Random December

This old newspaper clipping showed up on the history of Shelby County facebook page.  I loved reading it.  This is about my Daddy's parents wedding which would have been 100 years ago this month.  This was the text accompanying the clipping...

"A Christmas wedding of our prairie neighbors Shelbina Democrat December 31, 1919"

Megan and Hannah sent Daddy this photo.  They were at ATSU and walked past 'him' in the hallway. :)

Dear Marvin got my curtain up in the garage room at the Cozy Guesthouse.  Now when I am working on cleaning the house and restocking the supplies I won't feel so open to the outside!!  :)  One of these days we will finally finish painting in there... but it will probably be next spring!  :)  For now it works well as storage and supply zone.

December Sojourners club was the annual silent auction for fundraising.  We had a good turnout and lots of items up for bid.  I even came home with a couple.  :)

Marvin's cousin Jason facilitated one of the programs at the Livestock Symposium.  Sadly, Marvin wasn't able to attend this year.  But we loved receiving this photo from Jason of him with Dr. Temple Grandin who was a featured speaker.  Would have loved to hear her talk.

Jackson and Brianna have put so much hard work into their house this year.  It is amazing how much it has changed!  Jackson has done the renovations himself and I am quite impressed.  The kitchen remodel has been huge and they were finally ready to receive their new appliances.  He asked us to come by to be there for the delivery since he had to go to work.  I snapped a few quick photos while we were there.  I just love how everything looks!  I'll have to take some photos of the kitchen with the appliances installed.  (or you can see a lot of the kitchen in the baby gender reveal post and a few others).  So cute!

ha!  the oven sitting in there
'under the tree' is probably about right!

2nd Christmas tree in the living room

Alaina officially has her own business now!  She is really good, too!  She has worked on our horses twice and Marvin can tell the positive difference her treatments have made.  So excited for her!

This fine crew came caroling at Mama and Daddy's house! A lovely treat!

Random July

Random snippets from July...

What a lovely surprise I had one July day.  My doorbell rang and when I opened the door I saw my best childhood friend, Lora, standing there.  She and her friend had come up to visit and ride horses in the area and she wanted to come say hi.  I am so glad she did!  It was wonderful to see her and get to visit a bit.  And boy, she does not look 51!!!  We sure had some great times growing up.  :)

Laura and Lora - together again!

Matt and Brenda came over to swim in the pool with us one afternoon.  It was super hot and the pool water was just perfect.  We had a good time and even Marvin got in the pool with us!!  :)  Brenda and I sent this photo to Susie because 'Mamma Mia' started playing and it made us think of her.  :)

Matt was able to take a nap held up only by his hat.  That is a talent!!!

Marvin IN the pool!!  I had to take a photo to prove it!  :) 

Dear Alaina called Marvin one day with some big news... her horse Gracie is pregnant!  It was quite a surprise (long story) but Gracie came to stay with us that day.  We have been on 'foal watch' ever since.  Still no baby, but think we are getting close.  We are unsure of the exact due date.  But this is an exciting time, for sure!

Rachel made an appearance at the local library when she came to visit in July.  I think all the kids (and adults) enjoyed getting to visit with 'Princess Leia'.  :)  You can find out more about what Rachel does at this page...  https://www.facebook.com/rebelhopecosplay/

We were happy to see Ethan arrive to cut and bale our hay near the end of July.  That is much later than normal, but this has not been a normal year.  The flooding rains of spring and early summer really set everything back.  Ethan does a great job for us.

I took this photo of Marvin on the tractor in front of Mama and Daddy's house one morning.  It was a peaceful scene and I just liked it.  :)

Jackson and Tyler have been practicing their bow shooting out here for awhile now.  But they finally built a special target area that works well for them.  They are getting good!

July had some pretty tough moments... this particular day was one of them.  But as we were driving into town in the midst of a big downpour, the sun shone brilliantly through one small break in the clouds.  I took it as a very hopeful sign.  And I believe it was.  :)

Alaina's horse show

I had the privilege of traveling with Jeremy and Shonda up to Iowa Falls for Alaina's big horse show at the end of her first semester of classes at Ellsworth Community College.  It was a long day, but filled with fun and laughter.  It was great to see Alaina 'in her element' and doing so well.  She has truly found her calling.  :)

we sat in the back seat so we could visit...

Jeremy was our chauffeur.  :D
There may have been a few references to Driving Miss Daisy...

We have arrived!

The equestrian facility at Ellsworth is quite impressive!  I took a lot of photos to show Marvin since I knew he would be so interested.  What a neat place!

Jackson, Brianna, and Stu also drove up the same day.

Shonda, Stu, Alaina, Jackson, Brianna, Jeremy 

We went to a cute cafe for lunch - complete with peanut shells on the floor.  I had an extremely good breaded tenderloin and others enjoyed yummy fish tacos.

We stopped in at a coffee bar just down the street.  Shonda and I did a little window shopping...

Yes, I now own this cup.    :) 

The horse show went on all day and into the night.  We would spend time at the show then slip out for a bit.  I thought the sunset over the barn was pretty as we were returning following supper.

hmmm....

Jeremy took these photos of more of the equestrian facility.  Again, quite an impressive place!

We aren't allowed to post photos of any of the horses online, but I managed to crop everything out of the next two photos - except for Alaina and Stu, that is!  :D

It was a great day and we were all so proud of Alaina.  Congratulations on your first official horse show!