A Busy, Fun Week

We have had a busy, fun week and it is not over yet! First, I became a soccer mom this week. Now, there was a recruitment effort about 6 years ago before Little Buckaroo was born, but I held off and have now done a feet first or soccer ball tattoo first dive right in.

Little Buckaroo is having a blast and is pretty good too (I know all moms think that). I am coaching and love these kids, they are all good kids that listen well and their main goal in life is fun, a great lesson for me.

Then, there was Fall Festival at church Wednesday night. The boys went as soldiers who marched around Jericho, I never know what Little Buckaroo is going to come up with. I do over-indulge on the imagination as he has a lot of outfits to dress up in an imagine, from soldiers to Indians to cowboys, oh, and throw in a ninja and fireman. I did have to draw the line as I was making their outfits and Little Buckaroo thought that I really needed to go as Rahab, um... I would be the talk of AWANA if I went as a harlot, so I just went as The Park Wife/AWANA leader.


Of course, there was a little school work. We made paper mache dinosaur heads. I am still cleaning the paint up.

Little Buckaroo and I were snuggling one afternoon and we flipped on the t.v. and saw the underwater exploration of the Titanic. Little Buckaroo started asking a zillion questions and is now obsessed with the boat, the dynamics of it sinking and the people aboard. So, we went to the library (I love homeschooling) and got a book. I walked into the living room and found this! A Lego Titanic.

Now, the week is not over yet, it is Civil War Weekend at the Park so we will be going to meet up with a large number of homeschoolers and have some learning fun, the South will rise again!!!

A little relaxing before the big Civil War Weekend was in order. So, Little Buckaroo in his fun, creative mind could not just get in the tub, he had to make it his very own New Orleans Spa. Le bon temps roule!

And, finally, for all of you Tonto fans out there who have been nervous that she went to the slaughter house--- she is still in the pasture here but has been adopted by a nice man who has a farm about 15 minutes from us. She is going to get to be a mommy and live out her days on green grass at a nice farm.

Have a wonderful weekend,
The Park Wife

Seek Truth, Then Vote on November 4.

"What America needs is spiritual renewal and reconciliation--- first, man with God, and then man with man." - Ronald Reagan, 1976



This is an excellent video about the sacredness of life. It's only about 4 minutes long. Take the time to cut through the rhetoric and seek truth about the character and beliefs of each of the candidates.

The Park Wife

Disclaimer: I am perfectly aware that there are supporters of both candidates that read my blog and I appreciate you stopping by, we can all have our opinions and still be friends. I am happy to debate issues with you, but please stand up for what you believe and not make an "Anonymous" comment. Thanks.
May God Bless America!

Fall Fun!

On Saturday morning, Big Buckaroo and I were talking over a cup of coffee about the bazillion things we needed to get done around the house and for our cabin/land in the mountains. So, we decided to prioritize, then looked at the list and said, "well, it is going to be a beautiful day, let's have a Fall party!"

So, we threw the task list down and started making party plans. All we needed was good food and good friends and we were ready!

From chili to kielbasa to steak and throw in some southern style beans, we had the makings of a proper fall party.

The kids all had a blast! They played and played and ate and played. Big Buckaroo even did his own version of Trunk or Treat/Mardi Gras by throwing candy out of the back of the truck for the kids.

Of course, we needed a bonfire to keep our hands warm and to cook smores on!

This is my dear friend, the Domestic Diva. She is one great lady (and I stress the word LADY). She is a kind, thoughtful, sincere, hilariously fun, Godly woman who I just love to be around.

This is the Domestic Diva's husband and youngest Domestic Diva in Training. She is blessed with a fantastic husband and they are training their girls so well, they are a pleasure to be around.

It was a great night and I think we will make this an annual event. I am so glad that the Lord has placed these wonderful people in our lives, He knows exactly what we need and has truly blessed me with these good friends.

Take the time to enjoy the season, plan a Fall party this weekend!
The Park Wife

Littlest Buckaroo

Littlest Buckaroo will turn 3 at the beginning of December and not only am I amazed at how fast the time is going by but I am just overwhelmed with what a cutie-patootie this kid is. I remember being pregnant with him and crying to Big Buckaroo one night because "I had no idea how I could love a child as much as I love Little Buckaroo." Many wise women around me told me not to worry because each of our children will be special and I would love them all. They were right!

I could eat this kid up he is so cute. His has a wonderful personality...he is funny, goofy, and smart, yet, he is extremely deep (well, as deep as a 2 1/2-year-old can be). His brother's personality is a lot like mine and he is so much like his dad. And, I love that because there is no man that walks on this Earth that I would rather him be like.

He thinks he is a big kid just like his brother (who he calls his best friend) and tries hard to keep up with him. Little Buckaroo is into hunting, so of course, he is all about it. He can tell you exactly how to pull the bow back and aim and how is going to "get dat deer". Oh, and he wears these boots everyday no matter what clothes he is wearing. Sometimes I just have to roll with it, pick my battles.

