Birthday Countdown

We started Zoey's birthday countdown on Sunday. We began the day with going to the circus at Reliant Stadium. It was quite a show. After that, we proceeded to the Galleria for some ice skating and shopping and Zoey decided to get her ears pierced. Then we topped it off with a giant birthday cookie. Just six more days and Zoey turns the Big 7. It just seems like the other day she was just barely 18 inches long and 5 pounds.

1880s Cowgirl Weekend

I was going through my things as I put them in storage today and found my picture CD from my 1880s Cowgirl Weekend competition. I was lucky enough to get to participate in this cowgirl adventure this past year. It was held in Bastrop, Texas, and 20 cowgirls participated from all over Texas. We had to live like in the 1880s for three days, including sleeping on the ground under the stars. Over the 3-day period, we participated in various ranching competitions and had to pen 100 head of cattle that were turned loose out on a 500-acre ranch. For those of you not into this, I know it sounds corny. And believe me, the attire I have on in these pictures is not my norm, but we had to dress as authentic as we could to replicate the Old West days. I had so much fun meeting all of these other cowgirls and especially just spending time with my ranch horse Cuatro who is shown in these pictures. We also had to draw straws and every three hours throughout the night, we had to change shifts which consisted of three to four cowgirls and ride the entire time under the full moon around the cattle grazing out on the open prairie watching out for looters or what "staged" event might happen. I'm not one much for "roughing" it, but I really enjoyed this and look forward to it again this next year. It reminded me of a simpler life with no cell phones, computers and modern technology and just surviving on good old Mother Nature.

IT'S OFFICIAL!

It's official, Princess Tiara is now a part of our family. Her and Zoey bonded immediately and the first night together, Tiara layed snuggled around Zoey's neck. She is only 10 weeks old and Zoey taught her to lead the first day and she follows Zoey around faithfully. I've never seen my child so devoted to anything. She won't leave this puppy alone for even 30 minutes. I can't blame her. She's quite the cool little dog. I've never been a Chihuahua fan, but these little critters are totally devoted to their owners. I own Border Collies and Minuature Australian
Shepherds and I would highly recommend a Chihuahua to anyone seeking true companionship.

One thing I thought was a little comical. The breeder informed Zoey to always be careful when letting Tiara outside alone that she's had cases where hawks have actually flown down and snatched a puppy right up. Zoey won't let Tiara outside without her retractable leash on in case a hawk comes, she'll have one end of the leash and can rescue Tiara. It really made an impression on her.

Introducing Princess Tiara

Just got back from vacation from Concan. The river was a little low but the company made up for it. I arrived early with my family and hung out with Mom and Dad and Sister and Brother-in-law and some kin from Louisiana for two days. We floated the good old Frio river and had a blast. Then my extended family came in and I moved into their cabin with them. Zoey and I toggled between the two places making sure we were able to visit everyone we needed to. I must say, this trip to Garner out of all the years I've been going there was definitely different. I met knew friends and realized how lucky I am for the old ones. Kristi and John were the best hosts and for anyone who reads Kristi's blog, her life is truly a fairy tale and she really is married to Prince Charming and she really does have a princess for a daughter. If God has blessed you with actually knowing her and her family, you know what I mean. Their upbeat attitudes and warmth and love just rolled right off onto anyone around them. I came back a better person and with a much more positive attitude. I think I'm going to be okay. God, time and my wonderful family and these great friends have just moved me right along to a place where I need to be. One thing I did find out, though, Sinclair, who is only 2, knows exactly what a Hummer is and she was so cute saying "want white Hummer" I bet Daddy John might have to get that princess her own white Hummer. Now, my beautiful princess has decided she wants a Chihuahua for her birthday. I was dead set against it, but now I'm looking into it. Here is a picture of a possible candidate I'm looking into purchasing. She's wanted one since she was 5 and I would tell her "you have to wait until you're 7" hoping the phase would pass. Well, now 7 is almost here and she's ready for her Chihuahua. Heck, as of yesterday, I couldn't even spell Chihuahua much less think I would have one as part of our family.