the cowboy & the gypsy…

May 17, 2012

on this day 43 years ago, janie patterson & phillip sikes were wed…here’s their story i wrote back in november of 2010.

happy anniversary, mom & dad.

*******************

have i ever told ya about mom and dad?

{mom and dad...in the courtin' days...circa 1964}

let’s start at the beginning…way back when…

DaD was born and raised in southern arkansas … waaaaaay out in the country. Where the pine trees are tall, the twang is thick, and the Little River dances through the farm.

{dad in his favorite Hopalong Cassidy pearl snap}

He was the youngest of 7 boys. Yep, that’s right…SEVEN boys…(God bless my granny’s pea-pickin’ heart)

{granny and her boys...ages 7-23...circa 1952}

{the sikes boys...uncle ray, the oldest was serving in the Army at the Korean War in this shot}

Papa was the county judge and Granny was a nurse…Papa never missed his daily game of dominoes down at the store (there was, and still is, only one store that served as the post office, general store, market, hardware store, gas station, and local domino hall).

Granny was famous for her homemade cinnamon rolls and good ole down-home cookin. At every meal, she would serve enough plates to “feed the boys and the ‘stranger at the door’.” There was no indoor plumbing, no air conditioning, and no video games…just wide open spaces, and ponds and creeks and cows and everything else a little boy needs to let his imagination run free.

It’s the place we love to be more than anywhere…it’s where we learned to put peanuts in our glass coke bottles. Where we ate orange push-up pops and where we were taught to be good stewards to the land.

{me and amie at our farm...cliffside by the LiTTLE RiVER...and yes, i'm sportin the super-stylin' leg warmers}

 Where we learned how to shoot a gun…

ride a 4-wheeler, and appreciate all of nature.

It’s about family. Love. Good times. Being free. Loving life.

Mom grew up like a texas gypsy…moving from town to town.

{little janie on a carney mule ride...circa 1951}

 Mom, her older sister, and older brother were raised by a hard-workin’ single mom (that always held multiple jobs at one time).

Bargain shopping and thriftstores were a way of life and she developed a serious passion (borderline obsession) for the thrill of the hunt, bargain stores and recycling old into new. She had a wild spirit and a beautiful way of bending the rules.

She would spend her summers in Arkansas…and play with a cowboy about her age named Phillip…..

{janie and phillip (ages 6 & 7) on the Little RiVER at the farm...with her big brother and sister}

PhiLLip & JaNiE sittin’ in a tree….

By the time they both headed to their respective colleges in different states, they had spent many summer days together….baling hay, cane-pole fishing, riding horses, having fried-chicken picnics, and cruising in Mom’s brother’s convertible.  Life was sweet and good.

 

 
 
  Janie headed for the big city of DaLLAS while PhiLLIP finished up a degree in business and realized he only had eyes for his Texas sweetheart. He packed up his cowboy duds and made like a cow patty…headin to the city like a renegade outlaw on the run, swept her off her feet, and the rest is history…  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

{mom and dad...circa 1969...the year they wed}

 

 they wed, became business partners, raised 2 daughters (whom, i would like to add, have never given mom a stress-filled, sleepless, night…ever)…and now find themselves on a series of crazy adventures as their story continues….

off into the sunset they ride with their 2 daughters, 2 grandkids, a son-in-law, a dog named birdie bluebell buffay, a truckload of junk, and no hopes for retirement anytime soon….and we think, they couldn’t be happier.

Long LiVe the LoVE story of the COwBoy and the GyPSY!!!

XOXO!!!

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122 Comments

  • Reply amy~ the gypsy chick November 12, 2010 at 12:34 pm

    i just love this post about your parents! what a great love story…

    xoxox
    amy

    • Reply Terry May 21, 2012 at 10:23 am

      What a great story. Love the show!!!!

  • Reply dondi November 12, 2010 at 12:37 pm

    thanks for sharing-great story!

  • Reply Tracy November 12, 2010 at 12:42 pm

    Great story … thanks for sharing 🙂

  • Reply Jessie November 12, 2010 at 12:52 pm

    This is the sweetest little love story I have ever heard! And I LOVE y’alls blog!! And all of your merchandise =) It’s so nice to know that there are other ‘threadbare gypsy souls’ running wild out there!

