🏖 Santa Cruz 2018 🏖

As the school year began yesterday for public schools in my county, summer has come to an end for most kids around here.  As for me and my brothers, we still have the remainder of this week and all of next week off.  So, of course, we are soaking it all up.

Yesterday, as most kids were back at school for their first day, we decided to spend the day at the beach instead.  So, we packed a lunch and headed down to Santa Cruz for the afternoon.

The weather was just about perfect and it wasn’t too crowded.  So, we spent a few hours in the sun and sand, soaking in some of that salty ocean air and water.  It was so nice to sit there as if we didn’t have a care in the world.  Then after we had had our fill of sitting around on the beach, we decided to spend some time on the rides at the Boardwalk.

 

Although we are sad that school is about to begin for us, too, we thought that this was a pretty good way to end our summer shenanigans.  With that, I guess that it’s time to say goodbye to summer – until next year!

🎡 Amador County Fair 2018 🎡

This year, as always, the Amador County Fair rolled around much faster than we could’ve imagined. Although this year, in many ways, was very similar to all the years previous, this go-round was filled with a lot more ups and downs. It was a bit of a rollercoaster, but at the end, we all survived and even came out with a smile on each of our faces.

As some of you may know, this was our first time showing market goats (meat goats) at the fair. Every year, we have always brought the dairy goats, but this year, we decided to do both. That in itself was a challenge. My brother, Nate’s goat, ended growing up to be a tall, narrow, almost dairy-like goat. Mine refused to eat for nearly three weeks and didn’t gain any weight. Despite our best efforts, it was easy to see that they weren’t in the best physical condition.

The weekend before the fair, we were really starting to get worried about getting the goats sold. We were nearly positive that mine wouldn’t make weight. If he didn’t make weight, I wouldn’t get to participate in the auction, and I’d have to find somebody who would buy him off me.  Even if he did make it into the auction, we wondered if anybody would even buy him as he was not, by any means, a top quality animal.

By the time the fair rolled around, we were pleasantly surprised that my goat ended up being just barely heavy enough to make it into to the auction. So, we continued on and did our best in the show ring – with both our market and dairy goats.

We showed dairy goats on Thursday and ended up doing very well. My brother, Joel, even got Grand Champion with his goat, Willow. I ended up making it to the Small Animal Round Robin, which is where I’d be showing against the chicken and rabbit showmanship champions.

Thursday was very fun, and it was a great thing to watch my brother receive his first champion ribbon. It was also so wonderful to spend some time with the friends that came to explore the sights of the county fair and watch us show our animals.

That day, we also discovered that my photography entries had all placed, too. I was excited to find that two of my entries had gotten first, one got a third, and the other two received an honorable mention. My brothers’ Lego creations and photographs also placed, which they were excited for, as well.

The next day, was another busy one, to say the least. To start off the day, we got out there and tried our hardest with our market goats in the show ring. Although they didn’t compete very well against some of the heavy and muscular goats, we decided that it was okay. We knew that they weren’t going to be at the top of their class, and were not surprised with what we got. We were just hoping the auction would go better than the show.

After we finished showing the market goats, I set out on a mission. I had to find somebody to help me practice showing chickens and rabbits for the Round Robbin. My sweet friend, Mickendra offered her help with chickens, and one of my incredible 4-H leaders introduced me to somebody who could help me with the rabbits.

I was feeling fairly confident after receiving the advice from Mickendra and the new friend I had made.  Although, when Saturday morning rolled around and it was time to gather all the Round Robin contestants, I learned a valuable lesson.

I learned that people can surprise you.  They aren’t always who you might think they are, and they may let you down.  When it comes down to a competition, some people don’t play fair and they sometimes seem to throw out their integrity.

During that Round Robin, the odds were stacked against me, and there were some people that were not very nice.  Part of me wanted to pitch myself head-long into the drama the other contestants were stirring up, but I knew that would only make it worse.  So, I figured that all I could do was stand tall and show those animals the best I could.

At the end of the Round Robin, it was no surprise that I didn’t come away with ribbons or buckles, but that was okay.  I figured that I did the best I could do in the situation I was in, and that’s all I could do.

Sunday afternoon, though I learned another lesson. Remember how I said earlier that people can surprise you? Well, I learned that people can surprise you in the best of ways, too.

I also learned that sometimes it’s not all about the ribbons, buckles, and trophies. It’s not all about being at the top of your game or getting your picture taken with the grand champion ribbons and banners draped over your animal. Sometimes what means the most is the support and the love that you feel from those that care about you.

At the auction on the last day of the fair, my brothers and I got something more special than any physical award or trophy; we were overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of people. They say that a little bit of kindness goes a long way, and I can personally attest that a whole lot of kindness goes to the moon and back.

My brothers and I were showered with uplifting and encouraging words and when we hit that auction ring, we were blown away even more. Thanks to some unbelievably kind friends, our goats sold at the auction for so much more than we would’ve ever dreamt.

