This is Duke:) Isn't he soooooostinkin adorable. Our guess is a mastiff cross of some kind. His paws are crazy huge for his size. Guessing about 3 months old. The neighbor lady said he just showed up on her porch. That was about 2 weeks ago. We puppy sat him for her and fell in love. Her aunt(also landlord) said she couldn't keep him. She was leaving him in her house 10-12 hours sometimes not kenneled so he just went to the bathroom wherever and chewed lots of things up so I can completely understand. I mean common he is a puppy!!! But we are excited to have him. He is such a good boy and has a great personality. Him and Bear are meant for each other. They where each other out nicely right before bed so we don't hear a peep out of them till morning:)
I am sure you will see lots more about this guy:)
Bear and him playing:) Gotcha Kohanna!!!
Now I am going to eat you!! Which Kohanna the old grump let him know was not ok right away:)
Mandie came into our lives shortly after she was burned. She is a woman with amazing strength. Her and her 1st husband lived with us for 2 1/2 years. Mandie blended into our family wonderfully. All of my children loved having her live with us. She truly is a kid at heart. While Mandie lived with us, she developed tularemia and it nearly took her life. She really demonstrated her ability to overcome as she battled the disease. Mandie has a love for animals and can not stand to see anyone or any animal hurting. She always found a way to take time and make each person feel special. What I love the most about her is her love for the Lord. I am grateful that Mandie chooses to stay in contact and that she visits when in Oregon.
Well Eric had to work Christmas morning from 4:30 till 11:00 and I had to work at 3:00 so he surprised me and brought two of the ranch horses home with him and we drove out a few miles and took a trail ride for Christmas:) It was such an awesome surprise and such a great way to spend it together. It was sunny, warm and beautiful and the horses were good so it was perfect.
I still can't believe that it is over already. It really just never seemed like Christmas it was to warm, no snow and we didn't have big plans for family and friends. I am so lucky to have my awesome husband to spend holidays with. It is hard not to be lonesome though. I grew up with big family and friend get togethers so to be alone is hard. It is just a hard time of the year. but I did receive a few Christmas cards this year so that was really nice and thanks to my grandparents and my mom we had a few gifts even under our tree:) And thanks to my other grandparents they sent some Christmas money I made it into the doctor so that was good.
I hope and pray everyone else had a great Christmas and now it is on to New Years:) May it be a truly, truly blessed new year:)
Every year seems to speed by faster and faster. I guess that is what you get for getting older and older:) I can't believe how crazy this year has been. From last December to this December we have moved 3 times and lived in 3 different states. Part of me wants to be so frustrated and feel like a failure but what happened to that part of me that use to exist that loved adventure. I guess that part has been told enough that doing that makes us failures and irresponsible. But really looking back I wouldn't change a thing, we have done some awesome things, met some life long friends and got a lot of experience in different kinds of ranching. It has all in all been a great experience. That is not to say it hasn't been frustrating and trying that it has!!! It is just crazy when you look back at things and think how do I get here and I never in a million years would have thought I would be here or doing this. It is amazing what life and GOD can throw at you:) Even as we speak we may make yet another change. This job has been a wreck since we got here and gets worse as it goes so Eric has been just working and I have been looking for other options and we got a surprise one from and email from a ranch in eastern Oregon. Yes OREGON!! I have been wanting to be closer to family and that would put me within a half day drive. So we are praying and seeing what the LORD has for us. But I will miss the Colorado scenery if we move it is amazingly gorgeous here and I was so looking forward to so many awesome adventures here. We will see they may still happen. This is a week I definitely do a lot of reflecting and a lot of dreaming. There are so many things I would like to do and things that I want to experience with my husband. Everyday should be precious and we shouldn't let those simple moments slip by without telling someone we love them, appreciate them or just plain miss them. You never know when it may be the last time you get to see them, talk to them or experience even the simplest things with them. I want to remember that this new year that is coming. To take each day as it comes and to cherish even the littlest of moments.
I ain't much good at prayin', and You may not know me, Lord— For I ain't much seen in churches, where they preach Thy Holy Word. But you may have observed me out here on the lonely plains, A-lookin' after cattle, feelin' thankful when it rains.
Admirin' Thy great handiwork. the miracle of the grass, Aware of Thy kind Spirit, in the way it comes to pass That hired men on horseback and the livestock that we tend Can look up at the stars at night, and know we've got a Friend.
So here's ol' Christmas comin' on, remindin' us again Of Him whose coming brought good will into the hearts of men. A cowboy ain't a preacher, Lord, but if You'll hear my prayer, I'll ask as good as we have got for all men everywhere.
