Gobble 'Till You Wobble!

It seems like just yesterday it was summer. Two blinks and here it is... Thanksgiving time! Crazy how time flies. 

Seeing as my family and Dan's family are three hours apart, we decided when we first got married that alternating holidays was the best way to have our cake and eat it too. Family is extremely important to us both so the holidays can be a bit tricky. This go around, Thanksgiving was celebrated in good ol' Illinois.

Due to our life on the farm, Dan and I drove up to Illinois Thanksgiving morning so all of the animals could be fed. The three hour drive is a breeze but a few key elements of Thanksgiving were missed.

My mom makes her famous Lima beans every year. You would think that after hearing my brother, dad, and myself complain every single year for about 20 years the Lima beans would be a goner....but no. For those that don't already know, Lima beans STINK terribly while cooking. I'm not sure if it was the simple fact that we weren't greeted with the smell of bacon and eggs on Thanksgiving morning but Lima beans instead. 

I can remember mom begging us to come downstairs and watch the Macy's Day Parade with her while she made her beans but who wanted to get any closer to the icky beans? At least while in bed our pillows could block some of the smell if the nose was buried just perfectly. When we couldn't take any more, downstairs we went to watch the Parade with mom then off to church we would go.

It just so happens that one year fire trucks and police cars greeted us as we got home from church. Those Lima beans caused the ruckus...or so we like to think. I guess the real reason why the fire alarm went off was due to the awful smell of the beans. Poor mother will never live this down!

Dad says Thanksgiving isn't Thanksgiving without the awful smell of the Lima beans, the watching of the Macy's Day Parade, and the driveway full of fire trucks and police cars!

Mom, if you are reading this.....your Lima beans are fantastic and Thanksgiving wouldn't be the same without them! I should have taken some beans home with me...Gunner would have loved them!

The newlyweds

Happy Grandparents

A trip home wouldn't be complete without Dan helping Dad with something. This time......the Pennsylvania Panzer!!

Growing up, Dad had a Pennsylvania Panzer. I believe it was just used for yard work but what a handy piece of machinery it was! For those of you that don't know my Dad, he NEEDS projects! This man just loves to fix up machinery rather it be an airplane, a big tractor, or a little tractor such as this. Either way, these projects keep him busy but most importantly...happy! 

One happy guy

Dan had it give it a go

The funniest thing was watching Dan run this tractor around the block. I am so used to seeing him on such large tractors that he looked funny on this little go cart of a tractor.

Following some major gobblin 'till we were wobblin, off to the Bluegrass State we went. Unfortunately for Dan he was put to work immediately! The entire Saturday was spent putting lights up and the tree!

Dan slacking or maybe just trying to get better reception

It has been one heck of a week. I was able to spend some much needed time with the family and knocked out a bunch on the to-do list. Now if only Christmas gifts would by themselves!

The joys of being a farmer's wife!

Dog...a man's best friend

Dan and I lost our dog, Pete, last week. I know to some, Pete was “just a dog” but I most certainly have to disagree.

I bought Pete as a wedding gift to Dan but more importantly, Pete's main job was to be Dan's farming buddy. 

Last summer was tough. One I don’t want to experience again. After Tucker, Dan's Grandpa passed, Dan was left farming by himself...until Pete. Little did I know, this dog would be a great farm dog!

Pete would go everywhere with Dan. He would make the trip to the John Deere store, the farm store, and even good ol’ Coon Dog where he would sit patiently in the back of the truck until Dan brought the scraps from lunch...if there was any.

Pete was famous for running the cows around the pasture, trying to attach himself to one of the horse’s tails and even chasing the rooster up the fence. This wild pup offered many great laughs.

Believe me, Pete had some ornery moments too!! If in the truck bed too long, Pete would leave a little surprise for Daniel. He would leave me with a yard full of holes where he would dig like crazy and little surprises I would find with my shoe. 

I won't ever forget the time Pete and I rolled uncontrollably down the hill straight into the fence (blog post). Or the numerous times I would take Pete to the barn with me at night because I felt like a 30 pound dog could save me from a bad guy.

The site of Pete riding up in the tractor or in the bed of Dan's truck will never be forgotten. The times I would look out the kitchen window and watch Dan and Pete playing around. The way that dog just sat and watched Dan's every move. Pure loyalty. It amazes me how attached you can get to a dog in just a years time.

