The Darbyshire Family

2011-03-01T16:05:00.001-08:00

It is Dr. Seuss Week at school, today was hair day, and we had our very own "Cindy Lou Who".

2010-02-06T12:31:00.000-08:00

2010-02-06T08:02:00.000-08:00

K-State vs. KU

My friend Sharla invited us over to her parents house to watch the K-State vs. KU game. We had fun even though KU won. The children pictured above are Brian and Becky Rowley's, Ed and Sharla Stockwell's and our girls. They kids had a wonderful time and can't wait to go back.

2010-01-27T10:02:00.000-08:00

Just a thought....

A good friend just posted this poem on her blog. Years ago she emailed it to me, and even at that time in my life I printed it off and I kept it tucked away in my office at work . With everything going on with the economy, and the financial struggles of our local schools, I thought it might be good reminder for all us to think about what type of people we are, and is that the person you want to be?

The Choice

I watched some men tearing a

building down

A group of men in my hometown.

With a heave & a ho & a mighty yell.

And I said to the foreman,

"Are these men skilled, the type you'd

hire if you want to build?"

And he smiled, then laughed &

said "No indeed;

common labor is all I need.

For we can tear down in a day or two

what it took a builder years to do."

As I turned, I shook my head;

I knew there was truth in

what he said.

And I thought to myself as I

walked away,

Which of the roles am I

going to play?

Am I a builder as I work with care,

Measuring life by the rule & square?

Am I shaping my deeds to a

well-laid plan, carefully

doing the best I can?

Or am I a wrecker as I walk

the town, content with the

labor of tearing down?

--Unknown

2009-12-27T15:12:00.000-08:00

Sledding

Today we took full advantage of the snow. We went sledding, and had a great time.

2009-12-27T14:15:00.000-08:00

Christmas Day

Santa was really good to us this year!

Here is Regan opening her Barbie House. As she was opening it she was saying "I love Santa, I love Santa, I love Santa"

The only thing Regan asked Santa for this year was a Barbie house, which included a elevator, hot tub, fireplace and a plasma TV.

Bailey asked for new bedding with matching curtains and pillows. She was also very pleased with Santa. Now she has talked us into painting the walls to match. I think when we are done she will have one bright room.

2009-12-27T14:08:00.000-08:00

Neosho Rapids Christmas Program

Bailey and her classmates

Regan and her classmates

2009-11-17T18:32:00.000-08:00

Duet Extravaganza

Bailey was asked by her Piano teacher to preform at the Duet Extravaganza on the Emporia State Campus, on November 21, 2009 at 4:00 p.m at Beach Music Hall. Bailey will preform with many other performers of whom she has been practicing with. The picture above is Bailey and her Teacher in the music lab on Campus. She is very excited. More pictures to come!

2009-11-17T18:15:00.000-08:00

Bailey's 4-H Steer

Bailey's 4-H steer, Red Rock, has come a long way in the last few months.

We have given him a few baths and blowed him dry, lead him around the yard, and loaded him up and took him down to the farm to weigh. As of November 10, he weighed 625.

2009-11-17T17:58:00.000-08:00

Halloween 2009

Regan is Dorothy, and Bailey is Glinda the good witch.

2009-10-27T19:08:00.000-07:00

Pumpkin Patch

On Sunday Dawn, Lauren, Grant, Kevin, Bailey, Regan and I went to the "The Country Bumpkin Pumpkin Patch" It is owned and opporated by Vel Hodges. The kids had a great time running around. Here is her web site http://www.countrybumpkinpatch.com/

Regan, Lauren, Bailey, and Grant

Dawn, Vel, and Me

Grant, Dawn, and Lauren

The Darbyshire Family

2009-10-19T15:27:00.000-07:00

Fun With The Girls

After school on Monday, I got the girls nails ready for the Halloween holiday.

(I explained to them October is the only month they are able to paint their nails black.)

Aunt Janel gave us this great idea of gluing on googly eyes.

2009-10-19T14:47:00.000-07:00

The KC Pumpkin Patch

On Friday, I was able to go on a school field trip with the girls. It was a great time even though the temperature never got out of the 50's. Brrrrr.

Bailey and Regan

Regan going down the slide standing up.

