tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36921765568222721302024-02-19T10:32:12.227-05:00Living in the MomentA Horse Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18262665194678017584noreply@blogger.comBlogger183125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3692176556822272130.post-85869576327571976692011-09-20T20:51:00.003-04:002011-09-20T21:01:26.153-04:00What a life!!I realized tonight that its been over a year since my last post. Lots of things have happend in that year...<br />We bought a horse for my daughter. A grey Arab named Dancer. Since I was at the barn everyday/night with her and her horse, I couldn't blog about anything...not even his death. Yes sadly just 10 months later we lost Dancer to Colic. Seeing my child go through his illness and then making the decision to end his suffering, was an experience I do not want to go through again. <br />So, the search went on for another horse. This June we purchased Chico. And again every night/day was spent at the barn getting to know him, riding him, learning to love him, and healing. <br />So now a more experience horse mom is back in business. I've started a blog to journal their progress. Its been a long rough year, but I think we are back in the saddle...no pun intended....<br />www.natalieshorsepower.blogspot.comA Horse Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18262665194678017584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3692176556822272130.post-17446923958816774012010-03-24T21:11:00.005-04:002010-03-24T21:36:15.057-04:00Summer lifeI realize that Zumba is now the "in" workout of the decade, but my gosh, its kicking my butt! This is really a good thing, I know. When it makes you sweat in the first 10 minutes you know this is good and I'm hooked!<br /><br />I'm so looking forward to this summer, I want sunshine. No more spelling words, book reports, math problems or band lessons. I want longer days, and Kilwins ice cream on a warm summer night. I want lazy beach days, and summer festival food. Along with all this is the county fair. Natalie will be showing her horse and it will be long days of pure torture but will be so worth it. Ribbons and pride will be on our minds.<br /><div align="center"><br /></div><br /><div align="center">All set to go in our Show Clothes!<br /><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMVFB1VK0iJEV8ISxCfGiuP9tZv50wU8EdxxUv-fmPCW1h1B7qUIwVquu268Tcii7Splyl-UVYCf9IRsDhyphenhyphenYFVb2aDZqnBf_AXYvD7BxcpfeQapr9ESpCFDaCverh6dsrzHo-TKIho7eBi/s1600/104_0265.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452377022036147954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMVFB1VK0iJEV8ISxCfGiuP9tZv50wU8EdxxUv-fmPCW1h1B7qUIwVquu268Tcii7Splyl-UVYCf9IRsDhyphenhyphenYFVb2aDZqnBf_AXYvD7BxcpfeQapr9ESpCFDaCverh6dsrzHo-TKIho7eBi/s400/104_0265.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"></a>Stay Tuned, Starlight and Natalie are Team Pantaleo!<br /><br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzCFjHZIMb7LoLSGPjhCkZmfq20qWPl9knf-t6Sis5c8GKuMXATX8iwP8tgZ5LhQhaWoTq2a2dSl8UTSJwKQ7kyBihy1n1Jdzu1l5dV0LJVdenZT8Ye_cMctne8PpEC-7HAKqDA_ovmmss/s1600/104_0295.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452377030997021106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzCFjHZIMb7LoLSGPjhCkZmfq20qWPl9knf-t6Sis5c8GKuMXATX8iwP8tgZ5LhQhaWoTq2a2dSl8UTSJwKQ7kyBihy1n1Jdzu1l5dV0LJVdenZT8Ye_cMctne8PpEC-7HAKqDA_ovmmss/s400/104_0295.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Now with all this ice cream and fair food I will be eating I will have to continue the Zumba workouts I'm sure!A Horse Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18262665194678017584noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3692176556822272130.post-90991262270152185212010-02-20T17:37:00.000-05:002010-02-20T17:38:24.866-05:00Dear God,<br />I'm tired of winter. Could you please send some sunshine? Thank you.A Horse Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18262665194678017584noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3692176556822272130.post-83890311415737320742009-12-10T23:07:00.004-05:002009-12-10T23:23:32.418-05:00Horsing AroundSince we are in the middle of this crazy winter storm, Natalie has not been able to ride or go to the horse barn because its too cold! I have to admit it, I miss it too. We are in such a routine with lessons, and 4H that I feel all out of whack and my days are messed up because we haven't been there. I miss my 4 legged, 1200lb friends. I guess I've totally transformed into a Horse mom.<br /><br />Check out the new blog dedicated to barn life, horse riding, tactical issues. Drama queens, 4H projects and later next year....County Fair!