Guess Away

I have given up waiting on the pictures I took this weekend to load into my computer.  Instead of posting any of them, I'll ask a question.

Any guesses on what Max did today for the first time since his surgery?  (No fair guessing if you actually saw him this morning!)  

Hope you all had a fantastic weekend. 

Ding Dong

The witch is dead!

Who Needs A Horse?!

This Moms' group had the cute little poop scoopers from last night's post. What they also had were some children who appreciated the efforts of Garrett in setting up a lizard habitat. Garrett and Brooke caught five lizards (later released) for the kids to hold/view while waiting for their turn on a horse. The real bonus came when Brooke caught a snake--the same snake she caught yesterday. (Or so they tell me.)

I love how this boy is protecting his apple from the slithering reptile.

I think this last girl would fit right in our family.

What do you think--a budding herpetologist? All I know for sure is that . . .
She had one cute headband!

Helpful Helpers Helping

Flame, You have some food on your face.

My heart gets all warm and fuzzy feeling when I look at this picture.
These are the wonderful volunteers who helped out today for a Mom's group that visited. Seriously, the best kind of people!

Top row is Zack (a 17 year old who drives all the way across town to do whatever needs doing, helps buck hay, loves us and we love him back!), Trish (does everything and anything--really!), Carri (tough as nails,will do whatever needs doing, cleans like nobody's business!), Eric (volunteers at church with the youth, worked for hours yesterday with Max and Trish on a water tank, so sweet!), Deanell (heart of gold, feeds horses when we can't be there, great with kids!)

Bottom row is Dan (one of my best commenters, horse knowledge galore, kind soul, dedicated and great with kids!), Max (so darn cute, love him to pieces!), and Cari (works TWO jobs and now volunteers at the ranch! Max said she's a natural with the kids.) Not pictured is Darren who helps Max so much around the ranch. I'm sure he was off cleaning something while the picture was being taken. Yep, we're so blessed!

I'll end with some adorable little micro scoopers who beautifully performed poop removal today.

Cute stuff!

Happy Friday to you.

What's For Lunch?

Let's see what Eric, our helpful volunteer, is grilling up today. Haunta-burger, anyone? We'll supply the ketchup and mustard.

H2O Woes

Well, Max got a bid from an engineer in Rio Rancho to draw up plans to bring the $99,000 water line to our property--$14,800!!  That stings quite a bit.  Those two sums together are not a pretty number.  Our next plan is to pray for good news.  We don't know what good news, but we're still going to pray.  

We must have water, there's no getting around that.  We just don't want to pay that much and then still fork out money to build our house.  Do you think we could have a serious talk with the horses and ask them to drink less water?    

Back to the drawing board.  (Why do drawing boards have to be so expensive?)

Have a great day.  Take a minute to stop and appreciate your running water. 

To my jet-setting sister Erin, Happy 30th Birthday!  I love you so much.  Hope you're having the best vacation Italy has to offer.   

Can You Dig It?

Grant cracked us up the other day. He was washing his hands at the kitchen sink with Max when he got the brilliant idea to squeeze the water sprayer. Water went everywhere, and he soaked his shirt. He headed back to change. When he came out he announced, "I couldn't find any daytime shirts--only this nighttime shirt." Max and I loved it because he looked like such a little redneck baby. Funny stuff! Not only was his shirt too small and sleeveless (only ever worn to bed), but he had on his super cute Cars hat and torn jeans. Laundry was not getting done because of my crazy last week--he did what he had to do. He and Max headed out not too long after to get parts for a damaged water tank.

I kindly found a new shirt before they left, but Daddy would have been delighted to take him out in public in that get up.

I probably should have let him be.

Happy Memorial Day! A huge thank you to all who have served so that I may be free.

Not To Be

Well, we had a fun night playing games with our friends. Once home, I have been trying to download pictures from my camera and then reload them into Blogger. Frozen City! This is too bad--I have a little story to tell. Maybe I'll try and reload in the morn. If you read this before my repost, thanks for checking in.

Off to bed--2:00 AM.

Ahhhh!

This came today for Max. Precious and cute, I tell ya. Max said these children are fantastic--always smiling and giggling.

Avery and Kathryn, thanks for the nice letter and your donation. Both meant a lot.

Galloping Grace Youth Ranch--Bringing pure joy to Max.

