Cute little story

Every once in a while this summer Claire would mention that she wanted to try to learn to ride her bike without training wheels. Unfortunately, she usually said this while we were in the car or at the grocery store or unavailable in some other way. Never while we were at home, with nothing to do. So it just didn't happen.

A couple of weeks ago, September 16th to be exact, we were at the barn for Jessica's riding lesson and Claire was with me (of course). Macy wasn't around so Claire had to entertain herself. I was sitting down at the ring watching the lesson that was just starting. I looked up (the arena sits down a hill from the barn) to see what Claire was doing and saw her riding Macy's bike across the grass. I knew Macy didn't have training wheels. And I knew there was NO ONE up there helping her. And I also knew we had never tried it. Not once.

SHE JUST TAUGHT HERSELF!

I looked over at Michelle, Jessica's instructor, and said "I think Claire just taught herself how to ride a bike.". We both looked up and Claire was setting the bike down and running down the hill. She said she wanted to show me something and she was SO proud. I went up the hill with her and watched her get on the bike and just take off. Just like that!

She rode all around the barn that night. And when we got home, Jonathan took the training wheels off of her bike and off she went. JUST LIKE THAT!

Have a great weekend!

We (almost) have a horse!

Isn't she beautiful!?! Jess rode her Saturday and we both knew right away that she was THE ONE. Dawn looked at the video last night and said we should go for it. Now I just have to coordinate the vet check and transportation (not that that part is easy) and we're home free. It's so exciting! And for the horse people out there - she's a 16 hand 6 yo Thoroughbred. Bred for racing, her Sire won the Preakness, but due to some difficult owner circumstances only had one start. The lady we're buying her from has had her since she was 4 and has been training her ever since. She's got the sweetest disposition and goes RIGHT in a frame as soon as you start. I just can't wait to get her home.

Whew. Once that's all settled life can get back to normal around here. I've been pretty wrapped up in the process and it will be nice to get back to SCRAPPING for one thing! And not a moment too soon either...I've got a box on the way from AllyScraps that I just know is filled with yummy new stuff. Can't wait!

And now I must get to the laundry. The one true constant! ;)

Have a good one!

Back to Blogging

With no excuse other than I had a busy summer and didn't feel like it. Nothing like a little honesty. And since the blogging is mostly for me, it shouldn't matter that I didn't feel like it. But apparently the mood has struck again and here I am. And since there's no way possible to "catch up", I'm just going to start with today.

Horses, horses, horses. This shopping for one for Jess is keeping me busy. I made a ton of calls yesterday about new ads I've found and today I'm calling back to schedule appointments. We're combining a camping trip this weekend with seeing horses. I found 3 I think might be good in the same area and booked a campsite close by. I think Jess is getting a bit burned out with the whole process but there isn't much I can do about it. I know a part of her is just hoping that Boo (that's Dawn's horse dealer) will find one for her and she wont have to work so hard at it. But he doesn't usually bring the higher level horses so the chances are pretty slim. And so we just keep plugging away. I'm getting better at it though so hopefully we wont be wasting time seeing horses that just aren't right.

Today I'm scrapping. Assuming I remember how. I've got some really pretty Crate Paper to work with from The Scrapbook Stand so hopefully the mojo will flow. I've even given myself permission to let the laundry sit and the dog hair accumulate. Imagine that!

Be good!