Just before Christmas, Ivan got to flip over his bed and make it into a bunk bed. He tells me that now he is a REALLY BIG BOY!! He loves to get to do new things and is excited to sleep way up high.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Getting Caught Up.......
FALL 2008
Since I have not been keeping up with my blog, I thought I would get caught up now before the Christmas rush.....
At the end of September, Ivan and I went to the apple Orchard with Uncle Phil, Auntie Missy and Grandma and Grandpa Bunker. Ivan loves apples and could not eat them fast enough. He also loves to climb and play on all of the stuff they have for kids.
October
Ivan was a hunter for Halloween and we all went Trick or Treating in Grandma and Grandpa Bunker's neighborhood, since we only have 2 neighbors. It was fun to have my son Trick or Treat in the same neighborhood that I used to Trick or Treat in.
November
For Thanksgiving, we spent the day with my family and my extended family on my mom's side. It was nice to get together with everyone since we are not often together anymore.
December
The month started out with my 34th Birthday. Ivan and Dan took me out for dinner at Red Lobster and then we spent a quite evening at home. I have been working on getting things ready for Christmas and for the Baby Cooper.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
September 20
Good Bye, Jerry...
Today, Jerry Haire was laid to rest with deep sadness and deep joy. He was loved by so many people and had touch the lives of so many. I have know Jerry for more than 20 years and I have many many memories of Jerry, Keta, the Farm and the Haire family.
Jerry was extremely generous and with our family it was no different. The use of the truck and horse trailer or the truck and flat-bed trailer was never denied.
Jerry and I shared a great love of horses and we loved some of the same horses. I have had 3 horses that were part of Jerry's original herd, Belle, Myrt and Pebbles. Belle is no longer with us, but Myrt and Pebbles are still members of our family. Jerry and Keta gave Pebbles to Dan and I as a wedding gift to us, and Myrt was a gift later for Ivan.
So on this day that we said good-bye, I took hair from the tails of original horses and added them to hair of Keeper and Hank, Kristin Elmquist's part of the original herd, and they were placed in the casket as tribute to Jerry and the memories we share.
I know that we will all be together someday and I will have the chance once again to ride with Jerry as I have done so many times before. Ride Fast and Take Chances!! We will miss you, Red Jerry!
Today, Jerry Haire was laid to rest with deep sadness and deep joy. He was loved by so many people and had touch the lives of so many. I have know Jerry for more than 20 years and I have many many memories of Jerry, Keta, the Farm and the Haire family.
Jerry was extremely generous and with our family it was no different. The use of the truck and horse trailer or the truck and flat-bed trailer was never denied.
Jerry and I shared a great love of horses and we loved some of the same horses. I have had 3 horses that were part of Jerry's original herd, Belle, Myrt and Pebbles. Belle is no longer with us, but Myrt and Pebbles are still members of our family. Jerry and Keta gave Pebbles to Dan and I as a wedding gift to us, and Myrt was a gift later for Ivan.
So on this day that we said good-bye, I took hair from the tails of original horses and added them to hair of Keeper and Hank, Kristin Elmquist's part of the original herd, and they were placed in the casket as tribute to Jerry and the memories we share.
I know that we will all be together someday and I will have the chance once again to ride with Jerry as I have done so many times before. Ride Fast and Take Chances!! We will miss you, Red Jerry!
Thursday, September 18, 2008
September 18
Jerry Haire
It is with great sadness and joy to let you know that Jerry Haire passed away on Wed., Sept 17, 2008 at his home in Lake Elmo. I have know Jerry since I was 11 yrs old and had only just saw him about a week and half ago. I first knew Jerry and his family when both of our families attended Ham Lake Baptist Church, and then for many years, I worked for Jerry riding, showing, and training his horses. It is from Jerry that I got my most beloved mare, Belle, my gray mare, Myrt, and my palomino mare and wedding gift from Jerry & Keta, Pebbles.
Jerry always treated me like "Gold", and I will miss him dearly. There was more than one time that we went on an "Jerry Haire Sponsored Trail Ride" or borrowed the truck and trailer to move or transport horses from one place to another. He was always willing to borrow out his horses, tack, trailer, or anything else that he had that we needed. I have many memories of horses and Jerry and I am glad to own 2 of those memories and the son of one of them. The horses that I have gotten from Jerry mean even more to me now. You can't walk out my front door and into my tack room without seeming something that has to do with Jerry and Stone Gable Farm.
