The Thomillas

January 2012 in Utah

2012-01-17T18:53:00.001-08:00

After Christmas Josh and I made the 14 hour drive to Utah to visit my family. Everybody came with us, the dogs and the rabbit. First we stayed at my cousin Layla's house where we spent New Year's Eve playing a hilarious game that involved dancing, opera singing, and poetry.While visiting my mom, we made these adorable cupcake invitations for the baby shower she is throwing my cousin Layla and me.
When we first arrived in Utah there wasn't any snow but after being there a few days the snowflakes began to fall. It was a beautiful sight.

Josh took the dogs sledding in the blow up boat we used this summer at Bear Lake. Unfortunately it was a miserable fail. They slid down the hill as slow as mollasses!

Emerson was not very thrilled about his first experience in the snow and spent most of his time on the porch while we played.

However, Lizzy had a blast!

Even Pipkin liked it. He hopped around and dug little holes and enjoyed the change of scenery. We had a blast and can't wait to see everyone again soon.

Maternity Photos

2012-01-12T10:27:00.001-08:00

While in Utah visiting my family, my sister Samantha was kind enough to invite me into the photography studio where she works to take maternity photos. We had a lot of fun trying different ideas and many of the photos turned out beautifully. I only posted a few of my favorites here on my blog. More photos can be found on Facebook and at http://www.whimsy-photography.com/.

All of these beautiful photos and more were taken by Samantha Garbini at Whimsy Photography in Logan, Utah. Thanks for not making me look like a whale Sam! :)

Adventures in Sewing

2011-12-20T14:38:00.000-08:00

While perusing my cousin Rach'l's Pinterest, I came across this dress and decided I would try to make it for a wedding I had coming up. First, I bought the supplies.
Second, because I have never sewed anything other than pillow cases, I recruited some help. {Thanks Grandma!}

A few hours and some yummy lunch later, I had my dress and I was able to attend my friend's wedding looking semi-stylish despite the bump.

I am going to try to make another one that is shorter and made of material that is easier to deal with.

Why I Love Fall and Winter!

2011-12-08T15:12:00.000-08:00

I LOVE the fall and the winter! It takes everything I have to not bust out my decorations, clothes, and recipes, as soon as the temperature drops below 100. Several years ago, my grandmother made sugared cranberries and she quickly realized she had better triple or even quadruple her recipe if I was going to be around! I made some on Thanksgiving so we could take them to Josh's mom's house but they didn't make it.
I prefer classic Christmas music to choirs singing or pop artists remaking the same Christmas songs over and over.
Give me Frank, Dean, and Sammy and I am ready to go.

Boots, boots, boots. I love them all (except Uggs)!

One of my favorite things in the entire world is getting letters and cards in the mail. Christmas is like heaven because I get a card at least every other day.

NO meal is complete without green bean casserole, with extra crunchy things of course!

Red Hot Jello with apples and walnuts makes me smile.

I. LOVE. COATS. No outfit is complete without a matching coat. You can't just wear a hoodie, or a sweatshirt over your stylish outfit. You must wear a coat.

Martha Stewart has the best crafts during this season. My mom and I like to use Martha's ideas for gifts.

This glorious orange spice drink chases away even the chilliest of chills.

Making pizelles with all the Garbini women makes me proud to be an Italian American. It is loud, there is lots of laughter and smoke from burnt cookies, and then later there are shoe boxes full of these lovely delights in every one's pantry. You don't just eat them. You savor them, nibble them, and make rings and bracelets out of them, or try to at least.

Then of course you have the entertaining turkey cookie. Each one is unique and tasty.

There are more things about this season that I love but I think I covered most of them!

Temple Trip

2011-12-02T09:17:00.000-08:00

I woke up Tuesday morning with the strong feeling that I needed to attend the temple. Things appeared to be working out when I received a phone call from the barn telling me the cranes had arrived to raise the roof to the indoor arena and riding did not appear to be safe. "Yes!" I thought. "I can go to the temple and perhaps make it back in time to get some Christmas decorating done!" Yeah right!

After getting all showered and dressed (which isn't easy when you have to try 10 things on before finding something that will button or zip), I got the impression that I should perhaps call the Mesa Temple to see if they were open. Thank goodness I did because they are closed until December 12th. No problem right? We now have the Gila River Temple that I can attend. Wrong! The Gila River Temple does not rent out clothing and no matter what tricks I tried, I could not get my temple dress zipped over my ever increasing bust line.

Frustrated to the point of tears I got on LDS.org to look at our ward directory to see if I could find a dress to borrow. The Internet stopped working. I stomped off down the street and started knocking on ward members' doors to see if they had a dress. Thankfully, I found one that fit.

I finally got on the road with my snacks, water bottles, and book on CD. As I was happily cruising along I-19, traffic came to a screeching halt. Up ahead, I saw a truck pulling a horse trailer slam on it's brakes, have 2 blow outs and jack knife across the freeway. Cars in front of me began skidding to a halt or swerving into the median. I hit my brakes only to realize I was not going to stop in time to avoid an accident. I tried to swerve to miss the car in front of me but my tires were locked and I was going no where but straight into someone else's bumper. The car stopped about an inch from the vehicle in front of me. I got out and saw chunks of my tread gone. I limped the car home, ready to scream. At that point I was determined to get to the temple NO MATTER WHAT! I hopped in the fuel-guzzling truck and took off like a mad woman in an attempt to make it to the 3:30 session. Despite it's rocky start, the day ended happily. I made it for my session safely and was able to see the lovely new Gila River Temple for the first time. I am so glad I did not let the obstacles of the day prevent me from finding some peace within the temple walls. I left feeling stronger and more hopeful than I have in a while.
As I was leaving the temple grounds and heading home, a woman was stopped on the side of the road with a dead battery. I pulled the truck up in front of her and together we got her car started. We must have been a comical sight. Two women in dresses with a very larger truck and a very small car. One of the women, the pregnant one, standing on the engine of the truck holding open the broken hood and the other trying to keep all the ends of the jumper cables from touching. It was a frustrating yet comical day.

It's a Girl!

2011-11-17T16:04:00.000-08:00

On November 11, 2011 Josh and I went to the doctor to see our baby for the first time in about 13 weeks. Oh, how she has grown! She no longer looks like a little peanut with fins, but like a real baby. It was fun to see her heart beating and to watch her squirm and wiggle. She was so active, I just couldn't stop laughing at her.

Baby Traditions

2011-11-07T07:27:00.000-08:00

When my mom was pregnant with me she would place this musical teddy bear on her stomach and I would listen to "Teddy Bear's Picnic." After I was born, she continued to play him for me when she would put me to sleep at night. As a child, he was always near my bed so I could play him as I fell asleep or if I woke up in the middle of the night and needed some comfort. Now that I am expecting my own baby, my mom bought me this musical Peter Rabbit to play for my child. She chose Peter Rabbit, not only because he is soft and cute, but because he comes from my favorite childhood book. I had the story of Peter Rabbit memorized by the time I was two, and I am looking forward to sharing the story with baby when he or she arrives. Each night while I read in bed, I play Peter for the little person I feel swimming around inside my belly. After only a few nights of playing the lullaby, the baby started to respond by kicking as soon as the music began.

This is just one of the traditions started by my own wonderful mother that I am trying to continue. My mom also started a journal for me while she was pregnant and I have started my own baby journal for my child. I am hoping they enjoy reading about my feelings as a new mom as much as I enjoy reading about my own mother when she was my age.

Bunny Whisperer

2011-11-03T17:23:00.001-07:00

My dad is the official Bunny Whisperer. A few years ago, he found out the Cottontail rabbits that live around the house love our horse treats. Once he made this discovery, he began throwing horse treats out to the rabbits who laid in the shade of the planter, which is just off the porch. The hungry little rabbits soon picked up on this and they began watching for people to come out on the porch. As soon as you would walk out on the porch they would rush up and wait for their treats. It has been fun to watch them grow up and disappear and be replaced by new fluffy little friends.

Well, my dad's whispering doesn't stop there. He now places treats in a bucket on the porch and has the rabbits trained to jump in the bucket, grab a treat, and then hop out of the bucket. This new trick allows them to eat their treats all day long. The rabbit in the picture is called Notch and he is by far the bravest rabbit. I was tacking up my horse Hunter the other morning and Notch came by for a snack. I was only about 8 feet away from him and he didn't even blink an eye.

Horse Show Season

2011-10-25T19:09:00.000-07:00

Horse show season is in full swing! I have already taken Miss Gigi to three shows and we have a few more weeks to go. I will be out at the Pima County Fairgrounds with Wellspring Farm and in Scottsdale at Westworld later in November. It is my hope Gigi will get the hang of her new job and be a success! Wish us luck!

The Oaks 2011

2011-09-22T16:22:00.001-07:00

Last week, I went with Susie and two other riders at Wellspring Farm to a horse show at The Oaks in San Juan Capistrano, CA. It was beautiful! It was Gigi's first time showing at an "A" show and she was pretty nervous and naughty the first day of competition.

Each day new, more intimidating jumps appeared in the rings. We ooohhhhed and aaahhhhed over them and I was amazed when I finally found the endless supply.

There were cute horse show dogs, sneaky horse show dogs (one got into our tack room and ate our snacks!), and bad horse show dogs who peed all over our stuff. This guy was my favorite.

The Grand Prix field was giant and had some frightening jumps. Watching the horses and riders made me very excited about Gigi's future.

The main hunter ring was gorgeous and made me miss Welcome.

By the end of the week Gigi kind of looked like she knew what she was doing. Kudos to Susie for getting the job done. After this show the rest of the show season should be a breeze for Gigi! Nothing we have at home is nearly as scary!

Toni and Rhett were stars and placed in almost every class.

The weather was actually cooling off there in California, so we got to bust out our vests and jackets.

The highlight of the show for me was having the opportunity to watch the World Cup qualifying class. The World Cup is the single most important annual International Championship in the equestrian sport. There were twenty one riders in the class from USA, MEX, PUR, AUS, and BRA. We were able to see one of the gold medalists from the USA Olympic team ride!

There were only four riders with clear rounds who were able to come back and ride in the jump off. It was intense!

By the end of the week we were tired and ready to head home. I can't wait to go back in the spring!

Trip to Utah

2011-09-03T19:06:00.001-07:00

In August, Josh and I went to visit my family in their new home in Logan, Utah. I spent many of my high school summers in Logan visiting my cousins and it was nice to return to a place full of so many good memories and see all the new sights. I have missed my family very much and I enjoyed spending the week with them, even my crazy sister, Sam.
My aunt, cousin, mom, and I read the book The Help and so we went to see the movie together. We all thought it was fantastic.

I LOVE going to Gossners and trying all their fresh cheese and milk.

Josh had his first taste of "Squeaky" cheese and loved it.

We also went to Bear Lake for the afternoon and enjoyed the cool water and the raspberry milk shakes.

Matt and Josh bought a blow up boat and Sam, Josh, and I paddled around in it for awhile.

We also got crafty and made these boxes for our friends and family. My mom made this one for my aunt Renee who is expecting a little girl in January.

I made this one for my friend Janet's half birthday.

And Sam made this awesome box for her new friend Kirsten.

I don't have any pictures to go a long with this next wonderful story but I think you will thank me for passing up on this photo opportunity after you read it and have a laugh at my expense.

