Graduation 2012
21 May 2012 Leave a Comment
in family, life Tags: graduation, students, vilonia
I can’t believe the time has gone by so quickly. This year my third child graduates from high school. It wasn’t that long ago I was cleaning up a swath of food from under his chair when he was four. I remember making that child read every night in grade school. He hated to read out loud. But where would he be if he hadn’t, I wonder. It was just a couple summers ago we were watching him play baseball. Where has the time gone?
Now he has a girl friend and is making plans for college next year. Where has the time gone?
We had a great day on his graduation. My moms came up from Alabama to help us celebrate.
We watched from the bleachers as we, along with hundreds of other family members of graduates, earnestly sought out our child, now an adult, to watch them walk across that stage.
You can barely make him out in that sea of red. Here he is. We missed him as he marched in. I lost him. I can’t even recognize my own child. They all looked so much alike from that far away.
Before we knew it, though, it was time for him to take his place in line.
But not before his sweetheart went through first.
There she is getting her diploma. I know exactly how her parents feel at this point.
All graduated.
My fellow is still waiting for his name to be called. All 120 something students behaved themselves admirably throughout the whole ceremony. They did their school honorably.
There he is. That handsome boy in the black shirt and white tie.
It’s just about his turn! Those cords mean a scholastic achievement. The white is for honors and the gold is for the business school accomplishment.
Now it’s official! He is really graduated.
I think that smile says it all.
Here it is…..
This is after the hat toss. Those two are inseparable.
These two were all smiles. I am so proud of them. High school is the springboard of their future. There is so much ahead of them.
You can tell we are proud of him.
He’s a pretty big guy, isn’t he?
Any photographer in their right mind cannot pass up a pretty face. Our son’s sweetheart is one of those faces. Isn’t she cute? Check out those shoes too!
And now I just wanted to take a whole slew of family pictures. I just want us all to remember graduation 2012 and how great they all looked!
We look so pretty, I couldn’t resist.
I just wanted thank you for your perseverance as you page down this exceedingly long post. I took great pleasure in editing all these pictures and that means the world will have to have to endure a quick chance to see them. Hahaha.
Our day started out with rain, but the weather brightened and we headed home to grill and drink copious amounts of sangria while we munched on veggies and guacamole and chips. In short, it was a grand day had by all.
Happy Graduation Son No. 3 in this little piece of heaven.
Love,
Mom (Jeannene)
Welcome Our New Baby!
24 Apr 2012 3 Comments
in animals, horses, Uncategorized Tags: birthing, foal
It has finally arrived! We have a new colt. After four days of intense watching for the tell-tale signs of labor she finally had the little rascal.
Her projected due date was Apr 18. By that day her udder sac was full and her teets started waxing over. That is a thin film of milk that leaks out and forms a dry layer resembling wax. The wax thickens and eventually gives way to dripping the closer we get to foaling. Well, after four nights of checking her every couple of hours, we were wiped. I should state that my husband did most of the checking and was thus more exhausted than me.
We put her up in the birthing stall every night and took her out during the day. No change at all. Just an extremely large mare standing quietly in place for a few days. That last day, by the end of the day, the sun sinking into the west, the mare started pacing. Not a normal behavior for this mare over the past few days. Then she would stand perfectly still and stare at the house. Then she’d pace again. Then stop and stare again.
After checking her all day and seeing no further progress, I was doubtful she’d have the little guy that night. She walked to the gate leading to the stall, looked at us, looked at the stall. My husband knew she needed to be put up. Seconds after she entered that stall she started the delivery. It took all of fifteen minutes!
Here is the first sight of the little fellow. His legs aren’t out of mama yet. He was trying to stand even!! This horse is a strong one.
Here he is when we went back out after twenty minutes. By this time the sun has set and that is the spot light shining on him.
Then the next morning we can make out his coloring with clarity. This is our second dark-haired foal after grays, and chestnuts.
Awww and very foal-like.
They had their first foray into the world last night. Mama took her time getting baby out of the safety of the stall to the hard pack of the turnout pen.
