tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72664204350000252842024-03-13T20:29:45.609-07:00Cakes, Kids and a LensA journey through my daily life..playing with my kids and my two favorite hobbies!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16095339323264498906noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7266420435000025284.post-37367922744592407222011-12-20T20:47:00.000-08:002011-12-21T04:11:06.793-08:00Dancing through life, on horses and foot...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v360/Heathercab/IMG_7161.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 426px; height: 639px;" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v360/Heathercab/IMG_7161.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v360/Heathercab/IMG_7147.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 426px; height: 639px;" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v360/Heathercab/IMG_7147.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Well, seems it's once again been a while since I've been here. Computer was down for a while, and I can't blog from my phone. Life has continued to go along at it's crazy pace - some fun and some not so fun, but that is to be expected.<br />Tonight I thought I'd share some photos and a few sentimental antidotes, if I can get to the sentiments without tears.<br />I realized I never shared my beautiful dancer Abigail. She has as much passion for her dance as Gabe does his scouting and Sarah her horses. She had her first big recital earlier this year, and I caught some lovely photos of her (for being in the back row, no flash and manual focus). She makes me so happy when she dances because she's so free and happy.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9PXB44j80_0/TvFpmeyCzGI/AAAAAAAAFFE/WyvhUVhwNnk/s1600/253732_1981407127244_1005151284_32328631_62929_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9PXB44j80_0/TvFpmeyCzGI/AAAAAAAAFFE/WyvhUVhwNnk/s320/253732_1981407127244_1005151284_32328631_62929_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688443914164554850" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QIyZ_9KotP8/TvFpl2HBM_I/AAAAAAAAFE8/w4mofUatouE/s1600/255602_1981407527254_1005151284_32328633_3423125_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QIyZ_9KotP8/TvFpl2HBM_I/AAAAAAAAFE8/w4mofUatouE/s320/255602_1981407527254_1005151284_32328633_3423125_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688443903246676978" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oiqkJCgn_5g/TvFplgcz1nI/AAAAAAAAFEw/T6HK7_ZOph8/s1600/261622_1981406607231_1005151284_32328627_6250869_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oiqkJCgn_5g/TvFplgcz1nI/AAAAAAAAFEw/T6HK7_ZOph8/s320/261622_1981406607231_1005151284_32328627_6250869_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688443897432495730" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wp-PiivXLPk/TvFpmkBlB6I/AAAAAAAAFFU/YTDJyU9oetI/s1600/261377_1981406967240_1005151284_32328630_4772019_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wp-PiivXLPk/TvFpmkBlB6I/AAAAAAAAFFU/YTDJyU9oetI/s320/261377_1981406967240_1005151284_32328630_4772019_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688443915571890082" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And then on through the summer, off to my favorite place on Earth. I can't believe I didn't blog any of this. The beach is MY happy place, so I dance for joy there. Topsail Hill is Heaven on Earth for me, it's freedom, happiness and joy for me.<br /><br />See, "in a hole" does not always mean a bad thing.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-45LFLVExD6g/TvFyQ73zOxI/AAAAAAAAFGY/XHn-pQwVSm0/s1600/IMG_6460.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-45LFLVExD6g/TvFyQ73zOxI/AAAAAAAAFGY/XHn-pQwVSm0/s320/IMG_6460.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688453439620856594" border="0" /></a><br /><br />nor does, digging oneself out of a hole (mind you I was dancing around him singing, so, you gonna clean your room NOW mr?)<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n5uNLf9ykag/TvFyRCOl5wI/AAAAAAAAFGk/g68b_VfkfB0/s1600/IMG_6473.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n5uNLf9ykag/TvFyRCOl5wI/AAAAAAAAFGk/g68b_VfkfB0/s320/IMG_6473.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688453441327064834" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Your IT DOESN'T HAPPEN OFTEN photo of me<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xreBAC5ReU8/TvFwHoAPpMI/AAAAAAAAFF8/pVVuqyU7ecA/s1600/IMG_6469.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xreBAC5ReU8/TvFwHoAPpMI/AAAAAAAAFF8/pVVuqyU7ecA/s320/IMG_6469.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688451080645485762" border="0" /></a><br /><br />SHE is a beach bum like her mother. We could live on the beach Abigail and I<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eMD_ERYiBCs/TvFwGuL4P-I/AAAAAAAAFF0/Hw0FXhmznOo/s1600/IMG_6393.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eMD_ERYiBCs/TvFwGuL4P-I/AAAAAAAAFF0/Hw0FXhmznOo/s320/IMG_6393.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688451065125027810" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Check this out: her first time at Topsail, Summer of 1996<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KKYNvVP2nYY/TvFz1ZpjEaI/AAAAAAAAFGw/HIP2iONx3Lw/s1600/DSCN2325.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KKYNvVP2nYY/TvFz1ZpjEaI/AAAAAAAAFGw/HIP2iONx3Lw/s320/DSCN2325.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688455165601059234" border="0" /></a><br /><br />and my child who is quickly becoming a young woman, she's so beautiful, but her growing brings me to tears often.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7wTGmnq8zdw/TvFwH3TQTqI/AAAAAAAAFGI/WHQbTAWNGTg/s1600/IMG_6485.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7wTGmnq8zdw/TvFwH3TQTqI/AAAAAAAAFGI/WHQbTAWNGTg/s320/IMG_6485.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688451084751752866" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Then there was Gabe's Arrow of Light for Scouts, is how he soars...<br /><br />A beautiful day at Five Lakes, swimming and learning, building and sharing....in other words, Scouting.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NiMWmz5hejQ/TvF1LPYp7YI/AAAAAAAAFHI/W63xwiwxbVk/s1600/IMG_6649.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NiMWmz5hejQ/TvF1LPYp7YI/AAAAAAAAFHI/W63xwiwxbVk/s320/IMG_6649.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688456640314600834" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Although he appears distressed in some way, he's honestly listening to the Top of the Mountain story that Standing Buffalo tells.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--HJ0dwmnFuc/TvF1Kv8TEDI/AAAAAAAAFG8/guo5cxkW3u0/s1600/IMG_6661.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--HJ0dwmnFuc/TvF1Kv8TEDI/AAAAAAAAFG8/guo5cxkW3u0/s320/IMG_6661.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688456631874162738" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And well, for those of you that ask me if Harley can fly with his ears, no, but he can with his feet!!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hx35VlPFrtc/TvFwGbkXk6I/AAAAAAAAFFk/lwmA2mUiNZ0/s1600/IMG_6758.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hx35VlPFrtc/TvFwGbkXk6I/AAAAAAAAFFk/lwmA2mUiNZ0/s320/IMG_6758.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688451060127470498" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And finally, a few horse photos. Sarah's version of the dance involves a saddle. Proudly she won "most improved rider" at her barn this year, Highlands Riding Center. She has come far from the timid rider of last year, and is working hard on two horses that are NOT easy horses. She makes me proud because she seems to understand now that is about the horse, not the rider.<br /><br />Mom and Flicka with Sarah. My mom led us to Flicka, for which I will forever be grateful!<br /><br /><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v360/Heathercab/IMG_7143.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 639px; height: 426px;" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v360/Heathercab/IMG_7143.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />She and Red having a pregame conversation.<br /><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v360/Heathercab/IMG_7196.jpg"></a><br /><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v360/Heathercab/IMG_7196.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 426px; height: 639px;" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v360/Heathercab/IMG_7196.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Flicka and Sarah, her first show!!<br /><br /><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v360/Heathercab/IMG_7147.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 426px; height: 639px;" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v360/Heathercab/IMG_7147.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />and our boy, having a blast doing his favorite work, with his favorite girl<br /><br /><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v360/Heathercab/IMG_7161.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 426px; height: 639px;" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v360/Heathercab/IMG_7161.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />There we go, all caught up till Christmas. <br /><br />I hope you all enjoy your holiday. Remember that it's Happy Holidays, that it's CHRISTmas....that there is a real reason for us to celebrate.<br /><br /><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v360/Heathercab/IMG_7147.jpg"></a>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16095339323264498906noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7266420435000025284.post-46517519076357823862011-05-29T16:58:00.000-07:002011-05-29T17:25:21.026-07:00Let's Help Our Beloved Five LakesAs most of my scouting friends know, an EF3 tornado hit in Bush this past week. Along with many homes being destroyed or hurt Five Lakes Campground was hit really badly.<br />Yesterday my husband, son and I spent the day at Five Lakes with over 100 other scouts and families, cleaning out and trying to get it ready for Day Camp in two weeks.<br />Although our beautiful Five Lakes will take time to recover, it's still beautiful to me. It's not it's setting that strikes me to my heart, it is what it is, what it means, what it provides to our scouts. Five Lakes is the home of day camp, the place where many boys spend their first campout, a place for flag ceremonies, funny skits and heartfelt talks around a fire. It's a place to go and be a scout, away from those who judge our boys from scouting, a place to be proud of what a scout is.<br />Troop 602 is taking it upon ourselves to help Five Lakes by coordinating the renewal of picnic tables and replanting of trees.<br />We challenge each troop and pack out there to come plant trees, live oaks, pines, whatever you'd like...all sorts were lost. A great project is for your boys to build a picnic table together. If you cannot build it, but can provide the materials to do so, we will set up a day when we can all come together and build tables.<br />For so many years the Colonel and Jimbo have done so much for us....now is time to really give back - our Five Lakes needs us!<br />Feel free to contact me, Heather Truett, and let me know how you'd like to help. I encourage each pack and troop to involve themselves and encourage their members. You can reach me by email at heathercooks1@bellsouth.net or by phone at 985-630-2551. As I told boys yesterday, this is OUR camp....my love for it, my pride in it and my faith that we can build it again will keep moving me towards my goal...I challenge you to do the same.<br /><br />FYI, it was also on the news, and here is the link to that broadcast:<br />http://www.fox8live.com/news/local/story/Destroyed-campground-hopes-to-rebuild-soon/gFBOMlXc9U2Eh2caa0rFTw.cspxHeatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16095339323264498906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7266420435000025284.post-5920599117696747402011-05-08T07:43:00.000-07:002011-05-08T08:06:32.973-07:00The patience of Jobe....four legs and a tail....We have decided perhaps Red's name should have been Jobe. That boy is such a sweetie, a babysitter for my girl, and has the patience of Jobe.<br />Yesterday they had their first jumping show, very slow going, but she is just learning and was very nervous. He of course took great care of her, very careful to make her confident.<br />They did 2 jumping classes, and two PreCaprilli tests for dressage. Two fifths, a sixth and a seventh ribbon were brought home, which although that's not top of the class, for a first jumping show I was proud of her for just getting out there and doing it.<br />They scored their personal highest in dressage, which made her smile, and made it clean through their 2nd jumping course...had a refusal in the first....so it was a very positive day for all.<br />Mom is tired, so not very witty or wordy, being the groom is HARD work I tell ya. So here are some photos for ya!<br />We also had a blessing of the horses, which was wonderful. God has given us these awesome creatures, entrusted us with them....<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NbfatqYs4_s/TcavZ7LW6EI/AAAAAAAAFEQ/7kr0eL708NQ/s1600/20110507_378.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NbfatqYs4_s/TcavZ7LW6EI/AAAAAAAAFEQ/7kr0eL708NQ/s320/20110507_378.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604359646226081858" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vwfZV5bpAxA/TcavZtlFp4I/AAAAAAAAFEI/Z9iKRKyVvYI/s1600/20110508_110.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vwfZV5bpAxA/TcavZtlFp4I/AAAAAAAAFEI/Z9iKRKyVvYI/s320/20110508_110.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604359642575906690" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bPQHnyZZnlY/TcavZu9bQCI/AAAAAAAAFEA/q67dudYoL6c/s1600/20110508_95.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bPQHnyZZnlY/TcavZu9bQCI/AAAAAAAAFEA/q67dudYoL6c/s320/20110508_95.