The following pictures are some of the pictures of Jerry and Keta and the horses that have been in my life from Jerry.
Jerry and Keta @ our Wedding in 2004
Showing Rocky @ Champ Show
My beloved mare, Belle.
Ivan and I riding Myrt
This is one of my favorite pictures of Ivan and Dan in Jerry's Truck with the trailer in the back ground.
Jerry loved to hunt and fish, horses, his family and The Lord. I have no doubt, he is in heaven, and has already found the best fishing spot, the best hunting spots, and the best riding trails.
Our Family misses you very much Jerry, but I know that we will see you in heaven again one day!
It is with great sadness and joy to let you know that Jerry Haire passed away on Wed., Sept 17, 2008 at his home in Lake Elmo. I have know Jerry since I was 11 yrs old and had only just saw him about a week and half ago. I first knew Jerry and his family when both of our families attended Ham Lake Baptist Church, and then for many years, I worked for Jerry riding, showing, and training his horses. It is from Jerry that I got my most beloved mare, Belle, my gray mare, Myrt, and my palomino mare and wedding gift from Jerry & Keta, Pebbles.
Jerry always treated me like "Gold", and I will miss him dearly. There was more than one time that we went on an "Jerry Haire Sponsored Trail Ride" or borrowed the truck and trailer to move or transport horses from one place to another. He was always willing to borrow out his horses, tack, trailer, or anything else that he had that we needed. I have many memories of horses and Jerry and I am glad to own 2 of those memories and the son of one of them. The horses that I have gotten from Jerry mean even more to me now. You can't walk out my front door and into my tack room without seeming something that has to do with Jerry and Stone Gable Farm.
The following pictures are some of the pictures of Jerry and Keta and the horses that have been in my life from Jerry.
Jerry and Keta @ our Wedding in 2004
Showing Rocky @ Champ Show
Pebbles as a foal. Pebbles was my wedding gift from Keta and Jerry and I still own her.
Stone Gable Farm - The Barn the way I remember it.
My beloved mare, Belle.
Ivan was also very fond of Jerry and called him the "Red Jerry" since he has Red Barns and a red truck. We had just been out to Jerry's about a week and half ago and Ivan got a ride on the tractor and the bobcat. Ivan talks about going to Jerry's all the time and asks when we can go again.
Ivan and I riding Myrt
This is one of my favorite pictures of Ivan and Dan in Jerry's Truck with the trailer in the back ground.
Jerry loved to hunt and fish, horses, his family and The Lord. I have no doubt, he is in heaven, and has already found the best fishing spot, the best hunting spots, and the best riding trails.
Our Family misses you very much Jerry, but I know that we will see you in heaven again one day!
Friday, September 12, 2008
September 12
Boy Names......
Dan and I are having trouble deciding on names and we need your help!!! Anyone got any suggestions....
These are already up for considerations:
Caden Daniel (My First Choice)
Cooper Daniel (A Close 2nd)
Braeden
I guess the first child is easier to name then the 2nd.
Dan and I are having trouble deciding on names and we need your help!!! Anyone got any suggestions....
These are already up for considerations:
Caden Daniel (My First Choice)
Cooper Daniel (A Close 2nd)
Braeden
I guess the first child is easier to name then the 2nd.
September 11
Ultra-Sound Day
Today, we had our 19 week Ultra Sound and got to see the newest member of our family for the first time!! It is a relief to see your baby - health, moving and growing!!!
Here are a couple of pictures.......
Profile
Close Up Profile of Face
2 Tiny Feet and Toes
We also know that this is another DeVine Boy!!!!
August 10 - Happy Birthday Ivan and Grandma
Since Ivan's and Grandma Bunker's Birthdays are only a few days apart, we all got together for a family party.........
Ivan's New Tractor!!! (The greatest birthday gift a boy could get!!)
Driving the Tractor with Uncle Phil!!!
We all had cake and ice cream and headed home to go to bed early!!! To much Birthday, Cake and Ice Cream!!!!
New Cars Suite Case From Auntie Missy and Uncle Phil
New Swing for the Play Set from Auntie Missy and Uncle Phil
Ivan's New Tractor!!! (The greatest birthday gift a boy could get!!)
