Congratulations Adam & Blair - Before the Ceremony

This weekend we got to celebrate Adam & Blair getting married. What a sweet couple and it was a blessing to be there as exchanged vows.

My very precious nieces and nephew!!!

MIB - the men in blue!

Acting silly waiting for the ceremony to start!

New Garbage Disposal & a Haircut

Today was a day of projects. I got my hair cut at a new place and it turned out WAY shorter than I expected...I'm gettin' used to it and it'll grow back!

Then I decided to tackle replacing the garbage disposal. Derek was in Bakersfield for a training and since neither of us had any disposal experience, I figured I'd give it a shot. I'm quite proud of myself for getting it done...and no leaks!

There it is! The brand new "Insinkerator" - isn't a thing of beauty??!!! Hey - I even wired the bad boy so the plug would work!

Here's my mess!

This is the old, ugly, nasty garbage disposal - you wouldn't believe what I had to go through just to pry that sucker out - too much gunk!

Got Beer?

This weekend, Derek and I went with some of his school colleagues to the local micro brewing company. It was a small little Octoberfest day with live music, beautiful weather and a very interesting tour of the brewery. Since I don't like beer, I got to drink yummy root beer and orange cream soda - homemade by the brewing company - and very tasty! Derek tried some beers and we just got to relax.

We also found our garbage disposal leaking water everywhere so we have that at the top of our to-do list - maybe for this next weekend - doesn't every couple need to change out the garbage disposal together at least once in their marriage? :)

A Special Picture

This picture is dedicated to my folks. This bird bath was a very special gift from them and sits in front of our house as a lovely decoration -- but I also use it and today when I filled it with water, we got a very special visitor - a bluebird!!! I just love these little birds and my folks often talk about them and educate others as part of the local bluebird trails. This little guy had quite a few friends flying around this morning and just brought a big grin to my face. I'll be on the look out to see if I can catch a few more pics.

Long Sleeves

Last night was the first night that I wore a sweatshirt to bed for the season! There is definitely a new chill in the air as we transition to Autumn up here in Tehachapi. I also threw another blanket on the bed because night before last I woke up cold. Yay for Fall!

"The Shasta" is on the move!

Well, summer's coming to a close, but we finally went for our trial run with the trailer. We only went about 10 minutes from home to Brite Lake, but it was still great fun -- and it was a first for the pups. We got to relax and see what worked and didn't in the trailer. :) Need a new water pump, but electric worked fine!

Fall Kick-off

This weekend found us taking it easy here at the homestead. Church had a "Fall Kick-off" today where we showed spirit by wearing a team jersey or t-shirt. It was fun!

The pups are loving the cooler weather - you know it's "perfect" weather when Shasta stays outside most of the evening!

And, alas, football season has started once again........nobody needs three guesses to know what Derek is doing right now!

Baby Horse

At the corral this morning, there was this little guy in the next pen. He is 3 weeks old and was VERY cute!

His owner came to take his mama out for a ride and baby just followed behind!

Surprises - Pt. 2

Here we go...

What I learned today: riding the horse when you're trying to get it to go where you want it to go is VERY different than sitting on the horse and letting it follow the one in front of it on a trail ride. :)

Copper and I are trying to do circles around the cone - poor guy, I'm sure my "cues" were really confusing for him. It's amazing how much coordination you have to have to do the right things with the reins, "flapping your legs" to help direct the horse and focus on not falling off.

It was fantastic! ...and I can see how cool it would be to practice and get really good at it.

I leaned SO much...and got to trot and lope.

Horses are truly wonderful animals!

Thank you, Melanie, for your patience with me!

Thank you, wonderful-husband-of-mine for such an awesome experience!

Surprises Can Be Fun!

My honey decided to treat me to a surprise! He's a great guy! This morning I got a fun horse riding lesson... :)

I got to get up close and personal with my horse, Copper.....brushing him, checking his hooves

This was a local place - my instructor was Melanie - and she was fabulous!

Here I am trying to get the saddle on the horse -- those things are heavy! Copper was very patient, though!

And let's not forget the bridle!

Ok...I think we're ready! Thankfully Derek didn't take any pics of me trying to "hoist" myself on the horse - that was a challenge! Stay tuned for more pics...

To All the Moms I Know...

I found the link for the video they showed us at an orientation training for Koinonia I have been going to the last 3 weeks....I dedicate this to all the awesome moms I know - check it out!


http://www.metacafe.com/watch/2265278/mom_song/

Kindergarten Aubrey

Dear Aubrey,

Auntie 'M is SO proud of you! You are growing so big and today you started Kindergarten! You are such a smart girl and I can't wait to hear about all the things you will learn in school!

I love you!!!