tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29926339434577042082024-03-13T13:33:58.241-04:00Chasing Cans and DreamsMy life as a wife, mother and barrel racer.Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16800356226077641144noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992633943457704208.post-23600062854074242202009-12-27T22:26:00.001-05:002009-12-27T22:26:33.026-05:00Returning....Wow I have neglected this soooo much. But I will be returning January 1, 2010 with lots of new things to tell you all. See you then ...Happy New Year!Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16800356226077641144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992633943457704208.post-41507407632845719442009-12-09T15:47:00.000-05:002009-12-09T15:47:32.310-05:00Passing of Booger BarterI never met Booger Barter but know I would have liked him. I have seen several interviews with this team roping and barrel race producer and he seemed such a sweet and genuine man. Since his passing I have read many discussion boards and facebook entries and he was truly a loved man by many people. My family and I always dreamed of attending one of his Barrelnanza races to have a chance at a truck. Details are very few about the circumstances of his death. Prayers to his family and friends.Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16800356226077641144noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992633943457704208.post-74759239785262217442009-12-05T20:39:00.001-05:002009-12-05T20:39:59.564-05:00Ready for some more NFR action!It has been a great weekend for those who love barrel racing. Not only has the NFR kicked off but the Champion of Champions race in Ardmore was webcast. Hats off to Matt and Bendi Dunn and their great horse Mulberry Canyon Moon who won the Open Champion of Champions race for the 3rd year in a row. I am a little bias toward this horse because our weanling's sire is a half brother to her. My favorite trainer, Latricia Duke, cleaned house in the $100,000 race winning first and second place. This lady is a genius with a horse.<br />
<br />
I am off to watch the action in the third round of the NFR!Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16800356226077641144noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992633943457704208.post-48650218364080809622009-12-03T11:36:00.000-05:002009-12-03T11:36:48.039-05:00Sick.....I have really neglected the blog for the past few days. Reese has been sick all week long. Just when I think she is about to rebound from it she takes a turn for the worse. It is a cold and what I thought was a stomach virus. But last night she started with a fever so we are off to the doctor for a professional opinion.<br />
<br />
In my absence if you are a reader...and yes there are a few of you (THANKS!)...I want to recommend you jump over and read one of my most fav blogs <a href="http://www.thesouthdakotacowgirl.com/">http://www.thesouthdakotacowgirl.com/</a>. Enjoy and hopefully I will be back tomorrow with better news on Reese and time to actually blog something worth reading!Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16800356226077641144noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992633943457704208.post-84760931252253463722009-11-30T18:42:00.000-05:002009-11-30T18:42:19.525-05:00A Great One LostLast week was such a busy week for me, as I am sure it was for everyone. Two Thanksgiving dinners to attend, had to decline a 3rd. Friday we visited with friends in from out of state. Saturday we rode all day and I gave a lesson, Sunday barn chores and a sick baby. I am still trying to recover from literally NO sleep all night.<br />
<br />
But that is nothing compared to the loss my friend experienced last week when her great horse Go For Tears former AQHA World Champion barrel horse had to be put to sleep. Sue, as he was affectionately referred to, had been batlling illness for a month and she made the tough decision to end his pain and suffering. He was such a fighter and so tough right to the last moment. Sue had an almost human personality. He won too many awards to mention. I loved watching my daughter hop on him bareback and ride when we would visit Jennifer. Sue will be GREATLY missed.<br />
Jennifer and Go For Tears at the Houston Livestock Show Rodeo<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gr7i5oX59Xc/SxRVbsdF9zI/AAAAAAAAAR8/saZDguLKD5g/s1600/IMG_2010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gr7i5oX59Xc/SxRVbsdF9zI/AAAAAAAAAR8/saZDguLKD5g/s320/IMG_2010.JPG" yr="true" /></a><br />
