Joe

You know that old saying good things come to those who wait? Well, tonight I learned that is most definitely true!! Melissa has been nagging me for some time to get the story of our amazing new horse Joe on the blog. I couldn't get my soul to cough it up. I didn't feel like I could do it justice. I didn't want to sift through all my pictures. Tonight, after listening to her ask for the umpteenth time for me to write something, I told her to do it. Do it she did! The wonderful post AND pictures below courtesy of Melissa D.
Melissa, take it away--

This is the story of Joe. Sort of.

On August 24, Galloping Grace received its newest blessing. Sweet Joe. He came all the way from Flagstaff, Arizona to live with us here at GGYR. His lovely owner Amita graciously donated Joe to GGYR because she knew that he had another purpose in life, and that would be to bring joy and love to children. Joe and Amita have a very special relationship and we can never thank her enough for bringing him into our lives. After meeting Joe, I realized he reminded me very much of a certain lovable bear..

Just like Pooh, Joe comes from the woods. He loves to eat and he is quite a whimsical, cuddly old ‘bear’. He’s gentle and kind. He’s patient and slow.

Joe is a draft, quarter horse paint cross. He is a most amazing creature and has a Buddha-like nature about him that makes you want to walk up to him and give him a squeeze and wrap your arms around him. He’s extremely sweet and loves getting treats!

After being at GGYR for only a week, we saddled Joe up this past week and he took to the kids right away and didn’t mind giving a few rides, even though he has decided that he\is napping in between rides is part of his contract, and definitely a must.

Spending the past couple of weeks with Joe, I have decided under my own conclusion that he does in fact remind me of Pooh Bear..

And so my friends I will leave you with this:

In the words of Winnie the Pooh..

“It is more fun to talk with someone who doesn't use long, difficult words but rather short, easy words like "What about lunch?”

Kaitlin Is The Greatest

I must start out by noting this is the second blog for today. Yep, blogging maniac. Hear me roar!

OK, so I guess I can't take credit for this post. All text and pictures are courtesy of Ms. Trish, our volunteer extraordinaire. (Except for my muffin word which she clearly stole. The nerve of some people.)

Trish, take it away--

Do you see this cute little muffin. Her name is Kaitlin. While she loves the horses, she also has a great fear. What is her fear you ask horses. See she a begged her mom to bring her to Galloping Grace to see the horses but she has not wanted to be on the horses. She a been out two times prior to this great day. One day she was brave enough to pet the horses and the next time she led one of the horses. But never ever actually got on a horse. Well today was the day for this brave little girl to overcome her fear. She sat on Seabiscut. If took a lot of convincing from Steph, Melissa, mom and myself but Kaitlin was brave and accomplished something huge in her little nine year old life, she sat and for that moment in time she was the bravest girl in the world. I am so proud of you Kaitlin. I truly hope you carry that feeling with you for the rest of your life you are great and can accomplish anything you set your mind to. And that my friends in blog land is the greatest thing to be a part of to watch a child do the impossible. Pure Joy at its best!

Kaitlyn, you should be proud of yourself. Way to go!! Trish, you too! Just how many guest posts is that for you now? Thank you so much! Thanks for blogging, for scheduling, etc., etc., etc.! Any night you want to write up another sweet story like this, I am willing to accept.

Copy. Paste. Done.

Serenity In Action

Remember that sweet lady Lisa who gave us Serenity, the rescued horse? Here, an email and pictures she took during her visit today. Clearly Lisa has no respect for my picket line. Geez!

Hey Michelle!

Here are the pictures of Serenity from today..I think the smiles upon all the kids faces says it all!! I am so appreciative and grateful for her new home on the ranch.Now that her "Purpose" has been restored, I truly believe her journey is now complete. What an incredible journey it has been.. I am so thankful for being the person blessed to find, love and nurse her back to health..Especially thankful to all the wonderful people who have helped me care for her along the way..I have met and become friends with the most wonderful people..This horse has brought such much joy and so many blessings to my life..I know she will provide many children who visit the ranch with incredible lasting childhood memories..God, thank you for granting us our sweet Serenity and accepting we could and would make a difference in her life, as she will for many others to come..Max, Michelle and everyone at GGYR you are the best!!!