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604359642946420770" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r6HXODgMuqY/TcavZGEBKuI/AAAAAAAAFD4/AFYn7YWtVoU/s1600/20110508_24.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r6HXODgMuqY/TcavZGEBKuI/AAAAAAAAFD4/AFYn7YWtVoU/s320/20110508_24.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604359631968217826" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The blessing: Look at all of those gorgeous creatures<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mIsfuThCang/TcaxUTDqP3I/AAAAAAAAFEY/bahoPf1LJWU/s1600/20110507_397.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mIsfuThCang/TcaxUTDqP3I/AAAAAAAAFEY/bahoPf1LJWU/s320/20110507_397.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604361748580286322" border="0" /></a>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16095339323264498906noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7266420435000025284.post-688568702718234152011-03-20T23:17:00.001-07:002011-03-20T23:37:16.460-07:00Showing Big Red<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UQk4WFQE_7A/TYbxZ0ZNEKI/AAAAAAAAFC4/Oo4NNtiLdm8/s1600/IMG_5312_0008.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UQk4WFQE_7A/TYbxZ0ZNEKI/AAAAAAAAFC4/Oo4NNtiLdm8/s320/IMG_5312_0008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586417813663060130" border="0" /></a><br />Today was Sarah and Red's first big day together. They did two schooling tests at Amen Corner in Folsom, doing Intro A and B for their first time at a show. They did very well, scoring a 62 in each test, very respectable for a cautious rider and a trail horse come dressage boy. We are VERY proud of how hard they are working together!!<br />I wanted to share both videos with my darling Denise, but it took me three hours to load just this one...but I do have some photos to share as well.<br />Here is Intro A<br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/18Foz8Z1KbM" allowfullscreen="" width="640" frameborder="0" height="390"></iframe><br /><br />For those that don't know dressage, you are basically competing against your last score. It's about bettering yourself as a rider and your horse learning to carry themselves in a proper frame, and you being able to get them there. They enter at a certain speed, turns must be a certain way etc. It's a big change from his trail world, but he seems to enjoy all the attention.<br /><br />Now for some photos. He spent the night there last night, as they schooled yesterday and he got all spiffed up. He seemed to enjoy his night in the stall surrounded on each side by girls...our Red loves the ladies, he was chatting them up those mares.<br /><br />This is hard for him, to stretch down like this while he's walking on....he did awesome today, the best I've ever seen him do..this is called a free walk<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qMGO4QlLOaI/TYbxamhHSgI/AAAAAAAAFDQ/vJPzuq5yGT0/s1600/IMG_5293_0027.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qMGO4QlLOaI/TYbxamhHSgI/AAAAAAAAFDQ/vJPzuq5yGT0/s320/IMG_5293_0027.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586417827118008834" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Two kindred souls these two men of mine<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c-ZONaJtHIc/TYbxaRZ_7tI/AAAAAAAAFDI/_TqBgprYk1A/s1600/IMG_5248_0067.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c-ZONaJtHIc/TYbxaRZ_7tI/AAAAAAAAFDI/_TqBgprYk1A/s320/IMG_5248_0067.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586417821451022034" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Working SO hard together, I love to see this, it makes me so proud!<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0dKddhnxKa0/TYbxaIaJ8nI/AAAAAAAAFDA/Zri5HtDx6Bo/s1600/IMG_5307_0013.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0dKddhnxKa0/TYbxaIaJ8nI/AAAAAAAAFDA/Zri5HtDx6Bo/s320/IMG_5307_0013.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586417819035759218" border="0" /></a><br /><br />and the two of them with their ribbons!!<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UQk4WFQE_7A/TYbxZ0ZNEKI/AAAAAAAAFC4/Oo4NNtiLdm8/s1600/IMG_5312_0008.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UQk4WFQE_7A/TYbxZ0ZNEKI/AAAAAAAAFC4/Oo4NNtiLdm8/s320/IMG_5312_0008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586417813663060130" border="0" /></a>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16095339323264498906noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7266420435000025284.post-53368327385964075432011-03-15T20:31:00.000-07:002011-03-15T21:07:50.614-07:00Happy Birthday Big Red!!<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-size:180%;" >Today was our Darling Big Red's 10th birthday!!</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m9i1lGBcr3c/TYA3JZVC1YI/AAAAAAAAFCU/LcCPgwlZabY/s1600/HPIM0788.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m9i1lGBcr3c/TYA3JZVC1YI/AAAAAAAAFCU/LcCPgwlZabY/s320/HPIM0788.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584524172496917890" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><br />For his birthday he and Sarah got a dressage arena (of sorts) built in the upper pasture so that they can practice more. It's not fancy, but it gets the job done. Thanks to Highlands for the donation of the markers, and to Daddy for helping her measure it off and mark it.<br />They are working hard getting ready for Sunday's show. I tell you guys (the three of you that read my blog) I've never seen this girl ride as hard as she's ridden this week. She's been on him at least an hour hard work daily this week, practicing her patterns and balance. They are working together as a team now, and you can see how much their hard work is paying off.<br />He's looking great, red horses are lucky, the sun only makes them more beautiful. His coat is coming into a good sheen and he's fat and healthy. We ARE blessed Denise that you brought him to us, and we thank you daily.<br />So...the girls and I sang Happy Birthday to him over his dinner, and put a birthday hat on him and embarassed him (secretly he loved the attention) then he got his birthday hose down (which he ADORES) and some birthday clover and ate his dinner with his favorite girl of the four legged variety. I promised Denise some photos, so of COURSE I shall be forced to show him off (not like I don't constantly post photos of them).<br />Here's my Sarah working hard on her arena:<br />We had to cut some branches down to make room for her head.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O4GLZiQfyEE/TYAy5DI5VbI/AAAAAAAAFBc/E4AvnOkkI38/s1600/HPIM0779.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O4GLZiQfyEE/TYAy5DI5VbI/AAAAAAAAFBc/E4AvnOkkI38/s320/HPIM0779.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584519493615965618" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Measuring out the dressage arena;<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KwE36XqU414/TYAy4yWo9hI/AAAAAAAAFBU/TwmISBU2Oj0/s1600/HPIM0781.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KwE36XqU414/TYAy4yWo9hI/AAAAAAAAFBU/TwmISBU2Oj0/s320/HPIM0781.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584519489110210066" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The birthday boy posing with his girls, in his homemade hat and some beads, which he also wore all afternoon to ride, he's so goofy.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-He0cj-YI1YM/TYA0ZnnZnPI/AAAAAAAAFBk/xOcmGG2H4J8/s1600/HPIM0790.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-He0cj-YI1YM/TYA0ZnnZnPI/AAAAAAAAFBk/xOcmGG2H4J8/s320/HPIM0790.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584521152675028210" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And then..his baby girl is having a birthday Tuesday, so he shared his hat. He loves this child because she always has food.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KjMQ4qFz7mg/TYA0Z4n16_I/AAAAAAAAFBs/5tpNQW3r568/s1600/HPIM0792.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KjMQ4qFz7mg/TYA0Z4n16_I/AAAAAAAAFBs/5tpNQW3r568/s320/HPIM0792.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584521157240286194" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Then, because he really DOES have to work..they practiced for about an hour and a half in the new area<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cMLtu0qP-Fw/TYA0aLuGnMI/AAAAAAAAFB0/h6bwbM2vfXw/s1600/HPIM0798.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cMLtu0qP-Fw/TYA0aLuGnMI/AAAAAAAAFB0/h6bwbM2vfXw/s320/HPIM0798.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584521162366819522" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And a birthday hosing (no point in giving pigpen a real bath), but a good hosing is great for all that sweat.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yhvvlL4Tag8/TYA2SM6dvsI/AAAAAAAAFB8/6lsHhUe7waU/s1600/HPIM0800.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yhvvlL4Tag8/TYA2SM6dvsI/AAAAAAAAFB8/6lsHhUe7waU/s320/HPIM0800.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584523224271404738" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And YUMMMMY birthday clover<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ta9zmOD_dG4/TYA2SSfqMeI/AAAAAAAAFCE/5MTW0r0kkIg/s1600/HPIM0801.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ta9zmOD_dG4/TYA2SSfqMeI/AAAAAAAAFCE/5MTW0r0kkIg/s320/HPIM0801.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584523225769587170" border="0" /></a><br /><br />and to finish off his day, he had some after dinner hay with his best girl...who he bit right after I took this photo...she was hogging his spotlight.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BzjcNpAXGY0/TYA2Sm2vADI/AAAAAAAAFCM/yx3xYyPmQnk/s1600/HPIM0810.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BzjcNpAXGY0/TYA2Sm2vADI/AAAAAAAAFCM/yx3xYyPmQnk/s320/HPIM0810.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584523231235080242" border="0" /></a>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16095339323264498906noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7266420435000025284.post-33880312696054189462011-03-01T19:51:00.000-08:002011-03-01T19:58:06.743-08:00Sarah and RedWe are wiping Winter away around here...and shaking out the cobwebs.<br />I'll admit, this winter hasn't been the best for us and riding. Hacking around has been fun, but Sarah and Red have work to do....if she plans on showing.<br /><br />They went today for a lesson at Highlands, working towards their first scheduled show at the end of this month. Lazy girl + lazy boy equals horsey mom who will have to buy some blunt spurs so that lazy child can get lazy horse to show some impulsion. Won't hurt him, just get him motivated....big ole lazy oaf.<br /><br />It's sweet to see her loving on him though, she put his new cooler on him after hosing him for the ride home and was oohing over him being soooo cute moooom, as she said.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_T202cplzt8/TW2_1GRKYYI/AAAAAAAAFBM/tT9WV4K8588/s1600/photo.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_T202cplzt8/TW2_1GRKYYI/AAAAAAAAFBM/tT9WV4K8588/s320/photo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579326432318480770" border="0" /></a><br /><br />THEN..there's the love of his life Flicka, who was dying at home without him. A mile down the road she heard Jamie's truck and went to calling her lost lover boy. I took him back in and the love fest began, just plain ole goofy, a gelding and a moony mare.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yu9-doNy71k/TW2_0_-5zrI/AAAAAAAAFBE/DOR_X2gEAFc/s1600/photo%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yu9-doNy71k/TW2_0_-5zrI/AAAAAAAAFBE/DOR_X2gEAFc/s320/photo%25282%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579326430631284402" border="0" /></a><br /><br />SO..wish my boy and girl luck in their show, and enjoy the pictures of them. I'll get some riding pics next week.Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16095339323264498906noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7266420435000025284.post-86090064127263024002011-02-21T18:18:00.000-08:002011-02-21T18:21:35.527-08:00Goodbye Sweet Cat...Today I got such awful news, that the child of some of our best friends had passed. Nooone ever wants to face death, much less that of their child, and I pray for them with all the strength our maker has given me.<br />Today the world lost a beautiful soul, a wonderful daughter and an amazing sister. We grieve with the family of Cat...Rebecca, Ty, Randy and Randy Jr. Please join our hands in prayer for them, hold them up and keep them strong.<br />God Bless, I know his arms were open wide as you came into them my sweet girl.<br /><br />This poem seems so fitting at this time:<br /><br /><center><b>A Better Place</b></center><center>She’s in a better place right now<br />Than she’s ever been before;<br />All pain is gone; she’s now at rest;<br />Nothing troubles her anymore.</center><center>It’s we who feel the burden of<br />Our sadness and our grief;.<br />We have to cry, to mourn our loss,<br />Before we get relief.</center><center>We know we’ll reconnect with her<br />At the end of each life’s road;<br />We’ll see her cherished face again<br />When we release our earthly load.</center><center><i>By Joanna Fuchs</i></center>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16095339323264498906noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7266420435000025284.post-71042609557307207822011-02-19T18:28:00.001-08:002011-02-19T18:38:44.745-08:00It's a CAKE kinda day!Today I had two cakes to do that I was very happy with so I thought I'd share them.<br /><br />First was a Mickey Mouse inspired first birthday cake, two tiers, done in buttercream with some fondant accents. Love the colors on this one. Just piped the little Mickey heads on, and the diamonds are fondant as well as the big Mickey head.<br /><br /><br />Then there was my first Whimsy cake. Watched a little<a href="http://www.sugaredproductions.com/"> SugarEd Productions</a> action on the DVD, got a little pep talk, and away we went. Came out pretty cute, now I wanna try doing one in just buttercream, no fondant covering....b/c at heart I'm a buttercream girl. This cutie girl was very specific about wanting pink and black, and zebra a bow and polka dots! She was VERY happy with her cake, which makes me happy!