First Official Day

We know some amazing people. Have I mentioned that before? I should be shouting it from the rooftops! Max and I are completely in awe of the love and support we are receiving on a daily basis! I was just considering typing a list of all the great helpers we've had in the last few days, but I'm so scared I'll leave someone out. Actually, I know I'd leave someone out. Thank you ALL so much for helping us get the pumpkin stand ready! These kiddos were part of our work force yesterday. What cute kids and great helpers! They rolled many, many pumpkins off the trailer before the day was over. It was a wonderful example of child labor at its best! This sweet lady is Barb. She and her husband Tim went to the pumpkin field with us last weekend and brought a load of the smallest pumpkins back to Albuquerque. Barb called asking if GG was set up to receive donations through United Way because she went to donate and couldn't find us on their list. I told her we were, but that someone else had mentioned they could not find us when they went to donate. Barb took it upon her self to go down to United Way and get everything situated. Yesterday when we were exhausted and weak from unloading pumpkins, she drove by and saw us working. That prompted her to head to the store and come back with Popsicles for everyone! Barb, thanks a million. They really hit the spot!

We also know another terrific Barb. Barb L. is/was the preschool teacher for all four of our children. Not only that, but she is a great friend and a talented person. We asked if she would mind too terribly painting the pumpkin tower Max created inside the hay maze. Even though she always has a million and ten things to do, she happily agreed. Barb, I love you!

What a masterpiece she created! Instead of the one giant pumpkin we envisioned, Barb thought five little pumpkins sitting on a fence would be super cute. Was she ever right!

This is Tyler, Barb's oldest daughter.

She just got in town yesterday from Utah to visit her family. Isn't painting a pumpkin tower exactly what everyone likes to do during their vacation time? I'd also like to add that she has a little baby growing in her belly. (No reason for adding that besides the fact I'm excited for her and her hubby.)

This lovely lady is another of Barb's precious daughters. Mikki is one of my favorite teenagers on the planet. So is her younger sister, Bailey. You can just look at their smiles and tell how wonderful, positive, and loving these girls are!

My friend Tammy also got in on the action. It is no small task for Tammy to help. She has four kids, two under the age of four. I know how valuable her time is. Tammy, thanks for coming out and helping! If you get a chance, look through her blog and check out her gorgeous photos! She is one heck of a photographer!

I didn't get any super cool pictures of Renee (in the pink shirt) working on the pumpkin tower. I should have--she spent a lot of time stapling foam up to keep the kiddos safe.I did, however, get a shot of her using the post hole digger. Renee, thanks for working at the stand ALL day, making dinner for us the other night, and always being there whenever we need you! We love you and thank you for all you do!

Anyone remember that Zack character?How lucky are we that a super cute, super cool sixteen year old would sacrifice his ENTIRE Saturday working at our pumpkin stand?! I don't know why people are always complaining about teenagers--the ones we know are absolute delights! Zack, thanks for lugging all those giant pumpkins for us today! Your muscles are welcome any time. (And your company isn't so bad either!)

We love how the tower turned out! Barb and helpers, thank a ton! You have already made many children happy and it's only been one day.

No, I did not announce the word of the day winners again. I procrastinate, I'm a slacker (was that redundant?), and I'm too tired! Because I feel bad that I haven't, I did not use a new vocab word today. Doesn't that make incredible sense?

Hope you're having a good weekend. If you need a pumpkin, you know where to find 'em!

The Never Ending Post About Really Nice People

Cochise deliberately ruined my scheduled post for Saturday by "coming down with colic." Good one! He can be such an attention hog. As if giving him a fresh coat of paint every couple weeks isn't enough!The above less than impressive picture was taken this morning as he was released from being sequestered. He didn't like the solitude in the slightest. He wanted to get back to ruling that herd and eating his fair share of the hay. I guess his, uh, digestive system is once again flowing normally. The things we take for granted!

I had the pleasure of meeting two very sweet families and two new volunteers last Friday. It was quite the day. Max had everyone start by doing the favorite activity--poop scoopin'.

Doesn't Logan looked thrilled to pieces? In his defense, I never heard him complain once. I think I just caught him in a moment of deep concentration. Sweet boy.
Not only can Brittany scoop poop, she can dump it as well. I'm going to go out on a limb after just one encounter and say she's a keeper!
This is Cindy and adorable offspring. Cindy is a photographer and fellow Blogger. (Not intimidating at all--I'm so secure with my abilities.) She did two cute posts about their visits to GG. You can check out her blog to see what she had to say. (Scroll down a few entries to get to the GG posts.) Kind woman.
Here is Tammy modeling good work ethic for her children. I wonder if she wants them to know how to wash windows, clean bathrooms, and fold laundry. Tammy, I understand instilling good habits in your children. If you need a place to instruct...

Grandma Margo even got in on the action. She decided to come out with her daughter Tammy and grandchildren to see what Galloping Grace was all about. She found out quickly the job we're so happy to share with others. I'm sure Grandma will be back every time.
Here's that wonderful neighbor again! She rescues our sick horses and cleans up after them as well. I wish Steph had Internet at her house so she could read all the times I brag on her. She should be embarrassed how great she is!
Haley knew how to get the job done in style--check out her shades! She was such a tough little girl working in that pen.
This is the above mentioned adorable offspring, Kelsey. You can clearly tell she's four. The overalls made me want to take her picture all day.

Family bonding at its finest. There really are few more wholesome activities.
That's Nancy, the volunteer I bragged about last week, helping Grant. Yes, another Grant. He is one cute kid! He wasn't about to be outdone by Brittany in the hauling department.
After that task was complete, our Grant took matters into his own hands and showed Kelsey how to properly use a hammer. He always makes us look like such good parents. Judge if you must, but hammers and nails keep small children busy for hours. And just think what great fine and gross motor skills they are developing!
Eventually, the children got their chance to ride. This kind lady is Heidi. It was her first time volunteering at GG and possibly her last. Max had her walking in circles around the round pen for a very long time. Way to go honey, burning out the free labor! Whether or not she ever makes it back, I am happy I had the chance to meet her. Heidi, thanks for helping the kids ride and giving up your time to do so.

Here's that overalls girl again. Do you blame me? From what I'm told, her first time out she wanted nothing to do with getting on the horse. This time around, she wanted nothing to do with getting off the horse. She and Crackerjack were best buds. Thought I'd throw in a picture of Mel in action. Mel has committed to helping out at the ranch on a regular basis. Guess what Max asked him to do? Yep, use a post hole digger for a very long time! That Max is a thinker! I'm sure Mel is just dying to get back out this week. Wouldn't you be? I love happy people!Here's another shot of concentrating Logan. I just love his hands in this picture!
I haven't mentioned Dan the Man in forever! Here he is helping Logan perform airplane horseback riding. Dan, again, thanks for being there!
Adorable Haley in action.

Grant and Brittany have taken right to riding. They were all over the arena by themselves. This picture is to let you see Trisha, another new volunteer. Please ignore the muffin on the horse. How did Trisha end up with her? Not my fault! Trisha, you were awesome!

Any guesses on what Max had her doing? Yep, also walking in circles for the majority of the time. In this picture she finally got released into the arena. Is that better? I'm not sure. The arena has very deep sand that can give a person a great work out!

Nancy, you are such a great teacher and so very patient. We are blessed to have you as a volunteer.

I am officially tired of listening to myself. I will leave you with a few more pictures. No, I did not include EVERY picture I took that day. How rude!

Did any of you make it through this mazy post? Yeah , I didn't think so. I know my fellow bloggers will sympathize that this riveting read was two hours in the making!! Ugh and double ugh! We love you, volunteers!