He makes us laugh often. His creativity and cleverness never ceases to amaze me. I have no idea why he thinks that his cowboy belt needs to go around his head, but I am sure he has some explanation that is perfectly sensible to him.

Here he is in his Inja outfit, no, I did not misspell that, he calls it his Inja outfit. Believe me, you don't want to get in his way while he is Inja-ing. This kid is tough!

These are his favorite overalls that he wears with his boots and a hat of course. When we are in town people always look me up and down because I think they assume he is an Amish or a Mennonite child. I guess they are offended by my Gap jeans.

This is a wonderful season in our lives and I know it will pass by too quickly. So, I am trying hard to stop and enjoy every minute. I am so thankful for the grace the Lord has shown in my life and that He has given me 3 wonderful guys to spend my life with.

The Park Wife

Homeschooler's Recess

A mud puddle has a magnetic draw for little boys.

I am thankful that our boys are able to be outside running around, exploring.

I want the Buckaroo's to live a life that in their heart they know they have what it takes to be the man God created them to be.

To seek adventure....

To be fearless...

And to know how to use a washing machine!

Have a great Day!
The Park Wife

Food Supply, Economy, and Oprah!

How can The Park Wife weave food supply, the economy, and Oprah into one blog post? Oh, never underestimate me friends.

I have a love/hate relationship with Oprah. She has some ridiculous shows on and then there are the jewels like today's show that will educate people on how their food gets to their table. Lisa Ling takes a look inside some of America's farms. I believe if you watch it, your diet may change after the show. You will be horrified to know how the meat you eat is raised and how much you are paying for these practices.

Many people think that if they don't have a farm they are destined to buy overly processed, chemical infused, highly toxic foods from Walmart. Most of the food the average American eats bears about as much resemblance to its natural state as a chicken nugget does to a barnyard hen.

Did you know that each food item in a typical U.S. meal has traveled an average of 1,500 miles? If every U.S. citizen ate just one meal a week composed of locally and organically raised meats and produce, we would reduce our country's oil consumption by over 1.1 million barrels of oil every week! That is not gallons, but barrels. Let's hear that in the next Presidential debate, now that is solution and change people!

As far as our house:
For meat, we just raised four hogs (one for our family and the other 3 for friends and family). Tonto fans, she is still here don't worry.

We customarily run about 100 meat chickens, pastured poultry a year (which we split with one other family). What that means in layman terms (for the non-chicken owners out there), we raise chickens directly on green pasture which allows the birds to receive a significant amount of pasture forage as feed. They are moved on to fresh grass twice a day in a floorless pen so they are raised in a cleaner, healthier environment. Then, after about 6 weeks, it is slaughter day. This is not my favorite day of the year, but it is worth it to have healthy, non-steroid, arsenic, and whatever else filled chickens. Yes, we do have the equipment so don't think I am sitting there plucking chickens, now that would be something to tell my high school friends.

We also have laying hens for eggs, right now we had a slaughter by a skunk and possum, leaving only 2 hens, so we will get new ones in the Spring.

I have tried real hard on my garden and can grow zucchini, squash and jalapeno peppers like crazy. I have had a hard time with tomatoes which is the one vegetable that we would like to have a surplus of. My brown thumb is turning tan, but, hey that is progress because it started out as a black thumb, not brown. The garden has also been a wonderful teaching tool for the Buckaroo's. They know the feel of soil in their hands, how to plant seeds, water and harvest. This not only teaches them that our food comes from the ground, not the grocery isle, but that it takes hard work.

You can do this for your family too! Well, maybe hogs in your backyard if you live in a neighborhood is not a good idea. But, there are things you can do!

If you don't have acreage for a garden, you can have a container garden or you can visit your local farmer's market. Not only will you score on locally produced food, most of the farmers that back their pick-up trucks to the market are more than happy to share/teach your kids about the process of how their produce started as a small seed and what went into it before it arrived their that day.

You could also participate in a CSA (community-supported agriculture) program, where, in exchange for paying a portion of a farmer's costs each season, you'll receive a portion of his harvest. This keeps your dollars local, boosting the economy of your area.

I do still have to shop at the local grocery store, but we are trying to do what we can to put healthy food on our table and not give so much of our money to the huge retailers.

This kind of life is a choice, sometimes a daily choice. It may sound like a "simple" life to many. But, I have found that living a "simple" life does not mean you are somehow inadequate or you are "poor". I feel like one of the richest women alive.

For the best local sources of grass-fed beef or organic produce, check out LocalHarvest. Another great site is Kitchen Gardeners International which helps backyard gardeners increase their food self-reliance and link up with a worldwide community of people who grow their own ingredients.

Don't settle! Get out there and put good food on your table!

Eat well,
The Park Wife

The Park Wife and the Ranger ~ Our Story

I am a blessed woman; I have an incredible husband that cherishes, adores, and loves me just the way I am. Come on by, read our love story and enjoy Just a Walk in the Park.