Bailey

The girls and some of their classmates

2009-10-11T16:36:00.000-07:00

~ESU~

On October 3rd the girls were able to cheer with the ESU Cheerleaders during the first half of the football game. We had a great day. The only thing that could of made the day better would of been having the Hornet pull out a victory.

All the Big Cheerleaders and the Little Cheerleaders

Bailey

Bailey and Regan

Regan

Lauren, Bailey, Regan and Sarah

2009-10-11T15:24:00.000-07:00

Hartford Harvest Days

The Darbyshire Family put together a float for the Hartford Harvest Days. The theme was "Over the Rainbow". The girls always enjoy riding on the Float and throwing candy to their friends. We always put the float together the night before, which was alot of fun this year due to the wonderful help we had. We want to thank Aunt Janel, Grandma and Grandpa Darbyshire, Grandma and Grandpa Combes, Uncle Mike,Windle and Ashley.

2009-09-14T05:34:00.000-07:00

Bailey's First 4-H Project

On Sunday we went and picked up Bailey's 4-H steer. At this point his name is Herbie, this could possibly change. The poor thing is very scared and is slowly adjusting to his new home. Bailey gets up every morning before school and feeds him. Every night we go out and spend time with him so he can get accustomed to us being around.

2009-09-08T16:47:00.000-07:00

Silage Season

Silage season has been a long drawn out process this year. Due to the weather it is taking much longer than usual. The season usually starts in August with us finishing up the first of September. This year we are only about half done. We cut silage for customs from Eureka to Westphelia, with stops in Madison, Olpe, Hartford, and Burlington. The average work day starts at 7am and they run until 12am, then they do it again the next day. It makes it a very long day on everyone, husbands and wives.

2009-08-25T19:03:00.000-07:00

Just Getting Started

We spent last weekend getting ready for Bailey’s 4-H Market Steer. We cleaned out our shed and set up panels. We are very excited about Bailey’s future in 4-H. I can only hope she can enjoy it as much as I did. At this point Kevin is a little over whelmed with everything, but he is hanging in there like a champ. In the next few weeks we will be heading to Alton Malone’s to find Bailey’s future steer. Bailey will be the second generation to buy her show steers from Alton. I can’t wait.

2009-08-21T05:16:00.000-07:00

First Day of School

Bailey and Regan started school on August 20. Bailey is in the 2nd grade and Regan started all day Kindergarten. Regan woke up before the alarm clock went off, and was ready to go. I tried to talk her into going and laying down with her dad, but she was to busy for that. The girls were ready to start school and get back to seeing their friends. I on the other hand, really like summer and taking it easy on the schedules.

Regan said she could not eat breakfast, because she was just to "nervous".

Yes they matched, and Yes they did not care!

Regan was very excited about riding the bus. Bailey was excited about taking Regan with her.

Riding the bus is easy when you have your very own Aunt Kathy driving.

They get on the bus around 7:20 am

Regan and some of her friends

I met the girls at the school to take some more pictures. When Regan got off the bus she acted like she did not even know me. As everyone probably knows she is a big mommas girls so this some what surprised me. Thank goodness Bailey stopped to give her mom a hug.

Regan is in Ms. Zoglman class. Ms. Zoglman is the perfect Kindergarten teacher. She is high energy and the kids just love her. We are very excited about the things Regan will learn this year.

Bailey and some of her friends.

Bailey is in Ms. Lee class. Ms. Lee is a wonderful teacher and we can't wait to see what great things Bailey will do this year.

We are looking forward to another year of great memories. What a fun time we are having!

2009-08-03T04:56:00.000-07:00

Coffey County Fair

The girls, along with Grandma Combes' help, were able to have some entries in the Coffey County Fair. Regan got first place with her flowers, and Bailey got first place with her sugar cookies.

The favorite place for the girls were in the animals barns. Where they were able to hold and and touch, all types of animals. They had such a good time. On Thursday they were invited to spend the day with Allison and her mom, Cindy at the fair. They such a good time. Regan has fallen in love with the pigs. She informed me she would like to show all the animals when she is old enough to join 4-H. I think we will have to talk that one over.

Regan, Lauren, Bailey and Grant at the Coffey County Fair.

2009-07-29T05:04:00.000-07:00

Pool Time

Bailey diving in.

Kiernan, Regan, and Lauren

Bailey jumping off the Board.

