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.........

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`..........

Ivan watching the Rain Storm and monkey's sing.

Birthday Ice Cream

Ivan got a Birthday visit from Cha Cha!

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!!

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.

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

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 other day so we can cut hay, and get other yard work done. Busy, Busy...



THE TRACTOR!!!!!
Ivan's Favorite

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.

Going for a Giraffe Ride

Riding the Train at Como Town

Riding the Horse

Playing at Como Town

I am enjoying my time at home with Ivan. I am glad that I get to do special things with him.

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!!!