<br />***Reflections of a Horse Mom****<br /><br /><a href="http://www.horsereflections.blogspot.com/">www.horsereflections.blogspot.com</a>A Horse Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18262665194678017584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3692176556822272130.post-40157264421171642802009-12-09T22:45:00.002-05:002009-12-09T22:57:51.077-05:00Winter is hereWell, its December and the first winter storm is here. Winds are at 50 mph and the waves on Lake Michigan are huge! Its snowing/sleeting/raining. Its plain yucky out. Natalie did the snow day dance and ritual. Which includes: flushing ice cubes down the toilet, wearing pj inside out, and something about a spoon. Anyway, we will see if the ritual works in the morning.<br /><br />"When I no longer thrill to the first snow of the season, I'll know I'm growing old." <br />Author: - Claudia "Lady Bird" JohnsonA Horse Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18262665194678017584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3692176556822272130.post-54367274537766678562009-10-20T15:49:00.002-04:002009-10-20T15:55:18.833-04:00Bucket ListLast 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. <br />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. <br />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....<br />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..A Horse Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18262665194678017584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3692176556822272130.post-36240902730339564502009-10-13T19:17:00.003-04:002009-10-13T19:28:35.556-04:00October Pumpkin fun showNat placed 2nd, 4th, 5th, and 8th. Way to go Nat! Nat's the one in pink riding the black/white paint horse..<br /><div><embed src="http://www.onetruemedia.com/share_view_player?p=9ac88de8a83ef916dd856e" quality="high" scale="noscale" width="408" height="382" wmode="transparent" name="FLVPlayer" salign="LT" flashvars="&p=9ac88de8a83ef916dd856e&skin_id=701&host=http://www.onetruemedia.com" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed><div style="margin:0px;font:12px/13px verdana,arial,sans-serif;line-height:20px;padding-bottom:15px;width:408px;text-align:center;"><a href="http://www.onetruemedia.com/share_player_link?p=9ac88de8a83ef916dd856e&skin_id=701&source=emplay" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.onetruemedia.com/share_player_link_image/9ac88de8a83ef916dd856e/701.gif" style="border:0px;" width="408" /></a><br/><a href="http://www.onetruemedia.com/landing?&utm_source=emplay&utm_medium=txt4" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;">Make an on-line slideshow at <span style="text-decoration:underline;">www.OneTrueMedia.com</span></a></div></div>A Horse Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18262665194678017584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3692176556822272130.post-65097672665642427012009-09-07T21:26:00.004-04:002009-09-07T22:02:01.861-04:00It'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 <A href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TXAEYuH34vBZ6uvDIhHdVLuv2JOvlf_1QfTXTJdXvxRnbvZpJFrw2x1L0s3ZFj0OklxZ9IVNo_JVPBgS68L7TkOJbrZ6ptkKs8njXibay1AhZhr5jQiQznPhEj_wFqINkZmR1K4rmwds/s1600-h/102_0315.jpg"><IMG id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378903884046410146 style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TXAEYuH34vBZ6uvDIhHdVLuv2JOvlf_1QfTXTJdXvxRnbvZpJFrw2x1L0s3ZFj0OklxZ9IVNo_JVPBgS68L7TkOJbrZ6ptkKs8njXibay1AhZhr5jQiQznPhEj_wFqINkZmR1K4rmwds/s400/102_0315.jpg" border=0></A> <A href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPLyR5usls9QUdElyqca9SYqiFIP-1CggEbOL_p3s-k3KrmJjPLQAiuxgaVQaIB1Qf56b1MldisycnbEi8b9yPdi5nwxPUdLkxYeepu9WPOj5R5LScxBWslf2fyN5MVKtGdMRtBmpAQb7Q/s1600-h/102_0285.jpg"><IMG id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378903876063629970 style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPLyR5usls9QUdElyqca9SYqiFIP-1CggEbOL_p3s-k3KrmJjPLQAiuxgaVQaIB1Qf56b1MldisycnbEi8b9yPdi5nwxPUdLkxYeepu9WPOj5R5LScxBWslf2fyN5MVKtGdMRtBmpAQb7Q/s400/102_0285.jpg" border=0></A><br /><OBJECT class=BLOG_video_class id=BLOG_video-86a88596ff0f3b34 height=266 width=320 contentId="86a88596ff0f3b34"></OBJECT>A Horse Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18262665194678017584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3692176556822272130.post-53516455122104384372009-08-29T18:49:00.004-04:002009-08-29T19:14:53.623-04:00Back to SchoolFair 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! <br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipfXOUBHSSH8U6VUzXf1HNJDUlrXdsKM0uFQL73ABeFfPWWwY8HxUghkF_MVp0vGFcYeEEBXlfSSjX_IzkIeNJHojPxYVz7Oa-fDXFEkqy4OPw1twOKG2eLkfD6cXSUV32wZiGGikrKa7S/s1600-h/Naked+Brothers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipfXOUBHSSH8U6VUzXf1HNJDUlrXdsKM0uFQL73ABeFfPWWwY8HxUghkF_MVp0vGFcYeEEBXlfSSjX_IzkIeNJHojPxYVz7Oa-fDXFEkqy4OPw1twOKG2eLkfD6cXSUV32wZiGGikrKa7S/s400/Naked+Brothers.