On Sunday after church, we gathered some friends and headed to the Lebo Swiming pool.
The girls and I wish we had one of these in our back yard.

2009-07-29T05:02:00.000-07:00

Bible School

Bible school finished up on Sunday. This year Bible school lasted 7 days, which makes for a very long week. My friend Dawn was Arts and Crafts director. I was lucky enough to be able to assist her with her efforts. We all had a good time.

2009-07-29T04:57:00.000-07:00

Swimming Lessons

Last week the girls had swimming lessons at the Lebo Pool. They both did a great job. Bailey passed the jane test (you would of had to grown up at the Lebo Pool to understand that comment), so she can swim in the deep end, go off the diving board and down the big slide. Regan can float on her back and is starting to do the crawl stroke. Both girls passed their level and will be advancing next year, Regan to Level 2 and Bailey to Level 4. I can see a couple of up and coming lifeguards in our future.

2009-07-29T04:40:00.000-07:00

Look what I can do!

While spending time at Grandma and Grandpa Combes' house this summer, Bailey has learned to drive Grandpa's lawn mower, without the blades running. Regan enjoys being along for the ride.

This is also one of my fond childhood memories, Dad would let me drive the lawn mower around the farm while he worked. I remember one day while out on an expedition, I ran into a pole. Thank goodness my driving has gotten much better since then.

2009-07-19T06:58:00.000-07:00

Vacation 2009

Destination: South Dakota

Pioneer Village

Our first stop on our vacation landed us at Pioneer Village in Minden, Nebraska. Pioneer Village is a collection of more than 50,000 items. Ranging from Antique Tractors to twenty rooms of past, showing kitchens, living rooms and bedrooms of each generation since 1830. You can also find the first log cabin ever made in Nebraska along with a fire house, country school, and church to just to name a few.

2009-07-19T06:57:00.000-07:00

Ogallala Nebraska

We then spent the night in Ogallala, Nebraska. In which we came a cross Ogallala's famed Front Street, there we attended the Crystal Palace Revue. They had songs and dancing from the old west, we really had a good time.

2009-07-19T06:52:00.001-07:00

Wind Cave National Park

On our way to Custer, South Dakota, we came across the Wind Cave National Park. Were we able to walk through a small portion of the fifth longest cave in the world. Regan was worried they were going to make us enter the cave through the small hole in which our guide was standing by. Thank goodness for her they had a much larger door.

2009-07-19T06:51:00.001-07:00

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

2009-07-19T06:47:00.000-07:00

Horseback Riding

2009-07-19T06:46:00.000-07:00

Bear Country U.S.A

2009-07-19T06:43:00.001-07:00

Crazy Horse - Needles Highway - Wildlife Loop Scenic Byway

2009-07-16T05:13:00.000-07:00

Big Girls

On Wednesday after Bailey's Doctor appointment we went to Oak Park Mall. While walking through the mall we happen upon Clarie's. At that point Bailey reminded me after we are all done with her neck issues she could get her ear pierced "like all of my friends have".

So we did it!

Big Sister Bailey went first, looking very serious.

Little Sister Regan went next, looking a little worried.

We had an appointment with Bailey's (ENT) Dr. Bruegger at Children's Mercy. He stated all test came back negative, so no cat scratch fever, strep, or staph. He said more than likely it was a virus that they just did not test for. He stated it happens all the time. He said we would not need to follow up with anything at this time. He also said he would not want to go in and take out the damage glands, he said it would not be worth the risk. (A little educational point, did you know we have over 300 glands in our face alone.)

So all finally all is well with the Darbyshire Family.

2009-07-14T18:55:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July

The fireworks at the Darbyshire 4th of July Party.

The girls watching the Lebo Parade.

My great friend Dawn (Linsey) Williams and her family always put in a wonder float for the Lebo Parade, and this year they did not disappoint. I am happy to say they won 2nd place.

Way to go Linsey Family!

We had a wonderful 4th of July weekend. We started the day with having lunch at my parents with my sister, Janel and her husband, Eric, and the Williams Family, Dave, Dawn, Lauren, Grant. After lunch we set off some fireworks and had a water balloon fight. We then attended they Lebo parade, in which we loaded up on the candy. We ended the night at Kevin's parents house to watch a wonderful fireworks display.