</div>Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16800356226077641144noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992633943457704208.post-21888083849511272762009-11-29T17:33:00.001-05:002009-11-29T17:33:22.579-05:00Back on trackYes I have been on a hiatus from blogging...and I miss it! I will be back in the real world and blogging again tomorrow. I also have a lot of reading to catch up on as well. I need to find out how to add tabs to the top of my blog that link to different pages, so if any of you are tech experts on how to modify blogger please help. Until then have a great rest of your weekend!Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16800356226077641144noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992633943457704208.post-37655981691797776312009-11-23T19:02:00.001-05:002009-11-23T19:02:03.075-05:00Stay tuned....I will be right back :)Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16800356226077641144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992633943457704208.post-16604720137486929472009-11-19T14:35:00.000-05:002009-11-19T14:35:01.296-05:00Menacing Mule<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Oh my what a morning..... Background to this story several years ago my dad, for whatever reason, decided to breed a quarter horse mare to a jack and raise a mule. Which he did. About the time this mule was born he was diagnosed with cancer and for about 6 years battled cancer, many operations, radiation, chemo...very aggresive treatments. He was unable for these years to really do anything but feed the horses and mule that he had. Fast forward to 2009 and we have this 7 yr old, only broke to lead, stubborn, smarter than a human, mule. Her latest antic is to just get out of the pasture and back in as she pleases. We can not figure out how, possibly jumping the fence we just dont know. She gets out and it drives our Australian Shepherds crazy...herding instinct kicks in and they insist on herding her somewhere. So here we have mule, dogs barking and chasing, mule running through yard and down the road ( we live on a dead end one lane road so not really a traffic hazard). It has been going on for 2 weeks and is very annoying to me not to mention to my husband who loathes the mule I named Mabel. This morning it all about went wrong. Mabel had gotten out again during the night and when hubby went to feed the horses the dogs began to herd her as they always do. Mabel didn't want to be herded this morning and turned on the dogs and trampled Josey, our red Aussie. Josey ran into the woods and my hubby is fearful she went off to die. Mabel knowing she was in trouble retreats down the road and somehow back into the pasture while hubby looks for the dog. All is well as Josey showed up with just a slight limp and Mabel is back in the pasture for now....but something has to give or Mabel is going to end up on a trailer out of here in search of another home if she can't stay behind the fence. Anyone else ever dealt with a mule or any animal that is so contrary??????<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gr7i5oX59Xc/SwWdyWygs8I/AAAAAAAAAR0/Bj8SPytEf7A/s1600/IMG_2101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gr7i5oX59Xc/SwWdyWygs8I/AAAAAAAAAR0/Bj8SPytEf7A/s320/IMG_2101.JPG" yr="true" /></a><br />
</div>Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16800356226077641144noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992633943457704208.post-27998715672801956122009-11-18T16:31:00.000-05:002009-11-18T16:31:59.995-05:00Wordless Wednesday...cause I'm sick!<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I have a cold or possilby sinus infection and feel terrible today. So I will just post a picture of my toy Australian Shepherd Gracie...the sweetest little dog ever.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gr7i5oX59Xc/SwRnuPrCvVI/AAAAAAAAARs/KvUqXnFWm9k/s1600/022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gr7i5oX59Xc/SwRnuPrCvVI/AAAAAAAAARs/KvUqXnFWm9k/s400/022.jpg" yr="true" /></a><br />
</div>Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16800356226077641144noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992633943457704208.post-46197494746312620812009-11-16T17:18:00.000-05:002009-11-16T17:18:48.094-05:00Neglected Blog and GREAT News!Yes I have neglected my blog for almost a week! I can't believe I have been so bad. It has been busy but there is good news to report. Chase was cleared to ride on Friday! The doctor of course said he must wear a helmet and cautioned us about him being careful and several other things that might still effect him. But he was clear to ride. On Saturday morning we headed out to an IBRA barrel race in Tennessee to get Chase back into the swing of things. His day started out well. He ran a friends horse in the youth, that he had never ridden and was in the first divison. He ran his horse in youth as well and clocked a first division time out of 36 horses...not a bad comeback. But there was more to come. He came back in the open and won the second division out of 107 horses! And there were some pretty big names there! It was awesome he was a half second off the winner. It was a great day. <br />