<br /><br />So..here are some photos, the before and the after!<br /><br />First, there was the carving and the icing....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-io6ltsMyytM/TWB-DrlNNZI/AAAAAAAAFAs/lH0m5vyfVRA/s1600/181647_1738600857239_1005151284_32004884_3139907_n.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-io6ltsMyytM/TWB-DrlNNZI/AAAAAAAAFAs/lH0m5vyfVRA/s320/181647_1738600857239_1005151284_32004884_3139907_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575594940388160914" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Then we added a little color...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YIlB0pXpnCY/TWB-DXvZ95I/AAAAAAAAFAk/8LmoBxrRbrs/s1600/180634_1739122030268_1005151284_32005567_5397927_n.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YIlB0pXpnCY/TWB-DXvZ95I/AAAAAAAAFAk/8LmoBxrRbrs/s320/180634_1739122030268_1005151284_32005567_5397927_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575594935062230930" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And number one is done...<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qybaBOm-lQQ/TWB-EH_HatI/AAAAAAAAFA8/Hx979COEvMg/s1600/184828_1739201032243_1005151284_32005624_2506082_n.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qybaBOm-lQQ/TWB-EH_HatI/AAAAAAAAFA8/Hx979COEvMg/s320/184828_1739201032243_1005151284_32005624_2506082_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575594948013026002" border="0" /></a><br /><br />and last but not least, Ms Olivia's is done<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OHswMR_kzQU/TWB-D6yrkjI/AAAAAAAAFA0/6Pwum8w_8SY/s1600/183877_1739434758086_1005151284_32006029_2172415_n.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OHswMR_kzQU/TWB-D6yrkjI/AAAAAAAAFA0/6Pwum8w_8SY/s320/183877_1739434758086_1005151284_32006029_2172415_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575594944471208498" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Happy Birthday to two beautiful kiddos, I hope you had a wonderful day!!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16095339323264498906noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7266420435000025284.post-11962440003141062712011-02-09T19:37:00.001-08:002011-02-09T20:00:01.292-08:00Photo blog dayHere are some recent photos!!<br /><br />My cutie family in Missouri!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-28f4z3NLguw/TVNiZ5Zb3tI/AAAAAAAAFAI/nUa-3ly7Ebo/s1600/2010-10-21%2B015.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-28f4z3NLguw/TVNiZ5Zb3tI/AAAAAAAAFAI/nUa-3ly7Ebo/s320/2010-10-21%2B015.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571905361031192274" border="0" /></a><br /><br />How big is she now?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HWDYmcLiKmw/TVNiZg_ri1I/AAAAAAAAFAA/xGd-dJLWQNw/s1600/2010-10-21%2B007.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HWDYmcLiKmw/TVNiZg_ri1I/AAAAAAAAFAA/xGd-dJLWQNw/s320/2010-10-21%2B007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571905354480716626" border="0" /></a><br /><br />On our cruise, the most wonderful few days of the last year.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fhpZAssDHSY/TVNiZQ4rzmI/AAAAAAAAE_4/0CE5WR2EYjU/s1600/2010-10-04%2B010.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fhpZAssDHSY/TVNiZQ4rzmI/AAAAAAAAE_4/0CE5WR2EYjU/s320/2010-10-04%2B010.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571905350156406370" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Sarah at her first big girl dance!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GKYem3bToIc/TVNgsSoWmaI/AAAAAAAAE_w/i68GrdCduzA/s1600/2010-11-08%2B038.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GKYem3bToIc/TVNgsSoWmaI/AAAAAAAAE_w/i68GrdCduzA/s320/2010-11-08%2B038.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571903478019037602" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Sarah and her daddy!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cqh8xwLJ0e8/TVNgsDFyjsI/AAAAAAAAE_o/rG1u9pJDR_Q/s1600/2010-10-21%2B005.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cqh8xwLJ0e8/TVNgsDFyjsI/AAAAAAAAE_o/rG1u9pJDR_Q/s320/2010-10-21%2B005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571903473847537346" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Hunter and I at the 3rd annual Camp Kline<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dF8cQdUXhjY/TVNgr0fbO3I/AAAAAAAAE_g/ltlE7bbCaTQ/s1600/2010-12-14%2B061.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dF8cQdUXhjY/TVNgr0fbO3I/AAAAAAAAE_g/ltlE7bbCaTQ/s320/2010-12-14%2B061.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571903469928528754" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Isn't he yummy??<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f_iz8wdNG24/TVNgruqP0MI/AAAAAAAAE_Y/GqAlcjvt8dQ/s1600/2010-12-14%2B046.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f_iz8wdNG24/TVNgruqP0MI/AAAAAAAAE_Y/GqAlcjvt8dQ/s320/2010-12-14%2B046.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571903468363305154" border="0" /></a><br /><br />WHY? Must she grow up?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4URxbN-g4ZM/TVNgrU-zxBI/AAAAAAAAE_Q/5IdTJMTz_jw/s1600/2010-12-14%2B007.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4URxbN-g4ZM/TVNgrU-zxBI/AAAAAAAAE_Q/5IdTJMTz_jw/s320/2010-12-14%2B007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571903461470225426" border="0" /></a>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16095339323264498906noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7266420435000025284.post-50896124631823458422010-10-04T18:44:00.000-07:002010-10-04T19:21:57.426-07:00Happy Birthday Gabe and Welcome Big Red!What a week we had!<br />This week, my boy turned 10!! Amazing to me since it seems yesterday they told me WOW Heather, he weighs 10lbs 5 oz...at a minute old!<br />For his birthday we went out to Bogue Chitto park in Franklinton near our home for some fishing and fun. A simple day, spent with family and friends who feel like family. The catch for the day was Dad 2, Sarah 2, Gabe 1 and Mr Clint 1....combined weight of less than 1 lb for the lot of them!<br />Thanks to all that came out to spend time with us, we enjoyed you all immensely!<br />Here are some photos to share from the day!<br /><br />The big catch of the day!!<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/TKqFC21lHkI/AAAAAAAAD20/FSyiPHW53Iw/s1600/gabe..thebigone.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/TKqFC21lHkI/AAAAAAAAD20/FSyiPHW53Iw/s320/gabe..thebigone.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524374177049812546" border="0" /></a><br /><br />My beautiful Joy and her boy Colby<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/TKqFDLhk7fI/AAAAAAAAD28/kHIATn3-JEg/s1600/2010-09-01+Gabes+Bday+and+Red+007.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/TKqFDLhk7fI/AAAAAAAAD28/kHIATn3-JEg/s320/2010-09-01+Gabes+Bday+and+Red+007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524374182603058674" border="0" /></a><br /><br />A spider in a web (no, really, it's Sarah)<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/TKqFDeQyVzI/AAAAAAAAD3E/NlG3Zp39qtU/s1600/2010-09-01+Gabes+Bday+and+Red+017.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/TKqFDeQyVzI/AAAAAAAAD3E/NlG3Zp39qtU/s320/2010-09-01+Gabes+Bday+and+Red+017.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524374187632908082" border="0" /></a><br /><br />My baby girl Abi<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/TKqFDlBVIoI/AAAAAAAAD3M/6vjfyAmouoU/s1600/2010-09-01+Gabes+Bday+and+Red+042.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/TKqFDlBVIoI/AAAAAAAAD3M/6vjfyAmouoU/s320/2010-09-01+Gabes+Bday+and+Red+042.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524374189447127682" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />We also added a new member to our family this week. Dashing Big "Red" came to live with us. Red was a gift to us from Denise, a wonderful woman I know from caking. Red needed to slow down his pace in life, and he is a perfect mount for my timid Sarah to pursue her riding on. She jumped right on him and took off..which is NOT her style.<br />Red lived part of his life as a race horse, and was retrained. Although he is a quarter horse, he's got a lot of thoroughbred in him, which you can see in the photos to come.<br />We are pleased as peaches to add him to our family. Ms Flicka has adopted him as her own, and is madly in love with him (unless he tries to sneak in and take a bite of her food). Denise loves Red dearly, and it was her love for him that helped her decision to bring him to us....and we shall continue his life in the style he is accustomed to, SPOILED!!<br />Some photos to share for you...<br /><br />My beautiful Foo girl...I will always say she amazes me. She's come so far in so little time this girl. And God bless her, she was sharing her hay with Red.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/TKqKe5vu92I/AAAAAAAAD3s/WXoUE280Lu4/s1600/2010-08-31+Red+and+Fair+035.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/TKqKe5vu92I/AAAAAAAAD3s/WXoUE280Lu4/s320/2010-08-31+Red+and+Fair+035.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524380156425074530" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Red and Sarah, she's in love to the hilt. They were having a love festival...her with Red and he with the treats she had in her pocket.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/TKqKepry6PI/AAAAAAAAD3k/R4VGVStKfbI/s1600/2010-08-31+Red+and+Fair+001.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/TKqKepry6PI/AAAAAAAAD3k/R4VGVStKfbI/s320/2010-08-31+Red+and+Fair+001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524380152113588466" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Now..before you say anything, YES she's barefooted...she was just hacking around not really riding. I did make her put on my helmet.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/TKqKeCuS-TI/AAAAAAAAD3c/IQBfO7fyRiI/s1600/2010-09-01+Gabes+Bday+and+Red+064.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/TKqKeCuS-TI/AAAAAAAAD3c/IQBfO7fyRiI/s320/2010-09-01+Gabes+Bday+and+Red+064.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524380141655095602" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And..yes I'm in sandals, we had just come home from Gabe's fishing excursion...<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/TKqKdrtkZ2I/AAAAAAAAD3U/kIy0I-VE_9Q/s1600/2010-09-01+Gabes+Bday+and+Red+048.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/TKqKdrtkZ2I/AAAAAAAAD3U/kIy0I-VE_9Q/s320/2010-09-01+Gabes+Bday+and+Red+048.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524380135478028130" border="0" /></a><br /><br />So..that's our week~ Life never stops here in our house, but it also never stops being blessed.Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16095339323264498906noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7266420435000025284.post-64791926273105420762010-07-06T21:58:00.000-07:002010-07-06T22:15:45.522-07:00Fourth of July FunWe always try and do some fun things with the kids for the Fourth, so this year Jamie and I got a few fireworks and planned a bbq for the day.<br />We dodged the rain and did our bbqing, then made some homemade ice cream (god bless that kitchen aid churn attachment, she's so good to me). When darkness fell we headed outside for our good ole redneck fireworks show!<br />Here's how it works, we all pile into the back of Jamie's truck and he is the fireworks guy. He puts them out in the street in front of our house (we live on a little dead end gravel road). That way everyone is safe. This year I took Harley out, b/c I really feel like they should be used to all noises. Molly just gets too excited, not scared at all, just wants to participate TOO much.<br />Then we always let the kids play with sparklers and Jamie helps them shoot roman candles. Amazing how fast it all goes, but they love it!<br /><br />Praise God for the independence that allows us to celebrate this day...and for living in the country where you can shoot fireworks with no fear of irritating your neighbor...our whole street does it!<br /><br />On to the photos of course, not great ones, b/c I had a certain dog sniffing my camera.<br /><br />Blurry fireworks...I try every year to get cool fireworks pics, and never succeed.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/TDQMAzhjwnI/AAAAAAAADwg/CttEhAbzTvY/s1600/fourth2010+032.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/TDQMAzhjwnI/AAAAAAAADwg/CttEhAbzTvY/s320/fourth2010+032.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491027053641974386" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Abi and her "cannon" she called it<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/TDQMAgw4tOI/AAAAAAAADwY/8bOUVSj6A4o/s1600/fourth2010+019.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/TDQMAgw4tOI/AAAAAAAADwY/8bOUVSj6A4o/s320/fourth2010+019.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491027048605988066" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Checking out the loot<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/TDQMABh_PVI/AAAAAAAADwQ/RuCFDogOLeU/s1600/fourth2010+005.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/TDQMABh_PVI/AAAAAAAADwQ/RuCFDogOLeU/s320/fourth2010+005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491027040222002514" border="0" /></a><br /><br />He wuvs her, really he does<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/TDQL_mazkMI/AAAAAAAADwI/sVucST50KIE/s1600/fourth2010+013.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/TDQL_mazkMI/AAAAAAAADwI/sVucST50KIE/s320/fourth2010+013.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491027032944120002" border="0" /></a><br /><br />A fountain<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/TDQL_ZrSrOI/AAAAAAAADwA/6sNK2AKLJGY/s1600/fourth2010+001.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/TDQL_ZrSrOI/AAAAAAAADwA/6sNK2AKLJGY/s320/fourth2010+001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491027029523606754" border="0" /></a><br /><br />That's all folks!! I hope you enjoyed your fourth as much as we did ours!!