We R Horselovers!

I should really say that “they” are horse lovers, but I love watching them be horse lovers so I can be part of WE, right?  Chuck took riding lessons when he was young…even had a horse named “Happy” because he was so happy when his parents gave it to him for his 8th birthday.  (so cute, right?!?!?) He’s always wanted to have his own horses but the closest we can get right now is lessons….so….we got the kids riding lessons for Christmas.  They were so excited!!!  Here are the fun pics of their first lesson:

Sadie….so excited and a little nervous!

Liam…gorgeous horse and handsome Mr. Man! He was totally a natural at riding. He is his fathers son!

Daddy---yes his horse was the shortest but he was also the livliest…and he wanted to gallop. Chuck had such a great time---he was loving it….totally in his element!  It was really fun to watch.  The man needs a horse!

Briggs had the biggest horse and was a bit nervous at first but he did great and can’t wait to get back in the saddle!
If Briggs was a little nervous, Sadie was REALLY nervous.  She almost backed out---in fact she tried because it was a little scary being around a big horse at first but the trainer, Mandy, was amazing.  She helped her feel comfortable with the horse and she was having a great time…in no time! 

Here they are….our budding riders!

…and these are the boots I fell in love with 16 years ago! Loved the boots, loved country dancing with the man wearing the boots but most of all just simply love the Handsome "cowboy at heart" Man in the boots! xoxoxo

Our Smarty Pants!

It’s a happy moment in a mom’s life when she gets a phone call from the school and it’s to tell you that your child is doing GREAT things!  That’s the kind of call I like to get.   And getting it twice in one day, for two kids…well, that’s just happy! Sadie and Liam were both recognized at the Academic Assembly for their grades this last year.  So proud of both of them…they are great kids!

Sadie and her friend Cass

Jared, Nathan & Liam

Eureka Springs…ahhhh….relaxation!

Our 16th Anniversary is on May 9th and we haven’t gone away for 5 years so this was the year!  We settled on Eureka Springs, Arkansas---in the Ozarks and we’re SO glad we did! What a beautiful part of the world!!! We liked it so much that we want to take the whole family there for vacation in the Fall---it’s got to be gorgeous!  Here’s my TOP TEN LIST of our favorite things…

10-Loved, loved, loved seeing the amazing, unique architecture—homes built into the mountain side. Gorgeous, victorian, quaint, cottage looking homes that actually had 3-4 floors build down the mountainside beneath them! WOW! (And Thorncrown Chapel was so, so, so peaceful and beautiful…a must see!)

9-SLEEPING IN!  :)

8-Our tree house ‘hotel’ room was so very cool!  There are a few pictures of it plus the view from the balcony. So pristine, lush and peaceful.

7-We love road trips---especially just the two of us, because we get to talk…and talk…and talk…and talk!  It was so great!

6-Relaxation! There was a point the first evening where Chuck said to me, “I have a strange feeling…” I was obviously concerned and asked him if he was ok. His answer?  “I feel relaxed….it’s been a long time!”

5-Exploring the town and the little paths ---even if one had a snake!  I FREAKED!   I got over it though….ughhhhhh! (shudder, shudder……at least I haven’t had nightmares about snakes again!)

4-Ok I’m a little nervous about saying this but I really did enjoy having a little break from the kids.  And then I was really glad to be home too.  I think all parents need a little break—makes the kids love you more.

3-Yummy food---Ermillio’s and Local Flavor Café were both unbelievably yummy and the service at Local Flavor was incredible! When you visit go to both of them!

2-We had our first “Couples Massage” and it was the most amazing, relaxing, perfect massage ever.  We seriously told them therapists that we want them to move to Edmond!  They were that good! A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!

1-Spending time with the love of my life…I love you, Chuck.  Now and forever! You are the man of my dreams and the one I prayed for when I was younger.  You are my blessing every day! EUREKA!!!

		Eureka Springs Getaway! VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Berry Season!!!

I love it when Berry Season hits….here’s our yummy dinner that we made while Grandma was here.  Lydia served up Grandma’s plate (so cute!) with Bruschetta Artichoke Salad, strawberries, grapes, blackberries & an extra serving of Bruschetta  to eat with our yummy baguette (not pictured)

After dinner we made the strawberry puree for strawberry jam.  Yep, you heard right….I AM MAKING HOMEMADE JAM!  Well, not technically me because Mom did most of the work but I am trying to be better about doing homemade things with more natural ingredients.  My family is SO excited!!! (me too!)

And what would  ‘night of berries’ be without a yummy dessert ending?  Blackberries on top of vanilla bean ice cream…delish!  Thanks Mom and kids for all your work!

Summer is HEEEERRRRRRRREEEEEEE!!!!!!!

The pool is open and I have some H-A-P-P-Y kids! Thanks to Aunt Anita and Uncle Douglas for the awesome pool toys they gave us for Christmas. We are having a GREAT time with them!