Family Rebellion

Well last week had been a very busy week with all the rock moving and rock hauling and trench digging and water line work and vehicle repairs and then to top it off we ended up the week with a family reunion. So I will share some pictures that I took while there.

It was held at the Haven, Kansas Community building and as you can see the kids had fun playing outside on the play ground equipment and they did a little posing for the camera..and falling..

We had an auction, which we do every year and sell home made items and sundries to help offset the cost of the event.  Everyone gets involved and some (my dad in the last picture) get carried away and wears some of the product on auction.  It is a lot of fun.  I purchased an old lamp, hand made wooden truck with a jump seat, chocolates for my daughters and a couple lawn/sports chairs with cup holders...

We stopped and took time to take pictures of each family and introduce everyone as it gets harder and harder as the family grows and spreads out across this great nation.  This Is Don Huston and his family.  Don is the oldest brother of the 4 Huston boys

This is Earl Huston, 2nd oldest, and his family.  Earl won the award for having the largest number of his family showing up for the reunion.  Great turn out and a beautiful family.

This is Jerry Huston, 3rd in line and his family.  He had a very good turn out.  Lots of little ones running around from this group.

This is the Bill Huston family which happens to be the one that I belong to.   In this picture also is my 91 year old Grandmother on my mothers side.  She is not a Huston but we love having her at the reunion, specially since she lives in the same town as the reunion.   My dad is the youngest of the 4 brothers.  They have a younger sister, Mary Francis who lives in California, but she wasn't here for the reunion.

above is the Jones family from Oklahoma.  I had the four brothers pose with their cousin.  Her family is very good about attending the reunion every year and we love having them.

Had a little bit of bubble blowing after all was said and done.  trust me, there was a lot more said, than done...:)

take time

take time to smell the roses
to listen instead of speak
to hold someone's hand
to sit back and be a little meek

let others pass you as you drive
be patient in the grocery store
read your bible every morning
you'll get what you need, and more

lift others up with your talk
it's what will draw them close to you
witness by how you handle bad news
you're showing what Jesus would do

take time each day to share your faith
with even the most unlikely ear
don't try to limit what God can do
he has a way to make them hear

great responsibility we have each day
to those who cross our path
sharing the good news of Jesus
to save them from Gods wrath.

Jay

bolder and boulder

If I had a muscle that wasn't sore, I wouldn't know where it was at..

Still working on the path/walkway down and around the pond.  Only this time it was lifting and place 6"X12" rock.  Of course 6X12 is what they call it, but there are many different sizes in the mix.  Here is what I did with the rock.

This is the bridge and drain for the north end of the path out by the pond.  As you can see in the 2nd picture that I have a pile of boulders still to carry to the center of the drainage ditch.  They are the source of my back and my hands hurter just a little.  Going to place them in the ditch as far as they will go until I run out.  I have another pile this same size at the south end where there is another bridge and drain..here is that end of the project.

Katie happened to get into the picture on the south end.  I decided to get the large rock and put into the drainage ditch because the water that runs into the pond comes off of the field to the north and it has a lot of silt that comes with the water.  I'm hoping that the rocks will filter out the silt and won't carry to the pond. It will also help hold the dirt in as the water runs by and aid in erosion control.  We will see how it works.  there will be more than likely some adjustments made.  I'm sure that if we get a really big rain, the pipes won't hold all the water and it will run over or around the bridge, but with the rocks there, it shouldn't wash out the path too badly.

Been working on the path for the last 3 days so this afternoon dad and I went to Ellen Floyds house and replaced her front door with a new one that she purchased.  It looked really nice. Unfortunately, I didn't take my camera.   I was upset that I didn't.  I will have to go back and install some trim to finish out the frame, but the door is up and it is functional..

All this week we have had plumbers with trenchers and backhoes here putting in a line from the new well out by our shop all the way around our house and tying into the old well piping.  This will be back up supply to the house when the old well doesn't have sufficient volume.  The job would have been done quicker if we weren't sitting on top of shell rock.  The trencher didn't have much luck.  ran constantly for 3 days straight and they are still not done.

well after all those things, Taylor came out and we went fishing.   Taylor caught a couple bass and we put them in our new pond...here they are..

