New Blog

It's been real, blogspot, but I'm tired of fighting with you to format each and every post in a simple, basic format...so it's time to part ways.

Thanks to all my readers, you can find me in my NEW home...

http://horseymama.livejournal.com/

FALL is Here!!!

It's October...autumn is here! Our new life in the new town, and new part of the state is revealing an earlier, cooler autumn at that. By early September the air was already a touch cooler, and by the last week of September we were having our first cool front. The first week of October we experienced temperatures in the 40s! The children were LOVING the weather. So were the animals, I might add. Boe kicked his up heals, galloping and bucking around the pasture. We've taken walks (been attacked by a dog on one of them) and have been using this glorious season as an opportuinity to be OUTDOORS and learning. We've done school on the front porch, photographed leaves, done scavenger hunts, and just plane romped and played for the sheer joy of it. Here are some photos of the children in this GLORIOUS season that we've been thanking the Lord for.









Samantha found Boe's bell boots and decided to play horse. Yes, she's sporting horse overalls, with an attached stuffed horse, and wearing horse bell boots. Ah, my previous baby girl who is NUTS about horses!

If it was easy.... they would call it football.

Getting Settled

We made the trip to Jacksonville with ease, but upon arrival we discovered that the kids' bedrooms all had dog urine soaked carpets (ick!) and we had a GERMAN ROACH problem! *faint* Our (awesome) landlords took care of the carpets, and we're being very aggressive with the roaches too, with marked improvement already.

So, we're getting settled. My (awesome) mom came up for a couple of days to help me clean and get unpacked. My mom is amazing, and was a true life saver. She pulled me out of the mental funk I'd been in regarding the smells, filth, and roaches.

God put us in a location (house, as well as part of town and the state) that is perfect for us. We are close to a big airfield with jets that fly over our house (our house is on the landing path), but out in the country. We're surrounded by great neighbors, 3 major horse farms, and right up the road from the Jacksonville Equestrian Center and the Jacksonville Aquatic Center (which boasts an Olympic size indoor pool, with FREE use for Jacksonville residents).

We're surrounded by country, planes, and horses. Life is good. Soon, my pasture will be filled with horses as mine will be home soon, and we are being given another horse. So, pics will follow. After 8 years of struggling, God has blessed us with a little piece of paradise and for me, a life long dream fulfilled.

God is GOOD!

MOVING!

There must be some kind of record. We are moving for the 3rd time in 11 months! Hopefully, though, this will be the last move for a VERY long time.

We love our apartment, and it breaks my heart to leave. However, it is too far of a drive for my Darling Husband to commute to his NEW JOB!!!! That's right, DH got offered a job in Jacksonville, FL working for the Navy! He LOVES doing what they hired him to do, and it's a significant pay increase from what he's making now, so it's a blessing.

We knew he was being considered for the position, as the process started a month ago. Last week they had us go up for him to complete a physical, which he passed. The final word came in 2 days ago, and he has to report on June 7th!!! That's right, we have ONE WEEK to pack up our house and move! I am very stressed at this prospect.

We went up to Jacksonville again 2 days ago to look for a place to live. God has blessed us many times over. We found a place easily. God provided us with a 3 bed, 2 bath home on 2 acres for rent. Even the little things are perfect! The side yard is fenced and off the kitchen so that I can watch the kids while I cook/clean (I seem to spend a LOT of time in the kitchen), and keep them separate and safe from the horse (or is it keeping the horse separate and safe from them?). The property owners own a big Quarter Horse farm right behind our property, so I have experienced horse people right there to ask questions (or get help from in a situation beyond my experience). I will also have full use of their facilities for riding! Additionally, continuing down our road is direct access to thousands of acres of riding trails! Once I get my horse re-trained, it will be a lot of fun. :-)

My dad is going to bring up his camper and park it on our property so they will have a "retreat" of sorts, and an excuse to come see their grandkids.

I'm scared of taking Sweet Pea, Little Man, and Baby Girl away from my family...and terrified of the prospect of being so far away from help. But I trust that the Lord will continue to provide. :-) What an exercise in faith!

Thank you Lord!

The Right to Bear Arms (and awaken a sleeping Bear)

This past weekend my husband and I decided to support our 2nd Amendment and went to a local gun show. My husband says he has created a monster. I say he's just awoken the sleeping bear (and the bear is armed and bearing arms...ha ha at my pun).

A few weeks back I took my concealed carry class, and on April 2 I am completing the process to obtain my concealed carry permit.

[A sleeping bear rumbled.]

At the show, my husband purchased a weapon from the store's booth through whom I took the concealed carry class. Typical since we don't have our permits yet, there is a 3 day wait. No biggie, we can pick it up on Thursday.

As we were leaving the show, a man with a private collection for sale had a revolver that caught my eye. It was pretty, but impractical for me. Regardless, I felt an irresistible urge to stop and admire. This was the beginning of the end. He had more...and I ended up buying my first firearm.

[The sleeping bear opens an eye.]

What did I purchase?
A Smith and Wesson .40 Sigma.

[The sleeping bear awakes]
Now...I want more. *rubs hands eagerly* But, alas, the budget prohibits the purchase of all that I desire...

Oh, and now our eldest daughter wants a pink gun.

[The sleeping bear FAMILY is awake and on the prowl]

Fabulous Friday

Today is a day of praise! What are the good things going on in my life?

I have 3 AWESOME kids!
I have a husband who is so kind and supportive...and works hard to support this family.
I have an awesome family.
I have awesome in laws.
My friends rock!
God has placed us in an AMAZING church!
I love my HOME!
I love Plant City!
I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE this cold weather that we're having!!!!

What are some awesome things that are happening in your life? What do YOU have to be thankful for?


My sisters and I at the 2nd sister's baby shower.