The Indian and the Hunter ride again...

As our adventures in the horse club continue, we had the opportunity to participate in the annual Halloween Horse Show at the fairgrounds this year. It's more of a fun day for the kids and the proceeds go toward a fundraising event that the kids choose.

Being our first year, we weren't sure what to expect, other than a fun day. Let's just say it exceeded our expectations. The kids had a great time, both sets of grandparents, one Aunt & Uncle, and a couple of neighbors all came to support our kids. I think we collectively made up about 40% of the audience but everybody had a good time.

They did a pumpkin race, the hula hoop lead back race, a ribbon race, the keyhole race, and of course the costume contest. There are some pretty creative people out there and some VERY tolerant horses! Here's a kid who came as "spider man". Behind him is a "Southern Bride". Her "bridesmaid" came in an a pony right behind her!

We turned our bay horse into an Appaloosa "Cuz that's the kind of horse an Indian should ride!". And of course she had to ride bareback and barefoot because "the Indians didn't have fancy shoes and saddles way back then!"

The Hunter costume was pretty easy and since it just happened to be opening weekend of pheasant hunting, he got to tag along with the big boys and learn all about it. I think they spent more time snacking and driving then actually doing any hunting!

We completed the night with about 5 trick-or-treating stops and the kids were ready to crash... which is always a sign of the end to a GREAT day!

Foxy Lady...

We had some good lookin' visitors at work this week so I just had to share. Hopefully they like us enough to move into our neighborhood and stay awhile!!!

Yep... you counted right. There are three little fox cubs. Mom is a little camera shy and doesn't come out to play as much as the babies but she makes an appearance every now and again. They are playful and fun to watch in the afternoon sunshine. She has had litters before but they always stayed far away. This year, she moved them right outside our office! It is a fairly rare occurence to see this, but to have them so close is even more amazing.

Today I am thankful for..

1) A reminder of God's amazing creatures

2) Rain on my newly planted potatoes

3) A chance to get in a good run while my son is at preschool... keep your fingers crossed for me!

Horsin' around

Doesn't every little girl dream of riding her own horse? I know I did. And I KNOW my daughter does....

Although I didn't have the opportunity growing up, we are fortunate to be surrounded by hungry hay munchers at our house today. So what happens when a 7 year old beautiful brown eyed girl bats her eyes at daddy and begs to join the local riding club??? You guessed it! Off we go every Tuesday night to the arena in town. Lucky for her, she has inherited her dad's amazing talent and natural horsemanship ability. She rides like a pro on a horse that is not particulary considered a traditional "kid" horse. Maybe it's protective mom instinct or maybe my former horse experience that lead to a broken leg and shattered ankle overseas, but I tend to think worse case scenario when she climbs aboard. However, she is quickly convincing me otherwise. As hubby says, "don't underestimate what she can make that horse do". I'm starting to believe him.... kind of.

Last weekend we had the opportunity to participate in a horse clinic where I got to practice my "pulling the trailer in town" skills and the young kids got to ride all day at the arena with clinicians working on various horse skills. It was a wonderful opportunity for them and they had a great time. We are thankful for those who volunteer their time for these kids to grow and develop not only in their horse ability, but in confidence, maturity, and life skills in general. When I think of all the issues with America today, it's refreshing to see young kids learn to communicate, become passionate and caring for God's creatures, choose activity over television, and learn to give back to their community among other things. Likewise, I cannot end this without mentioning the generosity of a retired rancher from the area who has generously donated the funds to build an amazing arena at the local fairgrounds that is used nearly ever night for all sorts of activities from horse practice to concerts, rodeos to traveling circus shows, expos to church services, etc... No government bailouts here... just hard working American's who are proud to give back to the community and people that they love.

Kind of makes you want to go out and give back, doesn't it?!?!

Life down a country road...

There hasn't been much progress on the house this week that deems picture worthy, so today I decided to share a few other things around here that remind me of just how lucky we are! Sometimes its hard to live in the middle of nowhere, but when you do, you get to enjoy a few things that the urbanites can only imagine...

Like seeing a rooster and rabbit share a drink. I laugh every time I see it and wonder what these two talk about at night... They would make a great Cadbury Egg Easter commercial!

Or watching the strict supervision of Lexi at feeding time...

Or seeing the first official sign of spring: when the baby calves start to arrive! Urbanites be jealous... very, very jealous!

And having the opportunity to raise our kids with an appreciation for the finer things in life that money just can't buy:

So the next time I complain that we are at least 4 hours from a major airport (not to mention an Olive Garden), remind me that we are truly blessed to live in rural America!

Mudroom: Trial Run

Some "country" houses have mudrooms that look straight out of a magazine. You know the kind... with the cute shelves and fresh flowers and fancy garden gloves sitting on the shelf. Something like this maybe...

or this...

But in a REAL "country" house, things are slightly different. We actually bring mud (among other things) into our mud rooms. We have piles of coats and shoes for every person and every type of weather and there is never a shortage of farm "stuff" that makes its way thru the door. So needless to say, we are REALLY looking forward to our spacious new mudroom that is part of the new addition. As I mentioned in my last post, we are still stuck in drywall mode. It looks the same as the last pictures I posted, but that didn't stop my husband from giving it a good 'ole trial run to make sure it would serve our needs. Thus enters this little guy on Sunday morning....

The kids were in charge of making sure he didn't wander off while we were out with mama trying to convince her to go ahead and deliver his little sister! Don't you just love PJ's and cowboy boots?!?!?

Guess the mudroom passed the test and served our needs...for today anyway!

Today I am thankful for:

1. Precious baby calves and the joy they bring the kids
2. 40 degree days and sunshine in February
3. Finding out Ally is promoted to reading at a 2nd grade level!