That's my Misha. She has been there for me since I was four years old. We lived two doors away from each other and were the best of friends.
Did you know we could control the wind with our blankets? We could indeed. We also used to catch grasshoppers to feed our pet lizards, polish rocks together, and wear matching Jordache jeans we bought with our own money after babysitting together all summer as the amazing duo of Mommy's Little Helpers. Good times.
It turns out Misha is still there for me. Now, she cleans and paints pumpkin display boxes and serves on our GG board. I love my Misha!
I happen to be falling in love with a lot of other super nice people.
Melissa started off as mom to Phoebe, a GG participant. Now Melissa is a facilitator running her own sessions. She has shown up at the stand several days offering her support. Phoebe loved the stand last year, so they're both really excited to be a part this year. I love when Melissa is around because she makes me laugh. 
There are Frank and Carri again. Wowsers! What work horses they are. You'd think the head wound would have discouraged Frank. Nope--not in the slightest. He has been there just about every day working like crazy helping Max get set up. Carri is there almost as often as she juggles her two cutie pies and their school schedules. Both of you, thank you so much! Carri, thanks, also, for all the goodies you bring for Max. Geez, at least someone bakes for the man! (I'm too busy organizing my house and dusting and stuff.) 
There's the ever helpful Rebekah. She started off as a participant last year, which she still did this year as well, but she is also so much more to GG. She worked many shifts last year at both the pumpkin and Christmas tree stands. She also served as a junior volunteer this past season. She has a servant's heart, that's for sure!! Thanks for all you do, Rebekah!
Here is Katy and her always expanding crew! Max and Trish tease her all the time because she shows up with extra children to almost all her sessions. I'm not too sure, but I think she has one of the biggest hearts in all of Albuquerque.
Max says she takes in strays, but I think she wants other children to experience what her children get to do. Really, who brings SIX young children to help paint???! My nerves wouldn't hold up. 
Katy was loving and patient and kind--cool as a cucumber! 
The children worked so hard and were so proud. 
They left with just a little paint on themselves, but Katy didn't even seem to notice. Please, no one tell my children just how cool other parents can be. Katy, you may not borrow my children to take on any of your wonderful adventures. They'd be so disappointed when they return to me. 
Jack was back. He's the retired police officer who left a paying job only to work hours and hours and hours on end for Galloping Grace! He has driven at least SEVENTY-FIVE T-posts into the ground by himself in the last couple of days, bucked straw bales, moved wood, etc. When offered food, he flatly refuses. He might be some kind of robot man in disguise. 
He happens to be extremely camera shy. Isn't that odd? I mean, if someone wants to take my picture, I happily let them. Jack just kept saying, "No pictures." I'll keep trying. He couldn't mean it. No way.
Jack, Frank, Carri and Trish--you four have been more than absolutely amazing helping get the stand ready. A million thanks for all you've done!!
B. Family, you are terrific! Robin read the blog in the morning and saw we were going to be painting.
They finished up their school work only to come do more work at the stand. Polite boys, hard workers--just great people to be around. i'm pretty sure they painted more than their fair share of boxes. Robin, Zachary, Jonathan, and Benjamin--thank you so much! Thanks, also, for jumping out of the car and posing for a group shot. Notice the two younger boys already had their shoes off? Good sports happily hurt their feet so I could take the picture. 
Couldn't you just pinch him? This young man and his mama had a session at GG in the morning. They heard about the painting party from Trish. Jennifer decided she was going to help out, but Tristan needed to stay home and finish his schooling for the day. 
I guess he asked his mom if he could please have homework so he could come out and paint. What a sweet guy! I think I know where he gets it--I love Jennifer! GG has introduced me to some of the nicest people around.
T and J, thanks for giving up your afternoon. We really appreciate all the help.
Kaley and Grant were so happy to be painting. 
Great news came of it--Grant now officially has a pair of jeans and a shirt especially for painting. So does Kaley for that matter. 
So Ms. Barb gets off work and comes over to see what she can do to help. That is typical Barb for you. She is such a dedicated pumpkin stand volunteer! Some of you might remember one of her kind deeds from last September right after we met her. One day she saw us setting up the stand as she drove by. Instead of driving home, she went to the store and brought back two boxes of Popsicles for everyone to share. Boy, did they ever hit the spot! Barb, you're a great friend and we love you. 
Wouldn't you know it--Misha was there at the end helping clean everything up. 
That's her style. She is always in the background doing whatever needs done, seeking no credit along the way.
Thanks, paint crew! You were so helpful I could almost jump for joy.
