Horses!

While looking through the Community Directory that came in the mail, I stumbled upon an ad for the local horse rescue. I went to the web site and sent a message saying that I wasn't able to help financially, but that the girl's and I would love to volunteer to help with the cause. Many know of Miss. Sydney's obsession with horses. As a toddler, horse figurines were the only things she was really drawn to and since she didn't communicate about much else, we fostered her obsession. Eventually her interests expanded to include dinosaurs, though not in any way replacing horses. Fortunately, Belinda, the person in charge was cool with us non-horsey folk coming by to learn to help out. It has been a wonderful experience for all of us! She has been patient with teaching the girls and I "Horse Care 101". Mel's favorite part is to hang out with her pal Buttons on the left. He is the stallion and seems to respond well to her. She actually skipped a birthday party she had been looking forward to so that she could hang out there. We have learned about leading the horses, brushing them, and I even learned how to clean their hooves. Usually it's just me, Mel, and Syd because I can't handle Punkin and actually accomplish anything at the same time. Also, because she is accident prone and a wee bit exciteable! Saturday she got to come out with us

since Jack was there to help while we learned to feed them and clean their stalls. Was that fun! Horse poop scooping at the crack of dawn on a Saturday morning would not normally be my first option, but it was pretty cool. I was amazed that I could fill up an entire wheel barrel with poo, only to find out that it was just ONE DAY'S worth!! That is ALOT of poop! Sydney had her own little tiny wheel barrel, and while I was cleaning one of the stalls she yells to me, "Mom! Save some poo for me!" I can honestly say that I NEVER, and I mean NEVER thought that I would hear that particular phrase drop from the lips of any of my children, for any reason. I suppose I should be grateful for her enthusiasm! Mel was all about helping us get the tools ready and handing them to us, but was adamant that in no way was she going to do anything that involved poop. Sydney's enthusiasm made up for her lack. Belinda was impressed with Jack's wrangling skills. That is his Punkin Wrangling skills she was referring to! She managed to survive her first visit there without injury! Miracles make the world go round!