TMI??

WARNING: This is an emotional, spilled my guts kind of post possibly bordering on TMI(to much info.) and if you have no sense of sensitivity you probably won't enjoy it. So before you continue, ask yourself if you can handle this chick's-flick?
As most of you know Bryan had surgery on his shoulder a couple weeks ago; sorry that I haven't blogged on it sooner but trying to keep up on this place now plus with all of the other things that are going on is taking its toll. Some days I think I need to disappear; today might be one of those days. Anyhow, Bryan is doing well. He started physical therapy yesterday and already meets the phase 1 criteria(what ever that means) so they are going to proceed very slowly so they don't stretch anything. He had to have surgery because everything was stretched out and his shoulder was barely staying in-thanks to his muscles.
So during these past couple weeks I've been doing a lot reflecting on my own life and well,........ its just caotic. My girls are growing up fast. We have "created" quite the life for ourselves out here. I know that this lifestyle was not what Bryan had ever invisioned that he would have; horses, goats, numerouse dogs, chickens and cats oh and a bunny. Bryan is the kind of man that a small house on a town lot with a concrete and gravel yard was his dream, but then I've wondered, what would you do, really? Believe me there has been a lot of sweat, some blood and tears with this place but for the most part we wouldn't change anything, which I am very thankful for. I am very thankful that Bryan has let me chase some dreams and since I am not bringing in the income that I once was that he is still supporting me in some of these dreams/hobbies. I love you sweetie!! and thank-you!!
Through a lot of this I have become more of an independent and confident person in a lot of things(there is still a lot of areas that need work); some ways this is good and other ways its not so good-depends on how you use it. I have learned a lot of skills that have enabled me to help with the maintanence and repairs around here but do have a hard time asking for help( i think that is a common thing though with lots of people) but on the otherside, being a bit of a "people pleaser" I have a hard time telling people, no I can't do that and therefore end up running here and there doing that and this etc.......and the family ends up getting the "left-overs." Not good!!
I have struggled with being content with where I am in life and have often wondered a lot on "what if's". Don't do this-this will drive you ever the edge, seriously. You are where you are in life because ultimatly God has a plan and every person has a part. Yes, He will let you make your own decisions, all of which have a consequence good or bad but you can rest in Him knowing that He knows where you are, your not alone, and if you seek His guidance in all things and obey you can have peace and contentment. This is not to say that you will never mess up, have a bad attitude etc.... but learn and apply and it makes you stronger. I had to about hit rock bottom for me to come to a better understanding and realization that when you try to do everything on your own-it sucks, literally. If your not feeding the spiritual part of your being, "something" will always be lacking-can't run a 4 cylinder(physical, mental, emotional and spiritual) engine on 3 cylinders for very long before it just starts breaking down.
Okay, now that I have spilled my guts, I feel better so on with the post.

We took the girls to the park earlier this week. Jessie got some rollerskates from grandma that she need to try-they were a bit big but she did well. Marisa has really learned how to ride her bike very well so she was all over the place.

I little out of focus but still cute.

She's all limbs!!!

Ta-Da!!

Growing up way to fast. (sniffle, sniffle)

Furry Visitors

Be proud of me. I said no. It was really hard; they were so cute, adorable, fluffy and the puppy breath was just........puppy breath, how do you describe it!
These poor little gals were dumped in the desert not to far from a ranch. What is it that makes people think that ranches can always have more dogs? So many people like the idea of having pets but not the responsibility that comes with them. Grrrrrr!!!! "I've always known that she wanted to be a mother". "It will be so good for the kids to see what birth is all about". "Its always good to let a female dog have a litter before they are spayed". IT'S ALL NONSENSE!!! Most of the puppies/dogs(I'd dare to say 80-90%) end up in the pound being euth. Okay, sorry, I'm done venting. :)
Anyhow, I brought them home and promptly got them into a foster home with animal control. They are all female, about 8wks old and probably border collie crosses and did I say cute?!!!

The two on the ends are cotton balls!!! Fluffy, fluffy long hair and cute!!! As you can see, the girls loved them and had them all named in no time; "Bitey, Maria, and Lilly". Bitey liked to bit(if you didn't know). Anyhow, I'm sure that you could call animal control if you think you want one or get a hold of me.

Yes, the girls were quite bummed that we couldn't keep any but handled it quite well. 4 dogs is plenty!!

Morning Pasture Time

The rain has done wonders for our little pastures and the horses are loving it-so is Bryan; it cuts down on the hay being fed. Anyhow, after the grass starts to seed I start turning the horses out in the morning eventually working them up to about 1-2hrs a day. I will increase it to twice a day soon. They really look forward to it and doesn't take long to set up a routine; they are eagerly waiting at their gates in the morning.

Thankfully, I have them about as eager to return to their pens; a little hay and some oats go a long way. Lena is always the first to meet me to head back for the rest of her breakfast.

Here come Riata and Nina; Lena was hoping that the camera was edible.

Nina is boss! She's not to happy that Riata has beat her to me. Oh well, she'll survive.

