New Babies

I mentioned that Ashlee is working as a nanny. The lady she works for also works and lives on a horse ranch. This horse belongs to her, but she's unable to care for it right now because of limited space and time. So Ashlee volunteered to take on the task, in exchange for calling the horse her own for the next couple of years. So, in essence, it's her new adopted baby. Maybe foster care baby is a more accurate term, since she'll be giving it back someday. :-) Either way, Ashlee is ecstatic about her newfound friend. His name is Cash, and he has a really sweet personality. He's friendly and gentle, and I wasn't intimidated by him at all, even though he's so big he could squash me like a bug if he so desired! Having said all that, he is in dire need of attention, and Ashlee has such a big heart for horses and caring for those in need that the situation is perfect for both of them. I don't know who is benefiting more ... Ashlee or Cash.

Cash is recovering from a problem with his leg, and hasn't been ridden in quite a while. Once he heals from that, the plan is to let the whole family ride him. Now that ought to make for some interesting blog pictures!

As for the other new babies, well ... it's been an interesting summer for Shaun's side of the family. His sister, Mary, had a baby boy (Benjamin Robert) on my birthday, June 2nd. His sister, Sarah, is having a baby in July. If everything goes as planned, she'll be delivering on July 14th, which is his other sister's (Hannah) and his Dad's birthday. We're calling this the summer of Happy Birthday Babies! How fun!

More summer pictures and stories soon! Hope all of you are well and enjoying your summers too.

((Hugs)),

~PrairieBren
"There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man." Winston Churchill

A Visit from Hair Bag

My Dad recently came to visit us when he was out here on a business trip. Jessie had to work, and Ashlee was the one taking the picture. I know you can't really see him underneath all that hair, glasses, and hat. But honest ... it's my Dad. ;-) I cooked him some pork chops, fried potatoes, and veggies, followed by chocolate cake and coffee. Hopefully he was able to stay awake for his road trip after our visit!

~PrairieBren

Quilt Progress!

Here's the promised picture of the quilt I'm working on for Jessie. This is just the squares, of course. I'm in the process of adding two borders, then I'll layer it and quilt it, and put the binding on. I've never done borders before, and the pattern I have doesn't give very articulate directions, so I'm winging it somewhat. But so far, I'm very pleased with the outcome. More pictures will be posted as things progress!

~PrairieBren

Baseball, China, and Quilts

Dropping in to let ya'll know that I'm still alive. I can't believe it's nearly been two months since I've posted!

Summer has definitely started up, and that usually means lots of activity. Andrew is busy with baseball, and loving every minute of it. His first game was scheduled for yesterday, but it rained most of the day and was COLD, so it was canceled. I didn't break out my space heater, but I can't say I wasn't tempted. I chose to put on some winter clothes, in spite of the fact that it's June.

At any rate, we are all excited that baseball season has once again begun. For Andrew AND the Rockies. I know, I know, Rockies stink this year. I still like watching them play, and am patiently waiting for Tulo and Holliday to return, along with Barmes and Hawpe. Ya' can't have it all, all the time, every year, right?

Ashlee is enjoying her new job as a nanny for a lady that operates a horse ranch. Her love of horses and children make this the perfect job for her. It comes with its own set of challenges, but she's handling them well, and is more content than I've seen her in a long time.

Jessie is still working at ChoCho's Mexican restaurant, and saving up for a trip to China that will take place this next September. She also recently got her driver's permit, so if you live near us, stay off the roads. Ha! Not really...she's doing very well.

I did get over half of Jessie's quilt top put together (see pics below), and it's coming along nicely. I will post more pics once the top is completed. I hope to have the whole quilt done within two or three weeks. After that, I'll start on a log cabin quilt that will be for my bedroom. It's part of a bedroom re-do that I'm anxious to dive in to. A new quilt, some paint, maybe some border, and a few wall hangings will complete the project. Unfortunately, I can't really begin any of that until the quilt is done, as I'm not sure which color of paint will look best until I see the quilt - finished.

My mother-in-law, Jeanine, and I are contemplating accompanying Jessie on a trip to China. I didn't think it would be an option with all my diet restrictions, but from what I've been told, it sounds as though we'll be going to a place that's fairly equipped in the food arena. Many more details have to be worked out, but so far, it looks like it may be a go. The folks we would be visiting help out in an orphanage over there, and teach English at a local university. Jessie is of course more interested in the college kids, while I am interested in the orphanage. I think it could very well be a life changing trip, and I'm praying that it will be just that....

Much love to you all. I hope you are well, and enjoying your summer. I'm off to do weekend cooking now, so that we can come and go as we please. :-)

((Hugs)),

~PrairieBren