Chapter 1- Prepping for The Love Story- My Childhood
Chapter 2 - The College Years
Chapter 3 - After College
Chapter 4 -The Boomerang Kid
Chapter 5- Walking in Memphis
Chapter 6- The Day I Met My Park Ranger
Chapter 7 -The Ranger's Take on Meeting The Park Wife
Chapter 8 - The Park Wife and the Ranger ~ First Date
Chapter 9 - He Said~ The Ranger's Version of Our First Date
Chapter 10 - The Park Wife and The Ranger ~ Possibilities

Stay Tuned!

Littlest Buckaroo's Future

Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

I saw a translation of that scripture that said "in the way he should go (according to his bent)". This intrigues me as I have seen my good friend and mentor mom Penny discover the calling of all three of her children and did everything she could to enhance the abilities, bent, that the Lord gifted them with.

Their oldest, Daniel, was interested in horticulture at a young age. Penny taught him science, math, history, and I am sure many other subjects through this passion of his. He is a recent graduate of College of the Ozarks and his first job is the head of landscape at one of the largest hotels in Branson. He is interested in politics, we need Godly men of character like Daniel leading our country. He has my vote!

Their second child, who I have mentioned here on my blog is Susanna, she is a jewel. She is pretty much the only person who keeps my children and when she is here she is not just being a "babysitter" she is helping to teach and train the Buckaroos. She had a love for children early and Penny saw that. Not only has Penny been a wonderful example of a mother, she has continually showed Susanna what it means to be a help meet for her husband (which Susanna does not have yet) and a Godly mother who will train her children according to God's Word. Susanna has already earned her associate's degree from the community college at 19 and works at a local school. She wants to be a wife and mother, now that is an incredible calling.

Then there is their youngest, Luke. Big Buckaroo and I are always saying, "I will take a Luke any day". If our boys grow up to love the Lord and be full of life and joy as Luke is, I will be one happy mom. Luke has been working since 13 I believe for various ranchers/farmers in the area. He, like all is siblings, have a wonderful work ethic. He just turned 17, graduated early (homeschooler) and will attend the College of the Ozarks in the Spring (plus he already has many of his basics out of the way from the local community college). He did go through a period where he wanted to go to rodeo clown college (I love that!), but he is going to major in Agriculture and wants to be a rancher one day.

Every time I comment on how wonderful it is that her children are passionate about, love, and are good at what they are planning for a career in life, Penny always says "fall on your face before the Lord and ask Him what He has planned for your children". I am so blessed to have a woman who is so wise to help train me.

With a 5 1/2-year-old and even our 2 1/2 year-old, I ask God regularly to make it plain to me what the Buckaroo's bents are. Right now, Little Buckaroo wants to be President for 8 years to make enough money to go be an Indian, live in a tepee and hunt buffalo. He has been through a lot of stages in his 5 1/2 years.

And, Littlest Buckaroo just wants to be a "bucking bull muscle man cowboy" (his exact words). Lord, give me strength.

Here is Littlest Buckaroo during one of his practice sessions.

"Pull the gate mommy!"

"Ride 'em Littlest Buckaroo."

"Did I make it 8 seconds mommy?

Another day, another adventure,
The Park Wife

Mud Slinging

The Park Wife Political Informer here. Let's just say the debate wore me out, almost made me pick up a Dr. Pepper (I gave them up AGAIN) in frustration.

So, to continue educating you on the ins and outs of the politics that effect our lives, well my life in this instance, let me tell you about mudslinging.

If you don’t understand what political mudslinging is about, all you have to do is compare television ads or watch a debate. It seems that candidates should spend more time expounding on their own principles and platforms, instead of trying to convince voters that they aren’t quite as bad as the opponent. Many candidates attack not only each other’s issues, but also attack each other on a very personal level.

So, in the hopes that I will not be the target of one of my readers who does not agree with me on the Presidential election (McCain-Palin 08), I am going to retreat into my own little Park world and enjoy the mudslinging around here!

Boys + mud = tons of fun
Sling on guys!!!!!

Unfortunately for Lucky, he was not too lucky. I think he is feeling some of the candidates pain.

Please pray for the upcoming election and for all those involved.

May God Bless America,
The Park Wife

Political Education By The Park Wife

The Park Wife strives to be an informed citizen and in this heated election time, I thought I would share with you how some of the rhetoric being thrown around applies to my life while educating all 5 (up from 3) readers.

Definition for the Day:
PORK BARREL POLITICS
The term "pork barrel politics" usually refers to spending that is intended to benefit constituents of a politician in return for their political support, either in the form of campaign contributions or votes.

Here at our home on the state park, this is what pork barrel spending looks like.

Inside, you won't find anti-pork amendments, just corn.

And, here are our constituents.

Unfortunately for them, an amendment to kill four pork-barrel projects has passed. They will go to the packing house this week.

Thankfully for Tonto, earmarks continue and she is able to live for another term.

Stay tuned for more on the issues that are important around our house.
The Park Wife

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