2009-07-12T19:30:00.000-07:00

T-Ball

Regan's T-ball season ended on July 1. She did a wonderful job this year. She was able to hit the ball without a tee, get in ready position and would try to get people out.

After our serious picture, we did a funny picture. As you can see the boys were much better at funny than the girls.

2009-06-30T19:55:00.000-07:00

Children's Mercy

Here is the story. On Tuesday, June 23, after Bailey's softball game she complained about her neck hurting her. I thought she might of hurt it during the game or at basketball camp. I gave her some Tylenol and thought that would be the end of it. On Wednesday morning she got up early and told me again her neck was causing her pain. At that point we noticed her glands were swollen. We went to the Dr. and they tested for strep and gave us some antibiotics and sent us home. We were told if it got any bigger we would need to come back. Well, by Friday her neck become noticeably bigger, so we headed back to the Dr. for a 3:15 pm appointment. Thankfully, Kevin went with us. At this appointment the Dr. said she wanted to consult a ENT, (Ear, Nose, Throat Doctor). When the Dr. came back she told us the ENT wanted to see her and that we would have to go to Children's Mercy Emergency Room. We got to Children's Mercy about 6:30pm. They got us right in. Bailey went in for a CT. The Emergency room Dr. stated he thought it was staph infection, the next morning the ENT thought it was mono, then another doctor came up with Cat Scratch Fever. After four days we went home with three different prescription's, and no test results. So for the exact cause of Bailey's illness, it is still pending. However our money is on the Cat Scratch Fever.

This is Bailey in the emergency room, after she got a dose of morphine.

Bailey and her dad playing video games in her room.

2009-06-30T19:40:00.000-07:00

Emporia Spartans Basketball Camp

Bailey and Regan were able to attend Mr. Nienstedt's Basketball camp. He does a wonderful job with the the girls. However camp was cut short due to Bailey becoming sick. Little Regan did not want to go to camp without Big Sister Bailey.

Regan making a shot.......That's good for two.

Bailey making a shot on the big goal.

2009-06-21T18:36:00.000-07:00

Happy Fathers Day

We had a wonderful fathers day. We spent the day at Connie and Dennis' house along with my Mom and Dad, Mike, Tammy, Kristen, Kristen's Boyfriend Ben, Brett and Tyler. We started out with the small task of cooking 15 steaks. Which turned out great. We ventured outside where we shot off some fireworks from last year, hit the softball around a little bit. Then what started out as Regan wanting to get herself wet with a small spray bottle turned into the girls playing in the sprinkler which turned into a full fledged water-balloon fight where no one was left untouched.

2009-06-21T17:52:00.000-07:00

Wheat Harvest Is Over

This is a picture of Mike loading our Semi getting it ready to go to Cargill in Topeka.

Bailey climbed on top of the semi to watch Mike fill it.

Kevin, Regan and I stayed on the side. Regan was not very excited about getting in with the wheat. However they both tried the wheat and did not think it tasted to bad.

2009-06-21T17:41:00.000-07:00

Softball Season Continues On......

This week we will play 5 games in 4 days.

Bailey Batting

In this game she was two for three, with two singles, and a sacrifice RBI.

Bailey playing first base.

Regan in the crowd cheering her sister on, in between playing on the playground equipment.

2009-06-14T20:09:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday!

Our family got together on Sunday and celebrated Dads 82nd birthday. We ate ribs, a request of the birthday boy, and just hung out at mom and dads.

Happy Birthday Dad!

2009-06-14T20:04:00.000-07:00

Birthday Boy!

On Saturday night we attended Grant Williams Birthday Party. Grant turned 4 years old. He is the son of my great friend Dawn and her husband Dave.

We had a great time!

Happy Birthday Grant!

2009-06-14T19:52:00.000-07:00

HAIL

This is what our corn looked like on June 8, 2009

This is what our corn looks like now.

On June 9th, around noon, we received 3.5 inches of rain in 20 minutes. Along with that rain we had nickle size hail. The hail did not do any damage to our vehicles or our homes, only our crops.

I only thought planting season was over, here we go again.