    • Reply Jolie November 12, 2010 at 1:00 pm

      thank you! thank you sooooo much!!!! i’m sooo glad y’all like the love story! i’ve had this written foreverrrrrrr and finally decided to ‘let it free’!!! the world must know … the EPiC LoVE SToRY!!! XOXOXOXO to all y’all!!!!!

  • Reply Alleykat November 12, 2010 at 1:01 pm

    The gypsy fairytale…..love it!

  • Reply Whitney November 12, 2010 at 1:04 pm

    I just love this~!

  • Reply Matthew November 12, 2010 at 1:10 pm

    Yeah, so this is a nice little intro, but now I’m ready for the novel, the movie, and the tv series-inspired-by-the-movie. Get on it! 😉

    Good stuff y’all.

  • Reply Crazy Legs November 12, 2010 at 1:35 pm

    Best one yet.

  • Reply archie November 12, 2010 at 1:37 pm

    OOOOO!!!! Love love LOVE this more than ANYTHING!!!!!! Beautiful!!!!!!!!! Love me some Janie And PHilliP!!!!!!! THis is amazing!!!

  • Reply Theresa-Garden Antqs Vintage November 12, 2010 at 2:31 pm

    Such a sweet post!! What a great story.

  • Reply Mitzi November 12, 2010 at 2:33 pm

    Please tell me where your Daddy grew up in Arkansas. I am sitting here in South Central, close to Hot Springs, and am just dying of couriosity! 🙂

  • Reply Kathie Truitt November 12, 2010 at 2:35 pm

    Wonderful. So glad you posted this!

  • Reply Rebecca Lynn November 12, 2010 at 2:37 pm

    I Luv ur beautiful story! Make my heart happy to see such a beautiful family. Thx for sharing! 🙂

  • Reply Melba Murphy November 12, 2010 at 2:40 pm

    This is such a sweet story of love and country living….simple folks. I just LOVE it!!! A true testament to true love. Look forward to seeing y’all soon……btw, the pictures are awesome!

    love y’all, Melba

  • Reply Jennifer Kay November 12, 2010 at 2:46 pm

    What a sweet story. My parents wed the same year! Glad to see another 41 year love story.

  • Reply Debbie November 12, 2010 at 3:06 pm

    AAAAAAaaaaaaaawwwwww…. I LUVED this!!!!!!!! Gives me hope that there actually is TRUE LOVE out there!!!!

  • Reply Dawn November 12, 2010 at 3:13 pm

    I can’t believe they knew each other as kids! I want to see more pictures…what a romance, so sweet and soooo good lookin! love, love D

  • Reply Jana November 12, 2010 at 3:17 pm

    Love it! What a great story. And the pictures are so priceless. I remember those good ol ‘ days. Life was so simple and fun. Thanks for sharing.

  • Reply Cindy November 12, 2010 at 3:21 pm

    Love, Love, Love this story! It’s like something you read in a good chick-lit book! Just wanted to say i too have a daughter named Jolie!
    She loves when I look at your website and she can see her name on it….she thought she was the only one. keep up the awesome stories.

  • Reply Candy November 12, 2010 at 3:21 pm

    I fell in love with your story, long before I even knew it all! Your friend from Cowboy U-Texas.

  • Reply LibbyLou November 12, 2010 at 3:22 pm

    This is an amazing story! Would make a great book/movie! Your parents and family are an inspiration! Thanks for sharing.

  • Reply Carla Geewhen November 12, 2010 at 3:22 pm

    That is such a sweet, romance story. You got the beginnins’ of a romance novel! Mebbe ya’ll should publish this story?!?! This gives me hope there is true love out there for the takin! I love the pictures. I know where ya’ll get yer good looks from. Love ya! Mean it! Be p’ticklar!

  • Reply Michelle November 12, 2010 at 4:03 pm

    I loved your story….Honestly brought a tear to my eye. I adore a good love story. Not to worry I cry at every wedding. You have such an amazing story and such a sweet family. Keep the great stories coming…it give us corporate folks something to dream about…………..oh to live like a Gypsy.

  • Reply Bertie November 12, 2010 at 4:34 pm

    LOVED, LOVED, LOVED IT!!!!!!

