SHHHH! It's a secret!

Wow. Christmas is going to be exciting this year. I'm sorry, but I can't let you in on the present secrets because the kids might be reading my blog too...they're also sneaking around the house looking and trying to peek under the tree every time I turn around. I just about can't blog because we're so wrapped up in last minute stuff I haven't had time to do anything but the thing's I can't talk about! So frustrating.
Anyway, Chester is starting to get used to the cold. You know how they're all hyped up and can't stand still-let alone concentrate on training. Now he's starting to even out and we're working despite the cold, which is really making my winter more bearable. Dang, I love that horse.

COLD

I know, I know...it seems everyone is talking about the cold. But seriously, it goes from bone-chilling cold during the day to mind-numbing cold at night. I haven't had much motivation to get outside. Just about enough time to visit with Chester and make sure he's handling it, then the dogs and cats, and then I'm back in with Ms Sami huddled under the covers! Just thinking about the cold is making me cold. I've been making the kids wear their long johns underneath clothes, and they said today (for the first time) that it actually helped-everyone else at school was cold and they weren't! Moms must know something afterall! Earlier this week, it started to sleet and then instead of turning to snow-it rained. Rain at thirty four degrees is NOT PLEASANT. Then, the temperature really dropped and the freakin wind started. Oh that wind, it's not as bad here as it was back home, but the prarie wind is something else. It bites into every layer of clothing and stings your face.
There do happen to be some upsides to the darn cold. For instance, I love to snuggle in a blanket and read-plenty of time for that. Then, there is the TON of family together time watching movies and playing around. Lastly, while the winds whip around your house you can take comfort and count your blessings that you're inside safe and warm. Some people don't have that luxury. Remember, it's the season for giving thanks for what you have and don't forget to always help others less fortunate-even our animal friends!

HORSES! (and dog)

Obviously, I'm obsessed with horses...and my dog! Either way, I am forcing you to look through my various animal pics! :)

Ms Sami in the round pen.

Chester and his jealous friends...

Tez is beggin for attention.

Chester doesn't seem to mind sharing...

Hey! What about us?

Just saying hello!

I like to visit Chester's mommy, Nellie. She gave Chester her sweetness.






This is Prize's daughter. Prize is the horse Patience rode at the State Fair...









This is Tex. Well, I call her Tex anyway. Her star is the exact shape of the State of Texas!

Can you see it? I tried to get a better pic.

Chester has been doing marvelous by the way. With all the cold snaps, I've had to work around the weather, but it's okay to take breaks I think. Christmas time is coming fast and we're trying hard to get ready, I hope everyone has wonderful plans...I'm staying home.

Going back...

On Thanksgiving day, we headed west to celebrate. Actually, I was missing my grandma-and as it turns out-I miss my prairie...Nothing but long roads bordered with flat land. Flat land that goes on and on.







Green wheat fields are commonplace during winter.

Cattle. Cattle on the wheat and roaming fields.

I'm sure my dad will be excited about this pic. He was almost giddy happy that we decided to stop by.

The view from my old bedroom window.

Poor Ms Sami, she has no idea how to be a farm dog. The salt block was terrifying. She's getting better at being a stable dog though.

This used to be a full on fence, the fence I tied Buck to everyday for grooming and saddling before our rides.

I did make it to my Grandmas house, and EVERYONE was there. Let's see: Brother and nephew...

Brother and SIL...

Cousin Trav, he's practically a brother from the way we grew up! He's smilin so big 'cause I just muttered to my mother to just take the damn picture already!

And finally! Grandma. The most kind, generous, loving soul you'll ever know.

"The house does not rest upon the ground, but upon a woman"

-Unknown

Successful Day!

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Woke up to a chilly, foggy morning. Not the bad kind, the perfect fall morning!

Hey D, wanna have some fun this afternoon?

While the kids played.....

I found something new for Chester and I to try....

Hubby has the camera, that should explain this shot.




Chester says, "Hmmmm."





Chester says, "Um, I don't know about this."

Bend Chester, and take a deep breath, it's just me up here.

Wellll, maybe this is okay?

Now he's relaxin!

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Just for the record mom: I went and bought a helmet today, quit freakin.

AHHH! I disappeared...

Yep! I haven't blogged in a while. Trust me, withdrawls hit a few days ago. I have sooo soo many things to yap about, I don't know where to begin...Lets see, I have ridden my horse! Yes, and he was a perfect angel! I have pics and video of that. We went to see my grandma for thanksgiving. Not only was grandma there, but also a couple other relatives were there and I was reminded again why we usually spend the holidays at home :) After thanksgiving, we all came home and had the flu! Not just any flu, THE FLU. Good grief, everyone was so sick and we had such wonderful plans for the weekend...oh well, we'll get around to it all eventually. I have so many pictures and a couple videos to post-I'll get you caught up by Christmas!

Happy Thanksgiving!

So, the new camera takes great pics! I'll post some awesome pics and video of Chester soon, I swear it!

Again with the view, I'm obsessed...

This took forever! It's hard to get them to all smile at the same time.

Hubby took me seriously- longer he doesn't smile, the longer he sits with a camera on 'em!


Caught!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Riders Rasp!

http://www.ridersrasp.com/

Okay, I love the riders rasp! I was a little skeptical at first, but I got it-used it-and love it. It's easy to hold in my hand and it does exactly what it says it does-removes chips and rounds the hoof. Chester had a big chip this week that could have caught on something and I rasped it down in no time! I recommend going to the website and watching their video. It's really informative.