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375527214466862130" /></a><br /><br />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. <br />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!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8zngj2Xgar3mraS9X0H2Y7zfr3i1jVbqcfn_v5e5WVilRluC2XPlj690LA_NJBvpzHqxfvJxt1SJI6TLNeww4Et5qJ0Ur8zgqkz5LLMUuYT-olEy8zD0eKxRRSGvSPGK-s41iC-eWOmVa/s1600-h/102_0283.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8zngj2Xgar3mraS9X0H2Y7zfr3i1jVbqcfn_v5e5WVilRluC2XPlj690LA_NJBvpzHqxfvJxt1SJI6TLNeww4Et5qJ0Ur8zgqkz5LLMUuYT-olEy8zD0eKxRRSGvSPGK-s41iC-eWOmVa/s400/102_0283.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375526976981491810" /></a><br />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!A Horse Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18262665194678017584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3692176556822272130.post-62491757039959387952009-08-17T19:59:00.003-04:002009-08-17T20:03:46.858-04:00My ChampionI 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!<br /><br />Here is the pic....<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir39CFlgWKOW0xFxiGjfAceGRiuNHvOip4TgXWhmWTrkWnM01Npn7JREmBcOBJKRXCV6o_x_Cl_Fhn-XjOlTCSfKB16EZ7nY3p7FAIkIr4Q8X6V9ROQXE36wMZMojrT7XxYy9FiJg9q9Su/s1600-h/DSC_0011.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir39CFlgWKOW0xFxiGjfAceGRiuNHvOip4TgXWhmWTrkWnM01Npn7JREmBcOBJKRXCV6o_x_Cl_Fhn-XjOlTCSfKB16EZ7nY3p7FAIkIr4Q8X6V9ROQXE36wMZMojrT7XxYy9FiJg9q9Su/s400/DSC_0011.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371087556554509778" /></a>A Horse Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18262665194678017584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3692176556822272130.post-33146605073676881182009-08-12T15:35:00.003-04:002009-08-12T21:30:13.521-04:00Blowing off some steam“I will deal with them according to their conduct, and by their own standards I will judge them”<br /><br />I've had a horrible last few days. I'm struggling with what I want to do and what I should do. <br />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.<br /><br />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.....A Horse Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18262665194678017584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3692176556822272130.post-34331091368814799912009-08-10T21:38:00.003-04:002009-08-10T21:42:11.485-04:00Michigan AdventureWe 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.<br /><br />Bathing suit. Check<br />Towels. Check<br />Lunch packed. Check<br />Sunscreen. Check<br /><br />What else is needed? Oh, maybe some ear plugs from girls screaming......Mp3 will do.<br />Post pics later....if I survive that is.A Horse Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18262665194678017584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3692176556822272130.post-90165945849741524572009-08-04T19:29:00.003-04:002009-08-04T19:55:29.529-04:00Fair GameIt's getting to be that time again. Yes, school starting is right around the corner, but its not that. Its Fair time again! Natalie is putting 3 items this year in the fair. She drew a picture, a photo collage, and of course the dish garden. We are currently trying to come up with a "theme" for the dish garden. I suggested patriotic, but she wasn't to excited about that.<br />It seems the summer gets shorter and shorter every year. I can't believe I have a fourth grader. I need to get my butt in gear for some school shopping. We got the supplies bought, but it's time for some shoes, backpack, and some jeans. I've also learned that starting in 4th grade, you begin "band" if you so choose. Natalie has expressed interest in playing the flute. I have a feeling this is going to be an expensive school year.....<br />Here are some of Natalie's finest art work. Vince Vangogh...?<br /><br /><div align="center">This one is my favorite</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL1S2owLn3lWlFAIUdUQQM2FNbcvdRGkriOXvKjhJpqJk5HAOHar7nl_bBo3BIVHVJO-vUvnPBGH9j0osD2g3_VOrgdi7u8lSftuE0tVsc-wRTzXI2MKAQnbGA4BlJR816sZKQi7bX-P8L/s1600-h/102_0225.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366260790569975778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL1S2owLn3lWlFAIUdUQQM2FNbcvdRGkriOXvKjhJpqJk5HAOHar7nl_bBo3BIVHVJO-vUvnPBGH9j0osD2g3_VOrgdi7u8lSftuE0tVsc-wRTzXI2MKAQnbGA4BlJR816sZKQi7bX-P8L/s400/102_0225.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib5rpyLHIIuAqQJrMI7RxYrw5VQcun5he-HbnBDKz3IUfTo4J4aO03hyphenhyphenQZDYFErY64IkQbSryz7Y_kdvxycPEndN2wVUXo-YuSPzl2Ei-gxYdAlyq8U5u1ogxw_-ylN0nbuGwFX3zMtQqa/s1600-h/102_0224.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366260774439805474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib5rpyLHIIuAqQJrMI7RxYrw5VQcun5he-HbnBDKz3IUfTo4J4aO03hyphenhyphenQZDYFErY64IkQbSryz7Y_kdvxycPEndN2wVUXo-YuSPzl2Ei-gxYdAlyq8U5u1ogxw_-ylN0nbuGwFX3zMtQqa/s400/102_0224.