Don't let no hearts be bitter, Lord. Don't let no child be cold. Make easy the beds for them that's sick and them that's weak and old. Let kindness bless the trail we ride, no matter what we're after, And sorter keep us on Your side, in tears as well as laughter.
I've seen ol' cows a-starvin'— and it ain't no happy sight; Please don't leave no one hungry, Lord, on Thy Good Christmas Night— No man, no child, no woman, and no critter on four feet I'll do my doggone best to help you find 'em chuck to eat.
I'm just a sinful cowpoke, Lord— ain't got no business prayin' But still I hope you'll ketch a word or two, of what I'm sayin': We speak of Merry Christmas, Lord— I reckon You'll agree—
There ain't no Merry Christmas for nobody that ain't free! So one thing more I ask You, Lord: just help us what You can To save some seeds of freedom for the future Sons of Man!
My name is Breal - I met Mandie a few years ago. She lived with my family for two years and she instantly became part of the family. She loves animals and being outside, is energetic, and spontaneous.
My sister, mom, and Mandie at the coffee shop that I worked at
We loved to walk the miniature horse and donkeys into town to get coffee (or just ride our horses into town). Mandie brought her teepee and yurt to my parents farm and we would have sleep overs outside. She could always be found outside whether it was playing with the horses, going to the river, or working.
Mandie "riding" Shar
Mandie has not had an easy life. She has faced many hardships and road blocks. When I first met Mandie she had been severely burned on her face and neck (and that's not even the worst of her stories). No matter what life threw at her she always has a positive outlook and continues to praise God.
Cowgirl butts - we were always riding bare back
For the two years that Mandie lived with us we had many adventures: going to the river, rodeos, and even a cruise.
Caribbean Cruise
I will always remember the great times that we had with each other. The cruise was the last adventure we had together before Mandie met her Prince Charming who swept her off of her feet and took her to his castle in Nebraska. She has always been passionate and followed her heart so the decision to move half way across the country to be with the man she loved was not a question of if, but when. I still miss the adventures we used to have but am glad that she is happy and living her life to the fullest.
So 6 years ago I had a terrible accident. I was working as a barn manager at an Arabian barn and we had some very high profile clients coming to look at some of our sale horses. So I was trying to get everything looking perfect. It had been a rainy couple days and we had a lot of trash that needed burned. But since it was wet it wouldn't burn. So I went to get some diesel and we didn't have any so I grabbed the gas(ok I know stupid) and went back to the burn barrel. I emptied the couple tablespoons that were left in the close able spout and I thought being safe I would go put gas can back in shed and then I took a piece of paper, you know trying to be safe and lit it and tossed it toward the burn barrel. In an instant I am sure you know what happened it exploded and caught me on fire. Not a flash burn, I was on fire, I could here myself burning it was my head and arm. I kept my eyes closed and started patting myself furiously and got the it out. Our stall cleaner came running and I thought she was going to pass out. I started praying immediately for the LORD to keep me calm, and safe. We called 911 just to see what I should do and they of course sent an ambulance. They wanted to life flight me and of course me not wanting a big bill said no and I didn't even want to go in the ambulance. I was worried about my job, the horses and such. I did give in and get in the ambulance. I knew it was bad. When I got to the hospital they wanted to put me on all kinds of pain meds and such and I said NO I just kept praying. They were amazed and kept commenting that the prayers must be working because with burns that bad we usually have to sedate the person and such. I was scared and in a lot of pain without a doubt but I had a peace also that GOD would fix it all. I hadn't seen myself and when finally they allowed me to use the restroom I saw myself in the mirror for the first time....A MONSTER...AN UNRECOGNIZABLE MONSTER. You couldn't tell I was human, that I was boy or girl I was UGLY!! I broke down for the first time. I never thought I would be the same and I knew without GODS miracle I would be deformed forever. I prayed. When I was released I was walking out of the hospital and a woman let out a little scream when she saw me. You can imagine how I felt:( People would stare and gasp when they saw me. My surgeries were scheduled and my doctor was telling me all I would have to go through but I knew it wouldn't happen and GOD did a miracle. I got better in record time. Not to say it didn't take quite a while but it was miraculous and the doctor even had to admit it was a miracle:) We also found out due to deep cuts on my face that someone had put aerosol cans in the burn barrel and that is what shot out and hit me and caught me on fire. I never, never recommend abusing flammables. Even being safe is VERY VERY DANGEROUS!!! All I have is a little scaring around my lips and a smaller side of my nose than the other and you can't notice unless you are looking close. I do have problems in the cold of it feeling like I am on fire but if that is all I live with I am blessed.
