Family of Steele

New Year!

2012-01-18T12:32:00.000-08:00

So, the year 2012 has arrived. To sum up the last of 2011

Weldon's school had its first ever music program, assisted by me
As soon as I get the video done, I will post it.

We went to Idaho for Christmas. We decided to try flying this time - 18 hours in the car is just too long! Flying was fantastic! We drove to Denver, a whole 7 hours from our house and then flew to Boise. The kids loved flying and it turned a nightmare of a trip into a far more enjoyable one. Buying tickets three months in advance definitely helped with the cost!

Now that we are back in Nebraska, life is mostly back to normal.

A few fun happenings thus far...

I found out that I will be having another baby - We are having it Aug. 2nd, the joys of C-section scheduling!

We had 11 new windows installed upstairs - although not as cool as the original old ones, it should help in keeping our heating and cooling costs down!
One of the old ones - they didn't replace 3 of them....

Jeremy went back to work for Eric and Kate Popkes at their feedlot. He is the main man over cattle health and really enjoys playing with his cow friends again!
We got a new car - well new to us - to help with the cost of fuel for Jeremy. It is a punked out gangsta car complete with obnoxiously loud muffler - ( Eric thought a semi was pulling in at 7 am when Jeremy took it to work) Haydn transferred to O'Neill schools back in October, but she is loving having all her church friends to play with at recess and her reading skills have finally taken off!

Weldon still absolutely loves his school. His new friend this year is a boy named Garrett. They are close to the same age, size and ability. They are so cute together! Weldon did have a very scary massive seizure about 2 months ago. I am sure that if he wasn't unconscious he would have loved the ambulance ride. Per the seizure, he has seen new specialists and will have another sleep study in Omaha soon. Ah, the joys!
Emmaline has been attending preschool and is really doing well. It's hard to imagine her heading off to Kindergarten next year.
Leighanne is one happy girl! She makes the cutest faces and has finally decided that standing up and climbing stairs, and pushing the chairs across the floor are the greatest things to do. No teeth yet, but lots of cuteness! This is one of her happy faces!Me, besides being rather ill these days - gee wonder why!- have been busy at home, and with music at Weldon's school. It also looks like I will be helping a friend out at the local lumber yard that he manages to get the bookkeeping and paperwork back under control after a major management and owner change. That should be really interesting!

Our family is chugging along at a steady pace! Hope your year is just as awesome!

It's beginning to feel a lot like winter!

2011-11-03T17:52:00.000-07:00

As it begins to get colder, we begin to work faster to get our wood stove in. So here she is... isn't she beautiful! We really owe a big thanks to the local guy who sold it to us for a fraction of it's value. It is going to be toasty warm in our house this winter!

And now for the next project on my to-do-list.
Jeremy's to-do-list consists of finishing the chimney pipe up and out the roof,
I'm not doing that one.

We need a coat closet, so this one will have to do. Don't worry - it will look much better soon!

Home Improvements

2011-10-13T17:44:00.001-07:00

Our latest adventure in remodeling....

So, key things to notice... coat closet on the right, horrible pink tile on the floor that is breaking apart, white painted stair landing and step

And then begins the transformation... bye bye closet and tile.

Yes, I let the kids help with some of the demo, and no, Emma's blood did not test high for lead.

We then tore out all of the existing wall to the studs and put up concrete board on the wall and on the floor. I sanded, then sanded, then stripped, then sanded the landing to get the white off.. idiots!

We then put up another wall that is 6' tall made of concrete board as well. There is a 2" gap at the bottom to allow full air circulation.

Here is an inside look at the wall. The concrete board plus the metal studs plus the second concrete board under the paint, make this a zero clearance wall.

Now for the latest... I stained the stair and landing... don't look too close, I couldn't get the white all off... grrr!!!

We put down much prettier tile on top of concrete board, so it won't break up when we walk on it.

We put tile on the fire wall, we wanted it to look more like stone.

Still a gap at the floor for air.
Close up of tile.

The finished product so far!

Next, wood trim on wall and floor, wood stove in and chimney put in! We are almost there!

And remember, this was our first time with anything tile related - I think we did just fine!

Summer time!

2011-07-29T15:14:00.001-07:00

New kitty Flash giving lots of love

Haydn's latest haircut

One of our new horses, Flicka - isn't she beautiful

Emma refuses to take a nap - in normal places at least

Leighanne's three month old pictures

Mohawk... just for the summer.... don't worry!

New backyard swing built by Jeremy and I

New porch finally finished! On to the next project... pictures coming soon!

Well worth the wait!

2011-06-13T06:24:00.000-07:00

Well, although it has been a lifetime since I have updated our blog, it was well worth the wait. On April 15th, Leighanne Meredith joined the family. She was 6 lbs 7oz and 19 inches long. She is well loved and I have so many helpers I don't know what to do with them all!

Enjoy some pictures

We blessed Leighanne on June 12th here in Nebraska.

It was great to have Nana and Papa here to share in the special occasion

Amazing new Christmas song!

2010-12-13T14:42:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas 2010

2010-12-13T11:52:00.001-08:00

What a year this has been! We have all been extremly busy and productive. Haydn loves being in Kindergarten and has many many friends, including high schoolers! Weldon continues to grow like a weed and learn all kinds of new things. Emmaline is really turning into a little girl and learning how to exercise her independance! Jeremy is still working at his job Cargill as a grain elevator operator. He is still busy taking care of his cattle and trying to stay ahead of all the ice accumulation now that it is winter! I have been busy keeping everything else under control and still teaching lessons and taking pictures on the side. Below are some of the latest photo shoots I have done. We found out that in April we will be expecting a little girl!

I got new glasses since my eyes have been giving me troubles with this pregnancy.

In November we ventured back to Idaho to go to Jeremy's younger sister Hilary's wedding. It was so much fun and great to see family again!

It was one enormous party! So much awesome food and a great dance show. Of course my favorite was watching Hilary do a traditional dance for her wedding.

Melissa and I strutting our big bellies - mine holding a girl and hers holding a boy!

Long time, no Read!

2010-10-06T13:40:00.000-07:00

Now that we are in the month of October, I fully admit to being a bit of a blog slacker! Much has been going on, like usual! The first rather large news for the family is the expected addition of a new family member. Although I have no official due date (due to a serious reluctance to go to a doctor) the new bundle should be here in April. Although my first trimester has passed, I have not gotten over the pretty ugly bought of morning (aka all day) sickness. As such, much has been neglected except for the absolute necessities of life. Haydn is old enough to understand what is going on and is just so excited! Emma talks about a new baby, but not sure she really knows what one is.

Yes, I permed my hair. It was either that or chop it all off again.
Weldon of course has always loved babies and is practicing daily!

Haydn was chosen to be the crown bearer for her schools homecoming coronation. I didn't even know what a crown bearer was until some kind friends explained it! There is one girl and one boy chosen to carry the homecoming crowns for the new king and queen. She was so excited and it was quite an honor to be chosen. She was even pictured in the local newspaper - on the front page! She and a little first grader (already going for the older guys!) practiced and did a great job!

Emma has been keeping herself very busy being home alone with mom now. She loves to go and play with the horses, Nitro and Hollywood and even give custom haircuts. One to herself and one to the cat - I wondered what the high pitched meowing was...

Before the haircut.

After the haircut!

Weldon loves school and has gone on lots of fun field trips. They just got back from a pumpkin patch - pictures to come soon. Jeremy has a new best friend. Of course she does have four legs and only eats hay, so I can only be slightly jealous. Our friend that gave us our other two horses, gave us an appaloosa mare that isn't broke. She has taken to Jeremy quite amazingly, and I think doesn't like me, since I am his wife - and not her! I know weird, but I really think that is why she absolutely ignores me! We named her storm.We were finally able to replace our front porch. Back in February we had to tear the old one off to fix the basement. Jeremy, with a little help from the elders, built a beautiful front porch, one that is much better then the previous one!