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16095339323264498906noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7266420435000025284.post-2377051450891494552010-06-25T08:55:00.000-07:002010-06-25T20:44:29.815-07:00Sweet sweet summertime!This summer seems to be the summer of the horse at our house. We've also had Scout camp and VBS. It's been a great summer though, so I thought I'd share some pictures.<br />Sarah and Flicka are doing well. Flicka has started doing lessons WITH Sarah now, so they can both learn. They had their first this week, and did great. It's hard when you're a four year old horse to understand things, and hard when you're a pig headed 11 year old girl to know that your horse isn't the BEST thing that ever walked (well, maybe she is), but they are learning together and that's awesome. Here are some photos of her at the barn for her first lesson<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/TCT_blMiiUI/AAAAAAAADu4/18SZbOc2bh8/s1600/IMG_3809.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/TCT_blMiiUI/AAAAAAAADu4/18SZbOc2bh8/s320/IMG_3809.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486791095350364482" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/TCT_bBBE3jI/AAAAAAAADuw/bYe34IAwjT0/s1600/IMG_3812.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/TCT_bBBE3jI/AAAAAAAADuw/bYe34IAwjT0/s320/IMG_3812.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486791085638606386" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Earlier this summer Sarah went to riding camp for the week. (Remind her, all of you, how wonderful her mom is for letting her do this.) Then the end of the week brought a dressage show for her. She rode Maggie and Bobbie Sox, who you can see below. She did well, it rained TERRIBLY hard and it was nasty, contrary to how the weather looks in these photos.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/TCT9iBc_KKI/AAAAAAAADuo/ZaCGntwZw0E/s1600/IMG_3176.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/TCT9iBc_KKI/AAAAAAAADuo/ZaCGntwZw0E/s320/IMG_3176.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486789006991501474" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Riding Maggie in her dressage test<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/TCT9hy5k0hI/AAAAAAAADug/4RsphbIMo8w/s1600/IMG_3154.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/TCT9hy5k0hI/AAAAAAAADug/4RsphbIMo8w/s320/IMG_3154.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486789003084878354" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And a little Bobbie Sox riding<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/TCT9hdT_SZI/AAAAAAAADuY/3cZImgRjyFI/s1600/IMG_3190.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/TCT9hdT_SZI/AAAAAAAADuY/3cZImgRjyFI/s320/IMG_3190.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486788997290084754" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Just hanging out with Maggie between classes.<br /><br /><br />Our other big thing was summer camp with the scouts. Gabe loves Scout camp, this is his last year as a camper, next year he will have to volunteer. He had a great time. He went into it with a broken finger poor chap, then got attacked by ground hornets, but his awesome den leader (we love you joy) made it a good week anyways. Here are some photos from camp for your viewing pleasure!<br /><br />His favorite water thing, zip lining! Gabe's in the blue life vest. Everyone must wear a life vest, good practice to have!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/TCVzdZmsP9I/AAAAAAAADvg/QywA9tFYQIU/s1600/Canontobefiled+122.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/TCVzdZmsP9I/AAAAAAAADvg/QywA9tFYQIU/s320/Canontobefiled+122.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486918669947387858" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Slingshots! Which he is really good at!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/TCVzcxkSZ6I/AAAAAAAADvY/ArjgzEpk2UE/s1600/Canontobefiled+092.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/TCVzcxkSZ6I/AAAAAAAADvY/ArjgzEpk2UE/s320/Canontobefiled+092.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486918659199887266" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We ALL go to camp, even dad gets in on the act. He is medic at waterfront, but we caught him riding his four wheeler!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/TCVzcSTq85I/AAAAAAAADvQ/ue5Cpkk-3pg/s1600/Canontobefiled+065.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/TCVzcSTq85I/AAAAAAAADvQ/ue5Cpkk-3pg/s320/Canontobefiled+065.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486918650808693650" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Cub Scouting teaches respect for our flag. He was announcer for the flag ceremony this morning. He is the KING of announcement~!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/TCVzb5Qep1I/AAAAAAAADvI/DSzBJjhas5k/s1600/Canontobefiled+048.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/TCVzb5Qep1I/AAAAAAAADvI/DSzBJjhas5k/s320/Canontobefiled+048.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486918644084418386" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And..just because this one I like:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/TCVzbZnwzzI/AAAAAAAADvA/66m_nAw8uz0/s1600/Canontobefiled+025.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/TCVzbZnwzzI/AAAAAAAADvA/66m_nAw8uz0/s320/Canontobefiled+025.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486918635592142642" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And yes, the girls get in on the act, here's Ms Abigail<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/TCV1TJp_vlI/AAAAAAAADvo/pqU3wjXDCJI/s1600/Canontobefiled+139.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/TCV1TJp_vlI/AAAAAAAADvo/pqU3wjXDCJI/s320/Canontobefiled+139.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486920692890844754" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Sarah makes herself scarce, btw!<br /><br />Lastly, this past weekend my nephew Taylor turned SIXTEEN! OMG save me! Well, we went to White Sands Beach for his birthday. What a fun time! Here are just a few from then.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/TCV3DO_tYfI/AAAAAAAADv4/vpvg1CFnhe8/s1600/Canontobefiled+431.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/TCV3DO_tYfI/AAAAAAAADv4/vpvg1CFnhe8/s320/Canontobefiled+431.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486922618469442034" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/TCV3ClB25wI/AAAAAAAADvw/8CEIy_TOP9c/s1600/Canontobefiled+451.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/TCV3ClB25wI/AAAAAAAADvw/8CEIy_TOP9c/s320/Canontobefiled+451.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486922607204165378" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Thanks to all of you for visiting our blog!! Now, all of you that haven't blogged in a while, and you KNOW who you are ANGIE, get to it!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16095339323264498906noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7266420435000025284.post-81123914060777579632010-04-22T20:08:00.000-07:002010-04-22T20:48:33.126-07:00Long time, no blog!Seems I have neglected my little blog here. SO many things are going on in our lives that it's hard to find time to sit at the desktop. I find myself checking on the world through my phone, aahh technology.<br />Since we last met, we've done so many things. Our lives focus around our children, and their likes and dislikes, so we'll work on the likes here (and ignore the dislikes like good parents should).<br /><br />Gabe has finished out his Scouting year with a bang, earning his Webelo badge and is moving toward his arrow of light. For the third time this year he achieved A average honor roll at school, REALLY an awesome kiddo. He has chosen not to play baseball this summer for the first time since he started playing ball, but I'm actually kind of relishing the break. He's looking forward to learning to cut the grass with his dad if one can imagine wanting to cut grass.<br />He's a sneaky buggar to get a picture of, but I got this one:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/S9EXrGwwDNI/AAAAAAAADZU/qpsMjtow2FU/s1600/IMG_2625.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/S9EXrGwwDNI/AAAAAAAADZU/qpsMjtow2FU/s320/IMG_2625.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463173852294024402" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Sarah is as always up to her ears in horses. She is the proud rescuer of a little quarter horse mare, who she has named Flicka. When Flicka came to us she was very underweight and a sad sad tale. Today she still shows some signs that will take years to go away of that abuse, but is a new horse. I'll share some before and afters of her here in a few. Sarah participated in her first real horse show outside of the barn last weekend and did awesome! She, of COURSE, also has achieved A average honor roll all three nine weeks. She, of COURSE, has no interest in learning to cut the grass. Her other achievement of late was that she and Harley, our 6 month old German Shepherd, entered the 4H pet show, and achieved a "cutest ears" first place ribbon. I shall share his ears, you will totally agree with them.<br /><br />My freckled beauty at the pet show:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/S9EUytRNOtI/AAAAAAAADY8/x4F3XZ5QeXc/s1600/IMG_2802.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/S9EUytRNOtI/AAAAAAAADY8/x4F3XZ5QeXc/s320/IMG_2802.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463170684354902738" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Her beautiful freckles amaze me:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/S9EXqtt-2cI/AAAAAAAADZM/nl9OYWptGIw/s1600/IMG_2661.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/S9EXqtt-2cI/AAAAAAAADZM/nl9OYWptGIw/s320/IMG_2661.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463173845571525058" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Flicka then: and honestly, this is a good picture of then, she looked much worse in person, this was February.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/S9EXryPOihI/AAAAAAAADZk/pOjMEPx2Iw0/s1600/IMG_2343.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/S9EXryPOihI/AAAAAAAADZk/pOjMEPx2Iw0/s320/IMG_2343.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463173863964576274" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Flicka now: she's moved to an awesome friends house, is eating good groceries and getting good work, pink thing is bareback pad, kids are slowing getting her used to having someone on her back, and I'm lunging her to get some energy out.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/S9EXsMXvzhI/AAAAAAAADZs/lyEyzCGt8x0/s1600/flickanow.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/S9EXsMXvzhI/AAAAAAAADZs/lyEyzCGt8x0/s320/flickanow.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463173870979632658" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Abi continues to be the same cutie patootie she always was. Kindergarten in this family means a hiatus from outside activities, so she's on a break from her typical dance regime, but I hear daily how she's starting back this summer. She amazes me with her learning, it's always so crazy how fast they start picking up reading and math and spelling. She has also learned to be a great help in the kitchen, one day, if you are all out our way, ask her to make you her "famous pizza", it's killer! She's turned an amazing SIX years old, and gotten her ears pierced! I told her that's all the growing up for now please.<br /><br />Her cake:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/S9ETPGl8Z7I/AAAAAAAADYU/klLnGKM3AZc/s1600/abifishresize.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/S9ETPGl8Z7I/AAAAAAAADYU/klLnGKM3AZc/s320/abifishresize.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463168973165848498" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Blowing out her candle:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/S9ETO8sbV6I/AAAAAAAADYM/aBbYd1r67Bw/s1600/IMG_2397.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/S9ETO8sbV6I/AAAAAAAADYM/aBbYd1r67Bw/s320/IMG_2397.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463168970508687266" border="0" /></a><br /><br />You can spy a little big girl earring here:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/S9ETQcDa2AI/AAAAAAAADYs/bkvFy6_KL7c/s1600/IMG_2665.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/S9ETQcDa2AI/AAAAAAAADYs/bkvFy6_KL7c/s320/IMG_2665.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463168996106491906" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />For those following my gastric bypass journey, I'm now down 140 lbs. I've got some more to go, but I am feeling like a million bucks. It's a crazy journey, but one well worth traveling. I have been back on a horse for the first time in 12 years, and can move and groove with the best of them keeping up with these kiddos.<br /><br />My husband, as always, continues to be my hero. He'll get upset at me for writing that, b/c he doesn't feel like he's a hero, but he is. He works so hard for us and continues to be right here by me to be my rock when I need him.<br /><br />I did do a cake of late, I'm not doing them anymore other than family and friends, this was for a friend, very fun to do. Fondant cake, sugar ice and beer bottles, fondant crawfish and goodies.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/S9EUzAyilTI/AAAAAAAADZE/eaKcFrYfJDw/s1600/IMG_2820.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/S9EUzAyilTI/AAAAAAAADZE/eaKcFrYfJDw/s320/IMG_2820.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463170689594987826" border="0" /></a><br /><br />So..I'll leave you with that, and some photos. I will try not to be away so long next time!<br /><br />Mr Big Ears:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/S9ETPiU7TKI/AAAAAAAADYc/dhOuBJKHXdM/s1600/IMG_2369.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/S9ETPiU7TKI/AAAAAAAADYc/dhOuBJKHXdM/s320/IMG_2369.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463168980610665634" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And..dressed for the costume contest:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/S9EXrRm6I1I/AAAAAAAADZc/zWeOnAZFL0M/s1600/IMG_2787.