tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57430078841134328742024-03-14T00:26:22.998-04:00Hillbillies in a BarnBeckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07370706472653859897noreply@blogger.comBlogger154125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743007884113432874.post-42173711641222337112018-08-31T21:06:00.003-04:002018-08-31T21:06:45.381-04:00So this fall it has been 10 years that we have lived on Ring Road. <br />
It has been 4 years since I have done it alone.<br />
It is hard everyday, every minute of single parenting is hard.<br />
Today was a reflective, a mental health day.<br />
All of my children tend to be Broadway fans. Josie first mentioned "Next to Normal" when she covered it for work a few years ago. I never listened to the music until today because I didn't think I could handle the content and emotions. <br />
Not sure I was ready today, but I knew I needed a mental health day. Something cathartic. I laid in the sun for a bit, working on keeping the summer color that keeps me from looking dead all winter. Then, as I had thought I should for some time, I started to burn the picnic table that Todd bought me as a Mothers Day gift in 2008. It is rotting, not safe. It is another reminder of him and our screwed up life.<br />
I am finding joy in work and fear in falling in love again. My children grow up regardless. They are not perfect and their life shows the trauma they have lived. I wish for them to forget the hard stuff but it will create the character they need to succeed in life.<br />
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The family in "Next to Normal" dealt with bipolar for so much longer than we had to. It had more of clear beginning, but a much longer struggle. My struggle or experience with depression mirrors the struggle of the wife in the story. My struggle as the spouse of one who has bipolar parallels the husband of the story. <br />
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The songs from the musical:<br />
<u>Just Another Day</u>: We look good from the outside. I share my story when I can, not for sympathy but for a reality check for every one.<br />
<u>Everything Else</u>: Crazy and genius go together. "and you play and everything else goes away" My escapes have not been consistent enough.<br />
<u>Who's Crazy</u>: I loved. <br />
<u>My Psycopharmocologist</u>: This is so real. I have seen from a professional and personal view. This so accurate it is funny and not funny. How can you not laugh? Otherwise it is so sad. The one who holds on? That is me. I don't feel anything = patient stable. I wish there were days I felt nothing.<br />
<u>Perfect for you</u>: Ever be seduced by a scientist and INTJ? it is not very romantic by most standards. but I get it. <br />
<u>I Miss the Mountains</u>. There were no mountains for a very long time. Now the mountains are one comment from one family member at work. A kiss as thanks for dinner for all my kids. The small successes of my babies. Just a thought that maybe this relationship will last more than another few weeks....a trip in a year or two together, could it really happen? I fear to hope.<br />
<u>It's</u> <u>Gonna Be Good</u>: The moments of hope that life is normal come and go too often.<br />
<u>He's Not Here</u>: Get on with your life!<br />
<u>You Don't Know</u>: You don't know what its like to die alive. I felt like I died when Todd left. That life died, that perfect family, that lifestyle. Now I don't know where I fit. None of the rules apply. What are the rules? I need new rules. I found a set of rules and they served me for a long time. They don't work anymore.<br />
<u>I am the One:</u> I waited, I worked, I stayed committed to the vows I made. Where did it get me? But that's who I am. Can anyone else love me the way I know how to love?<br />
<u>Superboy and the Invisible Girl</u>: Not my childhood. I was loved equally with my brother. The only trauma of my youth was a babysitter when I was about three, Not sure my parents even knew. My mom believed in me beyond what I did and never understood my self doubt. I hope none of my children feel invisible, but I understand if they do at times. I am off in my own reflections too often.<br />
<u>I'm Alive</u>: The son in the story died young which was the trigger of the mother's bipolar. He drives her disease, but also the lives of the other characters. They all fight with his death as individuals and as the cause of her issues. It is like Satan saying "Here I am to make your life hell through a loved one's mental health issues." My children will always have this struggle. :(<br />
<u>Make up Your Mind</u>: Yet another kind of therapy to fix the illness. We never explored options because Todd never though he was ill. I grieve this loss.<br />
<u>Catch me I'm Falling</u>: Todd used to catch me when I had low days. David tries, but he is so far away. I don't know if he really understands or can...I hope so, but also don't want him to have to deal with my crappy feelings. But I know he will. <br />
<u>I Dreamed a Dance</u>: I have moments that are a dance. But the day will again dawn. The dance of life and treatments and illness will go on.<br />
<u>There's a World</u>: The pain will go away? When? For how long? Never long enough. The episodes of freedom last longer and longer, but the pain still survuves in ways unimaginable.<br />
<u>I've Been</u>: How to help? No one really knows. It just depends on the moment. I can't give up now.. I will never give up for my children.<br />
<u>Didn't I See this Movie?:</u> No, he was never that crazy, actually he was. He was completely out of touch with reality. That's the only reality that makes my life livable.<br />
<u>A Light in the Dark</u>: Our House, our home, why do I live here alone....Because I made vows before God and kept them through sickness and health and all the other crap that is life.<br />
<u>Wish I were Here</u>: I wish I could disassociate.<br />
<u>Song of Forgetting</u>: So many things I wish I cold forget. So many things I wish I could remember in detail to share the details with the children and future generations so they could learn. <br />
<u>Seconds and Years</u>: "Haven't had a normal day in years".<br />
<u>Aftershocks</u>: He is gone forever. Which is worse the symptom or the cure?. They cured me from your memory but her soul could not be cured. The soul that became one with Todd on 3/4/95 cannot be cured. Do souls learn?<br />
<u>You Don't Know</u>: No map of where I'm going. I certainly do not have a map. I don't know where the pieces go. <br />
<u>How Could I Ever Forget?:</u> I don't know for sure what was Todd's trigger was. I think it was building the house, then stress at work. Taking on more than he could handle for the appearance of success. I have no idea.<br />
<u>It's</u> <u>Gonna be Good</u>: We can fix this...but he left<br />
<u>Why Stay</u>?: Hoping for day after day. <br />
<u>A Promise</u>: I made a promise. "The man still remembers his vow." <br />
<u>I'm Alive</u>: Let me live my new life. Face me. Accept this new life. BE ALIVE.<br />
<u>The Break</u>: Nothing can explain the damage the pain mental illness can do. It's in the soul.<br />
<u>Make up Your Mind</u>: How are you going to deal with it because there is no cure.<br />
<u>Catch me I'm Falling</u>: Maybe the fall isn't so bad after all. I need to feel grounded.<br />
<u>Maybe</u>: Who knows? I wasn't given the option to stay with the devil I knew. Anger and hope. I try to give them a normal life. I have no idea what that is.<br />
<u>So Anyway</u>: We'd both go mad that way...if he had stayed I am sure that's what would have happened. I would have given my self over to his care and lost all of my sanity.<br />
<u>I am the one</u>: My strength will get our children trough. You quit on them. You left them alone, without a father. Your ghost haunts us too often. I want to let go. I watched you die, disappear into your own alternative reality. And, finally, most days I am over it. But true grief never ends, the pain just dulls.<br />
<u>Light</u>: Wishing all our cares away. Some hurts never heal. Some ghosts are never gone. But we have to go on. The price we pay to heal. The price of love, we love anyway. The new day will dawn. Let it Shine. Day after day. I will find the will to find my way. There will be light. It is so hard to think that will actually will happen. <br />
<br />
Mental health days used to mean happy, manicures and pedicures and shopping sprees. But today it meant burning the logs that Todd stacked for fish habitats and the table we used as a dining room table while we lived in the barn and many tears. It also meant children understanding my words and me trying to help them understand why. It also meant that I realized that someone wants to be with me still in another year or two to take a trip to a dream destination. [I have pictures of the burning table but have no idea how to post them here and am too tired to care to figure it out right now.]<br />
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Falling in love is scary when you know how bad the outcome can be of giving your life to share with another human being who cannot return the love and life long commitment.<br />
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Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07370706472653859897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743007884113432874.post-36377888893697450902015-10-02T00:07:00.001-04:002015-10-02T00:07:31.563-04:00One year ago today DH went into the hospital with a diagnosis of Bipolar. It was horrible. I was at my end with trying to appease him or please him or understand him. I would do the same thing in the same circumstance again...maybe sooner. It has grown me: I am more confident in doing hard things.<br /> But I miss him deeply, my best friend is gone on his own free will. I ache constantly for my children who have lost their father. I mourn what we all miss because of the illness.<br /> I am thankful for my support system and for God's provision.<br /><img border="0" src="http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/Snitz/Images/2015/09/3JEN-5787.jpg?v 91371756" /> <br />Taken last fall after he left the state, before he said he was never coming home.<br />In the last year:<br />I got a job, after 18 years at home, as an RN making 3 x minimum wage. I love being a nurse. It was like riding a bike. The positive feedback from my co-workers is amazing<br />DD#1 got almost straight A's in her first year of community college; was hired as photo editor of the school paper (she wants to be a photo journalist); is now working almost 30 hours a week in addition to classes. Was proud that she provided meat for the family with her pig that did not make weight...home grown ham, yum.<br />DD#2 got a job that pays enough to pay for all of our animals' feed. Earned her way to the state 4-H horse show. Got her drivers license and learned how to back the trailer the 600ft down the drive to our barn. Coordinated a group of retired men from our church to enlarge our horse pasture by 3 fold.