2015

Dear 2015,

Looking back you were a year of decisions and blessings all the while revolving around family.

You started off with so much snow. Snow. Snow. Snow.

I wasn't sure why so much snow. And then one day it became clear. I always knew what my priorities were. I knew what was most important. Yet, for some stupid reason it took all that snow for me to do something about it.

It was that melting snow that busted the damn and words spewed from my mouth I may have never had the courage to say. Yes, the words came with anger. But the words were true. I stood up for myself along with 20 of my co-workers / friends. I turned in my resignation and when begged to stay I didn't back down.

I held my head high, I worked a notice... a longer notice than most would have. I know they hoped I would change my mind. But I didn't.

And thank goodness I didn't. As of April I was officially a stay at home mom. I was and am still thankful for my wonderful husband. He continues to work to make my dreams come true.

In March Maddie turned 3. Wow how the time has flown, dear friend. I am so thankful to you for each day.

You are also the year that has taught me that no matter the age Divorce is never pretty. Who would have thought my remarried Granddaddy would be getting a divorce in his 80s. But when money and health are involved no one seems to think soundly. I love them both and refuse to be in the middle. I only hope 2016 will continue to assist me in this as you have dear 2015.

2015, looking back I had my doubts on more than one occasion. But you were also a year of faith. Faith that each decision we made would be the right one.

And oh so many decisions that were made! Becoming a one income family being the first of the road of decisions...

The decision to buy a camper, the decision to run an Etsy Store, the decision to forgive a family member, the decision to add more animals to our small farm, the decision to take a leap and purchase property with family, the decision to sell the family business.

Yes, 2015 you were a year of decisions, changes and most importantly faith.

The camper.... oh when Marine suggested a pop up camper I had my doubts. But oh the fun we had in it this year! The memories made will never be forgotten.

I, independent and, like having my own money. I have had the Etsy store since 2014 but with quitting my job it was like it was confirmation I had done the right thing. In April my sales tripled to my amazement. It gave me the courage to do what I love. Design. Plus it works perfect with the stay at home mom of a demanding 3 year old schedule. Thank you again 2015 for allowing me to follow my dreams!

Possible the biggest decision of 2015 came as a family meeting. We were going to sell the restaurant that Marine and his Step Dad opened in 2011. With Brother In Law getting out of the Army and joining as a partner it was to much family stress. And we always said that family would come first. It was such a hard, bittersweet decision that required much prayer and faith. It was not my place to select the buyer. But from day 1 in my gut I knew from the prospective buyers who I wanted to run the restaurant. And thankfully it worked out. I hope they will love and cherish it as much as we have! I also hope that it will continue to be successful and will continue to be a staple in our community!

2015 I owe you so many thank yous. You were also the year that Marine admitted he has PTSD and made the decision to seek help. I have known Marine has PTSD. Heck the award he received that I have hanging on the wall clearly supports what I have known. Yet he has always been strong saying others saw more action than he did. He is fine. After awhile I let it go and learned ways to deal and cope with it and to notice the signs and trigger points. It has been 5 long years and I would never have guessed that a movie would have had such an impact on our lives. Yet it did. American Sniper. Several scenes hit close to home. The birthday party scene with the dog, the driving down the road while always scanning for IEDS. And the words that she said that I, like probably many other military wives, have said "You're here but your not here."

After getting home from that movie we stayed up for hours. Marine talked about Afghanistan more than he ever has. He talked of the day he saved a fellow Marine's life. Of another day lying in a ditch hearing bullets whizzing overhead as he and two others rock-paper-scissored over the order they were going to get out of the ditch to run back to the safety of the building behind them. He laughed at some of the funny memories and shed a few tears at some of the harder ones. And for the first time he apologized and said I was right he had PTSD and had been to proud to see it.

He made the first effort to get help. We have always known we have one of the worst VA's in the country but this year also proved it. But with determination and my continued support Marine was finally able to get the help he needed and our marriage is better than it has ever been. He is getting back to the care free Marine I feel in love with all those years ago.

I thank you so much for that 2015.

You have brought so much joy 2015! Each day with Maddie has been an adventure! I wish that time would slow down. Each day she is a little smarter, a little taller, a little more independent, and little less my little baby and a little more my little girl. In August when she started "school" (aka mothers morning out) she was such the big girl. Never shedding a tear.