Speak Into The Mike, Mister

Just so you know, I'm not crossing the picket line on this post either. You see, this is something Trish wrote several weeks ago that I am just now getting around to publishing.

Text and pictures courtesy of Trish K.

So here we go again another TV station wanting Cowboy Max. Okay I lied they called me and I said Max would be happy to do an interview. I am more a behind the scenes gal or behind the email gal as of late. This lack of Thyroid is really making me quite clever I tell ya. I am getting off track and this is turning into a whole another blog. No Michelle, two is my limit. I am not doing three. (Trish did another post the same time she sent this.)SO anyways TBN (Turner Broadcasting Network) called and asked me for an interview with this new show they are doing called, "Field Trip Fun". The premise is that kids interview adults on fun things to do around town. I thought Max would be perfect and arranged for them to come out. Well today was the day. That sweet little Aleena came with her film crew to interview Max. I will let you know when it will air when I do. They also promised me a copy of the spot for our website. It was really cute and she is a star in the making that I am sure these interview will make her top ten list of favorite moments in her life. No Max not because of you but because of her real co-star Cochise. Credits to her film crew Daniel and Alan, special thanks to mom for driving her out there. I am horrible I not remember her mom's or brother's name that sat there tortured while she interviewed Max. I wish I could say the lack of memory on the names was the lack of med's unfortunately never been my strong suite. Really the sole reason I married my wonderful husband Chase. He can meet someone once and instantly remember their name and life stories forever. It is a true gift. Where were you, Chase when I needed you most? Anyways again off track. Here are some cute pictures of the two stars Aleena and Cochise oh Max was there too.Max don't think all these interviews have anything to do with you. You just happen to have amazing women in your life who prefer to work behind the scenes. (Amen to that, Trish. I couldn't have said it better myself!)

Roy The Rattler

A beautiful, wonderful guest post for your reading enjoyment! Melissa, thanks for all the pictures and the words to go along with them.

“Knock Knock-
Who’s there?
Roy.
Roy who?

Roy the rattlesnake!”


Minding his business under some wood,
Until Max came along and lifted it up--
Roy was discovered and misunderstood.
Then lo and behold, he was put in a can,
Where he slept and he crept and most likely wept—
Until Max lifted the lid and showed Roy his plan.

It wasn’t for soup, or cake or snake pie,
But to give the kids a peek and let them say hi.

And he slithered and hissed and tried to rattle with all his might,
But stage fright overcame him and not a sound he could make-
A big thank you to Melissa and Garrett,
For saving this snake.

The End

Melissa, you're such a hoot! Thanks for the great pictures and the cute poem to go along with them!

To those wondering, the snake will be released.

The Dream

Tim teared me up. Here, his unsolicited guest post:

Anybody that has spent any time with me knows that every day if you ask me what I am doing I will tell you “I am living the dream” then I laugh and say I just can’t figure out whose dream I am living. Saturday while “living the dream” I know it was Max and Michelle’s dream I was living. Nice thing is they are willing to share that dream with us, and allow us to take ownership in this dream.

Last year Renee and myself started doing sessions one Saturday a month for several reasons. First was probably selfish so we could experience the joy of sharing horseback riding with the kids because there is just no way to describe the joy or maybe “Pure Joy” that comes when a child gets on the horse. Secondly to allow dads, moms, grandparents and kids that otherwise could not experience this joy a chance to experience it.

When we left the ranch on that Saturday last September to go pick pumpkins we knew we had done good, and had a great year sharing with all the new friends we had met. We had no idea what was going to happen the next year. Saturday was the start of a new year for us and wow what an experience it was. We were able to give about 30 kids a chance to go horseback riding--some were old friends, some are now new friends, but it is no longer just Renee and me because Saturday it took 8 volunteers to take care of everybody. Doing rough math I figured with 30 kids, parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters there was probably nearly 100 people through the ranch to share in Max and Michelle’s dream. It was an exciting view to watch all these people going from one work station to the next, seeing the excitement on their faces when they realized they really could ride a horse and were actually riding a horse. For this experience I would like to thank Max, Michelle and everybody that donates there time, everybody that donates money, buys pumpkins, buys Christmas trees.

