately, all my data (and baby photos!) is undamaged and safe, but the circuit board of the laptop was fried. So, blogging may (still) be slow while I get used to using Cowboy H's computer and get all my data/programs transferred over to it.
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<br />3. This mama is now a stay-at-home mama! That's right folks. Cowboy H and I saved and scraped together anything we could from my disability/maternity leave pay to make it possible. I am trying to get something going with my photography, but its slow-going at this point. You would think that would leave me more time for blogging, but no, that just means I get to spend more time with this guy:
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/5865141081/" title="IMAG0009 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3100/5865141081_d51d14c1b9_z.jpg" width="383" height="640" alt="IMAG0009"></a>
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<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/5961427603/" title="IMG_1057 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6121/5961427603_d6190c1541_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_1057"></a>
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<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/5962011286/" title="IMG_1071 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6011/5962011286_0f0b33935e_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_1071"></a>
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<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/5938003207/" title="IMAG0054 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6018/5938003207_95222c76e7_z.jpg" width="383" height="640" alt="IMAG0054"></a>
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<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/5938437504/" title="IMAG0013 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6143/5938437504_891376796d_z.jpg" width="383" height="640" alt="IMAG0013"></a>
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<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/5938561030/" title="IMAG0056 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6134/5938561030_91713ae7f7_z.jpg" width="383" height="640" alt="IMAG0056"></a>
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<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/5944586615/" title="IMAG0064 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6124/5944586615_3df04ab564_z.jpg" width="383" height="640" alt="IMAG0064"></a>
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<br />All of these photos are OLD; from when he was 6 weeks or younger. He is so much bigger now!! I'm working on getting the more recent photos processed and uploaded now that I have the data from my computer back. (Sniff, sniff)
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<br />4. Speaking of my photography, I donated a few photographs to a fundraiser for the ranch where we keep our horses. The facility does a lot of equine rescue and holds fundraisers every so often. They always put my photos in the silent auction and they are always a big hit. This time, Cowboy H made some killer frames for the photos, but I didn't take pictures of the finished products. Here, however, are the photos:
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/5955766805/" title="FundraiserCowHerd by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6015/5955766805_2851b3a914_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="FundraiserCowHerd"></a>
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<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/5955778051/" title="FundraiserTwoCowsSepia by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6132/5955778051_9d882e67fa_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="FundraiserTwoCowsSepia"></a>
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<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/5955850141/" title="FundraiserMarePasture by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6130/5955850141_6ea48e5cce_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="FundraiserMarePasture"></a>
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<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/5956365148/" title="FundraiserPunkin_2 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6146/5956365148_590ac18528_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="FundraiserPunkin_2"></a>
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<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/5956332756/" title="FundraiserNoseWithGrass by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6134/5956332756_95e4e4835c_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="FundraiserNoseWithGrass"></a>
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<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/5955773773/" title="FundraiserNoseProfile by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6124/5955773773_93673d9b12_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="FundraiserNoseProfile"></a>
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<br />The first four I had printed in 8" x 12" size and framed them with Cowboy H's old wood frames. The last two I had printed as 4" x 6" and put them together in a double frame. They all turned out awesome. If you would like any of the above photos, shoot me an email or drop a comment!
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<br />Until next time (whenever that might be)!!
<br /><div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089236678129534455.post-60938848348050668402011-06-24T18:07:00.000-07:002011-06-24T18:07:01.323-07:00The Nursery<div></div><br />For the past several months, Cowboy H and I have been undertaking a major home improvement project. Okay, who am I kidding, Cowboy H has been doing all the work, since a) I am more trouble than help when I paint, and b) I was pretty pregnant for most of the time. For the most part, we are simply replacing all the flooring and painting all the walls in the entire house. However, there was one extra special room.<br /><br />WE GOT TO MAKE A NURSERY!!!<br /><br />Hee hee. Although I haven't taken many pictures of the entire project, I will eventually show you the new and improved Homestead. But for now, my new favorite room in the house…<br /><br />The idea for the nursery was inspired by this shelf:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/5810584492/" title="IMG_0815 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2054/5810584492_e08da74c7b_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_0815" /></a></div><br /><br />which was given to us by the ever generous Desert Rose, as well as a certain red vintage cowboy fabric crib set owned by the same lady. (Hint, hint.)<br /><br />The combination of the two led me to the idea of a vintage desert cowboy "theme". I wanted muted, calming colors that reminded me of the desert. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/5810546604/" title="IMG_0794 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5316/5810546604_b2e8d67652_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_0794"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/5809994453/" title="IMG_0798 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5270/5809994453_0d50d2bd17_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_0798"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/5810552694/" title="IMG_0796 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3135/5810552694_a4c3710d60_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_0796"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/5810003463/" title="IMG_0804 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3119/5810003463_282c1c4c05_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_0804"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/5809984505/" title="IMG_0795 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3137/5809984505_7c8e612611_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_0795"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/5810001043/" title="IMG_0802 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3076/5810001043_555a870cb0_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_0802"></a></div><br /><br />We purchased the crib and dresser/changing table set used from one of the veterinarians I work with. The quality of the furniture is amazing; its already been through three kids and hardly has a scratch on it. The rocking chair was used by my mom when my brother and I were babies; my dad and brother refinished/painted it for me. The border was hand painted by me, using stencils that I made after wasting too many hours searching online for <i>just the right</i> stencils to match the image in my head. The wall artwork are Will James (of <i>Smokey the Cow Horse</i> fame) pencil sketch reproductions. The crib set was made for me by an extremely talented aunt after I was unable to sequester the above mentioned set. This crazy (in a good way) aunt of mine made everything: sheets, crib skirt, bumper pad, quilt changing pad covers, towels, washcloths, pillows, window valence using fabric I purchased online. