On the road to Showing....

For those of you who don't know, our Anna-Grace began her show career at the ripe age of two and a half this past summer. Her clothes were too big, her helmet came down over her ears and pony was shaggy. But that didn't stop her from collecting that 3rd place out of 3 riders! Her delights was wonderful.................... Then in November, we took her and her pony, Bugsy Malone, to the Virginia Horse Center to compete in the SWVHJA Annual Finals. We body clipped her pony, her clothes fit, we got a new helment and gloves, and she LOOKED the part. Above you see pictures of how she blossomed into a wonderful child rider. Then it came time for the show. The most amazing part of all was when she was called out first out of the nine other riders in the ring. Bernie says he will be poor for life, but I say I can't wait for our child to live her dream :)

My Favorite: Pink and Green :)

Puppies :)

First Dinner Meal

Just Born
First Dinner Meal

For those who don't know, my parent's standard poodle had puppies four weeks ago :) Having 10 puppies was quite a challenge, but they have ALL done really well, and I am quite smitten on the runt of the litter, Pink and Green, as we call her. It is sad to know that soon they will all go on to new families, but I have been blessed to be a part of their journey so far (although my dad is the one not getting any sleep:) . If anyone knows of someone that may be interested in buying a puppy, give them my info :)

AGB in school!

It has finally begun! Anna Grace has started school. She is currently going three days a week and she loves it!!! She evens asks every weekend when she is going back to school. The first two weeks the teacher said that Anna Grace was not listening very much. However, when I dropped her off today, Ms. Tony said that Anna Grace is doing MUCH better. I am so excited about that.

Last night as Stephanie, Rob, Emma, AGB, Dad and myself were eating dinner, Anna Grace puts her hands togother and says:

"God is good, God is great, thank You for our food." And then sings "Thank you Father for our food, bless each and every day.... AMEN."

Deep Creek Lake

Bernie on the Mountain Coaster! What a blast!

Last week Bernie, AGB, and I all went on vacation with his family to Deep Creek Lake. What a blast! We stayed in a wonderful log home that was lake front. Adventures included fishing, boating, tubing, white water rafting, and riding the mountain coaster!

The first time AGB went on the mountain roller coaster, she was speechless. Then she begged every night to go! The best part was the white water rafting. Bernie, Tyler (cousin), Tommy (cousin), Meredith (Tommy's fiance) and I all went. They probably got tired of hearing me scream, but it was from joy.... We had a great time!

That is ME flying across the boat! For some reason I couldn't control my body on the boat! I fell out more than anyone else, go figure!

Safari Fun!

A few weeks ago, our good friends, Jennifer and Scott got together for a day of fun. They brought Scott's daughter, Eve, and we all went to the Endless Caverns and to the Safari Park. Here are a few pictures for your viewing pleasure.

Just the girls!

In the Caverns! We even saw bats!

THE FIRST SNOW!

SNOW! SNOW! SNOW! ~ Today, our neighbor, Lee, was kind enough to bring his 4-wheeler over and let AGB, her daddy, and myself ride on a sleigh around the front yard. Of course he went all of 2 miles per hour, but AGB thought it was the best things since sliced bread. You should have seen her face. Even Jack and Jessie got in on the action as they ran after us on the sleigh. Bernie was off today, so it was great to have the whole family at home and we got to have a fun time outside. The best part was when AGB finally figured out how to throw the snow back at her dad!

KIDS SAY THE DARNEST THINGS!
So.....I guess it is time for me to start really watching what I say. Anna Grace has turned into a recorder. Just the other day I watched her try to put a book back on the shelf, and when the book did not make it to it's destination she turned around on the way out and said (and I quote) "S^&*!" That is not the worst of it either ;) Just today the dogs had a moment where they dug in the trash (they are about on my nerves:). As I was cleaning up the trash, I may have had a few choice words for them. Then all of the sudden I hear a little voice saying "F%^$#@*& dogs! F*&^%$* dogs!" Over, and over, and over...... well you get the point. OH NO! This is pretty serious. I guess it is time that mommy cleans up her dirty mouth.

Enjoying the little things

Today was nothing special....but it was very special to me. Bernie and I spent most of the morning on the sofa; talking, reading the newspaper, drinking coffee and watching AGB wrecking havoc around the house. So nothing special, but it was just what we needed. Then this evening, just before bed, AGB and I had a wonderful pillow fight on the bed. It was fabulous. Some day soon I hope that we can really figure out how to do this more often. This past Friday evening Michelle, Brian, the boys, AGB and I all went up to NOVA and met with Dean, Theresa, and Matthew, our dear old family friends. It was such a delight. Especially since we got to meet Matt's girlfriend. She is very charming and I really liked her. The best part was the Nana and Goddy had a hard time adjusting to the idea that three of their grandbabies were getting hugged, snugged and kissed by grandparents other than themselves. We had a great time. I wish I had more time to spend with my sister Michelle and her family. It's so sad we don't since we live so close.

Killian, Me and Anna Grace at the Barn

So it is safe you assume that Anna Grace and I spend a lot of time at the barn together. There are the fantastic occassions when Bernie is not working and has time to keep Anna Grace at home, but really I don't mind taking her to the barn (although it is starting to get harder as it gets colder). We groom Killian together, and Anna Grace loves to feed the horses. Killian is my dad's Irish Sport Horse stallion. He is five years old, and is turning into the best horse we have together. I am so grateful that my dad lets me have him at my place, as we are starting to develop a great bond. This horse is one of the smartest, most talented animals I know. One day (maybe:) I hope to do big things with him. Not only because he deserves to be in the spotlight, but to make my dad proud. Proud of his daughter, his granddaughter and his horse.