She's Finally Here!

Korin Faith Bailey was born Friday, September 26th at 5:03am weighing 8lbs not sure about the ounces and 20 inches long. Vanessa chose to use a birthing center rather than a hospital this go round. It was a very nice place! The birthing center is in Fort Worth which is about 45 miles away. I've been privileged to see each of my grandchildren's births but I must say this one was the most unique and memorable.






Yes Korin was born in a tub! This picture was taken after the umbilical cord was cut. Vanessa was a real trooper and Keannon was a great coach! I was impressed. She's braver than I would have been!

The kids had been at our house earlier in the evening to celebrate Vanessa's 29th birthday (Thursday September 25th) She was 9 days past her due date. We were all wondering if Korin would share her birthday with her mother. Kennedy wanted to spend the night. She had just gone to sleep. I had gotten myself ready for bed and just laid down when Vanessa sent me a text at 10;59pm

"Water just broke, I'm waiting on the midwife to call me back. No rush right now. Just go to bed and we will text or call with more info in a bit."

An hour later she text me they were headed to the center. At that point her contractions were 8 minutes apart. She asked me to come and bring Kennedy.

Doyle had already gone to bed as he had to work the next day. I woke him to let him know what I was doing. I then carry Kennedy to the truck. She stays asleep during the transition and all the way to the center. When we arrived she woke up getting her out of the truck. She was wide awake for a little while. About 2:30 I did lay down and fall fast asleep. Kennedy had gotten in her Nana's lap and fell asleep. Around 4:30am Vanessa asked for me so one of the women came to wake me.

Kennedy didn't want to wake up. I love this picture.


















We have a thumb sucker! Our first!

















Measuring Korin.

Kennedy is one proud Big Sister!

Vanessa and Korin were released to go home around 9:30am!

After they got home Kashton met Korin. He was fascinated with her! He'll make a great big brother!


One exciting day!


Have a good one!

Mornings are Beautiful!

The sun coming up as I reach my halfway point on the trail which is the bridge across the highway coming into Mineral Wells from the East.

This is the big cross that I blogged about not too long ago. You can find that story here. It is across the highway that the trail parallels. 

The morning of the 9th, the full moon was my trail companion.

I took this picture from the bridge looking towards the East then turned around and took the picture of the moon looking toward the West.

This was taken the next day.

The moon was still my companion the next day.

This was taken Sept 16th.

The sun breaks through.

My most favorite part of the trail. Hoping the leaves will change colors making this very pretty!

Have a good one!

I Have a New Ride!

I know! I can't believe it either! Quick...someone pinch me! Isn't it beautiful?!

Hubby was looking for a new truck for himself. Old Red has served us faithfully since 1998 but it's beginning to show its age. He had been searching on the web, making calls, sending emails. He finally found what he thought he was looking for but it was in Oklahoma. He was going to make arrangements to go get it when he got a call from the salesman that said a guy had come in and bought it the day before.

When he was looking for me a truck I wanted a blue one but there were none to be found at that time so I got a white one. It's just color, right?!

Well, Doyle told me he found the blue truck I wanted and maybe he should buy it for me and he would take the white one. That's what he did! These pictures were taken the day he drove it home September 9th.

He had steps, tool box, goose-neck trailer hitch and trailer brake controller installed.

I absolutely love my new ride and I love my husband!

Have a good one!

Kennedy's First Soccer Game

This is Kennedy's first year to play soccer. Vanessa and Keannon had a class to go to so Mom and I helped with the kids. She took Kashton and I had Kennedy.

The coach is explaining some of the rules before they get started.

She was a little timid. Almost like she thought she shouldn't take the ball from anyone!

This is one of my favorite pictures!

Mom and Kashton came to watch. Kashton is Kennedy's biggest fans. On a break I got this picture of them together.

Overall I thought she did really good. She seems to like it.











Have a good one!

Dixie's Training Progress

Thursday September 4th I went to visit Dixie again. This time I invited Kennedy to go with me. We were still having some very hot days so Dixie's trainer Jordan was going to start about 8AM. It is about a 40-45 minute drive so that meant getting up EARLY to feed horses and grab some breakfast.

He is doing some ground work before he gets on her.

The mount! He has ridden her before and she did fine. She did great this day too!

Once mounted he waits a few minutes to be sure she's calm before he moves on.

Looking good at a trot!

Looking good at a lope (canter)!

Riding her outside the round pen.

Ending on a good note. She looked amazing to me! Jordan says she is doing really well. Her only issue is still having moments of not "giving to the bit". He says some of that is her age and some of it is because she's half mustang. He said he just wants to be absolutely certain that when he gives her back to me that I can jump on her and go trail riding without worrying she's going to do something unexpected. I'm all game for that! He's supposed to get with me soon to come down to ride her myself while he gives me pointers! I can hardly wait!

Kennedy did really good. I needed to talk to Jordan about Dixie and we had walked away from the truck. When I came back this is how I found her! She was one tired little girl! She was a real trooper!




Have a good one!

Celebrating Mom's Birthday

Wednesday September 3rd was a beautiful morning as I rode my bike. I loved the wispy clouds gaining color in the sky as the sun began to rise.

Just as I get to the bridge...my halfway point, the sun is beginning to peak over the horizon. I managed to get a silhouette of a dragon fly right in the middle of the picture!










Mom's birthday was September 3rd. She typically makes a trip to her brother's in Kansas on her birthday but this year they were going to be gone.

I invited a few people from church and Vanessa to join us for lunch to celebrate. Not everyone is here in this pic. Kennedy is taking it. It was one of the few that turned out.

We ate at Shotgun's. I called the night before to let them know we were coming. The owner decorated the table for me!

They had asked me what kind of dessert Mom liked. I explained she couldn't have sugar so they brought her a bowl of fruit! So sweet of them to accommodate!

Then they came out and sang a very unusual birthday song! They did a great job and made it fun! The lady in front is the owner.

This is the card I made Mother. The little girl on the front reminded me of me. This is a Phyllis Harris design sold through Unity Stamp Company.

I know Mom would have enjoyed being with her brother and sister for her birthday but I think we did ok helping her have a good birthday!



Have a good one!

Number 60

A dear friend and mentor turned 60 August 31st. She made her own birthday plans opting to have a few close friends at her home. This is the card I made her.

The image is a rubber stamp by Unity Stamp Company and the artist is Phyllis Harris. I just LOVE this woman's art! The sentiment is from another Unity set.

Earlier that day the kids came over for lunch. Everyone else had gotten up from the table and Kashton climbed up behind Mom! Couldn't resist taking the cute little booger's picture.





Have a good one!

Odds and Ends

The sun is rising later and setting earlier. I am now riding the first 2 miles in very dim light. At least it's not dark dark. As soon as the days are cooler in the afternoon I will switch and ride then. At first I didn't like riding in the morning but when I do I don't have to worry about getting it done with everything else I do in a day. I am enjoying more and more sun rises!

Here is a card I made for Remi. I had learned that Remi's little dog died before she got home from her last visit with us. He was an old dog but I hate that it happened. That's why I chose the sentiment I did.

One night I kept both kids. Kennedy always wants to help me in the kitchen so Kashton wanted to be in there too. He found my bowl of cut up watermelon he's helping himself to!

It's a crummy picture but oh well. I think I must have smeared the lens.

Here is a card I made for a friend who celebrated her 60th birthday this year. We had a small party with those of us who have known her the longest. 

This picture didn't capture what I was seeing. The sky was more colorful and there is just a sliver of the moon in the to right of the photo.

Have a good one!