Begin Again!

It has been many moons since I have posted anything. I'm not sure I even have any followers left out there, but I will endeavor to begin again and see if I get any responses! Here is a quick overview of our year so far: We started 2014 with me, Kim, still recovering from an ear surgery I had on December 18, 2013. I'm happy to report that I am now fully recovered - although I have experienced some more hearing loss. Mike started the year worried that there might be a layoff at the coal mine, but things are looking good right now - so, no worries, mate! We knew that God was going to take care of us:) Katie and Hunter will be 12 and 10 respectively, on April 13 & April 11. Katie is as tall as I am and wearing a size 11 shoe. She just started her own crocheting business, so if any of you want to encourage and support her - go to her blog: katiesaylercrochets.blogspot.com to view some of her work. She be happy to take your order! Katie also continues to love music. She plays 9 instruments on a regular basis, and 3 others occasionally. And I'm happy to report that she's using her talents for Jesus! Hunter remains active in karate, and recently won a trophy for sparring. He's a hard worker and loves helping his daddy do just about anything. He also is learning to play the piano and trumpet. Hunter is in 4th grade this year, and Katie is in 6th. We continue to homeschool through the Vision program. We are currently enjoying springtime in the Rockies. That means that we had 2-3 inches of snow on the ground this morning and right now there is no snow, and Hunter is outside hunting birds without a coat! I've posted a few recent miscellaneous pictures. I will try to update the blog on a weekly basis. We'll see how it goes!

Winter Wonderland

 

 

 

 

Here are a few pictures taken of our home. We've had alot of snow recently and thought we'd share with you don't have any:)

Fun at Applefest

 

We had a fun time at Applefest in Cedaregde, CO. The kids both got their faces painted, and had a blast in the HOGO Balls! The best part, of course, was that we got to share it with my mom, who is visiting from NY:)

Mike's 2011 Antelope

 

Mike's 2011 Black Bear

Here are a few pics of the bear Mike shot last evening. It weighed about 400 lbs. and is close to being Boone & Crocket. Fantastic job, Mike! I'm proud of you!

Mike's 5x5 Bull - Fall 2011

OK guys, here it is - sorry for the wait. Here's the 5x5 bull elk Mike took this year with his bow. Special thanks to our good friends Wayne, Paul, and Steve Lavy who helped Mike find the bull and get him home. We're grateful for the meat in the freezer.

Waterfalls near Lake City

 

Some beautiful waterfalls we hiked/drove to on our camping trip.

Lake City Camping Trip

 

Here are a few pictures from the camping trip we took over to Lake City. We had a wonderful time!

Mike's Bear

Here is the bear that Mike shot last Fall with his bow. We just got it back from the taxidermist and hung it on the wall in the living room. The taxidermist did a great job. It measures 6'4". Come on over and have a look:)

Oh, Deer, Deer, Deer

Here are a few pictures of Mike's buck (a 500 yard shot!), Andrew's (my nephew) first ever buck, and my doe.

Mike's Bear!

Here he is ladies and gentlemen (and Wayne:) - Mike's 1st bear taken with his bow at 25 yards. I'm very proud of him, and very glad he's safe and sound!

 

 

 

 

Dale's Cow and Bear & Steve's Cow Elk

Congratulations to our hunters from NY! Dale got a cow elk and his first black bear, and Steve bagged his first (very large!) cow elk. Good job, guys!

Jamie's Bull Elk

Congratulations to Jamie on his 5x5 Bull elk - and a 60 yard, at that! It took 6 hours for the 3 guys (Mike, Jamie, and Steve)to get back to the 4-wheeler with the elk. Mike said it was the hardest pack job he has ever done. Even worse than goat hunting! It was so steep where the elk died that the guys had to tie the bull to a tree to keep it from sliding down the mountain. Truly a hunt to remember!

 

 

 

 

Katie's First Harp Lesson

 

 

Katie had her first harp lesson today which also turned into a violin lesson. Her new teacher said soon he will bring a cello for her to try. She had so much fun! And Hunter enjoyed it so much he didn't even want to play outside!

Congratulations, Wayne!

 

 

Wayne shot his cow last night - YEAH! Job well done!

Mike's Bull

Half an hour into bow season Mike shot this big-bodied 4x4 bull. He and Wayne saw a group of 5 bulls just after daylight, and Wayne cow-called this bull in for Mike. What a great way to start off the hunting season! Now, it's Wayne's turn!