<br />DD#3 earned 2 best of show ribbons at the county fair. Has cooked more dinners than I have. Has organized and hosted 2 rabbit workshops with attendees from more than 2 hours away.<br />DS joined Boy Scouts and achieved his first rank. Attended Scout camp for a week. Mowed the lawn many times. And jumps in when I need things done. <br />DD#4 finished a tap class and started a second year. Started practicing with the JV homeschool volleyball team. Learned to read, but still says she can't. Cared for her leased horse more than her sister did. Learned how to spin yarn. Showed a pig in the county fair for the first time<br />DD#5 finished a tap class and now is taking a jazz class. Learned how to read and has a passion for it. Participated more in caring for the pigs.<br /><br />As a family we were blessed beyond measure with gifts of food and clothing and time.<br />We also camped (in our restored '74 trailer) at fair. I thought I wasn't going to make it through the week: We took about 35 animals entered in 80 classes and 88 still exhibits entered. I don't remember much of it.<br />Then we camped for a weekend at a Tractor show to be night guard for our 4H club's petting zoo.<br /><br />Now I face more challenges as I am trying to get the legal separation financial details taken care of with no cooperation from my husband and a lousy lawyer that I am done with.<br />My job was nights, I have been so sick recently that I can't work nights any longer, working mostly evenings now. Now I may have an opportunity to work in a hospital 12 hour shifts. Tough decision.<br />Homeschooling is difficult when I am not around much or exhausted, but the older children are learning time management and prioritization.<br /><br />So we have some a long way and we hurt everyday he is not here. But I received the best end of the judgment. The house and our friends and our kids (mostly) bring me joy despite the struggles.<br /><br />Thank you for your continued prayers and reading my first blog post in forever.<br /><br />Becky,<br />In the heart of Todd's home with my olive branches (Josie 11/96, Gabbi 9/98, Natalie 5/00, Daniel 9/02, Mary 9/04, and Tabitha 7/06) around my table. Ps 128:3Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07370706472653859897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743007884113432874.post-29480315048204017612014-07-02T22:08:00.000-04:002014-07-02T22:12:24.146-04:00trailer demo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07370706472653859897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743007884113432874.post-91231562551788034912014-07-02T21:44:00.000-04:002014-07-02T21:44:02.977-04:00Fair 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07370706472653859897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743007884113432874.post-64583715915054794512013-05-12T22:39:00.001-04:002013-05-12T22:39:37.670-04:001910s Tea Gown<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07370706472653859897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743007884113432874.post-22938097487543171932012-12-23T00:10:00.002-05:002013-05-12T22:40:03.784-04:00Christmas Dresses 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07370706472653859897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743007884113432874.post-66925972968355664402012-11-22T13:48:00.002-05:002012-11-22T14:01:34.682-05:00Kool-Aid Meets MohairI have been wanting to try Kool-aid dyeing for years. I finally made it happen last night.<br />
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I found lots of tutorials online but followed these directions at KnitPicks.com more than any other:<a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/kpimages/PDF/DyeingTutorial.pdf">http://www.knitpicks.com/kpimages/PDF/DyeingTutorial.pdf</a><br />
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I added 1 cup of water and 1 tablespoon white vinegar to each package of Kool-aid. I was disappointed that the Kiwi-Strawberry that was packaged in green was pink, so I combined it with the extra cherry package I bought. I will have to search for a green another time.<br />
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I weighed 1 ounce of fiber for each package of Kool-aid then soaked it in room temp water for about a half hour.<br />
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Mostly I used Ellie's Mohair, but I made 2 batches (blue and purple) with Lama that we got a few years ago from a 4-H friend.<br />
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I drained the wet fiber and put it into the jars with the dissolved drink-mix. I had to ad about 1 cup of water to cover the fiber with the dye.<br />
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Then I put three jars at a time into the microwave for two minutes. After two minutes I stirred the fiber in the jars. I continued to heat the jars until the water was clear and the dye was absorbed by the fiber. I was very surprised how fast this happened. The yellow absorbed the fastest.<br />
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Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07370706472653859897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743007884113432874.post-21930533729786068252012-04-15T00:19:00.004-04:002012-04-15T02:20:03.369-04:00Music<span style="font-family:georgia;">I usually just post pictures and some captions but today I am doing something different.</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">I took J, G, and N to the Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra concert tonight as my birthday present from my dad. I am sorry to say that I haven't been to seen this particular orchestra even though I have lived in Saginaw since 1995. I have seen the Indianapolis Symphony a few times at Conner Prairie since then. In the early 90s Todd took me to the ISO twice for New Year's Eve. I was so nervous the first time my mom had to reassure me that my small town boyfriend could do the symphony. He was fine. And I appreciate to this day him doing that for me because it was something I enjoyed.</span><br /><br />I was amazed at how I reacted to the music, but not just the music but the musicians or rather what they remanded me of.<br />The SBSO is actually smaller that my high school's orchestra: the winds and percussion were about the same, but only 5 cellos, 6 violas and 18 violins. I think we had 25 or so violins, at least 8 if not 12 cellos.<br /><br />The concert was:<br />A Night at the Movies: The Music of John Williams<br />Star Wars: Suite for Orchestra<br />Theme from Jaws<br />NBC's Mission Theme<br />Raiders of the Lost Ark: Raiders March<br />March from Superman<br />Olympic Fanfare and Theme<br />The Cowboys<br />Theme from J.F.K.<br />Theme from Schindler's List<br />Theme from Jurassic Park<br />E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial: "Adventures on Earth"<br /><br />My favorites were Jaws because of the featured all of the bass instruments and Schildler's List because of the beauty and the amazing violinist.<br /><br />So the symphony is not part of my normal life...unlike laundry and cleaning and all the other stuff that goes with doing what I do.<br /><br />It used to be. <br /><br />I started playing clarinet in sixth grade. I moved to the bassoon early that year. My desire to be different and the band director's recognition of my big hands being the motivation. So I guess I was a band geek. I took lessons on and off depending on my mood or what boy I was trying to impress that year. I probably could have been pretty good if I had practiced everyday like the good musicians do. Being one of only a hand full of bassoon players I did manage to be first chair in middle school and most of high school. In the middle of my freshman year I was honored to be asked to play with the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, the top band at North Central. That also meant I got to play with the orchestra. It was very exciting.<br /><br />I remember many seniors that I only played with for part of my freshman year. We had a senior that played harp. We played the Waltz of the Flowers for every concert. We finally played it for State Competition and won. I remember Marcus the tuba player who was super nice and had big fat fingers. At the end of the year somehow someone managed to get one of the awful polyester dresses we wore as a memento for Carrie, a talented flute player who despised the dress. I played in the pit orchestra for South Pacific. I loved being in the pit. It was first suggested to me to play in the pit by a red headed trumpet player who complicated my life tremendously that year. I believe that was the year we marched in the 500 Festival Parade. I carried the banner with another band member. It was hot and a long walk. Also at the end of that year as every year I played in the graduation band for commencement. It was at the coliseum at the state fairgrounds. Kind of a strange venue.<br /><br />The next year I had to march as I was in the SWE in the fall. I had avoided it my freshman year. You can't march with a bassoon, so the summer between my freshman and sophomore years I tried to learn to play the saxophone. I never really succeeded. But I got through that marching season without any major embarrassment. There was a saxophones/clarinet player who was greatly encouraging though. We had a female drum major who I looked up to and decided I wanted to emulate. Football games were fun. We also had a pep band for basketball and our team did very well that year. The other bassoon player got to play in pit that year for Oklahoma. I never liked him much. I also never knew when he was going to be there. Now looking back I am sure it wasn't his fault, he was probably in a tough situation and missed a lot school often because of it. He played first chair, but in a concert he missed he had a solo that I hadn't practiced much and I got in trouble for not paying it. I still can see Mr. Dennis glaring at me. I did play that solo during the state orchestra competition. To this day I can hear the judge saying on tape of remarks "good job bassoon, don't go sharp..." But I did. It was a high F that I had to hold it for a measure and a half. We didn't win that year. We came in second to our arch rival. This year graduation was at Market Square Arena. We sat on plywood on top of the ice. My feet got cold.<br /><br />My junior year I was able to play in the pit orchestra for Brigadoon. Lots of oboe and bassoon solos. I played saxophone again in the marching band. We had a new Marching band director. He kind of shook things up and changed things around. Now we had to memorize our music...I could barely remember how to play the sax that fall let alone learn the music too. I did more marching than playing that year. What I remember most of that year was the seniors. I had played with many of them for 2 years. I would miss them when they left. I was never close to any of them (except that one clarinet player) but for whatever reason I really wanted to be friends with them. Those pesky trombone players and their spray bottles picked on me endlessly.