We will decided whether to paint or stain in the spring. Now if only life could slow down just a bit - I might be able to keep up!

Kindergarten and Fair!

2010-08-21T06:55:00.001-07:00

For the first time since moving to Nebraska, we were in town for the Holt County Fair! I have never been able to display anything at a fair before, so I decided now was as good a time as any! When the girls get old enough, they will be involved with 4H... but that is a few years down the road still. So I put 4 pictures in the fair. A church, a skunk, a cowboy and a "blushing bride"! They all won ribbons! The skunk won a blue ribbon and the rest won a purple. Purple, I think, meant just like an honorable mention. But I did get a prize for my blue ribbon skunk! Fun!

Haydn officially started her Kindergarten year on the 16th! She gets to ride the bus to school and back. She was so excited and still is! She is growing up so fast! Weldon started on the 20th and was very happy to get back to his friends and favorite teachers!

A Zoo in Nebraska!

2010-07-19T17:58:00.000-07:00

I realize that it is now July. However, it feels as though it should still be May! Our summer here in Nebraska has been extremly full. Of course, like every mom knows, every day in the summer seems to be full of something - we just aren't sure what it was that it was so full with! So here is the latest happenings at the zoo in Nebraska!

Some of our greatest friends moved to Pennsylvania. We threw them a "desert" party, because they were totally deserting us! I, of course, was ecstatic when they asked if I could do a couple of last minute family pictures - bitter sweet!

I did another photo shoot for some other friends of ours - their boys always keep me on my toes! But those always end up to be the most creative photo shoots!!

The end of June we had the 2nd CMS family gathering... CaMoSteele - Campbell/Moses/Steele! We had three whirlwind days of fun! We visited the Omaha Zoo, which quite literally was a Zoo! There were so many people there, it was insanity! But it was so much fun!

Who needs playgrounds and video games when we have hay bales!!!

Weldon's Favorite!!!

Soon after that fun filled weekend, Jeremy's mom, dad and sister came to visit. The kids loved all of the attention from Grandma and Grandpa, and Jeremy and I loved having such happy and gunhoe helpers around to finish what was left of our acreage transformation! As usual, Kim wanted some one on one time with my camera! And I always love to give her that!

And of course, with such helpful parents around, we were finally able to purchase some cattle!!! The boys are here! Over 100 of them!

And just in time for Jeremy's 34th birthday!!! Happy Birthday... you finally got your ultimate birthday wish! To be a rancher!!!

New Family Member

2010-05-28T20:10:00.000-07:00

She is finally here and ready to get some work done! Yes it is a SHE, because I bought it! Her name is QT! (Look really close at the last picture on the door)

Asparagus, Party and Cows!!

2010-05-03T09:29:00.000-07:00

April brought us lots of rain and warm weather... perfect for grass and gardens and wild asparagus! We spent a couple hours with our friends hunting for wild asparagus. April also brought us Haydn's 5th birthday... She is so excited that she can now tell people she is 5!
April was the month that Jeremy and my dreams of becoming cattle ranchers began to take shape! I was approved for a unique cattle loan through the USDA as a woman, to buy cattle and set up our acreage for a backgrounding operation... We will buy small cows, feed them and then sell them! A lot of work is ahead of us, but we can now say we are officially ranchers!
Here are some pictures of our latest adventures!!The first find of the afternoon...Haydn's fun birthday presents!Our beautiful green pasture that needs to make some horse very fat! Our property ends at the trees in the back, the cows will be in that back acreage. I will post a picture of the "After" status with the fencing and cows when they get here!

Spring has Sprung!

2010-03-31T11:19:00.000-07:00

For the first time, I have a yard that requires weeding and whacking instead of a yard that needs designed or better yet, maintained by someone else! It is a wonderful feeling to be out in the sun, beautifying something you own! We had the annual St. Patty's day parade here in O'Neill. This time, the branch did a float for the parade. It was simple and we almost all froze to our seats! But it was a fun adventure. Here are some pictures of the fun we have been having lately!

Guess what kind of woodpecker this is... ( It's a Northern Flicker)

Apparently, the kind that can't tell the difference between wood and metal! (Boy- he was Loud!)

Emma couldn't decide if she was hot or cold... so this was her solution...

The kidlets all bundled up for the parade

Weldon had a Luau at school. They made grass skirts, wore leis and had a lot of fun and games! Yes- that is a mohawk on his head!

Emma wanted to be a cowgirl before church

And Haydn just wanted to be Hannah Montana!

Adventurous!

2010-03-03T11:32:00.000-08:00

Many of you know that when it comes to hair... I have never been overly protective! My children got their first haircut the minute it looked even remotely strange - ie. bald spots! So when Emmaline once again had hair knots that took 10 minutes of screaming to brush out... I got out the scissors again! Hair does grow, and rather quickly around here, so haircuts are a plenty in this house!

Project Complete!

2010-03-03T11:25:00.000-08:00

The guys working on straightening the wall very slowly

Well, the basement has finally been fixed!
I feel safer and we are looking forward to getting to work on building walls to finish the basement into a living room, guest room and food storage room! Gonna be fun!

The finished project

Putting waterproofing on the outside of the wall... you can see the anchor bolts

Brackets to keep the wall from sliding at all... they are bolted to the floor

And so it begins...

2010-02-16T12:23:00.000-08:00

When we bought this house, we knew it came "as-is". So with our tax return, we decided that the most beneficial thing was to have the basement repaired. Today was the first day with the guys on the job! Here are some pictures of what they are doing so far...

Inserting 6 wall anchors on the east side of the house...

What the anchors look like in the ground, they are about 3 feet down

What the anchors look like inside - they are connected to the large plates outside with a huge bolt about 8-13 feet long from the house to the plate.

The beginning of the excavation of the west wall. That wall is the worst and needs to be actually straightened first!

Bud Williams Marketing

2010-02-10T12:58:00.000-08:00

This post will be a rather boring one compared to most. I was able to attend what is called a Bud Williams Marketing School this last weekend in Kansas. So I thought I would give a short synopsis of what went on there. Jeremy and I have been talking a lot to Eric and Kate - Jeremy's employers- about starting up in the cattle industry. Now if you talk to most people who are familiar with the cattle industry, you will usually hear something like - "are you crazy-there is no money in cattle!" So, in order to overcome this problem, I attended the Bud Williams Marketing school. It is a marketing plan to actually make money on cattle. It was a two day, 16 hour lecture of sorts that left my head hurting from working so hard! Why did I go, you ask? Jeremy thought that since I am the more number based person in the pair of us, that it would do more good if I went.
The basic idea of the marketing plan is to focus more on the buy of a transaction then the sell.... what? Yes, the buy is where the profit is "pulled", not the sale. Learning how the cattle market works and how to "work the system" was fascinating. Most older cattle people say it is crazy, but then again, us young people are usually crazy anyway, so why not try it! However, in learning more about this method of marketing, I no longer believe that it is just crazy talk, it is the way to go! If you are more interested in the details, which are abundant! - let me know!

New Year, New...

2010-01-29T16:43:00.000-08:00

Our Basement is going to be fixed in a few weeks, and one of the things that has to go, is the front porch. I decided to get a head start on the work and have already discovered fun things!

An old Dairy Jug, I haven't excavated further, so I don't know yet any more details.

The Elders and Larry (not pictured) came to help move the rock and plants from the front of the house. The basement has to be excavated to straighten the wall and then refilled, so all the rock had to be removed.

Jeremy was trying an experiment - If growing facial hair would keep his face warmer in the winter. The verdict - Yes! But with Branch Conference and an important meeting with Elder L. Tom Perry coming up, he thought it might be a good idea to put on a freash new look for the new year!One handsome dude!