The day I got the phone call that Pete was hit by a car, I cried more than I ever thought. I'm not sure if it was the fact that Pete was gone or that Dan's farming buddy was gone. Either way, it wasn't easy. 

In need of a companion, Dan and I looked at puppies right away. We are now proud owners of a 12 week Australian Shepherd puppy named Gunner. Gunner was nameless for three days just so Dan could give him the perfect name. I sure hope we don't have a nameless child for three days when that day comes...one day.

Although Pete could not be replaced, Dan needed to find another dog that he would grow to love as much as Pete. There is something about these 4 legged friends that just warm the heart.

I do have to admit, I am a proud momma! Gunner has been staying in the house with us (he was supposed to stay outside) and hasn't touched a thing! He sleeps good, eats good, and well, he pottys good too! I can't believe a 12 week old puppy sits by the door when he needs to go out! Gunner and Pete are complete opposites when it comes to personality. Pete would lick you to death while Gunner would rather you pick him up and hold him like a baby. Pete would run wild, Gunner likes to just lay down and chew on his toy.

At the end of the day I know exactly where to find Gunner...curled up in Dan's lap.

The joys of being a farmer's wife....with a new puppy!

Harvest Time

Well folks, harvest is complete for Bugg Farms! Dan had a great run! The beans actually turned out much better than we thought.  Thankfully, the combine was put to good use and held up great! 

Of course, Dan couldn’t get all of his beans out without my dad being a part of it! Bummed that the last trip down bean harvest was delayed due to rain, Dad took a rain check for the next go around with the combine. Its funny how excited Dad gets when it comes down to being on the farm and running equipment. Boys and their toys!

While the men harvested the beans, mom and I had a rather large agenda ourselves!

The farrier gave me the green light to turn Miss Annie out again and even ride!! I don’t know who was more excited…Annie for getting out of her stall after a month of being couped up in a dark dungeon or me being able to turn her out and in turn having less poo to clean out of her stall! Either way, this meant some major cleaning to “Annie Proof” the pasture.

After 4 ½ hours of pulling weed stubs and cleaning up the brush, we now have a pasture that is “Lexington Horse Farm” worthy and hopefully Annie proof! I told mom that while pulling the roots I believe I pulled my glute! Oh what I do for my horses!

To top this already great weekend, Dan shot a 10 point buck! He was pretty darn excited to get this big ol’ guy! I don't know if  he is more excited to have shot a nice buck or to not have to sit in the cold while waiting on a deer!

Oh, and for the record…the clogged sink was NOT from my lemon escapade! In fact, a lemon is a great way to freshen the garbage disposal. The real issue is the fact that we have a grease trap outside that has had 50 years of grease from a true Southern woman’s cooking. Thankfully, we know a good plumber who got us set up with much cleaner pipes.

Oh the joys of being a farmer’s wife!

When life gives you lemons what do you do?

With Dan in harvest mode, I am left doing odd jobs like raking leaves and putting away the patio furniture. I'm an outdoorsy kind of gal so I can tackle these jobs with ease, or so I thought. Thankfully, Granny offered to bring the Gator over Saturday to help move the iron furniture.

As Granny pulled up, out jumps Lucy, the little dachshund. I know Lucy well enough to know not to pick her up until she gets her excitement tinkle out. Just as soon as I bent down to pet Lucy, Pete comes running over. He begins marking his spot....right on my leg!! I love Pete but that was just wrong!

After a few minutes of an unpleasant warmth, Granny and I proceeded to take the patio furniture on the long journey from the house to the barn. By the time the rocking chairs were loaded up I happened to glance back as Granny headed towards the barn. I was left laughing hysterically. Lets see, rocking chairs in the back of a moving vehicle. 

Well the first thing you know ol Jed's a millionaire, 

Kinfolk said "Jed move away from there" 

Said "Californy is the place you ought to be" 

So they loaded up the truck and moved to Beverly. 

Hills, that is. Swimmin pools, movie stars. 

You gotta love those moments where you are left with a great mental picture such as Granny Clampett heading to Beverly Hills!

About 5 Gator loads of leaves later, it was time to head inside and do some cleaning. I decided now was a good time to clean the kitchen sink and I mean REALLY clean the sink. I found a very thorough way to clean the garbage disposal on Pinterest so I gave it a whirl. The homemade remedy included pouring baking soda along with vinegar down the drain and then running ice cubes and salt through the garbage disposal. In order to get the funky smell out, it recommended putting a half of a lemon in the garbage disposal. This is the part that didn't go as planned. I am now left with a VERY clogged kitchen sink! 