Then yesterday we closed on our small piece of heaven. Mountain property with a view and a creek. It was a joint purchase with family with the intention of it being a family getaway and for the guys a hunting land.. Being located in the neighboring county it is close enough we can for the day or for a couple of hours. We are so excited for what 2016 holds and this new adventure.

What a year around the sun it has been 2015!

Tonight we will ring in the new year with a new family being forged as we attend the wedding of Red. What better way to end the year of family and love.

Cheers to you 2015! Thank you for the memories!

Love Always!
E.


Past Letters: 2012, 2010, 2009 and 2008

Always Listen To Your Gut

So part of my new year's resolution to myself was to blog more. I was thinking once a week..... at least once a month..... I've failed miserably.

Tonight though I find myself home alone and yearning to write!

Why am I home alone?

The boys are back in town! lol yes the song plays in my head even as I typed that. Marine's USMC buddies (3 of them) are in town for a visit. We haven't seen them in over two years so they were a site for sore eyes. Marine and Roommates bromance is back in full force. I'm so happy for Marine to get to spend time with his best friend. I take for grant that I can see my bestie as often as I do. So this weekend Marine and his buddies headed over to the family camper that is parked at lake campsite over the summer.

Perfect night for a girls night! So after dinner with her Aunt Vixen, Maddie and I came home and I was all excited about time just the two of us....... well Maddie fell asleep on the way home and went right back to sleep as soon as I laid her in her bed. So that means party is postponed till around 2 am!

So I made a big leap a few weeks back and decided to go back to work full time. When I originally took the job a few years ago my gut had told me not to take it and I had ignored it. The job was ok, the people were great, but working with an office of women all under the age of 35 was a little to much drama for me. So when I went part time it was good. And it clouded my memory of before. Then the offer came. My boss got promoted and I was offered a promotion to her previous job position. Great salary, pretty good benefits..... of course I would have to come back full time.....

The debate began. Marine told me wasn't going to give an opinion. It had to be my decision.

They then tell me starting in September the company is going to offer daycare at work. The daycare would be small, only about 5 kids.

This made the decision tougher to make. My gut told me not to take it. But my head said this was a great opportunity. I admit I may have been blinded by the money..... I convinced myself that if I didn't take the job I would be being selfish. That I know I wanted to stay home with Maddie but what about in a few years when she starts school? What would I do then? Go back to a low paying receptionist job? I thought of all the money Marine and I would be able to save. The money we could put into finishing out the new house. The money we could put towards Maddie's college fund. I mean we have been living on Marine's income so my new salary could mostly go into savings.

My gut still had alarm bells going off. I ignored them. And decided it would be best for the family if I took this possibly once in a life time offer.

I accepted the job stressing that I was accepting it due to the upcoming daycare. My boss said that over the summer I could come back to work and her daughter could watch Maddie at the office. There was an empty office in the back that could be turned into a playroom. "It'll be fine!" she said.

Now maybe I should mention her daughter is 12.

I knew this wouldn't work. But I knew if I didn't at least try it I could kiss the job goodbye. So I made arrangements with the 12 year old and settled on a babysitting salary I would pay her each week for watching Maddie at the office.

On June 3rd I went back to work full time.

Needless to say it took 2 weeks for Maddie to break me. Maddie is not much for going to work. The first day was good because it was something new. The second day.... not so good. And it has only went down hill from there. We now pull in the parking lot and Maddie say's "mama no, no."

So the second week in I cave and tell my boss I can't keep doing this. That I understand her daughter is trying hard and is doing a good job Maddie is just used to being more active. I mean Maddie has never stayed home an entire day in her life. I mean we always go to the barn every day to feed horses and the chickens. And most days we go Marine's restaurant to eat lunch with him after the lunch rush has ended. So staying in place all day was not her idea of fun.

I thought it would get better as she adjusted to the new routine. But when you can hear crying from a few doors down and her desperately saying "Mama... mama..." your heart melts and you realize no amount of money is worth it.

Maddie knows I'm in the same building so I know that is probably part of the problem.

I have since been juggling trying to make the best of the situation. Marine's mom has also pitched in keeping Maddie 2 days a week.

I keep telling myself that if we can just make it two more months problem will be solved.

Then I learn this last week that we more than likely are not going to be getting a daycare.....

*****crickets chirping******

Marine and I have both agreed we really don't want to put Maddie in actual day care. And call me old fashioned.... maybe it's because my mom was a stay at home mom.... but I want to raise Maddie. I don't want a stranger raising her. I want to be the one to teach her things. I want to be the one to see her as she tries to experience new things. I want her to learn our families values, not those of someone else.

