Prepping for the Big Storm

Should I be concerned that even Holly got a spot for this storm?!





I had to remind Beau, my die-hard survivalist, that we were preparing for a storm and not the end of civilization!





The anticipation for this storm has been out of control. We are prepared, but I really hope that all of this hype is for nothing!

Just had to add these.......

My sister sent me a few more photos from the Penn and Rope and I just had to add them. 

My rock star cowboy sticking it to 'em.....

And my HANDSOME nephew checking out the view from the crow's nest!

Morningside Cattle Co. Annual Penn and Rope

Every year Randy and Tina host a Penn and Rope.  It is basically an event where friends and family come together to have fun and raise money for a good cause.  The past few years we have donated all of the proceeds to the Circle of Life Hospice House. 

Friends and family start arriving as early as the weekend before to start getting ready for the big weekend.  Beau and I went out to the ranch on Friday this year.  Randy has a big chilli supper for everyone who is camping that night.  We all wake up early on Saturday for the events.  I am in charge of coordinating the rodeo events.  A family friend, Karen Snow, and I get everyone signed up and then run the event.  This is a picture of us in the "crow's nest" with Tim, another great friend, who announces the events. 

Beau does a ton of jobs including: competing in the events, tending the cattle, being a host, and doing anything else that needs to be done.  This is a picture of Beau, Shannon, and Randy getting ready to change out the cattle. 

One of my favorite parts about the whole event is that it is free to enter, and that the teams are drawn out of a hat.  It makes it a lot more interesting!  People always ask me if I pick out a few of the teams and the answer is NO!  They are all randomly drawn out of a hat.....with that being said, Brynn and Shannon drew out on the same team.  This is the second year in a row that these crazy love birds have gotten to compete together. 

Beau drew out on a team with his good friend Chad.   

They ended up winning the whole Penn and Rope!  We were able to announce the winners right away this year, so they decided a victory lap was necessary. 

Beau and Chad were on a team with Tina's brother Jimmy.  Congratulations 2011 Penn and Rope Champions!

Another one of my favorite things about the Penn and Rope is that both sides of our families try to come out and enjoy the day.  Beau's Mom and my parents have all come out the past few years.  They all have a really great time! 

My Mom and Dad say every year that, "Next year we are staying the night and watching the entire show!"  Morningside has a band every year, and Mom and Dad just love live music!  Here is a picture of Mom and Dad talking to our horses. 

This year we also had a very special first time guest!  The Clarks came out with RC!  He had a great time checking out the horses and learning how to climb fences.  He even sat on Uncle Beau's horse.  It was too cute!  All in all, it turned out to be a really great weekend!  We look forward to it again next year!

Favorite People Day!

Yesterday was one of those days when I got to see SO many of my favorite people!  It just made me so stinking happy! 

It started with lunch with Mom, Alli, and RC in my library!

Then, I got to have dinner with 3 of my BFF's (we missed you Mere!) at Table Mesa on the square in Bentonville. 



Julia and Jamie



Carrie and Me

And finally, I got to go home to my wonderful husband and my ole pup!  I LOVED it!

Working Cows at Morningside Cattle Co.

This is the time of year when we work cows at the ranch.  A lot of friends and family usually come to help out.  This makes for a great weekend of visiting, eating, and playing in the arena. 

They start by gathering all of the cows into a pen.  A lot of ranches do this using four wheelers, but Randy likes to use horses.  It makes it more fun for everyone else involved too.  After they get all of the cows in the pen, they separate the babies and the mommas.  Then all the cowboys take turns roping the calves.  Once they get one roped, they drag it back to the group where several guys hold it so they can give it shots. 

I don’t usually ride horses, so I just watch.  Sometimes I help hold things, but it is just so hard to stay out of the way!  I like it when my nieces come, and we get to sit together and watch the action with our snacks.  This is a picture of Kayden (check out her new boots) and their Grandma Jan. 

It was also Skyler’s 3^rd birthday!  She is growing up so fast!  We turned around and this was how she was sitting.  So cute!! 

Easter!

I just wanted to post the pic of the Leonard family Easter.  Love you guys!