The Best Ever!

Chase and Trish had a little lovely lively Halloween get together at their house. Last year Max and I had given them a hard time about not dressing up, so this year they decided to do something about that. As soon as I walked through their front door I could tell who Chase was. I then rounded the corner and saw Trish decked out. Any guesses?Max and I laughed so hard seeing them be Max and Michelle! Priceless. Here's "Max" sporting some mighty impressive power alleys. And that cool cat "Michelle" is decked out with all her camera gear.Please notice their matching Wade Ranch t-shirts and the Leatherman hanging off "Max's" belt! Gotta love "Michelle's" picture taking stance.

I just hope when they wake up tomorrow they're not disappointed with their reality.

After all, who wouldn't want to be Max and Michelle?

Crime Scene

CSI, come quick! We have our very own Galloping Grace Pumpkin Stand crime scene. We found the weapon, An ear.
A nose,
A stylish purple hat,
And some dazzling blue eyes.
But these two jokers aren't talking--
We sure could use your help! Any information, please contact the proper authorities immediatly.

Last day for selling pumpkins. I don't know whether I should be happy or sad about that.

Happy Halloween everyone.

Sweet. Hot. Snowy. Snuggie!

Max and I both just awoke in the living room--3:37 AM. Guess our little viewing of a 30 minute program (The Office) was more than we could handle. Ah, the life of pumpkin pushers. I'm thinking how boring our November will be. If this post wanders, has type-os, or is just plain boring, please find it in your beating hearts to forgive. I fear I'm still half asleep. I press on. . .

Birthday morning found me surrounded by mouth-watering baked goods. Doesn't everyone know my metabolism has almost shut down completely at my ripe ol' age? DeDee and Scott brought over a HUGE box of cookies from Flying Star, a delicious bakery/restaurant, for all of our snacking pleasure. They just wanted to wish all of us a good day selling pumpkins. It was so very, very thoughtful. This isn't the first time the little cookie fairy has struck. A couple weeks ago DeDee brought bags of baked goods from Starbucks. Thank you so much!

Do you see the bag of bars? Slices of heaven, I tell ya! Dan and Betty not only showed up to help with a field trip, they also came armed with the most delicious pumpkin cheesecake bars on the planet! I think there were three or four plates of these goodies. This morning I ate the last THREE bars! They were that good! D and B, you two are precious and wonderful and I thank you!

Not finished there--Melissa and Phoebe showed up with two boxes of cupcakes from Cake Fetish. If you've ever had items from that bakery, you know they are scrumptious! She also made some interesting candy for me. I think I'll keep those pictures to myself. Melissa, you are too thoughtful. I loved them and I love you!

The next time you see me, you will have a better understanding why I've morphed into a larger version of myself. It is NOT my fault. Sugar and calories have been thrust upon me. It would be rude to not eat it all, wouldn't it?

On to matters from today.

Only a couple hours after a king, an alligator, a puppy, and Humpty Dumpty showed up to get a pumpkin and play,

we were struck by a snow storm of sorts! (OK, a brief NM snow storm, but still!) A few brave customers showed up to buy pumpkins. This particular family gave up before they got theirs, but they get points for attempting it in the first place. Cindy still had a smile on her face. It could be because she and her family are soon moving to South Carolina to sit all day on warm beaches and chuckle at far away friends selling fresh produce in a parking lot. Trish, Melissa, and I wanted to not only demonstrate the crazy conditions, but to show you Melissa's new Snuggie she so selfishly hogs while the rest of us freeze!! I think I'm going to have to go buy myself one. Yes, they appear to be larger versions of airplane blankets with sleeves thrown in for style purposes, but they are super duper warm! Cindy, Melissa, Trish and I huddled under the puny shelter waiting out the flakes. I have to admit it was a great time for me. I am blessed with incredible friends--funny, hardworking, and dedicated. We might have sneaked off to one of our cars if random customers hadn't have kept creeping in. We were all so freezing! That Melissa girl is a thinker though. She commented that we were experiencing a 911 emergency-- a true need for a police officer. She quickly whipped out her phone and called Jack, super volunteer and retired APD. She let him know we were stranded--Max just left us with all the children to take the horses back to the ranch. She asked if wouldn't he please bring hot chocolate and make it quick! Please ignore fact there were three vehicles we could have driven across the street to the gas station for all of our beverage needs. Melissa felt Jack was the man for this job.

