Family Pictures

We had family pictures done last week by Kate and they turned out so great! She is amazing and I am so thankful that she was willing to do them for us. 

Not much more to say than, ENJOY!!!

Until next time....

Parents like mine

We all say it. My parents are the best parents and there are no parents like mine. So I decided it is my turn. It is my turn to say why my parents are so awesome and why I love my parents so much. 

1.  After all these years I still can look at them and say I hope I can be as happy as they are.

2.  They set a great example financially. 

3.  They taught me times are tough, but I can be tougher.

4.  They stand out in the freezing cold wind to help me get my house winterized.

5.  They have always made me feel like I'm special, I'm amazing, I'm smart....

6.  They have never made me feel like I was a burden to them.

7.  They are always there to give me great advice, advice that I can trust.

8.  My mom has helped me through so much, even when she doesn't know she is. My dad has always made me feel like I could do anything or be anybody.

9.  They gave me a great childhood.

AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST IMPORTANT

10.  They made me who I am today and I owe them everything.

You might ask, what brought about this sudden need to take my turn? Well, my parents came over last night to my house. It wasn't for a visit, but instead to help me "winterize" my yard. I had called my mom and asked her how to turn the water off to my sprinklers. They tried to help me over the phone but it wasn't a success. So when that didn't work, they came over. They helped me get the water turned off and without me asking, they got the swamp cooler done too. As I stood there on our deck last night, as they were both on my roof in the frigid wind taking care of things, I realized how much I love them. I realized how grateful I am for them. I realized that my parents pretty much kick butt in the parent department. I realized that they have given me so much that I don't think I will every be able to repay them. So now you know, not only was it my turn, but my parents deserved the praise.

Until next time...

Ride 'Em Cowgirls

With my butt getting bruised and my hip joints so sore that it hurt to walk, I had to ask my self, "Was it worth it?" I can honestly say, "YES IT WAS!!"

I hadn't been horseback riding since I was 18 and before that I think I was 14. My grandpa use to take me so much when I was younger. I swear at one point I was going every weekend. The lady who owned the horses that we would ride got to know us pretty well. By us I mean my cousin Nicolle and I. We were a tad bit spoiled.

This time however, was different the the others. We actually did more than just riding the horses. We groomed them, saddled them, rode them, un-saddled them, and saw the bonding training. The place we went to was out in West Jordan area, right off Bacchus Highway. It's called Hope Ranch Ministries. It's to help kids who are struggling with things in their lives.

I can't remember the name of the horse I rode, but she was a persistent one. She wanted to be in the front. Every time I would start relaxing she would try and make her way up there. The owner told me that if I was having a hard time controlling her just walking, there is no way I could gallop with her because she would just take off. I thought, "great, give me the crazy one." That aside, I enjoyed getting to know the horse and learning how to control her. Every horse is different. As my sister Abbie put it, "it's like getting use to driving a new car. It takes awhile to feel comfortable."

Persistent horse or not, I had a blast. I'm sure I was giggling with giddiness the whole time!

Abbie and Mom grooming two of the horses.

My mom grooming the horse I rode and the
horse she rode a couple weeks before.

I love this picture. This is the horse I rode. I want to
say her name was Trinadee, maybe.

Awe for cute, matching horses!

She was actually laughing because my horse wouldn't hold
still while I was taking this picture.

Owner in front riding bare-back, then Abbie riding Ollie (I
had to laugh when she said the horses name) and then me.

Pretty sure my grandpa would love this photo

Until next time.....