Category Archives: Family

Memorial Day: Tanner O’Leary

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It is Memorial Day, a day of remembrance for those fallen serving our country.  We were lucky enough to go and visit The Battle of The Little Bighorn over the weekend with my family and spend some time learning about that battle.  I am hoping that as the kids get older we will spend our Memorial Day weekend together learning about those who have served our country and visiting areas such as this.  Please remember that as much as this weekend has formed into a celebration of a 3 day weekend, it is not about camping, fishing, playing around.  It is about those who served and are gone now and especially those who died in the line of duty.

In our families The Rancher and I both have many people who have served and lost their lives serving.  We have many men and women who are still serving today and fighting for our freedom.  Every year we remember all of our family and friends who serve and have served over the years.   This year, and every year we remember our dear friend, cousin, and brother, Tanner O’Leary.  He lost his young life in early December 2007 fighting in Afghanistan with the 82nd Airborne Division, leaving behind a huge family that loved him, and his little girl.

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Today Tanner, we remember you and your brothers and sister’s in arms who have served, and are serving.  Thank you for your sacrifice, to your family as well as friends for their sacrifice and loss.  The Rancher still talks about your crazy tales, your fun way of life, and your sense of humor, you were a brother to the Kougl family, and it is still hard to believe you are gone.  God Bless you and those who are still serving as well as their families.  We wish for a safe return home for all those who are fighting for our country.

Do you have anyone specific that you are remembering today?  I would truly enjoy hearing the stories.

Birthday Disaster

So tomorrow is the Princess’s 3rd Birthday.  Now she thinks this is the biggest thing to ever happen to her and I think she is probably right.  I had a day of birthday disasters getting prepared at the last minute for this birthday.

She asked for a rainbow cake (of which her Aunt Marie made an awesome one two weeks ago and I thought, shoot I should give that try) here is what happened with that idea.

I had the best of intentions, even calling Aunt Jewel (our cake master) to get tips on getting the cake out of the pan to decorate even the outside.

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FLOP.  Half the damn thing came out, and the other half stayed in.  Well, its a 30 minute drive to town for another cake mix….because lord knows after the fire I do not have all the supplies to build one from scratch, and we had major playing outside/house plans today, so I put it all back in and covered it with pink frosting….in the stinking pan.  Voila, Rainbow birthday cake.  I’ll write the recipe out tomorrow…don’t ask for instructions on getting a cake out of the pan because obviously I cannot do that.  I’m no Betty Crocker that’s for sure.

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Nor have I finished decorating as of writing this post….Tomorrow’s first goal, then I will take a pic for you all!   So that birthday disaster was averted.

Now for the wrapping of the gifts, last minute of course!  I had bought some wrapping paper and one big bag and thought I had it covered.  Birthday Disaster #2.   Until about 40 minutes ago when I discovered I can’t find any tape, not clear, not duct, not gorilla, no masking tape…not even glue.   I thought about using Gum but jeepers that seemed like a mess.   No scissors, only a box cutter, which would work but without tape…what’s the point.  So my little princess will open two boxes packed with her presents and lots of tissue/wrapping paper.  It will work right?!

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We even had to send a facebook message to Katy Perry asking her to come to the party tomorrow.

*Now a little disclaimer* Back in December The Rancher and I caught Katy Perry’s video/autobiography on TV, so we DVR’d it to watch it.  After Nora saw it once she was hooked.  After the fire, we had to wait to cancel the HBO channel until we had it taped again. She is in LOVE with Katy Perry, and really thinks that Katy Perry may someday come to visit her at her house.

So what is the next best thing….A Microphone and Guitar set from the one and only KATY PERRY!  Whoop Whoop!

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Now that is one lucky little lady.  I can’t wait for that surprise first thing in the morning.  Oh Birthday’s are so much fun!

What’s your favorite birthday memory??