2011 Alabama Arabian Show

Brett and I both had last Friday off work so we could attend the local Arabian show. It's a qualifier for Region 12 so it's nice to get a peek at who'll be competing in May. Dahkilah wasn't there, but our trainer brought a few others. We were able to "meet" a half brother to Dahkilah {that I fell head over heels in love with!} and met several other trainers who I hadn't had a chance to talk to before. All in all, we had a great time and are really looking forward to Region 12. :)

Our trainer, Randy, and ShowNuff+/ 

A super nice Half-Arabian Versace daughter.

Apalo (x Justify) and Les



 *Hun and Mike Wilson. *Hun is a half brother to Dahkilah. :)

*Hun. I love this guy!

Fight Like A Kid wrap up

Yesterday's benefit car show for 7 year old Logan went off without a hitch. We had beautiful weather, a great turn-out, and over $2,000 went to help his family with his medical expenses. I'm so proud to see our community pull together to help others. It makes me proud to say I'm from here!


I'm even prouder to say that our '67 Camaro won 2nd place! The voting actually consisted of the amount of donations that each car earned. It you liked a car, you voted for it by dropping your donation into the bucket in front of it. The car with the most money won. 


Unfortunately, the only picture I have of our car was taken on my iPhone. I brought my camera, but was too busy taking pictures of everything else and completely forgot about our car. How crazy is that?!

 {OK, I told a story. Part of our Camaro is in a picture! LOL}

Makeover! :)

The extremely talented Danielle, formerly known as The Design Girl, worked her magic yet again! I love the fresh new look -- it makes me smile everytime I see it. :) Danielle is so easy to work with. Her work is amazing and her prices are very reasonable. Her waiting list is currently open so do yourself a huge favor and go see her about your own blog makeover!

I am super excited about working with Danielle on some of Dahkilah's ads this spring. I can't wait to start working on them with her!

I just read on Twitter that Kelly from Kelly's Korner Blog had her sweet little girl, Hollis. She is absolutely beautiful. Congrats Scott, Kelly, and Harper!

"Fight Like a Kid" benefit car show

My cousin's wife is co-organizing a benefit car show for a sweet, 7 year old boy who was recently diagnosed with leukemia. 

Several family members and close friends have fought cancer over the years so it's a cause that is very close to my heart. I was honored when Rachel asked me to to photograph the event and put together a memory book for Logan.  We're also going to bring our '67 Camaro to the show, too -- even though it's more race car than show car.  :)

If you're close by,  please come on out and show your support!

Weekend Wrap-Up

I just want to go on record as saying I LOVE having an extra hour of daylight. I feel like I have more time to get everything done in the evening. :)

Brett and I went to Rhapsody to see Dahkilah yesterday. He's doing better than I even imagined and has really settled in. He's the happiest that I've seen him and I feel good about having him there. We timed it just right and were able to watch one of his schooling sessions. The apprentice trainer that is working him is only 15, but he does a fantastic job. :) Dahkilah will get some new shoes tomorrow, his teeth done Wednesday, and should start in long-lines by the following week. I can't wait to share his future progress reports!

Today was a catch-up day for the past few weeks. I was able to get some major housework done, my office is spotless, and I'm almost caught up on editing photos. It's been so nice to get everything out of the way before the new work week!

Safe and Sound

Dahkilah made it to the trainer's barn safe and sound yesterday evening. K, our friend whose barn he was previously at, took some photos for me before they pulled out. {I was there for a little while, but had to get back to the office.} I thought I had them on my iPad, but I don't. Oops! I'm driving over there Saturday morning to see him and I know I'll take tons of pictures then. K sent a few horses, too so Dahkilah has some of his buddies with him. :)

Work is going well. There are times when I still feel a little chafed by a regular 8-5 schedule, but I am immensely grateful to even have a job in such a tough economy. As it stands, my paycheck will be supporting Dahkilah at the trainer's and not much else. The things we do for our babies!

Brett's grandmother in Aiken had another small stroke on Saturday. She lost vision in one of her eyes and the neuro isn't sure if it will be permanent or not. Brett's dad and step-mom are planning to drive over there soon and we will more than likely meet them there. It's a little more complicated to just pick up and go with no notice anymore.

Since I'm using this blog as a personal journal, this week marks the 2nd full week on my new diet. I've done fairly well, but still had a few slips. I've really got to tighten up before Dahkilah hits the show ring.

Off to school

Tomorrow is a big day down at the barn. Our boy is going off to the trainer to begin his under saddle career. We all feel that he is going to be an exceptionally nice Western Pleasure horse and it's time to give him a chance to show his stuff.

Brett and I went to the trainer's barn (3 hours away) yesterday to get the official tour and to meet the staff. We were really impressed and feel that it's going to be a great fit for Dahkilah and for us. Even though I'm totally comfortable with where he's going, I'm still going to be a nervous wreck when he loads up. I'm such a nervous Mama.

Boggy Bayou

02.26.11

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17 NIV

What a difference a month makes!

I can't believe it's been an entire month since I updated my blog! So many wonderful things have been happening. :)

On February 5 my dream of breeding Arabian horses was realized when we brought home our new stallion, Dahkilah! He is a son of Gazal Al Shaqab and is out of Uptown Fame (x Fame VF) He is standing at stud at Five Wells Farms in Andalusia, Alabama to approved outside mares. We're planning to start him under saddle in the next few weeks and I can't WAIT to see how he does!

It's taken a little bit of juggling, but I try to spend as much time at the barn as I can. No matter how stressed out I am, spending time with Dahkilah instantly brightens my mood. I LOVE this boy!

Less than a week after Dahkilah came home, I was offered a full time job working in the insurance industry. I've been studying like crazy for my state insurance exam and I'm proud to say that I passed last Friday! WooHoo! :) My sweet hubby took me to Sandestin to celebrate. We did our fair share of damage at the Silver Sands! On the way home, we stopped in Niceville to see Brett's mom and step-father (and the puppies!) and had dinner at The Boathouse.

The weather has been absolutely gorgeous the past couple weeks. I can't wait until it's time to launch our boat for the year!