Now don't get me wrong I know that most families have to have two incomes in this day and age. With the price of gas and food it is nearly impossible to get by on one income like earlier generations were able to.

But when working part time I realized just how many things you can really do without. And you know what? You don't even really miss all that stuff you once thought you needed.

After 3 weeks of not seeing Maddie but a few hours a day I've determined two things.
1. Somethings are more valuable than money
2. Always listen to your guy


I know I'm being Debbie Downer as I wallow in stupid self pity. I mean with all the "real" problems in the world this is ridiculous to even waste blog space over. I get that. But since Aunt Flow is currently visiting I will chalk up crazy hormones as being one of the author's behind this post.

I write in hopes that I will one day look back and read this and know that I made the right decision.

But what should that decision be?

Back to the drawing board.... Do I suck it up and deal with it? Or do I follow my heart and return to being a full time stay at home mom?

2012

Dear 2012,

Wow. I'm not sure where to start.

So much has taken place this year and my only regret is that I haven't had the time to write it all down.

In a few hours it will be time to tell you goodbye, but before I do I would like to take a moment to reflect on our time together. During our time together I have learned so much!

I have learned that nothing can prepare you for that moment when you first hear your baby cry out.

I have learned all those stupid stories about "oh labor really isn't that bad" really are true. After time you forget the pain and any and everything associated with it. Because it was all worth it. I admit I never thought I would actually say that.

I have learned that sleep is a friend I may never have a close relationship with again. Oh Mr. Sandman please visit my house one night soon. All three of us.... especially the little one..... and if you can sprinkle a little extra over my bladder area that would be much appreciated also. Yes, friends, pregnancy may end but you will never stop having to pee 24/7.

I have learned that sometimes one small child can bring an adult to near tears. Teething has to be one of the 7 layers of hell.

I have learned that even though life may change there are some things in life that never do and that is my group of girls. No matter what happens I know we will all still gather every couple of months for dinner, drinks and great conversation.... oh and of course Christmas parties with tacky shirts!

I have learned - well perhaps not learned but reaffirmed - that Marine is the best thing that could have ever happened to me. Not only is he a wonderful husband but an even more wonderful Dad. Anyone can be labeled a father but only a truly special men can labeled a Dad. Seeing Marine crawl around on the floor with our little girl and making her laugh and coo and ahh is one of the greatest things to see.

I have learned that a baby will teach you new things almost on a daily basis. I have enjoyed watching Maddie grow daily and growing with her in my learning and understanding.

I am so thankful for my many blessings that you 2012 have brought me. It has not been all fun and games but looking back its always easier to remember the good moments. But honestly 2012 I can't really remember any really bad moments. Yes, the roller coaster of life hit a few bumps but nothing we weren't able to get thru as a family. I am so thankful for Marine and how hard he works so that I can raise our daughter. I am thankful for the roof over our heads and the dog curled up on her bed at my feet. I am thankful for my wonderful mother who I seem to grow closer to each year. I am thankful for wonderful in-laws. I am thankful for wonderful friends. I am thankful for my ever patient Horse. I am thankful for so many other things...... 2012 I am thankful for you and all the precious memories you are leaving me with.

2012, I have had a wonderful time with you and to be honest I will almost be sad to tell you goodbye. You have given me so many things to be thankful for. As the years pass I know that some will blur together, hard to distinguish from the others. But that will never happen with you my dear 2012 because you gave Marine and I the best gift we could ever have asked for.

Yes, this letter is a lot more sappy then I intended..... But hey I guess that's what happens when Aunt Flow decides to visit on New Year's Eve ;) Cheers to you 2012!! Thanks for a year I'll never forget!

Love,
E.

Past Letters: 2010, 2009 and 2008

The Help.... I'm 19 Weeks, And My Husband Bought a Deli, Stuff You Won't Find On Pinterest

Warning you now this is going to be a long post. So buckle up.

Here's A Break Down:

1.  The Help
2. 19 Weeks
3. Deli
4. Pinterest

Part 1:

The Help. Have you seen it? All I can say is wow! Red, Previous Co-Worker, and I went to see it at the theater a few weeks ago.

For the girl who has to go the bathroom five times in an hour this was a glued to your seat cross your legs type of movie. I went in being a little clueless not really sure what the movie was about but that I kept hearing it was good.