As you can see, he is all spindly legs.
He stays close to mama as she eats. She doesn’t let him out of her sight.
After only fifteen minutes, this little fellow starts falling asleep! His head is bowing and his eyes are really shut.
We are so happy our little horse is well and beautiful. Thank you for sharing in our joy. I’ll keep you all posted
That is today’s nugget from this piece of heaven.
Love,
Jeannene
Garvan Woodland Gardens
27 Mar 2012 1 Comment
in adventure., animals, family, garden, kids, life, plants, state park Tags: butterfly, dog, flowers, garden, garvan garden, kids, spring, walking
This weekend we enjoyed the beauty that is truly Arkansas. We walked through Garvan Gardens on a glorious spring day.
Before nature, we had to make a stop at the go carts.
This was a whole family affair. Even our ever loving Cooper got to enjoy the scenery.
This place has numerous waterfalls of all sizes.
So picturesque and peaceful.
See what I mean.
Azaleas are in bloom and with them the butterflies.
Just another breathtaking sight. I like the little girl there too.
A young family was good enough to take all our pictures together. I rarely get in the shot, you know.
This just makes me wonder where it will lead. My mind goes off in tangents with sights like this.
Another intriguing view with the same girl. Hmmm. She is just so captivating.
A girl and her dog. How did that get in there?
The boy and his girl. So peaceful in the shadow of those trees.
Even Cooper was pooped. That was a lot of walking for those stubby little legs.
That was how we spent our Saturday in my little piece of heaven. I’d love to hear how you spent yours.
Love,
Jeannene
Day at the Races Cont’d
20 Mar 2012 Leave a Comment
in animals, horses, travel Tags: races
Because I’m such a photo hog and took so many great shots at the races, I will subject my few followers to another round of snap shots from the race track. I know I am merciless, just ask my kids.
This is the second race and this horse is my favorite pick of the win. I believe I chose this horse because of the jockey on board. He is a well know jockey and rarely rides a loser.
And he is a winner!
The winner’s circle invites all sorts of people have nothing to do with the horse or its training. They just want a picture with a winner.
This horse is from the third race. I picked this for a win because of his breeding.
The start of race three.
The field passed the eighth pole.
….and here is my horse in the final stretch. He is showing his heart here. Go baby go.
I love to see all the pony horses lined up. You won’t believe how many of these I have in my files. Choosing these few was no easy task.
This is a horse from the last race. Unfortunately I saw this fellow AFTER we placed our bets, because I love the look of this horse and I am a sucker to bet any beautiful grey to win.
Here comes that field and look who’s out front.
And here is the winner! This horse went wire to wire. Start to finish. Great race, but my horse did not win after that stupendous finish!
The winner!
That was a great race to watch.
Thank you for indulging me in my horse fetish.
Love,
Jeannene
A Day at the Races
16 Mar 2012 Leave a Comment
in Uncategorized Tags: nature, outdoors, pony horse
We took a well deserved trip to the races a couple of weeks ago. It must be said, my hubby and I bred thoroughbreds and have raced a couple of horses. Going to the races for us puts us on the pulse of the industry.
I just love to see the horses run.
This time we took Catboy’s girl friend with us. She’d never been to the track. It was so much fun watch her enthusiasm at the new sights.
We started our visit to Hot Springs in our favorite place, The Arlington. Arriving still early in the day, we enjoyed a Starbuck’s and checked out the racing form.
Remarkably, we arrived at the track long before the throngs of people did. This is the inside of the building. Ordinarily it is wall to wall bodies in this space. I felt like a free bird in here!
We ate at the restaurant inside, ordering their famous corned beef sandwiches. Those babies were fantastic.
This is MY corner outside. It is the perfect spot to capture every horse as it goes by and watch all the pony horses and their riders. The race itself is only a 2 minute thrill. It’s the interaction of the race officials and the people who work there everyday that holds my attention. I’m kinda goofy I guess, but I watch everything around me. All of it has a story.
My kids are always the center of attention, as you well know.
