Saturday Work on the Ranch

With the arrival of Hilbilly Whiz, we needed to build a run-in shed for shelter for him. Saturday, Andre, Julius, and Rufus came out to help. Julius and Rufus helped Paula and I groom horses. Andre helped Bill and Chuck on the shed. Andre was part of our first Young Travelers group. He was able to use the skills he learned at Young Travelers with the work he did on the shed.
Take a look at the pictures at:
http://picasaweb.google.com/LazyBeesRanch/SaturdayWorkDay103109#

Hilbilly Whiz

Hilbilly Whiz is enjoying his new home. He came last Tuesday and is settling in nicely. Bill took him around the field and showed him all the "scary" stuff out there. He is well mannered and not afraid of anything. He will be a great lesson horse. We are very anxious to start using him. Our hope for the future will be to teach some basic riding skills to some of the kids. His previous owners brought him home to us and were very impressed with his new home. We could tell they really cared about Hilbilly because they donated him to us and said if it doesn't work out, they would like to take him back. He worked a summer at Maybury Stables in Northville as a trail horse so we know he will learn his job pretty quickly.
Skeeter still is not too happy about the new "rival" in his herd. Oreo has taken him under her wing, so he does have a new friend, (of the female persuasion)
He is a registered Paint Horse and some of his markings are similar to Paint's.
We will be saddling him up this coming weekend and showing him the trail.

Berkley Charity Benefit

Wow, Sat. October 24th was an exciting day for us! About 70 people gathered at the Berkley Front to hear great music, eat good food, and hear about what's happening at the Lazy B's Ranch. We had a picture slide show all night showing the happy faces of our kid "ranchers". Chris Lowery was awarded this year's volunteer of the year award. Heather shared her Chubby Bunnies story, and Jan shared what God had shared with the kids all summer. Jan said the most important thing for the kids to do, was to listen to God's voice. He is always speaking. We have so many family and friends who support us; for that we send out a BIG THANK YOU! We raised $2400.00!!
Thanks for Chip for arranging everything! Our hats go off to you!
Thanks to the Berkley Front once again for allowing us to use your facility.
Take a look at the pictures. Just click the link to the right called Benefit 2009.
God bless you all!!!

Kids Explosion

Kids Explosion is back! and running full throttle!! Bill and I are working with Bob,Pat,Tracey, and Brendal at Southridge on Friday nights from 5:00-6:00. We are having a great time with the kids. It's really a great blessing to get there and the kids are waiting for us and ready to help us unload the equipment.
The kids are learning their weekly memory verse and getting their names in a drawing to come to the ranch for a visit. There are other kid parties happening around the city of Jackson on other days. Many kids are being blessed and hearing about God's love. Here is the schedule:
Mondays Interfaith Shelter-4:30-5:30
Tuesdays Arbors at Lakeside -4:30-5:30
Wednesdays Shahan Apartments - 4:30-5:30
Thursdays Chalet Terris - 4:30-5:30
Fridays Salvation Army - 4:30-5:30
Fridays Southridge Park - 5:00-6:00

If you have any questions, or want to help in anyway, please call Wendy at 517-740-8444. God bless you as you help the kids in our community!

Annual Charity Benefit - Detroit Area

Mark your calendars for our annual charity benefit at the Berkley Front in Berkley Michigan for Saturday, October 24, 2009. What a Band,What A Band will be starting off the night of entertainment. Johnny B.'s band "Square One" will also be there for our musical entertainment. The minimum donation will be $10.00 per ticket. It will start at 7:00 p.m. Call us at 517-592-4252 if you have any questions, or want to buy tickets ahead of time. Tickets will also be on sale at the door. All money raised will support our programming at the ranch. Many new things happening here, so come and join the fun and find out how you can help some kids who just need a little more TLC in their lives. See ya there!!! Yu'all!!

Softball Game - Youth Center

Friday night we spent at the Jackson County Youth Center playing a softball game with the kids and their staff. We had so much fun! I think the mature adult males had more fun than the kids. They could go back in time and be kids again! Bill hasn't played ball for a very long time. Bill was never a home run hitter, but he always got on base with singles and doubles. He shined Friday night with a couple of hits. I teased him about how much slower he runs the bases, though!! I got a single my first time at bat, but I pulled a couple of muscles as soon as I left the batters box! It serves me right for teasing Bill, right?? We shared a meal together after the game of Kentucky Fried Chicken and homemade apple crisp and peach crisp. Chris made the peach crisp from peaches from our peach tree. The apples were donated by Hanover Orchard. Take a look at the pictures by clicking the link to the right.