<br /><br />My senior year I tried out for drum major. There was a new girl who had been drum major at her old school. I didn't make it. But I didn't have to worry about the saxophone that year. The bass drum line was made up of two oboe players, a clarinet and a bassoon player. We were used to playing together. I had known one of the oboes players for years and the other since seventh grade. It was kind of fun as the drum line is the star of any marching band, but something new is always a challenge. The freshman started to learn the basics of marching. I helped out during a semi-free hour. It kind of fulfilled my desire to be drum major. The Wiz was the musical of the year...the jazz band provided the music. I was kind of bummed. I always loved to listen to the jazz band.<br /><br />I don't remember being terribly sad about giving my bassoon back to the band director that year, but I must have been. I probably didn't realize in the excitement of graduation how much I would miss making music with the band and the orchestra and the directors of both and the people who worked together an hour or more a day to make music.<br /><br />Now as I look back I try not to be sad. I try to be grateful for what I learned in my short music career; I am sure that the list would be endless. I remember with fondness the people I worked with. I am happy that I have reconnected with some on Facebook. I think the thing I enjoyed most was being in the middle of a group that worked hard together to make something enjoyable for others. Since I graduated I haven't found the joy and excitement from being part of such a large and varied group. I think some of the excitement comes from age...the ups and downs have mellowed.<br /><br />I do think, as I did tonight, that every time I see a symphony in action I will see the faces of those I grew up with and made music with: Kenny and Charlie (percussion); Ward, Valerie, Brad (clarinet); Liz, Mellie, Carrie, Tina (flute); Mickey and Mari (oboe); Steve, Emily, Dave, Cam (trombone); Mike, Ron, Richard, Steve, John (trumpet); Eric, Nancy (sax); Derek, the young concertmaster, Chicca, Jessica, Catherine (strings); the crazy Hungarian who loved to teach and the steady Purdue fan who was a quiet and steady director. And of course many many many more.<br /><br />The music alone is moving and powerful. The people who are part of the memory are priceless.<br /><br />Thanks you all for helping me to grow into who I am.Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07370706472653859897noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743007884113432874.post-65906618396330218452011-12-30T22:49:00.001-05:002011-12-30T22:53:17.444-05:00More Christmas Dresses<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CLZcoU3vbZc/Tv6G_6ywk2I/AAAAAAAACXQ/oU0cillss_U/s1600/fb2011xmasfbdressback2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 235px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692135411714921314" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CLZcoU3vbZc/Tv6G_6ywk2I/AAAAAAAACXQ/oU0cillss_U/s400/fb2011xmasfbdressback2.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HpdS2XuYj-0/Tv6G_b-byII/AAAAAAAACXE/RLqTAOCb7kI/s1600/fb2011xmasfbdress3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 193px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692135403442391170" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HpdS2XuYj-0/Tv6G_b-byII/AAAAAAAACXE/RLqTAOCb7kI/s400/fb2011xmasfbdress3.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pZ_ZONyhb6Y/Tv6G_XPF1dI/AAAAAAAACW0/14pBouJJJmQ/s1600/fb2011xmasfbdress2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 197px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692135402170078674" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pZ_ZONyhb6Y/Tv6G_XPF1dI/AAAAAAAACW0/14pBouJJJmQ/s400/fb2011xmasfbdress2.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EcZuB2veEbI/Tv6G_E8iHtI/AAAAAAAACWs/n33mQ46q2hs/s1600/fb2011xmasfbdress.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692135397260402386" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EcZuB2veEbI/Tv6G_E8iHtI/AAAAAAAACWs/n33mQ46q2hs/s400/fb2011xmasfbdress.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07370706472653859897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743007884113432874.post-58657489865026121112011-12-07T10:40:00.003-05:002011-12-07T10:52:08.290-05:00Christmas Dresses<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AmhFBhr3kcQ/Tt-K4qv1DDI/AAAAAAAACWc/sxGtBn3ZYC8/s1600/IMG_8508.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 180px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683413960917060658" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AmhFBhr3kcQ/Tt-K4qv1DDI/AAAAAAAACWc/sxGtBn3ZYC8/s400/IMG_8508.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8k1R8kxYaDY/Tt-K30tsSII/AAAAAAAACWU/B-FhvrwBsfA/s1600/IMG_8511.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 172px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683413946412583042" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8k1R8kxYaDY/Tt-K30tsSII/AAAAAAAACWU/B-FhvrwBsfA/s400/IMG_8511.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pLjVFWW7rc0/Tt-K3pzql2I/AAAAAAAACWE/U3m3DXufU_c/s1600/IMG_8506.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 298px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683413943484847970" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pLjVFWW7rc0/Tt-K3pzql2I/AAAAAAAACWE/U3m3DXufU_c/s400/IMG_8506.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RkjGhqGoiU0/Tt-K2_9B2JI/AAAAAAAACV4/LDoApy6p7sM/s1600/IMG_8501.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 372px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683413932249831570" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RkjGhqGoiU0/Tt-K2_9B2JI/AAAAAAAACV4/LDoApy6p7sM/s400/IMG_8501.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LqDan8vJ-EU/Tt-K2rztk6I/AAAAAAAACVs/w9-qj86LwKw/s1600/IMG_8498.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 394px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683413926842045346" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LqDan8vJ-EU/Tt-K2rztk6I/AAAAAAAACVs/w9-qj86LwKw/s400/IMG_8498.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bZdnX-ZJXvc/Tt-JiADt-CI/AAAAAAAACVg/6hjt0EyUsYU/s1600/IMG_8496.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683412471989008418" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bZdnX-ZJXvc/Tt-JiADt-CI/AAAAAAAACVg/6hjt0EyUsYU/s400/IMG_8496.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P4F-vinnaoc/Tt-JhUdPzXI/AAAAAAAACVU/VX4apmmEWzk/s1600/IMG_8491.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 360px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683412460284923250" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P4F-vinnaoc/Tt-JhUdPzXI/AAAAAAAACVU/VX4apmmEWzk/s400/IMG_8491.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Vkg17o_tP8/Tt-JhaWmWLI/AAAAAAAACVI/kGgAobh-Zbg/s1600/IMG_8490.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 296px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683412461867653298" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Vkg17o_tP8/Tt-JhaWmWLI/AAAAAAAACVI/kGgAobh-Zbg/s400/IMG_8490.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FUzO9rLJ-ZI/Tt-Jgh6S3kI/AAAAAAAACU8/RK3TWEvPF9A/s1600/DSCN9631.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683412446716550722" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FUzO9rLJ-ZI/Tt-Jgh6S3kI/AAAAAAAACU8/RK3TWEvPF9A/s400/DSCN9631.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CYk8LhYFZm0/Tt-JgRbXnQI/AAAAAAAACUw/8lrS4eOLvGQ/s1600/12.7_edited-1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 345px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683412442291870978" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CYk8LhYFZm0/Tt-JgRbXnQI/AAAAAAAACUw/8lrS4eOLvGQ/s400/12.7_edited-1.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07370706472653859897noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743007884113432874.post-88810489033487517392011-07-13T19:54:00.007-04:002011-07-13T20:06:12.658-04:001946 Dress<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A5tXDsAKinc/Th4xdqmYngI/AAAAAAAACTo/nImuGqWYqpc/s1600/1946dressfrontIMG_9344.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 206px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628990969980952066" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A5tXDsAKinc/Th4xdqmYngI/AAAAAAAACTo/nImuGqWYqpc/s400/1946dressfrontIMG_9344.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-enhTVfxtnwU/Th4xFe9QBkI/AAAAAAAACTg/f5BpxsdFr3c/s1600/1946dressdetailIMG_9347.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628990554538772034" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-enhTVfxtnwU/Th4xFe9QBkI/AAAAAAAACTg/f5BpxsdFr3c/s400/1946dressdetailIMG_9347.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XLzaOBDHXdI/Th4xEnyqcdI/AAAAAAAACTY/HJ8yvGagTWQ/s1600/1946dressbackIMG_9346.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 260px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628990539730416082" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XLzaOBDHXdI/Th4xEnyqcdI/AAAAAAAACTY/HJ8yvGagTWQ/s400/1946dressbackIMG_9346.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wA64hQdPXWA/Th4xEJXAJGI/AAAAAAAACTQ/YhS-cG5Nuqk/s1600/1946newspaperclippingIMG_7895.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 196px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628990531561333858" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wA64hQdPXWA/Th4xEJXAJGI/AAAAAAAACTQ/YhS-cG5Nuqk/s400/1946newspaperclippingIMG_7895.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Go3xfwROung/Th4xC7_qV9I/AAAAAAAACTI/-pYLsleKe_o/s1600/1946patternIMG_7897_edited-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 390px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628990510793906130" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Go3xfwROung/Th4xC7_qV9I/AAAAAAAACTI/-pYLsleKe_o/s400/1946patternIMG_7897_edited-1.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2Lz9m4kP4ZY/Th4xCW2eahI/AAAAAAAACTA/RwLsy2f6t4U/s1600/1946envelopIMG_7896.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 239px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628990500823263762" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2Lz9m4kP4ZY/Th4xCW2eahI/AAAAAAAACTA/RwLsy2f6t4U/s400/1946envelopIMG_7896.jpg" /></a><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07370706472653859897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743007884113432874.post-31856250023218708702011-07-13T19:46:00.008-04:002011-07-15T00:46:56.005-04:00Michigan Homemaker Award<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AninkMuDtOE/Th_F_idV72I/AAAAAAAACUo/GZZI2XbIvkU/s1600/mhm1IMG_9370.