OCTOBER "BUSY-NESS"

It has been a while since I last posted- due in part to busy-ness and businss.

The past month has been crazy to say the least- and while I won't share all of the "details" here- someday you can read about it in my journal...
But here are some pictures to help explain...

Caught Kyle at his last soccer game of the season- he was very enthusiastic. That's him getting ready to kick the ball in.

Kaylee was not happy that Ryan had a game to play and she didn't. So I distracted her with an orange cone-hat, which, being a girl, she liked!

We had some returning guests at the Retreat Center over UEA- their little girl jumped out of the car and ran straight back to see Patches- who was already back at the ranch for the winter. She was so upset that Tom and I told her we'd go home and get her for the weekend so she could play with her. We got home and discovered a very good reason why Patches could not go back to the Center

Patches, not to be outdone by Bitzie, decided October was also a fine time to have babies...One blue-eyed buck and a brown eyed doe. Arn't they cute?

So we invited the family out to the ranch- which they enjoyed even more because all the kids got to pet the ponies as well as hold the new baby goats!

Bitzie's pair think they look good as garden ornaments...

With the threat of winter looming- I decided Ace was growing too fast and getting too big and if I didn't make some progress in his training this Fall, by Spring he may be that much bigger and harder to work with. So-

I introduced him to the saddle pad...

Which he thought was a great toy to chew on...
But I did get it on his back with no trouble- and dragged it over his head and shook it at him- just to make sure it wasn't a scary thing to him- which it wasn't :-) I also walked him down the road- cars ARE a scary thing for him- so we'll need to spend more time doing that before the snow flies.
Moved the ponies to new pasture.

October means gettin ready for winter-

Tom went up in the mountains and got a load of wood to cut and split.

He cuts and splits- I load up the tractor bucket and drive it over and dump it on the porch and then stack it.

More pictures next post...

More Bits...

Finishing up on a few more little things going on that make up our lives:

Our wild plum tree went crazy this year with fruit- I need to find my canner I guess and put up some plum jam. They should be ripe in another week or so.

Last Monday, Graciela, a friend from my Ward who also owns horses, and I went to Ephraim to an indoor arena where on Mondays between 4 and 6 there is a 4-H riding group that meets. The gals that run it are two really nice ladies (grandma types) that help out the kids in the area that want to learn how to ride and jump. They invited us to come check it out. We had a fun time- cute kids not bigger than 8 or 9 years jumping horses and loving it! I am going to help them out anyway I can- probably bring any of my students down to ride that want to jump, etc.

I took Annie and Frankie- Graciela rode one while I worked the other. Neither of her horses are rideable at this time. I was so pleased with Annie- to my knowledge she'd never jumped before and she offered no resistance at all when we did. She even seemed to enjoy it. I'm so excited about her foal next year by Providence- should be a good little jumping pony!

Bitsy surprised us with 2 babies- one doe and one buck! Usually they have babies in the spring.

We got 2 kittens for mousers. I just call them Blue Eyes and Green Eyes- They are sisters-even though they don't look like it.

Our little neighbors (twins, now 4 years old) saw Tom and I working in the field putting up the fencing and started yelling at us- "Hello Jerri!" "Hello Brother Fuhriman!" (Since he's the Bishopric member over Primary- they know him more from there) We hollered a "Hello, How are you?" back, which only fueled the flame and they kept saying "Hi", "How's your pony, We want to see your new kittens," etc. We were about done (more like done-in) with the fencing, so Tom yelled back to see if they wanted to come see the new baby goats. They started walking across the field (after finding their Mom) and came over to see the baby goats (just born) and the kittens. They asked what were the names for the goats- I said they had just been born and we didn't have names for them. Little Adelai and Julian decided this was no good and promptly named them Rose and Rocket Ship!

Thursday we went down to watch Kyle in his last soccer game of the year. Tom had to run an errand so he dropped me off at Cari's to help get kids ready (Cari's really feeling the difference of getting 4 kids ready to go some where vs 3!) Of course they all were happy to see me-it's been awhile. Kaylee ran to me and hugged me saying "Banma"- but after one hug she looked around and said, "Bampa" She looked and looked- while repeating several times, "Bampa." I told her he had to go somewhere but will be back in a minute- She frowned and called again "Bampa, Bampa!" All sad like. Later, when he returned, she ran to him and hugged him and wouldn't let go! Needless to say it made Tom's day to be so admired.

Kyle did great in his game- he has such unbridled enthusiasm for life-it's so fantastic to see, and so rare. He is always so quick to high five someone or say "good job!" to one of the other players. I really appreciate his wonderful attitude.

Ryan showed us how well he can bounce a ball and catch it in the air with one hand- he was so excited to show us his new tricks! And little baby Kynlee is growing! She is so adorable, cooing and smiling. And she has blue eyes and, dare I say, reddish hair? We'll have to see... I took the camera to get some pictures- but after a couple of shots the battery was dead- those were too far away to see anything- so I came home and plugged it in! Better luck (planning) next time!

