Loser to Winner to Randomness

This is how my minds works, very scattered, so try to keep up with my ramblings!

When I was about 10 there was this real big stuffed rabbit at the JR Quick Stop up the road from my house that was going to be raffled off. I wanted that rabbit BAD! I would ride my bike up there and fill out slips, talk whoever was taking me to school to stop by there - the bus driver got a little tired of me asking. Well, I did not win it, but a girl that I took dance classes with did. She and I became friends in our 20s and I still have some stuffed rabbit envy, really I am trying to let it go. That, however, began my losing streak.

That was until I became a blogger in mid-November. Since then, I have won a set of kid's blocks from Made in The USA, and two of the sweetest awards from dear blog friends. First, there was the The Daily Dose award from my friend Sharon at Quiet Relections. Then, my best bloggy friend mappersnapper gave me You Shine My Friend award. This was very special because Pam at maapersnapper is very dear to me and I know this came from her heart.

So, it just keeps getting better, yesterday I won the cutest, most wonderful charm from Bonbon Charms. I was over at that sweet BooMama's site enjoying her ramblings and commented on a contest. Woo- Hoo, I was randomly picked. These are wonderful, handmade charms made by Erica. Go by their site and pick up something special for a friend or treat yourself to a little something sweet to wear.

Also, I have been tagged by Sharon over at Quiet Reflections for my first meme. Please pass on to your blog friends because I am not good at following the actual rules of the meme. It asks to share six non-important things/habits/quirks about yourself. Well, what is the fun in that, I would tell you things that are glossed over a bit as to not totally embarass myself. So, I went a different route, one that may embarass me even more.

So, 6 things about The Park Wife by the Big Buckaroo (yes, he typed this without me knowing what he was going to say and no, I did not change any of them):

1.You can take the girl out of Mississippi, but you can't take Mississippi out of the girl

2. Although her cooking skills have come a looong way, the smoke alarm still goes off regularly

3. When Big Buckaroo finds the cookies all gone, it was not Park Wife, no matter what

4. She is terribly honest, unless it is about herself.

5. She is a better driver than Big Buckaroo, on city streets.

6. She loves Big Buckaroo, and his sons unconditionally

Yes, I do love my guys!

As of today, I have been tracking my hits for 2 full months and have had 9514 hits, YEA!!! But, if you could make everyone you know come by my site about 25 times, maybe I could hit 10,000 today! Thanks in advance.

Until tomorrow,

The Park Wife

Praying for Pluto

This morning during my quiet time, I was praying for my boys and started thinking of the wonderful future that God has planned for them and how exciting that is not only for them, but for me to be able to see His work in their lives. While Little Buckaroo and I were having our morning snuggle time, here was a part of our conversation:

The Park Wife: What can I pray to God for you about today?
Little Buckaroo: Dinosaur’s come to life again
The Park Wife: What would you ask God for?
Little Buckaroo: For God to make Pluto a planet again.

There is a much bigger picture that our sweet little ones can not see. This is where prayer is vital. Many times in prayer I've felt the Lord bring to mind specific things to pray for regarding my boys. I pray for their development and behavior, that they will grow to love the Lord and serve Him, for their future wives and that through the special gifts that God has given them that they will use them in a job that is enjoyable and where they can glorify Him. I pray that they will make wise choices and that I would be the mother God wants me to be for my kids.

Sometimes we all get so overwhelmed with getting through the day and do not focus on the big picture. We are now raising our grandchildren, meaning how we are raising our boys is how they will raise theirs and on and on. We have the wonderful opportunity to change this world for the better through our offspring. How exciting!

When I started blogging I was just looking for a creative outlet, but have found some dear friends, friend whose children have been added to my prayer list: The Boy, CJ, Betty’s grandchildren, just to name a few. These children are the future. I am so glad to have these people in my lives.

I have to go call NASA now about the whole Pluto thing.

Until tomorrow,
The Park Wife

Land Not Before Our Time

...I know, too many dinosaur movies.

If you remember, a few weeks ago Big Buckaroo and I had 16 hours alone without children for the first time in 5 years. We were trekking around looking for that perfect piece of land to build our much dreamed of cabin, a get-a-way place for us to make wonderful memories with our boys and a tangible legacy to leave to them. Well, after 6 years of on and off looking, we have found it and we will be closing on this wonderful piece of land next Friday. Now, all of you who are saying "they live on a state park, why would they want to getaway?" Well, since we do live on the park it is like my husband is always at work and believe me, he needs a place to go to re-group, center himself and for our family to adventure together.

We are so excited, um and a little scared because this is our nest egg. The piece of land is secluded, has a small pond on it and a beautiful creek. It is everything we have been wanting and more. We have seen many pieces of land over these years that"just is not right", was "out of our price range" or "just did not work out for some crazy reason". This just goes to show you that you must be patient and wait on God's timing, His plan.

So, we will be doing some camping for a while as we work on the cabin, and when I say cabin, this is a modest, solar powered cabin. It will not be something that will be featured on the front of Log Home Living, maybe Shack in the Woods magazine will do a two page spread on us when it is finished in 2020.

You will be seeing much more about this in the future. We give Him all the praise and glory!

Until tomorrow,

The Park Wife

Maniac Monday

Does anyone else have a hard time on Monday's?

I remember when I used to be in the professional world and Monday's just meant that my fun weekend of doing whatever I wanted was over. I do not do any housework on Sunday's, so as a full-time wife, mother, nose wiper, washing machine expert, sink scrubber, husband helper, dog groomer, etc. by the time Monday gets here I am already way behind on my to-do list. So, sorry for the late post today, but it is CLEAN SHEET NIGHT, I did get some chores done!!! I love clean sheet night, you can't beat clean shaved legs, hopping into clean sheets and pulling the down comforter up on top of you. Snuggling with hubby makes it even better. That will be my reward for my day of chaos.