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/S9EXrRm6I1I/AAAAAAAADZc/zWeOnAZFL0M/s320/IMG_2787.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463173855205532498" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Our family:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/S9EUyXZ73UI/AAAAAAAADY0/Gbs4b3d6ZgY/s1600/IMG_2681.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/S9EUyXZ73UI/AAAAAAAADY0/Gbs4b3d6ZgY/s320/IMG_2681.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463170678485933378" border="0" /></a>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16095339323264498906noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7266420435000025284.post-45347117513651709032010-01-05T18:56:00.001-08:002010-01-05T19:46:49.900-08:00A picture postMy gorgeous Abi,<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/S0QGhdMiizI/AAAAAAAADWY/y9WeYtkYm7I/s1600-h/IMG_1652.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/S0QGhdMiizI/AAAAAAAADWY/y9WeYtkYm7I/s320/IMG_1652.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423467023103593266" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Look, it's like we're on top of the world. That's the clouds from ABOVE them, at Klingman's Dome.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/S0QGhvtM6II/AAAAAAAADWg/h5cZkZXTqNs/s1600-h/IMG_1663.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/S0QGhvtM6II/AAAAAAAADWg/h5cZkZXTqNs/s320/IMG_1663.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423467028072425602" border="0" /></a><br /><br />My girl and her favorite girl!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/S0QGgypLkZI/AAAAAAAADWQ/PnMRoWErUFM/s1600-h/IMG_1287.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/S0QGgypLkZI/AAAAAAAADWQ/PnMRoWErUFM/s320/IMG_1287.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423467011680997778" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I think this was at Cataract Falls, and TODAY my girl is 11, can you BELIEVE that!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/S0QEEPknSUI/AAAAAAAADWI/Lz08CKa8Ouk/s1600-h/IMG_1393.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/S0QEEPknSUI/AAAAAAAADWI/Lz08CKa8Ouk/s320/IMG_1393.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423464322207009090" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Jamie and Gabe fishing at Tent or Treat at Five Lakes in Bush<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/S0QED2T0qgI/AAAAAAAADWA/ee8JmmiVR-Q/s1600-h/IMG_1282.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/S0QED2T0qgI/AAAAAAAADWA/ee8JmmiVR-Q/s320/IMG_1282.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423464315425696258" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Gabe's MONSTER fish<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/S0QEDqjQthI/AAAAAAAADV4/GKv_dZAbDd8/s1600-h/IMG_1208.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/S0QEDqjQthI/AAAAAAAADV4/GKv_dZAbDd8/s320/IMG_1208.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423464312269223442" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Learning Knots with Dad<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/S0QEDUuYW-I/AAAAAAAADVw/v5lsj1gdyfY/s1600-h/IMG_1090.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/S0QEDUuYW-I/AAAAAAAADVw/v5lsj1gdyfY/s320/IMG_1090.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423464306410281954" border="0" /></a><br />Abi's field trip to the Pumpkin Patch<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/S0QEC5IbhWI/AAAAAAAADVo/sraFRFvrM1Q/s1600-h/IMG_1002.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/S0QEC5IbhWI/AAAAAAAADVo/sraFRFvrM1Q/s320/IMG_1002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423464299003348322" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span><br />Cathedral Caverns in Alabama<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/S0P_w9XIAcI/AAAAAAAADVg/aDKfEy1IttI/s1600-h/IMG_1774.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/S0P_w9XIAcI/AAAAAAAADVg/aDKfEy1IttI/s320/IMG_1774.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423459592854569410" border="0" /></a><br /><br />At the Chimneys, in the National Park<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/S0P_wgTSPjI/AAAAAAAADVY/KH9os4vgbh4/s1600-h/IMG_1615.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/S0P_wgTSPjI/AAAAAAAADVY/KH9os4vgbh4/s320/IMG_1615.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423459585053834802" border="0" /></a><br /><br />When we reached the top of Laurel Falls<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/S0P_wddXiLI/AAAAAAAADVQ/e_rVFvkjJAI/s1600-h/IMG_1425.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/S0P_wddXiLI/AAAAAAAADVQ/e_rVFvkjJAI/s320/IMG_1425.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423459584290818226" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Gabe's fine self<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/S0P_vylAI4I/AAAAAAAADVI/ADay_zKnZmw/s1600-h/IMG_1380.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/S0P_vylAI4I/AAAAAAAADVI/ADay_zKnZmw/s320/IMG_1380.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423459572780114818" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />I'm on Jamie's computer, so I thought I'd post some pictures from Tennessee, field trips and such since they're on here.Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16095339323264498906noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7266420435000025284.post-77269878152129195532009-12-20T09:20:00.001-08:002009-12-20T11:27:26.939-08:00A blogging I will go...It seems that PERHAPS I've slacked on my blogging, and several people have gotten onto me for it. So much has happened since I blogged last.<br />My hubby graduated from paramedic school, AWESOME JOB HONEY! My glorious children have been their normal wonderfully challenging selves, my pupper is still a Jack Russel, but amazingly wonderful. I had gastric bypass surgery. I officially stopped doing cakes for hire (I will still be doing friends and family, but no more hectic weekends doing cakes). I started subbing at the school where my children attend. We traveled to Tennessee for a week (it was awesome). Sarah rode in a show and won several ribbons.....the list goes on and on. SO I'll give a short update and some photos. We'll try to follow an orderly fashion here.<br /><br />Jamie's school:<br />He CONSTANTLY amazes me with all he does. He finished his Paramedic this fall with his usual stellar grades. I believe in all the years I've known him and the many classes he's taken in that time he's made one B. I can't even begin to tell you how proud I am of him.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1409/617896746_771b554681.jpg?v=0"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 177px; height: 206px;" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1409/617896746_771b554681.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />My glorious children:<br />They are continuing to do great in school. They fight, but all siblings fight, it makes them no less wonderful to me! Gabe is doing great in scouts, he's about to earn his Webelos badge. Abi is starting to read, and Ms Sarah rode in a dressage show and won three ribbons this month.<br /><br />Sarah and Maggie<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/Sy5wf2VNS9I/AAAAAAAADTc/yOtkd39HVFs/s1600-h/IMG_1857.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/Sy5wf2VNS9I/AAAAAAAADTc/yOtkd39HVFs/s320/IMG_1857.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417391094236007378" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/Sy5wfPN2huI/AAAAAAAADTU/LpTk271ISMA/s1600-h/IMG_1841.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/Sy5wfPN2huI/AAAAAAAADTU/LpTk271ISMA/s320/IMG_1841.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417391083736172258" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Me:<br />Well, I had gastric bypass. Those who know me know I am NOT a small girl, but I'm striving to be. Not just for me, but for my family. I need to be healthy to be around for these kiddos. So far I've lost 90 lbs. I've got more to go, but 90 sure seems like a good number to me. (some was lost by doing a protein drink based diet pre surgically) I've decided to start loving cake decorating again I must stop doing them for hire. I am going to just do cakes from here on out for my family and friends, so that it can become fun again. As such, my girls and I made cheesecakes the other night and it was a blast, so I'm thinking I have made the right decision. I love subbing at the school, and at some point may return to college to get my degree in education.<br /><br />Good Golly Ms Molly (the aforementioned pupper)<br />Poor Molly, she's the queen of the allergy. SO..after much food trying, medication, deliberation we've gone to the RAW diet. Basically it means she eats raw meats, with the bone. As animals in nature would. I know there are people who think this is weird, odd, strange, wrong etc, but...I've researched it, and it's a GOOD THING as Martha would say. She's ALREADY doing better.<br /><br />On to the fun things:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/Sy5wesM-6AI/AAAAAAAADTM/o94oaSiDhCg/s1600-h/IMG_1590.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/Sy5wesM-6AI/AAAAAAAADTM/o94oaSiDhCg/s320/IMG_1590.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417391074337286146" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/Sy5weTMyeVI/AAAAAAAADTE/HLzijfkWmQY/s1600-h/IMG_1583.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/Sy5weTMyeVI/AAAAAAAADTE/HLzijfkWmQY/s320/IMG_1583.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417391067625584978" border="0" /></a><br />For Thanksgiving we went to Tennessee, where I had never been. What a gloriously beautiful place. God must have been in an awesome mood when he created the mountains, b/c they are inspired! We did go to Dollywood, we weren't all that impressed (we're Disney spoiled). The time we spent in the mountains was my favorite time. We hiked to <a href="http://www.nps.gov/grsm/index.htm">Laural Falls and Cataract Falls and Klingman's Dome</a> as well as doing some driving tours. All the pictures from the mountains are on Jamie's laptop, so I'll share some later. We also visited the Ripley's Aquarium, very nice place!<br />Amazing bird show at Dollywood, that was the big highlight there for me:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/Sy5wd24zzyI/AAAAAAAADS8/6nnkDxMefQE/s1600-h/IMG_1516.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/Sy5wd24zzyI/AAAAAAAADS8/6nnkDxMefQE/s320/IMG_1516.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417391060025593634" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Tuesday we leave to spend Christmas at Disney. I know it seems like a lot of traveling, but those who remember or know me know that last year this time I lost my Dad(s). You can read those entries if you like <a href="http://cakeskidsandalens.blogspot.com/2008/12/say-it-isnt-so-mr-bill.html">here</a> and <a href="http://cakeskidsandalens.blogspot.com/2008/11/painful-blessing.html">here</a>. I decided at that time that we would be going away for the holidays this year. We were very lucky and a friend gifted us a condo for a week to go to Tennessee, so we are able to go away for Christmas also. We broke down and told the kids, after keeping it a secret for a year. Someone leaked it to them at school b/c I had told their teachers when questioned on what we were doing for Christmas and didn't do a good job of telling them it was a secret. They are excited. We're cleaning and packing today.<br /><br />SO...a few photos, and I'll feel caught up. I hope you enjoy! I promise to blog Christmas when I get back! Love you all and hope you have the happiest of Holy Days. Christmas has lost a lot of it's meaning in this world we live in, and I pray daily that people remember it's reason of celebration. Merry Christmas to all of you.<br /><br />Putting up the Gingerbread house.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/Sy5x1VNmLJI/AAAAAAAADTk/NQUE5RhON5k/s1600-h/IMG_1919.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/Sy5x1VNmLJI/AAAAAAAADTk/NQUE5RhON5k/s320/IMG_1919.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417392562814463122" border="0" /></a>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16095339323264498906noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7266420435000025284.post-578673431384320962009-10-03T18:44:00.000-07:002009-10-03T19:46:40.051-07:00Catching up..kids, cakes and all that jazzIt's been a busy month, no time for blogging. We've been scouting, schooling, birthday partying and all that jazz.<br />The big event of September was Gabe's birthday. Celebrating their birthdays is bittersweet to me. It means they've achieved another wondrous year of life but it also means they've gotten another year older on me. I love my kiddos, at all ages, but I do love babies. There are NO babies in this house anymore!<br />So..on September 29 Gabe turned 9 big years old! Nine years of wonderfulness, filled with lots of moments of pure Gabe (which is grouchy at times but mostly great). He's growing into a fine boy, as tall as his sister who beats him in age by 21 months. For his birthday we decided to just celebrate with a friend, so we took one of his buddies to play laser tag, and then had some cookie cake with family. The morning of his birthday I was coming in from an over night event and stopped in for donuts here in Folsom (the best donuts to be found I hear, although I can't eat donuts while dieting). SO...we celebrated his birthday morning with a candle in a jelly donut, much to his amusement.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/gdRUy5p-YCJpGVcjeJOSBA?authkey=Gv1sRgCNOVmtGi4PLeHA&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/Ssf8WbKgDkI/AAAAAAAADEw/VVmgmmhn7bc/s400/IMG_0926.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1GAXYY2mLekyw9XyaagSyg?authkey=Gv1sRgCNOVmtGi4PLeHA&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/Ssf8diqmcEI/AAAAAAAADFI/Hroo349Zmi8/s400/IMG_0932.