Plumber Dan has done his best at trying to fix the sink but it is now time to call in the professionals. I am thankful I have a very understanding husband! His only comment was," Well Ashley, what lesson did we learn from this?" I replied with, "Don't run lemons down the garbage disposal." He quickly corrected me. "The lesson to be learned from this is that Pinterest isn't always right!"

Well dang. 

So after my lemon episode, I thought I had my fair share of stupidity for the weekend. I was mistaken. I decided I would run my car through the car wash Sunday. As I put my money in the slot, I was prompted to select the cycle I wanted. Determined to get my $6 in before I choose the cycle, I kept ignoring the instructions. I pulled into the slot and waited as I was directed by the lights. I sat there and nothing happened. I ended up with a $6 tire spray. I am now left feeling wasteful and a car that is still dirty.

Do you ever feel like you fell out of the stupid tree and hit every branch on the way down? How about the gates are closed, lights are flashing, but the train isn't coming? Sometimes, we as humans have moments where we feel incredibly unintelligent. Moments where we are left thinking, where in the world has my common sense gone??? This is normal...I think.

Sometimes life gives you lemons. Sometimes the lemons clog the sink. Instead of making lemonade, you may just need to call out the plumber and keep waiting for that train.

The joys of being a farmer's wife...with a clogged sink and dirty Jeep!

The Turn Of A Century

The Birthday Girl!

Well, she did it! Granny B has officially made it to the 100th year mark! This woman is simply amazing. She has blessed many with her presence for 100 great years. Talking to her, you wouldn't believe that she was born back in 1912. It amazes me how she can remember practically everyone's names and can tell stories like they took place yesterday!

I had the pleasure of sittin with Granny B one afternoon while she told stories about life on the farm. She informed me that she was an official"farmerette". She advised me on how to be a good farmer's wife and how she would help her husband on the farm. "You give them a whirl around a time or two until the head goes in one direction and the body goes in the other." Now she isn't talking about ringing her husband's neck, this is how she described the killing of her chickens!  I wish I could be half of the "farmerette" as she was back in her prime.

 I believe the birthday girl had a great time at her party. She came back to her hometown in order to celebrate with her friends and family here. Although she would love to move back into her old house (now our house), she doesn't want me to loose a place to stay. Thank goodness she is thoughtful! Granny B. is still sassy as ever! At the nursing home, Granny B. has a motorized chair. You best be getting out of her way because if you get in the way, she will run you over...she told me so! She passed the test to get her license to drive the motorized chair but she was on her best behavior. Apparently Granny B was like this driving a car too! Her grandson, Shaun, tattled on her and her aggressive driving behaviors! Word of advice...look out for the sweet little lady in the chair...she will get ya!

The whole clan

 I couldn't find Alex or Dan for a little while so i checked in the kitchen and this is what I found!

Throwing little candies at each other is a great way to entertain themselves!

Seeing as there aren't many people lucky enough to celebrate their 100th birthday, my parents decided to come pay us a visit and celebrate with the birthday girl. Of course, it wouldn't be a normal weekend trip if they didn't get drug into helping with something.

I love the men in my life!

Dad was a great supervisor while Dan changed the oil in my car.

Nothin like a good ride on a gorgeous fall day!

I am so thankful for weekends like this! Lots of family, friends, and being outdoors.

The joys of being a "Farmerette"

Love is in the air

October had arrived quickly and never slowed down. I hate how my favorite month just seems to pass on by without taking off the shoes and staying for a while.

The beginning of October was filled with parties and fall festivals with friends while the end of October was filled with a wedding,anniversary and a BIG birthday!

One of my favorite activities, crafting, has kept me busy the past few weeks. I volunteered to make a few things for my brother's wedding but didn't realize how quickly the wedding would sneak up on me. Thankfully, I had a couple of nights when Dan was working late to finish up the projects!

In preparation for my brother's wedding, I decided that a nice summer glow would complement my bridesmaid dress well. I was determined that I would not lie in a tanning bed so a spray tan was the next best thing. Afraid of coming out like an oompa loompa, I decided that tan- in- a- can – a la – Dan was the best option! I purchased some tanning spray at good ol’ Walley World and I was definitely not let down. I was left with a streak-free glow, similar to a spray tan. The only issue I had was the possible splotchiness on my backside (complements of Dan). I would hop in the shower while Dan was left holding the future of my tan in his hands. He reassured me that he could handle it,  that it was just like painting his tractor. I am really not sure if that was as reassuring as he thought considering I was rethinking the size of my back side. I may possibly have a smiley face on my rear but my arms/back/chest was streak free!

