Bucket List

Last night, I took a horse riding lesson with Natalie. Today, my bum is sore! I guess I can check this off the bucket list as things to do before I leave this earth.
I have to say that I liked the ride however I'm not ready to saddle up again. I was really nervous mounting the horse, and I had some issues steering her. It was a crazy but fun evening. What I did enjoy was grooming the horse. I got more from that, then the whole lesson. Horses are amazing animals and they deserve so much respect from us. Its amazing that they even allow us to mount them and ride them.
On the other hand, Natalie was trying to canter on "Sugar" and she bucked so high. I was so proud of her, because she stayed on and she didn't cry or complain about it. I think we may have taken another baby step....
Speaking of, my baby turns 10 years old in 2 weeks and her birthday present arrived today via UPS. Can't wait to see her face.......I'll post pictures..

October Pumpkin fun show

Nat placed 2nd, 4th, 5th, and 8th. Way to go Nat! Nat's the one in pink riding the black/white paint horse..

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

It's a School Night!

It's finally here! School starts tomorrow and I couldn't be happier! It is the most wonderful time of the year. Not that I didn't enjoy our summer time together, but I look forward to the routine again. This labor day weekend, we spent mostly at the beach. The weather was absolutely perfect. High 70's low 80's all weekend long. Whoo hoo. St. Joseph dedicated their water fountain on Saturday morning. It runs every evening from 5 - 10pm thru mid October. Natalie had so much fun running in the fountain and water spouts. What a nice thing to build for the kids. Well, now its to bed early, its a school night and I finally will have some time to myself in the evenings again.....ahhhhhhh

Back to School

Fair week is over, and I've had a week to recover. The first part of the week, was so hot and sticky, almost unbearable. On Wednesday, Natalie and her friend went to their first concert to see "The Naked Brothers Band." First they rode the rides till it was time for the show. Then Anthony took them back stage to do a meet and greet. Natalie did not want to wash her hands at all!


During the fair, we talked to many people about 4-H and leasing a horse for Natalie etc. I got some vital information and been spending this week of recovery, researching stables and horses for new opportunities for Natalie's horseback riding lessons.
Also this week, we did the dreaded back to school shopping. Michigan schools don't begin until after labor day, so we always have at least 2 weeks after fair to get last minute supplies. I always wait until the last moment to buy shoes. Here's why. I bought Natalie a pair of shoes right before school let out for summer and she wore a size 3. Back to school shoes were size 5. How does one jump 2 sizes in 3 months. She did this last year too. So, hopefully the bigger size will last us at least until winter I hope. No tears this year with shoes. She knew what she wanted and it was a matter of talking me into paying for them! Have to admit they are cute!

Well we are headed into our last week of summer and summer break. 4th grade here we come! I'm praying for no drama already!

My Champion

I am such a proud Mama right now! My girl got Champion and Grand Champion for her photo in our county fair today. She enter 3 items; dish garden, drawing and 8 x 10 color photo. She received "A's" for the dish garden and drawing but got the highest award for her photograph. She is just thrilled and beside herself. It's been a long day and I'm ready for bed, because we have another long day at the fair tomorrow. Way to go, Nat!

Here is the pic....

Blowing off some steam

“I will deal with them according to their conduct, and by their own standards I will judge them”

I've had a horrible last few days. I'm struggling with what I want to do and what I should do.
My adventure at Michigan Adventure yesterday was both eye opening and exhausting. This was my third outing with mother's of my daughter's "circle of friends." And just like the other 2 outings, these Christian women were extremely rude. If I compared Natalie's "public school" moms vs. her "private school" moms. I would have to say despite the fact that the public school moms were snobby, at least they faked being nice. These "Christian" women don't even care they are rude.

On the way to the beach this afternoon, Natalie told me that this "mom" wouldn't let her use the restroom because it would take time away from her agenda. I think I almost had a stroke. After a relaxing 2 hours at the beach tonight, and watching the gulls fight for food and territory, it occured to me the answer. It's time to step up. I will deal with them when I have to, but I think I will make myself as unavailable to them as I most possibly can be. Books and Mp3 players will be very handy. I'm so pissed.....

Michigan Adventure

We are off to Michigan Adventure tomorrow. This is the last Brownie trip of the season before school starts up. Michigan Adventure is a water/amusement park all in one. The weather is supposed to be a perfect 83 degrees with no rain in the forecast.

Bathing suit. Check
Towels. Check
Lunch packed. Check
Sunscreen. Check

What else is needed? Oh, maybe some ear plugs from girls screaming......Mp3 will do.
Post pics later....if I survive that is.