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAqH6gYdXb2jNtp0VyA2p0ZBbHOlQLXAvYN8bVkRDENzmw-xIDixtbTtFyqPgUhL3cn283HALB4Ft9QHeW4pPFjawGnhCC8Ucee0YUfRcRsx4aav3bapErA2Y3SAFY4uUq_uXIz407neZY/s1600-h/102_0223.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366260765268896802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAqH6gYdXb2jNtp0VyA2p0ZBbHOlQLXAvYN8bVkRDENzmw-xIDixtbTtFyqPgUhL3cn283HALB4Ft9QHeW4pPFjawGnhCC8Ucee0YUfRcRsx4aav3bapErA2Y3SAFY4uUq_uXIz407neZY/s400/102_0223.jpg" border="0" /></a> I also learned a good tip for turning art work to digital. You can upload them to snapfish or Kodak, anyplace to make scrapbooks, and you can have their art forever!A Horse Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18262665194678017584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3692176556822272130.post-3437440799138005792009-07-30T20:07:00.003-04:002009-07-30T20:40:18.059-04:00A New ChapterNatalie had her horse lesson today. We have been talking about going down the lease road for a few months now, and I think we finally have to come to some decision. It cannot be shoved under that table or forgotten any longer. Hmmm. <br />Natalie has told us quite a few times that her "goal" is to show a horse. Well, you kinda <em>need </em>a horse to do that. So, fast forward to today's lesson. The horse that Natalie rides is a 26 year of mare. She's seen better days and way past her prime. Her coach mentioned today that Natalie is now asking the mare to do things that the mare can no longer do. In English, Nat's outgrown her. So, we were presented with the option of leasing 2 horses. Warrior or Szanghi? <br />Natalie is attracted to Warrior because he is a paint. He's young and has some "pep in his step." Way opposite of the current riding situation she is used to. Then there is Szanghi. He's an Arabian, slightly older, and very good with kids. Natalie has rode Szanghi before, but has not rode Warrior yet. Test drives begin next week.<br />It's an exciting opportunity thats coming, however bittersweet. We will surely miss Ghalli with all she has taught us. But its time to begin this chapter of starting a new, lasting relationship with a new horse. <br />So what's it going to be Warrior or Szanghi? To be continued......A Horse Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18262665194678017584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3692176556822272130.post-14757452466692074172009-07-23T21:13:00.002-04:002009-07-23T21:16:11.817-04:00FacebookDid you know they have a facebook for kids? I did not know that. Natalie has been begging me for a facebook account (I think just to play the different games) but I feel she's a bit too young. So I google facebook for kids and wha la...there it is. I think its more like a myspace, but we shall see. My social butterfly is spreading her wings again......A Horse Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18262665194678017584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3692176556822272130.post-7120413911004864252009-07-21T20:58:00.004-04:002009-07-21T21:31:52.542-04:00Where's Gretchen?Wow, it's been almost a month since my last post. It's not that I haven't had news to tell, just haven't really had a moment to think about it. But I'm vowing to have more frequent posts.<br />The biggest news is probably the fact I lost my job. Or is it my position was eliminated? Still unsure what really happened. I just don't understand the office politics and how people can just blindside you, but I just have to accept that God has chosen this for a reason and it has yet to be reveled.<br />Grandma P. has celebrated her 80th Birthday on July 3. It was a fun evening! And she was totally shocked (it was a surprise party). Of course, we all got to dress up, something that rarely happens, so I took the opportunity to take some photos of us all gussied up. It will probably be another few years before you see us all together dressed up! <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2EYJcIqoKmhNiKLGPbxZzchJphjm11_oUh3Bezhoe3yzRBQtvdp4TVdctJwf4P7s2eWWAtafNGTI3m4tYBiqf6lUwmiZo7opPi0G0v1mDdTSnlbPoS_dhD9JslCrv8C19QhTZAC0LjRvP/s1600-h/102_0105.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2EYJcIqoKmhNiKLGPbxZzchJphjm11_oUh3Bezhoe3yzRBQtvdp4TVdctJwf4P7s2eWWAtafNGTI3m4tYBiqf6lUwmiZo7opPi0G0v1mDdTSnlbPoS_dhD9JslCrv8C19QhTZAC0LjRvP/s400/102_0105.