He Made My Day

Papa came riding with us Saturday.  (Well, it's actually been several Saturday's ago, but who's counting?)  When I was learning to ride and getting ready for Colorado, we rode together every week.  I've missed riding with him!

He provides the greatest commentary along the way - animal tracks, old wagon paths, types of trees...you name it, he knows it!

And, of course, it wouldn't be time spent with Papa without stories from his childhood!!

I love that man!!!

Spring Break Kick-Off

The past couple of years Kelly and I taken nearby trips to kick-off the beginning of Spring Break.  It kind of helps us get school out of the system and ready for relaxation and fun.   This year we decided to stick around home in an effort to save money.  (Imagine that!)

My kick-off started a little early with dinner with 4 of my favorite people, aka the Fab Five!  I can't believe it's been so long since we all worked together.  I love that we still keep in touch and can pick up right where we left off anytime we're together.  Girls, I love you!  (And can't believe I didn't get a picture!!)

Friday, I went to dinner with a few girls from work.  It was so much fun to get to know these ladies better!  I love that we all share a passion for kids and our jobs!  After the good food, conversation, and laughs, I felt so relaxed. 

 Saturday was absolutely gorgeous!!  Seriously, it was THE PERFECT day for a horseback ride!!

Spring Break was off to a great start!!

Saturday Spontaneity

To say that I'm not spontaneous would be a bit of an understatement.  I enjoying going to bed each night having already made my plans for the next day.  If these plans are changed, my heart tends to beat a little bit faster and I have to do some "self talk" to tell myself things are ok.  Today, I was a bit spontaneous and didn't need to "talk myself down" to achieve it.  (Yay for me!)

My plans were to pick up around the house, do a little cleaning, plan next week's menu, make a grocery list, and go to the store. 

Usually we spend Saturday mornings riding, but it's been too cold, or we've been too sick to go.  I thought that was true for today also, but Dad texted around 9:00 and asked if I wanted to go riding at 10:30.  It had been so long and I love it so much, I couldn't pass up the chance.  I was so glad I went!  Today Dad rode Stormy to teach me a few things.  I'm so glad he did!  When I ride Stormy I don't get to see him.  I loved watching him move today!  He's a beautiful animal!!  And, might I add, he was/is a perfect gentleman, too!  I rode Rowdy and confirmed what I'd always suspected - I don't really know that much about riding horses.  Stormy just takes excellent care of me!  :)  Rowdy gave me a great ride, with a few thrills thrown in! I had a great time!

We got back to Mom and Dad's, and Dad changed my oil.  After that we spent some time talking about the Bible and current events.  I loved this time with them.  I left feeling very thankful for this season in my life.  If were married and had kids, I wouldn't have this extra time with my mom and dad.  Believe me, I don't take it for granted and am soaking it up!!

When I got home Tonya called and asked me to come over to Tina's to play games while the "big" boys were at the Tournament of Champions.  I quickly showered and headed right over!  I always enjoy the "little" ones.  It was great to catch up with Tina and Tonya, too!  It seems like I haven't really talked to them since Christmas or New Year's Eve.  Sisters are the greatest!

The day didn't go as I had planned and it's a good thing I was flexible, because the it was so much better!

Brushy Creek - October 2010

No cell phones, no television, no kids, no radio.  This little get-away was perfect!!

We didn't leave until I got out of school Thursday.  We arrived sometime after 7:00 and set up in the dark.  We were so excited it didn't matter!

The next morning we rode up to the lodge for breakfast.  (Dad says it's mile there and back.)  Can you see all the frost?  Let me tell you, it was COLD in the mornings!!  Friday and Saturday mornings were 27 degrees.  Brrr!!

Mom and Tonya at breakfast.

Me and Dad  (If you'll notice, I'm wearing 3 layers of clothing!!  Very uncommon for me!)

This was the near the end of the second ride on Friday.  Can you tell that Tonya is, well, uncomfortable?

Hi, Dad!

Look at that nice trail - no rocks!!  Great for lots of foxtrotting!!

Some of the trees had already lost their leaves.  It was nice, though, because you could see so clearly through the timber.