It’s people like that who inspire me. Sure, maybe there are some people that aren’t so full of kindness, but it’s the ones who are that make up for it.

At the end of this fair, we can smile; not because it was easy; not because we won every award; and not because it was completely drama-free. We can smile because we have incredible family and friends, (and those lines are definitely blurred) who have made such a long week full of ups and downs worth remembering.

I can’t say thank you enough to everyone who supported us through this fair. Whether you sat in the sun for hours on end, watching us show our animals, or spoke words of kindness to us at just the right times, or you helped us prepare animals and pens for the week, or if you bought an animal of ours, it meant to us more than I can express. I also have to say that my mom was our number one supporter, and without her, we would’ve never made it to – let alone through- the fair.

All in all, this year at the fair was pretty special. Although it could’ve gone smoother, the lessons learned and the friendships made/strengthened are priceless to me. It was an experience that I don’t think I will ever forget.

🌼 Lake Winnemucca 🌼

One day a week this summer, we have decided that we are going to try and escape the heat by heading someplace upcountry.  We’ll take a handful of friends, pack a lunch, and hit the road.  We may go for a hike, we may go swimming or rafting, but we always have a good time, regardless.

Yesterday, we hiked a total of five miles, enjoying the beautiful scenery and the insane wildflower display.  I must’ve stopped to take a picture about every thirty seconds.  After that hike, I think we all agreed – God is a better gardener than anybody we will ever meet.

✨ Eight Little-Known Facts About Independence Day ✨

Every year, on July 4th, people all across the United States throw parties and barbecues and light up the night sky with fireworks.  For many, (myself included) it is a favorite holiday filled with fond memories.  What is the meaning behind all this celebration, though?  It is recognized as America’s birthday – the day that independence was won, and as many people are told, the day the Declaration of Independence was signed. Although, after some research, I thought it might be fun to share some fun and little-known facts about this day.  You might find some of them surprising…

1.  On July fourth, 1776, only two of our founding fathers actually signed the Declaration of Independence.  It wasn’t until August second, that a majority of the signatures were obtained.

2.  Since only two people had signed the Declaration on the Fourth of July, the signing actually isn’t what is being celebrated.  What is being celebrated is the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Second Continental Congress.

3.  John Adams predicted that Independence Day would be recognized on July 2nd since that was the day that Congress voted to sever ties with Britain.

4.  On the very first Fourth of July, there were only 2.5 million citizens of the United States.  Today, we now have a whopping 326.7 million people who call America their home.

5.  Independence Day did not become a federal holiday until 1870.

6.  The Pennsylvania Evening Post was the first newspaper to print the Declaration on July 6, 1776.

7. The original Declaration of Independence was lost.

8. Researchers from Harvard University claim to have found another Declaration of Independence parchment.  This raises the question: could it be the original document?

In all, to many of us, July 4th is just another day to spend out by the pool barbecuing and launching fireworks.  However, knowing the true meaning of the celebration makes it that much more special.  Did these little-known facts surprise you?

📸 Help! I Have Too Many Photos! 📸

With our county fair fast approaching, there is so much to prepare and work on.  Of course, we have been working hard with all of our goats and preparing and sending in livestock entries, but there’s still something I could use a little help with… This feels like such a large task and is definitely something I would have a very difficult time doing on my own.  So, with that being said, I think you can make this job a lot easier if you’d be willing to do just one thing: All I need you to do is to tell me which photos are your favorite.  That way, maybe you can help me decide which ones I should enter.

 

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Whew! If you made it this far, you deserve a gold star!  So, if you’re up for it, I’d love to hear your feedback.  Could you do me a ginormous favor and leave a comment telling me which numbers are your favorites and maybe why?  Also, here’s a bonus – If you can think of a title for the photo (which can be super hard, so it’s okay if you can’t) that’d be awesome.  Thank you in advance for taking the time to look at all of these and share your opinion with me!

🌻Happy Summer🌻

Has today just felt longer than any other day this year?  Well, that is just because it really is the longest day of the year!  Today is the Summer Solstice, therefore today, (in the Northern Hemisphere)  the earth is tilted directly towards the sun. What exactly that means to me is that it’s the official first day of summer!

Although, summer seems to have begun a while back ago for me, today I started to think about how exciting summer really is.  The Fourth of July is coming up, as well as our county fair.  We always plan a camping trip or two and lots of day trips/adventures.  Plus, there’s no school!  When I think of summer, I think of the mornings that I sacrificed sleep to beat the heat and ride my horse.  I think about the time spent hiking, swimming, sitting out by the campfire beneath the stars, taking pictures, etc.

As I was thinking about how great those activities really are, I realized why those memories brought a smile to my face.  The best part of all those things are the people that take the time to do all that with me.  What fun would it be to experience all these things, but without anybody to share all those moments with?

