Pumpkin Field Day--The Rest Of The Story

I have a ton of pictures from this past Saturday when a group of us headed out to a farm to gather pumpkins. I thought about making a slide show of the day but then figured it hasn't been that long since my last one. Instead, I'm going to quickly ramble about the shots. You need to see these nice people--you just do!

Again, all these awesome volunteers gave up their Saturday to be part of the working crew for Galloping Grace. We met at the church at 7:30 AM.

We caravaned to Moriarty, NM where all the trucks that would be hauling pumpkins had to be weighed. You might think it's silly I took this picture, but at this point I was in shock that so many people were there ready to help.
Trish counted sixteen vehicles making the drive out to the farm.
This is our nephew Matthew and Grant having a moment.
Here's a group of volunteers just waiting for their instructions.
Roy and Beth--Max's bro (who I still need to brag about) and Beth. They thought I was silly taking their picture, but I think they look darn cute. We love them and are so thankful for all they do for us.
This is Max's stepmom, Stephanie. She's one hot granny, huh? Steph was kind enough to come out to help with this crazy adventure. We also love and appreciate Steph. Just so you know, we appreciate ALL the people pictured in this post. How could we not? Great cooperation cute girls. This trailer was loaded in about ten minutes!!!!! Other trailers with smaller pumpkins took a lot longer. I don't think there was a slacker in the bunch. Please keep in mind we didn't know half the people that came out. They either heard about the gathering day from a friend or learned about it at our Second Saturday work project day. You would think we had some very experienced pickers the way they all worked.

These amazing people are the Joiners. If you've been reading this blog for a while, you might recall me highlighting them for hauling over 2000 gallons of water to the ranch EVERY WEEK for the horses and trees! They also graded the arena for free. Once you talk to them, you realize they are not only extremely generous with their time and money, but they are super sweet! I loved talking to Evonne. Bill and Chris each drove their pickups with large trailers to haul the pumpkins back. NICE! I love little Kaley in this picture. Just look how hard she's working lifting that pumpkin. Jordann, Max's stepsister, had no problems. This girl is quite the athlete and can ride horses like nobody's business! I thought it was pretty nice that she and her friend Shiann would sacrifice sleeping in on a Saturday morning to help us pick pumpkins. Hard workers everywhere.
Not sure if these two are a couple, but they would be cute as one. They kindly smiled for the camera. What people must think of me! Cute, friendly, and hardworking! Love that Kendra! Carlos was reminded of another round orange object while out in the field. Miki took a little time off from watching Grant for me to haul a few herself. I thought you would be cheated if you didn't get to see the dorky shirt I wore in honor of the occasion. (I had to crop out my silly head.) My niece Jessie wore the same shirt. I'm not quite sure why we didn't get our picture taken together. I figured you could always stand to see Garrett's snake one more time as well. (Garrett later released the snake.)What a crew! This picture shows the majority of those who made it out to the farm to help. I would guess there were about ten people not pictured. It sure is hard keeping everyone straight at times. I love little Gabriel. Beyond, beyond cute! Once back at the pumpkin stand, we had a few of the same people plus a lot of fresh, friendly faces. There were probably more children than adults in on the action. They all sure worked hard and with such panache!
This is Max's dad, Jerry. Pop hauled pumpkins back to the stand for us and then did something even more incredible--he took a load of seven horses back to the family cattle ranch. Max wants things to be easier on whomever helps take care of the ranch while he is recovering from surgery. Jerry wanted things to be easier on Max so he volunteered for the job. Pop, thank you so much--that was a huge relief for Max! With setting up the pumpkin stand and running the ranch, he didn't know when he'd find time to take them back. By the time I got around to taking the group picture, several people had taken off. Pumpkin chuckers and haulers, you are the best! You made a gigantic job fun and provided us with memories of some great people! Thank you so much.

Happy G, Sleepy Me

Did any of you watch ER last week? We finally got to watch it tonight and boy, was it ever a tear jerker! At the fear of driving you guys off with more talk of how late it is when I go to post, I fell asleep after watching ER and slept until 1:50 AM. Why not post earlier you ask? Well, I had yet another day trying to be the muscles of Max. Trish and I helped put up horse fencing around the pumpkin stand. Who knew I was capable of such antics? Tomorrow we need to move more hay. Good exercise--exhausting work.


What I have to offer you tonight in the way of a post is seeing what Garrett found to occupy his time out in the pumpkin patch.