<br />
Then it came time for my run. Since returning from my maternity leave I have stepped it up and really allowed my horse to run. I have overcome a lot of the nervousness that I previously experienced and the past two shows I was really running well. So I am ready Saturday to ask for speed...not just let him go on his own but ask him to run hard. I did an exhibition run where I pushed him a little but I wanted to save some horse for the race, he is 20. Now it is my turn and I decide I am ready...there is quite a long alley way and you actually start in the parking lot at this arena, run into a building. So I let him go from the parking lot, kick all the way down the alley....I am thinking in my mind to not let him step out of the first barrel like he didn in his exhibition run...next thing I know he drops to turn and I dont and I am hanging off the side looking up at the horn! I have that moment where I say ok should I let go or try to save this....I saved it. I ddin't hit the ground but boy was I CLOSE....and embarassed. Now I know everyone comes off at some point. But it is still embarassing. I really hope my next run I dont let this sit in the back of my mind and cause me to take a step back, rather than continue my progress forward.....guess we will see on Saturday.Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16800356226077641144noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992633943457704208.post-36592075841956279322009-11-10T10:26:00.000-05:002009-11-10T10:26:07.940-05:00WPRA World FinalsThe WPRA World Finals begins today in Tulsa, Ok. The best rodeo gals in the business will be racing and roping for world titles. The WPRA website is advertising a webcast of the entire event for $4.95. I have spent this morning trying to purchase it so I can watch but they seem to be having technical problems and I am unable to purchase at this point.<br />
<br />
It is a lousy weather day here...cold and rainy so hopefully I can get this webcast going. Otherwise I will have to do laundry and other vile household chores!Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16800356226077641144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992633943457704208.post-40913826016272549422009-11-09T12:16:00.000-05:002009-11-09T12:16:01.350-05:00Can we add 4 more hours to the day? Daylight time would be nice.I just can't seem to get anything accomplished! My house is a wreck and there are still 2 stalls in the barn that need cleaned badly! I am facing some real challenges managing my time with a 5 month old. She is pretty spoiled and requires a lot of my time and attention. But at the end of the day I feel so guilty that things aren't perfect, or even close to perfect after I have spent the entire day at home. Where does my time go! I get up around 5:30 or 6:00 every morning and get everyone up and off to work/school. Then baby wakes and I feed her and get her back to napping by around 7:30 or 8:00. From there I spend time on the net, reading blogs, working on projects and posting to my blog. That usually takes about 2 hours. Next I get Reese up and head to the barn to feed. I am usually back home by 11:00. From there Reese is usually asleep again by noon. I try so hard to not disturb her, she is a light sleeper, that there are certain chores I can't do such as run the sweeper and anything in my bedroom or bathroom (oh yeah she is still sleeping in the pack n play in our room. I just can't move her to her room yet. It is on the other end of the house.) At this point I have a couple hours to do house work and then back to the barn. What suggestions do you guys have for managing my time???? Evening is probably my busiest time, riding, cooking, homework and at anytime that I can get someone to play with her I am scrambling to clean in the kitchen and do some of the nosier chores. HELP! Suggestions needed.Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16800356226077641144noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992633943457704208.post-53518541596517755932009-11-06T09:11:00.000-05:002009-11-06T09:11:30.929-05:00AQHA World Championship<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gr7i5oX59Xc/SvQuh7tZXqI/AAAAAAAAARk/MK9J3pFV4f4/s1600-h/bayerselect_300%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" sr="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gr7i5oX59Xc/SvQuh7tZXqI/AAAAAAAAARk/MK9J3pFV4f4/s400/bayerselect_300%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>Good Friday to all. Not much going on here today except me attached to the computer all day watching the AQHA World Championship show being webcast. Today are barrel and pole preliminaries. I will get to see my favorite horse, Rare Fred, run in the senior barrels today. I just love the style this horse has and his presence. He is my dream horse. Also I am watching for my sons friend Will Bingham in the poles and plan to root on all the other Kentucky crowd. Good luck to all! Enjoy your weekend I likely wont post again til Monday we are hoping to hit the road and go to a barrel race tomorrow.Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16800356226077641144noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992633943457704208.post-2836760281238606092009-11-05T12:00:00.000-05:002009-11-05T12:00:36.297-05:00Following the NFR Barrel Racing QualifiersAs the NFR approaches there are all kinds of last minute details being finalized. Unfortunately for a couple of the ladies they have had to go searching for a ride. Tammy Fischer's horse Roundpen is out due to an ankel injury but it was announced yesterday that she will be riding Cause Hesa Bully owned by Nancy Adkins. This is exciting news for Nancy. Tammy is sure to be a sentimental favorite this year. She lost her son earlier in the year but kept riding and made the final 15...now an injury to her horse...she has a lot to overcome but I am sure she will in grand style.<br />
<br />
PJ Burger is also looking for a ride as the horse she rode most of the year Perks Master was taken out of her barn (possibly sold I am not sure what the story is but he was ridden last week at the NBHA World by one of the Steinhoff girls). PJ hasnt made an announcement yet but we are all anxiously awaiting.<br />
<br />
I love the NFR and cant wait to watch!Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16800356226077641144noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992633943457704208.post-58250515691853201452009-11-04T09:23:00.000-05:002009-11-04T09:23:14.389-05:00Wordless Wednesday<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Happy 5 month birthday to our precious little Reese.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gr7i5oX59Xc/SvGOOj-SsZI/AAAAAAAAARc/TRt2LQjsqzw/s1600-h/045a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gr7i5oX59Xc/SvGOOj-SsZI/AAAAAAAAARc/TRt2LQjsqzw/s640/045a.jpg" vr="true" /></a><br />
</div>Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16800356226077641144noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992633943457704208.post-13330842947065717422009-11-03T13:28:00.000-05:002009-11-03T13:28:19.478-05:00A Girl and Her Horse<div align="left" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gr7i5oX59Xc/SvB08jkujjI/AAAAAAAAAQs/A12FcXnfcs4/s1600-h/190a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gr7i5oX59Xc/SvB08jkujjI/AAAAAAAAAQs/A12FcXnfcs4/s400/190a.jpg" vr="true" /></a><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I will be honest and say nothing makes me happier than to see her ride. I always wanted a little girl and of course I wanted her to love horses as much as I do. For so long Madison was so afraid and just didnt have that drive to learn to ride. But in the past few months that has all changed. She wants nothing more than to ride and can't wait for the next horse show. She really listens to her step-dad, John, when he helps her and that makes me proud as Madison doesnt really like to take instruction from anyone at any other time. She is independent, opinionated and stubborn and I have no idea where all that came from (;) Here are some pictures I shot of her while riding.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gr7i5oX59Xc/SvB1M1YCsLI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/E-f6oWrkSBw/s1600-h/193b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gr7i5oX59Xc/SvB1M1YCsLI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/E-f6oWrkSBw/s320/193b.jpg" vr="true" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gr7i5oX59Xc/SvB1glCPXcI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/9pyGHxZOJg0/s1600-h/204c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gr7i5oX59Xc/SvB1glCPXcI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/9pyGHxZOJg0/s320/204c.jpg" vr="true" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gr7i5oX59Xc/SvB1vRQs4BI/AAAAAAAAARE/pTupqzr-i3U/s1600-h/205b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gr7i5oX59Xc/SvB1vRQs4BI/AAAAAAAAARE/pTupqzr-i3U/s320/205b.jpg" vr="true" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gr7i5oX59Xc/SvB13-phinI/AAAAAAAAARM/mzYWadzhYro/s1600-h/207a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gr7i5oX59Xc/SvB13-phinI/AAAAAAAAARM/mzYWadzhYro/s320/207a.jpg" vr="true" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gr7i5oX59Xc/SvB2NlA8FSI/AAAAAAAAARU/ZPy1EWKELxw/s1600-h/208a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gr7i5oX59Xc/SvB2NlA8FSI/AAAAAAAAARU/ZPy1EWKELxw/s320/208a.jpg" vr="true" /></a><br />
