Complaint Fest

Woke up this morning to total chaos. Baby was awake at 6:30 (IT'S SATURDAY!). Kids are fighting over the remote and want cereal. I NEED COFFEE FIRST! So just need to vent. Here is my solo, I'm all alone, I feel so sorry for myself, one of a kind..Bitching list:

1. Baby keeps saying dada. Really? Dada works offshore and I'm the one who's here all the time. Say mama first! Or ball.. or hat.. or hi.. something.

2. There is pee all over this house. The toilets. The floor. The trash. My aim is to keep these bathrooms clean. Your aim would help too.

3. I have had no home phone for 4 days now. Just now put in request to Verizon and they won't be here for another 4 days. Nice.

4. I am sick of looking at pinterest because it's depressing me. I don't have the motivation, energy, or time to do all these amazing things that I want to do!

Feel free to add your complaint too. :) have a nice day. I know I will!

I can..

I can go directly into his "pretend I'm daddy" mode. Remembering to call him by his new name, John, everytime I talk to him.
I can play along while he's a puppy. Reaching down to pet him while making supper, and gently explaining that puppies do actually need baths too.
I can hold the baby while mopping the floor. Because sometimes it's too dirty to put him down first.
I can remember that one likes grape koolaid, one likes the red topped Sunny D, and one prefers just milk.
I can teach him how to pull a trailer, and let him spend an hour backing it up and down the driveway until he gets it in the perfect place.
I can attend a football game in the rain with three little ones under the age of 4 to watch the him make his touchdown. And be able to tell him exactly what happened when he's done.
I can cook, answer the phone, hold the baby, help with homework, and scold the dog for getting in the trash all at the same time.
I can kiss any boo boo and it immedately gets better.
Apparently I can't cook pancakes without burning them while typing this.
I can realize that sometimes they need seperate baths in seperate bathrooms at the same time..so I can clean the kitchen by myself.
I can realize that my tools will never be left alone in my toolbox.
I can remember to take the four wheeler keys out of the ignition because it never fails that they will be lost.
I can read certain books to them with my eyes closed.
I can try to remember that no matter how hectic life is, no matter how frustrated I'm feeling, no matter how bad I need a break.. to enjoy these moments that are happening right now to the best of my ability, because surely there will be a day that I miss them.

Shooting my "besties" family

The Boggs themselves

They have got to be the most interesting family.. ever

But these two love each other ALOT!

Some very handsome boys.

Losing weight the "Mama" Style

Been thinking about this for quite some time. Do you need to lose weight? Are you a new mom who is still holding on to those few extra pounds that should have been given to your precious newborn? I am.
Here are a few ideas that I've gathered and want to share.

1. Eat AFTER they do. Finish their plates.
2. Or eat while cooking. Tonight I am making acorn squash stuffed with sausauge and cheese. I finished off the pan of sausage after I filled the squash. I'm good for the night.
3. Forget about their snacks. Unless of course it's fruit. But if it's anything unhealthy... you don't need any of it.
4. Drink water or wine while cooking. Water of course is healthy. And as for the wine.. well it will make you feel full (and maybe fun). Skip a meal. It won't hurt you.

Fall Harvest

I love fall. To me it's when everything is preparing to rest. I myself have been busy with a lot of harvest. Some of it even got put up for the winter. Pickles are a lot of fun to make, but gosh they go fast here in the Bryan household. When Jake hears the word "pickle" he comes a runnin'. My little German...ahhh yes.

Jarrett is busy with football. He's such a little athlete. I love that boy with all my heart and I can't wait until he's playing Varsity. I love to see the drive and excitement in his eyes before the game. I love how he heard you need to eat spaghetti the night before. Wonder how he'd feel if I told him I heard it was artichokes instead...hmmm?

He's also growing three mutton goats. Thank God we caught them after his little brother left the gate open. Took us 2 weeks, but with the help of dad's roping skills and Grandpa Bubba and his horse, we got 'er done.

Brody Cash is celebrating his 3rd birthday next week. He wants a "nun nun bike". It translates to dirt bike. He gets the 'nun nun' from the sound it makes. I'm going to cherish this because one day he'll actually want a real one.

Jake is my little monster explorer. He just can't stop, and he just can't help but touch things that he's not supposed to. The only way to lure him back into the house after he sneaks out is with...a pickle of course!