So today I realized what summer means to me:  It means more than just longer, hotter days and fun activities; it’s all about the time we spend with those that mean the most to us.

So, let me ask you this. What are you fondest summer memories? What does the season mean to you?

Soccer Camp 2018

As most of you know, I have been offering photoshoots for a while. Since the time I bought my camera last fall, and now, I have done some family photoshoots, pre-wedding shots, sale horse pictures, etc.  I have enjoyed meeting and working with new people when I take their photos – as well as doing sessions with near and dear friends.

This week was particularly fun, as I was able to get some photography practice in during our church’s soccer camp.  Over the past few days, I have spent some time out on the soccer field, watching a bunch of kids run around, having a blast.  It’s so much fun to capture their intense faces as they’re kicking a soccer ball towards the goal, and to get those smiles and happy faces.  It’s also pretty amusing to watch some of the staff members play with the kids and get them excited.  So this week, I thought I’d share a few of those moments with you.

Keep Calm… I am a Licensed Driver!

About six months ago, I began learning how to drive.  That in itself was a journey.  The beginning especially was rough.  I struggled to stay in between my lines, I cut my turns too sharp, I couldn’t back up to save my life, and oh goodness, don’t ever ask me to park.  I made some mistakes – some major mistakes – and I scared the living daylights out of my mom in the process.  It’s a wonder that we made it through my first couple weeks of driving.

Over time, my driving skills slowly started to improve.  The progress felt like it was moving at a snail’s pace (unlike my driving speed 😳) but, before long I was feeling fairly confident behind the wheel.

So now, after six whole months, and some experience tucked beneath my belt, guess what… I have my driver’s license!  It’s an odd feeling to not have anyone there with me in the car.  All at once though, it feels good to be independent and not relying on my mom to take me everywhere.

A New Adventure in Market Goats

About a month ago, we decided to pick up a handful of market goats.  For a few years now, I have been raising dairy goats, but never thought to try raising goats for meat.  This year, my brothers and I decided it was time to do it.

We went and talked our horseshoer, who also raises goats and asked if he’d sell us any.  A couple weeks later, we found ourselves out in the middle of a herd of goats of all shapes and sizes.  After determining that we wanted some goats that had been born in late January to early February, we began wrangling a bunch of the goats (we really did have to wrangle them, since they were so wild) that appeared to be somewhere around that size.  Before too long, we had compared the ones that caught our attention, then made a final decision on three nice sized goats.

A few more weeks later, we went back and trimmed their horns and castrated them.  They had gotten much bigger in size and were even more ornery than before.  Once we caught them, which was quite a task in itself, we took them out one by one.  I would have to pin them down while all the dirty work was taken care of.

After that, we put them back out with all the other goats and waited until it was time to pick them up.

When we picked them up a while later, those goats had grown even bigger and were even crazier.  The horseshoer ended up roping them for us so we could get them home in a timely manner.

Now that we have had these guys for about a month, they have tamed down some.  Still, they are pretty wild, but we have made some progress, I think.  As our county fair approaches, I know they still have a long ways to go, though.

At the fair, we plan to show them and our dairy goats in a few classes. Then, we will auction off the market goats on the Sunday of the fair.  If anyone is interested in buying some goat meat, that will be the time!

Goat meat is actually the number one meat in the world (just maybe not in the US) and is the healthiest red meat there is.   Has anyone ever tried goat meat?  If so, do you have a favorite recipe?  I’d love to hear your thoughts!

🎉 Bringing the Party Wherever I go 🎉

For a long time now, I have been looking out for a vehicle. I had been scouring Craigslist, while at the same time, finding ways to make and save money. I wanted just one thing and one thing only: a Ford Ranger. The only problem was that every Ranger I found in my price range was either thrashed and/or had a ton of miles.

I was beginning to get discouraged in my search for a vehicle, but I kept on working and scraping together pennies in hopes to find something I wanted and could afford.

About that time, my cousin was getting ready to leave for his military deployment. My aunt mentioned something about selling his car, so I asked her more about it.

The more information I got on the car, the better it sounded. So, even though it was going to cost me a bit more than I wanted to spend, I decided that I was going to try really hard to earn enough money to buy it.

A couple months later, I have a key in my hand and a car in my driveway! I bought myself a 2014 Ford Fiesta and I absolutely love it! Now I can bring the party wherever I go! I’m so thankful to my cousin, Eric, for selling me his car.

The only difficulty is that it does have a manual transmission… the night I got it, I may or may not have given my mom whiplash and made my brothers scream. I also, quite possibly, may have become the neighborhood entertainment when I stalled too many times to count in the middle of our street. 😳

I’ve driven it around my neighborhood a few times, but still, I have not quite figured this whole clutch thing out. I have a lot of practice to do, that’s for sure! So, does anyone have some tips on driving a manual? I’d appreciate all the tips/help I can get!