I know it's been a couple of months...but what better way to jump back on the "blog train", than to wish everyone a Merry Christmas!!!
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Monday, October 11, 2010
"Hugs and Kizzie's"
Well, her official name is now On Tyme Robin, after a previous owner had it changed, but Kizzie stuck as her barn name...so she's Hugs and Kizzie's to us!
Meet Kizzie. Our 11 year old Grulla Buckskin Mare! She's a sweetheart and we couldn't be more happy!
Here's how we came to find Kizzie!
As I mentioned in the last post...I've been scouring websites and looking day in and day out to find the perfect horse. My neighbor Mindy has been really instrumental in helping me know what to look for, and what to stay away from. It's been so wonderful having her non-pushy, but educated opinion on various horses that we had seen pictures and videos of, and ones we were planning to go look at. We spent countless hours looking at horse after horse on www.Dreamhorse.com, went to look at one together (who turned out to be, well lets just say...not the horse for us), and had plans of looking at a couple of more this last weekend as well. It's been really fun!
So...through all of that, Mindy had also been talking to some of her other friends in the "horse world", getting their opinions, and seeing if they knew of any good horses themselves! In comes Staci! I've known Staci for a while, through her husband, and soon after we moved in, realized that Staci and Mindy were good friends as well...sorry...side story. Anyways...Staci new of a horse that one of her 4-Hers was selling, and thought she'd be perfect for us. She had been doing Western Pleasure, and trail shows, she was smart, well broke, and beautiful...a nice plus! Anyways...she was quite pricey, and I told Staci she was way out of our price range, but thank you for sending leads my way, and let me know if you find anything else! I moved on, kept looking, and made plans to go see a couple of horses down in Eugene that I knew would be a far cry because of one's young age, and the other's cost...but if nothing more, I'd gain experience while looking! Fast forward to Friday, when I got an email from Staci saying that her friends would consider lowering their price for me if I liked her and found her to be a good fit! They really needed to sell her, and wanted her to go to a good home.
So...Mindy and I woke up bright and early Saturday morning so we could ride Kizzie and get a feel for her before we drove down to Eugene. That way we had something to compare the Eugene horses too. The weather was nasty, the cold rain was falling, but the horse was wonderful, and I instantly fell in love. So much so that I went right home, called and canceled the Eugene appointment, and started making arrangements for a second ride/placement in her new home. I was that confident! I had her family drive her to the barn we would be boarding, so we could have a second trial ride in the arena, in hopes of just leaving her there when we were done...all the while making her ours!
Well...that's exactly what happened. They brought her, and not only were my feelings about her confirmed, but Kevin agreed as well. The kids LOVED her, and Kizzie was fantastic with them. Being 3 and nearly 5, they are still a bit young, and unaware, but Kizzie did great. New people (little people at that), new (literally, brand spankin new) barn, and new horses all around...and she remained unphased! I saw no reason to let her pass us by, so we bought her!
So there you have it. Our new addition to the family! We love her and can't wait to see where life will take us now that we have another adventure thrown it's way! I'm such a beginner horseman, it's not even funny, but I'm excited to learn all I can about horses, and myself along the way as well!!! I'm sure you'll be hearing more and more about miss Kizzie...so stay tuned!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
A Bit Preoccupied
I know, I know...I've been MIA from the blogging world. That's a little in part to hustle and bustle of the fall season, with the kids school starting and all...but that's also in part to my new obsession. Let me back up a bit:
Ever since I was a little girl (like most little girls), I've wanted a horse. I used to ride at my girlfriends house, and used to drool over any and every horse I'd see along the side of the road. My mom, not even being a cat or a dog person, sure as heck is not, nor will she ever will be a horse person. So...my chances of owning my own horse as a kid, were slim to none.
Fast forward to highschool when I met and started dating, Kevin. From the beginning, we had talked about getting married, buying a house, having a dog, 2 kids, a boat, trailer, and property with horses! That was our dream. Soon the dream started to become reality. We got married, bought a house, a boat, then a camper, and then started our family. The horses and property were still in the back of our mind, though our time was spent doing all of the other things we loved, and it soon became apparent that we'd either have horses, and eat, sleep and breath them...or we'd do everything else we wanted to do...but we couldn't have it all! So...the property and horses got put on the back burner!
Fast forward again to the fact that our current neighbors have horses, my brother and sister-in-law have horses, and my kiddos are obsessed! I started looking into options besides having property with horses, and realized that while it might not be ideal for everyone...boarding a horse at a local barn, was a rather good option for Kevin and I. The kids and I could have our horse, board it at a reputable place where it's daily feed and turn-outs would be taken care of by someone else, and we could in turn enjoy our horse in our spare time, all the while still enjoying the many other things we love to do! YAY!!! Problem solved!