My shopping day on Saturday was great. Old Navy had a HUGE sale, 75% off. I came home with 6 shirts, 2 pair of pants, and each Buckaroo a new outfit, all for $60! Yes, I am the bargain finding queen. Oh, but wait, I did not get any jeans and um, I think that is what I was supposed to go for. I am still trying to explain that to Big Buckaroo.

I hope everyone has a great week!
The Park Wife

Mr. Moneybags

Big Buckaroo: Hey honey, I know you have been wanting some new jeans/clothes, so why don't I give you a hundred dollars and you can go shopping by yourself on Saturday Morning?

The Park Wife: Huh? (puzzled look on face)

Big Buckaroo: shopping, money, no kids!


The Park Wife: Huh? (with expression on face of glee and surprise, is this my cheap, I mean frugal husband?)

Well, needless to say I am getting ready for my morning away. I am going to the nearest "big" town about 35 miles away. It can be called "big" because yes my friends, there is a Starbuck's! So, watch out, I am going to be sitting in Starbuck's deciding where to go to buy my new jeans in about an hour and a half.

To you big city money bags, be excited for me! We rural folks don't have many places to wear Manola Blanhik's, so some Gap jeans are a big deal.

For all the other Park Wives out there living off a state salary but enduring because of the Park amenities (and a good looking hubby), I will be thinking of you while sipping my hot beverage of choice!

I will let everyone know how fabulous my new jeans, etc. are soon, maybe even a picture or two!

Have a wonderful weekend,
The Park Wife

Support and Encouragement Abounds

I can see why people love to have contests! The hard part is that you have to choose just one. I loved all the entries, so I had to get Big Buckaroo to choose. He also had a hard time picking.

Many people de-lurked yesterday and not only had some great ideas for the photo, but words of encouragement. With my people pleasing southern belle mentality and background in marketing and public relations, it would be easy for me to glitz up my site through my Photoshop skills (although a bit limited) or more "creative" writing. But, I have chosen to keep it clean and honor Him through my writing. I want it to be fun, enjoyable, and honest and I think that can be accomplished without trying to be too sassy (even though I can be sassy, just ask Big Buckaroo).

Pam (aka mappersnapper) and Betty in OK comment and email with me often, pretty much daily. I appreciate their support and encouragement in all aspects of my life, not just blogging. I will meet these women, hopefully some time this year! Dee at Red Dirt Ramblings is also around here alot and I am in awe of her beautiful flowers and gardening skills. Do you have time to come help with my yard?

My de-lurkers, WELCOME, and thanks for the nice words and contest entries:
Elizabath S. in Mid- Michigan- cute title, stay warm!!!
Ren in Fl- thanks for appreciating that I am keeping it clean. It is cold here, do you have any extra rooms?
Renee in Seattle- I think I lost most of my wittiness with the placenta.
Liz G. - Do you know Little Buckaroo? Perfect description of something he would actually say!
Joann - Thanks for the encouragement to keep on going
Sharon- When are you getting a blog? As a graphic designer, it would be awesome I am sure. Please excuse my pitiful attempts at design.
Jill in MN - o.k. I LOVE the Battle of Little Buckaroo, too cute! Thanks for taking the time to nominate me for the "Bloggie that Wasn't"
A Glance at My World - this is one very talented college student, I wish that I had been as together as she is at her age. Not only does she make FABULOUS things, but is a beautiful young lady. FYI-The photo was taken here at our Park by one of Park employees.
Windwmn- thanks for coming by!!!! Little Man, Big Job was one of Big Buckaroo's favorites
A Blessed Crazy Life- thanks for commenting. Her site is new, everyone go visit.
And, to my friend Lori who finally delurked, yes, I would just rather talk to you on the phone too!

Now, could Pioneer Woman, Boo Mama or any of those other great blog women comment to everyone that commented on one of their contests?

Drum roll please.....
and the winner of nothing of any monetary value....

Pam at mappersnapper.com

My heart is so full but
My haversack is not
Could you spare some hardtack
Or sow belly that's hot?

Big Buckaroo was impressed with her Civil War knowledge and creativeness. Great job and hopefully next time I will actually give away a prize!

Until Tommorrow,
The Park Wife

A CONTEST To Lift My Spirits

Well, I did not get into the finals for a Bloggie, so no trip to Austin, no pedicure interview with Pioneer Woman, no girl time away from my house of boys.

So, to lift my spirits, I am going to give you a little naming contest. No, you will not win a huge gift card, or a vacuum, or jewelry, or anything else that I would need to ship to you. But, what you will get is satisfaction in knowing that you lifted my spirits, made my day filled with coughing, sneezing and congestion a little better. Plus, in my Bloggie disappointment, I am not sure if anyone aside of my 5 bloggie friends even visits me daily. As you can see, I am feeling a little sorry for myself.



So, get on board, delurk and let me know I am not alone in the Bloggieless world. You can give me a title, a caption, whatever you want, I am not picky.

The Park Wife

If you like to talk to tomatoes- Um, no.

Since we try to be choosy of what the Buckaroos watch, we went through a long, oh, I mean long Veggie Tale stage when Littlest Buckaroo was younger. If I saw Larry the Cucumber with an oven mitt on his head one more time, I thought I would reach through the screen and make some fabulous cucumber sandwiches out of that whiny pickle. Thank goodness Little Buckaroo was tired of them and Littlest Buckaroo is too busy playing guns (moms without boys, don’t judge. If you don’t give your boys a gun to play with, they will make one).