Driving the Tractor with Uncle Phil!!!
We all had cake and ice cream and headed home to go to bed early!!! To much Birthday, Cake and Ice Cream!!!!
August 6th - Happy Birthday Ivan!!!
Today is Ivan's 3rd Birthday. Ivan, Grandma, Auntie Missy and I went to the Mall of America for some fun. First, we had lunch at the Rain Forest Cafe`..........
Blues Clues!
Ivan watching the Rain Storm and monkey's sing.
After lunch, we hit the rides!!! or should I say Auntie Missy and Ivan Hit the rides!
Auntie Missy and Ivan on the Roller Coaster!!
Blues Clues!
When we got home, Ivan opened his new Big Boy Bike and other presents....................
Everyone was tired after a long day!!
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Update......
Our family has been busy.
Dan has been busy cutting, racking, and baling hay on the hay ground he rented with a guy from work. It has been an experience between the rain and the tractor not always cooperating. Dan has also been working many hours at Cemstone.
Ivan is a active almost 3 yr old. He enjoys playing outside with his tractors, and his pool. We have attended the Kanabec and Isanti County Fairs over the last couple of weekends, and Ivan has enjoyed the rides and seeing the animals. The Pine County Fair is this weekend, and Dan will be taking Ivan to see the animal and to ride the rides. Ivan's 3rd Birthday is coming up in 6 days and he is consistently telling anyone that will listen what he wants for his Birthday. He does not know that Grandma Bunker and I have already got it covered. He will be a happy boy on his birthday.
As for me, I have been taking it day by day. I am glad that my pregnancy with Ivan was easy because this one has not been. The nausea is gone but I still do not feel the greatest most days. I have been taking it day by day. I entered Rodeo in an Agility trial this weekend, and I am glad that it is in doors at the U of M instead of outside in the heat. I hope to enter 2 more trials before I take the winter off.
The past month has involved 2 difficult decision in our family. A few weeks ago, I made the decision to put my black Aussie, Ranger, to sleep. His life was becoming so filled with stress that it was affecting my other dogs, and the meds he was on was no longer helping. It was a hard decision, but I felt that it was in his best interest. It helps to know that he is at the Rainbow Bridge with my other Aussie, Ella, waiting for me. We buried him at the back of our property next to my beloved mare, Belle. The other is reguarding one of my horses. Most of you know of my love for horses and that we have several. I have a mare that I have been trying to get breed for the past 2 yrs. I was very hopeful this year, but after trying for 3 months, she is still not breed. I have been faced with the difficult decision of want to do with this mare since she is not rideable or breedable. I do not feel right about taking her to a sale and dumping her but I have no use for her at this point. I have decided to put her up sale privately in hopes of finding her a home. I believe that God has made us stewards of the animals on this earth, and that it is our responsibility to provide the best quality of care to the animals that have been entrusted to us.
Dan has been busy cutting, racking, and baling hay on the hay ground he rented with a guy from work. It has been an experience between the rain and the tractor not always cooperating. Dan has also been working many hours at Cemstone.
Ivan is a active almost 3 yr old. He enjoys playing outside with his tractors, and his pool. We have attended the Kanabec and Isanti County Fairs over the last couple of weekends, and Ivan has enjoyed the rides and seeing the animals. The Pine County Fair is this weekend, and Dan will be taking Ivan to see the animal and to ride the rides. Ivan's 3rd Birthday is coming up in 6 days and he is consistently telling anyone that will listen what he wants for his Birthday. He does not know that Grandma Bunker and I have already got it covered. He will be a happy boy on his birthday.
As for me, I have been taking it day by day. I am glad that my pregnancy with Ivan was easy because this one has not been. The nausea is gone but I still do not feel the greatest most days. I have been taking it day by day. I entered Rodeo in an Agility trial this weekend, and I am glad that it is in doors at the U of M instead of outside in the heat. I hope to enter 2 more trials before I take the winter off.
