Tate's favorite little people

Zane has been riding by himself for a while now, but this was the first summer he wanted to do it right. He was serious about holding the reins properly, having great posture, heels-down, toes in... you know, show stuff. I'm very proud of my biggest cowboy and the progress he made in a short period of time.






This was Titus's first year riding completely by himself in the arena. Even though he's a crazy kid, he plays it safe when it comes to things like horses. I had a hunch he was fully capable, and he was. Another true cowboy.




Levi has no fear and is super strong for his age. At only 6, he's pretty much in charge of the horse, like his big brothers. But I still stayed close, especially since I wasn't changing back and forth between kid and adult saddles. It was too hot to mess with that. So, he was in a huge saddle for his size. He is a great rider and at the rate he's growing, he'll be in that adult saddle by next year, I'm sure. :)





Sullivan loves Tater. If we had a horse at our house, she would be me when I was little... I can tell. And she was a very big help, holding the wild mare while I would get her saddled up each time. ;) That's my girl.



She and I have been good friends since 1983. And though I'm not little, I'm still one of Tate's favorite people... and she'll always be my favorite horse.

Bobo the Turtle

A turtle moved in to the Schuman's front porch. Mom asked Sulli what she should name it and Sulli exclaimed, "Bobo!" So, "Bobo" it is. He is not particularly friendly, but doesn't mind being fed, or even watched as long as you don't try to pet him. If you try, he hisses at you like a cat! Sullivan and Levi enjoyed going out with Nonnie and observing this strange little pet. I think he's cute, even though he lacks personality.


Just like everyone that stays at Nonnie's house, Bobo gets special treatment. Mom buys him (or her?) a turtle food with fruit in it that Bobo just loves. Don't try feeding Bobo bugs. Bobo is a CLASSY turtle and prefers fruit jello.

Bye-bye, Birdie!

I got to sneak away from NM (thanks to Mom and Dad watching my 4 darlings) for a few days and fly to Portland to meet my nephew, William Halsey Schuman! He is affectionately known as "Birdie." I affectionately call him my Willy-Bird... like the pricey turkey you can get from Williams Sonoma. ;) From the moment I saw him at the airport, I was in love. He is a doll. Here we are at the Schuman's, having a little talk. What a precious boy!



Bruce is one of the best dads I have ever seen. He's INCREDIBLY involved in every aspect of his son's life... and has been since pregnancy. I'm so proud to call him my brother.


The first morning I was in Portland, I got to hold my sweet nephew until it was time for his first feeding. Cody is one of those rare and determined moms who goes above and beyond her calling... she's just amazing! She has worked so hard to get him on a schedule, and he is doing brilliantly! Maybe we should have let him cry a little, but I asked Bruce if I could spend a little time with Birdie so we could start to get to know each other. Believe it or not, before he fell asleep in my arms, we had our first of many great conversations that day. I think we really bonded! I hope he gets to know his "Auntie M" well.



Here is Willy-Bird's nursery! It's the most elegant nursery I have ever seen! I have a feeling this little man will grow up with extremely good taste. :)



I somehow managed to not get a picture of Cody where you can see her face. But at least you can see her lovely, signature cherry-colored nails. It was fun to meet Christine's new baby girl, Charlee, too! They stopped by for a few minutes. Charlee wasn't too sure about sharing Birdie's "Mama-Roo" with him. So funny!





Our second night together was SO MUCH FUN!!! I really wanted to cook a meal for my beautiful sister and brother.... they have been working SO HARD. If I could have stayed longer, I'd have done so much more. Bruce bought all of the amazing food, including these fabulous steaks... wow! And I loved the wine... and not JUST for the label! I had such fun making Red Velvet Cake during the day, while watching my Willy-Bird for a while so Cody could go out and get those gorgeous red nails of hers done. This was one of the best days I've had in a long time... and one of the best visits ever. How I love these three! Thank you for having me! Until next time, sweet Birdie!

Always a Project!!!

I've never been too excited by a man in uniform. They don't do a thing for me. Now, a handsome, well-dressed man in a nice suit.... that has always pushed my buttons. Why do you think I fell for Will when he worked for Gov. Gary Johnson? I got to see him in a suit all the time! And much of his career has involved a suit since then. HOWEVER, this sweaty, hard-working husband look is a CLOSE second! Wow... I love my fine-lookin' man!


Oh, let's just take one more look. Nice!




I have the best dad in the world. He was kind enough to drive with me and the kids all the way home to CA so we wouldn't be alone. Anyone who knows Dad knows how protective he is. :) And it saved Will from having to fly back to NM to drive us home himself when he was SO busy with work. On top of all of that, Dad helped Will start to tackle our newest house project: rebuilding the porch railing, which was broken down before we bought the house. It turns out that it wasn't properly stabilized with good wood and bolts, like it should have been. So, these strong men tore out the bad stuff and replaced it with good... now for the railing! I can't wait for it to be done since this awesome porch with oak trees growing through it is one of my favorite parts of this house! Thank you, Dad, for all your help!!!

Girl time with Denise!

FUN. FOOD. FRIENDSHIP. LAUGHTER. GIRLS!!! We love you, Denise!!!

As she left it.

Grandma's room is still just like she left it. I wanted to take a few pictures before it changes because I know it's inevitable. But for now, we still look in there every once in a while and enjoy all of her wonderful family photos. They always make me smile.


The kids made G.G. this banner right before she returned home from the hospital on Friday, June 3rd. She went home to be with Jesus 2 days later. But the message is more fitting than ever now. Welcome HOME, Grandma!


When you know Jesus, isn't this true!