I have been suffering from all day morning sickness the past few weeks. The morning of our departure from Utah was no exception. My sister got up early to drive us to the airport in Salt Lake. We listened to old songs and laughed on our way down the highway. As we began to merge onto the off ramp to take us to the airport, a wave of nausea over came me. "I have to throw up NOW!" I cried as I frantically searched the car for something to vomit in.

Sam, panic stricken, said, "What should I do?!"

"Stick your head out the window!" my wonderful husband chuckled. Quickly, I rolled down the window of the car just in time. Vomit sprayed into the wind and then promptly back into the car, covering my face, arm, and shirt with my breakfast. Tears sprang to my eyes. 'I HATE this' I thought.

"What did you eat for breakfast?" Josh laughed. Just then we pulled up to the airport and realized we had 30 minutes to check in and board the plane. Eyes stinging with angry tears, reeking of puke, I wiped myself off as best I could, hugged my disgusted sister (whose car was coated in peaches and cereal), and ran into the airport. I got my boarding pass, went through security, and ran to our gate, trying not to look at people's faces as I passed. As we ran down the hall Josh stopped at a store, grabbed a Salt Lake City t-shirt, threw money on the counter, and tossed it to me. Already as embarrassed as a person can be, and no longer worried about modesty or what people in the airport thought of me, I tore my disgusting shirt off, threw the clean shirt on, and ran onto the plane.

Looking back now, several weeks later, I can laugh at this awful story. It took me a while to get over the embarrassment though. Oh, and this is only the beginning!

Surprise!!

2011-08-28T13:23:00.001-07:00

Five or six weeks ago, Josh and I found out we are expecting a baby in March 2012. It was a huge surprise and I must admit I spent several days wallowing in panic and tears. I am glad to say I have pulled myself together and am dealing with the exhaustion and nausea pretty well. We had our second doctor appointment August 26 and this is what we saw..... Though I have had a difficult time adjusting to the idea of having a child, I have to admit tears sprang to my eyes when I saw the little hands waving at us.
We decided not to tell people until the idea had sunk in a bit more, so I had some time to think up a cute way to break the news. I made a tag for our parents and grandparents like the one below.

For my dad, I attached the tag to a pair of these infant riding breeches and presented them to him for his birthday.

For Josh's family we ironed a firefighter patch onto onesies and sent them off in the mail.

I gave my mom and Matt this onesie when we went to Utah to visit them last week.

And I sent my grandma and grandpa Garbini this cute pony onesie.

Because I am only 10 weeks, we still have a while until we find out if it is a girl or a boy. Until then, I call it whatever fruit or vegetable corresponds best to its size. This week it is Prune. :)

Peaches

2011-08-08T16:44:00.000-07:00

On Friday, I went over to my aunt Renee's house and she helped my grandmother teach me how to can peaches. It was a great deal of work but the work was satisfying. The peaches and the peach preserves turned out delicious!

Our Menagerie

2011-08-04T16:48:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Josh and I got the newest member of our menagerie. She is a desert tortoise who appears to be over 13 years old. She was found walking down Stella road by Station 13, so I named her Stella. I think she escaped from someones yard because she is quite the escape artist and is very friendly towards humans. The dogs aren't sure what to make of her yet. Lizzy watches her from afar and runs if Stella gets too close!

I have had Pipkin for a year now but never made him his own official post. He is the best rabbit I think I have ever had. He comes when he is called (most of the time), loves to sit on my lap, and is always cheerful and happy to see us. Sam and I bought him at the feed store one Saturday so I have no idea what kind of rabbit he is or how old he is. I love looking out the sliding glass door and seeing him hop by!

My Summer

2011-07-26T15:08:00.000-07:00

Every summer people ask me, "What are you going to do with yourself this summer?" I always find something worthwhile to do but this summer has been the best summer I have had in years. Every morning I wake up at 5:00 am, sometimes earlier, and I go ride with an amazing group of women at Wellspring Farm, located at Raven Ranch. I have had the opportunity to meet women with the same love of horses I have, I have learned about riding, and I have fallen in love with some fabulous horses.This is Wellspring Farm's barn aisle. I have never seen it looking this empty or this clean! There are usually horses and girls every where.
This is the ring where all the magic happens.

Quinn and Mari make a great pair. Quinn is still a baby and has a serious case of ADD but Mari puts up with him and loves him any way.

Probably the most quirky pair in the barn, Colonel Betsy and Otter Pop have a great sense of humor.

Toni and Rhett and the cutest pair I have ever seen. Toni spoils Rhett and he takes very good care of her.

Cisco is our only paint horse in the barn and is much loved by Ava.

Gillian, Quinn's much more mature and sophisticated sister, is the Prima Dona of the barn and a true lady.

Saderma, is the only horse that even comes close to matching Gigi's size. She is a talented mare who pounds the ground like a freight train!

Eddie has been hanging out all summer do to surgery on his throat, poor guy. He is Quinn and Gillian's older brother.

It is always fun to watch Zeke and Melissa take a lesson. An ex-race horse and event horse, even at the age of 20 Zeke can leave every horse in a cloud of dust.

Pi, is the babysitter of the bunch. She puts up with everything and anything! She truly is a saint.

If Ritoque were a human he would be a really hot, really talented, surfer from Southern California. He is Susie's pride and joy and her first ride of the day.

Cori is a tricky fella. When he feels like behaving he is like riding on a giant marshmallow cloud. When he is in a feisty mood he has the tendency to leap in the air and kick out all 4 feet at once.

Last but not least, we have Tommy. Tommy belongs to Susie's mom Patty. He is a grouchy old man who does not like to be told what to do. If you want him to do something you better say please!

I am missing pictures of a few horses and more than a few people. Rudy is my favorite horse to ride because I feel like I am riding a giraffe. Zena truly is a warrior princess. Yankee is your typical junior high aged boy who can not keep his mind on any one thing for more than a few minutes. Junior is the oldest of the bunch, and Melody is a mare full of heart and scope.

I need to get Mari, Ava, Emma, Susie, Betsy, Toni, Rhonda and the other women in the barn together for a photo so you can see these amazing women and the love and talent they have with horses. I am so thankful for all the time I have been able to spend with them and I hope to be able to continue hanging around and helping them for a long time.

2011 Summer Vacations

2011-07-08T14:33:00.001-07:00

Our first vacation this summer was one of the best vacations I have ever been on. We went to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic with our friends Kevin and Sarah. We stayed at the all-inclusive Hard Rock Hotel and Casino and had a blast. Josh was very excited when we were escorted to our room and he found out not only could he order room service 24 hours a day but he could sit in our private hot tub while eating it!
The resort had 15 restaurants so we ate to our hearts' content. Everything was so good.

Each day was full of adventure. I think Josh finally caught the travel-bug that has plagued me my entire life. It was such an eye-opening, inspirational experience to travel to another country and learn about its customs and culture.

As we drove through the city I was dazzled by all the beautiful homes painted in bright colors. I found out at Christmas, instead of hanging lights, everyone paints their homes! Each color represents a different saint.

We visited Dona Maria's coffee and cocoa plantation where I bought some of the best hot chocolate I have ever tasted.

These are cocoa beans drying in the sun.

We also got to eat bananas right off the tree. Yum!

My favorite adventure was probably zip lining in the jungle. I soared down 8 zip lines

with the help of Ernest who said he was going to name his first daughter after me. :)

We also went snorkeling in the reefs surrounding the island.

We played beach volleyball in the rain.

And of course we relaxed and enjoyed the warm water, endless Miami Vices (virgin pina colada and virgin daiquiri mixed together).

After our trip to Punta Cana we met Josh's family in the White Mountains for the Padilla Forest Family Fun Fest.

We love taking the dogs on this trip every summer because they love to run through the forest and swim in the river with us. The entire family brings their dogs so there are about 3 dogs for every 1 person!

This is my favorite log. I like to lay on it with my puppies and dry off in the sun.

On one of our walks through the forest we encountered a baby Rattle Snake. Justin, Josh's brother, quickly scooped him up and got him out of the way of all the dogs.

Josh, Emerson, and Lizzy

Tino and Helio

We came home from camping long enough to unpack and then repack and then took off for our annual trip to San Diego.

We did lots of BBQing this year. My dad even helped! I have never seen him man a grill before, it is far too normal a task for him!

Each year we take our picture in front of our cabin. The sight of 506 always warms my heart.

Until next year Pacific Beach!

Wellspring Farm Summer Horse Camp

2011-06-16T13:19:00.001-07:00

My first week of summer camp turned out very well. We had six great kids ranging from five to twelve. The ages were very different from what I am used to teaching so I had to approach things differently than I would with my eighth graders but it was a good learning experience for me. I was also pleased with the amount of support I had from other barn members. Everyone was very helpful and patient even though there were times I had all the cross-ties occupied, bridles dismantled, and kids cantering around the ring.

We spent the hottest part of our days decorating horse shoes, making horse book marks, stick horses, and flower pots.

In the mornings we tried to get in as much horse time as possible. The kids learned horse safety, breeds and colors, and nutrition and feeding.

And then of course we learned about how to properly care for your horse. The kids were great about scrubbing water troughs, mucking stalls and sweeping the tack room. Rather than complaining they smiled and laughed the entire time.

Thank you everyone for all of your help. I had a fantastic time and I can't wait for the July summer camp to begin. There are still some openings so let your family and friends know. To see more photos of the Wellspring Farm Summer Horse Camp go to
BlancInc.PhotoReflect.com

The End of a Chapter

2011-06-08T15:05:00.000-07:00

May 19th was my last day as an English teacher at Flowing Wells Junior High School. My classroom was empty but my heart was full. It was full of hope that quitting was the right decision, hope that my students would remember me, my example, and at least a few of the things I taught them and hope that my dreams would come true and that I was setting off on the correct path. Mixed in with the hope there was a bit of sadness too. I have enjoyed getting to know my 8th graders and it saddens me to know I will not be getting a new group of kids to love, tease, laugh at, laugh with, and teach. I am very nervous about the future but I know if I trust in my Heavenly Father and follow my heart things will turn out for the best.

Gigi's First Show

2011-05-05T08:28:00.001-07:00

Gigi's first show was a lot of fun and a learning experience for both of us. It was my first time riding a green horse at a show and her first time experiencing many of the sights. She was very nervous, as was I, but we made it around the Level One Jumpers with out injury. I am confident all she needs is more exposure and mileage, and, with time, she will be a STAR!!

"Welcome is Well Received"

2011-04-25T11:15:00.000-07:00

The April 4th issue of Chronicle of the Horse published an article entitled "Welcome is Well Received," about my horse, Welcome, and my trainer, Susie Straus.

Hand-Me-Downs

2011-04-14T20:30:00.000-07:00

Having a large family means I get lots and lots of hand-me-downs. I don't think I had a new mattress until I got married. Prior to that, every bed I ever slept in had been slept in by a cousin or an aunt before me. When Josh and I moved in to our own home we were lucky enough to have almost our entire house furnished with hand-me-down couches, tables, chairs, dressers, dishes, you name it!

Our most recent hand-me-down is a refrigerator. This is the third refrigerator to find its way into our home. I am not a fan of cleaning refrigerators and after spending several hours cleaning our second fridge, I told Josh I never wanted to clean a fridge again. So when he asked me if I wanted his dad's old refrigerator I told him only if I didn't have to clean it.