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/5810562908/" title="IMG_0799 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5230/5810562908_730b8c1827_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_0799"></a><br /><i>Bumper pad</i><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/5810574250/" title="IMG_0809 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2575/5810574250_8ab5529c27_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_0809"></a><br /><i>Crib pillow</i><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/5810016519/" title="IMG_0813 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3165/5810016519_bc273b42b2_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_0813"></a><br /><i>Window valence</i></div><br /><br />And yes, those were baby chinks you saw:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/5810571154/" title="IMG_0808 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5026/5810571154_4b8e4b15b4_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_0808"></a></div><br /><br />Don't worry, he already has the Wranglers to go with them.<br /><div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089236678129534455.post-10128886912791109772011-06-22T12:50:00.000-07:002011-06-22T12:50:00.273-07:00First Father's Day<div></div><br />I apologize in advance to those of you who want to be updated on Homestead projects (which there are PLENTY, including one happening right now), or the doggies, or our equine children, or the rest of the wedding, or the honeymoon we took last year, or anything else I've alluded to but never posted about. We kinda have baby fever over here, and well, its gonna spill over into this blog.<br /><br />But at least I'm blogging!<br /><br />For the first time, Cowboy H celebrated Father's Day with a fur-less, two-legged being this year. And it just kills me dead.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/5859138902/" title="IMG_1039 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5232/5859138902_734de6eafe_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_1039" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/5859158642/" title="IMG_1049 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5068/5859158642_6a497d8444_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_1049" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/5858610051/" title="IMG_1051 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3239/5858610051_4c9805b394_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_1051" /></a><br /><i>Too bad Baby H has such a sad face in this photo</i></div><br /><br />And lest you think Hank has been kicked to the curb…<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/5814148686/" title="IMG_0789Edit by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3456/5814148686_0b5848901c_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_0789Edit"></a></div><br /><br />Hope y'all had a wonderful Father's Day as well!<br /><div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089236678129534455.post-62966202026949680302011-06-21T03:30:00.000-07:002011-06-21T03:30:00.297-07:00Look Who's Here!!<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/5854416593/" title="emmc_PART951306167386063 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2528/5854416593_e5ee30da67_z.jpg" width="640" height="478" alt="emmc_PART951306167386063" /></a></div><br /><div></div><br />That's right, the newest member of our family has arrived!<br /><br />Born May 23, 2011 at 3:04 am, Baby H weighed in at 8 pounds, 15 ounces and measured 21 inches. And that was after passing his first poops while still in my belly. Just a small fry, ya know.<br /><br />I <i>promise</i> that I will update y'all with more baby pics, labor/delivery details (or not), the finished nursery and just life in general with a newborn. It may take a while however, since I am resigned to typing with one hand while the other holds Baby H who, after 3 weeks, will no longer sleep unless held.<br /><br />Until then, here's a few more photos to hold you over.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/5812397897/" title="IMG_0684Edit by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5187/5812397897_8ce2d9544e_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_0684Edit"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/5813542873/" title="IMG_0774Edit by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2346/5813542873_982727de43_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_0774Edit"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/5816098241/" title="IMG_0922 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2513/5816098241_2eb1c2b75e_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_0922"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/5814935233/" title="IMG_0862 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3026/5814935233_e0ee70ee70_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_0862"></a></div><br /><div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089236678129534455.post-76351150426915995212011-02-19T18:08:00.000-08:002011-02-22T10:50:26.300-08:00Two Cities, Two Trails<div><br /></div>Since most of us are either under 2 feet of snow or 8 inches of rain, I have some trail eye-candy to share with you. (Nevermind that these photos were taken last month…)<br /><br />First up, Cowboy H and I rode out from our ranch into the local State Park with a few other residents boarders. It was a gorgeous day! <br /><br />From January 16:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/5423456257/" title="IMG_0244 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5011/5423456257_63872c2410.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_0244" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/5424060986/" title="IMG_0245 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5132/5424060986_7b16f77d08.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0245" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Love the snow-capped mountains nearby!</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/5423463847/" title="IMG_0247 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5057/5423463847_d758af4bb7.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_0247" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/5424070238/" title="IMG_0249 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5252/5424070238_625175f914.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_0249" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/5424053086/" title="IMG_0242 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5096/5424053086_c7851bc9af.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0242" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Here I am on my mount (Maria was lame). Isn't he handsome? I am five and a half months pregnant here. </span></div><br /><br />A week or so later, Cowboy H and I headed out to the desert for a little ride with the Desert Rose. We lucked out and landed another gorgeous day!