Tomorrow we have our yearly Huston reunion in Haven, Kansas.   So maybe we can recover and rest up a little before getting after it again on Monday.  My brother Ron, Clea and his son Shane are flying in to Hutchinson on his jet for the event and Shane is going to stay with us for a week or so.  Someone new that I can put to work.  yay

Sayings

Rude hog or die
got a hitch in his get a long
stop and get some push a lean
I didn't hear anything wrong

fend for yourself at the dinner table
he's got a bad leg, so he doesn't walk well
stop at the "filling" station for gas
it's how some did tell

we're going to have roast n ears
drink some pop and eat tators
we use the idiot stick on the weeds
so they won't bother the maters

you are youall
and we're fixin to eat
we have to warsh the car
and pickled okra is a treat

we may have strange sayings
but it all has it's charm
just come and visit us
we're out here on the farm

jay

Miles of bumps...

Today was much cooler for the first half of the day.  thank goodness, cause we were making trips to the quarry to get rock for the path.  When the dump truck is empty, it is oh so bumpy.  You better have everything attached real good.  On top of that, it was very windy from the west and it beat against us all day.  We got lots of rock hauled and lots of rock spread.  Only one issue that I know of so far.

This is what happens when you hit something that is harder than the weld on the blade:

things break...and it has broken so many times that we had to do something else so we could get our work done.  Here is what we did:

You purchase a new one that is built a lot stronger.  So we did.  And of course we are suffering misserably when doing the work cause:

we're working in the Air conditioned cab...  When it's 105 deg. outside it does feel good to have the A/C.  Well back to hauling and spreading rock.  Here is what we used to haul the rock:

and then of course we use the blade to spread the rock evenly across the path.  Behind the blade we are pulling this contraption...:

box springs with weight on it.  It will smooth out the rock across the bath.  It also pulls debris to the top of the path so it can be picked up easily.  Well I guess easy is determined by how hard it is for you to bend over and pick up stuff.   Here is a picture of some of the rock laid out, but it hasn't been finished yet.  Rock needs to be pulled in from the sides and spread with the box springs.  The dump bed is wider than our track, so we have to pull the sides in and then spread out.

We hauled about 6 loads today and it took an hour and 15 minutes round trip from the house to the quarry.  We will be going again tomorrow to get another 5 or 6 loads.  They wanted $150 or so a load to deliver and we are getting each load for $43 buck hauling it ourselves.  I can buy a lot of fuel with the extra $107 saved on each load.

After we got through.  Katie and I walked the path 3 full rounds and picked up all the big rocks, limbs and debris that the box springs had brought to the surface and then we went to check on the rabbits and the cats..

They were all getting along just fine.  The rabbits are getting more and more tame as the kids hold them more and more...it's a different story when I hold them.  the squeal and try to jump...I don't know why, cause I'm the one that brings them food all the time...which they eat in large amounts.

We also dug a couple buckets full of potato's...which are a no no on my diet...but they are so good..

It was a long and busy day and yes, mom wants to walk at 6:15am and I think Katie is going to get up and go with us.  Well until my next entry...good night all and I hope you have a great day tomorrow.  I know I will

moving along

bouncing down the road we go
the bed is empty and light
holes in the road throw us out of our seats
we sail thru the air like a kite

wind blowing from the west
making you feel like you've been beat
about the time your get that load done
your hind end is back in the seat

Katie falling a sleep in the window
grandpa trying to keep it in the road
I'm trying to spread out the last one
before he gets back with another load

night has come upon us
thank goodness, we are done
picking up the toys and headed to the house
can't remember when I've had this much fun

Jay

A great day to be a father

Had a great day...got many "happy father's day" wishes from very special people.  you know who you are...thank you, you made my day.  My kids wished me happy fathers day also.  Love you Brittany, Jamie, Mandy and Katie..  Mandy and Katie got me some clothes..since I'm lacking in my western wear!!!  and I am kidding, but I am always wanting more...since 5 pair of boots and 50 pair of Levi's aren't enough...Katie had me model them for her and she took a picture..

thank you girls...

so slept in a little today, atleast later than the 6:15am that I have to get vertical if I want to walk the trail with my mom in the morning before breakfast...  Then we went to church and had great fathers day services.  Very good attendance today.  We even had some chirpers in attendance.  I have pictures to point them out noisy bunch too..  I think one of them was hungry..

These little guys were above the 2nd entrance to the church.  Not very many hours old and hollering for food...:)

came home from church and had ribeye, new potato's from our garden and salad along with Strawberry shortcake for desert.  very, very good.   then Katie and I went swimming for a couple hours.  Went back to church and had dinner there and a message on how Tongues are not scriptural.  It was a very good lesson.