Soooooo...present day...here I am, devouring various horse selling websites, craigslist, and youtube to find the perfect family horse. Every spare second I have, I'm on the computer looking at horses. I am rather obsessed, yes...but I'm loving it, and looking forward to adding another member to our family, all 1000 + pounds of him or her!
Ever since I was a little girl (like most little girls), I've wanted a horse. I used to ride at my girlfriends house, and used to drool over any and every horse I'd see along the side of the road. My mom, not even being a cat or a dog person, sure as heck is not, nor will she ever will be a horse person. So...my chances of owning my own horse as a kid, were slim to none.
Fast forward to highschool when I met and started dating, Kevin. From the beginning, we had talked about getting married, buying a house, having a dog, 2 kids, a boat, trailer, and property with horses! That was our dream. Soon the dream started to become reality. We got married, bought a house, a boat, then a camper, and then started our family. The horses and property were still in the back of our mind, though our time was spent doing all of the other things we loved, and it soon became apparent that we'd either have horses, and eat, sleep and breath them...or we'd do everything else we wanted to do...but we couldn't have it all! So...the property and horses got put on the back burner!
Fast forward again to the fact that our current neighbors have horses, my brother and sister-in-law have horses, and my kiddos are obsessed! I started looking into options besides having property with horses, and realized that while it might not be ideal for everyone...boarding a horse at a local barn, was a rather good option for Kevin and I. The kids and I could have our horse, board it at a reputable place where it's daily feed and turn-outs would be taken care of by someone else, and we could in turn enjoy our horse in our spare time, all the while still enjoying the many other things we love to do! YAY!!! Problem solved!
Soooooo...present day...here I am, devouring various horse selling websites, craigslist, and youtube to find the perfect family horse. Every spare second I have, I'm on the computer looking at horses. I am rather obsessed, yes...but I'm loving it, and looking forward to adding another member to our family, all 1000 + pounds of him or her!
In the meantime, I've been taking weekly lessons in order to learn all I can! The kids are quite jealous, but hey...sometimes mommy gets to do something for herself!!! So...I appoligize if I've been MIA, but I've been a bit preoccupied! We're going to look at 2 very special horses on Saturday...so who knows...maybe 1 of them will be "the one"!
Oh...and I'm selling my car in order to help pay for my new "ride"!!! So if you know anyone who needs a 2000 Limited Edition Ford Excursion (which they don't make anymore...by the way), let me know! I LOVE my car and will be sad to see it go...but I'm pretty sure I'm going to love my horse more!!!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Just Riding it Through
Well life has been a bit like a Roller Coaster around here lately, and while I don't really have time to fill you in on everything that's been going on...I do have time to leave you with a picture that shows it all! We've had some highs...we've had some lows...but through it all we're smiling, and looking forward to the things to come!
Yay for life slowing down a bit, and for the time that we're getting to spend with family and friends! I never thought I'd say it...but c'mon Fall...I'm ready for ya!
Monday, July 26, 2010
A Visit From "The Big Apple"
Remember my friends the Tuckers...you know, the ones Kallen and I traveled to Alaska to visit, and who have come to stay with us a time or two also? Well, this last week, we were blessed with their presence once again! They are now living in upstate New York, but since their family only lives 2 1/2 hours away from us...when they come home to visit...we get them for a few days as well!!!
It wasn't until their last day here that we realized we hadn't even pulled out our cameras yet...so we took the kiddos to the park and started shootin'! I sure miss these guys and try to convince them every time they are here, that I'm sure there is a house just around the corner that has their name on it! We'll see...maybe one of these days they'll at least live closer than a plane ride away!
It wasn't until their last day here that we realized we hadn't even pulled out our cameras yet...so we took the kiddos to the park and started shootin'! I sure miss these guys and try to convince them every time they are here, that I'm sure there is a house just around the corner that has their name on it! We'll see...maybe one of these days they'll at least live closer than a plane ride away!
and you can see the rest of the pictures in my facebook album:
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Monday, July 19, 2010
The One Where Kynlee is a Princess...oh wait, a Diva
Many years ago...okay, actually, truth be told, I think they only stopped 2 or 3 years ago...my dad, Stew and Pat (the men of the lake), used to build a pyramid on skies every 4th of July weekend. We'd put flags on the boats, Stew (the top man) would hold a flag, and we'd drive around the lake waving and honking! It's a part of 4th of July that I'll always remember, and if I had pictures, you'd all see how special it was too. Well now, these late 50's men's backs don't hold up to such shenanigans and they've left the 4th of July "show" to the rest of the people on the lake. It's never been as exciting as "The Pyramid"...a few boats idling around with red, white and blue splashed all over them, honking and celebrating Independence day! But really...how can you beat 50 year old men building a ski pyramid...seriously?