So, needless to say, I have been rebelling and did not even tell Little Buckaroo about the Veggie Tale’s new movie, “The Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything.” Now, of course the closest movie theatre is about 35 miles away so it really has not been on my top 10 things to do….until….Chicken Friend, my dear sweet Chicken Friend, called and said she was taking her divine Miss M and H-Baby and wanted to know if we wanted to go.

I was on the treadmill when she called and had only been on there for about 10 minutes, I thought that it was the perfect excuse to put off exercising… again. Could I count this as 2 servings of vegetables for the day? So, we hurriedly got ready, as hurriedly as you can with 2 little ones and of course from my heart rate inducing 10 minutes on the treadmill, I had to shower.

We headed out and made it to the theatre for the first showing which was packed. Any seasoned homeschooler knows not to venture out on public school holiday days, but, well, I am not very seasoned.

There were some very cute moments and great action scenes (not like Die Hard kind of action, but action none the less). Although it was not based on a Bible story, the symbolism of many of the “characters” were very good. I have got to give it to those vegetables, they saved the day and do not even have arms.

However, there were these killer cheese curls, yes, cheese curls with ferocious little mouths. They freaked me out and Little Buckaroo was very disturbed by them, that is all he has talked about all day.

It was fun because we got to be with Chicken Friend and her girls, but next time there is a Veggie Tales movie on the big screen, I might opt for a V-8.

Hot Park Rangers, Hot Park Ranger, Park Ranger

Unfortunately, a few months back one of the barns at our Park did not like the hay that they decided to put in its loft. Or, well, I guess the hay had a problem with being trapped inside an old, drafty barn. So, it took revenge and spontaneously combusted.

Um, where are the firetrucks? firemen?
Remember we are in a rural area so we depend on the Volunteer Fire Department. Our town's department consists primarily of Park staff.

Park Rangers are usually also First Responders (medical) and Fire certified. So, here Big Buckaroo is trying to save some of the barn or at least contain the fire so that it would not spread to any of the historical homes, i.e. matchsticks waiting to be lit. Also, my friend Nikki's house is only a few hundred feet away and let me tell you she was not getting Smores ingredients out at this point.

Big Buckaroo finally decided that his Park brown uniform might not be the protection he needed and put on his fire gear. I think that was a good idea because, um, did you see this fire?


Yeah, looks a little hot.

Time to reload, thank goodness there were many Volunteer Fire Departments that responded to help. It is amazing how people pull together during these times. Politics, religion, race, education - none of that mattered, there was a goal and everyone was working to achieve that goal. Just think what kind of world we would have if everyone worked together like this on a daily basis.

Most of the tack was saved and even some old wagon wheels.



Smokin'!
The fire was put out and although the barn did not make it, the town was saved.


I told you it was going to be a very hot post today! Also, I am single-handedly trying to clean up the Internet. When anyone Google's Hot Park Ranger (and I know you people are out there) they will be brought to this clean, family-friendly site!

So, for all those Googlers out there: Hot Park Rangers, Hot Park Ranger, Park Ranger, Love Park Rangers. Park Rangers are Hot, A Ranger's Life. I can't wait to see what kind of ads show up on my site--tsktsk.

Have a great weekend,
The Park Wife

PBR (Professional Bull Riders) Here We Come

A High School Rodeo was on t.v. yesterday morning and Little Buckaroo wanted to watch it. I was just fine with it because that meant that Bob was not going to build something, Dora would not have to ask the map for directions, and I did not have to wait 30 minutes until the Backyardigans could go have their snack. So, my guy just can not watch it, he wants to be become part of it. So, here he is watching these high school boys wrestle some poor little calf.

He called his daddy when it was over and informed him that he wanted to go be in a rodeo. I guess he better learn to ride a horse by himself first.

Not to be outdone, Littlest Buckaroo had to have on a hat too. I don't think he is headed for the rodeo circuit, unless the need a rodeo clown.

You really should come by my blog tomorrow, I have something so hot it is smoking and yes, it does involve Big Buckaroo (now ladies this is a clean program, stop your minds from going in that direction right now!)

Did I say HOT? I mean on fire kind of hot!

Overachiever in My Midst

This is Big and Little Buckaroo about 3 years ago when Big Buckaroo was graduating with his Bachelor's degree.

My awesome hubby had an Associate's degree and returned to college when he
1- became an Asst. Superintendent of a large state park,
2- had a new baby, and
3- had a wife who was trying to adapt to being a stay-at-home mom -translation: whiney woman, you girls know what I am talking about.

He completed his degree in a two year period finishing with a 4.0 GPA (yes, straight A's) And now....he is asking for more torment, I mean, his first class for his Master's degree began this week.

I am very proud to be his wife. He is an exceptional husband and father. And, a smarty britches too!

Good luck Big Buckaroo, I am your biggest fan.

The Park Wife

Picture Request Granted

I had a couple of requests for pictures with me in them from some of my favorite blog friends. They did not come to my site yesterday so I think they may be boycotting until I post something.


So, this is my best friend Nikki (left) and me on the right this past Friday night at out AWANA girls lock-in at church. First, one of the little girls took it, so the angle is not very flattering. Next, it is horrible lighting in the Fellowship Hall so no amount of Photoshop is going to help this, nor will it help my tired eyes, or the ridiculous amount of junk food and Dr. Pepper consumed, or the exhaustion that it took 3 days to recover from. Alright, I am done defending, but this is the only picture I have of me lately.