The past month has involved 2 difficult decision in our family. A few weeks ago, I made the decision to put my black Aussie, Ranger, to sleep. His life was becoming so filled with stress that it was affecting my other dogs, and the meds he was on was no longer helping. It was a hard decision, but I felt that it was in his best interest. It helps to know that he is at the Rainbow Bridge with my other Aussie, Ella, waiting for me. We buried him at the back of our property next to my beloved mare, Belle. The other is reguarding one of my horses. Most of you know of my love for horses and that we have several. I have a mare that I have been trying to get breed for the past 2 yrs. I was very hopeful this year, but after trying for 3 months, she is still not breed. I have been faced with the difficult decision of want to do with this mare since she is not rideable or breedable. I do not feel right about taking her to a sale and dumping her but I have no use for her at this point. I have decided to put her up sale privately in hopes of finding her a home. I believe that God has made us stewards of the animals on this earth, and that it is our responsibility to provide the best quality of care to the animals that have been entrusted to us.
Monday, June 30, 2008
How I Feel about My Dog....
This poem was posted today on the Ledoux Aussie yahoo group by Beth, Buster's Mom. (Buster is Rodeo's sire.) I thought that it was a great poem that summed up how "Dog People" feel about their dogs, and maybe gives insight to those "Non-Dog People" in our lives.
JUST A DOG "
From time to time, people tell me, "lighten up, it's just a dog," or, "that's a lot of money for just a dog."
They don't understand the distance traveled, the time spent, or the costs involved for "just a dog."
Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a dog."
Many hours have passed and my only company was "just a dog,"but I did not once feel slighted.
Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by "just a dog,"and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "just a dog" gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.
If you, too, think it's "just a dog," then you will probably understand phrases like "just a friend," "just a sunrise," or "just a promise."
"Just a dog" brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy. "Just a dog" brings out the compassion and patience that make me a better person.
Because of "just a dog", I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future.
So for me and folks like me, it's not "just a dog" but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment.
"Just a dog" brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day.
I hope that someday they can understand that it's not "just a dog", but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being "just a man or woman." So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog" just smile... because they "just don't understand."
by Richard Biby
JUST A DOG "
From time to time, people tell me, "lighten up, it's just a dog," or, "that's a lot of money for just a dog."
They don't understand the distance traveled, the time spent, or the costs involved for "just a dog."
Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a dog."
Many hours have passed and my only company was "just a dog,"but I did not once feel slighted.
Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by "just a dog,"and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "just a dog" gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.
If you, too, think it's "just a dog," then you will probably understand phrases like "just a friend," "just a sunrise," or "just a promise."
"Just a dog" brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy. "Just a dog" brings out the compassion and patience that make me a better person.
Because of "just a dog", I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future.
So for me and folks like me, it's not "just a dog" but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment.
"Just a dog" brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day.
I hope that someday they can understand that it's not "just a dog", but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being "just a man or woman." So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog" just smile... because they "just don't understand."
by Richard Biby
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Boy or Girl?...........
Dan and I are pleased to announce that we are expecting our second child in early February!! We are happy to be blessed with this new addition to our family! Our extended family is very happy also!! So far so good and we ask for your prayers over the next few months as we prepare for the new baby!
My schedule is staying busy with horses, Ivan and showing my dog in agility. I also started a new part time job this week so things are busy. It is nice that Grandma Bunker is done working for the summer so Ivan gets to spend a lot of time with her during the summer! They both love it!
The summer has finally arrived and the weather has been wonderful. It has finally stopped raining every o
ther day so we can cut hay, and get other yard work done. Busy, Busy...
THE TRACTOR!!!!!
Ivan's Favorite
My schedule is staying busy with horses, Ivan and showing my dog in agility. I also started a new part time job this week so things are busy. It is nice that Grandma Bunker is done working for the summer so Ivan gets to spend a lot of time with her during the summer! They both love it!The summer has finally arrived and the weather has been wonderful. It has finally stopped raining every o
ther day so we can cut hay, and get other yard work done. Busy, Busy...THE TRACTOR!!!!!
Ivan's Favorite
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Nice Day at the Zoo...
Grandma Bunker and I arranged a surprise visit to the Como Park Zoo for Ivan. Grandma had to drive her bus to Como Zoo for a Field trip, so we met her at the Zoo. Ivan had a great time!! He likes to look at the animals and had a nice time playing @ Como Town. The weather has been cool so some of the animals were not outside yet so once the weather warms up, we will make another trip to the Zoo.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Warm Spring Days....