</div>Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16800356226077641144noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992633943457704208.post-10067589429041088832009-11-02T09:55:00.000-05:002009-11-02T09:55:23.137-05:00Halloween Review<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gr7i5oX59Xc/Su7xQYsjInI/AAAAAAAAAPw/qPXuYZexa2I/s1600-h/002a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gr7i5oX59Xc/Su7xQYsjInI/AAAAAAAAAPw/qPXuYZexa2I/s200/002a.jpg" vr="true" /></a><br />
</div><br />
Trick or treat went fairly well at our house considering the weather did not cooperate at all. Mr. Weatherman said rain would move out by 3pm...someone forgot to notify Mr. Rain. It rained on and off the entire time...but since we had decided to do trick or treat at a local park where my BFF was camped out it made for some dry accomidations for Reese while the others made the candy gathering rounds. Here are some pics..... <div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gr7i5oX59Xc/Su7xZq8pURI/AAAAAAAAAP4/QGZEovM0Ie0/s1600-h/007a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gr7i5oX59Xc/Su7xZq8pURI/AAAAAAAAAP4/QGZEovM0Ie0/s200/007a.jpg" vr="true" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gr7i5oX59Xc/Su7xkAI_5XI/AAAAAAAAAQA/GD-dFoajlxA/s1600-h/008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gr7i5oX59Xc/Su7xkAI_5XI/AAAAAAAAAQA/GD-dFoajlxA/s200/008.jpg" vr="true" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gr7i5oX59Xc/Su7x19c5aVI/AAAAAAAAAQI/ot6vFcrcvCI/s1600-h/025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gr7i5oX59Xc/Su7x19c5aVI/AAAAAAAAAQI/ot6vFcrcvCI/s200/025.jpg" vr="true" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gr7i5oX59Xc/Su7yWT1DtyI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/71ObjJxHVAw/s1600-h/038a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gr7i5oX59Xc/Su7yWT1DtyI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/71ObjJxHVAw/s200/038a.jpg" vr="true" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gr7i5oX59Xc/Su7yjyKjHqI/AAAAAAAAAQY/iXlRHDKX1nI/s1600-h/039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gr7i5oX59Xc/Su7yjyKjHqI/AAAAAAAAAQY/iXlRHDKX1nI/s200/039.jpg" vr="true" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gr7i5oX59Xc/Su7yy3vRS2I/AAAAAAAAAQg/duD755shihY/s1600-h/056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gr7i5oX59Xc/Su7yy3vRS2I/AAAAAAAAAQg/duD755shihY/s200/056.jpg" vr="true" /></a><br />
</div>Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16800356226077641144noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992633943457704208.post-47224814431865823392009-10-30T19:24:00.000-04:002009-10-30T19:24:13.449-04:00Fall Foliage Friday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gr7i5oX59Xc/Sut1iw880OI/AAAAAAAAAOk/pQKy8u7d0Ss/s1600-h/100a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gr7i5oX59Xc/Sut1iw880OI/AAAAAAAAAOk/pQKy8u7d0Ss/s400/100a.jpg" vr="true" /></a><br />
</div>As fast as it came...it is gone. It seems like the peak for colors here lasted only about 12 hours before the leaves started to really fall. Most of the leaves are already gone. Today was a beautiful day with temps in the 70s, but tomorrow the rain and cool weather returns.Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16800356226077641144noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992633943457704208.post-71794901145064133252009-10-29T11:52:00.000-04:002009-10-29T11:52:56.689-04:00Choosing a saddleMadison needs a saddle. She has been riding a very old saddle that just isnt working for her at all. I certainly didn't realize when I started looking for a saddle for her just how expensive a youth saddle would be. The ones pictured in yesterdays post are all well known, quality brands such as Circle Y, Double J, Cactus, Billy Cook. Price range...$800-$3200! Good used ones are difficult to find and also quite expensive. As Madison and I discussed purchasing a saddle and the expense she came up with a GREAT solution. "Mom", she says "I dont want you to have to spend your money on a saddle because they are so much.....I will just ask Santa!" Great Idea! Problem solved.<br />
<br />
We are still doing some shopping around before we decide on a saddle. It will be used by Madison for many years and then handed down to Reese if she decides to follow in her big sis footsteps.<br />
<br />
