Oh yeah....

I have to share the message I received from a former student tonight.

hey, just wanted to shoot you a message to thank you:) i just started geometry and now i realize what an amazing teacher you were!! i miss you.  :/ anyways, i have the highest grade i my class on the 4th day because i was the only one in my whole class who did several summer assighnments giving me extra credit. thank youuu!!

It's things like that remind me why I teach.  I really do love my job and my kids.  =)

Deep thoughts...

"The key to a long lasting relationship is finding someone who compliments you."

Notice I didn't say completes you.  Completes, to me, implies you can't live without the other person.  Compliments implies that you good enough on your own, BUT you are even better with that person in your life.

This is the crap that goes through my head at the gym.  I have to do something for that hour plus.  Listening to music just isn't enough when you are going full speed ahead and getting no where.  SOOOO... I think.

Erik and I have been together almost 15 years.  That's a long time to be with someone.  I started to think about how and why we've made it this far.  This is what I came up with:

The thing I love most about my husband is that he's always allowed me to be me.  I am a handful, and I know it.  I am stubborn, hard-headed, strong willed, independent, blah, blah, blah...  Erik's never tried to change any of that.  He's always accepted me as I am with all my flaws.  He's supported me, my hopes, my dreams, and my passions.  In return, I try to do the same for him.

Why am I posting this???  Well, this afternoon I spent some time pampering my ponies.  Everyone got a haircut (including bridal paths).  Then, I bathed them and cleaned sheaths.  As they stood tied to the trees drying, I admired them and smiled.  My mind went back to the deep thoughts from earlier at the gym.  My boys are so happy together.  Each one has a personality which compliments the others.  You have no idea how happy this makes me.  Life is good.  =)

Rocky (not too bad for 19)

Linc sporting his first bridal path ever (not that you can see it )

Took me a while to decide on a long or short mane for Ranger.
I went with short for the same reason I finally decided to cut bridal paths...  it's just easier to keep up with. 

The 3 musketeers

Linc heard me getting buckets and struck a pose.
Tonight, the boys enjoyed oily bran mashes.

   

A quote worth sharing...

In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit. ~Albert Schweitzer

I am feeling some pony & friend withdrawals at the moment.  It usually happens around this time of year.  It's still too hot for some to ride, and I get wrapped up with school.  I am looking forward to October when the adventures will begin again and my fire is rekindled.

Something to look forward to (one day)

You know how I love to set goals.  After reading this email from KD, I have decided this adventure is for sure on my bucket list of things to do.

My dear friend Marilyn Whitford used to do cross country and endurance riding in years past and has regaled us with those tales around the campfire. Now that she is a little more seasoned, she has switched to mules and riding not only every local trail she can find, but casting far and wide for riding adventures.

She did the Grand Canyon by mule earlier this summer, along with an America by Horseback Ride at Circle E Ranch in Tennessee, a ride at Leatherwood in North Carolina with some of her mule buddies and just returned from a week in Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies, riding alongside her mule trainer/mentor Brad Cameron. Mind you, this was camping in a tent on a bedroll with possible grizzlies running around at night.

Relax and enjoy the slideshow of the gorgeous vistas of the Canadian Rockies by muleback.

Click for the photos........... Marilyn's Grand Adventure 

=) 

Can I get an AMEN!?!?!

Saw this on a friend's FB, it pretty much nailed it for me and had to share.  Please pass it on.   For those interested in purchasing the poster, it is available at www.holstee.com. Use discount code 'newfriend' and get $5 off.

Summer is coming to an end

In some ways, I am sad.  I always enjoy the extra time at home with Cory and projects.  However, I am looking forward to cooler weather, new students, and adult time.

We took one last summer camping trip to 7 Bar L.  It was hot, but we made the best of it.

Best $25 I've ever spent

Me & my Ruby

Self portrait

Spent Saturday at the Spring

Erik spent a few minutes with us before heading back to camp

Donald & Cory

Chele

I named this guy Lil' Dude

Can you tell I made Donald take a pic with Lil' Dude?

Picnic lunch

My girl

Bill & Marcelle

Playing wit the pups

Ruby has to stay cool too

Cory & Poppy

Me & Ranger

We always eat good

I think we wore Mr. Bill out

It cooled off after the rain.  Had to make a fire.  ;)

Cory & the pups were so worn out.  They slept in the next morning. 

Louise (Donald's mule) was a little off, so he took a spin on Rocky.

Donald leads the way.

Bill & Marcelle on the bridge

Donald holds Linc for me while I take pics.

Donald looks good on a short ears

The spruced up the little house at Suwanee.  Looks good!

Cory tries to keep cool.

 We came home on Sunday to a broken AC unit.  Thankfully, Erik was able to determine the problem (a broken blower motor).  The people at the supply house were very nice.  They warrantied it out.  We only had to pay for shipping.

Cory had her swim banquet on Tuesday.  It was our best season yet, so we are a little sad it's over.  Looking forward to 2012.

Cory with Liv & Mallory

Cory was pick MVP by her coaches

Saying thank you to Emery.  She's stepping down as head coach next year.

Silly daddy

Cory and Dale

Cory & Kaitlyn

Cory & Mia (who had to cut her hair short like Cory's)

Cory & Emery

HERE are the rest of 7 Bar L pics.

HERE are more swimming pics.