What's on my mind lately? Pomegranates. Gosh I wish we had some to harvest this year. Mom and I visited the early variety taste test in Fredricksburg a couple of weeks ago. It was a taste test, but I went ahead and made it my lunch. Yum.

Haven't had much time to blog lately. Internet was broken, for a lack of a better word, for 4 weeks. I did manage to use the Internet at my mom's several times, but blogging wasn't one of the things that it is easy to do at someone else's house.

So proud to announce the launch of the Edwards Plateau Farmer's Market here in Sonora. I am serving as the President of this great little community booster. Our organization needs to be a little steamboat right now, powered by the love of gardening, and thrive to satisfy the hunger of every little tummy in our community! We have six regular farmers that have showed up every Thursday at 4pm. Sometimes the August scorch irritates us a bit, but once the customers start rolling in we remember why it's worth it. For some reason it never seems that hot when I'm out in the garden...maybe it's the water hose.

Speaking of my garden.. Black-eyed peas have finally played out but they made my time worthwhile. This was a new adventure that I'm very glad I took. Cooked with a little bacon and garlic and eaten with some homemade cornbread, black-eyed peas have become one of my favorite dishes. The zucchini did very well at first, only to be stricken with a leaf changing virus. I have stayed strong and used only my organic Garrett juice, which is a mixture of compost tea, vinegar, molasses,and seaweed. It must have worked because the broad leafed beauties are coming back for a fabulous fall harvest. Along with the peas and zucchini we have carrots, spaghetti squash, acorn squash, snap peas, green beans, and cucumbers.

My handy husband John just made me a very useful raised bed that is covered with chicken wire. We planted cabbage, cauliflower, and lettuce. Can't wait until Fall Harvest!

Niells' Visit

Last weekend we had my dad, his wife Janice, and my grandma (Namma) come to see us. We had a great time with them talking about old times and reminiscing of our childhood. My Namma is 90 years old and she can still stick her leg behind her head. She amazes me and I hope that I am that limber at her age! We also celebrated my Kaelyn's second birthday. She is getting so big and is as cute as a bug. Happy Birthday Kaelyn! The cousins had a blast playing with each other on the trampoline. Good times with good family.

Buy Local-Eat Local-Be Local

I just watched the film Food, Inc....and I'm fired up.



I am all for a change in the way we eat, and I'm starting right here in my household. I will admit that I have not been a great parent. I've let my children eat junk food and McDonalds. But why? Is it to make them happy?
Every single day 330 families leave their family farm. There are 5 million fewer farms now than there was in 1930. Factory farming has pushed the mom and pop operations out of their way. Is it a good thing that corporate farming can produce a massive amount of food for less cost? The answer is NO!! And here is why:

1. Family Farms produce fresh and nutritious food. Period.

2. We are stewards of the land. We take responsibility for what we produce. We honor the land in which we are able to produce it on. This means less impact on our environment.

3. Local Farming contributes to the local econmy. Farmers buy supplies locally and we hire local people.

Factory farms treat their animals horribly. Chickens for eggs are raised in tiny little cages can't even spread their wings. Chickens raised for meat are bred for growth and that's it. They have evolved the breasts on these chickens to be three times the size they should be. These birds sometimes can't even walk because their bodies grow so quickly their organs can't keep up.

Additives in our supermarket foods are higher than ever. Some of these additives have been linked to autism, cancer, and diabetes.

By eating local you are helping yourself, your family, your community, and the environment.

PBS is showing Food, Inc. today until midnight by live stream. If you don't do anything else, please watch this film. It might just change the way you think about food.
Together you and I can do this. I'm willing..are you?