If any of you know where to find a really good used youth barrel saddle we would still consider a used one at this point so please share!Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16800356226077641144noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992633943457704208.post-47921480689634136892009-10-28T09:11:00.000-04:002009-10-28T09:11:00.642-04:00Wordless Wednesday<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I am jumping on the Wordless Wednesday bandwagon becuase I really dont have time for a post today! Take a look at all these pics and I will explain tomorrow!<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gr7i5oX59Xc/SuhCdcTYM9I/AAAAAAAAAOU/1Mk7di3Kh-A/s1600-h/SFBB100-SM%5B1%5D.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gr7i5oX59Xc/SuhCdcTYM9I/AAAAAAAAAOU/1Mk7di3Kh-A/s200/SFBB100-SM%5B1%5D.gif" vr="true" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gr7i5oX59Xc/SuhCcX3nYMI/AAAAAAAAAOM/2PACIv-gu7w/s1600-h/IMG_4966-SM%5B1%5D.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gr7i5oX59Xc/SuhCcX3nYMI/AAAAAAAAAOM/2PACIv-gu7w/s200/IMG_4966-SM%5B1%5D.gif" vr="true" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gr7i5oX59Xc/SuhCYr7UTqI/AAAAAAAAAN8/ycNuXMTgmKY/s1600-h/dd0d2521a3e57e532cdb9d14acfe1980%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gr7i5oX59Xc/SuhCYr7UTqI/AAAAAAAAAN8/ycNuXMTgmKY/s200/dd0d2521a3e57e532cdb9d14acfe1980%5B1%5D.jpg" vr="true" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gr7i5oX59Xc/SuhCWXRSyJI/AAAAAAAAAN0/-A8gj95Li_Q/s1600-h/barrel_saddle_895_youth_ezr2%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gr7i5oX59Xc/SuhCWXRSyJI/AAAAAAAAAN0/-A8gj95Li_Q/s200/barrel_saddle_895_youth_ezr2%5B1%5D.jpg" vr="true" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gr7i5oX59Xc/SuhCapoGEFI/AAAAAAAAAOE/OkiNMwm2ayM/s1600-h/fd11x12junior%2520barrel%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gr7i5oX59Xc/SuhCapoGEFI/AAAAAAAAAOE/OkiNMwm2ayM/s200/fd11x12junior%2520barrel%5B1%5D.jpg" vr="true" /></a><br />
</div>Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16800356226077641144noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992633943457704208.post-17964231484510506732009-10-27T13:22:00.000-04:002009-10-27T13:22:34.472-04:00Post Congress ReviewWhat can I say...it was great as usual. (I forgot my camera BUMMER!) We arrived just in time to catch many of the barrel and pole classes. Congress lived up to all Chase expectations. He got to see the top riders and horses in the country. He was especially interested in seeing Mulberry Canyon Moon, as we all were. Our yearling is by her half brother so we feel a connection to her. She is such a great horse. She won the sweepstakes at Congress 2 years ago and since has gone to Angie Meadors who runs the PRCA circuit. Macy as they call her had a good run in the 2nd go of the sweeps but knocked a barrel in the finals. Other great horses we got to see were BF Shananigan, SR Red Ryder and many of the up and coming stars. In the end the sweepstakes was won by a young boy, Trevor Pruitt. I am going to guess him to be around 13. He is really cleaning up this year winning one go of the IBRA East Nationals and now the Congress Sweepstakes. <br />
<br />
Many of our Kentucky friends placed in classes including Holly Botner who placed in senior barrels, 2nd in amateur and placed in the sweepstakes. The sire of our Bully colt also placed 4th in the amateur poles. And Chase good friend Will Bingham placed 3rd and 5th in Youth 14-18 poles.<br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The trade show was outstanding as usual. You don't ever really find any "great buys" but you get to see so many things that normally you can only find in a catalog or online. Having said that I came away with a late birthday present from the hubby, well worth the wait....something I have always wanted....a pair of black ostrich boots! How cool are these!<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gr7i5oX59Xc/SucqWkgksWI/AAAAAAAAANs/xotUEodBkW8/s1600-h/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gr7i5oX59Xc/SucqWkgksWI/AAAAAAAAANs/xotUEodBkW8/s200/010.JPG" vr="true" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gr7i5oX59Xc/Sucpi2dZ1II/AAAAAAAAANk/B7b90w9VxYM/s1600-h/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gr7i5oX59Xc/Sucpi2dZ1II/AAAAAAAAANk/B7b90w9VxYM/s320/008.JPG" vr="true" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">I am hoping to get time to work on my blog, add some pictures and more about my interest, in the next few days so be s<u>ure to check back.</u><br />
</div>Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16800356226077641144noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992633943457704208.post-61802998355356595782009-10-23T09:00:00.000-04:002009-10-23T09:00:07.458-04:00Fall Foliage Friday<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The colors have really started to pop! I think we will be at peak next week and I hope to hike into the mountains and take some cool fall photos. For now here is what things look like this week. Sorry that it is another gloomy day for picture taking but we just keep repeating this gloomy weather pattern.</span><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gr7i5oX59Xc/SuGl1v2gI7I/AAAAAAAAANc/xzFAivwoRJg/s1600-h/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gr7i5oX59Xc/SuGl1v2gI7I/AAAAAAAAANc/xzFAivwoRJg/s400/015.JPG" vr="true" /></span></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">P.S. We head out today to Columbus Ohio to the All American Quarter Horse Congress. I will report next week on all that we see! Have a great weekend.</span><br />