A time to mourn

Max posting:

I am sure most of you know Tim, Barb, and Melissa Sloan from all of the time they spent helping GGYR at the pumpkin and tree stand. Tonight we ask you to pray for this amazing family. After a long battle with cancer, Tim's mom died last night. We know that your prayers would be appreciated.

Birthday Wishes

Late ones at that!


Jessie, we love you! Happy Late Great Birthday.

Priorities

It's my own fault--I chose to go to Garrett's baseball game and then watch the last fifteen minutes of American Idol instead of work.  I am waaaay behind on tonight's slide show.  (Yes, I'm sick of those two words as well.)  

Did your Idol win?

A Friend Indeed

Today while conversating with my precious friend Lisa, I casually asked if she was going to do a guest post for me tonight. It's harmless babble--most people ignore me or shut me down immediately--not my Lisa! Lisa graciously wrote this little beauty for your reading pleasure. My question to her--where are the pictures?! (Hee hee.)

I just wanted to share with the blogging masses that not only has Michelle taken on way too much herself what with all her slide show mania...she has infected me with the sickness as well. And then she had the nerve to ask if I'd guest post for her tonight...sure, no problem. I'll take the friend of the year award...I'll take time away from finding the perfect song and aligning it to the cute first graders' shots...planning a birthday party for the littlest thing, trying to clean my house just in case the forecast of impending doom, uh, rain makes an appearance and I have to move the party to (gulp) my house.

Move over Trish, she might ask me to feed horses any time now.

Did I mention it's my birthday?

Love you precious

Lisa, I love you right back. Happiest birthday to you and to your sweet Cashton yesterday.

Now who's up for tomorrow?

Kindness From A Young Man

I received an email today that made me tear up! Cari, a sweet friend and a mom who brings her children out to GG, sent an email with pictures she took and a guest post from her eight year old son for me to use. Can you believe the kindness?! Cari and B, thank you so so much for helping me out and doing something so wonderful at the same time.

Here is what B (seen below with his sister A) had to say:

My first time back at the ranch was cool. When we drove in, my brother pointed out some bones. I wonder what they're for? Cowboy Max greeted us while we were walking in. Cowboy Max is a great guy! We went over the rules - 1,2,3. Then I took the big wheelbarrow to the place where the poop is and we started picking up poop. All together it was pretty quick. And then the little kids went to brush the horses but the big boys stayed behind. The big boys got to help saddle the horses. And then my brother and I went to ride horses. First my brother and I did some stuff with balance and then we just rode by ourselves. And then we did a game with sticks. And then we got off so my friend and sister could ride. And then I just slumped on the table and watched. Then they got off and I started to talk with my friend. Then I left. I had a great time!

B, thanks again for such a terrific post! You touched my heart and made my day at the same time! Cari, I loved the pictures. Smooches!!

Insane In The Membrane

Two classes down, four to go!

I'm starting to think I will never, ever make it.

Pray for my sore bottom and aching back.

Thank you and goodnight.

Birthday Surprise (Again!)

An entry so nice, I'm posting it twice!  Originally published on September 10, 2008.  

You have read about the various birthday parties we've had at Galloping Grace. Most involve horse painting, riding, and a craft of some sort. We also allow them to feed the horses treats from time to time. Last Wednesday we decided to let the kind people experience the deluxe package--Barn Surprise!

My primary job during parties is to delegate my way out of everything and then take pictures of others in action. It makes sense to me! Who would get cute pictures of Steph showing an impressionable young man how to groom a calm, easy going horse if I were busy leading an activity? Silliness! Someone must be there to capture the important moments.

Ghost is one of our friendliest horses. He loves for anyone and everyone to pet him. Wouldn't it then make sense for him to be the horse that is groomed during a party? Steph happily managed the grooming station. I left her to work her magic and moved on to other photo ops.

After a while "working" other areas of the party, I heard a loud noise, a few gasps, a yell or two, and then a horse running. Good times! The party had gone up a notch in the fun department! What had happened, I didn't know. It's a darn good thing I was prepared with my camera to capture this sight.