2009-06-14T05:35:00.000-07:00

Obama proclaims Flag Day, National Flag Week

Today is Flag Day, and President Barack Obama says Americans should display their pride in Old Glory by flying it wherever possible. He's made the customary proclamation designating Flag Day but is also extending the observance by declaring the upcoming days as National Flag Week. The president has ordered flags displayed on all federal buildings during the week and is urging Americans to fly the Star and Stripes at their homes and other suitable places.

2009-06-10T11:25:00.000-07:00

Champions Building Champions

Bailey attended the Brandon Schneider Basketball Camp at Emporia State University on Monday and Tuesday. She had a lot of fun at the camp. She said she even made a new friend named Bo. An article about the camp was in the Emporia Gazette along with Bailey's picture.

She let me know last night that she might be in the paper and she was so excited.

(The article should read Basketball not Baseball)

Schneider pleased with kids at baseball camp emporiagazette.com

2009-06-09T04:47:00.001-07:00

Softball

Bailey ~ Scyler ~ Linsey

Bailey and Rayanna

Softball is in full swing for the Darybshire household. We have practice for Bailey's team on Mondays, Games on Tuesdays and Fridays. Regan has her games on Wednesdays, with the first one being today. However 2 of the 4 games have been cancelled due to the weather. Keep your fingers crossed the weather hold out for us tonight.

2009-05-25T19:15:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day

We attended the Memorial day service at the Lebo Cemetery on Monday. The person pictured above is my dad, Floyd Combes. He is a veteran of World War II. He joined the army before he graduated from high school. He believed he was going to be drafted and felt that it would be better to sign up on his own. He has been an active member of the Lebo American Legion for 55 years. For as many years as I can remember we have attend this service with my parents. Now I get to attend with my husband and daughters. Everyone should seek out a Memorial service such as the one in Lebo. It makes you proud to be an American, it makes me proud to be Floyd's daughter.

2009-05-23T16:01:00.000-07:00

15 Years

Kevin, Nicole, Rochelle, and Richelle

On Saturday we had Kevin's 15 year class reunion at our home. Only 4 classmates out of 10 were able to attend. Kevin had a good time talking with his friends and catching up with what they are doing now.

2009-05-23T15:41:00.000-07:00

Look out Kindergarten, Here I come!

Regan and her teacher Ms. Moorman.

On Wednesday Regan graduated from early start. They had a program, with cookies and punch. They sang some songs that they has used through out the year to learn different things such as days of the week and months of the year. They also sang the song clean up, clean up, everyone clean up. They did every good job. Regan is very much ready to go to Kindergarten, I however, am not ready to send her. I am sure on that first day next August she will take it better than I will.

2009-05-17T09:22:00.000-07:00

"I can't believe I am 5"

*****

Regan had her 5th annual hot dog roast. We had 28 friends and family come and celebrate with us. Regan had such a good time. After we were done with the presents we had cake and Grandma and Grandpa Combes' home made ice cream.

*****

Bailey, Kiernan, Jed, Regan, Rayanna, and Grant

Everyone loves cooking their own hot dogs

Poor Lauren

She was jumping on the trampoline and sprained her ankle.

2009-05-17T09:04:00.000-07:00

Bailey's Field Trip

Bailey had her 1st grade field trip on Friday. We traveled to Emporia and went to the Lyon County museum, Peter Pan Park, and the Emporia Zoo. We had a picnic in the park and played on the new equipment. It was such a nice day.

Bailey and her classmates

Bailey on the monkey bars

The Zoo Keeper and Skittles.

Here is quite the crew.

Rayanna and Kiernan are sisters who are the same ages of Bailey and Regan.

We are going to have to keep our eyes on this girls.

2009-05-17T07:44:00.000-07:00

Good Friends Together Again

Our good friend Sara was able to stop by on Thursday. She was headed to her parents house to spend the weekend with them. It was great seeing her again and finally meeting Manny. (By the way Sara, we approve.)

Sara, Dawn and me

Sara and the girls

Sara and Manny

2009-05-15T15:13:00.000-07:00

Regan's Play Day

Regan had her pre-school play day on May 13. Mrs. Moorman did such a wonderful job with it. They competed in a variety of events which included the three-legged race, and a obstacle race. Kiernan and Regan won the three-legged race! Regan thinks very highly of Ms. Kiernan.

2009-05-15T14:44:00.000-07:00

Over 92,000 words!!!

