Tara Farms

Lake Travis!

2010-09-03T16:26:00.000-07:00

We were able to fit one long weekend in for our “family vacation” this year. We spent our first ever weekend at Lake Travis. Thanks to the recommendation of a friend (thanks Sharon) we rented a house at The Hollows. We had a great time! Tori and I spent most of our time at the pool, while the rest of the crew was more adventurous with wave runners and water skiing. (Well except for Memie—her preference was reading and napping at the house :)

Carlee before....

Carlee after she said Uncle Troy tried to kill her...

Nathan being Nathan....

Nathan learning humility...

G-pa still has it!

We even had Memie's feet in the water...once

What great kids!

Our crew minus the photographer...Haley

The next family getaway will include a new addition ---
can’t wait!

The Count Down!

2010-09-03T15:53:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we went to help Tori & Colin finish preparing the nursery for Luke. G-pa put the stroller and swing together while Haley and I helped Tori wash tons of baby clothes (that boy is going to be well dressed!) and organize all of the other baby necessities. How can one small person need so much stuff?! We got the new clock hung and the cute letters to fill the frame over the bed. Colin got home in time to hang another rod in the closet. We even added a handy little gate to keep Hannah out of Luke’s room—sorry, no puppy hair allowed. The nursery is precious! The pictures really don't do it justice.

Tori & Colin have finished their childbirth classes and after a comical diapering lesson with a sock monkey—I do believe the Bryan house is ready for Luke to make his appearance.

I heard from Tori today after her doctor’s appointment—nope, no progress yet. Three weeks to go until his due date and we are all anxious.Be praying with us for a healthy little boy and a safe and smooth delivery
for the new mommy (& daddy!)

Aren't they a good looking couple?! This is going to be one cute little boy!!!!

And Now We Wait.....

2010-08-09T14:34:00.000-07:00

God has blessed us greatly!

Tori has had two beautiful showers given and attended by loving friends and family. I think she and Colin now have everything they need for little Luke…so now we wait! The preparation has been so much fun and has gone by so quickly. The shower this past weekend was the last trip Tori will make to Brenham until after Luke arrives. It was amazing to realize that the next time she comes home, she will have a baby! She is radiant as a pregnant mommy and has handled this miraculous journey with grace and true joy. She is going to be a wonderful mother. Our prayers now are for a smooth labor and delivery and a very healthy baby Luke.

"Little Boys Are A Hoot!"

The food was amazing as you can see!

Hostesses: Natalie, Aunt Paige, Aunt Haley, Debbie & Traci

Carlee, Traci, Haley & Rachel

Tami & Rhonda

Classic Haley!!!!!

Brenham Shower #2
Beautiful Mommy to Be

Hostesses: Nancy, Angela, Daphne, Jane, Sunni,
Cathy & Johanna (There in spirit--Meredith)

Too cute!

Luke's Memie, Mommy & Mia

Great Grandmother Lee

Anxiously waiting.... :)

Tori's 1st Baby Shower

2010-07-18T13:32:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was Tori's first baby shower. Colin's sweet aunt hosted the shower for Tori and her sister in law, Courtney, who is also expecting. Reality is beginning to set in---only 2 months to go and we will all meet Mr. Luke! We took a couple of pictures before we headed to the shower.

Tori is a beautiful expectant mother!

Aunt Haley & Aunt Paige

Can't wait to be Mia!!!

Tori and her Memie

More fun next weekend with another shower! We are all so very blessed!!!

His Name Will Be LUKE!

2010-07-04T12:52:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since I have posted and the days are quickly passing as we await the birth of our grandson. Several weeks ago Tori & Colin sent us a fun text message that caused a bit of a stir! Teresa, Haley, Paige & I were just finishing ladies Bible study when the text came.

As you can see--our grandson has a name. We can't wait to meet Mr. Luke Gardner Bryan!