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629435754608717666" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AninkMuDtOE/Th_F_idV72I/AAAAAAAACUo/GZZI2XbIvkU/s400/mhm1IMG_9370.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dnRFiaUpZnQ/Th4vpfnb22I/AAAAAAAACSw/zIeXT_uLLuo/s1600/mhm2IMG_9379.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628988974167743330" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dnRFiaUpZnQ/Th4vpfnb22I/AAAAAAAACSw/zIeXT_uLLuo/s400/mhm2IMG_9379.jpg" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hBjwdKl_6mQ/Th4vANdtSkI/AAAAAAAACSo/SpJEEeCog3A/s1600/mhm3IMG_9382_edited-1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628988264920468034" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hBjwdKl_6mQ/Th4vANdtSkI/AAAAAAAACSo/SpJEEeCog3A/s400/mhm3IMG_9382_edited-1.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f2HN8IvhG3E/Th4u_sCefqI/AAAAAAAACSg/H63kqGUwlc4/s1600/mhm3IMG_9301%2B%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 288px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628988255947882146" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f2HN8IvhG3E/Th4u_sCefqI/AAAAAAAACSg/H63kqGUwlc4/s400/mhm3IMG_9301%2B%25282%2529.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7AbXGgeOM74/Th4u-EkudbI/AAAAAAAACSQ/UsNZdnDFOpw/s1600/mhm2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 347px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628988228174247346" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7AbXGgeOM74/Th4u-EkudbI/AAAAAAAACSQ/UsNZdnDFOpw/s400/mhm2.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5TOflY-oVGw/Th4u9nVs52I/AAAAAAAACSI/fdmXGpW40fA/s1600/mhm1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 393px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628988220326602594" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5TOflY-oVGw/Th4u9nVs52I/AAAAAAAACSI/fdmXGpW40fA/s400/mhm1.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07370706472653859897noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743007884113432874.post-203502321520269362010-10-19T00:51:00.002-04:002010-10-19T00:59:39.979-04:00I am aliveI have gotten a few comments recently so I know there are people out there reading. <br /><br />Excuses????<br />My daughter stole my camera.<br />My new <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Internet</span> is not friendly to loading lots of pictures.<br />I am busy (wait that is all the time)<br /><br />Recent adventures: cheese making with raw goat and cow milk; cleaning out the upstairs of the barn; sewing a (loosely) Middle Ages costume for one of my suppliers; enjoying the beautiful fall weather; nursing a cold, plus the colds of my children; hosting a small group for church; canning applesauce and tomatoes; <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">making</span> soap; driving to town for various appointments; supporting J in her first theatrical role, including driving to some <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">rehearsals</span>; <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">being</span> single parent while Todd has been in South America.<br /><br />J promised to share <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">some</span> pictures with me, then I can pass on some to you. You can also checkout her blog to see what we have been doing.Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07370706472653859897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743007884113432874.post-77573921926406059992010-08-01T20:21:00.001-04:002010-08-01T20:22:42.439-04:00HOMEMAKER OF THE YEAR | tricountycitizen.mihomepaper.com | The Tri County CitizenHere is the brief article: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ftricountycitizen.mihomepaper.com%2Fnews%2F2010-08-01%2FNews%2FHOMEMAKER_OF_THE_YEAR.html&h=fc290">HOMEMAKER OF THE YEAR tricountycitizen.mihomepaper.com The Tri County Citizen</a>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07370706472653859897noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743007884113432874.post-18526925874308360662010-07-31T22:53:00.007-04:002010-08-01T20:20:47.522-04:00Fair week: no pictures.It was a crazy week here this week. I kept <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">friends</span> and family up to date via <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Facebook</span>. Here is brief a journal of the week.<br /><br />July 23 at 11:55pm: Still entries are due tomorrow at the Saginaw County Fair Grounds. Almost done..just a twin quilt to bind and then garden crops/flowers in the am. Then a little break until Tuesday...see you at the fair!!!<br /><br />July 24 at 8:54pm: Took 88 still exhibits to the fair today. Then took a 3 hour nap.<br /><br />July 26 at 10:41pm: Animals are all tucked into their fair homes. Hope the goats stay put better this year than last. I am already tired. If Todd thinks this thing is going to be restful I may have to sick our 4-H leader on him with some jobs.<br />Looking forward to seeing you at the fair.<br /><br />www.mlive.com Saginaw County Fair begins today<br />Hundreds of volunteers and hundreds of animals are expected to attract more than 20,000 attendees to the Saginaw County Fairgrounds this week.<br /><br />In the article is a picture of my hand holding my (well my daughter's) goats in one hand. I believe with the other I was holding a chicken.<br /><br />July 27 at 8:05am: Less than an hour until show time.<br />Goats today. See you at the Fair!<br /><br />July 27 at 7:33pm: Had an great and exhausting day at the Fair...highlights: G, Grand and Reserve <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">grand champion</span> Angora Goats, best of show for G and J in still exhibits, lots of blues for J and I especially.<br />-Josie {typing for Mommy} Oh, and she won the *very <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">prestigious</span>* "Home maker of the Year" award! :) :) :)<br />GO MOMMY!!<br /><br />Aunt Ruth: Will us plain old ordinary house wives be able to associate with<br />...the royalty up there?Don't let Todd forget this award!!!<br />Me: You plain ordinary "housewives" are my mentors and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">heroes</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.wnem.com/">http://www.wnem.com/</a> 96<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> Annual Saginaw County Fair Begins In <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Chesaning</span> N is in a video segment getting her bunny out. The little girl interviewed is in our club and was in my embroidery class..yes she really is that pretty and sweet! She won Jr. Showmanship for goats. And will show her Turkey tomorrow and Bunny on Thursday<br /><br />Wednesday 7/28 AM: Starting another long exciting day at the county fair...poultry (2 girls and 6 birds), style show, and public speaking (4 kids and 5 speeches)<br />And of course I will be there in my crown and sash--maybe some make up.<br /><br />PM: J, N and D did dramatic readings. N had a costume that I finished last night at 11, chanting to my self 'I am my mother". J's was amazing. G did a group thing on goats then and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">individual</span> on dog care.<br />G and N did well with their chickens. Unfortunately they were competing against each other. G also got a blue ribbon for the goat obstacle course with her dwarf.<br />Todd stayed with some of the kids to watch tractor racing. I just put little girls to bed. I plan on them crashing.<br /><br />Wednesday at 9:52pm: Another long tiring day at the fair. G got 3rd (by 1/2 point to 2<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">nd</span>) for poultry showmanship. The 5 birds received 2 first, 2 second and a fourth. G and Hugs (goat) won a blue for the obstacle course (she can get him to do almost anything). Speech/reading placings were not posted when I left.<br />The little girls fell asleep before I could kiss them goodnight. Todd has the rest watching tractor racing and fireworks; so I am trying to decide between a hot bath or a cool shower and then the hot pad and a good book.<br />Tomorrow is Bunny and the dog show. And I really want to watch the showmanship round robin where all of the best showmanship kids compete switching animals.<br /><br />Thursday at 10:31pm: Another fun filled day at the fair. G and her team won best of show for their demonstration. J won first for her reading and N second (different age groups). N's rabbit showmanship class was very <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">competitive</span> and she learned a lot.; her buck placed #5. Spent the day with friends...and we saw a bunch of friends from church today. That made the day go faster for the little ones.<br /><br />Tomorrow is 3 horse classes for G, the auction (we don't participate, but friends do) and the rodeo (spectating only)<br /><br />The highlight for our club was that of the 3 top showmanship levels 2 went to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Stoney</span> River Riders members. And the top points went to our dear friend Paige <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">Carman</span>.<br /><br />Only two more days of the Saginaw County Fair. If you haven't been out come on out. Today is the youth Pleasure Horse Show and the Rodeo. Tomorrow is Youth Speed Horse show. Of course all the cute animals are still there and the rides and the still exhibits.<br />Sunday will be a serious day of rest around here (after we get everything and everyone home from the fair grounds).<br />Only 2 more days to see me in my tiara and sash, except for rare public appearances...I hope that doesn't scare you away<br /><br />Friday PM: Fair report: G earned a first, a second and two fourths in her western pleasure walk/trot classes. J and N helped with the livestock buyers' dinner. I got to watch some of the auction. It was amazing to see the fair community come together to bid on a donation Lamb...the winning bid raised over $5000 for the fair grounds. Made me cry. It was beautiful.<br /><br />Stayed for the rodeo and fireworks. The children and I were there from 9 am to 10 pm. A very long day.<br /><br />The Argus-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">PressSag</span>. <a href="http://argus-press.com/news/community/chesaning/article_e77d2d1a-9b1d-11df-aad3-001cc4c03286.html">http://argus-press.com/news/community/chesaning/article_e77d2d1a-9b1d-11df-aad3-001cc4c03286.html</a> Goats take their shot at ‘obstinate’ course County Fair event pits goat in obstacle competition<br />The "obstinate course" is <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">hilarious</span> to watch.<br />We cheer and laugh and cheer and laugh.