Our Trip to Nevada...

We just got back from our first trip out West. It was wonderful for more than one reason. :) When we got there, Leighton had flowers for me. I have never gotten flowers from anyone but my Dad, so it was really special. Then, we went out to dinner at Olive Garden, both of our favorite resturant! He also took me to Shepplers and bought me a hat, which I love! Then the next few days, we worked with the family. I was able to ride in all of the equipment and got a tour of the farm. Leighton and I had some great conversations. Saturday, they were cooking some TriTip at a wedding, so we were able to go to that together. It was a lot of fun. Then on Sunday, we went to church, met more people, and headed over to Leighton's Grandparents house for lunch and volleyball. We also had our Bible study on the "Courtin' Swing". It was our first bible study in person. It's a lot easier doing it in person than over the phone! Then on Monday, we did some other things around the farm and worked the cattle for most of the day. They needed to be taged and branded. It was a lot of fun to see "real" cowboys at work! (Especially since one of them is mine! :) Tuesday was our last full day together. Leighton took me to "Lone Mountain". What a beautiful veiw from up there! Then, Wednesday morning came and we headed back to the airport. I didn't think it would be as hard to leave as it was. But, it was eaisier leaving knowing that in 21 days, I shall be able to see him again! It just isn't the same without him. I feel so blessed to know such a wonderful man! As our story moves forward, (Lord willing) I will keep you all updated. :)

 So, as promised, here are the pictures from our trip.

Waiting to board our plane. :)

The flowers Leighton gave me at the airport.



Dinner at Olive Garden the first night there.

The hat Leighton bought me. I love it!



Leighton coming to pick me up in his tractor.



Kristina in the loader

 

Leighton and I in the Hay Squeeze





My Mom and Leighton's Mom, Tracy.

 

Leighton and I in the sprayer.



Triticale field



Leighton and I at a wedding



Leighton's brother, Austin, and his Mom.



Leighton's sister, Mallory, brother Wade, and Kristina.

Me and my Momma at the wedding.

Most of us eating at "The Wok"

From left to right: Dan, (Leighton's Dad), Tracy, Dad, Mom, Kristina, Grandma, Wade,
Mallory, Grandpa, Kent, me, Leighton, and Austin.

Leighton and I having our Bible study on "The Courtin' Swing" :)

Us. :)

Branding

This cow had an attitude and didn't really like anyone.

Me, Leighton, a friend of theirs and Dan, Leighton's Dad.



Loved the sign behind us! :)

Kristina took this picture of me looking at Leighton. :)

Some Exciting News!

       I was going to wait until after we returned from our trip, but I decided to write about it now. In 6 days, our family is going to go on a trip to Nevada to visit some friends for a week. One of the reasons we are going on this trip is because..... their son, Leighton, asked if I would be willing to court him! Of course I said yes! Leighton is 20 and is a Farmer/Rancher. We are both so blessed that God has brought us together. We are trusting Him, knowing that He knows best. The hardest thing about this courtship is he is 1,537 miles away! It makes it rather hard to see one another. Though we make time for phone calls and skype. :) I will post lots of pictures when we return. :) Can you tell I am a little excited? Well, if you couldn't tell, I am! I would appreciate all of your prayers. For our courtship and for the trip there and back. May God be glorified in it all!

Here is one of my favorite pictures of him. :)

Life...

So I know it's been a while since I last posted. I'm so very sorry for not keeping up on this. For the past 6 months there has been a lot going on in our family. I lost my Grandma in March, so that is one of the main reasons I wasn't able to post. We also had a litter of 7 puppies. They are now 7 weeks old, so I have more time to keep up with the blog.

My dear sweet Grandma last Christmas

 My favorite puppy, Monroe.

My older sister, Kelli, is expecting their fist baby June 27th! I am super excited! I'm not going to tell you what it is until she has it. :) Just a little something to keep you in suspense! I will post pictures as soon as it is born. :) We just had her baby shower. It was so much fun! Isn't it amazing the joy a new little life can bring into one's own life?

From left to right: Me, Momma, Kelli, and Kristina

Pictures they had of Kelli and her husband Chet.

Kristina, my younger sister, is graduating. Her party is next weekend. We are hoping and praying for good weather! Especially since it is at the lake.

One of Kristina's graduation pictures.

God has been teaching me so much lately! Have you ever received blessings that you feel so unworthy of? I should feel that way all the time because I don't deserve any blessings from God. But sometimes His goodness towards me is just unfathomable. I have failed Him so many times, yet He is forgiving and always gracious. To be chosen by such a God is truly amazing!  

Well, off to start dinner. I hope you enjoyed the blog post and I will write again soon!