<br /><br />From January 25:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/5421804657/" title="IMG_0251 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5173/5421804657_5acab42210.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_0251" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/5421811343/" title="IMG_0254 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5095/5421811343_8180c40489.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0254" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Cheers! Of course.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/5421808163/" title="IMG_0252 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5172/5421808163_6ea58e0133.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_0252" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Isn't she fabulous!</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/5421805799/" title="Miscellanious 057 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5216/5421805799_f7e68b6fdf.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Miscellanious 057" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Cowboy H and I borrowed horses instead of hauling ours all the way out there. I am nearly six months pregnant here. Photo courtesy of the Desert Rose.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/5421822867/" title="IMG_0261 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5171/5421822867_65c3ccbbdc.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_0261" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/5422426908/" title="IMG_0260 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5099/5422426908_fe985ee799.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0260" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">There was water everywhere; it was so refreshing!</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/5421825911/" title="IMG_0263 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5132/5421825911_078dbcf208.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_0263" /></a></div><br /><br />Hope y'all enjoyed a glimpse of what all this stormy weather will give way to in a few months. Stay safe and warm!<br /><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089236678129534455.post-89206169983217079762011-02-06T19:04:00.000-08:002011-02-06T19:32:54.543-08:00The Deets On Baby H<div><br /></div><div><b>Due: </b>Middle Of May. May 21 if you're one of those specific dates people. However, I am the Maid of Honor in a wedding on that <i>exact</i> day, so I'm (wishfully) going with "middle of May".</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Gestational Age:</b> (So you don't have to calculate it yourselves.) 6 months, 1 week. Or 25 weeks.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Gender:</b> Yes, Baby H is a confirmed boy. My use of "he" in my previous post was not accidental.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>The Day We Found Out:</b> Sept. 14. In fact, it was the day before the photo of us in the previous post was taken. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>First Time I Felt The Punk Kick:</b> Dec. 11. I was 17 weeks exactly. </div><div><br /></div><div>Yes, I was very very sick. The nausea (and vomiting) lasted well past my first trimester. I lost 5 pounds before I bottomed out. </div><div><br /></div><div>Yes, I'm still wearing normal jeans (unbuttoned of course). The only maternity clothes I have purchased so far are a few tops. (We're cheap-asses.)</div><div><br /></div><div>Yes, I am still working. I hopefully will be able to work until about the week before Baby H debuts. And yes, I will go back to work shortly after his birth, as much as I will hate it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Yes, I am still working out, although I had to take an extended break when I was sick. At this point, I'm back to 3 times a week. I treadmill one day, strength-train (weights) another day and swim the last day. Although, I need to upgrade from my high school water polo swimsuit soon…</div><div><br /></div><div>And lastly, yes, I am still riding. In fact, Cowboy H and I went on two longish rides (4-5 hours) in the last few weeks, and I have photos! I'll share them with you soon; the rides were just beautiful.</div><div><br /></div><div>I can share all the gory (and precious) details with you if you want. Ask away!</div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089236678129534455.post-21320338254417417432011-01-30T14:50:00.000-08:002011-01-30T15:29:26.749-08:00Tap Tap… Is This Thing On?<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/5402823518/" title="Apple Pickers by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5258/5402823518_9dcd5e0f09_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Apple Pickers" /></a><div><i>The most recent photo I have of Cowboy H and I, taken in September of last year.</i></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Hello? Anybody out there?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Anybody?</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">As I begin to write my first post in, oh, <i>seven</i> months, I wonder if I will even show up on anybody's feed anymore. Heh heh, that's okay, we'll all gotta start (over) somewhere.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This is seriously the first time I have even logged into my blogger account in about 6 months. It took me approximately 7 tries to get my user name and password combination correct. Then I couldn't remember how to navigate my account once logged in. Lastly, I can't remember how to write html format anymore!!!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm surprised my account is still active…</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I never, ever intended to stop blogging, but once I had been MIA for so long, I felt weird coming back. I didn't know where to start, what to say.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Then, I lost all motivation. My schedule calmed down and I actually had some time to blog, but I just couldn't talk myself into logging in. I didn't feel like a blogger anymore.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Not sure if I even can call myself a blogger anymore…</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Moving on. I miss y'all!! (Seriously, is anyone still there?)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm not sure if I'm back for good, but I really really <i>really</i> want to be back. So much has happened that I haven't documented (you know, its been almost a year) that I'm starting to forget it all. And really, while establishing wonderful connections with all my readers/commenters has been a big plus, the main reason I started this blog was to record and remember the story and adventures of The Homestead.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Speaking of The Homestead…</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Its still standing. It didn't get washed away or flooded out during the Southern California Christmas-time Downpours. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">But that's about all that's stayed the same. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Well, the number of family members has stayed the same. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">But, that too will be changing soon.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Oh yes, we are doing it again. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Only this time, the newest member won't be here till May. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And he'll have 2 legs instead of 4.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And (hopefully) he won't be covered in fur.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089236678129534455.post-72288938099005559492010-06-17T08:43:00.000-07:002010-06-17T08:43:00.349-07:00A Homemade Wedding Homestead-Style: All The Little Details<div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />Yes, I'm finally getting back to the wedding posts. I was hoping to finish before our anniversary, but Hawaii commandeered my brain in the weeks before (and after) the trip. <br /><br />Also, the yard project will soon be hitting stands, as the pictures have finally been processed and uploaded.