Isn’t CB’s girl friend lovely?
This is the trek from the backside where the stalls are, to the paddock inside. The trainers, in this case, the grooms, lead the horses to the paddock. At Oak Lawn, there is an indoor paddock. It is so crowded in there, I don’t find all the jostling a pleasurable experience at all. I love the outdoors.We had some awesome weather this day.
These tractors condition the track for the race.
After the actual race contestants emerge, the pony riders come out. These men and women take each race horse around the track to warm up before the race starts. I know we are here for the thoroughbreds, but I love these hard-working, devoted equines. The pony horses and their riders are on the track for the entire day. They endure those high-strung, sassy race horses that bob and nip before they load in the gate. It always makes me wonder who the real athletes are.
I really like the look of this horse. That all white face. Not your usual look for any horse.
This is MY corner. A wonderful view of the horses leaving the paddock. Here we have a bird’s-eye view of each horse as it goes by. From here I make my judgment of the field and give our kids (now 18 yo) money for the bet. It’s very nice having kids doing the goferring for us. There is a crowd of people at those betting windows.
This is the field for the first race being ponied by the pony horses on their way to the gate. The lead horse is one of the race stewards. Stewards watch the race and participants for any illegal actions. They are the eyes of the race laws.
First race just out of the gate.
On the back stretch.
And here they are at the eighth pole. This is where the race really takes place.
They are in the final stretch.
Just a final word… the horse winning this race was our pick for the win! Our kids had a blast cashing in the ticket. And CB’s girl friend had a grand time in it all. Cashing those winnings, small as they were, gave her a charge.
This is the first installment of the races. I took so many pictures I refuse to allow them to wallow on my computer. They will be sent out into cyber space for the sheer joy of it all. Horses are always well worth it.
Until the next chapter,
Love,
Jeannene
Prom – The Highlight of Senior Year
02 Mar 2012 Leave a Comment
in family, kids, life Tags: campus, dress, limo, prom
This year is Catboy’s last year in high school. He also is dating an absolutely charming girl who brings out the best in him. He couldn’t have found a better friend. This past Saturday was the Senior prom for these two. After last year’s disaster of a date, he really hadn’t planned on attempting the dance again…. until he met THE girl. Her boyfriend last year didn’t take her to the Prom and CB couldn’t let her leave HS without the paramount experience of a formal dance and dinner. In the process he found himself immensely entertained and the experience more than enjoyable.
All of Saturday was used in preparation for the evening’s festivities. The epitome of the day for us parents was when all the students descended upon one of the college’s campus for picture of our babies making the transition from adolescence to semi-adulthood. We took hundreds of pictures in various picturesque locations taking a good hour and a half of our time. It was pretty fun to see our little boys and girls looking so grow up.
Of course, our daughter is in the mix. I always take pictures of everybody.
And of course, how could I ever forget my little Cooper?
I have to say my daughter admonished me for taking pictures of her and Cooper instead of the people of the hour. I can’t help it. I was bored with the formal wear and yearned for the home spun look.
But then we changed venues and my interest perked up again.
These are some of her friends.
The boys and the girls all together. For a bunch of nonprofessional mom’s, we came up with some creative poses for all these kids.
I just can’t leave out the little mop. I think he’s such a cutie. He was so bored with all the picture taking of anyone other than himself. He is a ham, can’t you tell?
Then the kids got into a limo to go eat. They were so grown up and not our little ones anymore.
All tucked into that car looking so pretty and adult.
Dinner was a blast as well as the dance. They didn’t even stay out all night like we did, thank goodness. I know a tale of some terrible experience… like last years prom would probably catch more interest, but I’m in the mood for calm and sedate after taking pictures with fifty other parents and twice that many kids. It was exhausting. You had to be there to know it.
Thanks for letting me share another little piece of my heaven. I’d love to hear about your prom goers experiences this year or in the past.