Chickies

Our second batch of chicks arrived Sun. in Elko. Bryan and the girls went over and got them since I was at the horse show. There are 36 baby chicks in this bunch with a variety of about 10 different breeds. This brings are total up to 60 birds. They are so cute at this age; then they grow up. This bunch of birds are the layers. It will be 6 months before they are laying but we are supposed to be getting a wide variety in egg colors and sizes when they start. We are planning on letting a few of the hens hatch their eggs so that we can rotate out the layers as they get older and not have to order them; you know, trying to get into that self-sufficiencey plan.

As you can see there is a variety.

But here is the Odd ball of the bunch. This was the "rare", free bird that they sent. Its called a Turken ( a cross between a Turkey and a chicken?? LOL :) and yes its not supposed to have feathers on its neck. They look like a vulture when they are grown. I do have to correct meyself, most of them are cute when they are little.

Not sure what kind this little one is but its cute.

This one is one of my favorite-its a top-hat. They have a bunch of longer feathers on their head when they are grown-quite funny looking.

Pose for the camera little chickie

Its a bummer that their colors don't stay this way when the feather come in. I think a lot of them would look cuter but that's how it goes with baby animals.

This is one of the many bantams-they have "fuzzy" feet.

No, it doesn't have dirt on its face-

Now its time to face the hard truth--the cuteness doesn't last forever, especially if your a chicken.

Here are the chickens from the first batch that we got.............4 wks ago.

They are huge for their age if you compare them to other chickens.

Here is the "rare" freebie that they sent with this bunch. I always think "roadrunner" when I see it. Its quite aggressive and is learning that it can fly, quite well, unlike its current company-they can hardly get themselves off the ground. I can see why they are prone to leg problems-they're really top-heavy.

First Horse Show

I finally got to go compete in my first horse show this past week end. The NENHA(North Eastern Nevada Horsemans Association) puts on the shows in Elko. Its a club that is perfect for those that are just beginning wether you are interested in western performance, gymkhana or some English disciplines. Due to the weather, the show was in Spring Creek at the Horse Palace-its a very nice indoor arena.
Anyhow, both Riata and I were very nervous(me more than her) but we did well and learned lots and met a lot of nice people. There will be 3 more shows this year; one in July, Aug. and Sept. We competed in 4 classes; Showmanship-Halter, Western Pleasure, Trail and Western Horsemanship. Sara was really sweet and was willing to get up early -we left at 5:30- and hang out with me all day plus Ursula met us over there too and was a great help also.

It was early-no I'm not really sleep-driving; I was peeking at the road while Sara took the pic.

Riata all cleaned up-again. I gave her a bath the night before and she rolled just her head in the freshest pile of manure that was in her pen sometime during the night sooo,,.............. we gave her a sponge bath-scrub when we got to Spring Creek.

Even she thinks its early

Afternoon snack-very important-just ask her. Its easier to not be so nervous with a full belly.

Sara and Ursula enjoying P.B. and J sandwiches plus fresh fruit. Tailgate picnic!

Here we are waiting for our last class-Western Horsemanship-we got 1st in this class. WOOHOO!!

All done. We got one 1st place, two 4th places and a 6th place. This show built my confidence quite a bit. I know what to expect and what I need to work on.

She was really concerned with that was going on in that direction.

Okay, now we can relax. It was getting a little dusty in there-not that you could tell.

Rainbow

I'm beginning to think that the Farmers Almanac's weather prediction may be correct; a wet June. Its definitely needed. I love the rain in the desert-I love the smell of sagebrush after a rain-I love the "fresh" feeling I get when going outside after it rains-I love the fact that there is very little dust-I love the fact that i haven't had to water my garden everyday-what can I say-I just love it!
There isn't anything much better than sitting on the porch watching the storm come in, watching the lightning, listening to the thunder and then the rainbows.(there might be a few things that are better, i.e., riding horses, hunting, riding horses, going riding, trail riding,............you get the point)
Anyhow, there was a bit of a rainbow yesterday in between the showers.

Not sure why the color is different in this picture than the one before it.

You know, watching a storm while on horseback might be the best. Hmmmm..............however, I'm not real hip on being out in the open when there is lightning( one close call is more than enough) so I will behave and continue to sit on the porch to watch the storms.

Little Orphans

Our neighbors got a couple of calves last earlier this week and invited the girls and I over to see them and feed them. Jessie and Marisa where thrilled and of course thought that they were so cute and that we should get some-I told them maybe one of these days but I want the miniature cows(yes, there is such a thing as "miniature cattle").
Anyhow, as you can see in the pics the girls had been out enjoying the sunshine and water guns before we headed over-when you a kid, why should you change your clothes anyways just to feed a couple of calves.

Marisa was holding on to that bottle with all of her might.

"There so cute"

Mmmmmm

The bottle gets heavy......or the calf gets sucking really hard and its hard to hold onto.

Lets try it this way.

Milk bubbles.....must be good

Ummmmm...................must be really good

Yes he's sticking his tongue out....at me. He didn't think he was done yet.

He decided that an ear would have to do.

Nothing like a little nibble on your ear to give you that warm fuzzy feeling.

This might be more than just a nibble though.

However, its going to take more than some ear sucking to get this calf from enjoying his bottle.

WOW! I think he would be a good candidate for the "Got Milk" commercial.

Good down to the last drop!

But why stop there. All babies need a pacifier to suck on .

A finger will do though.

As you can see the girls had a blast.