That would be the back of the barn where Ghost had just been tied. Please notice that Ghost is no longer tied to the back of the barn--the back of the barn that is lying on the ground. Also note that Steph and the grooming station have vanished.My super speedy reflexes got me to the scene just in time. I think you all would have felt a little cheated if you didn't get to see Ghost, standing off in the distance, still tied to a piece of the barn. That is some interesting stuff! You cannot see Cowgirl Erin in this shot, but she is to the left of Ghost carefully approaching so as not to spook him. Good horse sense, that girl! Max, Steph, Renee, and Darren were also cool as cucumbers. That is vital, folks! Remain calm when things get dicey. This might be the reason all the volunteers "let" me get away with taking the pictures--no one trusts me or my high-strung antics! I should reflect on this.
Erin and crew removed the barn from the equine and carried it back to its proper location.There might have been a slight design flaw with this one. Actually, not a design flaw, more a misplaced eye bolt. As Steph tells the story, Ghost pulled back a bit, felt the board give, and spooked.Steph pushed the child grooming out of harm's way and saved the day! She had the nerve to later apologize for letting that happen. As if! We were so happy she thought quick on her feet and did not let anyone get hurt. Horses are some mighty powerful animals!

Mattie and gang took this unplanned surprise like champs. I never heard any of them complain. (I loved this group!) Also, the volunteers leading riders around in the arena didn't skip a beat. Nancy remarked, "I heard something going on but wasn't sure what it was." I could be lying--Dan might have said that. Would the real person of this quote please stand up? I try to keep things fair and balanced on this blog.

Last night Max told me that Steph, Mike, Jonathan, and Mikey had been at GG (while we were at home probably eating or lounging) the night prior putting the back of the barn back on the back of the barn. Catch that? At some point we're going to have to stop them from being so wonderful. They are sure deserving of emolument, though GG couldn't afford it and they'd never take it.

Please allow me to go further off subject while I still have your attention. I have to tell you just a little more of our neighbors' kindness. Because of Max's heart issue, he is not allowed to pick up anything over fifty pounds. That causes some real challenges for Max. He is forever and always picking up things that weigh more than fifty pounds!

Mike, Steph, Jonathan and Mikey came over Saturday morning to move a whole stack of hay so Max wouldn't!Sunday morning they went with Max to Corrales (a small town near here) to get several more bales that someone who will be donating horses to GG was selling at a great price. Again, they didn't want Max moving the hay.
Chase also jumped in there to lend a hand. Pretty sweet of him considering he's still nursing an ankle injury I supposedly caused while throwing hay off a trailer. (His own wife denies his version.) Chase missed a big chunk of his Nortre Dame game to be at the ranch. That is a true friend.Don't even let me get started about all the things Trish has done! She is a friend who gives of her talents and muscles on a daily basis! Trish, we don't have enough words!

I'm starting to feel a little panicky because the thank yous I want to say are building up faster than I can type or post. There is a big work weekend (we're expecting around 300 people)scheduled for the ranch this weekend, and several people have stepped up to help Max get ready. If you are one of those people, please know how grateful we are for your assistance! I can't wait to tell our readers how special you are to us.

Geez, this is a big sap fest! Just wait until next week--it's only going to get worse.

Munchies By The Bunchies

Anyone have failing eyesight? In need of carotene? Feel like something crunchy?

Wait, I should specify that you should probably be a horse and not a human. If you fit this description, you should give us a call! We would be happy to share some of our newly donated treats with you.

Amy, a friend of Sarah who brings her children out to GG, called offering a most generous gift for the horses--potatoes and carrots galore!!

Amy runs a food bank in town. The vegetables she donated were some that they could no longer serve to people but didn't want to see go to waste. Amy and Sarah kindly thought of Galloping Grace. I tell ya, we're a blessed bunch.

Our horses will have the best eyesight in all the west--you can count on it.

Amy, thanks so much.

Now who can we find to peel all those veggies? Hmmm . . .

If you're in need of a good little chuckle, read this guest post Dan did last year. He's too fun!

You Look Like A Monkey. . .

And you smell like one too!

Claire Emily,

Happy Birthday!

we're so very proud of you.

(While I was uploading these pictures, I realized Claire is seen here riding BB, our lovable Arabian that died just a couple weeks after this picture was taken. BB, we still miss you! )

Have fun being seven.

Love,

Mom and Dad

Nasser and Rae, congrats on the birth of your new baby girl. It's a known fact that all the cool moms have a child on May 14--welcome to the club. :) Now give her a name already!!