When he showed up with six steaming cups, the sun was already appearing. He laughed at us making him do the work when any of us could have done the same thing. Melissa just pointed out that the conditions were fierce--only trained professionals should be out in such conditions. She then said, "Plus, you could drive that truck of yours through a river." How could he argue with such logic? Jack, thanks for coming to our rescue. Those cups of hot chocolate potentially saved our lives.

Well, it's getting early--already 4:50 AM. Guess I had better drag myself to bed for a bit.

The Weather Outside Is Frightful

Freezing!!!! It was one of those oh so cold days at the pumpkin stand. Brrrrr. We heard tomorrow should be even colder. Bums me out for the last field trip scheduled for tomorrow afternoon. Duck races in arctic water is not the best activity for preschool kiddos. Cold hands, here we come!

Would you please forgive me for being too cold and tired to post tonight? All I want to do is go play with my new phone while snuggled under a warm blanket.

How's the weather in your neck of the woods?

Mom--thanks for everything!

No McDonald's this year!!

Max posting:

Some of you may remember how romantic I was on Michelle's birthday last year. I just don't know how you could beat a trip to the pumpkin farm and a cheeseburger to go. After all, she and I spent the entire day together. What could be better than that? Well, this year, I wanted to make sure that the material things did not cloud my feelings for her on this special day. The plan worked like a charm. We spent the entire day together. We did have the occasional drop in visits from friends (volunteers), the one or two preschool field trips, and the hundred or so pumpkin buying customers. Sure, there were a few distractions, but I pulled it off again! An entire day of meeting her love languages -- quality and quantity time. For those of you husbands out there who are reading this blog, take it from me, your wives would be completely lovestruck by such a notion on their birthday.

In all seriousness, I love this woman more than words can describe. I do not get extravagant on her birthday because I don't just love her one day out of the year, I love her every day of the year. Because of that, I try to show her every day how special she is to me.

Happy birthday baby!! I love you!

Worth A Look

I was in the horse pen taking pictures when I noticed the look on the faces of the children waiting their turn for a ride. That is why we do what we do!

This little muffin came in tonight. Her mother told us she has been begging to come to the pumpkin stand every day. She is seen here with the map she drew with directions to come see us. I don't think the little girl knew we had a whole kiddie corral with all kinds of fun activities. I sure hope they make it back to play sometime.

Speaking of muffins . . .
Kerri W., a precious volunteer, dropped off the cutest basket full of cream-filled pumpkin (from one of ours!) muffins for all of us along with a very kind note of gratitude.
Funny--we should be bringing her muffins and kind notes! She works two jobs and has only one day off. She has been known to give up that whole day off walking wee ones around on horses and yet she thanks us!
Kerri, thank you! They were super delicious.

I'll end with one of my favorite pumpkins in the whole stand.
Renee carved this little beauty up with the Galloping Grace logo for all to see.

Yep, we hang with some creative and wonderful people. I don't know if I've even scratched the surface yet. So much more to come.

Cambria B., we hope your birthday was great. We love you.

Swamped!

If you build it, They will come!
What a fantastically wonderful weekend. We were jam packed both days. There were so many people taking pictures, playing games, riding horses, etc. Melissa gave it all a big thumbs up. She is standing by the line of people waiting to put their children on a horse. In this picture you can see the donation box to Melissa's left. Many of you might remember my slight hesitation putting it up the last couple years. I didn't want people to think we expected anything. That also explains why the box is far back from the front of the line. I must admit the people have spoken. Saturday the box contained over $270 dollars and today over $130! What generous, grateful customers we have. That is a lot of bales of hay I'd say.

A big shout out to my little sissy Erin. She showed up Friday night as a surprise. (She and her husband live in Chicago.) She wanted to see us and the craziness that is the pumpkin stand. In this shot I caught her and my mama carrying pumpkins to someone's car .

Erin, we love you! It's sweet that you cared about what is important to us and that you took the time to be a part of it. I miss you already! Move here now.