Wedding Day!

Along with my thriftiness for a diy spray tan, I was able to find a great deal in the artificial nail department! While on my last  couponing adventure I opted to pick up a box of $5.59 french manicure set. That was the best $5.59 I have ever spent! Thank goodness I picked up the correct box seeing as I made this purchase the same day I had my eye doctor fiasco! While holding my $5.59 manicure next to my Aunt Carol’s $40.00 manicure at the wedding rehearsal, no difference could be found! Yay for being thrifty!!

Me and the Groom

As for Ryan, I am so happy that he found the woman of his dreams. They are absolutely perfect for each other. They had a beautiful wedding and a reception that left people unable to walk the next day. Actually, I don't think I was able to walk normally until about Wednesday. The band was great and I believe fun was had by all! I wish them all of the happiness in the world! There is nothin like being married to your best friend!

Me and the Hubby

Sisterly Love

Happy In-Laws

Happy Parents

Happy Grandparents

Dan and I just happened to celebrate our one year anniversary this past Monday as well! I must be pretty important...Dan left the field early just so he could take me out for a nice dinner! Hey, we even had time to take a family picture with Pete!!

Family Picture

Eating the top tier of our wedding cake

Now as October begins to come to a close, I am on my way to getting the house ready as we await the arrival of Granny B for her 100^th birthday! We are so very excited to share this special day with her!




Oh the joys of being a farmer's wife!

How Sweet It Is!

1,460 days ago I began dating the love of my life. 729 days ago I said “Yes” to the man of my dreams. 365 days ago I said “I Do” and married my best friend.

Back in high school I feared I would never find my prince charming. I was starting to think that I would end up being the unmarried “cat lady” with 40 + cats. I didn’t have much luck in the guy department. The fact that all of my free time was spent out at the barn didn't allow for much time on the dating scene and then off to college I went.

Walking around campus in a small, rural Kentucky town allowed me to see what this lovely state had to offer….lots and lots of good ol’ country boys! Now we are talkin! After a few attempts at the dating thing, I realized it was time to really focus on school, my horses, and my new friends. Of course, when you least expect it, God begins showing you his plan a little at a time.

His plan began with me tearing the ligaments in my ankle at a school function. Being the generous God he is, he placed a slow-talkin, wrangler-wearing, boot-stompin good ol’ southern boy in my life. Dan immediately jumped in to help with getting me to class and getting my horses fed. Hmm…so he can take care of me and my horse…this is lookin good! By the next week, I met Dan’s parents and grandparents and soon after became “Facebook official” (October 21, 2008).

Looking back now, Dan and I can’t believe how quickly it all happened. We jumped into this relationship a lot faster than we ever thought we would do…EVER! I believe I was even the first one to initiate the kiss which I swore I never would do. God had his plan. 

I know now why I was the only one out of my friends in high school that wasn't dating. No guy could ever hold a candle to Dan. He is a Godly man, a caring man, a hard worker, my rock, and my best friend. I now can thank God for all of those unanswered prayers. 

October 20, 2010, Dan got down on one knee and made me the happiest girl ever. One year and one day later (October 22, 2011) we stood before our family, friends, and most importantly, God, to make a promise to each other. A promise to encourage, to love, to support, and to cherish for better or for worse.

This time a year ago my belly was full of butterflies. No words could express the happiness I felt that day. I still get goose bumps just thinking about the feeling of pure excitement when I heard the songs that our moms walked in to. The moment when you really realize what is actually happening  The few precious moments with my Dad right before we made the walk down the aisle. The moment I turned the corner and saw Dan waiting at the altar. These are moments that will never be forgotten.

 8765.81 hours later, I am able to say that I thought I loved him then. As each day goes by, I realize more and more how truly blessed I am to have someone like Dan by my side at all times. I know God had Dan set aside just for me since before the day we were born. A love like this is not not like the ones out of the chick flicks...this one is better!

365 days have passed and I am happier now than I was then. I had my fairy tale wedding but the real fairy tale is waking up next to that slow-talkin, wrangler-wearin, BIG truck drivin Kentucky boy that I fell in love with four years ago.

The joys of being a farmer’s wife!