When I got back home, mom and I went for a walk on the trail and then she went in. I went for another trip around and stopped to try and take some pictures.  I was trying to catch a shot of a lightning bug as it lights..very difficult.  Here is what I came up with.  It's amazing how much light their little rear end puts out...

all that light reflecting off of a leaf.  amazing stuff.  I stopped on the way back up to the house and took a picture of the cantaloupe plants....they are doing so good.  we will be rolling in them before to long cause this is just one of 5 plants and then the watermelon and cucumber plants are doing just as good as this one...

I forgot to mention that while I was on the trail I stopped by the pond to check on grass growth and noticed a turtle burrowing down in the mud to make a nest for offspring or just to stay cool,,,but I'm thinking she is planning on having little ones...what do you think?

well that's about it for today.  going to borrow a dump truck from a member of our church and haul some rock from the quarry to finish the path..  It will take many loads...

My dad


I remember when you were young
with hair upon your head
I remember playing catch
and when you tucked in bed

I remember every birthday
the gift brought home in the trunk
I remember all your muscles
mom said you are her hunk

but most of all I remember
the example that you've led
by taking us to church
where by Gods word we were fed

Jay

New challenges and my back hurts!!! :)

Well it was an event filled day today and it started early.  Been having problems with my contacts ever since I got the last eye exam back in Nov 2010.  So, I had an eye exam today and my daughter Mandy got her exam done also, so she could get contacts for the first time.  Any of you remember putting in and taking out contacts for the first time can relate to this struggle...:)  No fun.  Not sure she will ever wear them again...I hope so, but we will see and it will be fine either way.  I will have to chase off the guys if she wears them, so I will be ok with her wearing glasses..

I have to lift weights, do push ups and curls so I can fight off the boys now.  the picture of her above with her younger sister Katie at their older sister Brittany's wedding last month.  Big blue eyes on both of them.

Well, back to my day.  The eye doctor told me that the reason I was having problems seeing was because the previous doctor had given me undercorrected vision in my left eye so I could see up close and corrected my right eye for distance.  He said this works for some people but not all.  It didn't work for me...it made me sick.  It would have been nice if the other doctor had told me what he was doing.  Long story short, I can see very good now...I just have to wear "readers" so I can see up close when I'm wearing my contacts.  Ordered a trial set of bifocul contacts...we will see how they work...:)

We then went to Sam's and then to the grocery store and in the middle of all that we had Village inn for breakfast and Freddies steakburgers for lunch...yummy..of course, I had No bread, no fries and lots of protein..  I have lost 25 pounds since May 14th.  I'm very happy about that.  I know I haven't said much about it in these blog updates..but I have mentioned the 45 minutes of laps in the pool and I walk/jog 5 -6 miles in the morning on the walk/bike path that I built.  That along with the lower carb and higher protein diet has helped shed the pounds..

So after we got back from Wichita I had to do some chores and then I went to work on the drainage ditches again.   Got the pipes installed and the rock.

If you'll look at the 3rd picture you will see the reason my back is going to hurt in the morning...lol  It was a big one.  I am waiting on the rock to finish the path now.  some rock and dirt will go over the rock and into the cracks to set these more firmly into place.  Making progress anyway.

I took a walk around the pond this evening and the frogs were jumping and making all kinds of racket.  It is amazing how fast they find the water.  I saw a couple turtles already also.

will be up at 6am tomorrow to go for my walk. Mom will be joining for the first lap or two...then I'll finish by myself..

The blade is fixed now and we are ready for rock so that we can spread it out smooth.  I forgot to mention that I took the roto tiller and tore up the ground around the go kart track and made it into a figure 8.  Today we took the blade and sloped the corners so we can go faster without tipping over.  Of course that is the fun part..

Well, another day of fun and excitement has passed.  Looking forward to many more.

todays poem:::  Heart Time

Love is often said with haste
no actions to back it up
only when it's convenient to you
will you fill another's cup

It's when you go out of your way
 you'll find it costs you something
that's when you show true love
cause you're willing to give up everything

It's the intent of the heart that says it all
were you doing it unselfishly?
a tender heart and a giving spirit
great rewards shall come to thee.

so take some time each day to reflect
on what was important that day
where you put your money and time
is where your heart will stay!!!

Jay

Get R' Done...:)

Worked on the walkway and the terrace that I built to handle the water off of the field.  Ready to put in the pipe under the walkway and lay all the rock that I picked up on the river bank.   Had to run to Lowes to get 30 foot of 4" schedule 40 PVC.  I will cut it into 5 foot pieces.  3 will go up at the north end and 2 at the south end closest to the pond.  Would like to get that completed tomorrow, but have other things to do tomorrow.