Volunteers from this weekend, thank you all!!! Seriously, truly, honestly we could have never done it without you.

Six days to go . . .

Belly Laugh

Melissa sent this picture of Igor seeing himself on the blog.
Cracks me up!!

Melissa, you're so darn funny! Thanks for the laugh (and everything else.)

Igor The Great

Yep, it's that time of the year when all the crazy creatures appear. The pumpkin stand was visited by one such creature last week. He arrived in all his furless wonder rocking a pirate outfit. Hubba bubba, what a handsome critter (to Melissa.)

Think plucked chicken with feline ears and you have Iggy.
What do you think, folks--should he be our pumpkin stand mascot?


Oh happy day!!! My baby sister surprised us tonight with a visit from Chicago! I'm so excited to have her in town. On the agenda of fun things tomorrow--a long shift at the pumpkin stand. Fun weekend for me. Hope yours is the same.

Awe At The Stand

Carri, one of our dedicated and passionate volunteers, posting tonight.

I am so honored to be part of the Galloping Grace ministry vision. My life was saved by horses as a teenager, and once again when we took a young lady into our home about 2 years ago.

Horses have a mystical strength about them, and it is so apparent in the eyes of the children who have been coming out to the Pumpkin Patch. Their little eyes are SO round when they walk into the patch and see all the pumpkins and decorations. They rush to explore the corn maze and the corn box; then they turn around and see the horses. Their eyes light up like Christmas morning, and they run over to the fence, some squealing in anticipation. Most of them are breathless when they come through the gate as we lift them up onto the horses. Some of them can barely tell you their name or answer a simple question; they are so overwhelmed with the size, power, and gentleness of the beasts. There are lots of held breaths, stuttering “I can’t” ‘s, and the biggest smiles and most focused looks of determination I have ever seen in children that young. They grab the saddlehorn and lean over to get a pumpkin, then brandish it high with smiles of joy and pride to show their families. When it comes time to dismount, some bail off into my arms, ready to run over to the duck races or pumpkin bowling; others hesitate and reluctantly slide off; and a few come out kicking and screaming—then they get in line for another turn:) They look at Max and Trish with expressions of rapture and awe as they walk around the arena with these gentle giants.

There is SO much to do crammed into that tiny space, and it is all for such a glorious cause. Pastor Todd has begun talking this week about us risking more for the Kingdom of God and leveraging our time, talent, and treasures. You guys are such an inspiration of walking by faith and being the hands and feet of Jesus to the children of Albuquerque. Sometimes I don’t think I can serve very much, but your examples of selfless servanthood and complete faith in God’s provision as you have taken this huge leap of faith to make your corner of the world a better place inspires me to do more than I think I can.

Carri, that was so beautiful and very kind! Thank you for all you do. Love ya, girl!

(I couldn't post this last night--Blogger wasn't working.)

He Made My Day

I was working behind the counter today when a customer approached. He looked at me earnestly and asked, "Do you guys sell pumpkins?" Boy do we! I told him he could buy as many as he'd like. So cute.

That same customer later struck up a conversation with Max where he expressed how moved he was by the stand and the program in general. He told Max, "This touches me from the deepest part of my heart!"

Sweet, right? Thank you, dear sir, for brightening up my day and for your donation on the way out.

Here Comes The Bride Again

Many of you might remember a year ago when a photographer brought in a couple to the pumpkin stand that were just married (one of my favorite posts from the pumpkin stand.)She wanted to get a few shots of them on their way to the reception. We were all so excited for them. Fun day. They were kind enough to agree to me posting the pictures I took on the blog.

A couple weeks or so later I heard from the bride who had seen the post. This post (click here) contained her sweet reply and my comments on the day. I'm telling ya, I should get paid for my fortune telling skills. Who knew I had that ability?!

Sunday morning I missed their return trip to the stand!!!! Ahhh. I was sad when I heard they had come by but excited when Max said he got some pictures of them with their camera. What a great hubby. My mom also mentioned she had talked to the couple about how much I'd love to have seen them and tell their story. That sweet couple sent an email today for all of our viewing pleasure!