  • Reply Lynda November 12, 2010 at 4:48 pm

    Awww, now that is a fairytale love…….. actually, one I wish I would’ve had! Love the story and love the love that your family shares! 😉

  • Reply Bella's Mom November 12, 2010 at 4:49 pm

    Love it, I agree with everyone this is a movie waiting to be made.

  • Reply Jan November 12, 2010 at 4:56 pm

    Faith, Hope and Love….And the Greatest of These is Love! Describes this love story of the Cowboy and the Gypsy. Thanks for sharing your blessing. I can so relate. 🙂

  • Reply Sonya Tucker November 12, 2010 at 5:06 pm

    I know this story!! An actually now there is a post office in Alleene! By the way our kids love, love the tepee u guys built at the cabin. We will not let them touch for fear of them tearing it down! Love the way u told the story, an love the pics. We still go to some of those same places.

  • Reply Jessica November 12, 2010 at 5:15 pm

    This is so cute! I loved reading it!! Thanks for sharing it.

  • Reply Elaine November 12, 2010 at 5:17 pm

    Loved the story and I looooove all of your “junk”!!!

  • Reply Scarlett Fiona Reed November 12, 2010 at 6:06 pm

    Too flippin’ cute! I’m glad you finally got it out of your head and out there for us to read and be inspired by. Love it, and reposting!

  • Reply Mindy November 12, 2010 at 6:16 pm

    What a sweet story, with pictures and everything! I love love! ~Mindy

  • Reply vintagesusie November 12, 2010 at 6:55 pm

    Oh Miss Jolie…
    This was the most wonderful love story ever, your Mama & Daddy looking so fine. The Gypsy & the Cowboy, the perfect ying & yang for a fabulous junkified life with beautiful baby girls & grandbaby’s to make it all the more perfect. And I want to sit on the edge of the Little River, skippin rocks, thinkin back to Granny & Papa & their 7 handsome sons. I adored the nostalgia of this sweet story & now i know why when we met you were sweet as sweet tea!
    Big Hugs,
    Cali vintagesusie

  • Reply Lynn Thomason November 12, 2010 at 7:00 pm

    Love to hear stories like this! Warms the heart. I am a gypsy girl myself!!

  • Reply LIsa November 12, 2010 at 7:25 pm

    Great story, thanks for sharing

  • Reply Krishna November 12, 2010 at 7:59 pm

    love love love this story….so many true love journeys are long gone and this story signifies that real love is true and does stand the test of time. Hope my husband and I have many many more years ahead of us just like your cowboy and gypsy. Thank you for sharing!

  • Reply fern Anderson November 12, 2010 at 8:38 pm

    I tell the young kids: Hold out for your dream guy or gal and the rest to go with it. This is inspiring for them too! It happens yet today!

  • Reply Mary Langum November 12, 2010 at 9:01 pm

    It warms my hear to read this beautiful love story. Thanks for sharing it!

  • Reply April Coker November 12, 2010 at 9:35 pm

    Reminded me of my own parents and their story, and tempts me to write theirs. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful love story. . .our kids need to see that two people can really make that commitment to stay together forever!

  • Reply Nicole Sanders November 12, 2010 at 10:21 pm

    I love the story but so admire the photography! What wonderful memories on film. They tell such a fantastic story w/o any words necessary. The photos of your dad and his family are so awesome. I just want to hug that cowboy picture w/ your dad in his snap shirt and that great fence in the background. The boys all lined up – just great, the shot of your mom on the horse – too cool for words, the boat – just fantastic. I could go on and on. Way to put it all together. Way to cherish their story, their love and some awesome photos. Keep snappin’ and keep the family memories alive. -NS

  • Reply Courtney Smith November 12, 2010 at 10:44 pm

    Yes!! Love It Too, First thing I thought was the makings of a great Tee, and those great dated photos!!!
    “cowboy & the gypsy” I would luv to wear that!!

  • Reply Selena November 13, 2010 at 12:30 am

    Now that is a nice simple down to the facts story bout some folks who know how to live. 🙂 I love stories like that. Life bein lived for family and as you ride towards the sunset you know it’s just gonna get prettier. And you love that the family you built is enjoyin it too!

  • Reply CARLO BETTI RICCI November 13, 2010 at 3:11 am

    Bella…bellissima… beautiful story of family love… you hope that this light goes out of family not never….
    excuse my English….