<br />They are doing it again tomorrow...well later today...at 4 PM in front of the horse barn<br /><br />Finally G's show pants are in the dryer and I can get in bed.<br />Tomorrow is the youth Speed Horse Show, G will be riding 3-4 classes depending on how the horse is doing. See you at the fair.<br /><br /><br />Saturday 11:PM: Only a couple of events today. The Youth Horse Speed Show started out a bit damp, but it became a beautiful day. G earned 2 thirds, a fifth and a sixth in her first speed show. Later Hugs earned a 6<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> place for the second obstacle course. His pen-mate Heidi came in last I think. It's easier to push or pull a little goat around than a big one.<br /><br />Fair ends tonight: relieved and exhausted and sad and happy and overwhelmed (at the mess in my house that I haven't even been in most of the week.)<br />Last year was good, but this year we were more involved, and it was just an amazing experience. The effort the organizers, volunteers, parents and especially the kids made this week is stupendous.<br /><br />I am not ready to talk about next year's fair yet, but ready to think about preparing, mostly animals and their issues, for what we think we want to do in the next year with out "farm"<br />I have been eyed for an even more involved position when T is big.<br />Even through all the just hanging around the little ones had to do while they watched and waited for the older ones they are sad that there is no Fair tomorrow.<br /><br />We have a 4-H meeting Tuesday so we won't go into 4-H <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">withdrawal</span> to deeply. My children all made new friends or strengthened old friendships.<br /><br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Tonight</span> after dinner Todd asked the children what their favorite thing was at the fair. T: Puppet show, M: candy (at the vendor booths), D the electric trains, N riding rides with 4-H friends, G winning gold fish at the midway (more animals), J hanging out with and getting to know 4-H friends, Todd seeing em get my award and the rodeo. I think my favorite was the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">camaraderie</span> of the fair family and being part of it or seeing my children challenged and rewarded for hard work.<br /><br />Hopefully J or I will get pictures on our blog this week.Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07370706472653859897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743007884113432874.post-7891671802621253622010-07-15T21:48:00.000-04:002010-07-15T21:49:31.709-04:00Upcoming County FairFriends have asked about our participation in the Saginaw county fair. I wanted to let everyone know what our schedule is like during fair week. We will be at the fairgrounds everyday of the fair; you will most likely find us in the Jr. Livestock Barn or the Small Animal Barn. Please come say hello.<br /><br />Tuesday is Veterans Day—Vets get in free.<br />9:30 G will be showing her four goats<br />Wednesday is Senior Citizen’s Day--$3 of admission<br />9:30 N and G will be showing their chickens<br />2:00 N will be participating in the style show.<br />3:00 (following style show) J, G, N and D will be doing public speaking in the still exhibit building.<br />4:00 G’s goat will be in the goat obstacle course.<br />Thursday is Pre-Schooler’s day—ages 2-5 receive $3 off admission<br />9:30 N will be showing her rabbit<br />1:00 G will be doing the dog show.<br />Friday and Saturday<br />Gwill be participating in the youth horse show (on a barrowed horse).<br /><br />Our family also has many still exhibits that will be on display. The children will have embroidery, photography, sewing, crafts, art, culinary and agriculture displays. I am entering sewing, crochet, photography, jam, floriculture and agriculture categories. Todd said he wanted to enter the deck, but we couldn’t figure out what category it was in.Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07370706472653859897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743007884113432874.post-70978475202077525642010-07-13T23:03:00.004-04:002010-07-13T23:07:44.980-04:00Home baked goodies for sale.Well not yet, but now it is legal in Michigan!<br /><br /><br />I looked into the kitchen thing when we were doign the design work of finishing the basement. It appeared to be too much bother and cast to put a certified kitchen in so when I saw this bill was in committee I changed my basement plans hoping, praying and even writing an email that it would pass. I see that it has!!!! Yeah. The girls can sell cookies and pies from our own kitchen.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.annarbor.com/news/state-eases-cottage-food-industry-regulations-1/">Here is the scoop.</a>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07370706472653859897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743007884113432874.post-64875284305548018232010-07-10T01:54:00.003-04:002010-07-10T01:59:54.239-04:00Update via my Super Blogger<a href="http://hillbillychronicle.blogspot.com/">J's blog</a> Has all the latest.<br /><br />She has time to take some amazing photos. I have been putting out fires, getting things ready for the county fair and being a mommy.<br /><br />The cute ducks went back home to the neighbor's. I think they were driven away by our dog who keeps digging out of his kennel. Tonight Todd installed some cement board around the base of the kennel so hopefully that will help.<br /><br />July has been busy so far and will only crescendo until the County Fair the last week of July. We have something on the calendar almost everyday. 75% of it is 4-H related.Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07370706472653859897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743007884113432874.post-35694413398049184822010-06-29T00:09:00.004-04:002010-06-29T00:26:08.578-04:00Jemima and JeremyFriday our neighbor stopped by. We started talking about the power outage we had earlier in the week. He was surprised that we did not have a generator. he had a second one that he wasn't using and told us we could have it for a good deal. Todd checked it out. Turns out that the generator came with 2 ducks.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488043240723478994" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TClyQCNOedI/AAAAAAAACPs/3mb4aNnvRnM/s400/DSCN9994.JPG" /><br />I guess these 2 ducks were not getting along with another two he had and he wanted to separate them. At their original home they used to live with chickens, the chickens left (to our freezer) and the ducks took over the hen house. They had never been on the pond. They loved it.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488043227300681522" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TClyPQM-1zI/AAAAAAAACPc/YsGi7D-EnC0/s400/DSCN0001.JPG" /><br />Now they are free to roam. They have stayed pretty close to the pond. They are eating all the time. Hopefully, they are eating things we don't want. Like weeds, algae and bugs in the pond. They also like the grass.<br /><br />It turns out that Todd was told that I wanted ducks. I don't remember telling anyone that. I did think it would be fun to watch ducks on the pond, and it is. Watch what you think out load around your children. Now the three little ones are fighting over whose ducks they actually are. The ducks do not go near anyone so I am not sure why any particular child would want to "own" them. They don't cuddle, they even swim the other way when you get close. Oh well.<br /><br />Sticking with our literary theme I named the girl (we are assuming they are a male female pair) Jemima from Beatrix Potter stories. Jeremy just goes with Jemima. I can't tell them apart and we just call them "the ducks". But it is fun to give them names.<br /><br />I hope I can get one of the children to build them at little lean-to. They didn't like the hard rain we had Sunday.<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488043236209671842" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TClyPxZDPqI/AAAAAAAACPk/hJl6OC82iEU/s400/DSCN9991.JPG" />Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07370706472653859897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743007884113432874.post-42818507683210581682010-06-25T23:34:00.003-04:002010-06-26T00:55:36.933-04:00Father's Day Weekend<div>We had a very busy weekend last weekend. I was planning to blog the whole thing, but J beat me to it. It is amazing how a young lady can find time for that kind of stuff while the mom of many can't fit it in. (Plus I'd rather be sewing) She swiped some of my photos so I will swipe her posts. (Just click on the pink letters to see the pictures.)<br /><br />Friday evening our church community group had a potluck. We always eat very well.<br /><br />Saturday our 4-H club sponsored a <a href="http://hillbillychronicle.blogspot.com/2010/06/my-weekend-pt-1-of-3.html">horse show </a>and we helped.<br /><br />Sunday the oldest son of a dear family got <a href="http://hillbillychronicle.blogspot.com/2010/06/my-weekend-pt-2.html">married</a>. It was a small wedding and we were honored to have been invited. We met this family when they were a small family of 6. I remember saying after knowing them for less than a year: "I will never have 4 children and I will NEVER homeschool, they are nuts". Well, now It seems kind of funny that I thought that. We have 6 children now and they have 9. The mom is still my hero in all that she gets done with a quiet and gentle spirit. So as we start the season of witnessing young people we have seen grow up I think I will cry more and more, tears of blessing. I teared up as Dustin stood beaming as he saw his new bride walk down the aisle. In my eyes he will be 10 years old (the age he was when we met) forever.<br /><br />Eight of the nine children in this family have participated in restored to Glory Dance Ministry. The youngest is still too young. So it fit that there was dancing at the reception, this is unusual for the weddings we have been to within our church family. The children did most of the dancing, but Todd and I danced one dance and I got our on the floor with the children for a few. The host family has quite the collection of moves. The poor Norris children are not rhythmically gifted in the same way, but they kept up in effort if not grace. Unfortunately the flash on our camera is being weird and very few of the pictures turned out well . But I did get some pictures for documentation: The father of the groom<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486935706708412594" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TCWC9EfDCLI/AAAAAAAACO0/wOfFk1D6uH0/s400/DSCN9556.JPG" /> and one of our pastors <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486932963177787122" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TCWAdYCX7vI/AAAAAAAACOU/HBbIUxMIcDQ/s400/DSCN9505.JPG" />were both caught on film (wait it's digital, so how does that go?) I also have blurry pictures the groom's brother J.P. dancing with little T (he is on his knees). The younger boys were also bustin' some moves were to fast for my camera.