A year ago on October 18, 2008, our wedding photographer took us to the Galloping Grace Youth Ranch Pumpkin Patch for some wedding photos that were beautiful. We had the privilege of being the topic of your blog and you predicted maybe we would be back in a year with our baby. You were right...we had a honeymoon baby. Our beautiful daughter, Hailey Victory Caputo, was born July 31, 2009. We live in Virginia and were able to travel to NM to share our daughter with her grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. On our way to the airport we stopped by the pumpkin patch for a few photos with Hailey on our 1 year anniversary. Thank you for your kindness in sharing your pumpkin patch with us.

Joe, Nadine & Hailey Caputo



Now that, my friends, is what you call a happy ending. Thank you so much Caputo family! Many happy anniversaries and babies to you! We're so glad you remembered us.

(Excuse the odd spacing this post has. I have no idea what it is happening today.)

Grace Felt By All

Dena, a dedicated volunteer and dear friend, posting tonight!

Fall is in the air… well, not really, but that is the way you feel at the pumpkin patch. How could you not? It just screams “Fall” at you every time you step foot into it.

The beautiful shades of orange, red, yellow, and green fill the corner of Paseo and Eagle Ranch Rd. Pumpkins of every shape and size, cornstalks, hay bales, scarecrows, gourds in colors and shapes I never knew existed, children running and playing, people smiling every where you look… these are just a few of the sights that quench your eye’s appetite.

The people are what amaze me on a daily basis! People from all walks of life come together for a few brief moments in time to help support one great mission… Galloping Grace. Whether there to purchase pumpkins, play, or volunteer, each one of them has obviously been sent to help support what was once just a vision. Now, by the grace of God, that vision has become so much more. By the faith of Max and his family, Galloping Grace has become a reality to, dare I say, thousands of children in Albuquerque and Rio Rancho.

I feel blessed to have been able to watch this project from the ground up. I am blessed have such a wonderful group of people in my life. The pumpkin patch and Galloping Grace bless those that come to them. Max, thank you for listening and answering your calling! Michelle, thank you for supporting him. To everyone else, thanks for reading my ramblings… until next time. (What??? Did I just commit to a second post at some point???)

A Sweet Email

Hello,

My name is Kristi. I brought my 5 children to your pumpkin patch last Thursday, as part of the A Mother's Heart Co-op field trip. You had horses there, and my oldest 3 children were able to ride. I am attaching a couple pictures of my daughter Jayna.....because I am so shocked that she actually rode a horse. She has been too scared to ride for many years, not even little ponies at the fair. Somehow, the man in the photo was able to earn her trust immediately, and she ended up having a great time riding around!

It is all she has talked about since. Thank you! Thank you! I have been telling everyone about your pumpkin patch, as we had great fun there.
I've been told by a few friends that you offer horse lessons. I would love to have my children added to your list for the next season, and get our family involved. Please let me know what I need to do. Thanks so much.

Have a great day,
Kristi

Kristi, thank you for taking the time to write this email and for granting permission to publish it on the blog. Your words mean a lot to all of us at GGYR!!

As I Saw It

Hello Everyone,

It’s Renee again, and you are stuck with me blogging tonight. Max and Michelle are out, so here I am. (Thanks, Nee!)So what am I going to talk about tonight?? I guess I can tell you what happened today at the pumpkin patch,

People came, they played (boy did they!), rode horses, and bought pumpkins. The volunteers sold, walked in circles, and laughed. So goodnight!!!

Just kidding, we all know Michelle wouldn’t let me get away with that, so I am going to tell you what everyone did.

Tim walked in circles all day giving kids rides on horses. Trish, Christina, and myself helped out throughout the day.

Barb, Jenifer, Trish, Stephanie B, Dena, Juju, Nancy, and Michelle sold pumpkins.

Max, Garrett, and Grant went to the farm to get more 7 pallets of big pumpkins and 1 pallet of baby pumpkins.

Keith, Sam, Trish, Dena, Brooke, Kylie, Rebekah, Tyler, and myself put pumpkins away that Max handed down from pallets. (I moved a few around myself!)

Michelle took pictures. (And so much more!!!) ;)

Not a very interesting day (very interesting and crazy busy!) but eventful and filled with lots of laughter and love!!!!