BITS AND TIDBITS

Comings & goings,
Bits & tidbits
Our life, a puzzle,
And how it all fits...sometimes

This is mostly a catch up on the past few weeks-

Work:

• We've been working 12 hours in the office every day (usually 6am-6 pm) then going home and getting projects done around the farm...we are TIRED.
• The Center is empty- but we do have two groups coming in October- one in trade for some website work and we're donating a night for some Celtic dancers doing a benefit concert at Snow college.
• Tom's been putting his resume' out for any Knowledge management director positions- He made it to the final 2 for the walmart postition-but no dice.

Projects on the farm:

• We strung up some hotwire around the pasture's south and west side to enclose it so the horses could be turned out to eat all the pasture (and weeds) out there. This included post pounding, stringing wire, cleaning up junk in the way of the fence, and generally in the pasture- there were several piles of old wood something-er-others.
• We fixed the garage door on the barn
• We started putting up the rough-cut lumber planks to enclose the rest of the barn where ther was rotten fiber board
• Loaded the trailer with junk
• Scraped up the burn pile with the tractor and loaded it on trailer
• Tacked down tar paper and replaced rotten wood on cottage and barn roofs to get ready for metal roofing

Church:

• We had Stake conference 2 weekends ago- it was very good- and very nice for Tom to have a break from Sunday finances and Bishopric meetings... We invited several friends over after the sat. night session for ice cream sundaes and had a great time.
• Gospel Doctrine (what I currently teach) is now held in the Chapel- which is good and bad- everyone's more spread out, but more people attend- On the Stake level- I'm involved with the activities committe's production of a pageant of sorts in November on Christ, to sort of kick off the Christmas season on the right foot.

Personal:

• I'm just finishing my 2nd round of antibiotics for my UTI- I've had to watch my sun exposure while on the meds- last Saturday I was out in the sun giving pony rides to a neighbor's grandkids and got a bit of heat stroke- believe it or not-
• Oh- and wonderful menopause- I get hotflashes all night and all day- which makes it hard to sleep longer than 1/2 hour at a time before waking up either hot or cold. And at the office I can be seen suddenly ripping off my sweater and frantically fanning myself- so much fun! (sarcasm)
• Tom has been fighting off a cold and then, last night, Derek, Elli, and her Mom visiting from Mexico, came over for dinner. After which, Derek proceeded to show Tom some of his new Jujitsu moves- which resulted in a "crack" - which was the sound of Tom's rib breaking- Good move Derek! Tom- you're not as young as you used to be! Now we're wondering how we'll ever get the roofing done-
• Tyler is heading back to the MTC on Oct 13th! We're so proud of him for sticking to his commitment to serve a mission. He has the same call as before- Portland Oregon, Spanish Speaking. We will miss him a bunch!
• Cari is blessing Kynlee on Oct 10th- so the family is all invited for dinner and it will also be a last family dinner for Tyler.

We were planning to go to Boise this weekend but the car has over 200,000 miles and has been acting up-so we decided to not to go.

So anyway- there's an update

The Sport Pony Inspections

The inspection process is intense

With all eyes on you
The judges, trainers, and others

To see how your ponies will do

We trailered Providence and Domingo to the inspection site Friday afternoon so they could get used to the environment and get schooled over the jumps.

Jan & Gary Lawrence and the Larence family own Millbrook Farms where the inspection took place. I used to ride with them several years ago (20!) when I took jumping and dressage lessons. They were so helpful- setting up a jumping chute to practice with and giving Tom & I a hand getting them through it.

We then spent the night at Cari's, and went back the next morning for one more work-out with the ponies. We then went home for the rest of Saturday and let the little guys rest.

Then, Sunday evening we went back to Cari's- with all the family coming over. It was just what I needed to keep me relaxed and not too nervous. We had so much fun playing a game- like charades- anyway- Tyler and Jason were hilarious! Tom did some pretty funny stuff, too. I got to meet Tyler's new "friend" Katheryn- what a nice gal! And Kaylee and Bill performed their "high-wire" act of Kaylee balancing in Bill's hands up above his head- with her smiling like crazy the whole time! She is fearless!

I love my family soooo much- the noise level was high-but what fun we have!We missed Derek- but Ellie was there. Derek is in Costa Rica (lucky dog!) working for the week.

Anyway- Monday morning at 6:30 we were ast the barn, bathing ponies. The one inspector flew in from Germany the night before, and Gary was the second inspector.

Domingo's in hand part of the inspection.

Then Providence's turn. Providence starts down the free jumping chute. I wish I could get the videos of him jumping loaded- I'll keep trying to figure it out- he FLEW over the fences and the judge kept putting them higher and higher just to watch him go.

After the in-hand and free jumping- we saddled them up for the rest of the inspection. I was SO GRATEFUL for my friend Inger. She came and helped so much holding ponies, getting one tacked up while I worked with another. Tom helped a ton, too- plus took pictures.