O.K. to keep this all honest and on the up and up, I am giving you another chance to mock The Park Wife. Here is a picture of when I walked in the door from an all-nighter.... at church, with tweens. Little Buckaroo was happy to see mommy and Big Buckaroo caught me in all my early morning beauty.

Well friends, yes I am talking to you Mapper and Betty in OK, your request has been granted! Let me know if there is anything else embarrassing I can do for you.

Oh wait, by the way, I won my first award!

The award was originated by Xandra from Heart of Service, and here are her words for this award:"...it's for blogs that I must read every day without fail . . . They make you laugh, cry, think and feel connected every time you read a post. They give you a thrill as you see them loading into your browser and you get an equally satisfying thrill when you see that they have commented on your blog.

I was given this award from my friend Sharon at Quiet Reflections who (even though I have not met her in person) I truly admire.

Thanks Sharon!

Until tomorrow,
The Park Wife

Water in the Desert, My Mentors

When we arrived at this Park, I went through about 8 months of desert-like conditions. The day we drove up with our last load, the Park maintenance guys had cut a tree down on our gas line, meaning no hot water or stove. Later that afternoon I took a pregnancy test and found out that yes indeed Littlest Buckaroo was on his way. Of course, after losing a baby the year before, I was fearful. On top of this, my father in law came and stayed 2 weeks to help us. I appreciated his help but having one extra person in the house to cook and clean for while newly pregnant and unpacking added a little stress. I was exhausted and this was just the beginning. I continually cried out to God, ignorantly asking to be relieved of this discomfort. Not seeing what He was doing in my life.

A few weeks later, two people drove up to our gate. They were from a local church that had a ministry that brought bread to newcomers in the community. I will never forget that day, it was the first light for me in this dark place. (Thank you Ron and Calvary)

About a week later, the phone rang, I answered it and there was the sweetest voice on the other end. Have any of you ever experienced someone that just has a Godly sweetness that just calms you, who makes you just feel better with one word? That was Lydia for me. She was the wife of the preacher from the church that had brought the bread to our home. We talked for about an hour about our lives. Before we hung up, Lydia said something to me that I can still hear in my head today. She said, “we would love for you guys to come visit the church, but even if you don’t, I would love to be your friend.” Wow, the light was starting to shine through.

So many young women today, like me, do not live near extended family and miss out on the help of mothers and grandmothers in learning how to be a Godly wife and mother. They have a need for a woman who has “been there” and “done that” to come along side them to build a relationship that offers support and encouragement. Everywhere we have lived, God has placed very special women in my life from Johnnie (aka Nana to my boys) on the mountain to my current mentor/friend Penny who I met at Calvary. (unfortunately, Lydia has moved).

Penny is an exceptional wife and mother, she homeschooled her three children and they are all exceptional human beings that love the Lord. I knew nothing about homeschooling, not that it even existed before Penny (and Lydia). Her insights have guided me through some very turbulent waters. She has provided me with child-rearing skills that have worked and not only am I a better mom because of her but my boys are well-adjusted, happy, loving children that are a pleasure to be around.

Mentors are very important, if you do not have one, whatever stage in your life that you are in, pray that God will lead someone to you. Or, seek out that cute Park wife kind of girl (hehe) that is in need of your mentoring. Read Titus 2: 3-5.

I must go now, my friend Penny is coming over today and I am so excited!

Get Your Motor Runnin'

Head out on the driveway....

Now that Little Buckaroo has a Go-Kart to drive, for now, before it breaks again, Littlest Buckaroo has been handed down the Jeep. So, today he went out to learn to drive.

Lookin' for adventure.....

I can do this with my eyes closed!

And, whatever comes my way...

Yeah Darlin' go make it happen...

Take the world in a love embrace...

Fire all your guns at once, and explode into space....

The Little Buckaroo's....Born to be WIIIIILLDD!

The Little Black Dress

Since I do not have girls, I have become part of our AWANA girls group at church and work with girls grades 3 - 6. The majority of our girls come from the surrounding neighborhood of our church and are not as fortunate as many of the girls that regularly attend our church. They all have such sweet spirits and it is fun for me to leave my house full of boys and hang with the girls every Wednesday night.

Last night, we had a "Lock-In" for the girls and had a BLAST, the black circles under my eyes will eventually go away, right?. We did everything from a cool craft, to cooking, to counsel time, to my area (oh so appropriate for the Southern Belle in me), etiquette. We ate way to much pizza, pigs in a blanket, popcorn, cookies and yes, I drank a ton of Dr. Pepper. tsk.tsk. I will have to pay penance by only drinking water for the next 5 days, I mean hours.

Although I do not have girls, I often see how young girls these days are not taught even the basics of etiquette. I do not expect Miss Manners or Amy Vanderbilt level manners, but I do think that a girl should have some guidelines to follow that are appropriate rather than today's celebrity "role models" who are so obviously lacking in the class area. It makes me yearn for the Golden Age of Hollywood where Audrey Hepburn was who the young ladies wanted to emulate. Audrey Hepburn is the little black dress while the Brittany and Lindsey's of today are just leopard skin tights and neon parachute pants. Sure, leopard skin tights and parachute pants are fun for a while but eventually something new comes along and replaces it while the little black dress has been a classic piece decade after decade.

I just hit the basics such as having a positive attitude, showing respect, having good posture, proper attire, and a lesson on table manners. The girls had a blast, especially walking around with books on their heads.