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/rbcX1e2Bv5o94JzAdLUnag?authkey=Gv1sRgCNOVmtGi4PLeHA&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/Ssf8Z_-3bOI/AAAAAAAADE8/FJmojfPU0Ks/s400/IMG_0929.JPG" /></a><br /></div>So with that, his cookie cake, and cupcakes for school and scouting, I'd say he got lots of goodies (and kept his mommy hopping). He also INSISTED we put a candle in his chicken breast that night at dinner, goober boy!<br />On with our Sarah update...Sarah's event of the month had to be attending the Arabian Nights show. It's a show done to raise money for a children's literacy program. All of the proceeds benefit this program, as it is run by volunteers. Lots of interesting riding done. A beautiful display by a local dressage rider named Ann Hornbeak as well as a reining demo by another local, Nicki Smith. These guys really impressed me:<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xGJlY94kejgOPWvw9h_r1Q?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/Ssf5_Dr4JiI/AAAAAAAAC-A/rCsNackGGhA/s400/IMG_0810.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Ann and her horse, who danced to the music doing dressage movements effortlessly.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/pBFLp9jPfDwZYqXxsQWTgw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/Ssf52znaYkI/AAAAAAAAC9o/dTcf1LFFPX8/s400/IMG_0781.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Nickie and Catfish, who is superbly trained and ridden<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/gdIEOW50S_fXQe_IrUomXg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/Ssf6IY-gt8I/AAAAAAAAC-c/G4mGeo4AZzI/s400/IMG_0826.JPG" /></a><br /><br />A little cowboy trick riding!<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XPaksQY5BEykH7ZvOOCMlw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/Ssf6XimWDCI/AAAAAAAAC_M/kwWLPHLNTCg/s400/IMG_0843.JPG" /></a><br />Taking a bow!<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/TNg9K7f0ZKB5E0EBf_V8ag?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/Ssf6pSZ8InI/AAAAAAAADAI/qBW9uxxqSv4/s400/IMG_0882.JPG" /></a><br /><br />I think this impressed the kids the most!! Jumping through the ring of fire!<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vMWofnidTcc1_k_2up-7rw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/Ssf7C9mLvlI/AAAAAAAADBQ/ONu1psNo0jM/s400/IMG_0919.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xzUXKVsKIHk3hURAe3mM7g?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/Ssf7EE8-C8I/AAAAAAAADBU/I_aTftE_Rjo/s400/IMG_0924.JPG" /></a><br /><br />The star of the show. This show centers around reading. Featuring the book "The Black Stallion" by Walter Farley (an incredible read if you haven't read it, there are about 22 books in the series)<br /></div><br />Another big thing in Sarah's month was to start riding a horse she truly loves. Maggie is an adorably sweet mare that boards at Highlands where Sarah rides. Maggie's rider has been nice enough to allow Sarah to ride her for a while. Maggie has changed Sarah's who riding personality, she's becoming the confident rider she was before slowly but surely. Sarah also participated in our local fair with some breads and a craft, earning herself some blue ribbons.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SsgIqYqvmMI/AAAAAAAADGE/mABJ20NBHWs/s1600-h/IMG_0691.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SsgIqYqvmMI/AAAAAAAADGE/mABJ20NBHWs/s320/IMG_0691.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388566478418057410" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />Ms Abigail...since starting school her personality is beginning to come out. This month Jamie and I visited her classroom to do a fire safety presentation. She was SO cute, telling her class she was "show and telling" her daddy.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SsgJ3dP_kQI/AAAAAAAADGU/xYc6HsbWWKo/s1600-h/IMG_0756.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SsgJ3dP_kQI/AAAAAAAADGU/xYc6HsbWWKo/s320/IMG_0756.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388567802497962242" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SsgJ23vAYmI/AAAAAAAADGM/46flLK0yB-8/s1600-h/IMG_0755.JPG"> <img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SsgJ23vAYmI/AAAAAAAADGM/46flLK0yB-8/s320/IMG_0755.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388567792427491938" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Ooh, I promised cakes too huh. Well, I will admit, I've made a few, but only took a picture of this one and the cookies that went with it.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SsgL-5drEjI/AAAAAAAADGk/TyQ0sJ032Tg/s1600-h/IMG_0744.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SsgL-5drEjI/AAAAAAAADGk/TyQ0sJ032Tg/s320/IMG_0744.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388570129353871922" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SsgL-Rc6fzI/AAAAAAAADGc/t7D-bphnNuA/s1600-h/alexcake.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SsgL-Rc6fzI/AAAAAAAADGc/t7D-bphnNuA/s320/alexcake.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388570118613270322" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SsgL-5drEjI/AAAAAAAADGk/TyQ0sJ032Tg/s1600-h/IMG_0744.JPG"> <img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SsgL-5drEjI/AAAAAAAADGk/TyQ0sJ032Tg/s320/IMG_0744.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388570129353871922" border="0" /> </a><br /></div></div><br />SO..that's our little update. Not very fancy, not very bloggy, no life changing experiences, but, it's our life! Hope you enjoy the photos!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16095339323264498906noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7266420435000025284.post-10995927328041667052009-09-07T18:50:00.001-07:002009-09-07T19:11:19.426-07:00Retiring Old Glory<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SqW6_ZEDFdI/AAAAAAAAC8o/Lkqu0C1HZi8/s1600-h/11_47_8---US-Flag_web.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SqW6_ZEDFdI/AAAAAAAAC8o/Lkqu0C1HZi8/s320/11_47_8---US-Flag_web.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378910928186316242" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 51, 0);">In Scouting, there is a beautiful ceremony in which old flags are retired. Recently we were invited to attend such a ceremony by a wonderful pack of Boy Scouts with whom we have become acquainted. I was so happy for those of our boys that were able to attend, they witnessed a very wonderful ceremony as well as being allowed to learn and have fun with the older boys.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SqW7i9ZkLLI/AAAAAAAAC8w/ohrSj8_huGs/s1600-h/IMG_0698.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SqW7i9ZkLLI/AAAAAAAAC8w/ohrSj8_huGs/s320/IMG_0698.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378911539235663026" border="0" /></a><br /><a style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 51, 0);" href="http://www.macscouter.com/usscouts/ceremony/flagret1.asp">Flag retirement</a><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 51, 0);"> is done when a flag becomes tattered or faded. If you have an old flag that you need retired, it is very likely if you search out your local Scout pack, they will gladly retire it for you with the dignity it deserves.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SqW6-gFB2KI/AAAAAAAAC8Y/CRfi1xErNSg/s1600-h/IMG_0696.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SqW6-gFB2KI/AAAAAAAAC8Y/CRfi1xErNSg/s320/IMG_0696.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378910912889608354" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0); font-weight: bold;">The Boy Scouts taught our Cubs the procedure as well as some wonderful skits. You can read about the procedure in the link above, but the long and short is that a flag ceases to be a flag once it is taken apart. We separate the flag into stripes and the blue star field.</span> <span style="color: rgb(103, 69, 41);">The reason we do not cut the blue star field is it represents the union of the fifty states and one should never let the union be broken. <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0); font-weight: bold;">We were taught to seperate each stripe, I have seen it done this way, as well as the flag being cut into four peices.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0); font-weight: bold;">I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank Pack 110, their scouts and leaders alike. Nick, Alec and the Venturer girls (as well as some Scouts I do not know personally) worked with our boys a long time, and their time is not taken for granted. You provided our children with a wonderful experience, and we appreciate you.</span><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SqW6_MjdbhI/AAAAAAAAC8g/oR4tyljdeEs/s1600-h/IMG_0714.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SqW6_MjdbhI/AAAAAAAAC8g/oR4tyljdeEs/s320/IMG_0714.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378910924828405266" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(103, 69, 41);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br /></span></span>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16095339323264498906noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7266420435000025284.post-49785415594670333072009-08-19T20:57:00.000-07:002009-08-19T21:05:50.730-07:00Changing mounts...For Sarah that is. A few weeks ago we found out Dibbs, Sarah's stablemate of choice, is heading out to greener pastures to be a lawn ornament (as he well deserves). Sarah got one last good ride in on him last week, and this week began riding a new horse. She's such a nervous Nellie anyways, this is a hard change on her.<br />Mom was along (that being me) with camera in tow to take photos.<br />I'm so proud of her, she's hanging tough. Sarah's had the school of hard knocks with horse riding, she seems to be out of the saddle more than in, but she's coming around these days and staying tough. Today was no exception, she managed her ride, no nervous breakdowns, on the new boy despite some challenges. George belongs to one of the ladies at the barn, and she allows him to be used for lessons, and he's SUCH a love that Sarah couldn't resist his charm. So..here are she and George, with no further ado<br /><br />Here she is waiting, loving "her horse" as she told me when I offered to hold him. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SozKvhyA4HI/AAAAAAAAC70/TNI96Y3E8uU/s1600-h/george4.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SozKvhyA4HI/AAAAAAAAC70/TNI96Y3E8uU/s320/george4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371891373416964210" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SozKvfiQ0PI/AAAAAAAAC7s/YzLfcg53i-I/s1600-h/george3.jpg"> <img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SozKvfiQ0PI/AAAAAAAAC7s/YzLfcg53i-I/s320/george3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371891372814029042" border="0" /> </a><br /><br />And their first ride together. He did get a bit spooked once and scared them both, but all in all they did great together, and she's happy. And since I have a soft spot for old George anyways, I am pleased they work well together.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SozKu2z0ZUI/AAAAAAAAC7k/Ems7FbK0eZE/s1600-h/george2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SozKu2z0ZUI/AAAAAAAAC7k/Ems7FbK0eZE/s320/george2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371891361881810242" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SozKuetb3cI/AAAAAAAAC7c/RRRpqJyCZpU/s1600-h/george1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 293px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SozKuetb3cI/AAAAAAAAC7c/RRRpqJyCZpU/s320/george1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371891355412585922" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16095339323264498906noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7266420435000025284.post-49366564401997876342009-08-13T11:05:00.001-07:002009-08-13T11:13:52.031-07:00Fun cake for a friendLast night I had some fun!! My friend and most awesome next door neighbor's husband's birthday and their wedding anniversary are this month, and she ordered him a big ole cake.<br />I haven't done a cake like this in a while, all the carving, and stuff.<br />So I thought I'd share.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SoRXjj_k7ZI/AAAAAAAAC7U/Zydwtk9BgWk/s1600-h/IMG_0646.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SoRXjj_k7ZI/AAAAAAAAC7U/Zydwtk9BgWk/s320/IMG_0646.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369512924201414034" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Covered the board in fondant and did a wood flooring kind of effect. You can find a tutorial for this <a href="http://www.ladycakes.com/woodgrain_board.htm">here</a>. Then, carved my cake for the big bottle and made the other two from rice cereal treats. Covered it all in fondant to finish it up, and some love for my airbrush made the coloring happen! My favorite part of course was making the sugar ice, I love to do that. I made two sorts, a shard looking kind and then formed pieces. You can find a tutorial for that <a href="http://www.decoratethecake.com/">here at Melissa Dotson's Decorate the Cake.</a><br /><br />Not a very great picture, b/c light at 2am isn't so great :) Hope you enjoy, and Happy Birthday and Anniversary my friends!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16095339323264498906noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7266420435000025284.post-34491386051005440932009-08-07T20:39:00.000-07:002009-08-07T21:22:57.829-07:00Discovering gems we didn't know existed...<span style="font-weight: bold;">Last Sunday we set out with the intention of having some fun with our kiddos. We wound up at the </span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.brzoo.org/">Baton Rouge Zoo</a><span style="font-weight: bold;">. The Baton Rouge zoo is a part of the Baton Rouge Rec Center system, which is a huge amount of places to do and see in Baton Rouge. Typically, we visit the Audobon Zoo, and love it so much we are members, but sometimes you need a change.