Weldon 1st Grade Pictures

2010-01-15T11:46:00.000-08:00

Hey lets take a vote... which one should I order for first grade pictures?

Happy New Decade!

2010-01-12T19:33:00.000-08:00

Santa's Workshop in Creighton we visited!Meeting Santa and Mrs. Claus!

Although we had the blizzard of the century and record low temps (we were as cold as the north pole!) I just wasn't able to sit and update on the happenings of the holidays! So here we go...

Like I mentioned, Christmas day was a day to remember. The blizzard we got only dumped maybe 9 inches, but left drifts over 10 feet tall! Jeremy wasn't able to go to work for two days simply because his boss got stuck in their tractor trying to clear to road to the feedlot! Luckily, Nana and Papa weren't planning on coming until the weekend after Christmas, so they didn't get stranded or stuck on the way here. Once they got here, then the holidays really began! We had a little party for Weldon (he is 7 now - unbelievable!) and took a fun random trip to Sioux City Iowa. Papa had fun fixing our snow blower that came with the house and Nana had fun dreaming up ideas for our new house! (Someday we will get to them all!) So here are a couple fun pictures from Christmas 2009!Princesses!Don't even think about touching my punching bag!Papa finally got it up and running! You can sort of see our new "grandma" car that saves us hundreds of dollars a month on gas!Snow drift in backyard.. only maybe 4 feet, just a baby!On the way to Sioux City... yes that is snow blowing over the road! The biggest snowblower I have ever seen!

Emma's Haircut

2009-12-18T12:10:00.000-08:00

Over the last few weeks, Emmaline has been having hair issues. Between the snot and food (yummy I know) her hair was always stuck to her face, nose and even together in large mats that were entirely impossible to comb out. So I did what any crazy mother would do... cut it off! But she had already helped with her bangs - the big weird hole in the front of her hair.

Family Portrait

2009-12-09T11:02:00.001-08:00

November?

2009-12-01T10:33:00.000-08:00

Happy December! I am sure that I am not the only one that wonders what in heavens name just happened with November! Well here is a recap of our November.

We finally moved 99% into our new house
Jeremy's youngest sister Kim came (and had a few photo shoots)

and Kim helped with...
The hunters from last year came again and I was the caterer (is that a word?)
Our best friends were sealed to their children in the temple (Amazing!)
A few more photo shoots of friends

Thanksgiving with the Elders and a family from the branch

um... I think that was all the big stuff...

Now on to December!
Here are a few pictures from the temple trip with our friends.

Asparagus vs. Cookies

2009-11-11T10:24:00.000-08:00

Ok- so I haven't actually set a cookie and a spear of asparagus on the table in front of Emmaline yet, but I have a feeling I know which she would choose! Notice the uneaten plate of yummy taters and pork! Jeremy and I were able to eat a few very quickly before Emmaline stole them off our plates... She picked them out at the store, hugged them tightly and threw them in the cart - literally.

The next BIG step for the Family!

2009-10-28T10:44:00.000-07:00

So, some of you know that Jeremy and I have been working very hard to buy us a house here in the area. We decided that we loved it here so much, we just had to stay. One day while exploring the local realtor's listings, I found it! Our dream house. Everything that we had on our "dream house" checklist! It was even at a price that little old poor us could afford! I worked my little tale off for 2 months, through issue after issue to buy the house. Well, as of October 22, we are official American home owners. It was worth every sleepless night and aggravating phone call to get here. It is a quaint 4 bedroom house built in 1920 on 21 acres in The Village of Page. Yes, we live in a village. It needs some big work, but we are just so excited that it is ours, we can hardly stand it. To make it even better, it is a mere 15 miles from O'Neill, where Weldon has to go to school and we go to church and shop... so MY driving time will go from 3 hours a day to 1 1/2 hours! Oh what I will do with all of that free time... Jeremy's new job is only 20 minutes away, the same distance from our old house. I have made a video tour for you to enjoy. Please ignore my annoying nasally voice (cold and flu season already)

Wedding Bliss

2009-10-20T15:40:00.000-07:00

More to come soon!

Haydn's Excuse!

2009-10-06T19:34:00.000-07:00

Dad - Haydn take that rock out of your mouth, if you swallow it you could die
and I don't want you to die

Haydn- yeah, but you go to heaven when you die?!

Dad - Yes, but I don't want you to go to heaven yet!!

Ah, the mind of a 4 year old!

Steele Images

2009-10-02T18:41:00.000-07:00

Another fun photo shoot and a very beautiful couple! And they let me design their announcement...

True Beauty

2009-09-25T20:55:00.000-07:00

There are many things that just amaze me. And reality is one of them...

True Beauty

2009-09-25T20:51:00.000-07:00

Dentistry Genius!!

2009-09-17T14:24:00.000-07:00

Weldon - for those of you that don't know- has a very severe under bite. The specialists think it is because he sticks his tongue out of his mouth. So, a very ingenious dentist came up with Weldon's own special "tongue crib". Of course it took a few tries and even a re-cementing because he pulled it out! Here are some pictures.. those of you with weak stomachs, try to ignore the drool...

Latest Photo Shoot

2009-09-02T15:01:00.000-07:00

I will never claim to have an ounce of the talent that my friends Gina Patton, Kellie Carr or even my sister Erin have in taking amazing photographs. But I still have a really good time trying to emulate their excellence and creativity. Here are a few pictures I took for my friend Tina and her family.

Who needs Family Pictures?!

2009-08-17T13:09:00.000-07:00

Four-Wheeling is one of those fun activities that we don't do nearly enough. But the best smiles can be found when involved in that activity!

Vacation to Idaho!

2009-08-11T12:37:00.001-07:00

We went to Idaho last week for a yearly visit and my 10 year high school reunion. On the way down, we took the flu with us! We were unable to go hike in the Sawtooth Mountains and we shared the flu with some family, but we recovered and were able to spend some time with family. Emmaline had her second birthday while we were there and had a fun party with family. We also went gold panning in the mountains with Jeremy's parents... the kids loved the river and spending time with all of their grandparents. My reunion was fun, it was good to see old friends- although I was sad that not many people showed up. Out of our class of almost 500, there were oh - about 50 of us... So here are some pictures of our adventures!

All recovering... I don't think there is any more room on that lap of mine!

Haydn loved playing with the dress-up clothes at Papa and Nana's

An exciting morning at Nana's!

All of the cousins were excited to see what Emmaline was going to get...

We bought a helium tank for the party and Weldon was in Heaven!!

My last minute Dora cake... the kids inhaled it!

A little frosting and Emmaline couldn't let it stay there!

Grandpa, Grandma and Jeremy looking for some gold to make us rich...

This is about all we got!

Haircuts, Water and Birthday!

2009-07-28T11:09:00.000-07:00

Well, Jeremy is officially 23... no I'm kidding, he is a decade older then that! But he is still one hot daddy... We had a fun party with some friends which was then followed by haircuts. Everyone got a trim, Emma a bit more then just a trim. Her natural curls were giving me such a headache that I decided that I would just cut off the dead stuff. She of course still looks adorable and the curl is still there! Myself, I had a good chop job done. Mindy is amazing with hair and I love it!! We went swimming, both at the pool and just in the creek - water is endless fun!

These Cowboys can talk for hours about one thing... COWS!!!

Haydn was not happy about having to go under water... I thought that was the point of taking swimming lessons?Apparently, I have a dare devil on my hands!! And yes, she went down the water slide by herself!Weldon and I would rather stay on solid ground.... thank you very much!

Pennsylvania!