When I opened the door that evening and Josh screamed and shielded the fridge with his body, I knew there was going to be trouble. He had been cleaning the fridge with his brother for several hours and it was still one of the most disgusting things I have ever seen. Emerson was very helpful. He loosened the grime on the shelves and drawers before we washed them. In the end we got it clean but I still refuse to drink water out of it or eat the ice. Maybe in a few months I will be brave enough to try it...

Spirit Week 2011

2011-04-08T10:53:00.001-07:00

I live for Spirit Week. This one fabulous week out of the entire school year is why I am a teacher. I have so much fun with my students and co-workers and there is an energy on campus that makes me elated.

Monday was Super Hero/Villain Day Tuesday was Twin Day

Wednesday was Nerd Day (I thought this was the best day until Thursday rolled around!)

Thursday was Teachers vs. Students where students dressed like their teachers and teachers dressed like their students. This day ROCKED!

My student Brittany dressed up as me and did a great job!

Spirit Week ends with Field Day, a long tradition at Flowing Wells Junior High. It is a day full of games, fun, and blue and gold!

This is the second year the teachers have got together and performed at dance at the Pep Assembly. I didn't like this dance as much as the dances last year but it was still fun and I had a great time with it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hssybffUsnI I am always sad and a little relieved to see Spirit Week end. It is as exhausting as it is exciting!

Winter Horse Shows 2011

2011-03-29T11:29:00.000-07:00

The past six weeks of my life have been full of horse shows. Welcome was, once again, a star. He moved up to the 1st Year Green Hunters and both of us moved into the Low A/O Hunters. Our transition was not as smooth as I had hoped it would be but we have improved a great deal over the past six weeks. Wellspring Farm won Best Tack Room and our groom, Armando, won Best Groom. Welcome and I won the $1000 A/O Hunter Classic week six of HITS.

I can't wait for summer so we can practice for the fall horse shows and kick some more butt! For more photographs go to www.horseinsport.com and type in Ryann Thomas.

Nonfiction

2011-02-26T20:38:00.000-08:00

Lately, I have been reading a great deal of nonfiction. This is a new genre for me as I typically read historical fiction or Victorian literature. However, over the past few months I have been reading books lent to me by a woman I teach with, Wendy, and she is a lover of nonfiction. The two books above, by Greg Mortenson, have opened my eyes to another part of the world, while at the same time affirming some of the beliefs I have had for years. Both books give an in depth account of Greg's efforts at bringing education to the children, especially girls, in Pakistan and Afghanistan, two very misunderstood places. I would like to quote two sections from these books that have touched me and helped me to realize my own importance as a daughter of God, and the importance of women all across the globe.

"Once you educate the boys, they tend to leave the villages and go search for work in the cites. But the girls stay home, become leaders in the community, and pass on what they've learned. If you really want to change a culture, to empower women, improve basic hygiene and health care, and fight high rates of infant mortality, the answer is to educate girls." -Three Cups of Tea

"Simply put, young women are the single biggest potential agents of change in the developing world- a phenomenon that is sometimes referred to as the Girl Effect and that echoes and African proverb I heard during my childhood years in Tanzania: 'If you teach a boy, you educate an individual; but if you teach a girl, you educate a community.' No other factor even comes close to matching the cascade of positive changes triggered by teaching a single girls how to read and write. In military parlance, a girls' education is a 'force multiplier'-and in impoverished Muslim societies, the ripple effects of female literacy can be profound."-Stones into Schools

These books have chapters dedicated to the importance of educating women, full of interesting facs and stories. I could quote many passages from these books that touched my heart and caused me to ponder late into the night, but I will allow you to read them for yourselves. To learn more, read these two wonderful books, or visit the Cnetral Asia Institute website http://www.ikat.org/.

Animal Rescue

2011-02-03T13:09:00.000-08:00

Last night, while I was feeding the horses, I noticed a little bird laying on the ground. At first, I thought it was a baby bird, which struck me as odd, but when I approached it, I realized it was a hummingbird. I gently scooped him up and carried him inside to get warm. He could slowly flap his wings but he wasn't able to get airborne. After about 20 minutes he decided he was ready to take flight. Unfortunately, we were still in the house! He ended up in the bathroom skylight where he sat perched on the smallest of ledges. He was very stubborn and would not leave his ledge even when I got the broom! Finally, I went out to the carport and got the ladder. I was able to grab him and carry him outside where he fluttered off to be with his friends.

AHJA Awards

2011-01-24T19:14:00.001-08:00

On January 22nd the Arizona Hunter Jumper Association held it's annual silent auction and Year End Awards Banquet. This year I asked AHJA to donate part of the proceeds from the silent auction to TROT and the special needs students at the school where I teach. AHJA agreed to help fund our students to participate in TROT, so I made my way to Scottsdale to advertise for the cause.

It was not only an exciting evening because I was able to help the students at my school, but also because I received many awards because of our successful horse show season in 2010. Welcome and Susie were the 2010 State Pre-Green Hunter Champions and the 2010 Zone 8 Pre-Green Reserve Champions. Welcome and I were the State 2010 Amateur Adult Hunter 18-35 Champions and the Zone 8 2010 Amateur Adult Hunter 18-35 Reserve Champions.

We were also the Southwestern Zone 8 Champions. I got many lovely ribbons and coolers to add to my growing collection.

In 2011 we move up to the Amateur Owner Hunter Division and the 1st Year Green Hunters. I hope we will be as successful as we were in 2010. I am kind of nervous!

Disneyland 2010

2011-01-16T10:36:00.000-08:00

To me, Disneyland really is The Happiest Place on Earth. Since I was small, I have visited Disneyland on a regular basis and it always breaks my heart when I meet people, both children and adults, who have never been there. It is a magical place where adults are free to be children once again.

Josh and I were fortunate enough to spend our fourth wedding anniversary in the Magical Kingdom this year. We went with my dad, Jean, her son Matt and his partner Andrew, and my dad's assistant, Jessica.

The magic started the moment we arrived at The Disneyland Hotel. When we told the front desk it was our anniversary, they promptly upgraded our room and gave us matching Happy Anniversary buttons.

When we came back to the room after our first night in the park we found these rose petals and chocolates laid out on our bed. We also found out our headboard lit up and sang "When You Wish Upon a Star."

Josh and I spent New Year's Eve in New York City a few years ago and, though we had a blast, Disneyland proved to be a better place to celebrate. The castle was more beautiful than I have ever seen it, the Christmas tree lights changed colors as the night went on, fake snow fluttered down from above, and main street was alive with singing and dancing. Unlike New York, where people pushed, grunted, smoked in your face, and cussed, Disneyland was full of happy people ringing in the new year together. I never heard a complaint or a negative word while standing packed together on Main Street.

Josh put his firefighter skills to work and led us on a right hand search of the park. We saw just about every inch of the place and enjoyed new rides like the Buzz Light Year ride and cheered when we saw old attractions had returned, like Captain EO. I even conquered my fear of Mr. Toad's Wild Ride.

California Adventure was under a great deal of construction but we still found our way through A Bug's Life and LOVED the new 3D Toy Story ride that includes a giant Mr. Potato Head who, to my surprise, can really see you and talk to you!

I keep thinking about our trip and how nice it was to be together celebrating so many things. I hope the rest of our year is just as wonderful as our magical New Year's Eve in Disneyland.

Personal Progress

2011-01-13T08:42:00.000-08:00

When I was in Young Womens at church as a teen, I never completed my Personal Progress. Over the years I have regretted not completing the program, and it saddens me to see my sister have the same poor attitude about the program that I did at her age.

After years of regret, I have decided to complete my Personal Progress and earn my Young Women medallion. So far I have recruited my mom and my sister and we are planning on completing it prior to their move to Utah in July. I have already felt the effects of this marvelous program and it's ability to bring girls closure to the Lord. If any one else is interested in joining me in this endeavour I would LOVE to hear from you.

Christmas 2010

2010-12-27T19:44:00.001-08:00

I love Christmas. I love the baking, the decorations, the lights, the tree, the surprises, EVERYTHING!

This year I tried baking two different types of cookies and a pie. The Peppermint Swirl cookies were delicious.

The Corn Flake Macaroons were interesting but, with some work, could be great.

The Peppermint Pie was probably my favorite Christmas recipe this year. I think it may need to become a tradition.

I usually bake for our neighbors but this year I found myself stressed and unprepared, so Josh and I decided to make these cute little gifts for them instead. The tag says, "Christmas is jolly. Christmas is sweet. We're stressed out, so make your own darn treat!"

This year at the family Christmas party Turner and I teamed up to create the ultimate gingerbread house. However, he was more interested in eating the candy and telling me what to do.

We finally ended up with...well...not a house, more like some mountains, a tree, a river with boats in it, and a train. Sam and Kris made an awesome rocket ship, but again not a house.

And Josh made this incredible castle, but no, not one single house was built.

Later, we opened our White Elephant gifts and Josh paraded around wearing two of the gifts. The first gift is the "How To Be a Pro" set and the second gift was a pair of jingle bell elf boxers. I think Sam went home with the "How To Be a Pro" set and Darrell went home with the boxers (isn't Renee lucky?).

Christmas morning Josh and I loaded up the car and drove to my mom's house to open presents. We had a blast sitting around in our PJ's, laughing, opening gifts, and drinking hot cocoa. It was a wonderful day and I am sad I have to wait an entire year to do it all again!

Fall Shows 2010

2010-12-05T13:56:00.001-08:00

We showed for five weeks this fall. It was a wonderful whirl-wind in life, a time I would love to re-live. Welcome, Susie, and I did more winning, and had more success overall, than I think I have ever had in my life. Each day was full of friendship, support, learning, and BLUE RIBBONS!

It was not only an exciting time because Welcome and I were winning. It was also Gigi's first show. She was pretty nervous, and only did two classes, but it was a joy to see her on the show grounds and have the opportunity to see her in action.
She has grown so much and is learning at an ever increasing speed. I can't wait to see what she is capable of once she figures out where her feet are and adjusts to the chaos of show life.

My favorite time spent with my dad is time spent at a horse show. He is my biggest fan and my key supporter. We had some fun moments together this season and I think he finally realized I have a great horse"picker" and he should trust me more!

Welcome looks so beautiful all turned out and ready to show. We received many, many compliments, and he definitely has a fan base after all of his championships.

Now, instead of knowing my name, everyone knows me as "Welcome's owner." I got a lot of comments like, "Aren't you the girl who owns Welcome?" and "I sure have been hearing Welcome's name a lot."

Susie did a fantastic job riding Welcome to many wins in the Pre-Green division, the USHJA $2,500 Hunter Classic, the $1,000 Pre-Green Classic, and the $5,000 Hunter Derby.

Prior to the start of any large class, professionals, amateurs, and juniors can be seen sporting their shadbellies and discussing the course. Here they are talking about the course for the $5,000 Derby.

Susie's opening circle for the $5,000 Derby.

One of her many near-perfect jumps...

and our winning photo.

Between all his winning, Welcome got plenty of rest.

I won several championships in the Adult Amateur Hunter Division and won two $1,000 Carleton Classics.

My favorite win this season was our win in the AHJA Adult Medal Finals.

After the first round we were fourth and after the written test we were second.

Our last jumping round sealed the deal and we won. It was a good day for all.

My dad was happy.

Susie was happy.

Even Eddie and Armando were happy.

Frankenstein guarded my ribbon for the rest of the show.