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486932947451651970" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TCWAcdc-J4I/AAAAAAAACOE/4ObLsL5FwGg/s400/DSCN9442.JPG" />and the mother of the groom participating in the last line dance. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486935697363748338" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TCWC8hrGxfI/AAAAAAAACOs/xIf9rI-ZCeM/s400/DSCN9562.JPG" />J.P. also lead a sort of Conga line<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486937733238129442" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TCWEzB5YgyI/AAAAAAAACPE/fbNDqR8TzKY/s400/DSCN9453.JPG" />Bride's Maids', flower girls and T<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486932936991535362" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TCWAb2fFcQI/AAAAAAAACN8/FkHtvN5Fro4/s400/DSCN9426.JPG" />In the background here you can see a couple of the groomsmen<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486935696699942418" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TCWC8fM15hI/AAAAAAAACOk/ufKGj_4N2Uo/s400/DSCN9548.JPG" /> This is the youngest of the family. She was adorable, but ready for this whole wedding business to be over.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486937744818259058" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TCWEztCTRHI/AAAAAAAACPM/qTZcXC0U-SI/s400/DSCN9526.JPG" />Finally J got out on the dance floor. She made this Sense and Sensibility Dress for the occasion. The bride shares my love for sewing. It just happened that all of the girls (including me) except one were wearing homemade dresses.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 315px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486932954928046946" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TCWAc5Te42I/AAAAAAAACOM/wQCK4e06pAc/s400/DSCN9460+(2).JPG" /> And many of the men just couldn't miss the golf thing....I understand it was a big one. I am not sure why Todd, who hates golf, was there. He claimed something about bonding.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486935680417359154" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TCWC7iixZTI/AAAAAAAACOc/_Sx6n094fdY/s400/DSCN9516.JPG" /><br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><br /><br />Monday: Since we had a social engagement on Father's Day and the blue gill were still biting in <a href="http://hillbillychronicle.blogspot.com/2010/06/my-weekend-pt-3.html">Rose City</a>, Todd took Monday off and we spent the day fishing and sleeping and swimming. OK, I did the sleeping and the kids swam and fished a little. J read a book and kept me company while I snored. Todd, with some help, caught 40+ bluegill.</div><br /><br /><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07370706472653859897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743007884113432874.post-26625423996809457882010-06-17T22:23:00.005-04:002010-06-26T00:16:05.758-04:00Chickens and young ladies<div>I snapped these pictures while I had the camera out taking pictures of our new goats. Who by the way have settled down a bit but don't like to be more than a few feet from each other.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TBrbjJKb-eI/AAAAAAAACNk/oGZqcsBKl9s/s1600/b3DSCN8914+(2).jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483936893078600162" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TBrbjJKb-eI/AAAAAAAACNk/oGZqcsBKl9s/s400/b3DSCN8914+(2).jpg" /></a> This is one of our new Ameracaunas trying to figure out how to get back with the flock.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TBrbi1MWxWI/AAAAAAAACNc/ZgO_C5ZR56g/s1600/b3DSCN8903+(2).jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 299px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483936887717938530" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TBrbi1MWxWI/AAAAAAAACNc/ZgO_C5ZR56g/s400/b3DSCN8903+(2).jpg" /></a> This is Esmeralda. The day we picked up the chicks she was walking funny and we thought it best to leave her with the 4-H leader and let her deal with the eventuality of her death. Well 2 weeks later she was doing just fine so she got sent home with us. She got picked on when we first put her in with the others. But after a couple days where they could see each other, but not pull her feathers out she go a long much better. She is smaller than the others, but if she lays eggs like the rest we'll be happy.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TBrbicaYKBI/AAAAAAAACNU/KWfyUDzsMeM/s1600/b3DSCN8902+(2).jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 299px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483936881065863186" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TBrbicaYKBI/AAAAAAAACNU/KWfyUDzsMeM/s400/b3DSCN8902+(2).jpg" /></a> This is my friend George. Chicks grow and change faster than people babies and remember much less. But she will always have a place in my heart. N has chosen her to be one of her show birds for the county fair.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TBrbiJnWrhI/AAAAAAAACNM/svjzVuSf3Zs/s1600/b3DSCN8900+(2).jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 301px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483936876020018706" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TBrbiJnWrhI/AAAAAAAACNM/svjzVuSf3Zs/s400/b3DSCN8900+(2).jpg" /></a><br />This is Whitey (G's bird of choice from this group), Phantom (N's bantam), and one of the no-name birds.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483936037595083346" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TBraxWPRclI/AAAAAAAACMs/k1qzYXnysAk/s400/b3DSCN8859+(2).jpg" /></div><br /><br /><div>N found this outfit at goodwill and has decided that for the costume parade for rabbits and poultry at the fair she will be Elpheba from Wicked (AKA the Wicked Witch from Wizard of Oz) and Zoser/Flops (her bunny) will be a winged monkey. In wicked he has a name,but I can't remember it, you will have to ask my Wicked expert.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Speaking of....</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>J stuck this silly pose as I walked by:</div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483936045255437986" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TBraxyxpLqI/AAAAAAAACM0/gidd5mYCIM8/s400/b3DSCN8873+(2).jpg" /></div><div>Then she sat down on a log with the pond in the back ground. I thought it would make a lovely picture. But she wouldn't smile. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483941476474877314" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TBrft7pQ9YI/AAAAAAAACNs/FMbf43vIq60/s400/b3DSCN8877+(2).jpg" />I asked why and she said she hadn't brushed her teeth and had food in them.</div><div> </div><div>So she did a quick swish and clean her teeth the best she could. I couldn't see anything, but she is conscious of stuff in her braces that she is ready to be rid of.</div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TBrfuhRaNsI/AAAAAAAACN0/KcyESIRBiyM/s1600/b3DSCN8878+(2).jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483941486575367874" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TBrfuhRaNsI/AAAAAAAACN0/KcyESIRBiyM/s400/b3DSCN8878+(2).jpg" /></a><br /><div><br /><div></div>In the end I got a beautiful picture of my eldest young lady.<br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TBrayw9mGoI/AAAAAAAACNE/li9-dfBYcxY/s1600/b3DSCN8880+(2).jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483936061948566146" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TBrayw9mGoI/AAAAAAAACNE/li9-dfBYcxY/s400/b3DSCN8880+(2).jpg" /></a> </div></div></div></div></div></div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07370706472653859897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743007884113432874.post-15244305909352554062010-06-17T22:06:00.002-04:002010-06-26T00:14:57.442-04:00Quilt<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TBrXIDoXy4I/AAAAAAAACMk/-KmNvw28uZ0/s1600/g%27s+quilt.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 302px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483932029690563458" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TBrXIDoXy4I/AAAAAAAACMk/-KmNvw28uZ0/s400/g%27s+quilt.jpg" /></a> I made this quilt for my brother and his bride for Christmas. I didn't have a very good picture in my Christmas pictures, so he sent one to me. He said no props were added. The pictures behind the quilt are one that my grandmother had in her house, then hey were in my mom's house. I am glad my brother has them displayed in such a prominent place. I believe the pictures of my mom and her parents were taken in the mid 1960's<br />Thanks Greg.<br /><div></div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07370706472653859897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743007884113432874.post-57804799353273677012010-06-14T23:55:00.008-04:002010-06-16T00:31:39.319-04:00Romantic DressesA few weeks ago I made M and T each two dresses from <a href="http://www.sensibility.com/patterns/girls-romantic-era-dress-pattern/">Jennie Chancey's Romantic Girls' Dress</a>. I have made this pattern a couple times before. Sensibility patterns are very easy to follow. So I whipped up these dresses in a few days, but I never posted them. So here they are:<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 306px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482852314981540610" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TBcBIY5nIwI/AAAAAAAACI8/LF_77so39rY/s400/b2DSCN8845+(2).jpg" /> Todd has taken the children fishing recently. M thinks it is a great thing...time with Daddy doing what he loves to do. So when Todd thought he'd check on our little fish (we stocked our pond last spring) M was right there to help. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 308px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482852334114627490" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TBcBJgLS36I/AAAAAAAACJM/u1sgvOtko_0/s400/b2DSCN8848+(2).jpg" /><br /><br /><div align="center">"Yeah, I got one!"</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 307px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482852349598319426" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TBcBKZ25Q0I/AAAAAAAACJU/fcoWCswrA_g/s400/b2DSCN8849+(2).jpg" /><br /><div align="center">"Keep reelin' M, keep going" </div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">"This is getting hard!"</div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482856852843245570" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TBcFQhwJsAI/AAAAAAAACJc/oiaBVCVas30/s400/b2DSCN8853+(2).jpg" /><br /><br /><div align="center">"He's kind of small."