</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Well..talk about a diamond in the rough. It's a small zoo, but you could NOT ask for a cleaner, friendlier or more child friendly atmosphere. Just enough animals to keep the kids happy, a very well thought out map to follow, and wonderful caretakers that were friendly to our children and talked with them a bit about the flamingos. Even more exciting was it was only $21 TOTAL for the five of us to get in!</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Well, as we were pulling out of the driveway from the zoo, we saw a sign that said "Don't forget to visit our </span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.brec.org/index.cfm?md=pagebuilder&tmp=home&cpid=382">Cohn Arboretum</a><span style="font-weight: bold;">, it's free!! So off we went. Acres and acres of the most gorgeous plants. I was in camera happy momma heaven. I had been trying forever to explain painted devil grasshoppers as we called them as kids to MY kids. This place was FULL of them. Ages ago, when I was young, my Gramps' yard was chock full of them, and he loved to scare you by putting them on you. I LOVED my Gramps, so it was a wonderful memory for me to see them.</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Of COURSE I took a million pictures, and had a hard time choosing which ones to share with you guys, so bare with me.</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">I found it so invigorating to be walking around in the gorgeous outdoors with my kids, and to imagine it was all so inexpensive is amazing to me. When you have three children, doing things can be VERY expensive, and I was so pleased to see BREC working to enrich childrens lives so much.</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">First, some zoo pictures:</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">This one I find SO funny, it's TOO hot for soft serve in<br />Louisiana in July and August!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/Snz4Mm6ELaI/AAAAAAAAC6c/FVXpJkFDo_M/s1600-h/IMG_0587.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/Snz4Mm6ELaI/AAAAAAAAC6c/FVXpJkFDo_M/s320/IMG_0587.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367437751404998050" border="0" /></a><br /><br />My absolute favorite zoo mammal!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/Snz4MSQfuqI/AAAAAAAAC6U/LYUTq43qWYU/s1600-h/IMG_0573.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/Snz4MSQfuqI/AAAAAAAAC6U/LYUTq43qWYU/s320/IMG_0573.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367437745861933730" border="0" /></a><br /><br />and..a family favorite, we FLOCK to see the flamingos!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/Snz4L1l1LjI/AAAAAAAAC6M/4IvA_lsbKjo/s1600-h/IMG_0541.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/Snz4L1l1LjI/AAAAAAAAC6M/4IvA_lsbKjo/s320/IMG_0541.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367437738166791730" border="0" /></a><br /><br />My own two meerkats ( I insisted prairie dogs, they meerkats, too much Animal Planet!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/Snz4LpAH2oI/AAAAAAAAC6E/qEeZosZz-kE/s1600-h/IMG_0582.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/Snz4LpAH2oI/AAAAAAAAC6E/qEeZosZz-kE/s320/IMG_0582.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367437734787406466" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">And then on to the Arboretum<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/Snz7AqgHu8I/AAAAAAAAC7E/9muU6_miGqc/s1600-h/IMG_0590.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/Snz7AqgHu8I/AAAAAAAAC7E/9muU6_miGqc/s320/IMG_0590.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367440844746374082" border="0" /></a><br /><br />My "painted devil grasshoppers", I have no idea what they really are.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/Snz7AeWX2CI/AAAAAAAAC68/hKHmDrbAP2I/s1600-h/IMG_0624.JPG"> <img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/Snz7AeWX2CI/AAAAAAAAC68/hKHmDrbAP2I/s320/IMG_0624.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367440841484261410" border="0" /> </a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/Snz6_-e2XAI/AAAAAAAAC60/tRbBGNzzt0A/s1600-h/IMG_0616.JPG"> <img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/Snz6_-e2XAI/AAAAAAAAC60/tRbBGNzzt0A/s320/IMG_0616.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367440832929881090" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This fella was hard to get, I had to manually focus him in, but I LOVE this picture!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/Snz6_psz8UI/AAAAAAAAC6s/GbSg-h4jCEc/s1600-h/IMG_0628.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/Snz6_psz8UI/AAAAAAAAC6s/GbSg-h4jCEc/s320/IMG_0628.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367440827351298370" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And..four of God's most perfect creations (all made for me, 3 with my help!)<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a style="font-weight: bold;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/Snz4NHg0T1I/AAAAAAAAC6k/O4zR_6G28RI/s1600-h/IMG_0619.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/Snz4NHg0T1I/AAAAAAAAC6k/O4zR_6G28RI/s320/IMG_0619.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367437760157470546" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16095339323264498906noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7266420435000025284.post-89276267643376024062009-08-01T12:06:00.000-07:002009-08-01T12:23:49.182-07:00A couple of special cakes<span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >These two cakes I have had on the books for months! It's nice to know that someone loves these people enough to think about them that far in advance.<br />The smiley face cake has such a sweet story. Without sharing the personal story of my client, the smiley face makes the groom smile in remembrance, so she chose that as a theme. It was a HUGE smile, 14 inches round. Then we added chocolate covered strawberries, three pints of them! I love California strawberries this time of year, they're so HUGE and sweet. There were so many I couldn't put them all on the board so I sent them with my client. She bought this cake as a gift, so I'm hoping that it went over well with the bride and groom, I love cakes with meaning.<br />The 2nd cake I did this weekend was inspired by a cake that the client found online. I'd love to give credit where credit is due, but I don't know who the original decorator was. Originally, I purchased a mold for the topper, but found it was WAY too small. So..I got out my handy dandy $1 knife from Pampered Chef and some fondant and went at it, and I must say, I'm pretty proud of my eagle! I used my consultant's advice and put the blue background (that would be Sarah) under the eagle to make him pop some. The name and all I honestly admit I wasn't sure about, but it's how the original cake was, and I wound up liking it. I WAS wishing Sharon was here (my buddy at SugarEd) to roll my fondant, but I was pleased with how this cake came out all together, and my client seemed to like it also. GOTTA love the airbrush for colors like this, no way could I have gotten a clean fondant job if I had kneaded all that color into my fondant.<br />So...on to the pictures, which is what we know you really wanted anyway right?</span><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >My smile (that made me smile):</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SnSVBprV6kI/AAAAAAAAC5s/FjH5Mpy4FDc/s1600-h/smiley2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SnSVBprV6kI/AAAAAAAAC5s/FjH5Mpy4FDc/s320/smiley2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365076911705156162" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SnSVBeZs30I/AAAAAAAAC5k/bv7tAatknqE/s1600-h/smiley3.jpg"> <img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SnSVBeZs30I/AAAAAAAAC5k/bv7tAatknqE/s320/smiley3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365076908678373186" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 0, 153); font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);font-size:130%;" >And a retirement cake for a man who CERTAINLY deserved a cake!! Praise God for our men and women in the military,<br />they deserve SO much!</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SnSVCBbD4zI/AAAAAAAAC58/zH-D_wCr2Oo/s1600-h/navy2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 244px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SnSVCBbD4zI/AAAAAAAAC58/zH-D_wCr2Oo/s320/navy2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365076918079316786" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SnSVCG6P9VI/AAAAAAAAC50/-HHvMiD2A-U/s1600-h/navy1.jpg"> <img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SnSVCG6P9VI/AAAAAAAAC50/-HHvMiD2A-U/s320/navy1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365076919552308562" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">And..a little gripe...and warning for my caking friends. I used Pettinice for this cake. I opened a FRESH sealed package of it, to find 1/4 of it was dried out and hard and crusty. I thought I cut all of it out, but there were hard pebbles still in it that caused me NIGHTMARES, so, I'm off of Pettinice for a while if this is what it's going to do.</span><br /></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16095339323264498906noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7266420435000025284.post-2633377980847153862009-07-18T21:09:00.000-07:002009-07-18T21:52:50.043-07:00Some recent cakes...among other stuffMy computer has been broken for a while, so I'm not taking photos or blogging very much. As can be told by my bad typing, I'm using Jamie's laptop, bless his soul. I have done a few cakes, although they were quickies and not the best photos I've ever taken, they were all for people near to my heart, so I"m going to share them in a few. This is going to be a jumpy, confusing blog...updating everything for those who keep telling me I need to, ROFL.<br />Exciting things..a few of my cake friends, including my fabulous Sharon, competed in TLC Ultimate Cake Challenge, which will air in a few weeks. I can't wait to see the outcome and watch my girls on tv~<br />My kids are doing great. Ms Abigail will start Kindergarten this year, so I'll be without children at home...so time to get a job. I"m going to try subbing, and possibly get my para certificate, I just want to stay near my children. We've had a great summer spending time with our friends, friends and family mean so much.<br />Jamie has been in school, and is ALMOST done~!! He'll probably kill me for this, but I"m SO proud of him, he's doing awesome! I can't wait to throw my Paramedic a graduation party, I need cake ideas all you cake girls. Jamie is SUCH an awesome student always, but I am overwhelmed when I think of what he has done taking on this class with a family and being D. Chief at the same time. (OK, I promise to stop crowing).<br />I"m excited to start our new Scouting year. We'll be changing our meetings to a new location, and hopefully growing our pack. We will also be selling first aid kits as a fundraiser to send our boys to camp, so anyone interested, please let me know!! Abi will be dancing again in the fall, and I'm trying to convince Jamie to get some chickens for Sarah to show for 4h, I REALLY think she'd enjoy them. On a good news on the Sarah front, her IBS seems to be doing fairly well this summer. I'm praying for a great teacher for her, b/c her teacher's personality affects her stomach so much, and Mrs Bond was SO awesome for her last year I pray she has a great relationship with her 5th grade teacher. She's overcoming some issues at riding as well, and I pray she figures out what it is she wants from her horsey relationship, b/c sometimes I"m not sure if she really wants to ride, or just commune with her four footed friends.<br />Ok, on to the cakes....and maybe I can find a photo or two of the gorgeous children who live in my house and seem to grow daily.<br />First, a baby shower cake. The shadows make this cake look terrible, but it really was cute. I'm not A on my caking game lately though, I'll admit that wholeheartedly. I wish these parents SO much joy with their baby girl, they are going to make awesome parents! The father is a firefighter with Jamie.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SmKgAUnwT4I/AAAAAAAAC4M/FHGTCuAGDZ8/s1600-h/IMG_0460.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SmKgAUnwT4I/AAAAAAAAC4M/FHGTCuAGDZ8/s320/IMG_0460.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360022433920208770" border="0" /></a><br /><br />For my niece, they wanted something Hannah Montanaish<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SmKf_lQnbDI/AAAAAAAAC38/py5omVNI778/s1600-h/IMG_0453.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SmKf_lQnbDI/AAAAAAAAC38/py5omVNI778/s320/IMG_0453.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360022421206690866" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And my buddy Colby, who even posed with his for me...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SmKgALs5T_I/AAAAAAAAC4E/1fwO0Moh83c/s1600-h/IMG_0455.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SmKgALs5T_I/AAAAAAAAC4E/1fwO0Moh83c/s320/IMG_0455.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360022431525851122" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Ooh, I remember more things when going through my camera, I do love this camera, it's my short term memory folder. Last week we went to the sprinkler park in Mandeville, kinda fun and a good way to cool off for the kiddos. I saw the cool bird while we were there, I'm thinking it's a hawk, but I'm not sure. Then...for 4th of July my Secret Pal on Ladycakes sent us the most awesome package with fun things for the kiddos and wonderful gifts for me, and I found the picture I took of them for her and never sent her poor gal. Then..there's a riding picture of Sarah and Dibs. Dibs is wet b/c he took a trip through a mud puddle and had to be hosed before he was even saddleable (hmm...that's not a word is it).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SmKkVVXpMYI/AAAAAAAAC40/rZrMzRFtqcA/s1600-h/IMG_0414.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SmKkVVXpMYI/AAAAAAAAC40/rZrMzRFtqcA/s320/IMG_0414.