Musical Rooms Again

Due to the economy and the need for all of us to save money, Josh is moving back home! He will be taking Kate's room. She has moved up to Ted's parents. She still comes home for meals and visits but is enjoying having a little independence. Josh, on the other hand, will have to get used to living with us after several years of total freedom! We're keeping our hands folded and our thinking positive! Actually, we are both really excited to be able to have him back for a little while. We have missed seeing him regularily.

ClaireAnna Sings "God Of Wonders"

Here is the video ( sorry for the quality!) of ClaireAnna singing God of Wonders at the Pope County 4-H O'Rama. She also played her piano. She wasn't judged because she is still a Cloverbud, so no placeing for her. But, holy cow, are we proud of her!

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_type=&search_query=katemary63&aq=f

You KNOW I can't resist chocolate!

The fact is, stray dogs and cats are plentiful in rural Arkansas and we see them all the time, hanging around along the road, running through the fields, in the woods. One day, though, a particular little pup caught my eye. He was hanging around the highway about 1/2 mile from our farm. I saw him many times over the course of a couple of months and as the days went by, he got thinner and thinner and lost his hair. I was so tempted to stop. I'd slow down to get a better look at him.... but we have a policy...no strays. We just can't take on the responsibility. I had mentioned him to Ted. He had seen the pup too and admonished me, "Don't you dare!" "I know, I know...", I replied. We already have 2 rescue dogs and 2 livestock guardians. Four dogs is enough! And there are SO many stray dogs that come through the farm....we just have to stick to our guns.....right?

Well, one day last fall I opened up the back door to find a visitor on my stoop. The same, sad little puppy I had been seeing on the highway. He found me! When Ted came home that evening, the girls and I met him outside with cautious grins on our faces and eyebrows raised in anticipation.....what's Dad gonna say?? "Well, I sure hope you fed him" was all. We had. You see, this little pup was literally skin and bones. He was pathetic. Later that day I talked with Josh, who had recently moved into a rented home with a fenced back yard. He promptly came over and took the pup to his house. Josh and Lily nursed "Miller" back to health and look at him now!

A beautiful, stocky, shiny, healthy chocolate lab! Josh and Lily just love him. He lives back at the farm now since Josh is moving home. Isn't he pretty! He sure has come a long way from his days on the highway. He loves water and will retrieve anything you throw for him. He is happy and energetic and sweet. Here is a video of Miller. Watch that tail! It's like a baseball bat!

Smart and Chexy Two

Well, Chexy IS all grown up. She turns 2 years old this month. I foolishly procrastinated registering her with AQHA, but I finally got that done this past weekend. I believe her official name will be "Smart and Chexy Two". I think it is so cute and can't believe that no one has used it yet. There are so many horses with both "smart" and "chexy" in their name it boggles the mind. But I checked with AQHA and as of Sunday, that name was unused, so......I think we'll get it!

Most people would send Chexy off to the trainers this spring, but I am holding off. I just don't feel the need to start the wear and tear on her joints and legs this early. I will send her in late fall I think, or even next spring. We took her out and groomed her and took pictures for her registration yesterday. She was such a good girl. ( Of course she's in her winter woolies still ) I do have her listed for sale but it would break my heart to actually go through with it. I hope no one calls about her. :) I just love her so much. She has a wonderful, affectionate personality. She is definitely the best bred equine on the place. Some of the famous horses in her pedigree are:

Smart Little Lena

Lean With Me

King Fritz

Chexy Lady

This is her sire's pedigree:

http://www.allbreedpedigree.com/lean+on+fritz

This is her dam's pedigree:

http://www.allbreedpedigree.com/broadway+jazz+bars

Post Script: I sold Chexy to a girl in Oklahoma who will do reining with her.  I can no longer ride stock horses due to my hip and back issues.  Chexy was a love and I miss her terribly.

Go Green and White!

I have to acknowlege how out of date my blog is....Sorry, I've really missed working on it. But I have been very busy this winter. I've also had camera trouble and have had a hard time figuring out what was wrong, if I should have it fixed, and if I should spring for another camera and if so, what kind! Still haven't figured it all out. My pictures right now are terrible but they are all I have.

ClaireAnna was a cheerleader this winter with Upwards Basketball. She just loved it and did a wonderful job. Upwards also has girls teams so next year, she is going to play and then she will decide which she likes better, playing or cheering. Upwards is a para-church organization that puts on low-competition basketball leagues through local churches. The kids learn Bible verses and have devotions as part of their practice. The games are fun and have a half time devotion for the parents. There are 8 games, 1 every Saturday for January and February. Here she is in her uniform. "Go Upwards, Go Grean and White!"





After the game, the girls get sticker awards to put on their megaphones for best cheer, Christ likeness, most spirit, leadership ect.. ClaireAnna was always proudest when she got best leadership.