Thanks to everyone for all the help it was greatly appreciated!!!!! (Yes, thank you so very much!)

Sorry for the boring post but Harry Potter is on and I am off to watch!! (Not boring--so great! I love guest posts.)

Relieved

Thanks to Barb, Rebekah, Chase, Julie, and Trish for working the stand this evening so we could go to the Fall Festival at our children's school. Great time until the very end where we lost Grant!!! Oh the horror? Have any of you ever "lost" one of your children out in public? It was such a nightmare. The DJ even announced that there was a four year old boy named Grant missing and for him to come to his booth. I thought about being embarrassed for a couple seconds until I realized I didn't care--I just wanted my baby back!

Our older children and their cousins went inside the school to wash their hands. Instead of staying by Max and me while we talked to the husband of all the children's kindergarten teacher, Grant slipped away and went into the building to find everyone. When the kids first went to look for him, they did not find him in the bathroom. That resulted in our mad search for him outside. Praise God the girls later found him on their second sweep of the school! He was on the complete other side of the building. As they tell it, they were running through the school even though they are not allowed to, frantically looking for him. Great job kids--that is the perfect time to break the rules. Grant told us while he was in there he asked a man where the bathroom was and that his kid told him where to go. Ahhh. Shutter. Did we ever luck out that the "man" was a nice one!

I had a hard time getting over our parenting lapse. I was so jittery the whole way home. Now I am just plain exhausted. I end this post a relieved, happy mama that our little turkey is just fine, safe and sound in his bed.

Have a happy weekend. We'll be swimming in a sea of orange. Should be busy and fun.

For JuJu

Dear Mom,

Have I told you lately that I love you? Well, I do! I cannot thank you enough for your support during crazy pumpkin selling time! Really, truly you save me on a daily basis.

Thank you for all the times you pick up the kids at school so we can stay manning the stand.

Thank you for all the times you have taken Grant or Claire home so that they can rest.

Thank you for staying with our children when they were sick.

Thank you for going grocery shopping more times than I can remember and doing more loads of laundry than I can count.

Thank you for unloading giant pumpkins from boxes when your back hurt.

Thank you for going to Sam's Club and coming back with tons of delicious snacks for all the volunteers and children. While GG makes money during October, you are burning through all of yours keeping us fed and happy.

Thank you for always offering to work the stand ("What is going on tomorrow?")and being one of our biggest cheerleaders. The way you tell it to all the customers, we're the best little youth ranch out there.

The list could go on and on. I'll end by saying you're the best and I love you so very much!


Most gratefully yours,

Shelly

Crusin'

Folks, This is how the cool kids roll at (to) the pumpkin stand.

Matching cars parked outside while the boys played in the Kiddie Corral and picked out their pumpkins.

I'd call that haulin' in style!

Glad this fun family made it back to the stand this season. And to think--last year the boys were babies. I can't believe they're driving already.

Time sure does fly.

Girls Gone Wild

Last Saturday we (those of us working) got a lift to our day when five rowdy girls stopped by the stand to take some pictures. Since I usually walk around spying anyone who needs me to grab their camera and snap a few shots of the whole family together, I noticed these gals had the same need. But, they had at least four cameras for me to use! And since I was at it with all of their cameras, I asked if it was OK I snapped a few myself. Being the sweeties they are, they happily agreed. You see, they were five friends having a girls weekend. Four lived out of state, one right here in Albuquerque. They explained they were celebrating the 65th birthday of four members of the group. And since they were so cute and fun, I told them they might as well try out the excitement in our Kiddie Corral.



Duck racing!! I don't know--do you think they liked it? They then tried their hands at bean bag toss. Right after they started bowling, I came up and told them they were wanted in the horse pen. Every once in a while it is important to let children of a slightly older age have a turn on the equines. And for the record, the lady pictured below is NOT 65. She let us know she was the youngest of the group. Adorable!These gals were naturals. Red was a good sport and agreed to have his picture taken with his new friend. Tim enjoyed all the female attention. His wife Barb showed up right before they ladies left and said, "I understand there was some flirting going on with my husband!" They all just laughed. Ladies, we're so happy you made our little stand part of your wild and crazy weekend.

You brought a smile to all of our faces.