2009-07-14T11:20:00.000-07:00

The kids and I went with my parents to help move my brother Mackenzie and his wife Jenny to their new home in Pennsylvania. It was a 9 day trip that took us across the country! It was fun, educational in many ways and as always - memorable...

Make a Smilebox slideshow

I'm a GRANDMA!!

2009-06-20T20:26:00.001-07:00

Libby - the luckiest cat in the world - has had her kittens. 7 to be exact! She did a great job, but had to have me (mommy) very close by through it all... It was the first time I had ever seen someone, or something else have a baby! It was amazing - a miracle even.

Ok, and Jeremy is a grandpa, but I don't think he will claim it!

Look closely, you can count 7 - 1,2,3,4 and the 1,2,3 in Jeremy's hands!

Quick Update

2009-06-16T18:55:00.000-07:00

So, since this summer is going to fly faster then the blink of an eye.. I thought I better just leave a few comments here and there. So here are some pics of the fun we have been having.Haydn made her own tightrope... all on her own!

Brandings...

2009-05-29T11:43:00.000-07:00

Howdy all! I thought that with the summer coming soon, I should catch up a little on the happenings around here! This last month was branding season in Nebraska. We attended two brandings, one for the Masco's (our branch president) and one here at work. Brandings are a lot of fun and lot of work... so here are some pics of our fun times!

The sister's came to help out - they were in charge of cooking on the cowboy grill - Yummy!

Jeremy is always on branding duty... maybe next year he will get to do what I got to do at our ranch's branding...

ROPE! Jim let me rope for the first time on horseback! It was so fun! I caught 6 - I think - and I definitely want to do it again!

After they are roped, you drag them to the muggers - the boys on the ground wrestling them and then you brand, give shots and band them (if they are a boy!)

After a few tries, I finally got one just right... you are supposed to catch both back feet and this time I did! I was very proud of myself!

The week before that we went to the Masco's branding, where Jeremy once again got to brand and I got to watch kids and take lots of pictures! I am ok with that too!

Three handsome boys waitin to get to work!

Ty muggin a calf and not really caring too much about it!

Haydn and Emma comin' out to see what is going on...
Maybe next year Haydn will be big enough to do some muggin of her own!

Happy Ending

2009-05-27T20:38:00.000-07:00

Here are the pictures of Haydn's hair after it was fixed by Barb in our branch. It will grow, but it will take a LONG time! Haydn wanted to wait to take pictures until after we had surprised Gramma and Nana this last weekend for Aunt Kim's graduation... now that was fun!!!

The worst kind of Irony

2009-05-20T17:02:00.000-07:00

The other day I was talking to my mom about the frustrations that we are currently having with Haydn. My dad, being the wise man that he is commented that she is much like I was at that age and that I turned out quite well, so there is hope - right? Well, I now wonder how much like me she is...

Today was an interesting day for Haydn. First, she thought it would be fun to hang from the letters on the dressing room door at the store and broke one off -

Then she decided to draw all over herself with my dark red lip gloss she found in the car... so there wasn't any stopping her then. I couldn't even get it off with eye makeup remover.

THEN... when I was downstairs trying to keep Weldon out of the dirty dishes in the sink and fixing noodles for dinner Haydn and Emma were having a bit of fun upstairs. Now let me just say this, I have had friends that have shared their stories of daughters giving themselves "princess haircuts". I just laughed with them and thought to myself, Haydn is too smart to do that! Well... this is where the Irony comes in.
Haydn decided that she needed her bangs cut. At first I saw just the bangs and I was very upset. Then after taking her to the mirror to show her what she did, I saw the rest! I asked her where all her hair was and she showed me. My anger turned into amusement, when I realized that my daughter hadn't just cut her bangs, but cut off almost all of her hair! That old saying, don't laugh because it will happen to you... if not worse... is so true! I will post pictures of her fixed hair as soon as I know what to do! Enjoy!

Baby Lucas is Here!

2009-05-10T14:46:00.000-07:00

Our good friends Larry and Gina, welcomed their new baby boy, Lucas to the world. I was lucky enough to take his first pictures. It was so fun! Here are a few that I liked.

Short walk down memory lane

2009-05-03T20:16:00.000-07:00

Since Haydn has now turned 4, I was thinking today about what she was like as an infant. She really was the picture of a perfect baby. Slept well, ate well, laughed a lot and put up with her not so gentle brother. Now if every baby was just like that, who knows how many we would end up having!

Haydn is 4...

2009-04-26T20:08:00.000-07:00

Although it seems that Haydn should already be 4, if not 5 at times, she officially turned 4 on the 26th. We were lucky to have Gramma and Aunt Tiffany, Nate and Gracie here to celebrate with us. Haydn's only request was to have a "pony birthday". So we tried to make it exactly that. We invited friends from town and church over and luckily the weather held out long enough to let us do some pony rides on the ranch. So here are some pictures of Haydn's fun pony birthday party.

We had two Gracie's at the party... that was a little tricky!

Jeremy was really jealous of Haydn's new bike

Everyone was fascinated with the horses on the cake

Ashlynn loved Polka Dot

Emma was not happy that she had to take turns on the ponies

Nate and Gracie lovin' the country life

Have I mentioned that Emma isn't afraid of anything?

But she sure can tell you exactly how she feels

Haydn loves her new cowgirl outfit

One year in Nebraska

2009-04-07T14:57:00.000-07:00

It is our one year anniversary of moving to Nebraska. We moved away from everyone we knew and loved and set off on our own adventure as a family. We were grateful that we didn't move this year, since there was a blizzard this weekend, but now we are accustomed to the weather in this part of the country. We have found a wonderful place to raise children and grow together in love and fresh air! Weldon has just blossomed at the school here and Haydn can't wait for summer to ride Polka Dot again. Emmaline has discovered, much to our dismay, that people here are very friendly and has no sense of danger from strangers! Although our employment has gone through some rocky times, we are settled for at least the next 4-5 months. We miss everyone back at home, but know that as long as we are together, we can handle anything! So I can safely say that we are full-fledged "Huskers"!

Better late then NEVER!

2009-03-29T15:16:00.000-07:00

The largest Shamrock in the World at the intersection of Main and the Highway

Here in O'Neill Nebraska, they take their St. Patrick's day very seriously. This is the Irish capitol of Nebraska after all. They have an annual St. Patty's day parade. We learned that this years turn out was the best in History, simply because it was the first time that it was above 40 and not snowing! We took Gracie and met up with the Bourquins and even ran into the sister Missionaries and the Pilgrims... we had a great time!

I was surprised to see such a large color guard with the Band.... it impressed me!

The Famous green horse, apparently the man isn't highly regarded in the community...He is at the bars though!

I am sure you can tell what is going on!?

2009-03-24T14:37:00.001-07:00

Nebraska Spring!

2009-03-24T14:00:00.000-07:00

When we moved here last April, the locals tried to warn us of the famous Nebraska Winters. So when winter came, we braced ourselves. When nothing came that was reason to be afraid of winter, I thought, ok... these people are obviously wimps! Until now! Apparently, SPRING is when locals and others should fear Nebraska.
It started off with Sat. March 21... the day after the first day of spring (technically). We were in O'Neill for the annual St. Patty's day parade. We wore only lightweight shirts and came home all sporting nice sunburns. 67 degree was the high... beautiful! All thought that this was going to be a great spring.

