MERRY CHRISTMAS TO US!

 I'm sure it seems extravagant that our boys got horses for Christmas but let me explain.  J and C are starting 4H next month and although R REALLY wanted them to do a steer project they both REALLY wanted to do a horse project for which they needed a horse.  Neither mine nor R's horses would be safe for a beginner so that wasn't an option and 4H is such a great program that we really wanted them to do and of course they want to do it so... Do we buy them Christmas presents and then next month buy horses or what so to be honest, I think we sorta got a freebie, we bought them horses for Christmas, if they only knew...  It really helps that we got smoking deals on all of the horses we bought, $700 for 3 horses that are great with the kids!!!!   This is Caleb with his horse Lucy.  They were all  told that in order to have horses they had to clean their stalls daily and brush them daily and feed them twice daily and make sure they have plenty of clean water always.  They also need to be worked and ridden daily weather permitting.   All without complaining, ever.  No amount of work would disuade them and they have held to their word.  All of their work has bonded them with their horses and Lucy loves Caleb like no other.

This is AJ and L on Buddy, their horse.  He loves them and attention about as much as he likes to eat.  They have yet to use a bit or saddle, they just ride him with a halter and lead line bareback and have a great time.  AJ informed us that he is a "professional rider".  I can't believe I didn't get a pic of J riding.  He got a black and white paint that is equally awesome and yesterday he rode her with also just a halter and lead line bareback and did so very well.  I am so very happy with the horses we got and even though we are now VERY horse poor it was worth it.  Now hopefully I can get a job!  

We told the boys if they got horses that it would be their only Christmas present from R and I.  They all agreed whole heartedly.  That being said R thought it was just wrong to not have anything under the tree from us so they each got a small present from us under the tree, thank goodness for Amazon and great prices!  And thank Heaven for extended family that also got them stuff.  This is the disaster left behind this am after stockings and gifts were opened and enjoyed.   Right now they are enjoying a full sugar high that I'm sure will result in upset stomachs but maybe they won't be so  eager to over indulge and MAYBE it'll even keep them away from candy for awhile!  Right now I'm looking forward to eating dinner and falling into bed!  But I'm definitely enjoying Christmas!  Kids'll do that for ya!