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361086010336642946" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPxGERqLIvnvJpT43fmDL_Wzu1jIpBIhW1JJkzKCcsut6r3Zu-ZUCaB_n_B5yH9mAk6prfAB3_XisVol6wbow8HpFod74dyQ4Z2VbjvMnZV_raAEnqN03rsw2XtgkPCOpr8_J0iIy5KIh4/s1600-h/pantaleo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPxGERqLIvnvJpT43fmDL_Wzu1jIpBIhW1JJkzKCcsut6r3Zu-ZUCaB_n_B5yH9mAk6prfAB3_XisVol6wbow8HpFod74dyQ4Z2VbjvMnZV_raAEnqN03rsw2XtgkPCOpr8_J0iIy5KIh4/s400/pantaleo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361086004637813746" /></a><br />Nat has started back to horse back riding. It seems she has picked up right where she left off this winter. She's riding Ghalli again and seems to have a great bond with her. She's learning to get her to trot by asking and keeping up the trot while weaving in and out of cones (serpentine) It's fun to see her enjoy herself and having the confidence of controlling a 1000 lb animal. <br />Natalie has also been swimming alot this summer. That's part of the reason why my posts have been more infrequent. Swim team is alot of commitment with practices and meets. I'm relieved that she has these wonderful opportunities available to her.<br />Now I'm thinking about back to school. Wow, where has the summer gone? Now I'm consumed with thoughts of backpacks and pencils and most of all DRAMA. I hope that the girls have grown and matured a bit. No, I hope ALOT. I'm praying for no drama from Natalie when it comes to shoe shopping. Last year, in attempting to purchase shoes for school, we both ended up in tears and I swore I would never step foot in a store with her again (no pun intended). This year we know what we want and we both agree, so it should be tear free. I hope. What's the new high top sketchers all about anyway? <br />Hopefully, my next post won't be about our trip to the shoe store, I'm vowing also to take more pictures. Thats something I love to do, but just have let go this summer. I need a good kick in the pants I suppose. <br />Until next time.....A Horse Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18262665194678017584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3692176556822272130.post-4827638436854961102009-06-29T21:27:00.003-04:002009-06-29T21:41:48.706-04:00Relay for LifeOur area has a "Event" every year at our county fair grounds for Relay for Life. This is when people join "teams" and team members sign up to walk continuously for 24 hours. Usually we are on vacation the weekend that this occurs, but since this year we moved our vacation a week before, I went ahead and signed up Nat & I to walk for a few hours (on and off). <br />The weather was in the 90's and humid. I think it was 85 by 10 a.m. So Natalie and I began to walk around and a man from the Red Cross was saying "donate blood at the fair office building!" I have never donated blood before and I was thinking this was something I could tick off my list of things to do before I get old and die. <br />So, I was going to do it while I still had the nerve....<br />I was doing very well, until Natalie started to describe every detail in the process of it all. OMG, Mom the blood is so dark. Mom, the tube thing is filling up.....<br />When I was finally done, I sat up and thought, wow that wasn't so bad. Until I got to the snack table. Let's just say I had to lay back down 2 more times before they would release me to go. UGH! <br />I hope my experience has taught Natalie about how important donating blood can be to save a life and that events like Relay for Life Event can make a difference in finding cures for cancer......A Horse Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18262665194678017584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3692176556822272130.post-28891747477563966142009-06-22T21:12:00.004-04:002009-06-29T21:27:16.328-04:00Ford Lake VacationWe are back from our week summer vacation from Ford Lake. We go every summer to Fountain, MI and rent a cabin on the lake. This year, Anthony <em>borrowed</em> a bass fishing boat from a buddy and he fished about 90% of the time. I even enjoyed the boat as I layed out in the sunshine while Anthony fished away. <br />Our lazy days were mostly spent on the lake, as we had unusually nice weather. One day we made a trip "into town." Natalie and I walked on the river front in Manistee Michigan. Its a cute little town, it reminds me very much like St. Joe. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmk99ZwCUR0jN_d89qNEwekqxtiNL-TJLnywnz44WCPriJwJzbI6HFWmb9wcn6bubKkIEvJRDj6H2M9gROXjgIRKOaZ6H58mh0lcj_2X1X6dds7YQk84DJFj5nvOybVazthEWaT7EjZ83n/s1600-h/manistee.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 303px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmk99ZwCUR0jN_d89qNEwekqxtiNL-TJLnywnz44WCPriJwJzbI6HFWmb9wcn6bubKkIEvJRDj6H2M9gROXjgIRKOaZ6H58mh0lcj_2X1X6dds7YQk84DJFj5nvOybVazthEWaT7EjZ83n/s400/manistee.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350327339940640418" /></a><br />It was a great week, and I'm glad to be home. It's time to start planning for next year!A Horse Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18262665194678017584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3692176556822272130.post-30056133015533759812009-06-04T20:21:00.007-04:002009-06-04T20:56:27.039-04:00Class TripFor Natalie's class trip this year, we drove 2 hours to Fair Oaks Dairy Farm, in Fair Oaks, IN. Mrs. Williams drove, and I and Mrs. Virsik rode along. The girls were really good on the road and seemed to keep themselves entertained.