Love,
Jeannene
Our Best Friend
20 Dec 2011 1 Comment
in animals, dog, family Tags: cat person, little mutt
I have to extol the glories of having a best friend in a small dog. I never imagined I’d be one of THEM. One of those people who look lovingly after every little quirk and cute look his littleness does. I am a sap and that’s all there is to it. This little mutt has endeared himself to us in ways I never dreamed possible. He lives in the house, demanding the same privileges as one of our kids, which he gets without hesitation. He gets his own place to sit, which is anywhere he wants.
Cooper learned early to beg for people food when my husband generously shared his first morsel with him. The little fellow now bounds onto C-Man’s lap with the first sight of a snack in Dad’s hand. That also means he follows me to the kitchen knowing I will inadvertently drop scraps to the floor for him to scarf up. Not on purpose mind you. If I want him to have something special the little guy gets a scrambled egg.
Most remarkable to me is how Cooper follows me all around the house. (Not because I feed him eggs either.) I get up in the night and the little guy follows me to the bathroom. Such devotion is so astounding. Especially to one of us old cat aficionados. He is hot my heels throughout the whole house.
Our bed, the parent’s bed, is also Cooper’s bed. Every evening he scrapes together a pile of covers before he settles into a tight little ball. Before that he rubs his mouth and head all over the place and pops his head up with a perfect case of bed-head. Just a funny quirk to a former cat person.
Cooper loves the out doors. He’s too small for us allow him to roam freely… hawks and other predators around the farm you know might grab him. Not to mention his innate drive to chase the chickens with a vehemence unsurpassed by any other predator on our farm. He’s always on a leash when we go out.
He loves to run…
I love those ears flopping in the breeze. You should see all that hair flowing in the air as he runs!! He’s a sight and these pictures don’t quite do him credit.
But you can get some sort of an idea.
You can get the idea how he feels about all that running. His face says it all.
This is his favorite place to be when he’s not chasing chickens and kittens. This is our daughter’s shoulder.
Of course she adores this silly little dog.
And…. to make matters worse, we have been sucked into the dog accessories world. Check this out…
He does a perfect model stance, don’t you think? This piece of apparel is needed should the thick fluff of hair he has be too thin to keep the cold off his back. Or should it be raining so hard he might get soaked when he steps out for a sec, because it only takes a second when the weather is inclement.
We have totally bought into having an inside pet. How can such an endearing creature not give you solace and joy? How can he not wrap you around his little paw?
Oh. My. Gosh. He’s just too much.
I’d love to hear about your favorite creature, large or small. Who makes you all mushy inside and give you so much in return? Let me know.
Love,
Jeannene
Tomatoes… need I say more?
05 Dec 2011 4 Comments
I have to do a tomato update. Last week I picked all the tomatoes left on our plants. The weather man predicted a plunge in the morning temps, inciting my last surge to denude the plants. Of course, this had been anticipated. Tomatoes can’t stay on the vine much farther into the fall. But still, November 29 is an outstandingly long time to keep fruit on the plants… you have to admit.
So… last Tuesday, before my work nap, I spent an unexpected two and a half hours picking tomatoes off all of six, mind you only six, plants. I kid you not when I say I pulled at least sixty pounds of tomatoes off those darned things. And my muscles felt every one of them the next day.
At first I filled a five gallon bucket.
After trudging that thing back to the house, I decided empty feed bags would work well. I filled the bottom of one of those.
And another…
After almost breaking my back to drag those two back to the house, I smartened up and pulled out my garden wagon and filled the remaining two bags.
These held the largest tomatoes.
Thank goodness for that cart. After bending to the task for two hours, my strength waned. I barely pulled that heavy cart back to the house. But I had a mother load of tomatoes.
Some of those ripened and I canned them this weekend.
Don’t pay any attention to the blemishes… please. They are cut off before I cook them.
These few tomatoes filled six quarts!! They don’t look like that many, but boy do they multiply.
One last look at the bounty. Now picture all those tomatoes in those bags as red and juicy. I estimate a couple dozen quarts before the winter is through. Not too bad for a fruitless summer.
That is my little piece of heaven today. Thank you for stopping by. I’d love to hear what came out of your garden this year.