Oh happy day! This is the exact outcome he had hoped for on the way out to the farm. "Dad, do you think I'll see a snake?" Uncle Roy (who I need to brag about in a big way!) saw this pretty thing and Garrett wasted no time claiming his prize. I know there are plenty of mothers out there who would hope their son would take an interest in numismatics or chess rather than hunting down reptiles, but I'm OK with this crazy passion of his--as long as he stays away from the rattle snakes. If you want to read about the craziest day involving reptiles, click here. My blog friend's husband had a day from which most people would never, ever recover! Garrett also helped gather pumpkins when his schedule allowed.

Max has his follow-up MRI in the morning. (Tuesday) We are praying for no changes in the cyst since last month. As always, we'll keep you posted.

Thanks for stopping by.

Too Big For Words

A Great Saturday

If I close my eyes, all I can see is orange.
I am covered in dirt.
It was a twelve hour ordeal.
We know some of the nicest people in all of New Mexico.
I must sleep.

By tomorrow, I should be able to use my arms again. Maybe at that point I can fill you in. Thanks for being such understanding readers.

It's Over

Last Friday's Bidding Wars post really got a lot of your competitive juices flowing. We got a real kick out of reading the comments. Thanks to all who played.

I'm so confused by my own rules. Do any of you that bid during this last week want a Galloping Grace shirt? If so, you won! It's as easy as that. You tell me what you want to pay, I send your shirt on it's way!

If you have since decided that you want no part of a shirt that was "won" under false rules, I completely understand. If I don't hear from you ever again, I'll know you have decided to go buy a shirt elsewhere.

Today was a super busy day for all of us--especially Max and Trish. Max was out at the ranch by five this morning building the sides on a trailer. (Tomorrow is pumpkin gathering day!) Around 10 AM, a group of nine children came out to work and play at GG. This afternoon involved setting up a portable pen at a park. The preschool that all our children have, or currently do attend, was celebrating 40 years in the community. Galloping Grace provided pony rides for all interested children, and there were A LOT of them! Max and Trish walked in circles for hours and hours. Renee put helmets on hundreds of children. I walked in circles and acted busy. Exhausting. In my defense, I was up until 2:45 last night finishing the slide show I made for the preschool showing 40 years worth of pictures. When I have energy to download and view my pictures, I'll share a little of the excitement.

Hope your weekend is a fantastic one. Thanks for stopping by to read this crazy rambling.

Beware!

I feel it urgently necessary to preempt my normally scheduled gratitude post with a public safety warning courtesy of Galloping Grace Youth Ranch.

Please remember to always, ALWAYS check your riding helmet before placing it on your head.

This helmet was hanging on the tack room wall before Max brought it out for one of the new girls to wear. We sure know how to put new riders at ease here at GG. Not a big deal--just a baby bull snake. I love snakes myself, but to have one crawling on my head uninvited...that would be a little much. The girls were excited to see the little guy. This young lady actually wanted to take him home. (She ended up releasing him before she left.) Easy-going Coryn was not rattled in the slightest. Instead of glowering at Max for picking out a reptile infested piece of safety gear, she put the snake helmet on without hesitation.

Just like our other services at GG, playing with reptiles is also free. I know--awfully big of us. We just want to bring pure joy to children.

Fortunately for us, the children often return the favor! Girls, it was nice meeting you today.

Deanell, Trish, Eric, Nancy, and Dan--thank you for volunteering your time in such a loving way. Without you, we (OK, Max) couldn't make it happen. You are the absolute best! :)

If you are interested in reading a post a mother of three children who came out last week did, please read here. She sure knows how to make us feel appreciated! Cari, thanks for your kind words!

Whoo's Thirsty?

Any guesses, my wise readers?

My talented hubby got a little bored taming those wild broncs, so he thought he'd try his hand at taming the magnificent great horned owl. The man can do anything he puts his mind to. (Preposition alert, preposition alert!)
The owl felt so safe in Max's hands that he graciously extended his wings to show their great beauty. Steph is Max's lovely assistant seen calming the beast's head. Here, the owl is obediently making a fist to show off those beautiful talons. Steph knows how to get the most out of birds. (Hey, why don't her fingernails have any dirt under them?) Max then asked the owl to play dead--his finest trick. Neither Steph or Max had to ask him twice.

Maybe next time they should show him how to safely drink out of a water trough.



Before you get all upset with me, allow me to redress my wrongs. I did this post for all of you. How many days in a row could you possibly deal with all the gushy gratitude and happy stuff? I bet you were getting belly aches from all those sweet posts. You don't have to thank me, it's what I'm here for. (Preposition alert, preposition alert!)