Ivan has been enjoying the warm spring days that we have been having. He is so happy that it has not rained in the last few days, that it is hard to get him to come inside for lunch and a nap!!! He is also very happy that "Grandpa Jack's Tractor" is at our house. He always wants a ride on the tractor, but he will settle to just sit on it and drive himself. He also enjoys riding his tire swing pony along with his real pony.
Well, off to play outside!!!
Well, off to play outside!!! Sunday, April 27, 2008
So Many to Things To Do...
This weekend was a fun weekend.
On Friday, Ivan and I went to the Minnesota Horse Expo and meet up with Kristin, Kody and Brenda Lee. Kody is 4, and the boys love to play together so they enjoyed seeing horses and tractors together. The boys were very good and got to enjoy horse and pony rides. Both Boys loved to walk thru the Horse Barn and see all the horses. Ivan got to see tractor, lawn mowers, and a bobcat so his day was complete. We spent almost the entire day at the Expo so I had a very tired boy when I got home.
On Saturday, we did the paper route and then went to Grandma and Grandpa Bunker's house for dinner with Auntie Missy and Uncle Phil. Ivan got to spend the night with Grandma and Grandpa, and he kept them very busy.
On Sunday, a family from Merrill, WI came to look at the donkeys I had for sale. They liked the donkeys and bought both of the gray dun donkeys and my 2 goats. The donkeys were a surprise for Mother's Day and their daughter wants to breed the goats to have kids for 4-H next year. I am very happy that I found a loving and caring home for the donkeys and the goats. Dan is happy the goats are gone because he did not like the goats on the cars!!! So that leaves us with just 1 donkey and he will make a great buddy for Catcher.
I hope everyone had a great weekend because was very full!!!
On Friday, Ivan and I went to the Minnesota Horse Expo and meet up with Kristin, Kody and Brenda Lee. Kody is 4, and the boys love to play together so they enjoyed seeing horses and tractors together. The boys were very good and got to enjoy horse and pony rides. Both Boys loved to walk thru the Horse Barn and see all the horses. Ivan got to see tractor, lawn mowers, and a bobcat so his day was complete. We spent almost the entire day at the Expo so I had a very tired boy when I got home.
On Saturday, we did the paper route and then went to Grandma and Grandpa Bunker's house for dinner with Auntie Missy and Uncle Phil. Ivan got to spend the night with Grandma and Grandpa, and he kept them very busy.
On Sunday, a family from Merrill, WI came to look at the donkeys I had for sale. They liked the donkeys and bought both of the gray dun donkeys and my 2 goats. The donkeys were a surprise for Mother's Day and their daughter wants to breed the goats to have kids for 4-H next year. I am very happy that I found a loving and caring home for the donkeys and the goats. Dan is happy the goats are gone because he did not like the goats on the cars!!! So that leaves us with just 1 donkey and he will make a great buddy for Catcher.
I hope everyone had a great weekend because was very full!!!
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Going for a Ride with Mom
Today was a glorious day, warm weather and sun. Ivan and I took a ride together and I wanted to share this wonderful event. Ivan loves to go for short rides with me on the horse, and he loves to go for long rides with Dan on the Three Wheeler!! I am glad that he loves to do both! We are riding Myrt, a 17 yr old Quarter Horse Mare. She is the great old mare that I got from Jerry Haire. I have known Myrt since she was 3 yrs old and she has been living with me for the past 4 yrs. Myrt has many jobs: watching over the foals, Dan's trail riding horse, Ivan's pony, and she helps with the training horses. We thank the Lord for great horses!
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Loves of My Life
Most of you know, I love horses and have loved horses for as long as I can remember. I have had a horse since I was 13 yr old, but I have found another love, maybe not as much as horses but I do love it. I have found the sport of Dog Agility, let me explain......
Besides, Ivan and Dan, there are 2 other boys that I absolutely love: Catcher and Rodeo. Catcher is my 5 yr old Quarter Horse Gelding and Rodeo is my 22 month old Australian Shepherd.
Catcher has a special place in my heart, I owned his mother for 15 yrs before I lost her last summer. I have had Catcher his entire life and he will spend the rest of his life in my care. Unfortunately, I have not had as much time to ride as I want to, so Catcher leads the life of a pasture pony most of the time. I hope to have more time to ride this summer, but with gas prices as high as they are, we will be staying at home and riding around here.
Now to Agility...