Then came Monday, March 23. When I picked up Haydn and Weldon from school in O'Neill at 3pm, it began to hail. It hailed so hard that I couldn't hear the radio or the kids in the back. I knew that we were in a tornado watch and severe thunderstorm watch, so I keep an eye on the sky. As I was driving North on Hwy 281, I could barely see from all of the hail. When I say barely see, I mean it! I thought that I should just pull over and let some of the storm pass. A little voice in my head said - no.. no, push through Keep going! Thank heaven for the Spirit. As I turned off the highway onto our country road, the radio came back in - it had gone out for a few minutes - They reported that a tornado had been spotted 8 miles N of O'Neill on Hwy 281 and was heading our way! I flew down that country road to get home...When I got home I realized that where the tornado was spotted was about where I wanted to pull over and wait for the storm to pass. I can't thank Heavenly Father enough and we all said a thank you prayer in the safety of our basement. A friend called to see if we were okay, she had heard that the tornado had flattened a school house and wanted to make sure it wasn't ours! Thanks for the thoughts of dear friends.The road to the right is Hwy 281.. I drive it 4 times a day!

Then came Tuesday March 24. I took the kids to school and decided that since it was SNOWING, that I should wait and pick them up after school, and not run home like usual. After picking everyone up at 3pm, I drove north again on Hwy 281. The wind was blowing so hard that although it had stopped snowing, you still couldn't see where you were going. There was a police officer flagging us down to let us know that two cars had ended up in the ditch ahead, but you couldn't see so we needed to drive very slowly ahead. I barely missed a semi that wasn't driving as slowly - those guys are nuts! Then further north I saw another van with passengers in the ditch and a car a little further in the same predicament. What happens is that the wind blows the snow across the road and make a slush pile right were you can't see it and slow down in time. Not to mention that the wind was blowing so hard, it could blow you right off the road. As I was calling 9-1-1 to let them know of the other cars, I myself almost ended up in the ditch - since I hit a slush pile and the wind just blew me right off the road. I was able to save it by driving straight on the shoulder... but I thought I was going to have to add my own vehicle to the list of drivers needing help. So a long story made short, it isn't the Nebraska winters that the locals should have warned us of, it is the Springs that will getcha!

7 Things I Love Tag

2009-03-11T21:12:00.000-07:00

Here is the most recent picture we took for our "branch family tree"

Here is my first tag...

7 Things I Love-

1. The quiet Nebraska nights.
2. Almost hitting a wild animal every day - no I haven't hit one yet (knock on wood)
3. Emma waking up singing in her bed. Well, humming might be a better description.
4. Weldon's face the moment he spots me when picking him up from school.
5. Seeing Jeremy riding a horse and chasing cows.
6. Haydn's instinctive motherly side showing when she helps Emma to stop crying.
7. The reaction that Jeremy gets from the kids when he gets home from work. (DADDY!)

More Family Pictures

2009-03-09T19:48:00.001-07:00

Here are a few more that I have been experimenting with on Photoshop

Sledding in Nebraska!

2009-03-02T15:38:00.000-08:00

We received about 6 inches of snow on Friday, so Jeremy decided to make the most of it. We invited some friends to come sledding on the ranch with us. Tina, David, Malcolm and Cassandra M. came and Eric, Kate, Luke, Claire and Jake P. came as well. The kids LOVED it! Here are some pics of our fun afternoon.Malcolm and Haydn getting ready to sled...

Cassandra knee deep!

I instructed David to say "cheese" - he did so...

Emmaline and Jake, mostly content to just watch

Jeremy and Haydn being creative

Clare impatiently waiting her turn

Haydn and Luke very ready to go

Weldon had a good time, he liked it better going with mom

Emmaline, on the other hand, didn't want to go with mom, or dad!

We had only one run-in with the trees at the very bottom... way to go Malcolm! (sled is in the trees and David had to retrieve it)

Haydn turned out to be quite the daredevil... she didn't get that from me!

New Hairdo 2!!

2009-02-21T17:39:00.000-08:00

Here is my new do... I am getting used to how to do it!

Family Picture

2009-02-21T17:29:00.000-08:00

Our wonderful friend Kellie took some pictures on the ranch and I thought we should share one!

Obedience Chart

2009-02-14T09:59:00.001-08:00

Ok, so as a mom of a toddler, well more then one really, life can just get overwhelmingly irritating at times! Admit it, you think so too... Then a brilliant thing happens. You get inspired by another mom that has many of the same issues as you. My inspiration came this month from my friend Bethany. She posted this on her blog and I am STEALING her idea. It can be implemented so many different ways, in a classroom, in a sacrament meeting, at home... the possibilities are endless. So here's to you Bethany - you are a genius!

Here's how it works. Each day, or whenever you decided, that your child or children are obediant the first time, they get an "X" on the day. If that "X" falls on a smiley face day, they earn something extra. Whatever you decide that extra to be. Brilliant!

My silly kidlets!

2009-02-13T12:18:00.000-08:00

These pictures just make me smile!

New Hairdo?!

2009-02-05T14:08:00.000-08:00

I just thought I should let everyone that thinks that Nebraska is the frozen tundra of the continental US, that it is currently 65 degrees Fahrenheit! No, I am not joking. Of course we will be back to the 20's by this weekend! But no, Nebraska doesn't = cold...

Would you mind voting on a favorite hairdo - and no Mom, they don't all look gorgeous! I am trying to figure out what to do with my hair these days, so all creative ideas are welcomed! P.S. these pictures span 9 years. Not in chronological order.

Memoir

2009-01-26T14:09:00.000-08:00

Our favorite kitty, Addy has left this world. Amazingly Libby, the luckiest cat alive survived once again with a few minor injuries (she now has 2 lives left). Jeremy broke the cardinal rule at our house and drove away without finding two cats. Both were in his engine. Addy didn't make it and Libby cut her leg and burned half her tail. Haydn was unfortunately there when Jeremy pulled Addy out of the engine and she just burst into tears. We had to tell her that Addy was in a warm and fun place where she could play with Jesus and all the other kitties that didn't survive the Steele household. So here is a memoir to Addy.... you will be missed!

Additional Wedding Pictures

2009-01-26T13:23:00.001-08:00

My friend Melissa asked me to post more pictures of our wedding, so here ya go!

My personal fav... Jeremy's silly smile to match my silly shoes!

Married for time and all eternity...

January 19th, 2002

2009-01-19T14:29:00.000-08:00

As I sit here on this relatively warm January afternoon (yes, I am still in Nebraska), it is hard to believe that 7 years ago today, I was dressed in white and FREEZING to death on the grounds of the Boise Idaho temple having my pictures taken with my new eternal companion, Jeremy. I never thought that day would come, and now it has come and gone so quickly. I can't believe that life could be so happy and frustrating at the same time. I know through it all though, that I married my best friend and that no one in the world could give me such joy. I love Jeremy more then I thought possible. He is such a kind, caring, loving, patient, understanding, forgiving man who sees the absolute best in everyone. Maybe that is why I somehow ended up being his wife! Lucky me! So today, I am letting my best friend forever know that I love him more then anything else and I am looking forward to forever, eagerly!

The following pictures are in chronological order...

Yeah, I know, he is taken and aren't I the luckiest girl alive!

Christmas in Nebraska

2009-01-11T18:46:00.000-08:00

I am having so much fun with my Photoshop!

I Suppose that I should take out some time from my busy days to document that we did indeed have a Christmas. And a nice one at that! Becky, Jim's wife (Jeremy's boss) bought the kids matching jammies for Christmas Eve. They loved them! On Christmas morning, we only opened a few presents and then headed to Jim and Becky's for Christmas day. We decided to save the rest of Christmas for when my parents came on the 29th. The kids didn't care! They played with the few toys they received and didn't know any better. Once Nana and Papa got here though, they were so excited to see the much larger pile of presents under the tree. Which got me thinking, who do we buy presents for? To please our kids who honestly don't even understand, or to please us so we don't feel like failures of parents for not providing the biggest and the best christmas?... hm, food for thought! The kids loved all of their presents, in Haydn's words "this is what I wanted all day!" for each present unwrapped.

Weldon could barely contain his excitment!