Anyways...this year, our very own Kynlee was asked to join the "parade"! Everyone gets a kick out of her skiing and waving around the lake, so what better thing to have in a boat parade than a skiing princess?!?!
Our little princess turned out to be more like a Diva...but I wouldn't have expected anything less!!!
Anyways...this year, our very own Kynlee was asked to join the "parade"! Everyone gets a kick out of her skiing and waving around the lake, so what better thing to have in a boat parade than a skiing princess?!?!
Our little princess turned out to be more like a Diva...but I wouldn't have expected anything less!!!
Sporting Nema's patriotic "dress", ready for the parade
Right off the bat telling Papa where to go
"Hit-it"
The waving begins
Then the fit throwing began because apparently papa wasn't going fast enough
She was convinced her "pony" was going to fall out, so she held it for most of the ride
Then the scowl began as I was trying to explain that it wouldn't fall out
After realizing the "pony" was in fact not going to fall out...she gave us a quick "I Love You"
Big brother showed his patriotism as well
Oh there you are Kal
more waving
and a bit of trick riding as well!
After the parade, I made Kallen get on the ski...and he was Thrilled
okay...he was thrilled after we got going
So thrilled he didn't want to stop
and Kynlee pouted because her turn was over
Monday, July 12, 2010
Already?!?!
I know it's true, though it's hard to believe...that this little princess turned 3 on Friday!
We've had a busy, busy celebratory weekend for the lil' lady, and like a true princess, she has spent the last 3 days waiving, smiling, and making sure ALL eyes are on her...ALWAYS!!!
You are the most amazing, lovable, sweet little girl! Your smile brightens every room you walk into, and we LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that you are all ours! Happy Birthday little girl!
Life Can Resume!
Well...A few months back, my trusty laptop computer crashed! Fortunately we had a semi "extra" computer at the shop that we were able to bring home and use temporarily. Turns out that "temporarily" is turning into "permanently". We're not really wanting to spend the money on a new computer, and the old one lived a very good life, and spending the money to fix it, doesn't seem worth it at the moment either...so...all that to say that my "life" was on that computer. Files, pictures, programs, you name it!!! I've been working with a bare bones, no programs, etc. etc. computer and I finally, FINALLY downloaded some of my "life" onto this computer! Ahhhhh...I can breathe again!!! AND...I can update my blog again with...wait for it.............PICTURES!!! Yay!!!
Monday, June 21, 2010
Finally an Answer...Though Not the One I Wanted
I'm not really sure how to approach this post...so I guess I'll just jump right into it!
For the past 15 years or so (my dates are a bit foggy), I've had some pretty major gastrointestinal problems. Forgive me while I get a bit graphic with you all! I've had cramping, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and/or constipation and just plain discomfort for pretty much every day of those 15 years. I don't remember the exact date it started, or how old I was...just that I began having "stomach" issues sometime early in my life. I was first diagnosed with ulcers, then as that diagnosis seemed to no longer fit, I was diagnosed with IBS (irritable Bowel Syndrome). Finally...an answer I thought. The doctors (and I saw many) basically told me that they didn't really have a solution for my pain, just a diagnosis and some pills that might temporarily relieve my pain when I was having an "episode"!
I can clearly remember many instances where I was doubled over in pain, and the little green pills they gave me to "relieve" my pain, were simply not cutting it. My most vivid memory is lying on a park bench at Bush Gardens Florida where my family and I were vacationing. I was in such excruciating pain that I couldn't walk anymore. I had to lay down in the fetal position and hope the pain would subside enough with time that I could actually walk out to the car. That happened more times than I can count! Still, IBS was the diagnosis, and "sorry about your luck" was the basic solution! I remember one particular doctor making a joke of the fact that the pain I was feeling was comparable to labor pains and that it would be old hat when I was actually in labor some day! I now know he was right...gee thank Doc! It's enough to feel that and have a baby a few hours later...but to experience it as a kid, with no reward...yeah...not fun!
Anyways...over time, I gave up talking to doctors and having tests run on me over and over, that I settled with the IBS diagnosis and decided it was simply something I would deal with my whole life.
Fast forward several years...My cousin had been diagnosed with Celiac disease, and the family soon became aware that several of them had a gluten intolerance as well. Still no red flag went off in my mind, and I ignored my aunts suggestion to the extended family that we all get tested since it was a genetic condition!
Fast forward again to last week, when after reading several blogs and miscellaneous websites, I was convinced I had a gluten intolerance. To be quite honest, I wasn't actually convinced, instead, I was feeling a bit like a hypochondriac, but none the less, called my doctor and requested a "celiac" panel of blood work be taken. Well, I got the call this weekend, that indeed my blood work came back positive for Gluten Intolerance. Wow!!!