Farmer's Market

I've had a dream to run a Farmer's Market here in Sonora for several years now. I started planting vegetables in 2005, and much to my dismay learned hard from my experiences. That first garden was growing abundantly, only to be paraded by a herd of cows. I remember that day we came home from vacation. I remember all the hard work that went into it: the tilling, rock picking, row making, planting, and of course watering. I also remember the look on my husbands' face when we looked at the tornado of corn stalks, bean vines, and tomato bushes ripped down to fibers and bleeding all of their energy out on to the soil. It was devastating.
But, in 2006 we gave it another go with a little success. In 2007 we got smart, and built a solid pipe garden (I should give credit to John for this one). We had a really nice garden, but as we worked the soil we dreamed of an even bigger one. Our dreams turned to reality in 2009 when we built a fence around 5 acres and our house. Our visitors may not like another gate..but this garden is enough to provide our family plus 20 more families with fresh vegetables and fruit. Also in that time frame we started our pomegranate orchard of just 50 trees. Now we are up to over 200 trees. We will have delicious pomegranate fruit by next year, and by 2013 we should have them growing out of our ears.
Yes, we have grown. This growth represents trial and error, but most importantly patience. Patience is something that I need to work on, and I'm starting to believe God guided me to gardening to teach me this. John has candidly reminded me of to have patience by telling me that you eat an elephant one bite at at time.
This year our crop has a lot of potential. Of course I'm already planning on upgrading for next year. A greenhouse would allow us to start our own tomatoes from seed and that way we'd have the delicious fruit by April.
We are also in the process of putting an irrigation system in place for our orchard (again gotta give credit where it's due). Right now we are hand watering them and it takes a day and a half. That is of course taking breaks to tend to my two small children that I stay home with.
Lately a lot of people have shown interest in what we are doing. I think my Farmer's Market idea may be a reality sooner than I realized. Local grown food is important because since it doesn't have to travel far, it's fresh. It also gives back to our community by supporting local business and the family farm. It's important to know where your food comes from so you can see what goes into it and I think this is something we should be teaching our kids. Most people know that a homegrown tomato blows the store-bought one out of this world in flavor. And most people know that eggs from chickens that are free range are packed with more nutrients, not to mention a lot better tasting. But, I will blog on this issue later.
For now, I will grow like I've never grown before. Next year I will grow a little more, looking forward to the day that I am taking my produce to share with the entire community.

A Letter to my daughter, Briana:

When I first found out that I was expecting you I was filled with joy and hope. I wanted a baby girl for so long, and I knew in my heart that's just what you were. Your Nana knew it too.

I was so blessed to have you growing in my tummy. The doctors told me that you were ill, but in my mind you were perfect. I loved feeling you kick before I closed my eyes. The night before you were born, I saw you in my dreams. Briana, you were so beautiful, and you looked a lot like your Aunt Jesse. I saw you walk with Jesus, hand in hand, down a narrow road. You were laughing at silly things and you loved the tall trees that surrounded you. You didn't know any sickness, and you were nothing but beautiful and happy. I will keep this memory with me always. I want you to know that there are so many people in heaven that awaited you. Your grandmother Doris, your great-great grandmother Nana, your great Aunt Cana, your cousin Eryn, your uncle Richard, and so many more. I know they are rocking and kissing you right now. They will take care of you until mama and daddy get there. I can't wait to hold you in my arms. You will always be a part of me, and I promise to never let you go. I love you! -Mama

It's amazing to me that a little girl that never even took her own breath could change my life so dramatically. God is so wonderful. I am thankful for those 18 weeks I had with her, but also for a lifetime of memories. Rest in Peace my sweet angel, Briana Jesse Bryan 3-2-10

Boys playing with their cousin, Kaelyn.

And with their other cousin, Addi.

I promise I always make him wear a helmet.

Ahhhhh.....it's spring. Finally. The peach and plum trees are blooming and I find myself staring and mesmerized by their beauty. Spring is going to mean so much more to me now that I have an angel in heaven. I see her in every flower, hummingbird and sprig of grass. I miss her terribly, but I thank God for opening my eyes to such wonder. For those that don't know, we lost Briana Jesse at 18 weeks gestation too complications. Her memory will always be a part of our lives...

Jarrett is finished with basketball. The little boys and I loved to watch him play. He was so courageous, and of course competetive.

And some pics of the boys getting down and dirty...what's new?

Photos

What a glorious Sunday afternoon. As I sit here and write this blog my family naps. I am enjoying this moment of silence and praising God for his glory. We had a great sermon at church today, reminding me that God gifts us not only in church, but in our everyday lives. God makes every place Holy! I am thanking God for my many blessings on this day.

Okay, so I've gotten carried away on taking photos. I am starting to fill up my computer so soon I will be needing to save them on a hard disc. Here are a few of my favorites. The first two were taken at the St. James Episcopal Church in Ft. McKavett, Texas. There was something about the chair in the picture I really loved. My blog will be cut short because I hear the baby crying.