The following pictures are VERY VERY graphic and this was a while after I had been burned. I wish I had taken them sooner now looking back but I was so devastated at the way I looked.
Now without make-up. There are a few things that are still there but not enough to worry about considering the alternative!! Thank you LORD for your miracles!!!! I have had a lot of them from you.
I think this would be a fun way to get to know me:) I don't have many people close to me that know I have a blog. I have kept it that way so that I didn't feel like I had to sensor myself because of others. But I do have a few people who are extremely close to me that I have asked to guest blog. I have asked them to be open, honest and let y'all know who they know me as:) I think this will be a very fun learning experience. So be looking for those guest blogs soon:) There will probably be 3 guest bloggers:)
I don't normally get to worked up by things but lately I am sooooo tired of rude people. We have still been on the look out for work and I happened upon this ad. I was really ticked when I read it for many reasons. Here is the ad.
Live in horse farm/small business secretary and factotum Job Type: Full-time Location: Brunswick Cty. Date Posted: Oct-10-2010 01:13 AM
I can offer a very good living arrangement on a horse farm for the right person. you must be honest and trustworthy, a faithful Christian, slender and energetic enough to go horseback riding regularly year round, educated and smart enough to enjoy intelligent conversation. You must posess office working skills and be willing to help out in general with my small business. the free living arrangement includes $300 monthly stipend. There is also the possability for greater compensation by further developing the business and/or if you have the skill needed to give beginners riding lessons and trail boss trail riding customers. For the live in situation Please only apply if you are single and totally unattached.
The words in red made me hot! I mean to assume that you are only fit and able to ride regularly if you are slender is BS. I know I am overweight and I know that I am working on it but that is just plain rude and then to say faithful christian. As a christian I just don't think it is right for me to judge someone on there looks, or weight. I mean yes we all do it in some way but really to write that in an ad for employment come on!!!! Sorry there is my vent for today!!
I was driving home and praying as always that the LORD would show me where he wants me and such. Then this song came on. It still didn't answer any of those questions but it did answer how I should deal with it and my attitude. You may not like this singer but if you listen to the words it is amazing!!!! It is the climb by Miley Cyrus. I will post the video and the words.
The Climb lyrics Songwriters: Alexander, J; Mabe, J;
I can almost see it That dream I am dreaming But there's a voice inside my head saying "You'll never reach it"
Every step I'm taking Every move I make feels Lost with no direction My faith is shaking
But I gotta keep trying Gotta keep my head held high
There's always gonna be another mountain I'm always gonna wanna make it move Always gonna be a uphill battle Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose
Ain't about how fast I get there Ain't about what's waiting on the other side It's the climb
The struggles I'm facing The chances I'm taking Sometimes might knock me down But no, I'm not breaking
I may not know it But these are the moments that I'm gonna remember most, yeah Just gotta keep going
And I, I got to be strong Just keep pushing on
'Cause there's always gonna be another mountain I'm always gonna wanna make it move Always gonna be a uphill battle Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose
Ain't about how fast I get there Ain't about what's waiting on the other side It's the climb, yeah!
There's always gonna be another mountain I'm always gonna wanna make it move Always gonna be an uphill battle Somebody's gonna have to lose
Ain't about how fast I get there Ain't about what's waiting on the other side It's the climb, yeah!
Keep on moving, keep climbing Keep the faith, baby It's all about, it's all about the climb Keep the faith, keep your faith, whoa
I know we don't truly "belong" in this world but we are here and I really want to know where I belong here. I just feel like I am wasting precious time doing nothing. I feel like there is a bigger purpose for me. With that said I have NO IDEA WHAT IT IS!!! I could come up with a million things I am sure but that wouldn't be my true purpose. I really just have no idea where I am suppose to go or what I am suppose to do! I see everyone around me doing things(having kids, amazing careers, etc.) and me not a thing. I don't want to live like this anymore. I don't want to be broke, sad, stagnate. I want to be doing something with our life. But really truly deep down I have no idea how to get out of the predicament we are in and really where to go so we aren't in anymore predicaments. I just really really don't know what the LORD has planned for my life. I know we aren't suppose to know it all but it would be nice to feel as though I am doing something. So please LORD help me to see what you want me to do.
