Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Birthday WISHES!


Needless to say, I’m a little behind on the posting (and so are YOU for that matter!! I miss reading your take on life, so get to typing! =)

Things are great!! Isaac is growing like a weed and is now an expert on animal noises =) dog, cat, horse, cow, duck, lizard, bear, fish and sheep. “Baaaaaa” is our favorite but when he sticks his tongue in and out being a lizard, it’s a close second. We are working on bird, owl, mouse (not mickey), bee, bunny and mommy (says, “I love you”)

Matt and I are excited about our housing situation,
the bank FINALLY after a 10 months of waiting, accepted our offer and we will hopefully be closing April 8th!!! I will be posting before and after photos as soon as the papers are signed, we have the keys and have painted. We are stoked about the house and some new furniture finds (also a later post)

Other news? Volunteering is so fulfilling and after being nipped at and stepped on by Ginger, still love what I do. Our church Journey now has a new pastor John Hampton and his first sermon was very good! We would love if ever you wanted to visit to come with us! We’ve got a few favorites singing their hearts out on american idol (not as attached to the contestants as we were to Danny Gokey last year, but…) and the biggest loser is so inspiring this season as I still struggle with my baby weight…After giving birth, even 14 months later, my weight is almost pre-pregnancy but tummy is still a problem area and to top it all off, I’ve turned another year older! I’m sure you’ve heard about the recent Florida resident deal Disney is doing…

$99 for four tickets per person--Any day, any park. You do have to use them by the end of May but since Disney has raised their prices again to $89 for one ticket--it is a great deal!

A few weeks ago, Matt surprised me for my 26th birthday and took us to the Magic Kingdom! (Disney is always an excellent winning idea for me) We will go to animal kingdom in a few weeks, (Isaac loves the animals and Nemo show!) then Matt & I will visit Hollywood studios and Epcot for our anniversary which is fastly approaching! I can’t believe on April 29th it will be 4 years!! I still feel like a bride =) So, now for the all important pictures… (They will be posted in different parts, lots of photos)
"Its a small World after all..."










Peter Pan's Flight!


Cinderella's carousel





After lunch and a 45 min nap, Isaac was ready for the PARADE!





MICKEY MOUSE!

"I'm in awe..."


Waving, cheering and blinking at the same time










Matt and I laugh at this picture because Aladdin looks like our realtor and friend, Nick Nesta






check back soon for the rest of our Disney trip!

Saturday, February 27, 2010

My "Every-Other-Saturday delight"



I started volunteering at Freedom Ride a few Saturdays a month. Its a wonderful place. They offer Horse therapy for people with disabilities and its so amazing to see the progress and growth...They just light up to be on horseback! I love being around such awesome individuals! They are so cool.
So during the lessons, they work on a variety of skills- From sitting up straight, to weaving in and out (or over) poles, to puting rings on stakes or toys in a mailbox- all while listening to instructions and simply staying on. Then, they trot around the ring working on balance...Its a blast. And a workout for the volunteers =) My job in all of this?

There is the mucking of stalls (cleaning up horse poo), grooming, feeding -that kind of stuff related to barn care. Then when they feel you're comfortable and experienced enough to work in lessons, you can sidewalk (holding the rider to the saddle and jogging beside, spotting) and horse handle (leading). (see pic below) They even asked me to show some other volunteers how to tack a western saddle! I was so in my element


The other plus (and obvious point to anyone who knows me) is my love for horses!
THese are the beauties i worked with last saturday-
I groomed Zeus
Sidewalked with Little Bit in a lesson
Groomed and tacked Prince
Sidewalked Kidd-my favorite =)
And Horse Handled Equity

Its such a joy! I went to go help others and yet, THEY are the ones making such an impression on MY heart. The Lord is truly blessing and growing ME through all of this. I will try to get some pictures to post later but it'll will probably be just the facility, ect due to confidentiality--




If you want to check out more, just visit their website, www.freedomride.com


Therapeutic riding uses equine-oriented activities for the purpose of contributing positively to the cognitive, physical, emotional and social well being of people with disabilities.