I pray that this day brings your peace, love and laughter. May God's light shine upon you!

Ending 2009 with a Bang (would you expect anything else?)

2009 was truly a year to remember. It was the first year I was able to stay at home with my babies full time! We had somewhat of a rough start with Jake having salmonella and eventually transferring it to Brody. But that quickly resolved and the new year brought us hope and fun. Jarrett had a wonderful summer, spending lots of time outside and playing with his big buddy/cousin, Jaydan. Brody and Jake learned to love each other and share my attention the best they could. We had a pretty successful year in our garden, and are really looking forward to all the improvements we made for this upcoming growing season in 2010. I've learned that my true passion is being outdoors and sharing with others. Gardening allows me to do this and I can't believe I wasted any of my life not doing it! The boys and John also love it just as much as I and it's something we can do as a family. Don't forget to look at our Bryan Family Farms website! I was able to get our own domain name. I must admit how exciting it was to actually figure it all out on my own. It's the little things that get me excited these days!
So fall of '09 came and went so fast! Football took up a lot of our time, but it was worth it. Jarrett played so well and I can't even begin to tell you how proud John and I are of him. Jarrett also decided to show meat goats for 4-H. We just had our first stock show and his best goat placed 3rd in it's class. Another proud moment. We are so blessed to have my wonderful sister and her family to 'show us the ropes'. Jaydan is a natural at tending to livestock!

Now here's more big news.. in November we found out we are expecting! What a blessing! Due date is August 2nd. Jarrett is super excited, as he's hoping for another brother. (oh bother!)

Christmas was a great time that we all got to spend together. It was the first year Brody really understood what all the commotion was about, and Jake at least had a good time pulling ornaments off of the tree. Jarrett had a dream come true with a new PSP! I had my big dream come true with a new Nikon D3000. Photography is something that I really love, and I'm hoping to make it my new hobby.

Happy New Year to all of our family and friends. You are the one who makes this life so very special.

Relax Time

Well Jarrett is finally done with football. They had a great season. I am so proud of my little boy for doing so well this year. We are looking forward to him being on heavy weights next year with his big cousin, Jaydan. They play well together, and I'm sure there are many years to come. Jarrett's doing well in school too. I had a conference the other day with his teacher, Mrs. Wallace. She said he's so fun to be around, but " a bit talkative". He's been talking since he could walk. He's got so many stories and ideas, I understand exactly what she means.

Brody is growing so fast! He turned 2 in October. We celebrated with the family after church. His great-grandparents were even there to make it extra special. He recently had his checkup and he is in the 80th percentile for height, and 45th for weight. Long and lean. Brody loves his brothers, and cherishes watching "Ma" (Max and Ruby) with Jarrett..

Jacob is almost 1! I can't believe it's been a year already. He's getting so big. He loves walking around the house trying to find something to get into. Brody is his muscle when they are getting in to things. They can really tear something up in less than 3 minutes!

I really enjoy being a stay at home mom. I can't imagine having to leave them every morning. I love being able to wake up and make Jarrett breakfast before school, and lay down with the little ones in the afternoon. During the day we like to go outside and collect eggs from our hens.

Life is good and I'm loving it!!

Jarrett

Jarrett Teshaun is in 4th grade this year. Wow how time flies. It seems like just yesterday I was bringing him home from the hospital. He's grown in to a handsome and well liked young man. He recently was elected from his classmates as a Peer Mediator. He loves football and baseball...well all sports! He is patient and helps me so much with his little brothers. I thank God everyday for giving me my Jarrett!

Brody

Brody Cash will turn 2 years old on October 11. Happy Birthday! He is growing tall and still pretty thin. He's got his trademark birthmark with white hair on his head (Lightning bolt). Brody is an intense little fellow, running around the house getting into whatever he can get his hands on. He loves to play with tractors outside, chase chickens, talk to the dogs, and play with his brothers. He also loves to eat and will go get his own food out of the pantry between meals. He's quite a character from giving kisses to his family to dressing himself in his big brothers' socks and hats.

Jake

Jacob Armer is getting so big! He is 10 months old and just started walking. He loves to dance and say is "M-BA". He's also our little vaccum cleaner eating whatever he can off the floor. We call him our "mega baby" because he is stout! He is wearing the same size clothes as his 2 year old brother, but still my little baby forever!