So we have both decided we are to trusting and bad judge of characters when it comes to these jobs. This time it wasn't like we had much of a choice on the job that we took since we had to be out of our other place. I know everyone is probably tired of hearing about our job drama and the complaining and I am sorry but this blog was to get out what was going on in my life and this is what is going on in our life. It is soooooooooooo hard to find a good ranch it seems. We really thought these people were going to be the ones but we are finding out daily the nightmare we took on. For one we haven't gotten either of our paychecks on time and have had to call and call to get them and when you live paycheck to paycheck you can't have that. Then the first paychecks bounced and we were told from the other employees that wasn't the first time and that they are always late. Then they decided they don't want to take taxes out on us so we have to pay more and such. Not to menchin it is soooooooooooo unorganized and a huge disgusting mess around here. We have at least a dozen cows out everyday and night and we live next to the road and railroad tracks so that is never fun. But no one else lives on the property so it is us out there getting them but they don't want to spend the money to put up a hot wire to prevent it. Then Eric asks the owner for something and the manager came unglued and was mad at him for asking him and not himself. We were told at the interview we could go to either of them. It doesn't help that the manager really doesn't know much and spends more of the day on his phone or talking and not working and then wonders why nothing gets done. Sorry for the vent. We have been here 5 weeks and Eric has had a total of two half day offs. Well really not even that. He goes to work 5-5:30 and usually isn't off till 7. I know ranch life is hard and lots of work and we aren't afraid of the work but when you still haven't even gotten unpacked because you haven't had time that isn't good. And then the pay does not make up for it. Plus having to pay the utilities, water, etc makes a big difference.
We are still looking and looking at other options. We love the ranch life but if we can't find an organized, normal person to work for it won't work out and we can't keep moving around. We have thought about getting out of it altogether but we can't afford to get our own place. With our bad credit from all the medical and loosing the house during all that and then the first, last and deposits we just can't do it. We have had a lot of rude comments and mean things said to us and yes on the outside it may look easy to do things but if you walk in someone Else's shoes you will see the difficulties. I have really learned that through everything the last few years, not to judge and to look at it from a different perspective.
So please continued prayers would be awesome. I start my little part time job today and then I will ad another part time job soon also so please pray my body gets better. My back has been really bad and I am feeling prity tired and sick lately so It hasn't been the best of times. Thank you for all your support and prayers you have NO idea how much they mean!!!!
So of course with the move and everything we didn't bring our Christmas stuff in the first load it is all still in South Dakota in storage. We thought we would make it back soon, but that was a big yeah right!!! So all we are going to do this year is lights on the house and a tree. Eric hasn't had a day off since we got here so we were so excited when he got a half day off last Sunday. I had looked online and found a really cool u-cut place. So we headed off that way. It was the most beautiful tree farm and so full of Christmas spirit with hay rides, cider, and such. But when we went to get the tree the prices were stinkin outrageous. Ugly, and I mean ugly trees started at $60 and any we like or our size were $110-$135. We said no way!!! so we just enjoyed seeing the horses and such and then headed back to town to try and find a tree. We went to walmart and no way they were all literally brown and half dead. The guy said he could do half price. I said I don't want to pay half price to burn down my house thanks. So I was bummed knowing we wouldn't get another chance anytime soon and we wouldn't have enough time to find our way to the forest to cut our own so as a last resort we tried home depot of all places and behold and affordable, beautiful prity fresh tree:) I am still praying for a new camera. A nice one that will take amazing pictures:) Sorry these aren't the best and it definitely does not do the tree justice but it is a cute tree. My handsome picked the tree out and I made most of the decorations and such. It was fun to do together:) Hope everyone is having a very blessed Christmas season!!!
So I got the job at the horse barn. It is only 4-5 days a week for a couple hours but hey it is a start:) I will get to be around lots of horses and horse people:) It is a boarding facility but they also have a trainer that works there that is from New Zealand and she does hunter jumper and then they do dressage. I am prity excited about that. I so love so many riding disciplines so this will be great. I will get to watch them work while I work:) I will have to get pictures someday and post of the place. Simple but nice is a great description:) Just sooooooooooo excited!!!!
So I have a job interview tomorrow at a barn south of here. It is only part time but hey it is money and it will get me working around horses again which I miss soooooooooo very much. I am just going to be feeding, mucking, etc. But who knows it may open other doors also. You never know. That is what happened last time....went from stall cleaner to full barn manager. So please say a prayer for me that this would workout great for me. And part time right now would probably be great with my back and such hopefully this work will help strengthen it back up again:) I am just so very, very excited:) Can't wait!!!!
I gotta get going I need to get my Christmas lights up today and then get our tree sometime this weekend. It is going to be a cowboy tree complete with a cowboy hat topper:) I will post pics when we get it done:)