All I can do is try to offset the negative influences of TV, movies, and entertainment news with a positive adult role model to these young ladies (at least The Park Wife tries to be a positive role model, let's not bring up the Dr. Pepper weakness) At the end of the day, or late night actually, I hope that they left there with something - be it which fork to use, cellphone courtesy, how to not slouch nor sit with your legs apart, or even preparation to be in the Guinness Book of World Records for walking the longest way with a dictionary on their head.

Most importantly, I hope that they will begin to depend on and value their actual character as a definition of success and know that being a lady will never go out of style. I hope and pray they choose the little black dress.

The Park Wife

The Park Wife Needs You

Alright now, I know my blog is in the infant stage but my praise-needing personality needs your help. I want to be a part of the 2008 Bloggies for Best New Blog of 2007 or Best Kept Secret Weblog (oh, how I would love to let The Park Wife's secret out). If I won, I could get that much needed sick day in Austin, TX to receive my $20.07. Now, I know there are many blogs that could possibly be (um, are definitely) more worthy, but you can't blame a girl for trying. So, here is what I am begging, I mean asking, you to do -- go and nominate me here. (Nominate all your other favs too while you are there)

Now, I don't have a fabulous prize you can win if you nominate me, except for that wonderful feeling you will have for helping a sistah out. One day soon I am going to jump on the PRIZE bandwagon, I am waiting for the PCH Prize Patrol to visit me first. Unless of course you would like a tour of a state park in my area given by ME! Don't everyone jump at that opportunity at once, that's about all I have got right now.

I will sit and clap with a smile on my face for all the winners and when asked by all those flashbulb wielding journalist, I will reply, " oh, I am just tickled to be nominated". All the while I will be thinking of what I can do to go over and beyond next year to rock y'all's bloggin' world (without compromising my principles, of course). But, for now, I am going to be myself and well, grovel for your help! Oh, and if I win I will interview Ree, The Pioneer Woman in Austin while having a pedicure and get the low down for everyone.

****UPDATE****
I have been in contact with The Pioneer Woman and she is available for a pedicure interview, I am not kidding, we have communicated via email!!!!

Thanks for your help in advance and now, I mean right now, go click on the link and nominate The Park Wife. PLLLLLLEEEEAAAASSSEEE! Time is running out, click the link, ...now...yes, right now...GO!

Until tomorrow,

The Park Wife
Celebrity endorsements will be accepted.

Focusing on What Is Important in Life

When I met Big Buckaroo I lived in Memphis and was a strong, independent woman. I had previously dated a great guy who happened to be a doctor and was under the impression that I was supposed to be a doctor’s wife, isn’t that what I had trained my whole life to be?

Big Buckaroo was not like anyone I had ever dated. So, when this Wrangler wearing Park Ranger sauntered into my life, needless to say, I was not expecting him. And, let me tell you, he definitely was not expecting me. But, this is not The Notebook version of our love story. So, put away your tissues, maybe one day I will share how God placed us together, it is a great love story.

Instead, I want to share something that has really been bothering me lately, something I have seen a lot lately in one of the Christian mom groups I have attended where I don't know the women well, it is called husband bashing. When I got married to Big Buckaroo, my mom told me not to call her whining and griping about Big Buckaroo if we had a fight. She knew that we would eventually make-up and she would be sitting 7 hours away focusing on how her sweet little innocent daughter had been wronged (of course she knows I am always right) resulting in bad feelings toward Big Buckaroo. Over the past 9 years, I have only slipped once, that won’t happen again. Now I know as women we are prone to whining about our lot in life, but when you share your negative feelings toward your husband with a group of women, it is degrading and disrespectful to the man God gave you.

As much as I love a good chick flick, I think we have to all readjust our thinking on reality. Have you ever seen a chick flick that has a faithful husband and wife with 2.5 kids, living a normal (whatever that might be) life, going to church and soccer on the weekends, and balancing the checkbook together? Not any I know of. The difference is the level of intensity, most chick flicks focus on the newness of relationships, at some point everyone comes down from the high of new love and settles into everyday romance (or lack thereof).

As you have seen from my blog, I, like many of you, like to take pictures. The one thing that is essential for a good photograph is focus. Focus is about making sure the image is not blurred, it is about what you choose to see and what you choose to ignore, it’s up to you. The same is true in relationships. Are we focusing on our spouse’s flaws, weaknesses, or are we focusing on the qualities that made us fall in love with them in the first place. The choice is ours.

I am blessed to have a wonderful husband that adores me and shows it, but we too have to be creative in thinking of ways to let each other know how special the other is. I hope in reading this it recommits you to focusing on the good, wonderful reasons you fell in love with your spouse, the love of your life.

If this does not nudge you, go rent The Notebook and watch it together! It will show you how you have to put effort into your relationship, it does not just happen, but the result can be a lifetime of passionate love. Then go write your own love story.

The Park Wife

Stormy Weather Sunsets

The storms came through this area yesterday morning but we did not receive anything very bad. Big Buckaroo went to a different Park yesterday for work, so I was nice enough to go out to feed the animals (extra points please). As I walked out to feed the goats, chickens, horse, and red mules, I saw the most extraordinary thing! Colors only God can make. So, of course I ran back in to get my camera.

Blinding Beauty.

Tom is one of the red mules owned by the Park for the purpose of pulling the surrey. However, he is a rambunctious fella, so he and his fellow draft mule Pete spend alot of time in our pasture. They are more Wild West show kind of mules rather than stroll around the Park guys.

This is Jill, the retired prize-winning Civil War re-enactment horse who lives in another one of our pastures. I started to Photoshop some of these pictures, but then decided that even though my picture taking is amateur, I should not mess with the beauty of the sunsets.