Yesterday we spent the day with Tori & Colin helping get some things done around the house. Our favorite task was working on the nursery. It is turning out so precious! It is still a work in progress but I am posting what we have completed so far.

We found these old lockers at the Antique Show in the Spring. Colin & Tori did a great job restoring and painting these!

Great grandmother, Memie, painted this old dresser for Luke. All that is missing is the changing pad and this will become his changing table.

We still have some more old frames to add to this wall. We are also on a mission to find some old letters to spell Luke's name to fill the existing frame.

Troy and Nathan worked on a fence in the backyard for the dog and several other little projects. Poor Colin had to work, but came home and grilled some amazing steaks for the "work crew." It was a special day, made perfect because the entire family was able to share the experience together. Little Luke has an entire family that is already in love with him and anxious for his arrival!

Tori will have her first shower in a couple of weeks, Paige & Nathan will be graduating from college....many busy weekends are going to make the days pass quickly until September.

Snakes and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails....

2010-04-28T07:05:00.000-07:00

Last week we heard words never before uttered to the Glasco's...It's a BOY!

Yes...you heard me correctly---Troy and I are going to have a grandson! Now before you tell me that ultrasounds can be wrong, I will say I understand that is a possibility but based on what we saw--if this is a girl, I am concerned! Needless to say, we are all thrilled. We absolutely did some shopping following this happy news and I will say my "anti-shopping" husband was throwing things into our shopping cart as quickly as I was! He has a tree house built in his mind's eye complete with the "He Man Woman Haters Club" sign--what can I say, he is a Little Rascals Fan! His first order of business is to restore his own father's old tractor so his grandson will be able to sit on his lap and ride through the pasture. This future G-pa is floating!

God continues to bless us beyond measure and we are so very grateful! September can't come soon enough!

New Life

2010-04-17T16:59:00.000-07:00

I think spring is my favorite time of year. New life is everywhere and we are vividly reminded of our Creator and the new life we have in Him. We are so blessed to live in such a beautiful area. The wildflowers have truly been stunning this year. In addition to the wildflowers, our gardens are fabulous. The colors are breathtaking! Only a Creator could take so many different colors and provide such an amazing display. The pictures don't do it justice--so come on out the the farm and see for yourself!

Speaking of new life---we will find out on Tuesday if the new life our daughter is carrying is a boy or a girl! We are so excited at the prospect of being grandparents--we really don't care which--we are just ready for a baby! Once we know--the only danger may become shopping! :)

Full Circle

2010-03-25T05:55:00.000-07:00

It is interesting to see a season of your life come full circle. Troy & I had an experience like that last night. Wednesday is usually our "date" night. This exciting evening usually includes me cooking dinner and us watching the episode of "24" that we recorded on Monday because we don't have time until Wednesday to watch it. (This is better anyway because you can skip all of the commercials!)

Well, last night we added something exciting to the date! Last night we put together a crib for our grandbaby (yes, we know the baby isn't due until September!) This wasn't just any crib; this was the crib every one of our babies slept in. The very first time we put this crib together it was for this grandbabies mommy, our first born, Tori. We laughed so much as we did this! So many precious memories! Troy joked that the first time we assembled a crib, he had more hair and I had braces on my teeth! (True--braces weren't in the budget growing up, so I got them after we got married--I looked about 12 when I was pregnant the first time! I still think my husband is as good looking today as he was then--he really does still have most of his hair :)

We were reminded last night of how blessed we are. We have a marriage that has not only endured, but thrived for 28 years. We love each other more today than the day we married. We are one another's best friend. We have a marriage built on the foundation Jesus Christ and He alone is our strength. When this grandbaby is born and we hold that precious life (yes, we will both be sobbing!) we will share an amazing experience. We will know we have fought for our marriage, we have fought to raise godly children in an ungodly world and we will see a new heritage begin.

The greatest gift we can leave our children and grandchildren is the legacy of Jesus Christ. Oh, we can't wait to begin loving those grandbabies for the Lord! Mia & G Pa are ready to lay that sweet baby in that crib! September can't come soon enough!!!