</div>Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16800356226077641144noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992633943457704208.post-79165976369321675012009-10-21T06:52:00.000-04:002009-10-21T06:52:38.673-04:00Happy Birthday<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Happy Birthday to me. I share my birthday with the closest person to a sister I ever had my cousin Mendy. I am a year older but we share a birthday. Later in life my mom married and moved to Kansas and I acquirred a step sister Ashley that I love dearly and she also shares this birthday...so happy birthday to us all. With this birthday I am officially closer to 40 than to 30...that seems a bit odd to me. I just cant imagine being 40. It seems so....grown up! LOL I hope Mendy and Ash have a great day!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">No post yesterday, and a brief one today as Bradley (oldest son) is not recovering well from H1N1. I will be calling the doctor this morning. It is such a scary thing that perfectly healthy young people are coming down with this and dying. He isnt able to get out of bed at all. On Monday he ate a bowl of soup but yesterday refused to eat anything. We did manage to get him to eat most of a Frosty from Wendys. His temperature remains right at 101 if we don't control it with meds. I am not happy with his progress. Keep him in your prayers.</span>Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16800356226077641144noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992633943457704208.post-40452278078537457262009-10-19T19:28:00.000-04:002009-10-19T19:28:52.058-04:00H1N1 and miraculous recoveries....We interupt the normally scheduled My Monday Picks for an episode of H1N1...yes it has hit our house. My oldest son Bradley, 18, was diagnosed with it today. He was prescribed Tamiflu and though he feels really bad right now the Tamiflu has been working well to diminish the symptoms quickly. There is lots of Germx and hand washing going on here and the smell of bleach is in the air as I try to keep everyone else from getting the "swine flu". We opted not to get the vaccination. Our doctor said that unless you had some type of disease or ailment that would cause your immune system to be run down he didnt recommend it. And so we didnt take it. Actually I am not sure it is even available yet in our area. So 5 days of Tamiflu and he should be good as new.<br />
<br />
I also wanted to post pictures of Chase 3 weeks to the day after his accident. It is amazing to see how he has healed...it truly is a miracle and blessing from God. He returns to the neurosurgeon on November 13th. We will be anxious for that visit as we should find out if Chase can return to riding. For now we are thankful that he has made such a speedy recovery.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gr7i5oX59Xc/Stz16FGWJ7I/AAAAAAAAANU/Gyg7uWT8muU/s1600-h/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gr7i5oX59Xc/Stz16FGWJ7I/AAAAAAAAANU/Gyg7uWT8muU/s320/003.JPG" vr="true" /></a><br />
</div>Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16800356226077641144noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992633943457704208.post-75827703255067334492009-10-17T14:21:00.001-04:002009-10-17T14:37:31.435-04:00Gloomy days and Grand Openings<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I believe I am beginning a bout with depression, brought on by stress, but totally enhanced by the gloomy and rainy weather we have had for one week! I honestly don't recall the last day I saw the sun. All I want to due is curl up under a blanket and take a nap!<br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">But I was able to muster up the energy to drive into a neighboring town who opened a Tractor Supply store today. I LOVE that store! We picked up a water bottle for the rabbits and Purina Straregy horse feed. This is my favorite feed but had been unable to feed it since the closest dealer was an hour away. I guess now I can curl up under that blanket and take a nap! Have a nice weekend.<br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gr7i5oX59Xc/StoOyNHnEuI/AAAAAAAAANM/qkMuQAoEem4/s1600-h/logo%5B1%5D.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gr7i5oX59Xc/StoOyNHnEuI/AAAAAAAAANM/qkMuQAoEem4/s400/logo%5B1%5D.gif" vr="true" /></a><br />
</div>Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16800356226077641144noreply@blogger.com4