West Texas Mama

 I used to send out a Christmas card with usually funny pictures of my offspring and a Christmas letter.  A couple years ago, I noticed I received only a couple Christmas cards and I noticed how expensive my little project was, and I noticed how expensive Number One Son's braces were going to be, and I decided that the card and letter tradition had probably gone the way of others. and it was time to stop.  My holiday spirit died a little that day. And, then, a miracle.  It's 2020 and I have received a record number of Christmas cards!  Actual, in the mailbox, Christmas cards!  And, several virtual cards (which I still give points for as it takes time and planning.) My holiday spirit enjoyed that little boost.   So, as it is too late to assemble the actual card and letter,  here's the resurrected virtual annual report of the Martinez Clan: Number One Son has grown to the point he looks his mama in the eye.  He sidles up to her often to see if he has passed her.  She reminds

"Steer's out!" was the call El Hubbo got last Saturday.  We were outside on our back porch, enjoying our newly cleaned up space, when our friend and neighbor down the road called. He'd just gotten two steers the night before, and we'd gone to help him unload. "They are a bit bigger than I thought they were going to be," he said.  He'd planned to get a couple steers to feed out and then have butchered.  Usually that translates into a 300 - 500 lb calf, and you feed them out to about 1000 - 1300 lbs.  When we arrived, we were greeted by two solid black, 900+ lb steers who were not too happy with their current circumstances.   Mean would be an understatement.  They were in the trailer, but they eyed us with a "We're bigger and badder than you" look in their eyes.  El Hubbo and I looked at each other a bit surprised, and then we hopped out and got to work.  The trailer was backed up, the gates were opened and out they charged!  Around the h

Little Sunshine has recently been allowed to start using some minimal makeup.  Last night, she launched a full-on attack regarding her lack of space on her bathroom counter and the need for El Hubbo and I to switch bedrooms and bathrooms with her.   Our counter argument was that as the two people who bring in fairly regular income, we have earned the right to have the largest bedroom and bathroom in the house.  I very much enjoy my large walk-in closet with the vanity counter.   She countered with the point that she would be eventually, like when she turns 15, need space for bronzer, contour kit, more brushes, and a whole list of other items I forget, and therefore would obviously need a larger space to work in. My response? "I don't even use that much make up!" Her:  "Yeah, but you are a simple woman, one who doesn't know how to use those things, so you wouldn't understand.  I am the artiste, and I have studied how to contour.  It's ok, you are at an age

Following Sunday morning church services, we normally ask the offspring what they may have learned in Bible class. This past Sunday, however, the offspring could hardly wait to recount the following story to us: "Mom!  Did you know Jesus had brothers and a sister?" Little Sunshine asked.  "Someone asked why the Bible doesn't talk about them more." Number One Son piped up and said, "Yeah, and I looked over at Little Sunshine and said, 'Maybe they were annoying and bothered Jesus.'" Little Sunshine said, "I told the class, 'He (Number One Son) speaks from experience.'" Now that I think about it, they may be on to something!

Yesterday, I bought a cupcake for today.  You read that right.  Yesterday was a rough one.  Between work, pigs, dogs, kids, husband, dad.......I was worn smooth out.  And it was a full moon.  After Bible class, we had to pick up dog food.  I looked at my watch and saw that it was 8:15 p.m.  I looked at El Hubbo and said, "We could make it to Smallcakes if you hurry." "No, we don't need any cupcakes," he unwisely replied. "We could make it to Smallcakes if you hurry," I repeated. "Yes, ma'am," he said. When we entered the store, my favorite cupcake was on display:  Wedding cake.  It is an almond-y goodness that soothes my soul and calms my nerves.  I asked the cupcake lady to put two in a box.  El Hubbo says, "But I want a Chocolately Delight."  "That's fine," I say.  "The other one is for me for tomorrow." "For tomorrow?" he says in a confused tone. "Yes, for tomorrow,&quo

Baby, it's cold outside.  And Number One Son has been sick with a brutal cold.  It was definitely time for me to whip up some comfort food.  My mama always had a favorite meal when she was sick.  One her mama made her often as she recovered from surgeries to help her overcome the lasting effects of polio.  Tomato soup and a grilled cheese sandwich were her go to meal, and I remember making it for her a time or two when she was sick.  But I cannot stand tomato soup, and I will barely tolerate a grilled cheese sandwich.  My mama knew a favorite home-cooked comfort food is necessary for proper healing, so through much trial and error she found what would satisfy me:  chicken and dumplings with a side of fried okra.  I remember vividly, on a similar cold night after I had Number One Son, she fixed me my favorite comfort food as my first meal at home.  Nothing in the world could have tasted better.  So, tonight I whipped up a batch of chicken and dumplings, and I fried some okra