It Is Finally Finished!!!

Drum roll please...

As Brittany always says

The kitchen is finally done and here is the unveiling of how horrid things can be transformed by paint!

Before...

The yucky wall paper coming off...

After...

Thanks, Brit, for sharing about Kliz One Coat, it went on like a dream.

Before...

A full length shot, excuse the mess, but I wanted you to see it at its worst!

After...

I moved the hutch down and hung a dresser mirror up instead. That blanket chest has travelled with me from Canada and back again several times;)

Before...

Check out the disgusting pink counter tops...

After...

The sunlight and Mom's camera make my cabinets seem yellow, but they're really cream.

It's amazing how beautiful paneling can be when painted a yummy color!

So, come by and have tea with me, and we'll pretend we're in Europe instead of rural Arkansas,K?

Thanks for taking the tour with me...

Holly Is Not Dead, Nor Doth She Sleep...

I'm back after a long sabbatical...

Here is a look at our year in pics.

Merry Christmas To All!!!

Merry Christmas--BOO!!!

Just a freaky, scary thought...

Christmas is only two months away!!!

Kim's First Ride!!

My friend, Kim, hasn't been on a horse since she was a kid. Needless to say, Shawn and I coerced her into it.

At first, she was nervous, but as the ride continued, she calmed down and started to enjoy it maybe even a little.

Of course, it helped that Kyri was trying to do tricks beside her...

And don't forget her daughter, Echo, who has no fear. That's Kelton in the background.

Yay! Kim! I love you, you're the greatest!!!

Are You Bored With My Life?

No matter what, the kids love these creatures...

Melody, Kyri, and Kelton

They are making great memories, too. You'll just have to bear with me through the boredom.

Remember How It Felt?

Let's just say...

I'm glad it's them BIG pregnant and not me.

Brrr...Here Comes The Cold Days...

I want Fall leaves like this, but alas, I don't live in Vermont...

Throw The Rice In The Air, Let The Church Bells Ring...

We went to a wedding on Saturday in Kansas City. Shawn's cousin finally tied the knot:) The ceremony started at 10 am. A little chilly in the morning air, but the day was promising to be lovely.

Marion and Rod Hall
(mother and father of the groom)
This is Shawn's Mom's sister.

Nathan Hall (brother to the groom) played and sang.

Kurt and Anna--The Happy Couple


The wedding was more like a big church service that lasted all day. The ceremony itself was not that long, but by the time pictures were taken and lunch was eaten and cake was cut and bouquet thrown and gifts opened... Okay, you get the picture. It was a long day, but very sweet and special. It was nice to visit with family after as well.


Congratulations, Kurt and Anna!!!

Summer Fun!!!

We had a cookout with some of the homeschool families the other night.
We adults sat in a circle and ate and chatted. The kids, however, played some soccer out on the lawn.

Kyri and some of her soccer buds.

Kick that ball.

Kelton acting silly as usual.

There really wasn't any of Shal's teen buddies there. He looks a little bored:)

A fun relaxing time was had by all!

Summer Misc...

Random pictures that showed up on my camera. Thought I'd share them...

Shal's World

Purrfect Place to Sleep


Pixie

Shal's Gourmet Sandwich

This is the last week before our school schedule begins. Wah!!!

Camping, Boys,& Horses!!!

Shawn had the privilege of working with a Boys Camp last weekend. The kids usually have a parent in prison and most are fairly poor. So, it was great fun to introduce some of them for the first time to horseback riding.


Shawn said they couldn't get enough of it. They doubled up on the three horses and rode around teaching the basics.

Kelton got to be Big Brother and show them the ropes.

See the stick? This is Peaches, and she can be a bit lazy. But a little tap with a stick keeps her moving:)

Away they go, kids, mares, and foals. It's hot, it's dusty, it's tick infested...what does it matter, they're boys and besides it's fun!!!

Sudoku???

Some of our summer fun has been gaming together...

Okay, okay, I'm not a serious gamer, but I do enjoy a good Nancy Drew Mystery. Shallen couldn't be bothered to figure out this puzzle and instead took a picture of mine. Cheater!!! I'd have done the same... Some of the other puzzles were down right frustrating. Don't worry, I solved the Mystery with a lot of online help!

Sweet Stuff Has Arrived!

Here is a typical day in the neighborhood.

The challenge of catching a foal never grows old.

Of course, they love to be scratched at the base of their withers.

Welcome to the herd, Mocha!

When I Bestride Him, I Soar... --William Shakespeare

What do these pictures have in common?

William Shakespeare


Sir William Shakespeare

Absolutely nothing, but the name of course. This little guy was born this week and because his Mom lives at the neighbor's house, we gave them the naming privilege.
They chose William.
I chose the Sir and the Shakespeare part.
Hello? He's a horse... I just figured what does it matter anyway? Besides, because he's only part Arabian, he doesn't need one of those weird names, right? He's cute though, all babies are cute.

Free Kittens Anyone?

Ms. Talli finally had her kittens. Three little balls of fur...

I'm Pixie

I'm Bentley

No More Pics, Please!

The little black one wouldn't cooperate and her name is yet undecided anyway.
Their eyes are just opening, but they still look like mice or something. Well, cute mice...

Happy Birthday, Sis!

Hope your Day is a special one!
Lots of Love,
Holly

Occupational Hazards!

When you're injured on the job, you're supposed to get some compensation, right?

Wrong!!


This is payment for owning stallions, they are unpredictable and very strong. And Shawn laughs at me when I get nervous around them and refuse to work with them sometimes.
Yes, he should have had a stitch or two, but he's .. well.. hardheaded;) and sternly refused, besides he's already caught a wife and doesn't mind a scar or two.
Oh, well, what can I say? MEN!!!

The First Of The Six!

This is the first foal of six we are expecting this summer.

She was born in the night of July 4th, so we are kinda hunting for a patriotic name for her.
Any suggestions?


Her mother's nickname is Peaches, so Shawn immediately called her foal Cream.
Nothing quite so soft as a newborn foal. It's love at first sight. Sigh...

Kyri's Escapades!

Once upon a time there lived a very pregnant cat

who received the royal treatment from her person who loves her very much.

Now, this is the life!

These pictures are for you, Mom. As you can see, Kyri loved that birthday card.
Caleb, Kyri's so excited to have a twin build-a-bear dog to match yours. Thanks, Heidi, for the great gift.

Of course, don't forget, Mama, the on going story she's writing.

It looks cluttered to me, but to her it is completely organized.

Emily, you are one of her favorite people, and here are some pics to prove it. Yes, Mom, she really did love the frame you got her.
Come shop at Kyri's place!!!