The last week, Welcome and I were the Grand Champions in the Adult Amateur Hunter Division, which means we earned more points than any other Adult Amateur Hunter. Evan, our groom that week, said he liked Welcome because "he wins so many blue ribbons!"

I believe Susie was proud of all of her students because each of us did amazingly well in our divisions.

The ribbons belong to all of us.

The coolers, bridal, and Miss America ribbon are all mine though!

I am so very thankful to everyone who has ever helped me in my passion for horses. The past five weeks were only possible because I have had so many amazing teachers, grooms, horses, and the best dad ever. I can't wait until the Winter shows begin!

Halloween Weekend

2010-11-04T21:07:00.001-07:00

Over the years I have come to enjoy Halloween more and more. I think my fondness for Halloween started when Josh and I got married because he loves it so much. Every year we carve pumpkins and spend a great deal of time planning our costumes.

This is the first year Josh worked on Halloween so we had to celebrate early. We began the weekend carving pumpkins.

Can you tell which one is mine?

This year at school, the English department decided to dress up as Beatniks for Halloween. The kids didn't know what we were but we got some good guesses. Mimes, poets, French people, clowns...hey, at least they tried!

On Saturday night the family gathered together to celebrate my sister's 17th birthday. We ate a lot of great Italian food at Macaroni Grill and enjoyed each others company.

Turner, my cousin, as a pirate...

Cutie Vaughn eating her broccoli...

My wonderful grandparents...

My mom and step dad...

Samantha Sue and her boyfriend Christopher...

And Josh and me.

I'm not sure why Sam looks like she is afraid of her cake.

On Monday, my sister's actual birthday, everyone came to my house for pizza, brownies, and Apples to Apples.

It was a very eventful, happy weekend. Happy Birthday little sister! I love you!

Rugby Tournament

2010-10-14T09:28:00.001-07:00

About four weeks ago Josh joined the Old Pueblo Rugby team. When he told me he wanted to try playing I was excited because since college I have secretly wanted to be with a rugby boy. Josh played football in high school and wrestled in high school and college but has never played rugby so I was interested to see how this new hobby of his would turn out. So far he enjoys it and comes home from practice full of stories. It is a complicated game and he is still trying to figure out the rules and get used to wearing short shorts.

I had never actually seen a rugby match until this past weekend. Josh and I drove to Flagstaff and spent all day Saturday at ta rugby tournament. I was shocked at how big and hairy the guys were. There was nothing pretty or even remotely feminine about them. Josh looked like a little boy out there with his whiskerless baby face.
I was shocked at how hard these guys hit each other! They don't mess around! These hairy amateurs make football players look like wimps in their helmets and pads. Either rugby players are tougher than football players or dumber, I'll let you decide.

They do this weird thing where they lift each other up, throw the ball, and then try to hit it away from the other team.

This is called the scrum. They grab hold of each other and push while trying to grab the ball with their feet and push it out of the scrum to their team mate on the outside.

I learned a few things while I was watching this tournament. Some of these things may seem obvious to you but I am used to my sport where things are organized and there are rules.

1) Men are unorganized 2) I need to bring snacks 3) Josh needs to buy shorter underwear 4) Lizzy is not rugby game material (She cried and yipped every time Josh ran by and would freak out and try to get away any time he fell or got hit) 5) I need to bring some kind of shade 6) Real men wear short shorts 7) Balls to the ball when lining up 8) Yes, those are women over on that field, not short men 9) Little skinny short guys are called mosquitoes 10) It is OK to cheat in rugby

AHJA Clinic

2010-10-05T20:03:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I woke up at 4:00am on a Saturday, drove 628 miles, and rode my horse Welcome for three and a half hours at an AHJA clinic. The clinic featured Holly Hugo-Vidal, an author and trainer. Holly had us work through gymnastics, practice getting our pace in the corners, and do less over the jumps. Horse women are not always known for their kindness or their patience with people and as I listened to Holly holler at the groups that went before me, I had to laugh at some of her comments.

"Stop futzing around!"

"You must be slow..."

"You look like a mess!"

"I thought you knew how to ride!"

I am proud to say none of those comments were directed at me!

One of the best parts of the clinic is getting to spend time at Los Cedros in Scottsdale. This is the most beautiful barn I have ever seen. The grounds are impeccable. Not a wisp of hay litters the aisles. It is full of beautiful art work and beautiful horses.

As I walked through the aisles of this amazing barn looking at all the fancy show horses with their gleaming coats and ripping muscles, I came across an old gray sway-backed mare. There was such a stark contrast between her and the show horses around her yet, even as old and broken down as she looked, there was still something beautiful about her. So many old horses are abandoned or mistreated and it was comforting to see this grouchy girl laying in her extra large stall with two fans, a heater, and extra shavings. Someone cared for her and valued the love and service she had given them in her younger years. She brought a tear to my eye napping there next to her hay. I wish more horses could experience the love and comfort she is given.

1966 Mustang

2010-09-26T18:05:00.000-07:00

On September 21st Josh drove to Mesa, AZ to pick up my dream car, a 1966 Ford Mustang. 1966 marked the year of the millionth Mustang. Ford produced 499,751 Mustang Coupes which sold for approximately $2,416.00. My Mustang sold for $800.00 and had been sitting in a man's backyard since 1984, the year Josh and I were born.

The man we purchased her from bought her from a friend with the intention of using her as a donor car for another Mustang Coupe he was restoring and turning into a fastback.

Josh laughed when he found out about her donor car status because he knew I would love the car even more knowing we rescued it from it's fate. Anyone who knows me knows I love to rescue things from the verge of death, especially little animals and now cars.

I was so excited when I pulled into the drive way and opened the garage. There she sat, my very own Mustang.

You can see a bit of the original interior here. Josh and I are in the process of ripping everything out so the car can be sandblasted.

In 1966 this is what her aqua interior looked like, pretty huh? Truthfully, I can't decide if I like it or not.

Sahara Beige was her original color and eventually this is what she will look like once Josh and I are done with her. SIGH...I can't wait.

I'm sure you will hear much more about this beautiful car and it's progress on the road back to perfection. If anyone is every hankering to work on a hunk of steel and a straight 6 engine feel free to stop by and give us a hand.

Photo Shoot

2010-09-21T19:40:00.001-07:00

When my first horse Fever passed away, I was devastated. She had been my best friend for as long as I could remember. After her death I was even more upset when I realized I did not have a single good picture of her. Since then I have taken the time and spent the money to have each of my horses photographed so I would never have to feel that loss of beauty again.

This July, I had both Gigi and Welcome photographed. It was a very humid day and both horses were antsy. I was unsure how the photos would turn out because Bachelor and Hunter had been such naturals at being photographed and these two babies could not stop doing the jig! I always use the same photographer, Lori Faith Merritt, owner of Photography By Faith, and she made this photo shoot worth every minute of sweat and frustration. Not once did she herself get frustrated. Lori was understanding, professional, friendly and supportive every minute we were out in the 110 degree weather. She even made me feel better about my flat hair! (I got up before four that morning to curl it but with the humidity if fell flat almost instantly.) The following photographs are the result of my photo shoot and of Lori's hard work. There are many more beautiful images of my horses and many other horses on her website. www.photographybyfaith.com

Originally I was in this photograph but Lori worked her magic and removed me so that I could focus on Welcome's beautiful face.
I love how natural this photo looks and you can see how soft and friendly Welcome's gaze is.

I chose this picture because we have a similar expression on our faces. I also love the wrinkles above Welcome's eye and the curve of his neck.

This is a more fun photograph. I love Welcome's crooked blaze and I like how you can see the barn behind me.

Miss Gigi was a big pain when it was her turn. I was so surprised because usually she is as cool as a cucumber but sometimes I forget she is only four.

I really loved this head shot because you can see how inquisitive she is about everything.

I don't even remember taking this picture. Lori has a beautiful sepia version of it on her website.

This is probably my favorite photo of the entire shoot. Gigi looks massive and so grown up. The morning light on her coat looks so warm and inviting.

Take a look at Lori Faith Merritt's work. She has several different galleries with some beautiful art work in them.

www.photographybyfaith.com

A Day In The Life Of Me!

2010-09-09T20:09:00.000-07:00

A while back Renee wrote a post detailing the events of her day. That post fascinated me and really made me start thinking about what I do on a daily basis. I was so enchanted by her life, her family, her chores, and her feelings that I think about that post often and have revisited it several times. I decided today that I would try posting the events of my day so here goes!

5:30 AM

The alarm clock goes off, my eyes open, my heart pounds, and I think, "Only 9 more months until summer."

6:00 AM

Hair curled, teeth brushed, makeup on, dogs feed, Josh still sleeping. Gosh, I wish I could get back in bed!

6:30 AM

House vacuumed, dog poop picked up, plants watered, my two egg whites and my piece of wheat bread have been cooked and eaten and I am in the car and on my way to work.

6:30 to 7:00 AM

I enjoy my drive to work most mornings. I have been listening to the Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon on CD and all I want to do is drive so I can hear what is going to happen next.7:00 to

8:10 AM

This is my scrambling hour. I scramble to finish my plans for the day, make copies, grade papers, enter grades, and do the thousands of things expected of a teacher before the bell rings. I hear that awful bell, the one that haunts me in my dreams, and I want to scream, "NO! I'M NOT READY YET!" But, ready or not here they come....

8:15 AM to 12:03 PM

Periods one through three are the easiest for me to get through. I talk to students, grade their homework, take attendance, sign passes, walk up and down aisles, and talk, talk, talk all the while thinking, "I'm so hungry," "OMG I REALLY have to pee!" or "What the heck is that kid doing?"

12:03 to 12:30 PM

The true test to being a teacher is how fast you can eat. During lunch I finally get to use the restroom, I help kids with assignments, readjust the lesson, fill out paper work, and sometime during my half hour I sit down and inhale my food. The bell rings (drat, the bell again!), I check my teeth in the mirror, pop a breath mint, and paste on my smile.

12:30 to 3:05 PM

SIGH...the afternoons drag by. I have so much trouble focusing and staying on track. My kids know this so they ask me questions like,"How much do you weigh?" or "Are you married? How did you meet your husband?" and "Why did you become a teacher? Isn't it boring?"

3:05 to 3:10 PM

I stand out in the blazing sun after being in doors all day and I herd kids off of campus. I feel like a cockroach emerging from beneath the fridge as I squint at the sun and holler at students to "Stop Kissing! That is so gross!" "Where are you going?" "Where you planning on riding the bus today because it's leaving."

(This is where my schedule varies the most from day to day. Some days are like the one I describe below and other days are full of teacher meetings, church meetings, visiting teachers, grocery shopping, and anything else you can think of that needs done.)

3:10 to 4:00 PM

I finally take a breathe, kick off my heels, and slip on the pink flip-flops I hide under my desk. I spend this hour finishing paper work, cleaning my classroom, making sure everything is ready for the next day, and helping students who need to stay for study hall. Then I rush out of the C-pod like a criminal, jump in my car and race to see my horses.

4:20-6:00 PM

This hour and forty minutes is when time ceases to exist and I enter an alternate reality. I coo to my three horses, pet their soft muzzles, sweat, get caked in dust, feel the wind on my face, muck stalls, clean waterers, and feed the beggars. The light begins to fade, the weight in my heart and upon my shoulders evaporates and I feel peace and contentment but only for an hour and forty minutes.

6:00 to 6:30 PM

Once again I am in my car, lovingly called Smokey Pete, listening to my book, and fighting traffic to get to the gym before it gets any later.