Well it wasn't just good it was GREAT. Seriously. Go see it. You won't be disappointed. And if you have the book, I need to borrow it. It has been added to the "must read" list. 

Part 2:

You know how you always hear those people with kids who count things oddly?

"How old is he," looking at baby.

"Oh he's 18 months."

******

Speaking with pregnant woman.... "How far along are you?"

"32 weeks"

I was the one who always wants to go, "come on people!" Your kid is a year and half old. And your 8 months pregnant!

Perhaps that is why I'm having a hard time wrapping my brain around pregnancy in terms of weeks. Or perhaps it's my desire to be different. I understand that the little baby within is developing week by week and it's an exciting adventure that still shocks me at times...... 

Laying in bed with Marine watching TV:

Me, "We're going to be parents."

Yes, it still astounds me every day that we are in fact going to be parents. I still can't believe we are old enough to have kids. 

Anyway.... even though I am now 19 weeks along when someone asks I choose to rebel and answer "Almost 5 months". 

I wish I had more time to write about all the wonderful things like hormones (crazy woman typing here), body changes (I have boobs!), and randomness (wait I've always been random).

We find out Boy or Girl on October 20th. That is if we decide to find out at all. We are tossing the idea around. Part of me is so curious I want to know now! I mean pink or blue?!

Flowers, and polka dots....

Oh blue puppy dogs and cowboys.... 

Yes part of me really wants to know. 

But the other part wants to hear the doctor say, "IT'S A......." and be completely surprised. 

I never thought I would think like that. But now that the time is here Marine and I have seriously talked about being surprised. Will we be able to control ourselves and not find out? Probably not... but it's a thought.

We did do the old wives tale of the wedding ring on a string. Ever heard of it? You tie your wedding band to a piece of thread and have someone hold the end of the string with the ring completely still. If the ring swings back and forth it's a boy. If it swings in a circle it's a girl.  

Marine was already convinced we were having a boy. We tried the ring tale and it predicted a boy. 

We both would be happy with either but Marine swears that at the last ultrasound he saw "something" and he just knows it's a boy. Never-mind the doctor said it was to early to tell, Marine was convinced. 

The ring just backed up his already "I know" attitude. 

I lay on the floor watching the string. Marine's arm and hand were completely still when the ring started to slowly sway back and forth. I was for sure he had a part in so I made him do it two more times. Each time his grin got bigger and his "I told you so's" becoming more insistent. 

"Ok lets see how accurate it is." I said taking the ring. " Give me your wrist." 

I was told if you do the trick over someone's wrist who isn't pregnant it will predict what there future kid will be. 

"What are you doing?" Marine asks.

"Seeing if you will have a boy or girl!" I laugh.

"What?! I'm not pregnant!" He laughs.
"We are testing accuracy." I tell him steading the ring and sitting still. 

The ring doesn't move. For a minute it just hangs suspended frozen in the air until I give up. 

"See I told you it's a boy!!" Marine says triumphantly.

 Part 3:

Also in the past few weeks Marine has opened a deli. SURPRISE!!!

It happened kind of suddenly.... one day Marine, his step-dad, and step brother were talking about opening a deli and the next thing I know it was opening day!

Seriously it all sorta happened in less than a month.

Marine's Step-Dad's family owned a restaurant for years before selling out. So I know Step-Dad knows what goes into making a restaurant successful. But Marine? Marine is a hard worker and no one will ever say he's not. But he is also a go getter when he sees an opportunity to make money. 

I'm a worrier. 

I see us putting some of our savings in a deli, all the while thinking of the other things the money could go for. 

Marine see's the possible profit. I see the possible loss.

I see all the time spent there. Marine see's the future and the possible monetary gains. 

In the end I agree with him and realize that if something happens and it doesn't work out we will get the money we invested in it back from the sale of the equipment. It it goes great then hey that may be a little extra money each month!

I had told Marine that the Deli would be his thing and I would help out every once in awhile but that I was not the "restaurant type person". 

Real supportive wife, I know. I blame it partially on the hormones and partly because I like being able to decide spur of the moment what I want to do. Owning a restaurant is a 24/7 job. There is always something to be done. I'll admit I wasn't sure that Marine totally grasped that. 

Let me just state for the record.... any wife who thinks when her husband opens a business she can stay out it.... is well..... just as naive as me!! 