<br />Once we arrived, our group was checked in and we watched a 3D/4D movie about dairy farms and what they fed the cows and such. There were special surprises in this film, but I won't say to spoil the surprise. Next, we went on a bus tour to the barns where the cows were kept for milking. This farm has over 30,000 cows. These cows are spread over 10 individual farms that make up the Fair Oaks dairy. The cows stay inside the barns and are milked 3 times everyday.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwE3ue0mFOtvntzAl1Lp9fu3HSNmt-eoql14Xx5V2lOeFfzJq16oLYYRYPzHrjGJZHLoVOx1CieEofTi9DLqxWVMZRYdoxCvjAUE3Aiwl1dLL6PtyWGCV7UauLpciGsSyyR359zJMl8V5C/s1600-h/102_0093.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343634093323396594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwE3ue0mFOtvntzAl1Lp9fu3HSNmt-eoql14Xx5V2lOeFfzJq16oLYYRYPzHrjGJZHLoVOx1CieEofTi9DLqxWVMZRYdoxCvjAUE3Aiwl1dLL6PtyWGCV7UauLpciGsSyyR359zJMl8V5C/s400/102_0093.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div align="center"><em>Here we go round the merry go round</em></div><br /><div align="left">We were told that the cows enjoy riding on the merry go round. I guess it breaks up the day?</div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPnm_g5RKCVTclfDXwNJ4Bxb73qak2jn0JXyek-jtKyJyrrurMvnxUVQmQksqqOnlOPsBeGcSj5L81dJiOOZgJFNGPYkqWiCrng9QtKu3PDYKhwvY3pVies2-TAJmFP-3mymJX4v9m34Rs/s1600-h/102_0092.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343634858846289042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPnm_g5RKCVTclfDXwNJ4Bxb73qak2jn0JXyek-jtKyJyrrurMvnxUVQmQksqqOnlOPsBeGcSj5L81dJiOOZgJFNGPYkqWiCrng9QtKu3PDYKhwvY3pVies2-TAJmFP-3mymJX4v9m34Rs/s400/102_0092.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"></a></p><em>Yes, there was quite an odor in the air, Mrs. Virsik thought</em><p align="left">After the tour, we had some lunch and they served there own brand of milk. It was the best milk I have EVER tasted. It was very creamy. Would love to buy some more.<br />After lunch the kids were set free in the play area. They had a trampoline, a train, a wall climber (Nat's favorite). It was a really great day. I was so surprised I had a great time.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJXX2Liawmywmt8AZDr6-hp_qQdB8yIevIkwGFXR6WDeFgmIlqPDoVp7cvGBSKICGPd5ODgmVgnRAkk5vR0bwwZf4ccACHDjNyikq0Lnskymw10y6aYKadzUn96dYf_JUaLDbSKFB_S7y7/s1600-h/102_0095.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343636628146882370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJXX2Liawmywmt8AZDr6-hp_qQdB8yIevIkwGFXR6WDeFgmIlqPDoVp7cvGBSKICGPd5ODgmVgnRAkk5vR0bwwZf4ccACHDjNyikq0Lnskymw10y6aYKadzUn96dYf_JUaLDbSKFB_S7y7/s400/102_0095.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW7ATVQC-h4L-x_UvXaxl7hpGPzR24Bz-hvKa_SQEk03u9kaFjFmOA13TBgbE1lip762Ir90UJvV8sIsfnXh_hxJqGlOnavjoLdFb__5-VFB39wQ5JopcJNRVe9FAcfm_yi10DJpXg0T_d/s1600-h/102_0094.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343636619360842018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW7ATVQC-h4L-x_UvXaxl7hpGPzR24Bz-hvKa_SQEk03u9kaFjFmOA13TBgbE1lip762Ir90UJvV8sIsfnXh_hxJqGlOnavjoLdFb__5-VFB39wQ5JopcJNRVe9FAcfm_yi10DJpXg0T_d/s400/102_0094.jpg" border="0" /></a> </p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUk9bKn6JbVBAF1R8-3iCjNWBOXqo5MoMagJAEWhyphenhyphenFxiFSlDlmZZPoIdqP18s8gyI5zd1ZbFNR0VHNCR9kzObDwqR9B32VOm1RWwoub5PqXA3xYvMDEOqj8npIQ5VF0nnUwHnHXt3L8bN3/s1600-h/fair+oaks.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUk9bKn6JbVBAF1R8-3iCjNWBOXqo5MoMagJAEWhyphenhyphenFxiFSlDlmZZPoIdqP18s8gyI5zd1ZbFNR0VHNCR9kzObDwqR9B32VOm1RWwoub5PqXA3xYvMDEOqj8npIQ5VF0nnUwHnHXt3L8bN3/s400/fair+oaks.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343639558878548802" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ_SCsA_hUBmyDnwYGaQpn0k7ResxnrAJjnMwmur1m-z9-9yerRexkblRuD3Qg4G7xP_zcFrpkYK1YjgyNMXadRZLu7xaErTKKb5xopJh8vpgbZHJbfO3nKER2O6NMv5fK5Gpn3HCmJlSy/s1600-h/rock+climber.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ_SCsA_hUBmyDnwYGaQpn0k7ResxnrAJjnMwmur1m-z9-9yerRexkblRuD3Qg4G7xP_zcFrpkYK1YjgyNMXadRZLu7xaErTKKb5xopJh8vpgbZHJbfO3nKER2O6NMv5fK5Gpn3HCmJlSy/s400/rock+climber.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343639563233192114" /></a><br />Smile for the Camera....Way to go Mr. Steffens class! It's been a great year.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1EZTXXPbQSaRgXIb3c32jJSDS_gp1kSdCwb_M0eWU62yWIT3lpUNpmqH5ZRfagpujflMQaamBIFZbBWBCPrBqtr_ZUhD-PM0tdQ2zaiaBj0j3fu-d5Fs-3j4IyiQSh-g6qleBxXcPxrFm/s1600-h/102_0096.