Thank you,

Tim

No Tim, thank you! Not only are you a wonderful volunteer, terrific board member and fantastic tree hauler, but you're a great friend. We're so happy Galloping Grace has you. And how cool are you doing a guest post for me??!! My cup runneth over.

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.)

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???)

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.)

Pumpkin Poster

This post was written by Melissa, a volunteer and mother to Phoebe, a very stylish little girl who loves to scoop poop. I lucked out that Barb called and asked her to post and that she actually did it!

This is nerve-wracking! Being asked to write a guest post for Michelle since she was out picking pumpkins in...well..out somewhere picking pumpkins! I arrived this morning and got to hang out with Barb and her two awesome daughters! We painted, filled empty spots and sold pumpkins to happy families.

My husband showed up after lunch and he happily moved many, many large pumpkins out of bins to make way for the arrival of more pumpkins this week.

Okay, so I had some really good pictures on my camera and they are still on my camera. As soon as I found out I was asked to write this guest post I opened my camera to pop out the memory card only to realize the memory card was not in the camera and I searched for the cord to get the pics out the old fashioned way and I searched for half an hour and alas, no luck. However--I am able to happily attach a few pictures from my phone and I apologize that the photos are not better quality. I also want to attach some pictures taken from yesterday at the patch, the first day of Fall and the weather was chilly enough to wear hats and jackets and a few, small volunteers helped move lots and lots of pumpkins!

It was a beautiful day today and the patch was filled with very giddy children and joyful parents who played in the corn bin and lassoed steer and made their way through the corn maze squealing with delight while their kids enjoyed their parents who were having just as much fun as they were. What is more fun than making your way through a labyrinth of pumpkins with your family trying to pick the perfect one?! We watched as families picked pumpkins and kids pushed the wagons and grandparents thanked us for the wonderful time they had.

This is really what it's about and god bless the Wade family for providing this wonderland of pumpkins for all of us to enjoy! I have never been more proud to be a part of something as I am this, and it's an amazing feeling to watch my four year old daughter learn the value of hard work and volunteerism as she makes new friends and can't wait to come back the next day and start all over again. To watch families come from all over Albuquerque and enjoy the dreams come true of one man and his family. This my friends, is magic.

Filling in for the pumpkin queen (and very proudly so),

Melissa

Melissa, thanks so much for filling in and working so much and baking and donating and caring! We appreciate you. Please tell your hubby and daughter thanks too. We know what hard work that is.

Barb, Melissas (both of you), and Amy--thanks for working at the stand today so we could go and gather more pumpkins. We knew we left it in good hands. You got so much done and did such a terrific job.

Renee and Tim--you're always there for us. Thanks.

Pumpkin gathering crew--Carlos, Dylan, Robin, Zach, Jon, Ben, and Trish--we rocked! Thanks for all the help!! (Hopefully there will be a post about this soon--these great hands deserve one.)

Mike, thanks for helping Max feed and water the horses today. Neighbors don't get any more wonderful.

My sweet mommy--thanks for picking Grant and Kaley up and preschool and watching them all day. Thanks for picking my older children up after school, feeding them, and dropping them off at the stand when we got back. You are always there for us--we love you.

Misha, thanks for not only letting us use your helpful son and his friend today, but for driving all the way across town to pick up my camera from the shop. What a fantastic friend!

OK, off to bed. Things should be nice and crazy tomorrow.

Have yourself a great weekend.

A Mother's Gratitude

Guest post tonight.

I can't even begin to tell you how much I appreciate the experience Zach had at Galloping Grace...

First, I have to give a bit of background. Zachary is a 14 year old boy who just happens to have Down Syndrome. He is a reserved, quiet guy...very much keeps to himself, he only says a few words and this is seldom. We try every way we can to get him to come out of his "shell", but find few things that work. He has great difficulty with any kind of change in surroundings, people, environment...