  • Reply Lori November 13, 2010 at 6:52 am

    How perfect is this! If we could all be so lucky. Handsome cowboy, wild spirited princess and a white donkey too. Life in the country- no better way to grow up. I feel sorry for those city kids and all they miss. What a beautiful family you all have. xoxo Lori

  • Reply debbie york November 13, 2010 at 7:14 am

    Y’alls whole life reads like a fairy tale and this proves it.
    Once upon a time God had a plan and getting to read about it makes me happy. I love it when a plan comes togethere and I really love a happy ending!
    Debbie
    P.S. Janie’s smile hasn’t changed a smidge…maybe just bigger!
    P.P.S. And they lived happily ever after.

  • Reply Suzanne November 13, 2010 at 9:06 am

    Love this fabulous story. My husband and I married in 1969. You have inspired me to write our story for generations to come. You are blessed with a beautiful family and hope you all have many happy years together.

  • Reply Amy November 13, 2010 at 10:07 am

    Joles—This is precious. It makes me tear up and smile from ear to ear all at the same time. I love the story and the pictures–priceless. Tell your mom and dad HOWDY for me. Thanks for sharing. Love, -A

  • Reply Whitney November 13, 2010 at 11:32 am

    I love it, so sweet and romantic. Sometimes there really are happy endings! Reminds me of a little love story I know…..except it’s about a gypsy and a punk rocker!

  • Reply Shannon November 13, 2010 at 3:58 pm

    This is wonderful! Thank you so much for sharing their story.

  • Reply tim November 13, 2010 at 5:27 pm

    Great story Amie, I had no idea Janie and Phillip had known each other so long. I was at their wedding in 1969 and we caught a whole truckload (literally) of fish out of that river. I miss you all so much. Love Tim

  • Reply Angela Mikesk Conlan November 13, 2010 at 5:45 pm

    Love the story and better yet love your family!!!
    Also love the fact that ya’ll are so close like our family…it is so special……Life is too short not to be any other way!!
    Hope to see you all soon.
    Hugs n kisses….Angela

  • Reply Cheryl Warren Cooley November 13, 2010 at 7:37 pm

    Jolie – reading your sweet family story reminded me of the plaque that reads….”All because two people fell in love……” Maybe you need to create one that reads “All because the Cowboy and the Gypsy fell in love….” or “Definition of a Prairy Tale: When the Cowboy and the Gypsy fall in love.” Or some such derivative……Agree with what others have said, no wonder you girls are so pretty – your parents are such a handsome couple. WOW.

  • Reply Beth R Copeland November 13, 2010 at 8:20 pm

    I absolutely want a story like that. Thank you for sharing!

  • Reply Beverly November 13, 2010 at 9:50 pm

    Wow… so cool… absolutely love it!

  • Reply frstyfrolk November 14, 2010 at 7:23 am

    Many thanks for sharing your fun’ loving story with us Jolie!
    Your parents show the reason all of this Gypsy Family make it work so well sharing your love and passions with their daughters.

    You are so lucky to have grown up with the lots o’ land pleasures.
    Mama tried and your Pop tried and IT WORKED!
    Smiles, Cyndi

  • Reply Rhonda Roo November 14, 2010 at 11:42 am

    Sweetness like tea from the South. 🙂 Peeps call my tall lanky man & me the Cowboy & hippie chick. When we met, he drove me to his piece o country paradise and before i knew it he moved way out cheer (that’s how you say “out here”); thus began my Green Acres story with the 60s twist…I would trade it for NOTHING. I hope our love story continues just as did your parents’. Also you and Amie rock. I adore you both! XOXOXO The ROOster

  • Reply Ruby Pierce November 14, 2010 at 12:12 pm

    It’s the little things that make life grand- such as homemade cinnamon rolls and peanuts in your bottle of Coke. This story reminds me of all the stories my Grandma Jewel told me about love conquers all and the simple pleasures of country living. A time when Mamas had seven sons and no running water and found a way to feed a stranger that was hungry. This is a beautiful love story of happily ever after. Thank you for sharing. xoxo

  • Reply Jennifer November 14, 2010 at 2:53 pm

    Sweet Story!! Now if Miranda would turn it into a song it would be complete!!