Jill does not see the beauty behind her only the oats before her. Boy is she missing out!

I contemplated as I was taking the pictures if rather than spending the moments taking the pictures that I should sit and be still and enjoy. So, I stopped, breathed in the cool, crisp air...and then heard Little Buckaroo screaming out the back door, "where are you mommy?".

I enjoyed it for the brief millisecond that I did have. That is one thing I am learning with small children, I must stop and enjoy them because they will not be little for long. If I don't stop and enjoy, even for that millisecond, I might miss the beauty of their childhood completely.

Until tomorrow, friends.

The Park Wife

By the way, go over to mappersnapper.com, she is having a photo naming contest and would LOVE your participation. As bloggers, it is nice to get comments so that you know people are visiting/reading your site. It's like our little reward for spending the time doing it. So, please head over to mapper's site and drop her a comment.

Healthy Smealthy

As I have reported previously, I, like the other 6.23 million people in the US resolved to live healthier in '08.

Since having children, I cut back on Coke's. I live in the South, so all soda pops are called Coke's, my carbonated drug of preference is Dr. Pepper. However, in this healthy New Year, I decided that I would only have a Dr. Pepper here and there, like when we go out to restaurants. So far, I have only had one in the eight days of the New Year. HAAAALLLLLLLELUJAHHHHH, I hear choruses from above. It is amazing how addictive that burp inducing, cold refreshment is.

Speaking of burps, which a proper Southern lady is not even to mention, but this is the bloggy world and I am feeling a little open today. I have had a strange thing happening for the past few weeks. Every once in a while I will have a little belch that taste like fish, o.k. I know that is gross, believe me I know this is gross. Now, I have not added alot of fish to my diet so I have been a little worried about this. Oh, another little diddy about me, I am a bit of a hypochondriac. So, I of course have thought I had some major internal problems, my mind can go a bit crazy here. When Big Buckaroo and I went on our 16 hour hiatus from kids a week and a half ago, I had his undivided attention. So, I knew it was time to talk to him about my life-ending fish burps. After looking me with that "have you lost your mind" look and snickering, he said, "oh, that is just the fish oil supplement that I put in with your other vitamins". Whew, I was going to live another day to see my boys.

Now, all in all, I am pretty healthy. Aside from occasional knee pain from years of soccer, and well oh, the fact that two screaming infants were ripped out of my mid-section, I have been blessed with good health. So, my hypochondriacism has no merit, but I have to do something to get some sympathy around here. I have not had a sick day since Little Buckaroo was born 5 years ago, even though I whine and ask to have one every once in a while. Big Buckaroo just smirks and says, oh you are going to be fine, you are beautiful(even though snot is running down your face and your eyes are swollen shut), noone can take care of these boys like you can, etc. etc, to build me up as he is walking out to go to work, leaving me with 2 boys, and I mean BOYS. I have finally figured out that I am going to have to schedule myself a sick day, but I will have to go somewhere else to be sick because I would not get any rest around this place.

I have also resolved to have a healthier house for a healthier planet. My husband is the green guru, the cabin we want to build on the land we have not found yet, will be solar and will leave the smallest footprint on the earth and its resources as possible. I am cleaning with Shaklee's, vinegar, and baking soda for a less toxic home, unplugging energy sucking applainces and the home organizer in me is continuing to simplify our lives with less stuff. When I purge unused things from the home, it is cathartic and freeing to me. There are so many little things that we can do that will have a positive impact on our environment.

I hope that all of you are also committed to living healthier and happier lives. I believe the first thing you have to do is to seek Him and His will for your life. Without Him, you are bound to fail in your endeavors.

Have a great day!
The Park Wife

"...you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment." Mark 12:30

We moseyed on home...

from Texas and I picked up another little boy on the way. The Buckaroo's cousin (Cuzaroo) has come home with us for the week, what is one more boy when you already have a house full?

MIL enjoyed her surprise birthday party that ended up not being a surprise. So, Happy Unsurprise Birthday MIL! This is her beautiful cake that one of her best friends made for her. I would love to take the credit, but remember the dinosaur cakes? I have a long way to go before getting to this quality of cake decorating and frankly, I just don't have the time to practice. Maybe after I get that tree house built, quilts made for the boys bed, Geometry for Dummies read, and all the housework, I will try my hand at cake decorating.

This is Little Buckaroo with Cuzaroo. You can't go to Texas without a 4-wheeler ride with Grandpa. Of course, they have blankets in the cart, are we raising cowboys here or cowgirls, get that padding out and let them practice their bronc riding skills.

Watch out, Littlest Buckaroo is on the loose! Why are the two in the back not scared???? Oh, I guess because the roaring sound was just coming from Littlest Buckaroo's mouth, plus his legs are just not quiet long enough yet.

Yes, we are at Wallyworld and yes, I took pictures. Little Buckaroo is telling his Aunt Rachel to STOP! the Krispee Kreams rack is in sight and he is having a little "I need sugar to be wild and run around Wallyworld" craving.

Aunt K (aka boozefairy) and Cuzaroo smiling like they already had some Krispy Kreams!

Well, evidently Little Buckaroo did not get a sugar fix because he is tired and just wants to nap. Of course he perked right up when it was time to get in the truck to drive home. Thank goodness for DVD players!

We are glad to be home, nothing beats sleeping in your own bed!

What is this bloggy world coming to?