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1EZTXXPbQSaRgXIb3c32jJSDS_gp1kSdCwb_M0eWU62yWIT3lpUNpmqH5ZRfagpujflMQaamBIFZbBWBCPrBqtr_ZUhD-PM0tdQ2zaiaBj0j3fu-d5Fs-3j4IyiQSh-g6qleBxXcPxrFm/s400/102_0096.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343640425553843842" /></a>A Horse Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18262665194678017584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3692176556822272130.post-5464327140546342142009-06-04T19:56:00.007-04:002009-06-04T21:00:34.227-04:00School's Out, An Official 4th GraderSchool is officially done, and my baby is a 4th grader. How time flies, I remember her starting kindergarten. <br />To celebrate the last day of school, her brownie group decided to celebrate in style. School was dismissed at 11:30, and off to Chuck E. Cheese we went. The closet restaurant is in South Bend, IN, which is about a 40 minute ride. After we all arrived, we made our food order and the girls started to play! Then when all the tokens were gone, they were given their last badges and then it was off to Build a Bear!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqOy-Bav2BvsxV8_Sgo50yvNQY9VxqWc_nB9ihazn4XzScWLuE-N0yeiZXuLmQrmHvEBQQQoLWcTF1w4VnVbDCE5nApmBRQih8rO4IC4uihgklgXMFgtSnWqfEXF66y5tr_wL7CKMXJ6XR/s1600-h/102_0100.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqOy-Bav2BvsxV8_Sgo50yvNQY9VxqWc_nB9ihazn4XzScWLuE-N0yeiZXuLmQrmHvEBQQQoLWcTF1w4VnVbDCE5nApmBRQih8rO4IC4uihgklgXMFgtSnWqfEXF66y5tr_wL7CKMXJ6XR/s400/102_0100.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343629935498554994" /></a><br />Each girl got to choose their own "friend" and do all the "stuffing" that goes along with the process. Then they got to choose either a brownie sash or a brownie vest to go with their friend. It was a really good time, but a long afternoon. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9NUwPP6YzRS53h2vvMBBdejq7y5I7YCn1CyKGyjg5MOIwlX_Q6a7PbwDimUbS8dK_cfQ3_Yk2pcfeVbP8it_vRO76pk66XdjaF2FsahsQ3-BuGEtq3OMG62BPotLVL2eJZ_j0HMmdkIlt/s1600-h/102_0101.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9NUwPP6YzRS53h2vvMBBdejq7y5I7YCn1CyKGyjg5MOIwlX_Q6a7PbwDimUbS8dK_cfQ3_Yk2pcfeVbP8it_vRO76pk66XdjaF2FsahsQ3-BuGEtq3OMG62BPotLVL2eJZ_j0HMmdkIlt/s400/102_0101.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343630843356912402" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3LONBWKwo5t5RY7C8_tpZPcr40u3Y3zCxkwvMPZ-dnYpXKRb3zQ_vjCqFpmEkivrCFxYp5xdCidiKIIMpVTt37_Xvnu2Y7tgom-Wca4jVhnt_qJBwhhTkJBZzMAr3gxqsSEloTvQmOVRW/s1600-h/102_0102.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3LONBWKwo5t5RY7C8_tpZPcr40u3Y3zCxkwvMPZ-dnYpXKRb3zQ_vjCqFpmEkivrCFxYp5xdCidiKIIMpVTt37_Xvnu2Y7tgom-Wca4jVhnt_qJBwhhTkJBZzMAr3gxqsSEloTvQmOVRW/s400/102_0102.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343631136347085266" /></a><br />Natalie called her friend, Scruffie. Its a tan/brown dog. Scruffie will be there to hear all her secrets this summer, and get her ready to start the 4th grade. I can't believe it!!! Let the summer begin.....<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh44-gSclOefQafe7sHK8nKZuQ8cAi17MiuMzLnK3B9aLh57TiqCdLrsXSwW9MJ9xN7kHGQX7Yzqs0_3SaaGGX_20_oirqUmbsr9bUMX7y8-SKz4vexvwseWvFkY4UZzLiJALMl6d61UAO1/s1600-h/scruffy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh44-gSclOefQafe7sHK8nKZuQ8cAi17MiuMzLnK3B9aLh57TiqCdLrsXSwW9MJ9xN7kHGQX7Yzqs0_3SaaGGX_20_oirqUmbsr9bUMX7y8-SKz4vexvwseWvFkY4UZzLiJALMl6d61UAO1/s400/scruffy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343641416388844050" /></a>A Horse Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18262665194678017584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3692176556822272130.post-93564482939807882009-05-09T20:12:00.001-04:002009-05-09T20:15:15.903-04:00A sweet lullaby to My GirlSlow down, you crazy child <br />you're so ambitious for a juvenile <br />But then if you're so smart, tell me <br />Why are you still so afraid? <br /><br />Where's the fire, what's the hurry about? <br />You'd better cool it off before you burn it out <br />You've got so much to do and <br />Only so many hours in a day <br /><br />But you know that when the truth is told.. <br />That you can get what you want or you get old <br />You're gonna kick off before you even <br />Get halfway through <br />When will you realize, Vienna waits for you? <br /><br />Slow down, you're doing fine <br />You can't be everything you want to be <br />Before your time <br />Although it's so romantic on the borderline tonight <br />Tonight,... <br />Too bad but it's the life you lead <br />you're so ahead of yourself that you forgot what you need <br />Though you can see when you're wrong, you know <br />You can't always see when you're right. you're right <br /><br />You've got your passion, you've got your pride <br />but don't you know that only fools are satisfied? <br />Dream on, but don't imagine they'll all come true <br />When will you realize, Vienna waits for you? <br /><br />Slow down, you crazy child <br />and take the phone off the hook and disappear for awhile <br />it's all right, you can afford to lose a day or two <br />When will you realize,..Vienna waits for you? <br />And you know that when the truth is told <br />that you can get what you want or you can just get old <br />You're gonna kick off before you even get half through <br />Why don't you realize,. Vienna waits for you <br />When will you realize, Vienna waits for you?