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360027192944832898" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SmKkVNq9goI/AAAAAAAAC4s/MjFp0SPjivg/s1600-h/IMG_0409.JPG"> <img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SmKkVNq9goI/AAAAAAAAC4s/MjFp0SPjivg/s320/IMG_0409.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360027190878372482" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SmKkUsbEg9I/AAAAAAAAC4k/6OpxbdatL7U/s1600-h/IMG_0384.JPG"> <img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SmKkUsbEg9I/AAAAAAAAC4k/6OpxbdatL7U/s320/IMG_0384.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360027181953352658" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SmKkUfzRkaI/AAAAAAAAC4c/OWzewbuQo24/s1600-h/IMG_0383.JPG"> <img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SmKkUfzRkaI/AAAAAAAAC4c/OWzewbuQo24/s320/IMG_0383.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360027178565210530" border="0" /> </a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SmKl3AarfeI/AAAAAAAAC48/rZjbWPNgkF8/s1600-h/IMG_0418.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SmKl3AarfeI/AAAAAAAAC48/rZjbWPNgkF8/s320/IMG_0418.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360028870947601890" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SmKl4YzWFbI/AAAAAAAAC5c/khcXTX350JA/s1600-h/IMG_0438.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SmKl4YzWFbI/AAAAAAAAC5c/khcXTX350JA/s320/IMG_0438.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360028894673376690" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SmKl4E09KLI/AAAAAAAAC5U/EVhFJAlamVo/s1600-h/IMG_0427.JPG"> <img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SmKl4E09KLI/AAAAAAAAC5U/EVhFJAlamVo/s320/IMG_0427.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360028889311422642" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SmKl33FVicI/AAAAAAAAC5M/wLFlMSHGqCs/s1600-h/IMG_0426.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SmKl33FVicI/AAAAAAAAC5M/wLFlMSHGqCs/s320/IMG_0426.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360028885622032834" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SmKl3TlT-MI/AAAAAAAAC5E/WWgdmRI2vTg/s1600-h/IMG_0423.JPG"> <img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SmKl3TlT-MI/AAAAAAAAC5E/WWgdmRI2vTg/s320/IMG_0423.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360028876092471490" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16095339323264498906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7266420435000025284.post-66116990975378202882009-06-28T18:22:00.000-07:002009-06-30T12:33:14.878-07:00Krista's wedding<span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >What a beautiful bride!! I'm so proud of Blake and Krista, and may God bless their life together. This weekend, we carried a wedding cake over the meadow and through the woods (really, 150 miles) for their wedding. I have NEVER carried a wedding cake that far. GOD BLESS STRESS FREE SUPPORTS!!! Everything went off without a hitch (well, other than the "hitching" of the bride and groom) and I couldn't have been happier.<br />Krista chose her cake a year ago, from a cake done originally by <a href="http://www.carlosbakery.com/">Carlos Bakery</a> (now famed on <a href="http://tlc.discovery.com/tv/cake-boss/cake-boss.html">TLC's Cake Boss</a>). With a few changes to bring her pink into play on the cake, we wound up with a design she and I were both happy with.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SkgZF5z0SOI/AAAAAAAAC3s/jBUFo81rYbk/s1600-h/IMG_0369.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 219px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SkgZF5z0SOI/AAAAAAAAC3s/jBUFo81rYbk/s320/IMG_0369.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352555746338031842" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><br />With the awesome help and guidance of my bestest cake bud <a href="http://www.sugaredproductions.com/">Sharon</a>, who came to help me while she was working on a really secret important cake, we got them covered in fondant and decorated for delivery fairly easily - which I NORMALLY freak out about wedding cakes (no, I didn't make her stay and decorate, just help me do the fondant). It was very cool, b/c when Sharon left, I had four nicely covered flat white pallettes to work on, and I started with the draping on the bottom tier and worked my way up, I love to watch the cake build. The cake was very basic in flavor, just white cake with almond icing for the brides cake and yellow cake with fudge filling and icing for the grooms cake.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SkgZGd9WujI/AAAAAAAAC30/_tN4vFqi23A/s1600-h/IMG_0372.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SkgZGd9WujI/AAAAAAAAC30/_tN4vFqi23A/s320/IMG_0372.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352555756041714226" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >We were in such a hurry b/c we were rushing to get dressed that I did not get very good pictures of it, but hopefully the photographer will send me one through Krista.<br />Thanks everyone who listened to me stress over this cake!!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:180%;" >Heather</span>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16095339323264498906noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7266420435000025284.post-52724225732249317562009-06-19T12:05:00.000-07:002009-06-19T13:30:02.840-07:00A week of Scout camp, fun fun fun!!<span style="font-size:130%;">Last week we had Cubscout camp at Five Lakes, MAN did the kids have fun!! All of my children go, and I volunteer. We had a great number of our Scouts as well as their parents there, it was awesome! My computer is down, so updating my blog is few and far between, but I'm stealing a few minutes on Jamie's computer to do this one.<br /><br />The only problem all week was the heat, MAN was it hot. The heat index was over 100 each day we were there. The kids get to stay in the water alot, so that helps them stay cooled off.<br />Sarah swam the shark tooth challenge, a 300ft swim across the big pond, and earned a sharks tooth. Sarah and Gabe both earned their Jr Shooting badges!! They all learned wonderful things, and I can't talk enough about the wonderful job that the staff did on camp!!<br />Just thought I'd share some photos of the kiddos having fun!<br /><br />On Friday, the little ones are allowed to go down to the beach, Abi even got to ride in a canoe. Here's a photo of her enjoying the water:</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SjvyzCQEPwI/AAAAAAAAC3k/Egm0H2H7WlQ/s1600-h/IMG_0330.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SjvyzCQEPwI/AAAAAAAAC3k/Egm0H2H7WlQ/s320/IMG_0330.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349135941024104194" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br />Sarah preparing to swim her "Shark Tooth"</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SjvlSDb3ntI/AAAAAAAAC3c/B46hSY07yPs/s1600-h/IMG_0277.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SjvlSDb3ntI/AAAAAAAAC3c/B46hSY07yPs/s320/IMG_0277.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349121080755199698" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Gabe's absolute favorite thing to do, zipline!! I am so proud of him, last year, he struggled to get his beginning swimmer band, this year, at swim test he swam "swimmer" which is the highest of the three classifications, so he got to enjoy all of the water sports fully.</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SjvlRhR8VII/AAAAAAAAC3U/bGx4ZQgA5N8/s1600-h/IMG_0128.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SjvlRhR8VII/AAAAAAAAC3U/bGx4ZQgA5N8/s320/IMG_0128.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349121071586759810" border="0" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />At flagpole in the afternoon, my favorite scout</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SjvlRQ8w4BI/AAAAAAAAC3M/FguOz9nBL58/s1600-h/IMG_0165.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SjvlRQ8w4BI/AAAAAAAAC3M/FguOz9nBL58/s320/IMG_0165.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349121067202961426" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">This photo wins funniest of the week for me, our friend and Den Leader Drew and his son Brandon show me their muscles after doing the zipline<br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SjvlRP5t0vI/AAAAAAAAC3E/fVEylfQDzWI/s1600-h/IMG_0118.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SjvlRP5t0vI/AAAAAAAAC3E/fVEylfQDzWI/s320/IMG_0118.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349121066921743090" border="0" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">And this face tells it all about how Gabe feels about Scouting!!! He adores scouting.</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SjvlQ_dBIbI/AAAAAAAAC28/c0cR29Fwoek/s1600-h/IMG_0055.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/SjvlQ_dBIbI/AAAAAAAAC28/c0cR29Fwoek/s320/IMG_0055.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349121062506406322" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16095339323264498906noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7266420435000025284.post-21307209395274775292009-05-24T17:34:00.000-07:002009-05-24T18:24:53.710-07:00Ballet...a love story<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Ever since she could talk, Abigail has asked to be in ballet. In the town nearest ours we are very lucky to have a studio that teaches JUST ballet. Classical, beautiful, artful ballet. Haller Ballet was founded 81 years ago, and is still run the the same family as founded it. Lelia Haller was a beautiful classical ballerina, and her daughter and granddaughter try to maintain that heritage.</span></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/Shny4DnzZqI/AAAAAAAACxE/iald0djIpHk/s1600-h/BalletSlippersBW.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 125px; height: 135px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/Shny4DnzZqI/AAAAAAAACxE/iald0djIpHk/s320/BalletSlippersBW.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339565878083282594" border="0" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">So...when Abigail turned four, the first thing she asked was, can I have ballet lessons now? Of course we allowed her to. SUCH a different experience than when Sarah did it, she was not interested in the least. Abigail LIVES for Mondays, ballet days. She's first there, last to leave if she has her way.</span></span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/ShnySqQ0NYI/AAAAAAAACw8/xyco_ZCHKjE/s1600-h/IMG_0254.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/ShnySqQ0NYI/AAAAAAAACw8/xyco_ZCHKjE/s320/IMG_0254.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339565235620820354" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: lucida grande;">For months all we've heard is about her recital, and how she was going to be a swan. Last night she had her recital, and MAN was she excited. At 5, every little girl is so adorable in a white feathery tutu, and Abigail was no exception to that rule. I don't know if she was more excited about dancing, or having big girl makeup on - which they have to wear on stage, in very vivid colors!</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: lucida grande;">Luckily for me, a very nice gentleman who is a real photographer set my camera so that when I got to the front of the house from being backstage help I would be able to take pictures in the dark with no flash. I thought I'd share those.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: lucida grande;">Rehearsal that morning, learning what it was like to be on the stage:</span></span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/ShnxAiVBOOI/AAAAAAAACwM/7yZV8Lbb4wA/s1600-h/balletblog1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/ShnxAiVBOOI/AAAAAAAACwM/7yZV8Lbb4wA/s320/balletblog1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339563824741693666" border="0" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: lucida grande;">Dancing her beautiful little heart out...she was SO in awe of it all.</span></span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/ShnxJmU40CI/AAAAAAAACw0/UW_63lg30tQ/s1600-h/balletblog6.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/ShnxJmU40CI/AAAAAAAACw0/UW_63lg30tQ/s320/balletblog6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339563980433707042" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/ShnxBZ5_paI/AAAAAAAACws/8NrUGSQRTw0/s1600-h/balletblog5.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/ShnxBZ5_paI/AAAAAAAACws/8NrUGSQRTw0/s320/balletblog5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339563839660729762" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/ShnxBJQRJfI/AAAAAAAACwk/vBBjj3-Djw8/s1600-h/balletblog4.jpg"> <img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/ShnxBJQRJfI/AAAAAAAACwk/vBBjj3-Djw8/s320/balletblog4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339563835190748658" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/ShnxA6lnf6I/AAAAAAAACwc/hIxEi6uBQjo/s1600-h/balletblog3.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/ShnxA6lnf6I/AAAAAAAACwc/hIxEi6uBQjo/s320/balletblog3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339563831253761954" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: lucida grande;">And her handsome brother and gorgeous older sister, who endure an hour of ballet class a week so that she can be happy (so they keep reminding her).</span></span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/ShnxA_b8XzI/AAAAAAAACwU/LMmmdRA8yPU/s1600-h/balletblog2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_53k7GVJ0sRU/ShnxA_b8XzI/AAAAAAAACwU/LMmmdRA8yPU/s320/balletblog2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339563832555364146" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: lucida grande;">Thanks for sharing our little stars moment in the spotlight!! She had the MOST wonderful time, and keeps looking at her flowers and saying "Mom, when's my next recital?" </span><br /><span style="font-family: lucida grande;">I think we have an addict!!</span></span><br /></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16095339323264498906noreply@blogger.com4