6:30 to 7:30 PM

This is my time to sweat out the stress of the day and to people watch. I will just give you a taste of my inner monologue as I run on the treadmill, do squats, lunges, curls, and crunches. "Is she pregnant again or just getting fat?" "Are those real of fake?" "OMG does that lady have butt implants?!" "Is that me that smells or the 300lb man next to me? I think it's me..." "I wish I had a body like hers!" "I wonder what Fabian and Janet are doing at boot camp?" "Oh, I am not doing that exercise in front of the mirror ever again!" " Is that guy looking up my shorts?" "How did my legs get so huge?" "I'M SO HUNGRY!!" "I hope that guy didn't just hear me fart."

7:30 to 8:15 PM

I am finally home. Gosh, I really love my house. The dogs are there to greet me and they bring a smile to my face. I feed them and let Pipkin out to hop around. I clean his cage, make my lunch, and pick out my clothes for the next day. I am really starting to slow down. My feet hurt, my back hurts, my stupid fractured foot aches, and I can't wait to get in bed.

8:15 to 8:45 PM

I hit the shower to try and wash away the grim, sweat and cares of the day. The water feels so good on my exhausted body and it is quiet except for the pounding water and the dogs licking the shower door.

8:45 to 9:00 PM

Now I get to eat!!! Thank goodness for cereal and frozen veggies. I would be starving without them. I usually sit on the couch with the dogs and Pipkin to eat. Sometimes I fall asleep with my bowl in my lap and the dogs licking their chops. Pipkin likes to hop over and stick his little nose in my food and will even reach in and pull out a vegetable or two. What do I do? I can't spank him.

9:00 to 10:00 PM

I usually check my school and home email, get on Facebook, update my blog, open mail, clean, or fold laundry. The dogs sit at my feet and Pipkin chews up all my baskets until I finally put him away.

10:00 PM

I head upstairs to my comfy bed. The dogs nails click, click, click up the stairs behind me. I yawn, brush my teeth, say my prayers, read the scriptures, and fall into bed. I love that part. My body sinks into my memory foam mattress and I am floating in marshmellowy goodness. I always try to read for a while. Sometimes I read for an hour, other times I wake to the sound of my book hitting the floor. I roll over, shut off the light and close my eyes. Finally, I can rest my weary head. But in no time at all that darn alarm clock is screaming at me and it starts all over again!

Rachel's Baby Shower

2010-09-06T18:43:00.001-07:00

This weekend we celebrated my cousin Rachel's pregnancy. She will be having the first great grandchild in our family and my grandmother is very excited. It was nice to get together with some of the women in my family and ohh and ahh over cute little outfits and baby blankets. Rachel really likes frogs and one of her gifts was this stuffed frog that Renee is petting. He looked so real sitting there next to her I couldn't help but laugh.
I didn't know Harry Potter frequented baby showers....

Miss V helping her cousin open presents.

Miss V begging her mom for cake.

My aunt Luann made this quilt for Rachel and it is sooo perfect for the baby room. Cowboy frogs, could it get any cuter?

Miss V looks so much like a little doll. Renee sure does make cute kids. Hey Nay, wanna have mine? :)

The girls and Harry Potter.

AHJA Essay Contest

2010-09-05T19:55:00.000-07:00

I recently entered an essay contest run by the Arizona Hunter Jumper Association and won. As the winner I am able to ride in the annual AHJA clinic at Los Cedros in Scottsdale, AZ on October 2-3. This year the clinic is hosting Holly Hugo-Vidal the author of this book.

For the essay contest I had to answer the following question: What is the most important question your horse has taught you?" I thought about this question for the majority of the summer and I started the essay several months prior to the due date. However, vacations and finally the start of the school year kept me busy and I never quiet got the essay to a point where I felt proud of it. I decided to turn in what I had and was surprised when I got the call that I won. I am a little embarrassed to post the essay. Be kind while you are reading and remember it is a work in progress!

Looking back through the years at the many different horses I have been blessed to know, I see each one has taught me a life long lesson. Each horse has brought out positive qualities in me and helped me to develop these qualities and use them to become a better person.

As a child, horses taught me responsibility. As a teen, they taught me what it means to love unconditionally and trust with all one's heart. As a woman in her 20's facing marriage, children, career choices and a quest for her identity, my horses are teaching me to be unselfish and to help and care for other's before myself.

My horse bestows upon me the gift of unselfishness each time I ride him. He listens to every movement of my body, every whispered word, and silent command. he carries me safely over every fence and around every corner. Not once has he stopped to ask me why or how come? He simply listens, obeys, and trusts. Because he so unselfishly cares for me, I owe him the same treatment. He is my teammate. I owe him my appreciation and gratitude.

I carry the unselfishness my horse has taught me into every facet of my life. It goes with me into my eighth grade English classroom each day where I strive to teach my students the same lesson so that they can make the world a safer, more loving place. This unselfishness manifests itself in my relationship with family, co-workers, and friends. The lesson of service and unselfishness that I am learning from my horses makes me stronger and kinder, Each trip to the barn makes me eager to master this life lesson so my horses and I can move onto the next.

Cookie #2- Soft Spicy Molasses Cookies

2010-08-30T19:35:00.000-07:00

SIGH...I followed the recipe perfectly and this is how they turned out. They taste fantastic, like pumpkin pie minus the pumpkin, but I could not get them to stay in one piece no matter what I tried. I will not give up though. I will try this yummy recipe again, someday, when I have a little more patience perhaps.

New York

2010-08-23T20:30:00.000-07:00

My first day in New York Layla and I ran from place to place like maniacs. We rushed from the airport to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, and then to see West Side Story. We ogled at Lady Liberty, searched for family members and wiped tears from our eyes when Tony died. We also ate plenty of sweets and enjoyed a late dinner of frozen hot chocolate and pasta.
My second day we rushed from the Flea Market to an estate sale (where I almost puked from the smell) and then to Grimaldes and the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory. Later that night we watched the hilarious show The Fantastiks, played in the spray from an abandoned fire truck in Time Square, and munched hot dogs at Grey's Papaya.
Day three made me cry. We went shopping at Century 21 and then visited Ground Zero and St. Paul's Chapel. The chapel was full of letters of encouragement from around the world to all the rescue workers who helped during 9/11, photographs, paper cranes from Japan, and reminders of that dreadful day in 2001. My heart was so touched by all the brave people who helped America as it struggled to recover from such a tragedy. Then we ate at the Shake Shake where a hungry squirrel dropped his crumbs in our fries and almost lost hold of his branch and plummeted onto our table. We spent our evening sitting in the rain watching 12 Angry Men in Bryant Park.

My last day was a sad one. We ate an amazing breakfast at Cafe Lalo and then Layla took me to some of her favorite antique shops. We probably could have spent and entire day, maybe two, trying on all the beautiful clothes and digging through all the forgotten treasures some of those shops held.

I enjoyed my time with my beautiful cousin so very much. It was nice to spend some time doing her favorite things and getting to know her better. It was also just wonderful to be in New York City again. I love the sounds, smells, and sights of the city. There is nothing like New York. It makes me feel so alive! I could spend months just walking the streets observing the different cultures, hearing the different languages, and gazing up at the distant tops of buildings. I can't wait to go back.

Cupcake Mania

2010-08-02T19:07:00.000-07:00

The past few days have been full of candy and creativity galore! First, I made my mom goldfish cupcakes for her birthday. There were so many left over I sent them to the fire station with Josh. Then, I made apple cupcakes for the teachers at school to celebrate our return. Unfortunately, the cute little apple cupcakes sat uneaten all day today. Oh well, at least they looked good!

Gigi's Progress

2010-07-29T20:01:00.000-07:00

In January I posted a video of Gigi's first ride. She has come a long way and I am excited for her to show this fall. I have enjoyed every minute with this mare and she holds a special place in my heart. Here is an updated video of Gigi and all her progress.

Cookie #1 - Almond Cookie

2010-07-28T21:15:00.000-07:00

A dream of mine is to one day own a bakery. My love of baking started out as a love of cookie dough but has grown into much more. Recently, Josh and I decided to cook our way through a cookie recipe book my mom gave me several years ago. Our first recipe was for this yummy Almond cookie. I was a little nervous about this recipe because it seemed so plain and plain often equals boring. However, we were pleasantly surprised. Not only was it an easy recipe to follow, it was delicous as well! The recipe was supposed to make four dozen cookies. I ended up with two dozen (there is a giant monster that lives in my house and every time I turn around it steals my dough) and the majority of those twenty-four cookies found their way to station five and were promptly devoured there.

Carlsbad 2010

2010-07-20T20:45:00.000-07:00

Several years ago, my cousin Rach'l started a girl's trip to Carlsbad, CA. This is my second year accompanying her on this fabulous trip and this is the first year we were able to get 7 of the 8 Garbini Girls together. I had a really difficult time choosing pictures to share with you so please forgive me for the randomness of this post.

The adventure began in Casa Grande where we all packed into my big diesel truck. Every moment after that was full of laughter, love, and friendship.

When we were kids one of our favorite things to do was dress up and take modeling pictures of each other. We continued this tradition on the beach.
The next few pictures are just snapshots of beautiful moments.

Where's Ryann?

I had the pleasure of helping my sister get all the sand out of her crevices after this adventure.

While we were all together I was struck with the importance of sisters. Our group is made up of sisters and made from sisters. I don't know what I would do without my little sister or without all these girls who have acted as my sisters my entire life.

My aunt Renee, who is part of the original group of Garbini Girls. She is the youngest of the 6 sisters the rest of us call our mothers.

My sister Samantha and I

My cousins Rach'l and Laura (I suppose I should count my 2nd cousin who is also featured in this photo. He is wearing polka dots)

My cousins Layla and Shavon

Some of my favorite pictures taken are our jumping pictures.

I don't know what I would do without these girls. I love them and I thank my Father in Heaven for them each day.

For more photos, and perhaps a better description of our trip, go to http://laylaheartaustin.blogspot.com/ , http://newbini.blogspot.com/ , http://newbini.blogspot.com/

San Diego 2010

2010-07-07T20:27:00.000-07:00

This year I was able to take my sister with me on my annual trip to San Diego. We had a good time shopping, walking, and playing cards. She stole my camera and worked her magic and was able to capture some of the reasons why I love this trip so much. Here are just a few of her fabulous shots.

Padilla Family Forest Fun Fest

2010-07-07T19:58:00.001-07:00

Every summer Josh's family goes up to the White Mountains for a week. This was my first year attending the fun because, unfortunately, the Padilla family reunion and the Thomas family vacation overlap. I am glad I went with Josh this summer. I was able to get to know his family a little bit better and learn more about Josh in the process. We had a fantastic time and I am looking forward to next year.Josh HAD to have this tent and was very excited to set it up.

Josh always told me about the river his family camps next to but being an Arizona girl I thought he meant more of a stream. I was pleased to find out he meant a real rushing river!

Josh and his cousin Estevan spent our first day building a dam to create a water slide. They moved a lot of rocks and even Super Man Josh was sore the next day.

It was so much fun to watch the dogs play in the water. I was surprised by how willingly they all jumped in.

We had a visitor who Bailey loved sniffing. The bull didn't seem to mind.

Josh and his brother arguing about how to chop firewood.

Lizzy was so funny. Whenever someone splashed around in the water or went too deep she would let out a loud howling noise.