<br /><br />--Billy JoelA Horse Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18262665194678017584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3692176556822272130.post-61108018842676308252009-04-26T18:23:00.003-04:002009-04-26T18:29:58.712-04:00Nat's weird revelation.....Its weird, every part of my body feels like its burning, even though I'm under water.<br />My lungs are on fire, my shoulders ache, my hearts pouding my legs cry out "NO MORE!"<br />And you know whats even weirder?<br />I love every second of it, this is my time.....I Swim!<br /><br />Go Nat!A Horse Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18262665194678017584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3692176556822272130.post-85474500858412856492009-04-26T18:08:00.003-04:002009-04-26T18:22:52.778-04:00Fine Arts FestivalNatalie wanted to sing in this year's Fine Arts Festival at school. Since this was her first time singing in public, she decided it may be better to sing a "duet" with a friend. So Nat & Sarah have been practicing for 3 weeks and finally the day arrived. Nat was full of nervous butterflies but I think she did great! Once she was done and had the experience under her belt, she felt great about it too. <br /><br />I can't believe how my little girl is growing up before my eyes! Way to go Nat on a great job of facing your fear and accomplishing your goals. Speaking of goals, Nat is back in the pool swimming her heart out. We switched "teams" and Natalie fought me the whole way. Two weeks later, she told me this is way better and I think her having a male coach has made all the difference in the world. Natalie is definately focusing on her goals and I feel like I've reached a goal getting her to reach for her goals! Crazy.....<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNSCjkPxQfvL7D8J_2ERhVb3xmdw2QxoJFO7LnND0BtJwNNHaJNmW43rRieW5TuyCwsByABxOl1EnNW-Ujl150Lu290NPqvZAjujqwHeCgsgnqAL-dQSfyj-N2yjZ3HUVes3GFCPO3T_3x/s1600-h/IMG00045.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNSCjkPxQfvL7D8J_2ERhVb3xmdw2QxoJFO7LnND0BtJwNNHaJNmW43rRieW5TuyCwsByABxOl1EnNW-Ujl150Lu290NPqvZAjujqwHeCgsgnqAL-dQSfyj-N2yjZ3HUVes3GFCPO3T_3x/s400/IMG00045.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329128999040302322" /></a>A Horse Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18262665194678017584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3692176556822272130.post-81265905049443231182009-04-05T15:19:00.003-04:002009-04-05T15:34:09.235-04:00Girl UniverseWell, we both survived the sleep over, although I'm not sure it was a total success either. There was no ambushing, no real wars. But when you've done all you can do to be nice and still keep your cool when all you get is attitude and lip service, I think the sleep over was a successful in Natalie's eyes. She won the war of holding it together no matter how strong the urge was to just haul off and let her have it. <br />Are they best friends come next Monday? I'd say not. Will the line be more clear and definite regarding their co existing? Definately. I think the true colors were shown..... <br />The best lesson learned was that life has all kinds of people, and no matter what you do, and how nice you are, sometimes you just learn to co-exist and leave them alone. It's a hard lesson to learn and accept, but once you get it, you never forget it.A Horse Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18262665194678017584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3692176556822272130.post-13910560926327185102009-04-02T21:08:00.001-04:002009-04-02T21:14:26.579-04:00Summer's Coming<div>First sunset of 2009.........</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjme01z2RrhfkbWAZOjtyYgGgE52cJIq2ZqQXWdv61WGAv1ktMDvpOqIL3Wsrn9gYBdf8mXoesrVo8lVFrx9hQNHJiCfn4OA-Le444fVYKB2cxzUqvy60FVCZ_JEeqrodpqlBY-uo6gPYL9/s1600-h/102_0057.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320267117545934194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjme01z2RrhfkbWAZOjtyYgGgE52cJIq2ZqQXWdv61WGAv1ktMDvpOqIL3Wsrn9gYBdf8mXoesrVo8lVFrx9hQNHJiCfn4OA-Le444fVYKB2cxzUqvy60FVCZ_JEeqrodpqlBY-uo6gPYL9/s320/102_0057.jpg" border="0" /></a>A Horse Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18262665194678017584noreply@blogger.com0