Sharon's first ride

Here she is, the first time on Flare. Yesterday was a very nice day so up she went. Namom (my mom) let Flare around, Aunt Katy (visiting from Georgia!) took pictures and cheered us on.

We road bareback (my favorite, and the best way for Sharon to really feel Flare's movement).

Sharon loved it!! She was quite proud of herself and kept patting Flare and talking to her...

Yay!

Here you go Aunt Marj!! This is his first time ever on a horse...and he trotted and cantered and neck reined quite well! And pretty much on his own since it was too cold to have Sharon out there so i watched from inside the barn (after first giving him a little lesson on "steering and braking" by using a couch pillow!) As with everything else athletic, he was a natural :)

Happy Valentine's Day

Sharon and Great-Gram enjoy a Valentine lunch











RJ looking like a real horse owner, while Dina and Sharon make sure the pasture has good grass...

Flare Mare has arrived

Sharon welcomes Flare to her new home.













Sharon and Daddy chillin' (freezing!!) with Flare













So today our horse arrived! For me, it was after 25 plus years of waiting, for our family, about a year of research, etc. We decided on an older, gentle mare who has a fabulous personality. And the icing on the cake for this Walter Farley fanatic, is that she's black!!! She isn't bothered by dogs, kids, cars...She will be good for me since it's been far too long since i've been around horses, and will be excellent for Sharon. We will be using her for fun riding, but when the weather gets warmer, we'll also be starting Sharon on her as a form of therapy. Equine therapy has been proven to work wonders on toddlers and children who have disabilities. Having the child feel the movement of the horse's gait triggers their own muscles. We are excited to get Sharon on board! But, before that will happen, i get to have some fun working with Flare to get her in shape from being out to pasture too long.
Flare is staying just up the road at a gorgeous barn owned by Sharon's PT, Whitney. The jury is out as to whether Whitney or I is the most excited one to have Flare here! Flare's previous owner is a very nice farmer who gave us lots of extras (bridle, brand new halter, ropes, etc) when he brought her today along with a saddle.
So, while it is possibly the coldest weekend we've had this year, thus preventing Sharon from spending too much time with Flare, i will be in seventh heaven this weekend with her!!!
Now there is another great reason to come visit us :)
Peace
Jaye, RJ, and Sharon I.

Happy "Winter"

Here is Sharon enjoying winter in the south. The first is just a cute shot of her wearing her daddy's hat. The other is of the big snowstorm we had last week. School was cancelled, businesses were closed. Whew. Not sure how we survived! Sharon did manage to wade through the millimeter of snow to enjoy her first time sledding with her cousins. She and Anna are in the above. Sharon wasn't sure what it make of it all, but had fun because her cousins did.

She's doing well. I took her to an allergist last week to rule out some things and was totally bummed to find out that she has a pretty big peanut allergy. Bummer. Some kids do grow out of that, so please pray that she does. It is such a worry. Dairy we've learned to manage, but peanut is just scary. But, at least we know and can take the necessary precautions (I had already taken her off peanut over 8 months ago because i didn't like her reaction to it).

School is going. I'm still not convinced, but we are both still getting used to it. Her teacher is just wonderful and Sharon is very attached to her. She's not so keen on leaving the classroom to go to her therapies, but is getting better and better with that. She loves the other kids in her class and thinks that she is quite the big shot. She is always happy and smiling when i pick her up so that is good to see.

And for those following: Lil made it safely to Iraq and is set up and working. She says that she is in a secure area and she feels well protected to do her job. That is reassuring!

Blessings,

Jaye, RJ, and Sharon I.