Love,
Jeannene
Late Season Bounty
16 Nov 2011 1 Comment
in family, food, garden, life, plants Tags: fall, frost, garden, plant, summer, tomato
This year has seen the most inordinate growing seasons of all time. Our summer was a long three months of intense, scorching heat, little rain and record highs. The results of which yielded nothing from my tomato garden but a few measly pieces of fruit and a lot of wilting green leaves. Blooms on the plants died off in the heat, ergo no tomatoes. It is what I call ‘fried flowers’. Not until the rains came in August did the plants show any signs of flourishing.
I must also mention we are plagued with a small herd of deer from the neighboring woods. They have found our garden a cornucopia of snacks. This year, discouraged from the decimation we endured last year, I planted only tomatoes. When the plants were still very small, before the deer could nibble them to death, our son made large wire cages to place around the plants. It is due to those cages we are now blessed with tomatoes. Yay kiddo!! The idea was my husband’s. It has been said he is a man before his time. He is truly quietly brilliant.
Well those plants just needed a little water to get them going. In October those plants are still growing out the top of the cages.
I have never had plants grow to this height. They have a shovelful of horse manure at the bottom of the hole. I tell you, manure makes the difference.
There are a bunch of tomatoes on those vines. Granted, I don’t cut off the sucker rods at all on these plants, but they aren’t stunted in the least.
But now we are well into the fall season. Leaves are red and brown and the trees are almost bare. As you see, the pasture grass is its own shade of done. Bermuda goes dormant under 80 degrees.
This doesn’t deter those tomatoes in the least, though. A couple frosty mornings scorched the upper-most vines, but still these sturdy plants endure!
There are a few brown leaves here, but that doesn’t diminish the size or the number of the fruit.
There is some frost damage but….
Check out these tomatoes! They are ripening on the vine. To me this is a huge accomplishment in gardening. This fall the weather is still mild… mildly warm. Temps in the 70s and 80s at the peak of the day. This allows the garden to finish its growing season. Remarkable.
If you look carefully, those broken ends on the stems are where the deer took liberties. They can only reach the pieces hanging out, thankfully, leaving the bulk of the plant to flourish inside the wire.
With giddy smugness, we enjoy fresh tomatoes despite the summer and the animals. The summer I thought would be a total loss is turning out to be stupendous.
Let me know how your growing season is this year. I love the out-doors and gardening is pure joy for me.
Thanks for visiting my little piece of heaven.
Love,
Jeannene
The Best Cat-Sitter Ever
11 Nov 2011 3 Comments
in animals, cats, dog Tags: cat sitting, dog, kittens
Recently one our female cats had a litter of kittens. But, like most mama cats, she hid them very well. They finally grew up enough to be playing in a spot where I can see them. That makes them fair game for the people mama to scarf them up and man-handle them to little pieces.
When Cooper found out what caught my attention, he wanted a good look at it too. When he saw those those little fluffy bodies all he wanted to do was lick on them and play. I feared for the little things and made sure it was really short visit with as little mauling as possible.
The next day we bring those little buggers into the house, I put them in his pet bed in the big chair. He hops up there with them and starts a very different behavior from any he’s portrayed. He nuzzles their little bodies and maneuvers around the little bed to keep them from leaving the area.
He uses his body to block any progress.
He is such a hoot to watch in action. You do realize, Cooper is still a puppy himself? To see him mother these little fellows is entertaining.
He is such a rag-a-muffin.
He doesn’t take his eyes off of them. If he does, that little black one escapes. She’s a pill I tell you. Adventuresome and bold.
They’re starting to scatter a bit here.
And don’t let those little innocent faces fool you. They’ll as soon jump ship as look at you.
Now for the whole scenario on live action.
He just wants to play and love those little fellows. Note the black kitten perched on the edge of the chair… She’ll jump as sure as she can get a chance. Amazing to me is how gentle Cooper is with them.
I’d love to hear about your pet’s antics. Drop me a note.
Thanks for peeking into this little slice of heaven.
Love,
Jeannene
What do you think?