Then she would chase you down...

and swim over to you and bite you! I laughed and laughed at her.

I love this picture of Emerson. He is my best buddy.

Camp Zion

2010-06-23T16:53:00.000-07:00

I was blessed to once again be called as the Assistant Camp Director for Sahuarita 1st Ward. I had a fantastic week at Girl's Camp this past week and am already looking forward to next year! It was a very busy week but I thought I would quickly highlight some of the best parts!

First we met very, very early in the morning...

Then we rock climbed and repelled off a cliff at Windy Point...

We played cards...

Shot bows and arrows...

Bonded...

Ate A LOT of good food...

And had the privilege of being visited by a member of the Seventy, Elder Sitati.

I LOVE Decorating!

2010-06-02T09:49:00.000-07:00

Janet, Wendy, and I redecorated Eric's room for his 22nd birthday. It was in desperate need of some TLC! It took us about 6 hours and $150.00 to complete. We are very proud of our efforts!

BEFORE

AFTER

Happy Birthday Joshie Smoshie!

2010-05-26T16:55:00.001-07:00

We celebrated Josh's birthday this past Saturday and had a great time. My birthday was so much fun we decided to do Josh's the same way. We played football in the park and then had a BBQ. It was nice to spend time with friends and family out in the beautiful Arizona sun. I can't wait to do it again!

Fit First Field Trip

2010-05-23T18:59:00.000-07:00

After boot camp on Wednesday night, we all walked over to see the first Toros game of the season. Boy did we have fun! We ate, laughed, and ate some more! I can't wait to take more field trips!

Dream a Little Dream

2010-04-25T20:17:00.000-07:00

My dreams and aspirations have changed over the years as I have matured, gained experience, and discovered the realities of life. However, there are a few things that have never changed and I do not believe they ever will. Those things being my love of horses and my desire to write. When I see the life I desire in my mind I imagine myself in an attic room, beneath the eves of some Victorian home, writing my next novel and gazing out the window at my horses frolicking about in their pasture.

Today, while I was visiting my dad, I stumbled upon an add for a Rhode Island home in one of the many equine magazines I get in the mail. Out of curiosity I decided to look it up online. As I looked at the photographs, and read the description of the house and barn, my heart began to ache with longing for I had just found the home I have always glimpsed in my mind's eye.

Does anyone have an extra $3,000,000 they could spare?

http://www.fablehillfarm.com/

Happy Birthday to Me!

2010-04-25T19:39:00.000-07:00

I had a great 26th birthday thanks to all my friends, family and students. It started with these stolen balloons on the 16th. I opened my door to find them tied to the handle.
That same day I met my dad, Jean, Matt and Andrew at The Cheesecake Factory for an awesome dinner and 3 pieces of their chocolate cake, yes I said 3. I thought I was going to puke.
On the 18th I went over to my mom's and we ate one of my favorite dinners, blackeyed peas, and watched Be Kind Rewind.
My students went all out for my birthday this year. I had several cakes made and eaten in my honor and some great gifts.
My birthday officially ended yesterday and I must admit I am a little sad. We played soccer, ultimate football, and two-hand touch football and then came home for a BBQ. Unfortunately, I was too busy running around to take pictures so I snapped 3 really quickly before the stragglers went home.

Thanks all for helping celebrate! I love you!!

Spring Break

2010-04-04T20:48:00.000-07:00

My favorite part of Spring Break 2010 was spending the day with my besties, Wendy and Janet. We had so much fun hiking in Sabino Canyon together. Here we are post-hike. The woman that took this picture asked us if we wanted the cactus in the background, I guess she thought we were tourists.

Don't Wendy's muscles look good? Thanks for making us work so hard at boot camp Fabian!

We had to cross the river many times during our hike which meant taking off our shoes and wading through freezing cold water.

The falls are behind us here. It was wonderful to sit together next to the water and eat lunch together.

After our long day in the sun we figured we deserved some TLC so we stopped and got pedicures before boot camp. Can you tell which feet belong to which girl?

Cutest of the Cute

2010-03-28T11:41:00.000-07:00

The other day while my dad was cleaning out the hay stall he found this little guy burrowed underneath one of the bales. Sam and I cooed over him and showered him in kisses before putting him back in his little burrow to wait for his mom.

The 80's

2010-03-28T11:31:00.000-07:00

Saturday night we went to an 80's party with my friends Wendy and Eric. I love costume parties and really enjoyed seeing what people showed up in. I also loved all the stares we got when we stopped for sushi on the way home! The dogs looked at Josh like he was a freak and would not stop following him around while I got ready.

When I said I'd wear this blue dress I had no idea it was so famous. The girl throwing the party bought it for $15.00 at Good Will but it didn't fit. It was then passed from girl to girl until it finally ended up in my backseat. When I showed up at the party every one wanted to see the girl who had finally fit into The Blue Dress. I posed for pictures with several people and ended up on many different Face Book accounts. It was pretty embarrassing.

I thought Wendy looked awesome in her side pony tail.

Eric's grandpa shirt was the best there.

Thanks for the invite Wendy, it was fun.

Spirit Week

2010-03-28T10:32:00.000-07:00

Spirit Week is my favorite week of the entire year. I wait for it in anticipation. It makes me happy to be a teacher and it makes me feel like I never have to grow up if I don't want to. Monday was Sports Day so I wore my quad jersey thinking that would be cool. However, my kids were really disappointed I didn't wear my horse back riding gear. I'll have to plan better for next year.
Tuesday was Country Day, a new Spirit Day for Flowing Wells and the kids seemed to really like it.

Wacky Day is one of the best days because I get to bust out my old sparkly pants.

Retro Day is my second favorite day because I love vintage fashion and Wendy looks so cute in her 50's get up.

Spirit Week culminates in Field Day, a Flowing Wells tradition. It is a day of fun for all. We start out with the last Pep Assembly of the year and then we play games ALL DAY!!

These are two of my favorite girls. I went to school with Rachel's (right) brothers, sisters, and cousins and I had Gabby's sister my first year teaching.

Stephen (left) is always so naughty in my class and he some how recruits me into his naughty schemes and I love it.

Ivan (right) is one of the smartest boys I have ever met and I can't wait to see what he accomplishes in life. Miguel, the boy in the back with the Flowing Wells shirt on, is not in my class but he wishes he was and he comes and visits me during passing periods.

This is a classic junior high girl picture. The poses, the defiant faces, are all timeless. I look at each of these girls every day and I see bits and pieces of myself and I hope and pray they have the strength and determination they need to make it in this crazy world.

This is Danny. I want to take this kid home and bake him cookies. He is so cute and quiet. He has become our class pet in a way. I torture him, use him in examples, embarrass him by screaming his name across campus, and all he does is smile.

These girls have got to be the smartest, most talented girls on campus. I love hanging out with them because they are crazy! Kate (far left) is so opinionated she argues all the time. Chelsey (middle) visits me every morning and tells me all about her busy life full of church, acting, singing, and homework. Bianca (to the right of Chelsey) is my kindred spirit. I can always count on her to ask me strange questions, questions that brighten my day and make me think. She wants to be the person who discovers what happened to Amelia Earhart.

Omar (left) likes to run up to me screaming and grab me. "I missed you so much Ms. Thomas" he fake cries into my shoulder each day.

I may not be the best teacher but I love these kids like they were my own. I admire them, worry about them, pray for them, and cry for them. They teach me so much about life and about myself. All this time I thought it was supposed to be the other way around. If I have taught them as much as they have taught me, I will have lived a successful life.

Return of the Funkstangs

2010-03-25T20:52:00.000-07:00

The Funkstangs have returned! Tonight we performed our old dance plus a new hip hop dance for the Mustang Variety Show. Once again I felt like a celebrity up on that stage. All I could hear was, "WE LOVE YOU MS. THOMAS!!!" and my new nickname, "Tom-Diggity", while I danced. It was a blast! The video is a little shaky so you can also watch the video on YouTube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ne43ZMpbqTo

Thanks Wendy Sue and Eric for coming out and supporting me.

Another Season

2010-03-16T20:00:00.001-07:00

Welcome and I started our first full show season together this month. It has left us both tired but excited for the next round of shows. People say it takes at least a year for a horse and rider to truly be in tune and work as a team and I would have to agree with that. Though we are much more in sync than we were this fall, I still feel like we have a long way to go. I am definitely looking forward to it!

!Mexico alla vamos!

2010-03-09T16:35:00.000-08:00

One of the best things about living in Tucson is Rodeo Break and as this unique, beloved break approaches, I'm not sure who is more excited for it, the students or the teachers. Oh yeah, THE TEACHERS!!

This Rodeo Break Josh, my BFF Wendy, my BFF Janet, and her BF Fabian, jumped in the truck and headed to Rocky Point for Janet's 34th birthday. It was the best trip I have been on in years. I was missing my fellow Charlie's Angels in this one...Nay, Rach, Lay, and Shawny :(

Mirar a los gingos goofy!

We stayed on a secluded, pristine beach...

We rode quads...

and the monster Jeep.

We rode the jet ski

wake boarded....

napped...

danced...

shopped...

kissed...

explored...

ate fantastic food....

and went home fatter, happier, closer, and looking forward to the next trip!

Where to now girls?

The Funkstangs

2010-02-14T18:04:00.000-08:00

For the Third Quarter Pep Assembly a group of us teachers got together and, led by the assistant principal, came up with a dance routine to a funky mix of songs. We weren't sure how the kids would take our performance, if their jaws would drop or if we'd be booed off the court but we thought it would be fun to show them a different side of all of us.

When the day came we were all full of nervous energy. Our shirts were bedazzled, our dance moves were memorized, and we were ready to rock! To our surprise the kids screamed like banshees the second we walked out. I couldn't even hear the music over their cries. We were an instant success. In fact, we were so popular we had to do an encore! I felt like a celebrity as students I didn't even know yelled my name and came up to me after the performance to ohhh and ahhh. One little boy said, "Miss, will the Funkstangs be at the next Pep Assembly too?" It was so much fun!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whxgNMNzFm8

Happy Birthday Wendy Sue!

2010-02-03T20:05:00.000-08:00

On Saturday Josh and I went to my BFF Wendy's birthday party. It was a hat party so everyone in the house had on a different hat. It was a fun theme. Let's see...there was a sombrero, a monkey, a tiara, and a welder's mask. I loved it! We played Rock Band, talked, laughed, and had a GREAT time. Aren't Janet, Wendy and I soooo CUTE?

Awards

2010-01-26T17:34:00.000-08:00

On Sunday night Josh and I made the trek up to Scottsdale for the Arizona Hunter Jumper Association Year End Awards. As you show through out the year you accumulate points in the different divisions you compete in and at the end of the year the points are totaled and a champion is named for each division. I ended the 2009 show season as Champion of the Low Adult Amateur Hunters on Welcome, Reserve Champion in the Low Adult Amateur Equitation, third in the Adult Amateur Hunters on Celebrate, and third in the Amateur Owner Hunters on Bachelor. It was an exciting evening full of good food and friendly people.

OMG!

2010-01-23T16:32:00.000-08:00

Last night Jean and I went to see Legally Blonde the musical and I loved it! It was very well done and the cast was extremely talented. I had one of the songs stuck in my head all day today,"omigod omigod, you guys..." I just can't stop singing it.