    • Reply Jolie November 14, 2010 at 3:01 pm

      oh my goodness gracious!!! thank everyone sooo much for your many sweet words! i had no IDEA this lil story would touch soooo many souls out there in cyber-land! we hold the farm and all of it’s stories so near and dear to our hearts and i’m so honored that y’all feel the love! THANK you sooooo much for letting me know you’re listenin’….and that you believe in happy endings…as do we! 🙂 long live the love story! XOXOXOX!

  • Reply Debbie Sue Edwards November 14, 2010 at 8:35 pm

    I feel so fortunate to have been a very small “character” in the story of this unique family. Janie and I have been BFF’s for 50 years, this year, so……needless-to-say…..we have shared tons of fun and memories together. I am looking forward to many more years of
    good times with these wonderful friends! (that is if they will stop moving further and further away ) 🙂 Love y’all, Deb

  • Reply Suzanne November 15, 2010 at 8:25 am

    Girls- You have an amazing family- as you already know! Thanks for gracing our Barn on Saturday….to see all of you so close gives others the desire to connect more with their families. Your parents are amazing and a shining example of what God wanted marriage to be- I’m glad they have grandkids to show their never ending love to now as well! Long live the Junk Gypsy family!!!
    love yall!!!!

  • Reply wes November 15, 2010 at 8:49 am

    yourn story brought back many fond memories of my own childhood.thanks for sharing.just an old texan.

  • Reply Raji Roberts November 15, 2010 at 10:59 am

    It’s nice to know that the real american dream is still alive….
    Thanks for taking the time to share and more so thank you for my baby girl that amie blessed me with 3 years ago. I named her Gypsy and she is my world…..

  • Reply Nita Battise November 15, 2010 at 12:12 pm

    Ohhhhh, you made me do the “ugly cry”! It’s all good.. what a beautiful story! I have always felt like a part of your family now I am very blessed to say you are truly a part of mine! (you do have Indian blood in you, right?) Love Always to MY family….

  • Reply Jamie Hankins November 15, 2010 at 4:12 pm

    I just wanted to say that your momma and daddy are 2 very special people and all of you are greatly missed. You guys are in some of my fondest memories! No one would ever believe the hard work that was put into what you have today. Loading that trailer ……..wew! Your mom and dad have always been so supportive and great. Truely 2 remarkable people!! Love and miss ya’ll greatly! XXOOXXOO

  • Reply Sylvia November 15, 2010 at 4:20 pm

    Absolutely Romantic!!! Thanks for sharing a part of yalls life! God Bless Yall!!!

  • Reply Susan November 16, 2010 at 7:54 am

    Thanks for sharing such a sweet, romantic story. And, I love the photos. Beautiful family.

  • Reply Shae November 17, 2010 at 10:22 am

    What a great story. I too was raised with thrift stores/recycling old into new. Still love the thrill of good junk (I would never call it an obsession 😉 Thanks so much for sharing!

  • Reply Valerie Sexton November 20, 2010 at 12:03 pm

    Great life. I’m originally from South Louisiana and we put peanuts in our coke bottles also. Your the first I know of that can relate. Ha! Love it. People don’t know what they are missing.

  • Reply Deborah Knight Trosper November 21, 2010 at 9:38 pm

    BeAutiFul STorY….luV tHe wAY u wRiTE…..LoVE IT !!!

  • Reply Joan Tanksley December 10, 2010 at 9:38 pm

    Great story & the pics are priceless! A simpler way of life.

  • Reply Teresa Schultz January 20, 2011 at 11:49 am

    June Simms—–My mom survived Non Hodgkins Lymphoma cancer!

  • Reply Tamara Brown January 28, 2011 at 10:03 am

    Tamara Brown= 15 year survivor of Ewing Sarcoma
    Minnie Brown (my grandmother)= Still fighting it as hard as she can

  • Reply Tamara Brown January 28, 2011 at 10:46 am

    I absolutely love this I was diagnosed terminal at 16 I am now 31 and Cancer free 🙂 I have added my name and a few other family members
    Betty Ray(my aunt)= Still fighting
    Buster Brown(my grandfather)= still fighting prostate cancer

  • Reply Erin November 20, 2011 at 3:09 pm

    It’s always such a blessing to hear the stories of family lineage and love. Thanks for sharing with us! Those are some great pictures, too!