Bailey completed her "AR" (Accelerated Reading) Goal about two months ago. She has read over 80,000 words. After each book she would have to take a test on what she read. She was the First Ever First Grader to complete the goal at Neosho Rapids. As a reward she got to have her picture posted in the hallway, and attend the pirate party with others from the school who completed their goal.

Which one of them happen to be her cousin, Tyler. The Party included traveling to Emporia and going on a treasure hunt. She had a really good time. Way to go Bailey and Tyler!!!

2009-05-15T14:22:00.000-07:00

Our baby turned 5 !!!!!

On May 12 we celebrated Regan's' 5th birthday. All she would tell us she wanted for her birthday was a horse, until crunch time and reality kicked in for her. Then she decided a Nintendo DS would do. She received a DS Horse game from her big sister Bailey, which will do for now. It seemed like only yesterday she was starting to walk. Next year she will be going to Kindergarten. She is such a good, fun loving kid. Time sure does move faster than it use to. This weekend we will have family and friends over for Regan's 5th annual hot dog roast. More birthday pictures to come.

2009-05-10T07:22:00.001-07:00

Piano Recital

Bailey had her first piano recital on Sunday. Bailey played "Once there was a Princess", and "Firefly". Here is a picture with her teacher, Mrs. Anderson and some of the other students. We are very lucky to have Mrs. Anderson travel to Hartford every Wednesday to give lessons.

2009-05-10T06:36:00.000-07:00

Log Jam

Due to all the rain we have received, the area east of Hartford over the dike is flooded. Due to the flooding the water levels are up and the bridge is holding back the logs. The logs start at the bridge and go all the way around the curve. We had never seen anything like this. It was solid logs. It made you feel like you could almost walk out on it.

This picture is from the bridge looking North.

This picture was taken from the bridge looking South.

2009-05-06T17:35:00.000-07:00

E-I-E-I Oops!

Bailey had her Spring Music Program last night. They sang E-I-E-I Oops. It was really cute. They got to dress up as cowboys and cowgirls, we even sported some pigtails.

This would be a picture of Regan being patient.

2009-05-01T19:04:00.000-07:00

Our Season Is Over

The 2009 Season is over.

Great Job Girls!!!!!!

They ended the season 9-3.

(That darn Purple team beat us three times)

2009-04-28T17:57:00.001-07:00

Lebo Alumni

On Saturday night Dawn, Dave, Kevin I went over to Kyle Jones' house to visit him. We had such a good time. I had not laughed that hard in years. From left to right, Shane Post, Trent Jones, Dawn Williams, Kyle Jones, Me, and Dane Jones. Kyle came back from Arizona for Dane's Art Showing. Dane is graduating with his masters from Witchita State.

2009-04-26T07:33:00.000-07:00

The Chosen Ones

We have chosen our Beef Fest steers. Darbyshire Farms enter 2 pens of 3 cattle each. The wives choose the cattle for one pen the husbands for the other. Our pens will compete against approximately 30 other pens of cattle, but most importantly, we compete against each other. The competition started Saturday and will end in January. The cattle will be judge for how well they gained weight on grass, the overall appearance, how well they gain weight in the feed yard, then finally the quality of the meat they produce. I hate to say it but the girls have been beaten by the boys in the most resent years, but this year the girls are feeling lucky.

Spring League

2009-04-22T19:45:00.000-07:00

Bailey dribbling the ball.

TEAM MEETING

The coach has never played basketball but she is doing a great job with the girls.

Bailey shooting free throws.

Baileys is playing in the Emporia High Spring League. This is her second year playing, and we have seen great improvement. She has had a game high score of 12 points. They play two, twelve minute quarters. She has some very good girls on her team, and they do not lack hustle. We are having a good time watching her play. (Can't wait till Regan gets in their next year) GO BAILEY!!!!!!

Buring Pasture

2009-04-22T18:37:00.000-07:00

Uncle Mike starting the fire.

The boys talking it over after we were done burning for the day.

Lebo Easter Egg Hunt

2009-04-22T10:15:00.001-07:00

Grant, Bailey, Lauren and Regan after the big hunt.

Regan in action.

Easter

2009-04-22T10:09:00.001-07:00

The girls with the Easter baskets from Aunt Janel and Uncle Eric. We are soooo Spoiled!!!