</div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 321px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482856895692573074" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TBcFTBYOiZI/AAAAAAAACJ8/99miLYeTyT4/s400/b2DSCN8854+(2).jpg" /> "Ooops, he swallowed the hook. Don't want that to happen, these fish have to grow to be dinner some day."<br /><br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482856876745248178" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TBcFR6y1TbI/AAAAAAAACJs/11G_rdlcpzg/s400/b2DSCN8865+(2).jpg" /><br />So Todd let M and T feed worms to the fish.<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 319px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482856867880641842" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TBcFRZxWJTI/AAAAAAAACJk/QSCL0T1J_6g/s400/b2DSCN8874+(2).jpg" /><br /><br /> All out of worms. Bummer<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="left">So we found something else to do.</div><br /><br /><br /><br />Dresses made from this particular pattern are very good twirling dresses<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 304px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482847267504703778" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TBb8illWySI/AAAAAAAACIs/lc8AWZtTNcg/s400/b2DSCN8839+(2).jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 304px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482852306200994642" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TBcBH4MKo1I/AAAAAAAACI0/FzvZkFDq7ZM/s400/b2DSCN8844+(2).jpg" /> I think that was too much twirling for T<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 303px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482847251440693458" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TBb8hpvZcNI/AAAAAAAACIc/_wsPZ1IQ_pg/s400/b2DSCN8833+(2).jpg" /><br />Chasing tadpoles and minnows<br /><br /><br /><div align="left">Last year we didn't have any wildflowers. I was sad. This year we have a ton! The girls love to pick, so we have many bouquets gracing our table. The things that are blooming and thus on our table are a flower that looks like a daisy, but stinks; white yarrow; and various variety of clover, much of which we seeded. Now that they are allowed to pick the wild flowers they are much better about not picking flowers in my gardens.<br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483220926373497842" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TBhQYZV7C_I/AAAAAAAACL0/i_GyOGazdwM/s400/b2aDSCN8947+(2).jpg" /><br />T had a little trouble with a choice for bunch of flowers. This white yarrow really wanted to stay where it was,<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TBhPNYeMh2I/AAAAAAAACLs/WxGmoJosB68/s1600/b2DSCN8944+(2).jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 321px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483219637649573730" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TBhPNYeMh2I/AAAAAAAACLs/WxGmoJosB68/s400/b2DSCN8944+(2).jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div align="center">"I love my sister"</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TBhPM6MNo5I/AAAAAAAACLk/VEmiKoLTQJw/s1600/b2DSCN8956+(2).jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 299px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483219629521085330" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TBhPM6MNo5I/AAAAAAAACLk/VEmiKoLTQJw/s400/b2DSCN8956+(2).jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div></div></div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07370706472653859897noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743007884113432874.post-55439515150791410552010-06-13T23:10:00.006-04:002010-06-14T01:04:28.213-04:00Elinore and MarianneAbout 9 weeks ago I saw an add for two female pygora goats not too far from us. G had talked about getting some sort of fiber animal for some time. We visited them along with our 4-H leader and decided we wanted them.<br /><br />Today was the day to go pick them up, now they are almost 9 weeks old. We left from church to drive to Lapeer. After a couple stops, lunch and TSC for last minute necessities and the latest MaryJane FarmGirl magazine, we were almost there. Even Todd asked "Are we there yet? Lake Huron should be right over the next hill."<br /><br />We arrived to find a note taped to the door. We were about 45 min after the time I had said we'd be there. But the number the owner left for me to call wasn't working. So I hid the money and found the kids with their mama.<br /><br />None of them were real sure we should be there, but the kids are little enough that they could be convinced. The Mama was small enough to handle too for that matter being 50% pygmy<br /><br />They were very quiet on the way home, cuddling together in the borrowed animal crate.<br /><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TBWQz3uEg-I/AAAAAAAACGY/LlUy6jUx_K8/s1600/bDSCN8722+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TBWQz3uEg-I/AAAAAAAACGY/LlUy6jUx_K8/s320/bDSCN8722+(2).jpg" width="320" height="256" qu="true" /></a></div><div align="center">Their grand entrance into the barn<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TBWRg7LId_I/AAAAAAAACGc/FKFyjWKPbTo/s1600/bDSCN8723+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TBWRg7LId_I/AAAAAAAACGc/FKFyjWKPbTo/s320/bDSCN8723+(2).jpg" width="256" height="320" qu="true" /></a></div>Heidi had to see what was going on. (or maybe she was looking for a treat.) She responded with a motherly bleat to the kids' little baby bleats. We have to keep them separate for a period of time. Kind of like quarantine when you bring animals into a new country.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TBWSWFGShDI/AAAAAAAACGg/oGsUO0e4d7Q/s1600/bDSCN8731+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TBWSWFGShDI/AAAAAAAACGg/oGsUO0e4d7Q/s320/bDSCN8731+(2).jpg" width="320" height="256" qu="true" /></a></div>They were hesitant to come out of the crate, but came eventually<br /><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TBWUwUgNxJI/AAAAAAAACGk/BvAyFCTV-jg/s1600/bDSCN8736+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TBWUwUgNxJI/AAAAAAAACGk/BvAyFCTV-jg/s320/bDSCN8736+(2).jpg" width="320" height="240" qu="true" /></a></div>They found the water and salt block right away, but weren't too sure that we were safe. When G put the grain in their stall they got busy with that. It took a bit for them to be sure the alfalfa was good, but when they did they munched away and got closer to us.<br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TBWWM8wb5jI/AAAAAAAACGo/rxu8vRHBiaA/s1600/bDSCN8743+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TBWWM8wb5jI/AAAAAAAACGo/rxu8vRHBiaA/s320/bDSCN8743+(2).jpg" width="320" height="240" qu="true" /></a></div><br />If we got a hold of them they would sit quietly on our laps until we let go. Then they were off to the other side of their stall.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TBWY6MZ8iPI/AAAAAAAACGw/rK7PmXghgqQ/s1600/bDSCN8749+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TBWY6MZ8iPI/AAAAAAAACGw/rK7PmXghgqQ/s320/bDSCN8749+(2).jpg" width="320" height="240" qu="true" /></a><br /><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TBWZabQygvI/AAAAAAAACG0/d1UPoj8SoB8/s1600/bDSCN8750+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TBWZabQygvI/AAAAAAAACG0/d1UPoj8SoB8/s320/bDSCN8750+(2).jpg" width="320" height="240" qu="true" /></a></div>I can't tell them apart very well yet. Marianne has curlier hair on her body, less hair on her head and is bigger. She was the one to go to the grain and alfalfa first.<br /><br /><p>Elinore has more fluff on her head, but is smaller and less curly on her body. She took a little longer to warm up to her new home.<br /></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TBWad4mLfBI/AAAAAAAACHE/vTOY6HO3U-Y/s1600/bDSCN8784+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TBWad4mLfBI/AAAAAAAACHE/vTOY6HO3U-Y/s320/bDSCN8784+(2).jpg" width="320" height="255" qu="true" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TBWawMAFrtI/AAAAAAAACHM/3NvTJLDxJOs/s1600/bDSCN8802+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TBWawMAFrtI/AAAAAAAACHM/3NvTJLDxJOs/s320/bDSCN8802+(2).jpg" width="320" height="255" qu="true" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TBWa1tWE4TI/AAAAAAAACHQ/Be-Bn-2bO5w/s1600/bDSCN8822+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1"></a></div>Here is an up close of the fiber:<br /><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TBWa1tWE4TI/AAAAAAAACHQ/Be-Bn-2bO5w/s1600/bDSCN8822+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TBWa1tWE4TI/AAAAAAAACHQ/Be-Bn-2bO5w/s320/bDSCN8822+(2).jpg" width="320" height="241" qu="true" /></a><br />It is still short because they are babies, but it is very soft and curly. Their dad's fur is very long and curly.<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 396px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482481867441276066" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TBWwNgRbhKI/AAAAAAAACHs/SlVY71_si8M/s400/bDSCN8758+(2).jpg" /> In this picture they are standing right in front of the door to their stall. The top of the door is about the same distance as from the bottom board to the top board.<br /><p>After we had the girls settled and had moved on to other things, Todd was putting his good fishing poles away in the barn when we heard hollers for help.</p><p align="center"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TBWa5Yioo-I/AAAAAAAACHU/ACr3JCqoD98/s1600/bDSCN8910+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TBWa5Yioo-I/AAAAAAAACHU/ACr3JCqoD98/s320/bDSCN8910+(2).jpg" width="240" height="320" qu="true" /></a></p><p>Nothing panicky, but obviously something he didn't want to deal with alone. One of the goats (he can't tell them apart either, he might never be able to) had jumped the gate to the stall. He managed to coral them then head to the house for the cordless screwdriver. </p><br /><br /><p align="center"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TBWbHN9i9TI/AAAAAAAACHg/YiTloDS3nQs/s1600/bDSCN8918+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TBWbHN9i9TI/AAAAAAAACHg/YiTloDS3nQs/s320/bDSCN8918+(2).jpg" width="257" height="320" qu="true" /></a></p><p align="center">The outside of the door. </p><p>We thought for sure it would be tall enough, but one of the kids had shown us her climbing ability when we were trying to get her out of her original home: She was on top of a box that was on top of an old kitchen cupboard. She jumped from there into the adjoining goat stall. After we got her sister out of the stall the climber jumped back in from the next stall. Then while we were securing the pen she climbed to the top of a pile of hay bales. Actually, with my back the way it is, it was easier to get her down from there than up into my arms to carry her to the van.