O.K. Let me first apologize for my computer unsavvyness (I know that is not really a word, but I like it). It is amazing, just 5 short years ago I was a professional public relations practitioner that even redesigned, wrote content for, and launched the Intranet for my international organization along with writing content regularly for our Internet site. So, how is it that my blog world throws me for loops? Did the 2 Epidurals zap out all knowledge that I had acquired up until that rainy night in December 5 years ago when Little Buckaroo was born?

This brings me to Adsense, or for me, lack of sense. I have had some completely inappropriate ads popping up, like cheebing wibes (spelled incorrectly so that it will not pull anything like that up again), Fee Wibe Personels, etc. If you a have read my blog for any amount of time, you know that these types of things are in direct conflict with who I am, so let me apologize for this. I am trying to filter these types of things out. The total of 61 cents I have earned is not worth my integrity, so if I can not remedy this, I will just lose my sense or cents. Thanks Renee from Seattle for informing me of these ad mongers. I appreciate my readers, all 5 of you!

Update: I am singlehandedly going to clean up the Internet! So, view my story Hot Park Rangers.


We are off to throw a surprise birthday party for my MIL in Texas today. So, if anyone reading is from Texas, I will wave at all of you bloggy friends as we are meandering (good Texas word) through your parts.

Have a great weekend and remember to stop to appreciate all of the blessings God has given you, big and small.

The Park Wife

What Do You Think

of my new banner?

I am not as skinny as that gal but I am going to work on that this year. The beast, aka treadmill, is just itching to be walked on. It whimpers to me every time I walk in the room. I just ignore it as I walk by with my quart of ice cream. Sometimes I even talk to it and make promises for future attention. Right after I wash clothes, teach Little Buckaroo math, clean kitchen, change all light bulbs in the house, wash baseboards, figure our algorithms, etc.

Is anyone else committed to losing weight this year? Since I was an athlete I never really worried about my weight through college or the years up until I had babies. Throughout college and for about 3 years after that I worked in the health club business. And, let me tell you, January was a busy month for that industry. We could count on membership sales to skyrocket. I always chuckled a bit about people's New Year's resolutions to exercise more. That usually did not last until the 2nd membership dues were taken out of their accounts. Well, I am not laughing now. I know this can be done, I just am going to stop whining about it(one of my favorite pastimes) and get on the ball or on the treadmill actually.

As Big Buckaroo and I were on our land quest (16 hours without children- woo hoo) last week, we came across this mailbox. With Little Buckaroo's obsession with dinosaurs, I had to stop and take a picture. Of course now he wants one like it. I told him that maybe he could just go to these people's house for a visit every once in a while. It took me 3 days to make the Ankylosaurus outfit, I can not imagine how long it would take to even figure out how to start this. A welding course would be in order I am sure and I am just figuring out our DVD player, I think I just need to stick to the basics around this place.

My sweet, I mean vicious, Ankylosaurus. Yes, those are egg cartons on his back!

Girlfriends - My Oil and Water College Roomates

Let's talk about the importance of having good girl friends.

When you are first married, you are consumed with your man. But, let's face it girls men are in a category completely different than "the girls". And while we enjoy the life partnership of a man, this is no substitute for the ongoing relationships of girlfriends in our lives. Girlfriends understand our moods when we are feeling blue and just need some chocolate. Girlfriends bring soup when we are sick, show up when we need a distraction and listen to our worries when our kids aren't getting it. They can help us gain perspective in problem-solving. This is especially helpful when they have to just say, "it's hormones honey, everything will be alright in a few days". Now, if Big Buckaroo told me that, I might have to use that new cast-iron skillet on him.

I have been blessed with many wonderful girlfriends, very different kinds of women in very different seasons of my life. I would like to introduce you to my two college roommates, two VERY different women.

I met Layla (names are changed to protect the innocent) the Spring semester of my Freshmen year at the University of Southern Mississippi. She knocked on my dorm room door to ask if she could move in and we became the best of friends from that fateful day. After a few years of fun (oh, and studying if you are reading this mom), Layla transferred to another college in Mississippi. She called me one day and said she had been hanging out with her downstairs neighbor (Bobby) who was from my hometown. Although he had gone to a different high school, I knew him pretty well. She said they were just friends and had fun together, they have now been married for about 13 years with two beautiful girls. Layla and I have the kind of friendship where we can go for years without talking and when we get together it is like no time has lapsed. I have learned alot about being a mom from her and love her sweet spirit, life views and commitment to the Lord. She has a graceful, confident air about her that makes her shine. She is one of my forever friends.

Then there is Opal, this post was thought of because Opal called yesterday. Well, Opal was born and bred in New Orleans. And, let me tell you, if I miss Gray's Anatomy, all I have to do is talk to Opal and have enough drama to last me a while. Opal is a beautiful girl, has even modeled some, she has not found the "right" guy yet, and attracts freaky women for friends (except Marigny). The past few years of Opal's life have been a little, well alot crazy. First, there was hurricane Katrina. As the hurricane was hitting, I could not get in touch with her. Of course, I worried for days, certainly she had evacuated and her cell phone was just dead. Oh, no, not little Miss Opal. She finally called and she and her grandparents had climbed over the balcony of her townhouse into a boat and were taken to a "safe house" where they immediately left and walked to her grandparents house which was thankfully not under water. After days of no food and very little water, she got out. The first thing I asked her was, "did God tell you to build an ark?" she snickered and then I told her next time to listen to the reports that say EVACUATE, nothing is as important as her life. So, her brand new townhouse and car were under water. She had to spend the next almost two years at her moms in Tennessee while she rebuilt the townhouse. During that time she went to her allergy doctor (they make a killing in New Orleans) and found out she had Thyroid cancer. She had surgery and is doing well, except that her medicine whacked her out a bit for a while and there was a bit of guy drama that occurred because she was a little extra sensitive due to the meds. That resulted in many crying phone calls to me. Then, her grandmother that was with her during Katrina passed away and left her as the executor of her estate, her aunt was not happy about that so there is a new drama added- family drama --that includes lawyers and court appearances. I won't even go into the crazy girls she becomes friends with and the crazy drama that occurs in those cases, I will save those for another day.