Meet Jo-Jo!  He's half Jack Russell, half chihuahua(sp?).  So cute and SO full of energy.  He came over to our trailer everyday for lunch.  Out of the goodies we had (ham, triskets, 7-layer dip, pickles, no-bake cookies, chocolate chip cookies) he loved the spicy Harry & David dip the most!  He couldn't get enough.

Every night we would drive the truck up to the lodge to shower.  There was wifi there so I was able to communicate with Tina through email.  We could also check twitter, and that's how Tonya kept in touch with Matt.  The only way you could get cell phone service was to ride to the top.  Saturday we made a trip up just to make a few calls.  Here's Dad checking in with work.

Look at that gorgeous smile!  I'd say she's having fun!

Right by where we camped they had an obstacle course for your horse.  You could walk them through tents, over tarps, through a car wash looking thing, over a teeter-totter, etc...  It was kind of fun.  Last time we went Dad took Stormy through all it!  Here's Dad showing Harley that all those milk jugs tied together weren't really that scary.  If you notice, Rowdy is right there with 'em.  He was just hanging around to make sure there wasn't any food!  :)

Everyone is stopped while I take off one of the many layers of clothes!  After just a couple of hours of riding, it was warm enough to ride in a long sleeve t-shirt.  Perfect riding weather if you ask me!

Thanks, Dad, for storing my extra shirts!!

The scenery was gorgeous!  I can't tell you what a stress reliever this trip was!

My favorite memories from this trip were the times we spent in the trailer before falling asleep.  We pulled out Tonya's delicious chocolate chip cookies pieces and enjoyed a cold glass of milk.  Then we talked and laughed until we fell asleep, or least until Dad started snoring anyway! 

Thanks, Mom and Dad for taking us!

Back in Black

Fall is here!! Can you tell???

(In case you're wondering, yes.  These are both pictures of Stormy!)

A Long Awaited 3-Day Weekend!

And it did not disappoint!!!

I kicked off this much needed and long anticipated weekend by sleeping in until 9:00 on Friday morning!!  I woke up feeling so rested and ready to squeeze in as much family fun and relaxing as humanly possible.

Friday, Mom and I went shopping.  Nothing serious.  Just errands we needed to accomplish before our trip next week.  When we got home I cleaned the bathrooms and back bedrooms.  (Amazing what you feel like doing when you haven't worked all day!)  That evening I went to Garrett's basketball game.  Then he came over later that night for a sleepover.  We watched the Karate Kid.  He's such an amazing kid!  Always looking out for others.  Always making sure others are getting to do what they want before ever expressing what he wants to do.  Always so loving!  He's growing up way too fast!!!!

Saturday (after taking Garrett home) I went horseback riding.  It was a little warm to be the perfect fall day, but the trees were beautiful and we practically had the place to our self!

After riding, Mom gave two of the horses a bath, Dad got some hay, and I helped get the trailer ready for the trip.  I went home and cleaned up and spent the evening cleaning the rest of the house and watching the Missouri football game.  It was a good one!!

Today, I listened to a moving message at church, as usual.  Then, I had Mom and Dad over for lunch.  We had soup, salad, and sandwiches.  It was pretty good, if I do say so myself.  Check the bottom of this post for the recipe for my baked potato soup.  :) (Just for you, Jen!)  I spent the rest of the day catching up on blog reading, caught a little snooze, and watched Chase play a couple of basketball games.

It was a wonderful weekend!!

Baked Potato Soup

(I usually double this.)

3 large potatoes     

salt & pepper to taste

1/3 c. butter  

2 T green onions, chopped (I leave this out.)

2 T onions, chopped (I use dried onion flakes.) 

2 T bacon (I use Oscar Meyer bacon bits.)

1/4 c. flour

1/2 c. cheddar cheese, shredded

3 1/2 c. milk      

8 oz. sour cream

Bake potatoes at 400 F for 1 hour or until done.  (I peel the potatoes first, and bake them the night before to save time.)  Peel and scoop out the pulp; coarsely chop and set aside.  Melt butter in sauce pan and saute onions until tender.  Stir in flour until smooth and cook 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly.  Gradually add milk, stir over medium heat until think and bubbly.  Add potatoes, salt and pepper, green onions, bacon and cheese.  Cook thoroughly.  Add additional milk if needed.  Stir in sour cream.  Garnish with extra bacon, cheese and green onions.