We arrived at Galloping Grace on a hot, July day. Zach hates the heat... I was secretly concerned that he would not cooperate since he usually shuts down in the heat, but...Max met him, we introduced him to the other kids and volunteers around and got to work. Everybody was very kind and congenial.I appreciate that Zach was expected to do all the things every rider does even scoop poop. Character begins with duty. When it came Zach's turn, we got him on the horse and the magic began. He sat up straight, and began to smile. Max worked with him gently, the horse was wonderful, good natured and intuitive. Zach did things I never thought he would do on the first visit. I was actually sad to find us at the end of his turn. Zach acted like it wasn't hot at all.

This was just the beginning of the therapeutic effect riding had on Zach. I noticed he was more vocal throughout the day, smiled a lot, responded better and just had a general calmness about him. To this day, he still perks up and smiles when we mention the riding. Amazing what a horse and people with patience can do! The animal was wonderful, the structure of the program is beneficial for a person with special needs, and Max is truly gifted. Thanks to Max for pursuing his dream and consequently fulfilling the dreams of kids too. We will definitely be back for more.

My sincere gratitude to Carri for sharing the program with us and to Max and the Galloping Grace gang for all you do!

Thank you,
Colette C. (Zach's Mom)

Colette, thank you for such an amazing, gracious email. Zach is a blessing to GGYR!

I Love You That Much!

Special guest post today:

Don’t you hate it when your words come back to haunt you? I can’t tell you how many times I told my kids, “Secrets don’t make friends.” But, I have been keeping a secret from Tim, my husband, for months. There were a couple of times I’ve even lied to him, in order to keep my secret. It’s time to come clean.

I was terrified of horses! When I looked at a horse I would be in awe of their beauty, power, and shear size. My first time at GG was to work on facing my fear. Trish and I just hung out with the horses in the corral while they ate. Then Trish showed me how to catch one of the horses, tie him up, and groom him. I have to admit, I was shaking the whole time! When Trish told me I would be comfortable walking in the corral by myself, and even walking behind a horse, I thought she was totally CRAZY! Trish has the patience of a saint.

Now I love being with the horses, I look forward to going to GG! It’s such a great feeling. There are a lot of things I need to work on, like getting on a horse. But I have to say, that once I’m up there, I do pretty darn good.

I went out twice to take pictures of Barb riding. After searching my hard drive for over 45 minutes, I give up! I am just so glad Trish shot the above picture so that Tim could have proof just how brave his wife has become.

Now you’re probably wondering why…Well, Tim grew up around horses and loves to ride. He really loves to ride. At the big ranch, Tim’s the last one off his horse. I love to watch Tim ride too, because he is so good at it, and is so happy just being out there.

So, Honey, Happy Anniversary and. . .do you want to go for a ride with me?

(Tim, please imagine a cute shot I took of Barb riding and smiling away. It exists. . .somewhere!)

Here’s to another 28 years! I love you more today than the day I said “I do.”

Love,

Barb

PS
Thanks Trish, for all your help and for being a meany when I needed it.
And thank you to everyone who kept my secret so that I could surprise Tim!

Tim and Barb--Happy Anniversary from the whole Galloping Grace Gang!

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!!

Keith's Remarkable Poem

Keith said he'd write a post, and by golly he did! I had no idea it would be such a masterpiece and that he'd stay up until after 1 in the morning on a work night to do it! This blogging business can be real sleep depriving. Keith, you are one great sport and good friend!

Keith's poem:


Oh Christmas tree, what a beautiful sight
the Douglas, Grand and Nobles delight.
Row by row they line the stands
that Max had fashioned with his own hands.

Children running around playing, what fun
while the adults were busy getting work done.
Never a frown would you see at the lot
because "Pure Joy" for the employees was the plot.

Ebenezer "Tim" after 7:00 was funny
Barb, his wife, disposition always sunny.
Melissa, the daughter, was glad to be there
unless there were man problems in the air.

Renee definitely made the time fly
her sense of humor was never dry.
Dena, my wife, was always there to stay
Parker and Spencer were just there to play.

Tyler, the eldest of my three sons
carrying trees to the patrons, by the ton.
Rebekah, another volunteer was there much
trying and giving and pushing and such.

Roy, another Wade brother was sent
Fresh cut, trim branches, or a wreath for a present.
Beth, Roy's wife always there for chuckle
when the work got hard, she did not buckle.