  • Reply Julia Perry January 7, 2012 at 10:46 pm

    Damn good story. Just what I needed to read tonight-Thank you. Thank all of you- Happy New Year! Hope y’all have it ALL!

  • Reply Michelle May 17, 2012 at 10:33 am

    What an inspiration ! Loved the story!

  • Reply Leah May 17, 2012 at 10:55 am

    what a beautiful legacy they have given you both…
    God, family – the rest can wait!

  • Reply Nicole May 17, 2012 at 10:56 am

    True love! What a great story. Happy anniversary to your folks. 🙂

  • Reply Wahoo Sue and The Crew May 17, 2012 at 11:01 am

    A true love story and an inspiration to all!! We just love you guys–thanks for sharing. The progress on the store is looking good and we can’t wait for it to open! Keep up the good work!!

  • Reply Lisa C May 17, 2012 at 11:07 am

    Thanks for sharing this wonderful story! Congrats and happy anniversary to the cowboy and the gypsy!

  • Reply William Lumley May 17, 2012 at 11:07 am

    I tougher than a old army boot and this brought a tear to my eye. Happy Anniverary to you both.

  • Reply YaYa May 17, 2012 at 11:08 am

    I’m a south Arkansas girl(gal as my grampa used to say) LOVE LOVE LOVE this story………reminds me of home and a quiet, simple time in my life ahhhhhh

  • Reply Yaya May 17, 2012 at 11:10 am

    I tear up everytime I read this blog post about your parents, big ole tears…Love their love story.

  • Reply Jolaine May 17, 2012 at 11:11 am

    Love it!!!

  • Reply Mica May 17, 2012 at 11:15 am

    Love your story I remember ya’ll and your parents on the summer visits ya’ll would come down

  • Reply Deirdre May 17, 2012 at 11:24 am

    Just made my day! Love it!! Thank you! xo

  • Reply JJan May 17, 2012 at 11:26 am

    Beautiful

  • Reply CARLO BETTI RICCI May 17, 2012 at 11:28 am

    COMPLIMENTI ….UNA FAMIGLIA….. BELLISSIMA………..

  • Reply Charlin Ryall May 17, 2012 at 12:12 pm

    Ain’t Love Grand…Happy Anniversary all the way from Maine

  • Reply Stephanie Pritchard Vaught May 17, 2012 at 12:46 pm

    Thanks for sharing their story. Love it! Happy Anniversary ! I still remember them most from AJ’s in Overton and Henderson!

  • Reply Sandy Ballinger May 17, 2012 at 12:46 pm

    Fantastic story. Congrats on the anniversity.

  • Reply ck May 17, 2012 at 3:22 pm

    cutest story i’ve ever read!

  • Reply Melis May 17, 2012 at 5:14 pm

    What a GREAT LOVE STORY…..sigh….. You’re such a beautiful writer too!!! Thank you for warming my heart today XO

  • Reply Emily(the Georgia peach JG) May 18, 2012 at 6:48 am

    Here’s to love that lasts for decades and keeps on growing! I love nothing more than a down-home love story 🙂

  • Reply Kim May 18, 2012 at 11:24 am

    What a wonderful post about a beautiful family! Hugs! xo

  • Reply Linda Roderick May 18, 2012 at 11:52 am

    Their story is sooo sweet! They are truly lucky, there are just not that many love stories that last today, they have been blessed.

  • Reply Tammy Sims May 19, 2012 at 7:08 pm

    Great story. Love even more you got a little bit of south AR linage running thru those veins! Makes it even sweeter! Little River’s not far from me!

  • Reply Weekend Cowgirl May 21, 2012 at 4:50 pm

    There is nothing better than a beautiful story told with all the vintage photos…

  • Reply April May 25, 2012 at 12:11 am

    Goodness gracious no wonder y’all have a reality show!
    I can’t believe you were able to tie that down
    In one post! The vintage pics are so dear– I’m dying over the one of
    Your parents at 6/7– crazy good! Thanks for giving us
    A peek into the Sikes family history! xoxo

  • Reply Amanda Stanush May 25, 2012 at 1:21 pm

    Beautiful story – all of you are truly blessed. Love the show!!!

  • Reply Sheri Wands May 27, 2012 at 10:16 am

    Loved Pic’s and Story. Brings back memories or all our families..