To see the latest ultra-sound pictures, go to Aunt Paige's blog.

Exciting Changes for our In Town Location

2010-03-18T06:26:00.000-07:00

This past year with our new location in town has been wonderful! People have absolutely loved the house and have told their friends about it. As great as it has been--more exciting changes are on the way. We are booked solid at this location until mid-April and then will welcome some more permanent guests----our daughter and son in law!

We are beyond excited that our youngest daughter, Paige, and her wonderful husband, Nathan, are finishing college and moving to Brenham. They will begin working for Glasco & Company the first of May.

This is an exciting new chapter in our lives. Haley continues to live in Brenham and will be expanding her business, The Muffin Top, this summer. And the most exciting of all---we are going to be grandparents!!!! Tori & Colin will present us with our first grandchild in September! Oh--if it could only work out to have them closer to Brenham!!!! The Lord and I continue to discuss this!!!

With that being said, thank you guests for being part of our In Town B & B experience---who knows--at some point the house may once again be receiving guests--we will keep you posted. For now--we are just hoping we get to be guests for dinner one night--Paige is a great cook!

Blessings to all!

Tara Farms In Town is Ready for Guests!

2009-03-08T18:29:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Tara Farms In Town!

Our new B & B is ready for guests. For information on booking email information@tarafarmsbrenham.com.

The entrance to the cottage offers a private patio behind the quaint picket fence.

The cozy French country decor makes you feel at home the moment you walk through the door. The full size sleeper sofa can accommodate two guests.

All the living room is missing is the TV/DVD player and a wonderful rug that will arrive this week. There is a small but diverse DVD library.

The open feel of the floor plan is inviting.

The dining table can be expanded to seat six.

The full kitchen is equipped with a stove, full refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, toaster, pots and pans and everything necessary for your culinary creations!

The kitchen will be stocked upon your arrival with tasty breakfast items for you to prepare at your convenience. As a special treat you can count on finding locally roasted Independence coffee beans and Blue Bell ice cream!

Sophie's Room offers a romantic iron, queen size, four post bed with a mattress that is so comfy you will not want to get out of bed!

The front bathroom has a tub/shower combo.

Nicole's Room will truly take your breath away! This suite features a luxurious, iron, king size bed, fireplace, coffee bar, separate bath with an over sized shower. This suite can be reserved alone or added to the remainder of the house in order to accommodate six.

The coffee bar provides a mini-fridge, microwave and toaster. Continental breakfast is provided featuring locally roasted, Independence coffee.

This suite is also equipped with a washer/dryer and a shower that is so incredible you will have to see it to believe it.

Your door will open to a deck overlooking beautiful French gardens complete with a fountain. This is the perfect place to sip a cup of wonderful Independence coffee.

More photos of the gardens will be posted soon. The beautiful spring color and detailed landscape in this secret garden will be the perfect escape.

We hope you will visit soon. Contact us at information@tarafarmsbrenham.com.

The Finished Product is Coming!

2009-03-08T16:10:00.000-07:00

Check out the progress---

The Living Room-

The Kitchen-

The Dining Room-

The Front Bedroom-

The Front Bathroom-

Nicole's Room (The Back Bedroom)-

Nicole's Bath (The Back Bathroom)-

Hours and hours have been spent preparing the new B & B for spring and we are almost there! I can't wait to show you the finished product.

2008-12-21T21:17:00.001-08:00

Sorry I've been away so long.... working on the new bed and breakfast has taken up quite a bit of our time, but things are coming along well, and we are hoping to begin welcoming guests in March. We will begin painting the interior next week, and the flooring will be installed shortly after. I will post pictures as soon as I can, but no promises ;)

We are enjoying the holiday season, and are looking forward to having all of our girls home for Christmas! We all really enjoy spending time together baking Christmas treats for our friends and family. The kitchen truly is the heart of our home. One of our most treasured traditions is baking and decorating Christmas cookies... this is something we have done since the girls were very young, and we are looking forward to continuing the tradition with our grandchildren one day :)

We want to wish you all a Merry Christmas from Tara Farms.... hope to see you soon!

