Rising Stars

As some of you are aware we recently returned home from our 2nd trip to the Rising Stars Calf Roping in Duncan, Oklahoma. The excitement for this rodeo had been building for a month or more as we ALL loved the getaway last year. Many hours were spent in the barn riding, roping and tying down calves in preparation for 2010. This roping competition draws young Rising Star Calf Ropers from many states: California, Minnesota, Kansas, South Dakota, Mississippi, Louisiana, New Mexico, & Missouri just to name a few. We feel fortunate to be able to partake, visit with ole' rodeo family, and observe the young ins' make new friends.

Although this trip is more than just about finishing on top Dexter did prove to be a fierce competitor this year in the 12 & under breakaway competition. He finished 12th out of 105 kids, earning a little bit of pocket change and a spot to rope in the final round. I believe my boy along with his horse, Popcan, were functioning on pure adrenaline......the announcer was loud, the music was louder and the crowd was crazy.......especially this mama.

Jaxson and Dawson were also successful in their events. They each caught calves which IS a WIN at the ripe ole' ages of 7 & 10.

Pepe Le Pew

Last night the older boys and I were headed to town for our monthly 4H meeting. As we cruised west on our merry way we smelled a fresh slaughter in the road. A stinky, unfortunate, black and white striped skunk lay splattered in the west bound lane. I wrinkled my nose, held my breath for a few short seconds, stepped on the gas and hoped to speed out of stink territory, quickly.

THEN,

THEN,

THEN,

my 12 year old rolled down the window and claimed he likes that smell!!

Are you kidding me, Pepe Le Pew?

brrrrr nelly

Brr nelly!

The temperature is dropping today. As I sit and type I'm noticing that I'm chilly from my nose down through my phalanges. you know, your toes

I'm not complaining, though. I LOVE the change of seasons.

In all honesty I'm ready to see the white stuff fly.

My apologies to you winter haters.

For this blog post, beings this is November the month of Thanksgiving, I thought I'd ramble off the first 10 things that cross my mind that I'm thankful for.

• family
• health
• faith
• Freedom of religion
• USA
• friends
• IOWA seasons
• warm drinks to sip on
• my home,a roof over my head
• socks!

Yep, I'm ending with socks...some love shoes, I love good socks!

stick to your ribs recipe

Below I posted a recipe that the Davis Herd deemed delicious. Beings I'm a townie gone country I'm wondering if this recipe has perhaps been around for years? It seems quite possible that my great granny may have fried this up in her kitchen at one time. However, this recipe is too good to wonder about....I had to share!

2.5 cups flour divided

2 TB salt

1 t cayenne pepper( or less...the Davis herd men have sensitive tongues)

3 eggs lightly beaten

3 pds tenderized round steak

1 c frying oil

2.5 c milk

1 t garlic salt

3/4 t celery salt

1 cube beef bouillon

In a shallow bowl combine 2 c flour, salt and pepper, set aside. Beat eggs together and remaining 1/2 c flour. Dredge meat in flour, egg mixture, flour. (thats the secret, the egg flour mixture) Then fry in hot oil over medium heat until golden brown. Remove from skillet, drain and keep warm. Pour off all but 1TB spoon of the oil. Stir in leftover flour, stirring constantly until flour is browned. Remove from heat and stir in milk, garlic salt, celery salt and beef bouillon. Return to heat and simmer constantly until gravy thickens.

Serve this with some mashed taters and corn and it's what I call a good ole' Iowa,

stick to your ribs, meal.

BEEF its whats for dinner :)

the bull rider, bull fighter and old man

Friday night we strolled around town offering tricks for a treat. Well, not really. However, we did return home with entirely too much candy.

Dexter joined a small group of friends on the square, doing his own trick or treating this year. I believe he had fun with his peers. He went as the same ole' old man that he had dressed up as last year. Pa wasn't sure this was a good idea; letting Dexter venture around the town with other 12 year olds after dark. I assured Pa plenty of adults would be out and watching. Dexter promised he wouldn't rob a bank.......thank goodness!

Jaxson chose to hit the streets dressed as a PRCA bull fighter. We completely painted his face and it took 4 attempts with makeup remover to eliminate all of the colorful stuff. I'm hoping this squelched any hidden dreams of being a real life bill fighter. I kept asking Jaxson, "How would you like to do this every night?" I'm pretty sure he wouldn't :D

Dawson was decked in Wranglers, chaps, a Wrangler shirt, cowboy hat, cowboy boots, belt with the biggest buckle in the house, leather glove and a bull riding vest. He was a PRCA bull rider with the attitude to match it. We added a little artsy flair with a mustache and foo man choo face hair. I'm really hoping this idea does not live long past Halloween also.

the bull rider, bull fighter and old man

Another Wild & Wacky Day.....

Today, Dawson dressed for school Wild & Wacky. His class was rewarded with a day of choice by their teacher. They could have chosen a pj day, movie celebration, etc...

Wild and Wacky Day received the most votes.

I think this might have something to do with older siblings......

Dawson learned from a professional, Dex, and was totally pumped to play the part. Honestly, he came out of his bedroom dressed this way on Monday and had to dress again.

Today he was ready. Up at 6:30 am, dressed wild and wacky, and feeling that way too. What a goof that boy was this morning.

I'm pretty sure his teacher is going to feel as if she's at the zoo today....24 silly first graders.

His clothes are layered, backwards, too big, and mismatched.

That is Dawson, Wild and Wacky!

weekend

What a wonderful weekend:)

Friday night the Davis Herd allowed the older boys to attend the varsity football game, NO parents! We picked them up during the 4th quarter and all seemed to go well. How independent they're becoming.

Early Saturday morning we pulled out of the driveway in the rodeo rig headed for Widmers Rock N Roll Arena. The boys had loads of fun back in the saddle competing and playing football between events. We're hoping to have as much fun at the next one late November.

Sunday we celebrated 50 sweet years of marriage with Dan's folks. I cherish what they are to this family and thank them for showing us how to do things the right way. So many seem to get lost in this world instead of focus on loving forever.....What an inspiration!