<br /><br />You all still with me?? Anyone black out for a minute there?? <br /><br />Goodness knows I almost did when I typed those words.<br /><br />~~~<br /><br />Now, onto the good stuff! <br /><br />When planning weddings, brides/planners seem to OBSESS over the details. Details are a double-edged sword (in my opinion). They can make or break the event, but they can also make or break the bride/planner. Like every other aspect of our wedding, there were some details that were very important to me and others I couldn't have cared less about.<br /><br />I'll start with the flowers. A family friend designed/arranged all the flower pieces for me. She did a flippin AMAZING job. The flowers came out EXACTLY like I wanted them to, but hadn't been able to clearly articulate. I had a very specific vision for the flowers; I wanted a very particular feel. However, I didn't care at all what actual flowers were used. Here's what she came up with:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/4125823198/" title="Jesslyn + Jeff-33 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2597/4125823198_a93a6e2dec.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Jesslyn + Jeff-33" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">My bouquet, which you've all seen before.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/4126103318/" title="Jesslyn + Jeff-112 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2785/4126103318_f0f6ce968b.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Jesslyn + Jeff-112" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Maid of Honor's bouquet, same as mine only smaller, also tied with raffia.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/4126008389/" title="Jesslyn + Jeff-234 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2524/4126008389_406e23d18f.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Jesslyn + Jeff-234" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Cowboy H's bout, with a bit of raffia to tie in with my bouquet.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/3926846712/" title="Jesslyn + Jeff-1 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3487/3926846712_b6c9f0a0d4.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Jesslyn + Jeff-1" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Reception table centerpieces, again raffia.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/4127074510/" title="Jesslyn + Jeff-335 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2635/4127074510_6f42450361.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Jesslyn + Jeff-335" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">This metal "basket" already hung on this gate at the reception location. The gate marks the way to the barn. My florists filled it with this killer arrangement.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/4048123634/" title="DSC_0163 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2731/4048123634_8c7cd5223d.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="DSC_0163" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">This old butter churn was found in my mother's kitchen; we didn't know exactly what we were going to do with it, but knew it needed to be part of an arrangement!<br />Photo by my cousin, Joelle.</span></div><br />I was very fortunate that my venue came with tons of cool details that completely added to the feel of our wedding. Here are a few of them:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/4127182018/" title="Jesslyn + Jeff-429 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2692/4127182018_1ab54323b2.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Jesslyn + Jeff-429" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Wagon wheel chandeliers.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/4126949608/" title="Jesslyn + Jeff-288 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2550/4126949608_566a92b252.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Jesslyn + Jeff-288" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">An old door turned into a mirror hanging behind the bar displaying our names on playing cards.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/4127263854/" title="Jesslyn + Jeff-371 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2494/4127263854_d61422f341.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Jesslyn + Jeff-371" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Non-alchoholic drinks in glass servers stationed on an old dresser with white string lights hanging behind.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/4126314235/" title="Jesslyn + Jeff-331 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2765/4126314235_461e9e519b.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Jesslyn + Jeff-331" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">A handmade sign nailed to a piece of old farm equipment pointing the way.</span></div><br />There were also a few other details that I had my mind set on.<br /><br />The baby photo boards:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/4046590011/" title="HPIM1753 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2615/4046590011_368a54f86e.jpg" width="500" height="373" alt="HPIM1753" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Photo by my friend, Katie.</span></div><br />The handmade (by me!) signs:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/4125377255/" title="Jesslyn + Jeff-134 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2491/4125377255_648c2fe6bc.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Jesslyn + Jeff-134" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/4127134156/" title="Jesslyn + Jeff-301 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2559/4127134156_b1305a8006.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Jesslyn + Jeff-301" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/4126320345/" title="Jesslyn + Jeff-328 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2647/4126320345_96050a4db9.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Jesslyn + Jeff-328" /></a></div><br />My beloved Menu board (also made by me). This is going in our backyard once we get our BBQ pit made.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/4047642298/" title="Hohman006 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2774/4047642298_1888ecdbb1.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Hohman006" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Photo by my friend, Lauren.</span></div><br />My "Mr & Mrs" chair signs:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/4126148492/" title="Jesslyn + Jeff-137 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2548/4126148492_d1c5d63ee9.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Jesslyn + Jeff-137" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/4127177104/" title="Jesslyn + Jeff-431 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2642/4127177104_513fbb7eb3.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Jesslyn + Jeff-431" /></a></div><br />And last but not least, my FAVORITE detail of all:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/4125378095/" title="Jesslyn + Jeff-136 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2702/4125378095_449b736dbb.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Jesslyn + Jeff-136" /></a></div><br />Our horseshoe wedding favors. Did you read the tag? Yes, they all really were from Smoke Tree Stables, and yes, they all really were used. We had to hammer the nails out of and straighten every single one.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/4125379275/" title="Jesslyn + Jeff-135 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2502/4125379275_7456d0de63.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Jesslyn + Jeff-135" /></a></div><br />So worth it. People loved them. I loved them. Cowboy H loved them… because they were free!<br /><br />Up Next: One last photo shoot! (The end is finally here!)