About Candy

Hey ya'll! I'm Candy.  Some call me Mrs. Brady, but I can't seem to find Alice yet and I know we are missing a kid somewhere too (that does NOT mean we will be having another, just want to get that straight).  My precious husband, Randal, and I have five vibrant children.  My two youngN's plus his three chillN's adds up to a well blended family and we call them all OUR's.

Let's take it from the top, the oldest that is:

Dillon ~ Passionate about everything HUNTING.  Camo, game calls (you name it: coyote, duck, etc...he's calling it), guns and bows (let's clarify that does not mean hair bows), and live traps are what gets him out of bed in the morning.  Isn't it funny what will motivate a person?  If hunting is involved he will be the first one out of bed.  If school is involved... forgetaboutit.  He is the first to aggravate his siblings, but the first to step up in a crisis.  He will doctor boo boos and mend broken hearts.  Big brown eyes and long eyelashes. The family can't wait to give future ladies the Bonds' test. 

Kalli ~ Horses, Horses, Horses.  This gal is passionate about horses and lending a hand.  She loves to read and draw...guess what...you guessed it HORSES.  She's a boots and jeans kind of girl...with a tiny bit of bling (like myself).  Golden curls and a smile that lights up a room.  She goes above and beyond what is expected from her when it comes to household chores.  We catch her doing dishes randomly.  Her dad and I smile.  She is probably harder on herself than anyone else could ever be. Wisdom beyond her years; I have to remind myself she's still a kid sometimes. 

Jaci ~ Happy, Happy, Happy...the horse that is.  First question out of her mouth each morning: "can I ride Happy?"  She can rope with the best of them.  Constantly tying knots and throwing a ROPE.  Wranglers, a button-up shirt, and boots are what she feels best wearing and trying to get her to wear a dress... well you have to be very creative (it has happened, but it requires much thought).  She is sassy, opinionated, independent, and doesn't take any bull off of anyone.  With a beautiful smile and a hug she can melt your heart pretty quickly and make you forget just how mad you were before. 

Owen ~ Tender-hearted and loves his momma.  He is a perfectionist and wants things done just right. How It's Made, Myth Busters, and Dirty Jobs have been his favorite shows since he was probably three.  My little blondie is independent and pretty quiet most of the time.  He is always THINKING and when he asks a question...he really wants to know the answer.  He isn't just asking to hear himself.  He loves being OUTDOORS!  Loves shooting his BB gun and keeps asking when he will be big enough for a pocket knife.  He HATES talking on the phone.  Every once and a while he will freely give me a hug and kiss... I relish those moments.

Evan ~ Smiley.  He wakes up smiling.  He is all about making others laugh and lightening any situation.  I have had to turn my head or leave the room many times while I was disciplining him, because I would almost bust out in laughter.  He is ANIMATED and has talked very well since he was about fourteen months old.  He is a go with the flow kind of guy.  He loves to talk on the phone and he loves to talk...period! Sometimes he talks in his sleep.  He knows how to work ya over too... smooth operator.  He freely gives hugs and sugar.  He is no exception to our family thread, loving the outdoors.

Now for my sweet hubby, Randal.  When I met and married him in 2010, my life felt complete and I finally felt at peace.  Of course this happened after me hitting my knees and praying for the Lord's will for my life.  Randal is one of the most patient men that I know.  I could not ask for a better step-dad to my children.  He works hard for our family as a farmer and rancher.  His work is never done yet he still finds plenty of time to make us all feel special.  We work as a team and share in all the work around here.  With him I feel like I can do anything.

SO, a little about myself.  I was a high school math teacher for four years.  I stayed home with my boys for two, then went back to teach four more years.  Last school year we decided I would make a career change...I am currently a self-employed rancher/farmer alongside my husband.  Like I said before, our work is never done around here.  We ask ourselves the question "what do we HAVE to get done today" quiet a lot.  We have lots of laundry, dishes to clean, and mouths to feed (animals and munchkins).  Some of my favorite things are: my Catahoulas, working cattle with my husband, photography, decorating, blogging and cooking.  My background in education fuels a lot of my child-rearing techniques.  I always tell the kids that we expect a lot out of them so that people can stand to be around them.


We encourage our kids to:  Keep God first, work hard, and be PASSIONATE about anything they do. (we do try and lead by example ;-)