Now, Opal views my life as very ordinary, something that she would never be able to handle. She would be bored to death on a state park with 2 kids. Opal has always thought she needs a very rich man that will travel the world with her, but keeps ending up alone.

I think the problem might be that Opal keeps experiencing the Mr. Wrongs, the ones who are wealthy, exciting and fun for a while, but don't want to commit, the ones who seem great on paper but after lagging on for a while their true colors come out and it does not work out. Then, Opal has also dated Mr. Nice Guy, you know the one that would be a faithful wonderful partner, but they just don't do it for her. I think "too nice" equals not exciting enough for Opal.

I hope and pray for Opal to find the "middle way guy", the one that is stimulating AND a good long term partner material. I know how it is to spend every day of my life with the man of my dreams and giving birth to 2 great little men that will be my love legacy. I want her to experience that kind of forever love. She is a great Auntie Mame (great movie) to my boys and I do love that quirky, crazy New Orleans lady.

Well, I just wanted to introduce you to 2 women that have been wonderful friends in my life because I am sure that Opal will be calling soon with some crazy life drama that I can share with you.

Blessing of a Wonderful Grandma

Grandma is getting her payback for all those times I would not eat my peas, was a "little" late for curfew (which rarely happened because I was the ugh-um "perfect" daughter), and for all those times she and daddy had to move me all over the southeastern United States (about 10 times). She blazes into our home and becomes over-indulgent, super fun Grandma (cue the Superwoman tune).

Now, don't get me wrong, I love my mother and appreciate all her sacrifices for me, like all the cheerleading uniforms, the "little extras" during college, indulging and supporting me when I wanted to be a soccer star, flight attendent (it did not last but about 6 months), etc. -- for all the many things she did for me to help me become the woman I am today (I am talking about the positive stuff, I only blame her for the bad stuff when I want something-hehe).

I am so glad that as a small consolation for all her hard work is that she has grandchildren that adore her. Little Buckaroo thinks Grandma is the greatest, as you can see by his Fence Vigil waiting for her to arrive last week.

I am never suprised when Grandma does whatever the boys want, from dinosaur play, to hide and seek, to a million games of Go Fish. I just walk by, shake my head, and wonder...did she play 43 games of Go Fish in a row with me? Then, my thoughts change to, oh no, Little Buckaroo is going to want me to hold up to Grandma's play standards when she leaves.

Later, as I walked into the kitchen, I was not suprised a bit at the high tech gadget Grandma had made, who needs expensive toys, just give the boys some cups with a string connecting them. It went from "cup communicators" to a volleyball net, to a way to pull Littlest Buckaroo around the kitchen. I sure wish I still had the Christmas toy receipts, I could return their gifts and just buy a couple of packs of Dixie cups.

We were sad to see to see fun Grandma leave for Mississippi this morning. Especially me since I did not wash any clothes or dishes while she was here. Since we live in Park land, in a different state from all our family, it is nice to have Grandma visit. She plays with the boys constantly while cleaning, it is amazing.


See that huge smile, could it be that she has two of the sweetest boys on Earth in her arms? or is she thinking, I get to go home and rest now!

Sigh, yawn...I am back on duty full-time.

Just wait until the Little Buckaroos have kids, it will be payback time!

Bring on 2008, I am ready!

Happy New Year, my word for 2008 is APPRECIATION! What is yours?

When I started to blog back in November, I did not know what I was doing and really had no direction, but as I look back it has really become a family scrapbook. Since then, I have started to look at our lives in a different way. I am a bit more intentional about how we live our lives and more APPRECIATIVE of our blessings. I went through a time when we got to this Park that all I did was whine, we were in the desert (metaphorically speaking, we do not live in Arizona) and I complained all the time to Big Buckaroo and to God about how oppressed this place was, how alone I felt. I now see the training ground God has put me in and I have grown so much closer to Him and dependent on Him, which is of course where I needed to be.

So, in being more intentional with every day of our lives since beginning to blog, we now stop to enjoy the bald eagles, even seek them out, I enjoy the idiosyncrasies of the time and energy my husband puts into making a Go-Kart work for our boys enjoyment, appreciation of my family and our history, living life on a State Park, and the list goes on. I look forward to all the adventures and fun with my family in 2008.

As Big Buckaroo and I were watching The Notebook (again) the other night, I thought of how I really need to write down our love story because it is a good one, one that has God's hand all over it. I want our boys to remember how much mom and dad loved each other and I pray that they too will be blessed with Godly spouses that they are madly in love with, ones that as the years go by it only gets stronger. So, one of my goals for 2008 is to write down our story for our children, and their children, and their children....

"We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord." Psalm 78:4

And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things. 2 Peter 1:15

So, things are looking bright in 2008 and it is because of the way I have chosen to look at it. I could sit around and whine about little, dumb things or I can begin to appreciate all the wonderful blessings in my life. I CHOOSE to APPRECIATE.

What is your focus/word for 2008, do you have one? I would love to hear about it.

I must go cook some black eyed peas and corn bread now, not because I really believe it brings me luck in the New Year, but it is a fun tradition and Big Buckaroo loves them!

Happy New Year from The Park Wife to you and yours.