<br /><br />If you missed anything, catch up <a href="http://thehohmanhomestead.blogspot.com/p/homestead-wedding.html">here</a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Unless otherwise noted, all photography credit goes to the always rockin' <a href="http://www.applemoonphotography.com/index2.php">Applemoon Photography</a>!</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089236678129534455.post-64106595667409202952010-06-06T08:07:00.000-07:002010-06-06T08:07:00.290-07:00Tears In My Eyes<div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />Tonight, as a parent I experienced one of the proudest moments of my life. Seriously, my heart swelled in my chest and something became lodged in my throat.<br /><br />You may or may not remember, but a little over a year ago, when we rescued The Hankster, he required a <a href="http://thehohmanhomestead.blogspot.com/2009/04/broken-puppy.html">major orthopedic surgery</a>.<br /><br />Poor little guy was only 12 weeks old and he came home like this:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/4674022138/" title="HankHomeFromSurgery by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1286/4674022138_841c902f1c.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="HankHomeFromSurgery" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/4674024110/" title="Ouchie! by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4072/4674024110_68d9988086.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Ouchie!" /></a></div><br />In the months (heck, the whole year) that followed, Cowboy H and I often questioned whether the surgery did any good. Occasionally, we considered having the entire leg amputated. For the longest time it seemed, Hank didn't even use the leg. It was just there, even in the way sometimes.<br /><br />Eventually we realized that the leg was <span style="font-style:italic;">shorter</span> than the other one. In the few weeks between his injury and the surgery, the blood supply to his femur had been compromised. For that period of time, Hank's right femur did not grow at the same rate as the other, making the leg a little stumpy. We're still not sure if he'll ever use the leg normally, despite the fact that he gets quite a bit of use out of it now.<br /><br />In addition to having leg surgery, Hank was also neutered the same day. The combination of not using the leg and not having the male hormones made us wonder if he would ever stop squatting to pee.<br /><br />Until tonight. Tonight, while running around at the park, Hank <span style="font-style:italic;">stood on his bad leg and lifted his good leg</span> to pee on a pole.<br /><br />I have never been prouder.<br /><br />Never, ever in my life.<br /><br />In other news, the winner of the "Name That Photo" contest has been decided. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The Desert Rose:</span> <span style="font-style:italic;">"Redneck woman vacuums up two dogs..."</span><br /><br />I seriously laughed out loud, because well, I wouldn't be surprised if I actually did vacuum up a dog someday.<br /><br />Congrats Desert Rose! Take your pick of one of the following:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/4673948586/" title="Bird and Flower by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4046/4673948586_d8dfea814c.jpg" width="401" height="500" alt="Bird and Flower" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/4673993630/" title="Cadillac by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4054/4673993630_7dda6a9d7a.jpg" width="393" height="500" alt="Cadillac" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089236678129534455.post-17411294102172863012010-05-19T12:57:00.000-07:002010-05-19T13:02:46.902-07:00Redneck Woman<div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/4621890075/" title="IMG_7953Final by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4056/4621890075_10c8e19424.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_7953Final" /></a></div><br />Although, I suppose the fact that I am <span style="font-style:italic;">vacuuming</span> disqualifies me from the redneck category.<br /><br />What do you think?<br /><br />Or better yet, what would you title this photo?<br /><br />Most creative (i.e. the one that makes ME laugh the hardest) gets an original black and white 8x10!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089236678129534455.post-82556805483162248512010-05-17T21:39:00.000-07:002010-05-17T21:48:41.110-07:00ALOHA!!!! (Or My, Oh My, How I've Missed Y'all!)<div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />I'm back! I'm back!<br /><br />Of course, no one knew I was gone since I never bother to tell anyone anything anymore.<br /><br />But, I'm back. I'm back online. I'm back to blogging (I <span style="font-style:italic;">promise</span>). And I'm back from a whole entire week in Hawaii (with Cowboy H of course)!<br /><br />I've written post after post in my head over the last several weeks and am finally going to get them published. I've got the yard project to update you on, I've got more pictures of Crow, I've got a plethora of prints from my photography class to share (and give away!), I've got the wedding recaps to wrap up, and most importantly, I've got our overdue Honeymoon to share now!<br /><br />For now, enjoy this sneak-peek of the vacation and stay tuned for anything and everything else!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/4617315857/" title="IMG_8226Final by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4059/4617315857_da1e4d746a.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8226Final" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089236678129534455.post-77483376930706506922010-04-20T23:57:00.000-07:002010-04-21T00:37:00.539-07:00Tag, I'm It!<div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />Okay, so about three weeks ago now, I was "tagged" by both 'City Girl Turned Country Girl' at A&MD Ranch and 'Growing up a Country Girl' at Livin' It Up Country. The deal is this:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Post your tenth photo that you downloaded into photo folder or picaso and blog about it. Then tag 5 others to do the same.</span><br /><br />Well, since I don't use picaso, and I have oh, about 50 photo folders, I had to improvise a little bit. So, I selected the very first photo folder on my desktop and picked the 10th photo out of it. Here ya go:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/4539620949/" title="IMG_7607 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4066/4539620949_1bda6ef87a.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_7607" /></a></div><br />My handsome cowboy and his equally handsome new horse. This is the first trail ride Cowboy H took Crow out on since having him at our boarding ranch. You may remember that Cowboy H had ridden Crow several times elsewhere before we actually <span style="font-style:italic;">owned</span> him. The evening was just beautiful. The blue of the sky and green of the grass were amazingly vibrant. The photo is completely untouched; the colors really were that bright. It ended up being a pretty nice "first" ride.<br /><br />And so, I have to tag a few of you now, most of you whom have probably already been tagged by others I'm sure. I pick:<br /><br />Choleesa at Choleesa's World<br />The Desert Rose at JessesDesertRose<br />Stephanie at Momma's Soapbox<br />Cousin B at She Who Rides Many Ponies<br /><br />I'm only tagging four, because I really want to tag Pony Girl, who apparently QUIT this blogging thing. So, in mourning, I'm leaving an empty spot for her and Pony Girl Rides Again.<br /><br />P.S. Maria decidedly approves of Crow, if judged by her, ahem, <span style="font-style:italic;">forward</span> behavior towards him on our ride. Seriously, she was rubbing herself all over the poor guy. Yes, I have a hussy of a horse.<br /><br />P.P.S. Sorry for not linking to all the blogs I mentioned, but its midnight, I have to get up at 6 am and I think you all know who each other is. If not, all the blogs can be found on my side bar.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089236678129534455.post-73466772786016966072010-04-14T14:28:00.000-07:002010-04-14T14:47:27.201-07:00MIA No More<div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />HOLY MOLY! How long have I been MIA? Long enough for a few of you to actually worry about me! (BTW, thanks, that makes me feel so special and loved!)