The pile of presents for the rest of Christmas

The dance party with Haydn's new guitar and her new dancing outfit from Nana and Grandma! And the cool new tepee from Jim and Becky.

We decided to check out some falls near our house, called Rock Falls which just happen to be one of the biggest falls in all of Nebraska. Papa decided to play nature man and broke a huge amount of the ice off the top of the falls, so it looked more like a waterfall then before. The weather was perfect and now we will have to go back in the spring and document what it looks like in warmer weather.Nana and nature man Papa

We decided to wait and have a party for Weldon when Nana and Papa were here as well. We took all of his friends that could make it bowling with Pizza and a cake. Unfortunetly, Weldon was a bit out of sorts and wasn't a very good turn taker with the bowling. Apperantly he needs his own lane! But we had a fun time with all of his friends.

God's Will

2008-12-27T21:10:00.001-08:00

The first time I heard this song, I bawled! Naturally - any mother would right? But I wanted to add this song and dedicate it to my Weldon. So - listen please...

Happy Birthday my little Man!

2008-12-27T20:05:00.000-08:00

Today is Weldon's 6th birthday. I can't believe that I am old enough to have a 6 year old. But as I sit here writing this blog, I am saddened. I can't have joy in the fact that my 6 year old can tie his shoes, knows his alphabet and can argue his way out of anything. It hurts sometimes knowing that he most probably will never serve a mission for the Lord, get married in the Lord's house and raise a few headstrong boys. But I do have joy knowing that he is one of the most kind, loving, charming, willfull, patient, giving and spiritual boys I know. The Lord sent him here to brighten my day and the days of those he spends time with. So here is to my little Man - I love you!

Fun in the Snow!

2008-12-26T14:17:00.000-08:00

Now that it is no longer in the negatives outside, I decided that the "cagey" kids needed a break from the stuffy indoors! We bundled up and played for about 20 minutes in the snow. Our neighbor down the road came a couple days ago and "plowed" our yard for us. He left a very impressive mountain of snow to play on.

One of the drifts in the backyard.

Doggy kisses - Emmaline is just the right height!Emma really didn't want to come in!
But we had snacks and hot cocoa waiting...
Emma had to dip her cookie... what a fun afternoon!

Oh Christmas tree!

2008-12-21T19:57:00.001-08:00

Haydn always wants to wear this cheerleading outfit of Gracie's. Nice huh!

I know kind of mullet-ish, but I refuse to cut any of it for fear of losing the curls!

Nope, that top tooth has yet to grow in and the dentist said it is there, somewhere...?

The candid moments are usually the best... and then again

Our beautiful, fresh off the ranch tree. It is a bit big and huge, but it sure has sentimental value! We don't spend money on Christmas trees, if we can help it! Can't you tell! Notice the stray lights on the ground, that is courtesy of our cats who try to strangle themselves in the lights all the time!

Snow = Christmas!

2008-12-21T18:38:00.000-08:00

We have had what is called by my mother the "arctic express" here in Nebraska. We have had about 5 inches of snow - no big deal right! However, we have had 30 mile per hour wind and -30 to -40 degree wind chills. So the snow doesn't just fall, it blows! So here are some pictures of the snow!This is a plow that is plowing the grass on the side of the road. If they don't the wind will blow it back on the road. It does anyway!This is the ditch in front of our house. It is about 6 feet deep in the middle. As you can see, it is full of snow in only some parts.

Here is a quick sample of the fun I am having with my photoshop! HE HE HE HE!I am just starting out... I need to practice!

The long awaited UPDATE!

2008-12-17T11:17:00.000-08:00

Well, as the Christmas season has started and all of the festivities involved have begun, my ability to keep up with blogging has become worse! However, there isn't much to report on...

I was able to sew my friend Gina's temple dress. She is 5 months pregnant so we needed some specialized clothing! She and 2 other sisters in our branch went to the temple to take out their endowments on Saturday the 13th. It was such a special experience to be there with them. Jeremy and I taught the Temple prep class for them, so it was like watching your child graduate from high school!On Saturday the 13th, we traveled to Omaha to attend the temple with the sisters. The temple is in historic Florence Nebraska. The temple is built next to the Winter Quarters Cemetery. The church has built a pioneer museum across the street from the temple that the children enjoyed. It is a beautiful part of the city.

Well, and my birthday was also this month on the 11th. Jeremy bought me a new Crockpot (Alleluia!), my inlaws bought me a gardening book, so now I will be the queen gardener, and my parents gave me another piano book that I can't wait to find time to play through. It was a nice and relaxing day (yeah right!) And I bought myself photoshop elements 7!

Happy Turkey Day!

2008-12-01T16:38:00.000-08:00

Some scenery on the Ranch and Kim!

My Fav of Kim - I did some of her senior pictures.

Jeremy's family - well some of them - came for Thanksgiving. Here are a few highlights!
1. We ate a smoked turkey courtesy John from Alabama. (One of the hunters)
2. Jim and Becky, Jeremy's boss and wife, joined us for dinner.
3. Grandma brought us Clementines! Jeremy's favorites! And a new set of dishes AWESOME!
4. Weldon loved spending time with his Grandma! Haydn had a really fun time with Grandpa
5. We cut down our Christmas tree and saw lots of turkeys - the still alive ones!
6. We spent an afternoon taking Kim's Senior pictures
7. Grandpa helped Jeremy move some cows and cut down trees.
8. Everyone went to church and discovered how different a branch really is!
9. We all had a wonderful holiday spending time with family. And those of you who didn't come - YOU MISSED OUT!!

Weldon loves his Grandma!

Aunt Kim and the girls

Haydn - Eskimo courtesy of Aunt Kim

Emmaline loves to cuddle.

Cutting down juniper trees on the ranch - for our Christmas presents and our Christmas tree!

Grandma wanted to check out the cow that got struck by lightning. Notice the weird ball in Jeremy's hand - we have no idea what it is!

Jeremy showing off his tree climbing skills

The girls showing off their tree climbing skills

Grandpa attempting to jump a creek - Grandma said
"You look like an elephant jumping over that, I would look like a Gazelle!"

Daddy, Grandma and Weldon

Grandpa and Haydn

The whole clan! Grandma, Jeremy, Weldon, Grandpa, Emmaline, Aunt Kim, Haydn, me!

Miracle in Nebraska

2008-11-25T19:26:00.000-08:00

I thought that I should share an experience that just recently happened in our little branch here in O'Neill Nebraska. We just received sister missionaries to serve in our branch. The first time in 13 years. I received a phone call from them on Saturday asking for my help. On Sunday they were bringing an investigator and her three young children to church and asked that I be her "buddy". They said her name was Michelle and that she had already scheduled her baptism. I of course said "but you've only been here a week!" They told me that they had been walking to a less-active members house last Sunday and saw Michelle leaving her house. They approached and introduced themselves. Michelle then told them that she had just been thinking that day that she should find a church for her and her children to attend. The sisters asked if she would like to learn more about the Church and she agreed. Two meetings later she was committed to baptism. Now I am sure you are all wondering, OK where is the miracle? Well... As I was sitting and playing the prelude music at the organ, I looked up to see my friend Michelle walking in. Now Michelle and her friend Brenda take guitar from me. All of a sudden I realized that they were the same Michelle! My Michelle, guitar Michelle, was the Michelle that is going to be baptized! Of course it was EASY to be her buddy! I ran over - abruptly ending the "beautiful" organ music - and hugged her and welcomed her. She was as surprised as I was to see me there. Well, I wasn't surprised to see ME there, just her there. When we told the sister missionaries that we already knew each other, they were shocked. But then again, we do live in a very small community! It just goes to show you, you never know who is prepared to receive the gospel and how your friendships can enrich the lives of others.

I am ALIVE!

2008-11-23T13:12:00.000-08:00

Emma's Hair is getting SO LONG!