Cooking Up A Little Competition

2008-09-20T20:49:00.000-07:00

Haley has persuaded me to enter a recipe in a contest with the company she works for, Key Ingredient. Being the computer whiz I am, of course she had to help me get everything loaded and online. If it is any comfort, I do cook better than I use the computer!

Cinnamon Apple Cake

See Cinnamon Apple Cake on Key Ingredient.

A Work In Progress

2008-09-10T15:55:00.000-07:00

As promised, I have posted pictures of the little house in town we are transforming into a B & B. It is obviously in the early stages--no landscaping or embellishments.

The inside is pretty raw at this point. We are adding a new shower to the second bath. The end product is going to be wonderful! The tile work actually began over the weekend.

The overall look of the house will be french country and we have several special touches in store. Many unique pieces of furniture have already been purchased. It will truly be quite a transformation. You may not be convinced yet that this is the place you will insist on staying when you hit the antique stores in Brenham but you will be convinced before it is all said and done! Check back in for updates!

Me? Write a Blog?!

2008-09-02T04:40:00.000-07:00

I just want to publicly thank my daughter Haley, the up and coming pastry chef and computer savvy wonder for her help over the weekend. Who would have ever thought I would be writing a blog?! Haley saw the benefit for the B & B and encouraged me to do this and got the sight up and going. We had a wonderful time over the weekend trying out new recipes ( two of which are on the sight). The only thing missing in the weekend were her sister's Tori & Paige! Next time!!!

Banana Nut Muffins

2008-09-01T07:51:00.000-07:00

3/4 C Shortening
1 1/2 C Sugar
4 Eggs
1 1/2 tsp. Vanilla Extract
3 C Flour
1 1/2 tsp. Salt
1 1/2 tsp. Baking Soda
1 C Chopped Nuts
5 Large Bananas, Mashed

Cream first three ingredients together and add vanilla. Add remaining ingredients and pour into well greased muffin pans. (Could be baked in mini loaf pans for about 1 hr.) Bake in 350 degree oven for about 20 minutes or until wooden pick inserted comes out clean.

Orange Tea Cakes

2008-09-01T07:19:00.001-07:00

Cake:
1 cup sugar
7 Tbl. butter, softened
1 large egg
1 2/3 cups sifted cake flour
1 tsp. baking powder
½ tsp. salt
½ cup milk
1 Tbl. grated orange rind
½ tsp. almond extract
2 large eggs whites
Cooking Spray

Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
1 Tbl. plus 2 tsp. orange juice

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350F
2. To prepare cake, place sugar and butter in large bowl, and beat with a mixer at high speed until well blended. Add egg, beating well. Sift together cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Add flour mixture to sugar mixture alternately with milk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Stir in orange rind and almond extract.
3. Beat egg whites with a mixer at high speed until stiff peaks form using clean, dry beaters (do not overbeat). Fold egg whites into batter; pour batter into pop-over pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350F for 22 minutes, or until wooden picked in center comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes on a wire rack; remove from pan and cool completely.
4. To prepare glaze, combine powdered sugar and orange juice in a small bowl. Poke holes in the top of the cake using a skewer, and drizzle the glaze over cake. Yields 8 tea cakes.

Welcome To The Farm!

2008-09-01T07:18:00.001-07:00

Welcome to the Tara Farms blog! We are excited to be able to share with you the latest happenings here on the farm. Our most recent happening has taken us off of the farm and into town as we work to rennovate the next cottage for your enjoyment. Be sure to check our blog often for photos on the progress of Tara Farms In Town!
We will also be sharing a few of our favorite recipes, wildlife spottings, local events and festivals that you will not want to miss! You might even read a funny story or two about our family, friends, and life here on the farm! Hope to see you soon!