Providence under saddle.

Domingo under saddle.

It took most of Monday morning but by noon the results were in- Providence passed the inspection with flying colors- which is exactly what I expected and Domingo- as cute as he was- was not quite good enough-which is also what I expected- but was worth the try.

Jan & Gary invited us to stay and have lunch with them and the German Judge- which was great! All in all it was an experience- and one I won't forget soon.With the inspection over, I'll be taking the ponies back to their home on Monday and life will slow down a little- WHEW! And I'll be looking forward to next summer when some cute little foals will be born on our place. I hope they will look alot like their gorgeous daddy- Providence!

Jumping Ponies & Riding Dressage Tests

Jumping ponies is fun

Hard work in the hot sun

And a Dressage test IS a test

For my mind, body, and all the rest

This is Domingo learning to free jump. he shows really good form here. I hope he takes the jumps at the inspection like this!

Providence is further along in his training and can carry a pasenger (me!)over the jump. I LOVE jumping horses- it is a cool feeling.

Tom did a GREAT job catching these shots- it's hard to time the pictures when the horses are at the right spot.

Last saturday, we took Providence to a dressage show. This was his first time- and mine in 20 years! Dressage tests are ridden one at a time and the judge has a scribe so he never takes his eyes off of you. Rather un-nerving. I was exhausted by the time I warmed up Providence for an hour (more like wearing him down) and rode the test- I'm so glad I decided to only ride one test- many riders will ride 2 or 3.

I feel good about our test- even though we didn't score super high - mostly due to a crooked entrance down the center line and stop, and Providence being overly curious about the other horses instead of keeping his head down and working. But the judge loved his gaits- he scored high on his trot and canter.

Several of the proffessional trainers there came up to me to comment on how nice he was and what beautiful gaits he had. I was just happy we made it through the test! If these pictures were closer you'd see how red my face is from the sauna-like conditions of the arena!

I'm also crossing my fingers I have 3 mares infoal to him and get something as nice as he is.

The Stallion inspection is next Monday-that will be an experience- wish me and the ponies luck!

A Visit With Daniel, Hanna, & Colin

Short, but sweet

Made our summer complete

A overnight stay,

Then to Boise, on their way

Colin loved climbing the willow tree, while Daniel pushed Hanna on the swing (she's in there among the branches...)

Tom drove up to the Airport on Sunday (this is a much delayed post-it was a couple of weeks ago) and picked up Daniel, Hanna, and Colin to come and spend the night with us. It was nice because we actually had some time Monday morning to ride the pony and 4-wheeler before Tom drove them back up to Provo to meet up with Amanda's brother.

Sunday evening we had thunderstorms- which was really fun to watch-and- the kids got to take part in my tradition of hot cocoa when ever there is a thunderstorm at night. They thought it was a GREAT idea!

A neighbor's dog showed up afraid of the thunder- Hanna was especially sweet to the poor scared thing.

Hanna on Jigsaw

Daniel rode all by himself.

Colin was excited and scared all at the same time!


They've grown up so much since the last time we spent time with them. By far, Daniel was the most excited to ride, lead, feed, and generally hang out with the horses. Colin loved to wander around and check everything out, including the goats- and Hanna loved feeding the horses and the goats.

The Flatest Tire Ever and Good-bye to Coco

Not a slow leak,
Not a little hole
Through the tire AND the rim
It really took it's toll!

So Tom & I were driving to work- he was eating breakfast, so I was driving and we were chatting- and I happened to glance at the road and see something in the road, which, at a glance just looked like a lump of dirt.

Well, it wasn't. It was a chunk of metal, part of which was a brake shoe and pad. Ga-thump!

The good news: We were about 5 minutes walking time from the office- and just a hundred feet from a tire place- so Tom slowly drove it to get looked at while I went on to work.

The BAD NEWS: It ruined the (1 week old) tire and, what's worse, the rim also got a hole in it! I'd never heard of getting a "flat" on your rim!

So, consequently, the spare is still on the car while a place is trying to fix the rim- which then the tire store is kindly replacing the brand-new tire at their cost (it wasn't expensive enough of a tire to have road hazard coverage) and they will also balance it for free.

What a way to start the week!

We had our Ward Campout and Wood Cutting Project. I LOVE my activities committee! The weather was great- it threatened rain friday eve- but we got lucky and it ended up a beautiful night! Everyone loved the breakfast- and I had lots of eager young helpers to take Coco around to let him graze Saturday AM while I cleaned up.

I had brought Coco up to go for a ride on Friday before the camp out started- he was so good- that it made it even harder to sell him this week.

Yes, you heard right. I had put an ad in about a month ago, and had a few nibbles, then out of the blue a serious buyer came. So Coco has a new home. They seem like really good horse owners and ride all over the Uintas. They are an older, retired couple and Coco was so good for them and I could tell he liked them.

I will miss Coco a lot. He gave my grandkids and me a lot of good memories.