Somehow I became the marketer, web designer, and accountant for this new venture. I'm not complaining because I have actually enjoyed it. Not to mention I've worked with him there the past two weekends.

So far so good. And I have to admit I love the fresh baked bread, muffins and cookies!! All baked fresh daily! Chocolate Chocolate muffins are just plain sinful. 

We shall see what the future holds. So far this is week 2 of the Deli being open. May the future hold only good things!!!

Part 4:

Pinterest. Have you seen this site? I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS SITE! Much of my day at work is spent on the phone and on hold. This is a great site to browse while you wait. I have boards for Baby Ideas, Craft Ideas, Home Decor, Holidays, etc. 

A few examples: 

Photo Onto Canvas

Baby Decor Idea

Turn an old bath towel into a bath mat

Words For Thought

Recipes To Try

Holiday Ideas

The ideas are endless! 

Also I have gotten a few ideas for maternity pictures. I'm not one for showing bare skin. So I don't see myself as the naked, bare belly type in pictures. I mean I know there will be a bare belly picture, but I want some others that are more a little more my style. Here are a few ideas I found I really like: 

Check it out! Now I just have to find time to work on all the pinterest ideas I have pinned!

Guilty Pleasure TV

Everyone has some form of guilty pleasure TV. 

Mine used to be The Hills. I won't even try to deny the fact that I loved Lauren Conrad and secretly envied her, having been the journalism major I would have killed to intern at Teen Vogue. 

Since then I really haven't had that guilty pleasure..... the show you sit glued in front of the TV to making sure you don't miss a minute of the action despite the fact your IQ may be dropping by the minute. 

Now let me tell you a bit about Marine. He's predictable. The TV will always be on Discovery Chanel, History Channel or on the occasional occurance he will flip over to A&E to watch Undercover Boss. 

So imagine my surprise a few Thursdays ago.... I stand in the bathroom, brushing my teeth getting ready for bed. The door is open and Marine comes bouncing out of the bedroom, down the hall, heading toward the living room practically skipping while singing "It's a Jersey Shore Party."

I watch in wonderment as he turns the corner. Was that my husband?

I rinse my mouth and head down the hall to peak my head around the corner.

Marine sits smack dab in the middle of the couch. Eyes glued to the TV.

"Whatcha watching?" I ask.

"It's a Jersey Shore Party!!" He practically sings again.

Oh my the Marine Corps. barracks has now come into my home. 

While in the Marine's Marine and his buddies would all gather in the barracks and watch Jersey Shore. 

Marine texts Roommate who is on the west coast to see if it's on there. 

It is and apparently he is glued to the TV also.

As I watch this I think of Vixen and myself texting back and forth during The Hills. 

Perhaps my big tuff Marine is a girl.......

I sit down beside him on the couch wondering what all the fuss was about.

I had never watched the show...... and perhaps afterward I understood why. Even though I have since found myself watching it with Marine every week. 

Maybe men and women really aren't so different. 

Easy Canvas Prints, Simple as 1, 2, 3, 4!

So do you remember my post last year in which I ordered Marine a homecoming sign from buildasign.com?

It turned out so great! And Buildasign.com was so easy to work with and had such wonderful customer service I have been recommending them to everybody ever since. 

Well now they are branching out with even more products! Welcome Easy Canvas Prints.

Have you every made a canvas print? I admit that I had always wanted to but due to high cost from some other sites I have never ordered one. Marine told me at Christmas that he had almost ordered one for me for Christmas but my poor Computer challenged husband just couldn't get it to work.

When I was contacted by Easy Canvas Prints and asked it I would review their product I jumped at the chance! 

The hardest part about the whole process was deciding which picture I wanted to use! 

Seriously.

I had wedding pictures, Marine Ball pictures, New Years, Birthday's and so many other pictures..... how could I choose just one?

I finally decided on one of my favorite wedding pictures and uploaded it to the site. 

When they say 4 easy steps, they aren't kidding!!

I was done with my canvas in less then 10 minutes and sitting there wondering if I had done something wrong because it seemed all to easy.

To put there site to the test I decided to let Marine try it.

Let me start off by explaining Marine's computer skills. 

• Turn computer on
• Check email
• look at Facebook
• turn computer off
• Use Google to look up random knowledge

That's it.

I pulled up the site for him and handed over the computer. 

In 4 easy clicks he had uploaded the picture, selected the size and style and was done.