So, the last week and a half have been the equivalent to a hurricane for my family and I. The Ranch had some hunters come up for deer season, and I was volunteered by Jeremy to cook their meals for them. Amidst the chaos I somehow managed to cook three meals for 5-8 hungry Alabamans, but also feed my own family and did the dishes twice! Amazing... I think so! I was able to meet some very nice and very southern gentlemen - most of which were very successful lawyers. Needless to say, what I charged them was nothing compared to what they tipped me. Christmas here we come! They have all asked that I cook for them the next time they come up. Some of which are coming as soon as they can! I didn't think my cooking was that great?!
The week before we had another mishap with Libby - our kitty. She went missing. Our neighbor that lives 3 miles N, 2 miles E and 1 mile N, brought us over a new kitten since he was so sad that he couldn't find Haydn's kitten for her. Amazingly though, he did find Libby the next day in his shop - she is now down to 4 lives! So we have a new kitty. We named her Addy, after the last name of our neighbor, the Addison's. Libby wasn't sure about the new addition. She had the jealous toddler syndrome for awhile. She wanted all of our attention and the new kitty was not to come near us! But all is well and they are best friends now. Weldon, however, just can't leave Addy alone. She is just the right size for him! Here are some pictures of Addy and Libby.

Election History

2008-11-06T15:05:00.000-08:00

So, I have noticed that a lot of different people are posting their views and opinions on the election and the history in the making. So I thought since this really is a journal for my family, I should add a bit about the election. Although many people are scared of the coming years under the leadership of Barack Obama, I must say that I am not "scared". Evil will come and evil will go. But I know of one constant that will keep my family and myself safe. That is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. There are people all over the world that live under tyrants and dictators, they are facing fear and trials that we in America will not ever know (hopefully)...but we are blessed to know the truthfullness of Jesus Christ and his gospel. Obama may make it so that evils like abortion and gay marriage are prevelant, but we all know that just because the President says its ok, doesn't make it so. The second coming will come and the world will continue to fall into more and more wickedness before that can happen. So why is anyone so surprised and shocked? I for one am not.

Story Time

2008-11-02T15:04:00.001-08:00

Haydn has a very good memory. When we read a new book, she can remember the basics of the story and loves to read the book back to Weldon or Emmaline. Weldon loves the attention from his sister.

Summer?!

2008-11-02T14:52:00.000-08:00

So this last week it has been upper 60's to lower 70's here in Nebraska. Of course right now it is 74, on November 2nd - weird to anyone else? So the other day I let the kids play out back while I made up some cookie dough. It took me about 5 minutes and I suddenly realized it was awfully quiet out back. So I ran out to find the kids enjoying the summer weather.

Silly Libby!

2008-10-30T19:34:00.000-07:00

Here is an Ode to Libby, our kitty. We just recently found out that she is the last surviving kitten from her entire litter. They have all taken fatal rides on vehicle tires. She has survived the same thing 4 times now. We joke that she only has 5 lives left - not to waste them! So here is to the luckiest cat alive!

Libby must run and hide at times to save herself from being mauled by kids. She hides anywhere she can - Isn't she beautiful?!

Libby loves to stalk her prey and pounce, whether it be a foot or a hand - of course she did catch her first mouse last night, so we know we aren't spoiling her too much - way to go Libs!

Libby snuck under the covers of our bed. Of course it was on Jeremy's side so I had to wash the sheets - isn't she spoiled!

She likes to be the center of attention... as you can see

Libby loves to chew on our dog Jack's feet and tail. Jack puts up with it most of the time.

October!

2008-10-27T09:12:00.000-07:00

This last week was filled with many fun and exciting adventures. First - we had our first blizzard of the winter. Second, we had Sara and Moritz from Germany stay with us a couple days, and third, we traveled to Kearney Nebraska for our church meetings. Following are some pictures of our adventures!Jayson, Haydn and Weldon with some of the guides at the monument (The frontier man on the right was named Curly! He wasn't the friendliest guy in town...The soldier on the left is playing the harmonica and really well too)

Carson, Jayson, Weldon, Emmaline and Haydn

There is strength in numbers - of course Jayson was brave enough to touch the HUGE buffalo on his own first

The monument in Kearney Nebraska

The monument is a museum on the inside and it spans over the entire Interstate.

Jeremy working some cows- courtesy Moritz

Sara and Haydn with the cow truck

Sara and Haydn bundled up from the cold

Our first blizzard - it was wet enough that it broke huge limbs off of trees everywhere. And flooded our driveway.

Growing Up

2008-10-20T17:25:00.000-07:00

I am sure that not everyone documents all teeth lost for their child, but in Weldon's case, it sure is exciting! He lost his other top tooth and so now has the official "All I Want for Christmas" look going on.

Daddy's Girls!

2008-10-09T08:27:00.000-07:00

What beautiful girls!

Weldon Lost his TOOTH!

2008-10-04T16:49:00.001-07:00

Weldon lost his third tooth... he has already lost the two middle bottom.

Emmaline's First Steps

2008-10-02T17:13:00.001-07:00

Well, at least on Camera!

My First Kill...

2008-09-29T20:14:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I didn't actually kill it, Jeremy and his boss Jim hit it on the way to a meeting. An interesting note, I drive at least 4 times more then Jeremy does and he has hit two animals already and I have hit none! (knock on wood) So Jeremy called me and told me to go and get the TURKEY that was on the side of the road. In Nebraska, you are allowed to take home whatever you hit with your vehicle. Of course if it is a deer, you have to call the sheriff first and then take it home. So the joke of road kill cafe is totally true here! So I brought it home, did some frantic calling to Jeremy's bosses wife, Becky, and even sprung my plight on an unsuspecting mom - Ann! Thanks to much help and the all too useful Internet, I finally skinned it and just cut out the meat. So to save all those with weak stomachs I will post the before and after pictures. Also, while I was out with my hands full of - well - turkey, Uncle Jed called to see how it was going and had a very nice and lengthy conversation with Haydn and Weldon. Thanks Uncle Jed for keeping them occupied for a bit!

For a first time... I thought I did really well. With NO HELP from Jeremy.

Our Nebraska Weekend!

2008-09-29T19:47:00.000-07:00

So it all started Sunday. After we returned home from our church potluck, and visited with family on the computer, a rather quick and powerful storm blew in! I looked out the window to see the flag pole in our front yard bending in the wind, and ran to get the dogs in. In all the opening - and slamming shut- of the exterior back door, the wind blew the interior downstairs door in! Following are some pictures from that adventure. Oh, and did I mention that when I was outside with the dogs I saw a large gray animal running towards me. I couldn't figure out what it was at first until it got 10 feet away. It was a raccoon looking for shelter! Jack barked and barked and scared it back to the field, but I was quite amazed at its no fear attitude of me!

Here is a bad picture of the door that was blown in. It is supposed to swing towards me but it blew off the molding and ripped out the hinge!

My hair was quite amazing after I rescued the dogs from the storm. I had to document it!

And NO! my hair doesn't always look like this...
Here is Dad and Haydn watching the storm- Jeremy's shirts is wet, but not nearly as wet as mine was.

Here is an awesome picture of the lightning once the storm had passed us and was off to the southeast. Thanks to Tina for the use of her fantastic camera!

Haydn's New Haircut

2008-09-25T08:05:00.000-07:00

I gave all the kids haircuts last night. Weldon lost some curl and Emma doesn't have hair in her eyes any longer. But Haydn was the most dramatic. She refuses to let me do her hair... and even combing the rats out is a chore. So I figured why fight it, cut it! So I gave her an "A" line cut like her aunt Sharmy, just shorter. It is sssssoooooo cute! And much easier to maintain right now. Don't look too close, I am not a professional by any means!

