Peace Out to the 2024 Greater Jefferson County Fair! I have never been more tired the last 2 weeks than I have in my whole life I think. Can I tell you something? I wouldn't have it any other way. Nope. Not at all. Time is a thief. |
|
|
So many times I remember being told when I said I can't wait to grow up, and the good old boys in the restaurant that I served coffee too at 5:00 a.m. every single week day... |
|
|
"Just wait, time goes by too fast." They told me that over & over again. 16 year old me couldn't wait! I couldn't wait to get out on my own, live in my own house, make my own rules. Those things are great...but the bills, the paychecks, the groceries, it all keeps piling up and there is absolutely no end in sight. I saw somewhere, "what I would give to be told when to nap & what to eat." Right?!?! Cooking dinner & going to bed at a decent hour seems eons away. But... Soon to be 39 year old (yes, a true 39 year old!) me, is doing my best to savior each passing moment. I hit the bed each night, utterly & completely exhausted trying to be everything to everyone, because anything & everything I do, I do 150%. I have slowly started to relax in what I have for the expectations for myself. That means the house is absolutely on the last list. You got clothes? Check! You got a homecooked hot meal? Check! Chores are done? Check! Is the house free of shavings? Absolutely not. The older I get, the more I realize there needs to be give & take..in all aspects of our lives. Starting now, I'm Livin' On Tulsa Time, Elly |
|
|
What I am Reading & Watching |
|
|
| | Writing this newsletter, I have listened to the first two audio books, The Housemaid & The Housemaid Watching. I have started listening to the thirdbook in the series. This is the first books I have read/listened to from Freida McFadden. I will say that she has the psychological thriller writing style down. This series is a lot...something I haven't read before or anything like it. I tend to stick to stuff I know what is going to be happening. LOL. What can I say, I like predictability. | | |
|
| | Well, I am slowly.....slowly plugging along on this series. Between the barn, puppies and what little time I have to exercise.... I manage to scrap out a single episode or two every week or so. I am currently on episode 4 into season 1. Well, let's just say I am watching. It is a rather interesting storyline but because I haven't binge-watched I am struggling to remember what I have already watched ... | | |
|
|
Watch our Social Media around the 19th when I have announced it. It's going to be filled with all my favorite things! Stay tuned! |
|
|
We have had so much rain in Iowa the last few months....thankfully. Praise the Lord! But... that also means we have had a lot of moisture in our house. THe dehumidifer that we bought over a decade ago, finally gave out & we had to buy another one. It was a large purchase for us (anything over $100 to me is a large purchase). It is a great product & we had had it running for 24 hours nonstop since we bought it in April. 10/10 recommend if you are in the market for one! | | |
|
|
Meet Maggie! Wade & I have known Maggie for almost 10 years. We were fortunate to know thru church and youth group. In the last five years, Maggie has helped watch our kids & made it an easy decision to ask her to come Intern with us this summer. |
|
|
Our family has a few trips (our county fair, Junior Simmental Nationals & Iowa State Fair), and by trips I mean we are showing livestock and having someone here who knows what we do will be a big relief. I asked her for a quick bio: I’m Maggie Rayburn. I am originally from Fairfield, and I am currently a sophomore at Iowa State majoring in Animal Science. I have always loved companion animals and grew up with them all around me, whether that is having pets of my own or pet-sitting for others. My future plans include working in animal rehabilitation or training dogs to assist people in their daily lives. We are so excited to have her here & I look forward a great summer. **Update! Maggie has fit in here seamlessly. We are so thankful we can be gone for a whole day & not worry about anything. We are currently packing for Tulsa & I am working on getting all the things done. I know Maggie will have it all covered.** |
|
|
Summer Litters Are Planned... |
|
|
Our Summer Litters are making their entrances to the world right now. Keep an eye out for what is coming! | | |
|
|
Here in Iowa, we are about to start roasting! For the next 10 days, our temps will be high 80s/low 90s with heat indexes over 100. We live in the country & our dogs are exposed to little hard roads. They are mainly on grass, dirt or a little bit of rock (we don't have much in our driveway! LOL). As we enter the heat of the summer, pay attention to the temperature & when you have your dog outside & where they will be walking. |
|
|
The Rabbit that Stole the Show |
|
|
Nothing like reading a text f rom your husband... "Carlos is gone" My reply, "HUH?" Wade's reply, "I think someone stole Carlos." Let's just say that this fair will definitely be one we all remember. Here is the link to the newspaper article that ran. The biggest thing for us, was to keep it positive because we did get him back. | | |
|
|
Sydney was 2nd in the Intermediate Division for Ultimate Showmanship |
|
|
On the final day of the fair, Sydney competed in Ultimate Showmanship. This is a competition to see who can show their animal the best, with all 4 species. This includes pigs, cattle, goats and sheep. Not only did Sydney place in the top 5 for 3 species, she aged out of the Junior Division and competed in the Intermediate Division. She blew us away. We are so proud of her, and she can show with the best of them! We are excited to see her blossoming into a young woman who has a great work ethic, is kind, loves Jesus, her family & livestock. |
|
|
When we send puppies home, we send a sample of our favorite pet shampoo from Monat. I signed up to be a Market Partner 5 years ago when they launched and believe in all their products 100% I used their haircare and skincare line. So does Sydney and Jackson. Wade still uses Melaleuca...it's about the only thing that gets piggy smells out, LOL! If you are interested in getting some or the spray, here is a link. | | |
|
|
If you are interested in adding a furry friend to your family, reach out to us! Email us at ellystrem@gmail.com Call or text at 641-919-7840 Or find us on our website or social media pages | | |
|
|
|
|