<br /><br />Right now, I'm sitting in the treatment area of my vet clinic, having FINALLY logged onto my computer (and the internet) for the first time in over a week. Yes, over a week! I had 150 new messages in my email box. That, I swear, is not an exaggeration.<br /><br />(Of course, I'm on my lunch break. No time for internet during work hours here!)<br /><br />Phewy, things have been busy. First of all, I started my "new" full-time job last Monday. Secondly, we completed the yard project. Third, I have been hitting the gym four or five times a week instead of the usual three. Fourth, I'm still in my photography class, which takes up my Tuesday and Thursday nights. Lastly, I caught a major case of Spring Fever (its going around you know, have you caught it yet?) and was spending every free minute (yes, there are a few!) cleaning out closets and drawers, washing all the bedding and blankets and scrubbing showers and tubs. It just might be an understatement to say we're a little busy at The Homestead. <br /><br />But, we're still alive!<br /><br />My appearance in blog-land will most likely continue to be sporadic for the next week or so; I'm still trying to find a new weekly routine. But I assure you I'm still here. Obviously, I've got a lot to share!<br /><br />Oh yeah, those of you who tagged me regarding some photos, can you please send me an email with the details? Yes! I want to participate, but I've been out of the loop for so long now I missed your original posts that you tagged me in! And, I'm so flattered to have been tagged. Thanks!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089236678129534455.post-12818138080932902622010-03-29T20:18:00.000-07:002010-03-29T20:56:04.733-07:00Again.<div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />At approximately 8:03 this morning, this is what my driveway looked like:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/4475465340/" title="IMG_7905 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4046/4475465340_5fbe3487c1.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_7905" /></a></div><br />I <span style="font-style:italic;">promise</span> I'll connect the dots soon!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089236678129534455.post-77744724631937378232010-03-26T10:30:00.000-07:002010-03-26T10:31:32.552-07:00One Week To Go...<div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />I have so much blogging material floating around in my head, I can't keep it all straight. Things have been busy, busy, busy around The Homestead.<br /><br />First, and foremost, and most importantly, I am quitting my job. Or rather, I already have, but my last day is next Friday. That's right, folks, one week to go. <br /><br />It's very difficult for me to write about this, because, well, I really do love my job. In <span style="font-style:italic;">theory</span>. But in reality, in execution, I hate it. My boss has worn my thin and I am about to my breaking point. And I don't want a job to break me, so I'm moving on.<br /><br />I was offered a full-time position at the animal hospital I work (as a vet tech) and have decided to pursue that route. I've have been "teching" for 5 years, on and off, and the more time I spend away from it, or the less time I spend actually doing it, the more I miss it. The more I realize how much I LOVE it. That's it, I love teching.<br /><br />I also recently learned that I can apply to take my Registered Veterinary Technicians licensing test, without having to go back to school. Since I have a bachelor's degree in Animal Science, Pre-Vet (my original plan was to go to Vet School) and I have loads of hours experience actually teching, all I have to do is turn in my application, get approved, and pass the test. IF all that pans out, and I do pass, I will be a RVT, basically a registered nurse for animals. I never, ever considered going the tech route because they don't make a whole lot for how hard they work, but if you love it, that's all that matters. This I have figured out.<br /><br />So, starting April 5, I will have a different full-time job, and will be taking a significant pay cut. Which sucks, but its not the end of the world. We may not be able to put as much money into savings each month, and we may not be able to work on the house anymore, but the bills will still get paid. The upside is, if I do get licensed, I will get a significant pay increase, which will put me almost back to where I am now, and I will actually be <span style="font-style:italic;">enjoying</span> my job!<br /><br />The impending pay cut brings me to our in-progress yard project. Before our extra money runs out, Cowboy H wants to overhaul the yard. So, last weekend we started. We haven't finished yet, but hey, its a work in progress. I have taken lots of photos, I have fallen on my butt, and I have killed my lawn. You will be updated as soon as possible.<br /><br />Another thing buzzing around in my head is my Photography Class. Our assignment for this week (given out last week) was to take Self-Portraits. But not any old self-portraits; these were self-portraits of WHAT WE ARE NOT. My fabulous friend Choleesa who has her own <a href="http://www.choleesasworld.blogspot.com/">crazy world</a>, upon hearing the assignment, turned to me and said, "Well, if there's one thing I'm NOT, its a cowgirl". So, last weekend we made her a cowgirl. And My Maria modeled along with her.<br /><br />Since we are still in the film half of this class, I don't have immediate images of our little "photo shoot" but we did develop our film last night and ohmygoshtheyrockoutofthisworld!!!! Since they are Choleesa's photos (I just directed the shoot and took them) you will have to go to her world to check them out, once we get them developed, but DON'T MISS THEM. The butt shots are exceptional. And Maria looks pretty good, too. My self-portraits were not as exciting, but fun anyways. I was a "professional career woman", you know, pant suit, black pumps and briefcase. When we get them printed, I'll give you a peek.<br /><br />Okay, I think that's enough words and not enough photos, but I haven't had time. I've taken them, just not processed and uploaded them yet. I promise they will be coming. Please don't stop loving me over this one long-winded post. <br /><br />Oh, and lastly, the dogs dug their way out of their run last night. These two, I swear. The funny thing is once they got out, they couldn't get back in, so they were without food and water for who knows how long. Serves the little suckers right. All I can say is at least we're tearing out the backyard right now anyway! I guess they were just doing their fair share of the manual labor.<br /><br />Yeah, that's it. They're such good little doggies they were just trying to help!<br /><br />See ya on the other side (if you're still around)!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089236678129534455.post-54306725450836827852010-03-24T16:26:00.000-07:002010-03-24T16:26:00.161-07:00A Text Message I Sent Cowboy H<div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />Let me give you a little back-story first. As y'all probably know by now Hank <span style="font-style:italic;">loves</span> Cowboy H. I mean loves him. When I let the dogs back in the house after their morning potty-break, if Cowboy H is not awake and walking around, Hank runs around the bed, looking to see if he's still there. Then, if he sees or hears him still in bed, he runs around the bed even more, trying his hardest with his three little good legs to get in bed with Cowboy H.<br /><br />This morning, Cowboy H left early this morning right after putting the dogs out. When I let them in later in the morning, I had pulled the covers up on the bed, so it really looked like someone was still in bed. Hank came running in and started jumping up on the bed, crying and well, looking for his dad. It killed me!<br /><br />So I sent Cowboy H this text message:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/4460272794/" title="Hank misses his dad by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2738/4460272794_139f9234eb.