  • Reply Heather Schoenst Kaspar June 4, 2012 at 1:46 pm

    I LOVE this. Kyle & I just hit our 4 yr wedding anniversary & 10 yrs since we started dating & we just reflected on how blessed we are. Momma & Daddy Sikrs did something right b/c they raised 2 determined, hard-workin, God-fearin’, strong & saucy gals!! Y’all inspire me to keep the vision & keep on workin’! Great post! CONGRATS on all the good stuff happenin’. Y’all have earned it!

  • Reply jennifer bennet July 6, 2012 at 8:03 am

    thanks so much for tellin ya’ll story! it touched my heart!
    oh and my twin girls say hi and the love the “projects ya’ll do” they are 7 and i know kammie jo is a gypsy at heart! love always jen

  • Reply Janie Hammes July 20, 2012 at 3:20 pm

    Thanks for sharing your families story with all of us. I just watched 4 episodes of your Junk Gypsies for HGTV for the first time today. How on earth I’ve missed them I have no clue but you can bet I won’t miss any more!! You gals (and guys) are crazy talented , and see diamonds in such mundane objects. Love to watch you shop and pick then build an original piece of art. I’m a junker and you have given me so many ideas! Thank you for inspiring me:)

  • Reply Beth January 8, 2013 at 3:02 pm

    I love this. I especially love that your parents have known each other since they were children. That is super special. Thanks for sharing with us.

  • Reply Kelly January 8, 2013 at 3:03 pm

    Beautiful story~~Loved reading it all over again!

  • Reply Freddy January 8, 2013 at 3:17 pm

    Congratulations, guys!! Happy, Happy Anniversary! I remember when you first posted this 3 years ago, Jolie! 🙂 Ya know, if this junk gypsy thing doesn’t work out, you should really look into writing,) You’re pretty good at it! .)) Tell your sister hi for me…….

    • Reply Freddy January 8, 2013 at 3:20 pm

      Well, not quite 3 years ago,)

  • Reply Rhonda Reed-Boyle January 9, 2013 at 9:15 am

    Wow, I was watching your show and heard Phillip Sikes from Alleene AR, and I about died. My dad was Troy Reed, uncles were Marshall, Roy (Ish), aunt Laveena, and you must know my cousin Johnny Reed. Sometimes it’s such a small world. My dad and uncles talked about Ray Sikes ALL the time in their “growing up” stories. You have a wonderful show. Would love to hear from you guys, and tell your dad you heard from Troy Reed’s daughter.

    • Reply Daphne Stafford May 17, 2013 at 2:52 pm

      Too funny Rhonda…..my brother in law was Ellis Stafford…also from Aileene and he and Johnny Reed were the best of friends…along with Phillip. I even met Johnny down at the deer camp a few years ago….small world.

    • Reply Lou dougherty March 23, 2018 at 5:51 pm

      Just wonder if it’s been too long to get a response from you I am of the reed family. Would love to go to the mulligans stew and met some of you reeds

  • Reply Rhonda Reed-Boyle January 9, 2013 at 9:23 am

    I live in Washington State, but go back to Alleene every year. Was just there a couple of years ago for Uncle Marshall’s funeral and burial in the Alleene cemetery, followed by my uncle Ish this last fall. My dad Troy died in Dec. 1999. Is your grandpa Ray still alive? I go to see my cousin Johnny Reed every year, and visit Alleene. We also go to the Alleene Reunion every year Memorial Day Weekend. If you have been there in the last 25 years, the old Alleene Museum was the cabin my Great Grandparents had on Little River. My dad designed and had built the war memorial by the Community Center, and was so proud of his Alleene roots. My gosh, Ray Sikes family. Hope you email me back.

  • Reply Liz Thomas January 13, 2013 at 7:16 am

    What a wonderful love story! Sounds like they grew up in a wonderful, ideal time! They were and still are such a good looking couple. No wonder they had to beautiful daughters!

  • Reply Daphne Stafford May 17, 2013 at 2:30 pm

    I wish my brother in law Ellis were here to read this…He and Phillip were close friends and grew up in Alleen together. He passed away in January and Phillip continued to call and check up on him until the end. I enjoyed getting him to watch your show…we would watch together when he was sick. Thanks for the great work…and for giving Alleen another reason to be proud!!!!!

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