About 5 yrs ago, I got my first Aussie, Ella and began training in Agility. After 2.5 yrs of training and taking classes, I finally entered my first trial and it was tons of fun. Tragically, I lost Ella about month that trial. Shortly after her death, I began my search for another Aussie. After a short search, I found a breeder that was going to be breeding a litter, and I decided to put down a deposit and I placed my order for a blue merle female. I was excited since I had pick of the litter and was looking forward to getting back to agility and having an Aussie. After a what seemed like forever, the puppies arrived and there was 1 blue merle female. I went to visit the puppies for the first time when they were 2 days old. The litter was good size with 6 girls and 1 boy. This was the beginning of the 10 week waiting period. I visited the puppies as often as possible and I began the process of trying to decide on which puppy to make mine. To make a long story short, I ended up with the red merle male, not exactly what I had order but I would not give him back for anything. The red merle male was given the name Rodeo and the full name of Fourwinds Raggin Rodeo.
Rodeo and I started agility training immediately. Now 22 months later, Rodeo and I have enter 3 agility trials and have earned 1 leg of our Novice Tunnlers Title. Rodeo is not ready enter the full trial but we have been gaining valuable experience. Last weekend, we entered the ACTS NADAC Trial and we had a successful trial for us. Not everything went as planned but that is OK .
I am looking forward to future trials this summer with Rodeo and future horse shows with Catcher.
Besides, Ivan and Dan, there are 2 other boys that I absolutely love: Catcher and Rodeo. Catcher is my 5 yr old Quarter Horse Gelding and Rodeo is my 22 month old Australian Shepherd.
Catcher has a special place in my heart, I owned his mother for 15 yrs before I lost her last summer. I have had Catcher his entire life and he will spend the rest of his life in my care. Unfortunately, I have not had as much time to ride as I want to, so Catcher leads the life of a pasture pony most of the time. I hope to have more time to ride this summer, but with gas prices as high as they are, we will be staying at home and riding around here.
Now to Agility...
About 5 yrs ago, I got my first Aussie, Ella and began training in Agility. After 2.5 yrs of training and taking classes, I finally entered my first trial and it was tons of fun. Tragically, I lost Ella about month that trial. Shortly after her death, I began my search for another Aussie. After a short search, I found a breeder that was going to be breeding a litter, and I decided to put down a deposit and I placed my order for a blue merle female. I was excited since I had pick of the litter and was looking forward to getting back to agility and having an Aussie. After a what seemed like forever, the puppies arrived and there was 1 blue merle female. I went to visit the puppies for the first time when they were 2 days old. The litter was good size with 6 girls and 1 boy. This was the beginning of the 10 week waiting period. I visited the puppies as often as possible and I began the process of trying to decide on which puppy to make mine. To make a long story short, I ended up with the red merle male, not exactly what I had order but I would not give him back for anything. The red merle male was given the name Rodeo and the full name of Fourwinds Raggin Rodeo.
Rodeo and I started agility training immediately. Now 22 months later, Rodeo and I have enter 3 agility trials and have earned 1 leg of our Novice Tunnlers Title. Rodeo is not ready enter the full trial but we have been gaining valuable experience. Last weekend, we entered the ACTS NADAC Trial and we had a successful trial for us. Not everything went as planned but that is OK .
I am looking forward to future trials this summer with Rodeo and future horse shows with Catcher.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
The Spring of 2008 is full of changes and surprises. Most of us are feeling the effects of the current economic situation, and our family is no different. Currently, I am not working but looking for a job, and Dan has only worked 4 days since Christmas. Things at our house have been tight but the Lord has provided. Dan has been working at a Dairy Farm that is owned by a friend to help make ends meets. When he comes home, Ivan asks "What that smell, Daddy? With Dan working long hours at the Dairy, Ivan and I get to spend time together playing outside, feeding animals, and watching his new favorite movies "Cars" and "Snow Buddies". I am grateful for the nice weather so that we can play outside.
Dan is also thinking about a career move. Things in the construction industry are slow and there are not guarantees in the concrete business so Dan has decided to apply to work at the Union Pacific Railroad. My Uncle Tom works for them and has been helping with the application process. This decision has been difficult for Dan since has been with Cemstone for 12 years, his father worked for them for more than 20 years, and his brother still works for them. I also worked for them for 5 yrs and my Dad still works for them. He has been torn about looking for a new job but has decided that it would be in the best interest of our family to begin exploring other opportunities. Please keep Dan and our family in your prayers during this process.