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Hank misses his dad" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">"Dad please come home. i miss you. i looked for you in bed and you weren't there"<br /></span></div><br />Ahahaha, I crack myself up. Seriously, who does this crap? <br /><br />Please, if you are guilty of sending text messages on behalf of your pet, 'fess up. We may need to seek help together.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089236678129534455.post-11793811576254698612010-03-24T09:14:00.000-07:002010-03-24T09:25:56.049-07:00Welcome To My Life, Ed. 3 Vol III<div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />Last night, Huey swiped an ENTIRE piece of pizza off Cowboy H's plate AND snarfed the WHOLE thing before either of us even knew it was gone.<br /><br />Seriously. Nobody even saw it happen.<br /><br />It was hilarious. I laughed so hard I couldn't breathe.<br /><br />The funniest part was, Cowboy H trying to blame me for stealing his pizza because I had no idea what he was talking about.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">HEY! Where'd my? Did you? I had four pieces!</span><br /><br />For probably the first time ever, Hank was sitting innocently at my feet.<br /><br />And Huey? He was hiding behind the couch, licking his chops, all evidence properly destroyed by the time we figured out what happened.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089236678129534455.post-70681392934324999252010-03-23T10:33:00.000-07:002010-03-23T10:33:00.156-07:00Second Shooter<div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />During our big ride with the Desert Rose a few weeks ago, I did hand off the camera for a little while. In case you didn't know, Cowboy H is a budding photographer himself, and if I were to ever start a wedding photography business (I won't) he would be my second shooter.<br /><br />Seriously. There is just something about his images. He has an instinctual ability to capture the true essence of his subjects, to really bring out their best.<br /><br />That day, he managed to capture a side of me rarely seen:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/4455843733/" title="IMG_7286 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2737/4455843733_961001d0f0.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_7286" /></a></div><br />My grace.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/4455846085/" title="IMG_7287 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/4455846085_aa3596ba42.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_7287" /></a></div><br />My beauty.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/4455849713/" title="IMG_7288 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4071/4455849713_435a9766c4.jpg" width="500" height="324" alt="IMG_7288" /></a></div><br />My class.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/4455852003/" title="IMG_7289 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2736/4455852003_097dacd461.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_7289" /></a></div><br />My elegance.<br /><br />*Sigh* They're all so beautiful, I just can't decide which one to blow up and put on the wall.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089236678129534455.post-1765486813100578102010-03-22T08:23:00.000-07:002010-03-22T08:23:00.237-07:00Oh My.<div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />This is what my front yard looked like at approximately 2:00 pm Saturday afternoon:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/4452476525/" title="IMG_7641 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2751/4452476525_e967202a71.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_7641" /></a></div><br />And this is what my backyard looked like at approximately 3:30 pm on Sunday afternoon:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/4452479201/" title="IMG_7883 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2736/4452479201_9321dddeb6.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_7883" /></a></div><br />All I can say is, no tornadoes were involved in the making of this post.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089236678129534455.post-13049456556271268362010-03-21T18:39:00.000-07:002010-03-21T19:10:46.867-07:00A Homemade Wedding Homestead-Style: Dance! Dance! Dance!<div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />There were three (or four) very important factors to Cowboy H and I in regards to our wedding. One was that the food be amazing. Check. Another was that everything have meaning to us, i.e. not doing something just because its "tradition". Check. Third, we really wanted that down-home, casual, relaxed, spontaneous atmosphere. Check.<br /><br />And, lastly, we wanted a rockin' dance party!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/4127242988/" title="Jesslyn + Jeff-382 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2573/4127242988_4b330dd8e5.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Jesslyn + Jeff-382" /></a></div><br />Our swing dance pretty much set the tone, and pretty soon the dance floor was hopping.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/4126472419/" title="Jesslyn + Jeff-381 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2691/4126472419_3921e818b0.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Jesslyn + Jeff-381" /></a></div><br />Cowboy H and I danced and danced. I actually was able to two-step around the entire dance floor without screwing up. It was amazing. The two-step is not my strong suit.<br /><br />Pretty soon my dad sidled up to me and stated, "Everyone says we need to dance together."<br /><br />So, you're all thinking, <span style="font-style:italic;">Wha?! No father-daughter dance?!</span> Well, I actually had a song all picked out, and I asked my dad, "Do you want to do a father-daughter dance?" And he replied, "No, I don't think we need to. I mean, you're already married, its not like this is the real thing." So, father-daughter dance was scratched. Or so we thought.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/4127254270/" title="Jesslyn + Jeff-376 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2626/4127254270_aa14a7ef76.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Jesslyn + Jeff-376" /></a></div><br />I don't even remember what song the band played, but I know it was a good one. For your information, I had picked out "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" sung by Judy Garland since Wizard of Oz is my dad's favorite movie. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/4126483891/" title="Jesslyn + Jeff-375 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2784/4126483891_27bcf7cb16.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Jesslyn + Jeff-375" /></a></div><br />No matter, I'm really glad we danced together after all, even if my dad is a horrible dancer.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/4047942668/" title="May 2009 Pismo and Jesslyn wedding 174 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2748/4047942668_d4d19701ed.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="May 2009 Pismo and Jesslyn wedding 174" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;"></span>Photo by my Nina</div><br />It was a pretty sweet moment. And pretty soon a bunch of sets of 'father-daughers' joined us. I loved it.<br /><br />At some point, Cowboy H was caught dancing with his mom, even though we didn't do an "official" mother-son dance.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/4047204229/" title="May 2009 Pismo and Jesslyn wedding 186 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2647/4047204229_c25c429dc7.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="May 2009 Pismo and Jesslyn wedding 186" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Photo by my Nina</span></div><br />Even though they weren't planned, I'm glad we got all these special moments captured.<br /><br />Because, pretty soon, we were back to tearing up the dance floor.