<br /><br /><br /></p><p>He grabbed an extra board and made the door a bit taller. </p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 321px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482481882367248866" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TBWwOX4DyeI/AAAAAAAACH8/3REa_fYPFu8/s400/bDSCN8917+(2).jpg" /><br />They supervised the redesign of their new home from the top of a dog house. We got the dog house for Hugs and Heidi. Hugs (the dwarf) like to stand on it to be tall. Heidi doesn't need any help to get up. She is our resident mountain goat. Todd and G made a small pasture for Hugs and Heidi. Heidi won't stay in. The fence is standard cattle panels and the door is a palate that has been added to so that it it taller than I am. We wondered if Heidi didn't "tell" the kids how to get over the door.<br /><br /><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TBWbQHFPhFI/AAAAAAAACHk/XfC79wJJPmU/s1600/bDSCN8921+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TBWbQHFPhFI/AAAAAAAACHk/XfC79wJJPmU/s320/bDSCN8921+(2).jpg" width="258" height="320" qu="true" /></a>It should be plenty tall now, but we have checked on them a few times. It seems to have worked. They have been calling for their mama, but haven't escaped again.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 322px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482481888356838002" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TBWwOuMFqnI/AAAAAAAACIE/qlZcvNKcMU8/s400/bDSCN8922+(2).jpg" /> <p align="center">Goodnight Heidi, take care of the babies.<br /><br /></p>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07370706472653859897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743007884113432874.post-73461074767194249072010-06-07T22:46:00.007-04:002010-06-08T00:23:36.740-04:00First Horse ShowG has been taking riding lessons for 3 years now. Her passion for horses has only grown; even when she had to muck out stalls for lessons. This spring I talked with our 4-H leader to try to figure out a way we could make it so she could show. Actually, I started asking about M doing lead line with one of her daughters. M follows in G's red hair and passions for activity and animals. I thought that might be easier to make happen. Jennifer in her wisdom, said that it really wouldn't be fair to G and her hard work for M to show before G.<br /><br /><br />So we worked it out that M could do lead line with P Jennifer's oldest daughter on Fanny and G could do showmanship with Carly, Jennifer's second daughter's, T, horse.<br /><br /><br />Jennifer told M that she would be helping P with her horse for the show. Wow! did that make M happy. I think she asked everyday "When am I going to P's to help her with her horse?"<br /><br /><br />We managed to get a practice in at their house and one at the arena. We also had a mini practice and my girls got to help get the horses ready for the show (bath and brush).<br /><br />Jennifer has been a horse-lady forever and a 4-H leader for a long time. She does a great job. Anyway, she has quite the collection of riding wear. So after the first practice we had a fashion show. Very fun. Sorry no pictures. Mary found a shirt to wear with her bright pink split skirt and T's helmet matches and fits. G found a black hat and jacket to wear with her black boots and khaki jeans...wow did show look grown up.<br /><br /><br />G has a hat that her grandfather bought out West and carried back on his lap in a cramped car in the late 1950's. She will wear it with pride, but the many years on the closet shelf has incurred some wear and tear. Mostly it needs reshaped. So before show season is over we will have that done.<br />G was so excited and nervous I don't think she slept well all week before the show. But it all paid off.<br /><br /><br />She put on her show clothes and was transformed from my little busy, rough and tumble girl to a sophisticated horse-lady. Wow. I barely recognized her. She carried herself with such confidence I rarely see in her. The only other place was the goat show ring last summer.<br /><br /><br />OK enough mommy ramble on to pictures:<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TA2_SzPJ7lI/AAAAAAAACGQ/BZTsCaWoPkM/s1600/bDSCN8355+(2).jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480246651292085842" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TA2_SzPJ7lI/AAAAAAAACGQ/BZTsCaWoPkM/s400/bDSCN8355+(2).jpg" /></a> No grandparents were able to come, but our church family was represented by the Schlitts from our small group. And our neighbor Mrs. Cooper brought her Granddaughter. G works for the Coopers feeding their mini horse (and a Morgan who was recently sold) and the cats and keeping the plants watered. What a treat to have them there.<br /><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TA2_Sf_H0hI/AAAAAAAACGI/2NoGQds3FE0/s1600/bDSCN8344+(2).jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480246646124565010" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TA2_Sf_H0hI/AAAAAAAACGI/2NoGQds3FE0/s400/bDSCN8344+(2).jpg" /></a><br />Waiting for her class...kind of nervous.<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TA2_Rvi7pNI/AAAAAAAACF4/Ir3rAnNkXAE/s1600/bDSCN8336+(2).jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480246633121424594" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TA2_Rvi7pNI/AAAAAAAACF4/Ir3rAnNkXAE/s400/bDSCN8336+(2).jpg" /></a> My little and not so little cowgirls.</div><div align="left"><br />Showmanship is judged on how well the participant presents the horse, not at all on the horse. They have to do a pattern of sorts. The pattern was a little different for the levels for this show. G participated in the the walk-trot level; it is for beginners with only 1-2 years of show experience.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TA2x2IY_0QI/AAAAAAAACFI/n_7OgQq_9ws/s1600/bDSCN8359+(2).jpg"><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 319px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480231865103143170" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TA2x2IY_0QI/AAAAAAAACFI/n_7OgQq_9ws/s400/bDSCN8359+(2).jpg" /></a>Her pattern was to walk <span style="color:#ffff00;">to</span> the judge, stop and set the horse while keeping the horse between her and the judge, then turn 90 degrees walk to a cone<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TA2x2IY_0QI/AAAAAAAACFI/n_7OgQq_9ws/s1600/bDSCN8359+(2).jpg"><br /></a></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480231851083569186" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TA2x1UKeGCI/AAAAAAAACFA/KuE83rbhuTQ/s400/bDSCN8361+(2).jpg" /> <p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TA2x2IY_0QI/AAAAAAAACFI/n_7OgQq_9ws/s1600/bDSCN8359+(2).jpg"></p></a></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Then turn and trot to the exit gate. Carly wasn't interested in going very fast. As they left the gate Jennifer had G make Carly do as she was told. Good learning for both girl and horse. <div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">G got Carly to trot and went back to the trailer to let her rest. She almost missed her placing being called, but was brought to attention quickly enough to hear that she had earned first place!!! She said she teared up and didn't really believe it.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TA2x1M6cVkI/AAAAAAAACE4/Uof2aDqPUIE/s1600/bDSCN8365+(2).jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480231849137296962" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TA2x1M6cVkI/AAAAAAAACE4/Uof2aDqPUIE/s400/bDSCN8365+(2).jpg" /></a> Great job G!!!<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TA2x0ltfVqI/AAAAAAAACEw/3NFhgArgXTk/s1600/bDSCN8367+(2).jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480231838613984930" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TA2x0ltfVqI/AAAAAAAACEw/3NFhgArgXTk/s400/bDSCN8367+(2).jpg" /></a> "Thank you Carly for being mostly good"<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TA2x0HoaB7I/AAAAAAAACEo/u0Cfy70pDPo/s1600/bDSCN8369+(2).jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480231830539601842" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TA2x0HoaB7I/AAAAAAAACEo/u0Cfy70pDPo/s400/bDSCN8369+(2).jpg" /></a> On the way to the ring. How P ended up alone with M and T and a horse I don't know, but they did great all the way to the other side of the arena.<br /><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TA2v8BO9nlI/AAAAAAAACEg/1rqtpH6LwNY/s1600/bDSCN8380+(2).jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480229767237967442" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TA2v8BO9nlI/AAAAAAAACEg/1rqtpH6LwNY/s400/bDSCN8380+(2).jpg" /></a> Toes up, back straight.</div><br /><div>In lead-line a small child usually 5-7 years old rides, but another experienced horseman is in control of the horse. They all get ribbons. It is a great learning experience.<br /><br /></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TA2v7yqqFmI/AAAAAAAACEY/RwMj3fLXZTI/s1600/bDSCN8381+(2).jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480229763327596130" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TA2v7yqqFmI/AAAAAAAACEY/RwMj3fLXZTI/s400/bDSCN8381+(2).jpg" /></a> They are led around the ring and have to change directions then line up to talk to the judge.<br /><br /><div align="left"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TA2v7vJBc6I/AAAAAAAACEQ/uYgLqmTfIvs/s1600/bDSCN8390+(2).jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480229762381214626" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TA2v7vJBc6I/AAAAAAAACEQ/uYgLqmTfIvs/s400/bDSCN8390+(2).jpg" /></a> M had to answer a few questions for the judge. This judge was very patient and helpful with the little ones. M knew all the answers except she forgot the name of the horse. She said it was because she knew the mare had more than one name. Now she knows both. She also could answer a question she hadn't practiced and backed Franny up a step or two. In practicing for the show she had trouble remembering the color. Who has the color sorrel in their kindergarten crayon box?? So she kept repeating to herself, "sorrel, sorrel, sorrel," enough for her to remember and to drive her siblings nuts.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TA2v7D56hyI/AAAAAAAACEI/0gn1j4cYEss/s1600/bDSCN8397+(2).jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480229750775121698" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TA2v7D56hyI/AAAAAAAACEI/0gn1j4cYEss/s400/bDSCN8397+(2).jpg" /></a> Happy with a job well done!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TA2v62oQ_II/AAAAAAAACEA/xT_XW2u_3Ws/s1600/bDSCN8399+(2).jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480229747211435138" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_v_dXx1BlUEI/TA2v62oQ_II/AAAAAAAACEA/xT_XW2u_3Ws/s400/bDSCN8399+(2).jpg" /></a> Showing off her ribbon. The white participation ribbon faded into to the lightly clouded sky. The weather couldn't have been better that day--partly sunny with a cool breeze. </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07370706472653859897noreply@blogger.com1