I am also looking for a new job. I am hoping to hear soon about several positions that I have applied for, until then I will continue with my weekend paper routes, selling hay and something new that I am going to try is offering dog training classes at my house. It would be nice to walk out the door and be at work!!
We pray for economic rest in our country, for the families with love ones in Irag, and for the families that have less than we do and that are losing their homes.
Dan is also thinking about a career move. Things in the construction industry are slow and there are not guarantees in the concrete business so Dan has decided to apply to work at the Union Pacific Railroad. My Uncle Tom works for them and has been helping with the application process. This decision has been difficult for Dan since has been with Cemstone for 12 years, his father worked for them for more than 20 years, and his brother still works for them. I also worked for them for 5 yrs and my Dad still works for them. He has been torn about looking for a new job but has decided that it would be in the best interest of our family to begin exploring other opportunities. Please keep Dan and our family in your prayers during this process.
I am also looking for a new job. I am hoping to hear soon about several positions that I have applied for, until then I will continue with my weekend paper routes, selling hay and something new that I am going to try is offering dog training classes at my house. It would be nice to walk out the door and be at work!!
We pray for economic rest in our country, for the families with love ones in Irag, and for the families that have less than we do and that are losing their homes.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Well, even though I am not working full time these days, my days are full. Dan and I have been looking for some calves to buy to raise our beef. On Tuesday, we drove out to look at some calves, and they also had 3 donkey that they wanted to sell. To make along story short, we bought the 3 donkeys and we decided to think about the calves. The donkeys are in good shape weight wise but they have not been handled or had any vet care. They are also very dirty since they had been living with beef cattle. We picked up our new family members on Thursday, just before the snow arrived. The first couple of days were rough with the snow storm and the wind, but nice weather has arrived. Ivan loves the donkeys and thanks me daily for buying them for him. I have not told him that we are only keeping 1 and trying to find homes for the other 2. I have been looking for a donkey since last fall since one of my horses does not play well with others and needed a companion, and somehow 3 donkeys now sit in my pasture. I believe that all God's creatures deserve a good home and hate when people do not provide that for him. Dan says that I would rescue anything if we could afford it, and I would. The donkey's names are: Nacho (gray), Burrito (brown), and Taco (spotted). Taco is going to be staying here to keep Catcher company after a quarantine period.What I don't find to bring home!!
Monday, April 7, 2008
First Entry
Hi Everyone
I thought that I would get with it and start a blog so family and friends could keep in touch. Our family is very busy and things are changing all the time.
Since I have not been the best at keeping in touch with everyone, I will give a brief update of the goings ons of the DeVine Family.
On August 28, 2004, Dan and I were married and combined our love of horses and the outdoors. Dan loves to hunt, fish, ride horse and spending time with family and friends. On August 6, 2005, Ivan Joseph DeVine joined our family. While on maturity leave, we purchased a house in Braham, put up fence for the horses, and moved all with a 8 week old infant. What a ride.
We have been in our house for 2.5 years and love it. I always wanted to have my horses our my back door and now they are. Currently, we have 6 horses - Catcher, Myrt, Brownie, Ruby, Reba, and Sydney, 5 dogs - Rodeo, Ranger, Cowboy, Chance, and Gus, 2 goats - Molly & Mable and 4 cats - Ellie May, Splash, Spook and Spot, and you never know what we will get next.
Ivan is growing so fast. He loves digger, dozers and tractors, and he has my love of animals. He was trilled when we bought him a pony, Sydney. He loves to feed her treats and go for rides. He also loves to play with the dogs and give them hugs and kisses. He talks about everything and can't wait for the summer so that he can go swimming and fishing.
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Dan still works for Cemstone as a truck driver at the new East Bethel Plant. He enjoys the shorter drive and he is the #2 driver. Currently, the construction industry is off to a slow start but we are hopeful that things will pick up soon.
As for me, I am currently looking for a new job and I am looking forward to the warmer weather. I have big plan this summer which include: riding Catcher, training our young horses and training my agility dogs - Rodeo, Ranger and Cowboy. I have high hopes for Rodeo this summer as he already shows great promise in the agility ring.
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I hope everyone has a great summer and God Bless.
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