The past several years started running through my mind, and the realization that not once did any one of my doctors or specialists suggest that I might have a food allergy of any kind. How was it missed, when it was so clear to me after doing the research? I guess that's neither here nor there. I now have this diagnosis and am not quite sure what to do with it. I guess going Gluten Free is the obvious solution, though the selfishness in me doesn't want to "give up" the things I love so much.
I don't really think it's that...as much as I don't want to be different. I don't want to have to be the girl who asks for the "gluten free menu" at the restaurant, or who goes around examining food labels while at the grocery store. Or how about the girl who diagnosis dishes that people bring to potlucks, or family dinners, and when asked why I'm not eating something have to respond "oh...I'm gluten free"...like I'm too good or something. So while I'm not happy about being "that girl", I guess I will have to be her and hopefully the relief from pain that I will soon be feeling...will be worth it!!! Right?!?! Ugh.......
For the past 15 years or so (my dates are a bit foggy), I've had some pretty major gastrointestinal problems. Forgive me while I get a bit graphic with you all! I've had cramping, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and/or constipation and just plain discomfort for pretty much every day of those 15 years. I don't remember the exact date it started, or how old I was...just that I began having "stomach" issues sometime early in my life. I was first diagnosed with ulcers, then as that diagnosis seemed to no longer fit, I was diagnosed with IBS (irritable Bowel Syndrome). Finally...an answer I thought. The doctors (and I saw many) basically told me that they didn't really have a solution for my pain, just a diagnosis and some pills that might temporarily relieve my pain when I was having an "episode"!
I can clearly remember many instances where I was doubled over in pain, and the little green pills they gave me to "relieve" my pain, were simply not cutting it. My most vivid memory is lying on a park bench at Bush Gardens Florida where my family and I were vacationing. I was in such excruciating pain that I couldn't walk anymore. I had to lay down in the fetal position and hope the pain would subside enough with time that I could actually walk out to the car. That happened more times than I can count! Still, IBS was the diagnosis, and "sorry about your luck" was the basic solution! I remember one particular doctor making a joke of the fact that the pain I was feeling was comparable to labor pains and that it would be old hat when I was actually in labor some day! I now know he was right...gee thank Doc! It's enough to feel that and have a baby a few hours later...but to experience it as a kid, with no reward...yeah...not fun!
Anyways...over time, I gave up talking to doctors and having tests run on me over and over, that I settled with the IBS diagnosis and decided it was simply something I would deal with my whole life.
Fast forward several years...My cousin had been diagnosed with Celiac disease, and the family soon became aware that several of them had a gluten intolerance as well. Still no red flag went off in my mind, and I ignored my aunts suggestion to the extended family that we all get tested since it was a genetic condition!
Fast forward again to last week, when after reading several blogs and miscellaneous websites, I was convinced I had a gluten intolerance. To be quite honest, I wasn't actually convinced, instead, I was feeling a bit like a hypochondriac, but none the less, called my doctor and requested a "celiac" panel of blood work be taken. Well, I got the call this weekend, that indeed my blood work came back positive for Gluten Intolerance. Wow!!!
The past several years started running through my mind, and the realization that not once did any one of my doctors or specialists suggest that I might have a food allergy of any kind. How was it missed, when it was so clear to me after doing the research? I guess that's neither here nor there. I now have this diagnosis and am not quite sure what to do with it. I guess going Gluten Free is the obvious solution, though the selfishness in me doesn't want to "give up" the things I love so much.
I don't really think it's that...as much as I don't want to be different. I don't want to have to be the girl who asks for the "gluten free menu" at the restaurant, or who goes around examining food labels while at the grocery store. Or how about the girl who diagnosis dishes that people bring to potlucks, or family dinners, and when asked why I'm not eating something have to respond "oh...I'm gluten free"...like I'm too good or something. So while I'm not happy about being "that girl", I guess I will have to be her and hopefully the relief from pain that I will soon be feeling...will be worth it!!! Right?!?! Ugh.......
Monday, May 31, 2010
Tricksters
Our kids are a bit obsessed with bike riding! It's true!!! If they had their way...they'd be out on their bikes, every minute of every day! We're pretty blessed in the fact that we live on a street with very little traffic, so the kids can actually "own the road"...which only makes the desire to ride every waking minute...that much stronger! Anyways...
Kallen got a new bike a few weeks ago, and decided that he had to race daddy...you know...now that he had a "fast bike" and all! So, they pumped up daddies tires, and off they went...
Now, Kallen won of course...
So daddy had to start doing tricks...you know...to keep his "coolness" after being beat by a 4 year old!
The kids thought daddy was amazing...but the lil' miss still tried to show him up!!! Standing and riding at the same time, no way!!! oooh ah ooooh ah!!!
She was pretty proud of herself
and so was big brother!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)