Tons of Fun

2010-01-19T20:38:00.000-08:00

It was difficult for me to return to work after Winter Break because once I am back in school I feel like all the fun gets zapped out of life. To prevent me from feeling this way, and to help me make it through one last semester of taking classes and teaching classes, Josh and I decided we couldn't let life get in the way of having fun. So we have spent the past two weekends enjoying family, friends, pets, the cool weather, and each other.

Gigi's First Ride

2010-01-10T14:04:00.000-08:00

A few months ago I purchased a 3 year old Hanoverian filly named Gigi with the goal of training her on my own. This is an ambitious project for me, seeing as I have never trained a horse before. However, I felt I had the resources and experience I needed to at least give it a try. Gigi came to me halter broken and as sweet as can be. Since then I have taught her voice commands, how to lunge, and am now in the process of teaching her to jump and walk, trot, and canter under saddle.

Saturday was my first ride on her with out my dad leading us around and she was AMAZING. There were a few moments of confusion as she tried to figure out what I was asking her but then she quickly moved forward and trotted around like a pro, except for the fact that she was swerving all over the place. Swerving aside, I am as happy as can be. I can not wait to ride her again. It amazes me how fast she learns. I watch her sometimes and think, "WOW! I taught her all that!" I am like a proud mother hen watching her chicks trot off to school. I can't wait to see how Gigi grows and matures. I know she is a special girl.

Winter Break

2010-01-04T19:28:00.000-08:00

It was so nice to get away from school and stress this Winter Break. I enjoyed spending quality time with the people and animals I love, relaxing, sleeping, watching movies, taking long walks, and playing games.

Not only was it fun hanging out, I received a great many wonderful presents! One of my favorites being The Flip. I have yet to do or see anything Flip worthy but I will be sure to post a video soon.I also got some new running shoes with matching work out clothes. For as long as I can remember I have worked out in old mismatched T-shirts and grubby shorts. Now I can go to boot camp in style thanks to my wonderful Hubby.

I spent New Year's Day with my mom doing teacher things. We went to the teacher store and bought posters, games, and books. Then we went to my mom's school and I helped her decorate for her new unit on The Water Cycle.

On January 2nd we met the Newbinis at Trail Dust Town for some western fun.

Now I am back at school, as busy and tired as ever and counting down the days until Spring Break.

Just a Horse

2009-12-20T16:27:00.000-08:00

From time to time, people tell me, "Lighten up, it's just a horse", or, "That's a lot of money for just a horse". They don't understand the distance traveled, the time spent, or the costs involved for "just a horse". Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a horse". Many hours have been passed and my only company was "just a horse", but I did not once feel slighted. Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by "just a horse", and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "just a horse" gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day. If you too think it's "just a horse", then you will probably understand phrases like "just a friend", "just a sunrise", or "just a promise".
"Just a horse" brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust and pure unbridled joy. "Just a horse" brings out the compassion and patience that makes me a better person. Because of "just a horse" I will rise early, take long walks, and look longingly into the future.
So for me and folks like me, it's not "just a horse" 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 horse" 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 horse" but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being "just a woman".
So next time you hear the phrase "just a horse", just smile because they "just" don't understand.

Author Unknown

Fall Horse Shows

2009-12-18T10:14:00.000-08:00

This horse show season was definitely a success. I had a great time, I learned a lot, and I grew as a person and as a rider. Horse shows are amazing like that. You learn far more than you ever expect to learn and you create memories you wouldn't trade for anything.

This season I rode with a very talented group of riders from Santa Barbara, CA under the instruction of Leslie Nelson.

Welcome made his debut in the United States in the Baby Green Division and the Low Adult Amateur Division. He was a STAR and was Champion in both divisions all three weeks he showed. A judge approached me one evening after the show was over for the day and told me he thought Welcome was FABULOUS. It was flattering.

An old student of mine, Tarra, made her debut in the Cross Rail Division on my horse Hunter and together they were Circuit Champion in the division. It was so good to see Hunter back in the show ring where be belongs.

I felt like the luckiest girl in the world this year because I not only had my trusty dad to help me groom the horses, I had Josh and the best groom in all the land, Fransisco. Fransisco always makes us look good and teaches me all about the proper care and management of horses.

I was also fortunate enough to be able to lease Leslie's horse Celebrate. "Ella Bella" as I like to call her, is a very experienced Hanoverian Mare that would jump the moon if you asked her to. She is the smoothest horse I have ever ridden , I swear it was like riding on marshmallow clouds.

Ella Bella helped me win my very first cooler in The Bruno Delgrase Equitation Derby. I was so nervous the first day of competition in this class so we were a little bumpy and came out in 10th place. I was pretty happy with that because I was competing against 30 other horses, many of them ridden by professionals. The second day Ella and I came out determined to win and had a pretty flawless round. We ended up with a 1st the second day and 2nd place over all. I was pretty excited.

However, the most exciting part of the season was my win in the AHJA Adult Medal Finals. After being 2nd the past few years I was was excited to finally move into first place. We had the second highest score in all the finals divisions that night and I was mighty proud.

Blessed

2009-12-12T18:49:00.000-08:00

Last night Josh and I went to the Mesa Temple with my parents. We spent some time in the temple and then wondered around the beautiful grounds enjoying all the lights. The spirit of Christmas was definitely with us. Christmas music mingled with the sounds of children laughing and families talking. Husbands and wives walked hand in hand and children chattered excitedly. It was so wonderful to be surrounded by such joy and excitement. This truly is a wonderful time of year and I feel so blessed to have my family, the gospel, and a temple so near.

New Moon

2009-11-23T07:54:00.000-08:00

This past week all my students could talk about was the premier of New Moon. It is amazing how love for this series spread like wildfire through out my junior high. The library can't keep enough copies of the series.

I was so excited to go see it on Saturday night with Josh and I am glad to say I was not disappointed. I thought they did a great job staying true to the book. The movie reaffirmed my allegiance to TEAM JACOB!!

Halloween

2009-11-05T10:53:00.000-08:00

Halloween is one our favorite times of year. However, this year I feel like it snuck up on us and we were ill prepared! I dressed up like a witch/sorceress with the rest of the girls I work with and Josh was some kind of scary demon thing. We had a great time hanging out with friends and passing out candy. I am determined to start planning for Halloween 2010 now so that Josh and I will be ready to save the world as Superman and Supergirl.

Peter Rabbit's Big Day

2009-10-22T21:37:00.000-07:00

I released Peter Rabbit back into the wild today. He has grown so much and the cut on his head has healed nicely. He was nervous about leaving his cage but he eventually hopped out and is hopefully making a home in our empty stall. The wildlife rescue where he has been living told me he would find his family if I released him in the area where I found him. I hope he is reunited with his mother and Floppsie, Moppsie and Cottontail.

Hunter/Jumper Clinic

2009-10-13T12:59:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I was able to participate in a riding clinic in Scottsdale, AZ given by Julie Winkel. Julie, pictured above, has an amazing resume which can be found at http://mwstables.com/. I rode with her for a total of four hours and learned a great deal about horses, riding, and showing. Welcome did a fantastic job and he received many compliments.
The clinic took place at the beautiful Los Cedros Equestrian Facility. It is the cleanest, most beautiful barn I have ever seen. The photo above is one of the entrances into the barn.

This is one of the barn offices.

Los Cedros has many fantastic horse facilities, one of which is this therapy pool for injured horses.

One of my favorite parts of Los Cedros was the barn ceiling and the wide, clean aisle ways. If I would have known about this barn three years ago I would have had my wedding there!

Quad Mania

2009-09-25T21:33:00.000-07:00

My beloved husband is addicted to his quad. While I am out jumping my horses he is out jumping his quad. We often tease each other about which sport is more dangerous, challenging, or just plain stupid. However, I have to admit I think riding quads is a blast as well and I LOVE how cute Josh is when he comes home all covered in dirt.

Miss Gigi

2009-09-21T21:02:00.000-07:00

On Sunday I picked up the newest addition to our ever growing family. Her name is Geschick (pronounced Gishick in German) and it means Talent in English. I call her Gigi for short but my dad has started calling her Baby, which is fitting because she is only three years old. She is a Hanoverian out of Forever Diamonds and Grandom. When I first saw her I knew right away I had to have her. She is extremely sweet and I know she will live up to her name.

Her first night in her new stall was pretty uneventful, for her any way. She caused quiet a stir amongst the boys! It brings a huge smile to my face when I pull into the drive way and I have three excited bay faces looking at me. I will have to get a picture of it so you can see just how cute they all are together, Hunter, Welcome, and Gigi. I LOVE HORSES!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jM4luHs6Gs4

Are You Feeling This?

2009-09-21T20:49:00.000-07:00

Oh boy did I ever feel it on Saturday! I went to see Blink 182 at Fall Frenzy in Tempe with Sam, Tom, Mom and Laura. It was AMAZING. I spent my formative years listening to Blink and was broken hearted when they broke up. I feel like I am a more complete person now that I have finally seen them :) Travis is an AWESOME drummer, I LOVED Mark's neon pink bass and Tom is, well, THE BEST MOST ROCKINIST DUDE EVER!!!

Peter Rabbit

2009-09-12T22:26:00.000-07:00

When I was a little girl I loved the book Peter Rabbit. My mom read that story to me so many times I memorized it and to this day I can recite lines from the book. Peter is so naughty and cute you can't help but love him. I currently have a Peter Rabbit of my own. The baby bunny I took to the Wildlife Rescue has been named Peter because he shares some of Peter's naughty tendencies.

When I rescued him I was unaware of how young he is. Apparently, he was supposed to be safe and sound in his mother's den when I found him, so like my beloved Peter Rabbit, he had escaped from his mother.

I receive weekly updates about little Peter and the latest update brought a smile to my face. Peter went missing for two days at the Wildlife Rescue. He hopped so high he knocked the top off of his cage and jumped out. When the vets came to check on him in the morning he was no where to be found. Everyone searched and searched for him and finally gave him up for lost. Two days later when they went to do the laundry there was naughty little Peter bundled up under the towels. The vet said she scooped him up and took him back to his cage where he promptly drank an entire bowl of milk and took a long nap.

Laundry

2009-09-12T22:20:00.001-07:00

When I first told Josh I wanted to decorate the laundry room he thought I was crazy. Now that it is done though he loves it. Our laundry room is the first thing you see as you walk up the stairs and I was sick of running up the stairs ahead of our guests to close the laundry room door so they couldn't see what a mess it was. Now I can't help but smile when I walk up the stairs. I love how classy and bright it is. Having the laundry room look so fantastic makes doing laundry so much more fun!

Answered Prayers

2009-09-01T20:12:00.000-07:00

About a half an hour ago Josh and I were walking home from the dog park in the dark. As we were walking, the dogs running ahead of us, we were talking and laughing, picking our way through the rocks. All of a sudden I felt something squishy beneath my right foot. I looked down and saw a rattlesnake stuck underneath my flip flop. I screamed, of course, and jumped out of the way. The rattlesnake began to rattle his tail and it wasn't until Josh heard that eerie sound that he understood what was going on.

The last half hour I have been thanking Heavenly Father for my safety. Every day I pray for my safety and the safety of the ones I love and today's experience bore testimony to me that my Father in Heaven hears my prayers and answers them. I just keep thinking of all the things that could have happened. I could have been alone, one of the dogs could have been bitten, there are hundreds of things that could have gone wrong and I am so thankful that none of those things occured.