Headed to Hutchinson tomorrow with our pastor and my dad to check out victory Village.  We are going to see if there is anything we can do to help out there cause.  I.e. drive down and lead in worship services on Sunday or  bring a singing group to lead and have them come to our church and sing.  This will take up a big part of the day, but may have a chance to work on walkway tomorrow evening.

As I told you earlier, I broke the 3 pt. blade, so while we were at lowes, we also went by another location and picked up a new collar to weld onto the blade for support and maybe it won't break again.  It should be ready to go by Friday.  Of course Friday I have an eye exam, so may not get the walk way complete until early next week.

Momma cat finally brought out all it's kittens today. which means she brought out 2.  they are so cute.  here they are

Went to bible study tonight and then went swimming when we got back and got some exercise.  While I was getting ready to go swimming, noticed that the moon was peaking thru the clouds.  It was really bright, so I had to take a picture...

amazing how the moon reflects off of the clouds.  just pretty cool

oh, forgot to mention.  The baby rabbits started eating and adapting to the human touch.  Put in some lettuce yesterday into their box and today it was almost gone.  so we put in some more.  Also mixed some cows milk with a little honey and warmed it up.  took some syringe's and removed the needles and used them to feed the baby rabbits...

Book shelves got another coat of clear finish and should be able to put into place in the house tomorrow sometime.

Well it's time for me to go to sleep.  going to get up and walk the path in the morning at 6:15 with my mom.

This is a picture we took on the New York side of the harbor looking towards New Jersey.  This picture inspired me to get back into Photography.  Beautiful picture taken at a beautiful moment.  Enjoy

It's your potential

Stop and smell the roses

take a moment to open your eyes

look around as far as you can see

Oh how the time fly's

It may be in front of your face

you haven't taken time to see

It's potential is only restricted

by what your imagination says it will be

push beyond the limits

make the most of every day

you will be surprised at want you accomplish

whether at home, at work or at play

Jay

Things are coming together!!!

Wow, what a day and where to start.  Early to rise with breakfast on the table and ready at 7:30am, so shortly after having my poached eggs it was off to work on the mile long walkway that I started yesterday, when the 3 point blade broke.   So, I used the tractor with a scoop and a rototiller  to tear up the ground and shape the path.  here are some pictures.

As you can see, I have the rock, which will go on the path after all the dirt work is done.  I will put mounds of it on the track with the front loader and then go along with the 3pt blade and shape it along the path and then roll it down.  Pretty simple, just time consuming.

After I got the path pretty well laid out , I went and built a couple french drains for the water off the field to our north to drain into the pond but not wash out our walk path.  Here are a couple pictures of that.

So the top picture is the ditch that I built to handle the water off of the field and the bottom is the ditch that will carry the water to the pond off of that same drain.   where the drain crosses the walk path I'm going to put in Rock and pipe to carry the water and not wash out the bike path or the dirt.  Which brings  us to what I did right after lunch.  Went to the river and picked up some rock for the drains..

Well, enough of the fun stuff.  I had much to go.  just going to let the ground dry up a little and then I will dig out some more of the dirt where there are high spots and make sure it all goes downhill and doesn't pull at any points in the drain work.

Katie was mowing yesterday and stirred up a baby rabbit.  Momma rabbit was no where to be found and they were trying to run under the mower, so I grabbed them and the girls put them in a box.  They are so cute.

I forgot to mention that first thing this morning, our momma cat brought her kitten out to play.  It was jumping around and chasing momma's tail and just having a ball.  I love kittens.

I also took some time to take a picture from the dam of the pond back towards the house.  Boy is this thing going to hold a lot of water.  Notice the green in the pond?  Well, my dad put $50 worth of grass seen on the pond and raked it in, but a and 1" 1/2 of rain washed it all into the pond.  We have a new plan for the grass.  here is that picture.

Then of course, the potato's decided to be ready to dig, so at some point tomorrow, I will be on the wrong end of a potato fork digging up potato's.

Well, that's all for now.  Hope everyone has a great Wednesday.

Today's Poem

Your path may lead you left
or maybe it will travel right
its best to stay close to the path
or atleast keep it in sight

always something or someone
trying to pull you off the trail
keep your eyes focussed on the goal
your course you'll never fail

weather walking or living your life
there are many choices to make
the trails are narrow where you must go
with God theres no mistake.

<3  Jay