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/4126473535/" title="Jesslyn + Jeff-380 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2493/4126473535_e4633e76bd.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Jesslyn + Jeff-380" /></a></div><br />Up Next: All The Details<br /><br />(I swear, I'm almost done, but if you missed anything, check it all out <a href="http://thehohmanhomestead.blogspot.com/p/homestead-wedding.html">here</a>.)<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">All images by Applemoon Photography unless otherwise noted!</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089236678129534455.post-63052322385081205362010-03-19T21:57:00.000-07:002010-03-19T22:40:54.745-07:00And We Said Goodbye<div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/4423749153/" title="IMG_7327 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4053/4423749153_e654ac762c.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_7327" /></a></div><br />Its been two weeks since we said goodbye to Bella, and well, I kinda miss her.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/4424515758/" title="IMG_7328 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4041/4424515758_93e5173003.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_7328" /></a></div><br />I'll be honest with y'all, I never really bonded with her, but by the time she left us I had really come to appreciate what a nice little horse she was.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/4423751917/" title="IMG_7329 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4012/4423751917_4c4c2d87a5.jpg" width="500" height="349" alt="IMG_7329" /></a></div><br />She became probably one of the best trail horses I've ever come across. Nothing, and I mean <span style="font-style:italic;">nothing</span> fazed her. You could always depend on her to cross the water, or the bridge, or the ravine, or the whatever when no other horse wanted to.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/4423753345/" title="IMG_7330 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4032/4423753345_bbae6bf70d.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_7330" /></a></div><br />Saying goodbye to her was bittersweet, to say the least. I know without a doubt, without the <span style="font-style:italic;">slightest</span> bit of doubt, that she has an even better home than Cowboy H and I were giving her.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/4423754993/" title="IMG_7331 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4026/4423754993_e33e202d8a.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_7331" /></a></div><br />But still, I can't say that there weren't a few choked up throats when we loaded her into the trailer.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/4424522046/" title="IMG_7333 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4026/4424522046_6ef33fa893.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_7333" /></a></div><br />I mean, its not like we were crying or anything. Geez, cum'on guys.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/4424523272/" title="IMG_7334 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2716/4424523272_63e5c2abbb.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_7334" /></a></div><br />I swear! I didn't shed a single tear.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/4423759669/" title="IMG_7338 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4006/4423759669_ae68121cba.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_7338" /></a></div><br />Okay, okay. I may have sniffled a little bit.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/4423762275/" title="IMG_7340 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/4423762275_8352d74fca.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_7340" /></a></div><br />Especially when Cowboy H gave his final goodbye.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/4423760877/" title="IMG_7339 by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4064/4423760877_90d9dfe021.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_7339" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089236678129534455.post-80936476301266969552010-03-19T09:32:00.000-07:002010-03-19T16:39:41.958-07:00Feel The Love<div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />Last night Cowboy H asked me to email him two photos.<br /><br />One of <a href="http://thehohmanhomestead.blogspot.com/2010/03/this-ones-for-pony-girl.html">him and Crow</a>.<br /><br />The other of <a href="http://thehohmanhomestead.blogspot.com/2010/03/portrait-of-cowboy-and-his-dog.html">him and Hank</a>.<br /><br />I obliged and asked if he needed full res images or if I could send him smaller, email-friendly versions.<br /><br />He responded, <span style="font-style:italic;">"Um, I don't know. I want to use them as the background for my desktop, so whatever you think."</span><br /><br />At first, my heart melted. <span style="font-style:italic;">Awww, how sweet, he wants photos of his horse and his dog at work,</span> I thought.<br /><br />Then, something clicked inside my head.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">"HEY! You want photos of your dog and your horse, but what about YOUR WIFE!?!?"</span><br /><br />And the punk that he is, just smirked and laughed at me.<br /><br />Talk about feeling the love.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089236678129534455.post-78629156249975139172010-03-18T11:11:00.000-07:002010-03-18T11:22:33.047-07:00Spring Is Here!<div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37977524@N04/4410306792/" title="Indy by J Tilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4052/4410306792_3c0355e82d.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Indy" /></a></div><br />At least that's what the cats are saying!<br /><br />The birds have been chirping up a storm outside. Before the sun is even fully risen from its slumber, the choir is belting in full force outside. The cats are just loving it. And someone finally did something about it.<br /><br />My little Indy-Monster (pictured above) caught his very first bird this morning. At least, I think it's his first. It's the first bird I've ever seen him with. I really don't like them catching birds, but seeing as how the neighborhood has pretty much been eradicated of its rodent population already, birds are really the only option. And as sick as it may be, my heart swells up with pride when I see my babies catch something. I want to go run and tell Cowboy H, "Indy caught a bird!" but he is sleeping.<br /><br />Instead, I let the dogs out and Hank promptly steals the catch of the day from Indy.<br /><br />It was a glorious triumph for but a fleeting moment.<br /><div style="text-align; center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089236678129534455.post-35780373819618863592010-03-17T10:30:00.000-07:002010-03-17T10:42:20.005-07:00Welcome To My Life, Ed. 3 Vol II<div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />The other day, I was woken up by the sound of a dog gagging and heaving, attempting to puke in my bedroom. It was still dark, <span style="font-style:italic;">very</span> dark, and I flung myself out of bed and stumbled and fumbled around the room in a pathetic attempt to get the dog out of the house before the vomit actually came out.<br /><br />By the time I got my bearings and turned on a light it was too late. Little Hanky-Panky deposited a solid chunk of bone the size of a large marble right on the carpet. Still staggering around, I shuffled him outside since he was still heaving.<br /><br />First thing I thought: <span style="font-style:italic;">"Thank goodness that came back up, because there was no way it was going to come out the other end."</span><br /><br />Second thing I thought (after glancing at my clock; remember its pitch black outside): <span style="font-style:italic;">"Phew, at least I have another hour to sleep before my alarm goes off."</span><br /><br />And, before the thought was even completed, the alarm went off.<br /><br />Stupid dog.<br /><br />Stupid time change.<br /><br />Stupid Monday.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2