He was so impressed!! And now that he knows how easy it is I have a feeling this may be a sure fire birthday present for me in the works ;)

So the process was easy...... but how's the final product?

Maybe I should just let it speak for itself:

This above just didn't do it justice so I went out on the porch for natural light....

I went for the 8x10 with the image wrap sides. The wrap sides mean it takes the picture and wraps it all the way around the canvas. 

Side

Back

It already comes with the hanger on so when you receive it you just have to decide the perfect place to display it.

Mine is the center of my photo wall. It looks so beautiful and turned out so great!

I have already recommended them to all my friends and I have a feeling that very soon I will have to order another one..... there's another spot in my living room that an 11x14 would look just right.

"You don't take a photograph, you make it."

~ Ansel Adams ~

****Side note: I forgot to add that the shipping time is very fast and that they have excellent customer service in case you do need to contact them****

Right now they are offering 25% off 

All Canvas & Free Standard Shipping

Um Can We Say "To Young For Make-Up"

Have you seen this promo commercials?





Anyone else see anything wrong with this beside me?

Post It Note Excuses.....

Wedding Aftermath

Elizabeth Taylors Impact On Myself & Little Red

As a kid I can remember watching National Velvet for the first time. 

I can remember falling in love with The Pie along with Velvet.

As a young girl who loved horses this was THE perfect movie. Hands down.

I remember after watching this movie changing my pony's name to Pie. Hey I was like 6. As a kid I had my show horse which I had to be all prim and proper with but my pony (who in actuality was a small horse), the pony was mine to do as I wish.

Needless to say Little Red a.k.a The Pie did not share my love. In fact I think he pretty much hated me.

Not that I can really blame him.

After watching National Velvet I decided that in order to be The Pie he must learn to jump.

I was 6 (maybe 7) and had no clue how to go about training a horse to jump.

That did not stop me from dragging out the two cinder blocks and a pvc pipe I found in the barn. I carefully set them up out in the field. I can remember the satisfaction I felt as I stood back and admired my newly made knee high jump.

The newly named Pie was out in the other field and he let me catch him easily........ the last time in which he would do so.

Of course I was 6 so I'm sure one of the guys that worked with my parents helped me saddle him up. I remember though taking my little English stirrups up when no one was in sight. I mean if we were going to do this we were going to do it right and I knew my knees needed to bent a little more for me to be like Velvet.

My mom would die at how I'm making it sound like I was unsupervised. They were at the barn, they checked on me often ---- probably even stood inside and watched out the window the entire time........ but I do know I was smart enough to wait till they were out of sight to aim Pie at the jump for the first  time. Otherwise I would remember this story with my mothers panic scream in the background.


I circled like I had seen Velvet do. Increasing my speed slightly as I came out of the circle and headed for the jump.

I was leaned forward.

This was it.

I was ready.

In my mind we were racing across the English Countryside jumping hedges.

In reality Little Red grabbed the bit and dodged my home-made jump.

Clearly having not seen the movie he did not realize he was to play the role of The Pie. 

I got him back under control and tried again. This time I rode in hands tight on the reins driving him straight.

I raised up ready for lift off and ****SCREECH*****.

Little Red slammed on the breaks and it took all I had to not go flying off.

With gritted teeth I turn him away from the jump.

I was never one to give up though and when it came to stubborn it was now a battle between me and Little Red.

I rode him around the field a minute as I tried to come up with a plan B.

Plan B turned out to be a riding crop.

I pushed Little Red into a canter and headed for the jump again.

This time I was ready. We were going to jump the hedge.

We approached the jump. I held him on course. When we were almost on it I dug my heals in and smacked him on the butt with the crop.

Weather he was admitting defeat or jumping from the crop Little Red at least made an attempt to jump.

He knocked the pvc pipe off. But that didn't keep me from smiling.

Now we were on the right track.

I dismounted and set the jump back up.

I spent probably the next hour transforming Little Red into The Pie.

I like to say I taught him to jump. Mom likes to say I ran poor Little Reds knees into that pipe so many times he learned to jump.

Needless to say after that day the newly named Pie never would let me catch him in less time than an hour and it would take three people to catch him.

Can't say I blame him though.

-----------------------------------------------------

Rest in peace Elizabeth Taylor. Thank you for teaching a young girl to dream big.

 

I feel very adventurous. There are so many doors to be opened, and I'm not afraid to look behind them.
Elizabeth Taylor