Emma's Dance Party

2008-09-20T18:52:00.000-07:00

Here is some amateur raw footage of Emmaline's latest Dance Party!

"Poka Dot"

2008-09-20T18:37:00.000-07:00

This afternoon, after Jeremy was done with work, we all went over to the ranch to give "poka dot" some much needed exercise. Weldon threw a horrible fit when it was time to give someone else a turn... perhaps we need three horses!Haydn insisted that she learn how to do it all by herself. So I taught her the basics and shut all the gates so there was nowhere for that ancient horse to go. I must say, Haydn is a natural. She would have stayed up there all night if I let her.
Getting Emma to smile on camera is almost impossible. Kelli can attest to that! But somehow, riding just brings out the best in all my children! Haydn was such a big girl by holding Emmaline on and even tried to teach her how to hold on with her legs! It was a wonderful afternoon!

The Most Romantic Husband Award

2008-09-15T18:59:00.000-07:00

Ladies and Gentlemen, I have the privilege of presenting Jeremy Steele as a nominee for the Most Romantic Husband Award. The story is as follows. Jeremy came home on Friday and asked me to find a babysitter for Saturday... needless to say it was a little short notice for finding a sitter in the area. But, luckily Tina, the most amazing babysitter on the planet!-was available to watch the kids. Jeremy was acting quite mysteriously all day Saturday, running off to town and off to do other chores. I even told his mother that he was up to no good! When Tina showed up with her cute kids, David, Malcolm and Cassandra - we headed off to the ranch. At that point I was pretty sure what Jeremy had in mind. We took the four wheeler out to catch Miles and Tigger - two very handsome bays, not boys - bays. We saddled up and headed out west on the ranch. Of course, the minute we got to some open country, it was a race! Tigger and Miles have a mutual dislike for each other and there was no way that Tigger was going to let Miles win this one! Of course, I wasn't exactly prepared for the all out race and had to really hunker down and hold on! After Jeremy got the boys settled down, we meandered along with the creek. Of course, I thought Jeremy was lost, but he insisted that he wanted to let me get as much time in the saddle as possible. I still think he was lost! We had a few more races in the open range, but I was prepared for these ones. We startled a mom with three, yes three, fawns down near our destination. Our destination? A secluded section of the creek with a small waterfall covered by a thick canopy of trees. The wind was still in the opening and we could hear some raccoons scratching around for some grub. Jeremy had set up earlier in the day a fire with some chairs, which were waiting for us. Jeremy had cooked up some foil dinners at home and so he just had to heat them up on some coals. We had a wonderful dinner with some of the "bubbly" (sparkling grape juice) and sat by the fire enjoying listening to the crickets which really was our peace and quiet. As it started to get a little darker, we decided that riding home would be a good thing to do, even if it was by moonlight. As we started back up to the house, we startled an entire herd, buck and all, of white tail deer. Tigger was not so into them and snorted his dislike for the interruption. As the last of the sunlight faded, Miles was content to just trudge along with Jeremy. Tigger was not so willing. The smallest sound or even a fence post would startle him enough to make me hold on. As we rode out of the trees and into the open, the wind picked up and added to Tiggers apprehensions. Jeremy and I held many conversations to calm Tigger down and it helped, until he heard something in the cornfield and he began to be tense all over again. I even tried singing to him. I don't think he enjoyed that so much... We finally made it back to the house and gave a very high-strung Tigger a good brushing and sent him off to join the safety of the other horses. The evening was one of the best of my memory and for that I have nominated Jeremy for the Most Romantic Husband Award.

My Family

2008-09-08T13:48:00.001-07:00

Weldon is 5 1/2 years old! I can't believe that he is an "official" kindergartner. He loves his school, he attends everyday, all day! He doesn't go to an elementary school, he goes to what is called a learning center in Nebraska. It is a special school where children that cannot function in a "typical" classroom setting are given more attention and specialized teaching from a number of different teachers. He receives speech therapy and physical therapy there at the school and has many wonderful friends. To say that he loves it is an understatement!

Haydn is 3 years old and you could swear she is going on 12! She has had to step up and be a big sister to Weldon at an early age, and unfortunately has made her grow up very quickly. Sometimes I forget she is just a three year old and I should make her enjoy being a three year old! She started preschool this fall and can never seem to remember what they learned that day in class. She loves to sing, she will ask me if I know some song. I ask her to sing it to me and she will proceed to make up a song about shoes or something else random. She loves being here in Nebraska and if you ask her about polka dot, she will tell you all about "her" horse.

Emmaline just recently turned 1 in August. She has such a unique personality, she surprises us everyday! She loves to dance and will start dancing around to any music she hears. She hasn't started walking yet, but has a good vocabulary and is quite the problem solver. She loves to tease her brother and her sister is her best friend. She has the cutest giggle that people think is fake, but she really is laughing. I will have to get it on video. She loves to be the center of attention already, so we are worried what the future may bring!

I love this picture of Jeremy. He looks like such a thug, but he is so NOT! Jeremy is loving his job in Nebraska on the ranch. He has been called as the Elders Quorum president in our tiny branch. He has only 4 active elders to work with and he has a lot on his plate. We have felt since the day we moved here that the Lord wanted us here for a reason, and everyday a new reason is revealed! We love the people here and they make the separation from our families so much easier to bear. I am the new music director - or in other words, anything that has music or is supposed to have music - I do it! I was able to get an electric organ at the building working and the members are so excited to finally here some good classic church organ every Sunday. I of course sing as loud as I can when I play and I LOVE IT! We hope that everyone that wants to - and we hope you all do - come and visit. You will be pleasantly surprised what Nebraska has to offer, wonderful people, beautiful country and a lot of peace and quiet!

2008-09-07T20:05:00.000-07:00

The ranch had a great swimming hole just past a big culvert. The water was warm and shallow, all except the little pool that Jeremy would jump into. Later we put a fire pit on the sand and has a cook out with too many flies to help out. The dogs loved it and even tried to chase a deer that came to check out what was going on. Gracie always came with us and we had a great time! Emmaline had no fear of the water - which made us a little nervous. Weldon would throw the toys into the creek to watch them float away and watch us run after them. That was his favorite game.

2008-09-07T20:00:00.000-07:00

Left to Right: Kellie with Haydn and Gracie, Becky, Jim, Jeremy and Emmaline, Gina with Weldon, Ashlynn and Raina was hiding!

2008-09-07T19:48:00.000-07:00

Emmaline's first birthday was a fun, but small gathering. We invited the Carr's, Jeremy's boss, Jim, wife Becky, daughter Kellie and granddaughter Gracie. We also invited a friend from Church. Gina and her daughters Ashlynn and Raina. Emma wasn't really impressed, I don't think she really understood what was going on. Much to Kellie's dismay, we didn't let her destroy her first birthday cake! But she did steal some of Ashlynn's cake. She sure was pretty in her new dress that Nana, my mom, made for her. Haydn and Weldon also received presents from Becky and they were in heaven! It was like christmas in August.

2008-09-07T19:30:00.000-07:00

Here is a collection of photos from Nebraska. Some are from the ranch but some are just from the surrounding country side. We have lots of turtles, most are quite a bit bigger then the picture here. The country here has lots of trees, mixed with some sand hill type desert with cactus. It really is a different bit of country out here! There is always something interesting to see on a drive. Of course the most interesting things we miss getting on camera, because we forget it. We are at least a 30 minute drive to anywhere, including school, church and shopping. But we love it and it is everything we wanted.

2008-09-06T09:52:00.000-07:00

This was a full double rainbow at our house a few weeks ago. It really made me want a better camera!

2008-09-05T09:24:00.000-07:00

The kids sure love our new kitty - Libby. They usually fight to see who gets to hold her first. I am not sure that Libby enjoys that, however!