The work was difficult, but that did not matter
Even St. Nick, from the North Pole heard the clatter.
I must admit, I'm glad there's no snow
The wind however it did blow.

The aching bones and muscles it made
were soothed by all the warm tidings paid.
I guess what I'm really trying to say
for this much enjoyment, I gladly would pay.

Max and Michelle to you I must say thanks
for the memories and the propane tanks.
I'll never forget our time at that space
Next year, same time and same place.

I hope that you enjoy my poem half as much as I enjoyed my time at the Christmas Tree Corral this year. For those of you that did not have the opportunity to go this year, please come out next year, and you will understand.

Michelle, I hope that you sleep well tonight, and thank you for giving me the opportunity to share with you my perspective on the this fabulous undertaking, and leap of faith that you and your husband undertook.

Thanks,

Keith


Keith--thank you so much for your kind words and fun poem. Your talents are far reaching, my friend!

Just Be--Like The Good Ol' Days

Guest post alert! Guest post alert! For those who were reading this blog back in May, you probably recall me droning on and on about how I didn't have any time, I was making slide shows, and I needed help blogging. Well, fast forward a couple months and I find myself in the same predicament. (It might have a tad to do with my time management skills, but don't get hung up on that.) It is almost branding weekend at the family ranch. With that comes a million things to do. Last year we had around 180 people who came to help, and we're expecting a big crowd again this year.

I make a slide show ever year from the previous branding pictures. A year should be enough time to do it, but I don't necessarily pace myself like I should--at all! Good thing I have understanding friends who love me in spite of all my faults. One such friend is the lovable Lisa. Lisa wrote the following post to help me out in my time of need. I know there has to be several of you who wish you could put your two cents in here. Now is your chance. Be heard and prosper! I thank the rest of you in advance for sending your guest posts my way! :)

Well, as I make foray into blogging, I am at a bit of a loss for words. I wasn’t given very clear instructions as to my topic. And since I am rather a novice at ranching, horse riding, poop-scooping, worm-buying and the like I am not sure how well received this entry will be.

That being said, I do feel like somewhat of an expert on having a bunch of children run around helter-skelter - not an expert at parenting, mind you, just an expert on watching them run around. And on listening to them. Not good parenting listening – listening to them yell, fight with each other, complain about who has what toy or who is mistreating who, that life is unfair (from my dramatic daughter), that they are bored, why can’t we watch TV – am I rambling? Blah, blah, blah – yeah, that’s how it all sounds to me, too. Soooo, making a short story long – one place that my kiddos do not ever complain is out at the youth ranch. They all love to be there. They love to ride, yes, but they also love the freedom the place affords. Now bear in mind, my babies are still babies, kind of. And I am a very over protective mom – just ask my husband. But GGYR is a place that my kids can kind of run around and just be – no one (okay me) is nagging them or telling them don’t touch that or climb down – they just get to play. And be. And as over bearing protective as I can be I really feel like kids need to just be… and that it is something that many kids really do lack. When I was little, my brothers and my cousins and I would all play at my grandfather’s house. He had a lot of land and very little care in the world about what we did on it. There was a great big shed where we played house and held opening night of our rock band - over and over again. He had an old Scout- it didn’t run - that we ‘drove’ to any and everywhere…many spirited adventures. We dug trenches all over and I do mean all over his property and then flooded them with water and floated Icee lids throughout the river system. I never once heard about the mud we tracked all over. You get the picture, he was wonderful and we all have many wonderful memories of him and of just being at his house. So coming back to the point -

Not too long ago we were out at the youth ranch and the kids were all off playing. The adults were talking – some taking pictures. Good guess as to who. The kids took off hiking around, exploring and sliding down hills. You could hear the voices of sweet babies taking care of each other and helping each other along. They came back exhilarated and dirty. Pretty soon the kiddos had created a fort out of scrap lumber lying around. They had built a picnic table out of plywood – and you could just see the joy (there’s that word, Foxy) in their smiles and as the game progressed along, admire their imaginations at work. Kids not fighting, actual imaginative and outdoor play and NO toys or electronic devices of any kind. Kinda reminds you of the good old days. Or, at least my childhood, anyway.

Lisa, thank you so much! Beautifully written.