Wild Life

2009-08-29T14:56:00.000-07:00

A week ago Friday, as I was leaving my dad's house, I found this little baby bunny in the road. He was laying there dazed and confused with a huge cut on his head that went down to the bone. As I approached him I could hear Josh's voice in my head, "Leave it alone Ryann. Let nature take its course." He was so cute and so scared I couldn't leave him there to get hit by a car or eaten by an owl so I scooped him up and took him home with me. He spent the night in a box on the kitchen counter and the next day, during my planning period at school, I took him to a wildlife rehabilitator near by. The rehabilitation center was nothing more than an old house with a screened in porch and cages stacked outside. An old woman and her assistant were busy feeding, watering, and medicating orphaned quail chicks, a baby owl, an injured hawk, and many other amazing animals from here in the southwest. I wanted so badly to spend the day following them around.

I thought about this poor little bunny all week and finally found out that he is doing just fine. I was told when he is ready to be re-released they will call me and I can go pick him up and take him back to my dad's where I found him. This gave me so much joy to know there are people out there that love animals the way I do. I can't wait to see his scarred little face hopping around at my dad's house again.

2009-08-22T23:21:00.000-07:00

I stole this quote from my beautiful cousin Layla's blog. I stole it for two reasons 1. I love love love Ralph Waldo Emerson and 2. I felt like it applies to me so very much these days. I feel so encumbered by life, the responsibilities, the disappointments, and the hardships. This is a quote I need to keep with me so that I can have a high spirit each day and enjoy the days for how unique each one is. Thanks Lay.

Firsts

2009-08-16T19:53:00.000-07:00

On Saturday I drove my two horses, Hunter and Welcome, up to Scottsdale for a riding lesson BY MYSELF!! For years now I have been at the mercy of my dad or Josh, always having to ask them when they had time to trailer me places. Finally, I decided I couldn't wait on them forever so I learned how to pull a trailer by myself. The last time I drove a truck and trailer it looked similar to the one above, so I was very proud of myself for taking things into my own hands. My friend Tara went with me for support and we had a great time. I am still not very good at backing up and we had an episode at the gas station that was a little scary. I'll just say I was sweating it while literally everyone watched me try to maneuver out of there. Now I know why my dad is always so concerned about where we fill up on long trips. All in all it was a liberating, and nerve wracking, experience. I LOVED IT!

Back To School

2009-08-16T19:17:00.000-07:00

The second week of school has ended and the third is about to begin. I have my classroom the way I want it, well almost, and I know MOST of my student's names. I have already embarrassed myself in front of them, made them laugh, made them groan, and helped them to be a little more excited about English. They have made me do the same. New students always make me miss the old ones and it has pleased me a great deal this week to have eight past students come to visit me. The junior high does not allow high school students on campus so each of these kids has had to sneak in to see me. It always brings a smile to my face and makes me feel a little bit better about my job. As I get ready to kick off week three I hope and pray I can be what these kids need. Their lives are difficult in so many ways and I try to be there for them any way I can. As life speeds up again and I feel like its hard to even stop to catch my breath, I sometimes forget why I am a middle school teacher and why my senior year of high school, sitting in Mrs. Acosta's English class, I decided I wanted to be a teacher. I think if I pause every now and then this year to remember my reasons for taking this job and the seeds that planted this desire, I'll be able to make it until May.

Nay's Shower

2009-07-27T10:04:00.000-07:00

I am so excited Renee is having a little girl and I had a great time at her shower. It was fun to be a part of all the excitement that surrounds her and her family. I also enjoyed spending time with my best friends. Who said boys aren't allowed at baby showers? How could you resist when they are this cute?

Nay got a TON of really cute stuff for Vaughn ( We have already named her daughter for her).

I truly believe a special bond exists between mothers and daughters...

grandmothers and granddaughters...

and cousins.

My mom and I have become obsessed with making cupcakes and Renee's shower was a good excuse to make them.

When the shower was over we used these flowers to decorate Vaughn's room. It turned out great. I wish I would have taken a picture of it.

What An Adventure!

2009-07-23T21:19:00.000-07:00

A week ago Josh and I were outside working and I kept noticing him hitting himself in the chest. He looked like such a nerd and the thud on his chest was so loud I couldn't help but laugh. He finally explained to me his heart was beating funny and he was having trouble breathing. Well, my heart has strange palpitations all the time so I didn't think anything of it. At about 8:30 pm we were finished with our work and were on our way home when Josh told me to pull over at a fire station. He hooked himself up to a 12 lead and found out he was in AFIB. I drove him to the hospital , we walked in the back entrance to the ER (a perk of being married to a firefighter) and they got him right in . All the nurses at this particular hospital know Josh so he got first class treatment. We ended up staying the night and in the morning the heart specialist shocked his heart into a normal rhythm. It was an adventure I didn't think we would be having so soon in life but an adventure none the less!

Welcome

2009-07-17T21:29:00.000-07:00

Last Friday my dad and I drove to Los Angeles to pick up my new horse Welcome. It was an interesting experience that's for sure. We stayed in a scary part of town, our horse trailer almost didn't fit through the entrance of our hotel, we made awesome waffles in the hotel lobby, and watched some good movies in the truck as we drove.

My dad insisted on being the first people in line at Jet Pets so we got there at 11 AM and didn't get Welcome until almost 2 PM. I was pretty anxious. Welcome flew into the U.S. on Wednesday but all animals have to be held in quarantine for 48 hours. Horses are transported in these large blue boxes in a cargo plane. I am sure it is a scary experience.

I got in trouble for snooping around while I was waiting and wasn't able to get as many pictures as I would have liked. This is Welcome's 1st picture

We got home Saturday morning sometime between 1 and 2 AM. It was an exhausting and very hot ride home.

My 2 bay boys, Hunter and Welcome.

Our 1st week together I have spent time getting to know Welcome. We are slowly building a relationship and I am excited to see how our partnership grows over the next few years. Wish us luck!

San Diego

2009-07-08T08:40:00.001-07:00

My dad and I have been going to San Diego for as long as I can remember. We eagerly look forward to our endless days on Pacific Beach all year and are never disappointed once we are there. The sounds, the smells, the people are always the same and it is comforting to have this home away from home. The best part about our trips to San Diego is being able to spend time with my dad.

Pacific Beach is famous for its Pelicans. I love watching them dive into the ocean after fish, it is amazing.

This year we decided to venture away from the beach and visit Balboa Park. It was a great addition to our usual routine. It was a beautiful place and I had a fantastic day.

There was a squirrel in this tree who was not very happy with us. He made it very clear to us with all his tail wagging and chattering that we were not welcome. At one point I thought he might attack Josh! I tried to get a picture of him but he was too fast and I missed him every time.

The art museum was probably my favorite part of the park. Not only was it a beautiful building but it had a painting by one of my favorite artists.

William Bouguereau (1825-1905)

The Young Shepherdess
The architecture at the park is amazing. This is the entrance.

The ponds in the park had the biggest Koi fish I have ever seen.

Josh and I spent part of another magical day at the San Diego temple. We love going to different temples and seeing each ones unique beauty and grace. This particular temple is definitely aw-inspiring inside and out.

The last fantastic part of our trip this year was...drum roll please...my new bike!! My dad has been trying to get me to give him my Hollywood for several years. I look at bikes every year but until this year, I could never find one that I liked more than The Hollywood. My new Mackenzie is at least as nice as The Hollywood if not better. I love riding around in style!

The One

2009-07-04T23:39:00.001-07:00

After months of scouring the Internet and watching video after video of horses, I think I finally found the one I want. He is a 6 year old Dutch Warmblood named Welcome. He is currently living in the Netherlands and will hopefully be catching a flight into the United States on Wednesday. As I'm sure you can imagine, flying a horse in an airplane all the way across the ocean is a complicated process so it may take a little longer but I am keeping my fingers crossed! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6WpXjpRWl8

Girl's Just Wanna Have Fun

2009-06-29T17:43:00.001-07:00

Rachel, Nay, Sam and I spent a few days together in Carlsbad, California this June. It has been a long time since we have had the opportunity to really talk and laugh so this trip was much needed. I only wish the rest of the Garbini Girls could have been there.

We were very proud of the amount of stuff we were able to cram in Rachel's trunk. It took some master planning, that's for sure!

Our first night there Rachel introduced us to Alejandro's, a little Mexican food joint. It was awesome, I am still thinking about their rolled tacos. We sat on the beach to eat and were immediately surrounded by hungry, fearless squirrels.
As usual, Sam was the comic relief during the day. She had a good time bothering Rachel.

Our last morning together we walked down the beach looking at houses and collecting shells.

I can't wait until we can all get together again. These days I crave female companionship. I am always with animals, 13 year olds, or Josh, and though I love all of those things, being with girls is something I really miss.

Girl's Camp

2009-06-12T19:10:00.000-07:00

On my last day of school the second counselor in the bishopric stopped by to bestow upon me the calling of Assistant Girl's Camp Director. When he asked me I must admit I felt my heart plummet to the floor. "Camp director?" I thought. " I've been 'directing' adolescent kids for 10 months. Can I handle another week?" Then he dropped the real bomb, "Its next week." "WHAT?! NEXT WEEK? LIKE NEXT NEXT WEEK?!"
Thank goodness I was assistant to an amazing woman, Peggy Payne, who quickly chased away all my fears and replaced them with excitement. Together we set out and were able to pull off a fabulous girl's camp. It was an amazing week, a week I wouldn't trade for anything. The girl's were amazing and they helped to strengthen my testimony a great deal. I am already looking forward to next year and all the planning I get to do with Peggy. I think we make a great team. She is a bubbly, outgoing, fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants kinda girl and I am a shy workaholic, we did great.

Our ward theme was "Step into your Greatness". Each evening we planned an activity that helped the girl's realize how great they really are. We focused on battling the limited definition of beauty women learn from the media and expanding it to include all women regardless of their size, shape, color or talents.

By the end of camp we were a tight knit little family that was ready to go out and meet the challenges of the world.

We weren't serious the whole time. In fact, we spent most of our time laughing and goofing around.

The silly camp songs we sang aided in our goofiness.

We did lots of different crafts...

I learned to cook on a camp stove...

We cleaned the biffies...

And battled giant spiders.

I really did enjoy myself and I am so thankful for the opportunity to get to know Peggy and spend a week with an amazing group of girls.

Le Bain

2009-06-12T18:58:00.001-07:00

Now that it is summer and I actually have time to think about things besides surviving, Josh and I have started working on our "To Do" list. When we moved into our house we ran out of the time and money to finish decorating so our upstairs has remained rather bland the past few years. Well, we are slowly trying to remedy that! Over Christmas break we decorated our bedroom and I am proud to say we have finished our bathroom as well. It happened quiet unexpectedly. We stopped at Home Depot for something and as we were driving home I saw Kirkland's was having a sale. When we stopped we had no idea we would find everything we needed to deck out our bathroom. It was a long exciting day full of shopping, returning and painting. I love the final product and am looking forward to our next project....the laundry room!

8th Grade Promotion

2009-05-16T22:37:00.000-07:00

Friday was the 8th Grade Promotion Dance. It love seeing all my students all dressed up. It is amazing how much they change over the course of the year and I never seem to notice the transformation until the Promotion Dance. It was a fantastic night watching them all have fun together. I felt like a celebrity when I walked up and all my kids yelled, "Ms. Thomas!" and ran over to hug me and take pictures. I will be sad to let them go next week.