Big Brothers - Boys

Last Saturday we had a group of boys come to the ranch for a weekend of fun. These boys either have a Big Brother or are on a waiting list for a Big Brother. There are quit a few kids in Jackson County waiting for a Big Brother or Big Sister. If you are interested in mentoring these kids, please contact Big Brothers/Big Sisters at: 517-784-7181.
We believe mentoring is key to a child success. Even though we only spend 24 hours with the children, relationships can form. These kids know they can count on us if they need help. Deshon did not want to ride Oreo, our most trusted friend, or even get near her. However, with some encouragement from Miss Janet, he got over his fear and Deshon walked Miss Janet on the trail while she rode Oreo. What a creative idea to get Deshon on the trail! I wish I would have thought of it! We really like the kids to walk the trail. There is much discussion that goes on during the trail ride, so it is important for them to at least walk it. Miss Janet had to leave early in the afternoon, so she wasn't here for the rest of the activities. Deshon knew she wasn't here, and asked me later, "where is Miss Janet?" That proves that one-on-one mentoring can make an impact! Later in the day Deshon even wanted to help clean the horse stalls! Take a look at the pictures by clicking the link to the right "Big Brothers".

Young Travelers - Week 6

This past Monday was our last day with the boys of Young Travelers. They came a little early so they could all free ride the horses and learn a little about riding. They finished their birdhouses and seemed pretty excited about them. I will really miss this group. We will have a celebration party for them probably in Oct. after they start school when we know all of their schedules. Hopefully the bond we had with them will help them in the future and we will continue to have a relationship with them. It looks like we will have another session, but still not sure of any details. Many thanks to the wranglers, mentors, and of course the cooks! All of you made this program a success and really touched the lives of these young boys.
God Bless you all!!
Take a look at pictures at:
http://picasaweb.google.com/LazyBeesRanch/YoungTravelers082409#

Wraparound Boys

This past weekend we had a group from Highfields/Wraparound Jackson County. This was a small group of five boys, so it was great; we could give them a lot of positive attention and encouragement. One of the biggest things this weekend was the flying of kites. We haven't gotton out the paper kites for a long time. The weather was perfect and Kevin starred as he kept his kite high in the air for at least 45 minutes. The first time he brought it down he said "I am looking to see if it was wet", "Maybe it touched the clouds!" The clouds moved about all afternoon, but never rained, so we could do all the normal activities. Sunday was a different story with the rain; it rained all morning. Our rodeo was cancelled, but again, we got to spend more time with the kids under the tent with breakfast, Sunday worship, crafts, and games. When we dropped the kids off in Jackson, there were smiles all around. Many thanks to Christine and the wraparound crew for putting this event together. We all had a great time!
Many pictures to view, so click the link to the right called wraparound boys.

Upcomings Events

We have three more overnight trips scheduled:
Aug. 22rd and 23rd - Wraparound kids (boys)
Sept. 12th and 13th - BBBS - Boys
Sept. 26th and 27th - Detroit group - mix with chaparones

Mark your calendars:
On Fri. September 18th we will be playing a softball game with the Jackson County Youth Center. Any of our volunteers who would like to play let us know. This should be a really fun event, and it gives us another chance to get to know these kids.
Saturday October 24th is our annual benefit in the Detroit area. It will be at the Berkley Front again and Chip will be playing with two bands. More details will be following. For our local friends in the Jackson County area, we will be hosting another dinner/silent auction at the beginning of the year. We will keep you updated on the details. Chris wants to do a mystery dinner. Ymmmmm!! very interesting!!

Young Travelers - Week 5

Well, the birdhouses are just about finished. The boys will come back next week to finish them and wrap things up. This week we talked about responsibility which is a very touchy subject. I think this is the hardest one to talk about, mainly because no one likes to admit they might have done something wrong. We ran out of time, so I think we will continue this subject next week. The boys are engaging in discussion, which is good and what we want. Sometimes we adults have to stop and listen to the kids to really hear what they are saying. We could take many weeks on the subject of responsibility.

Youth Center

This was a special weekend. Jackson County Youth Center came for a visit. They were accompanied by three great counselors. Greg, Peg, and Jason. We had a lot of fun this these kids. There were 7 boys and 1 girl. A couple of the kids didn't want to ride at first, but seeing how awesome our horses are, they changed their mind. Bobbie was very nervous when she mounted up on to Paint, but wrangler Chuck had her relaxed and laughing after just a few steps onto the trail. She was smiling bright when she came back. She started asking a lot of questions to Donna about horses. I am certain we will see Bobbie again. Greg and Jason also competed in the Lazy B's Olympics and scored high with a tie. We used the famous tie breaker "chubby bunnies" and Greg lost his title from last year to Jason. We were laughing so hard, I had a hard time with the camera to take pictures. but I did get some. Everyone loved the campfire meal and after dinner we got a little serious around the fire talking about the 7 decisions the kids talked about on the trail. Rufus shared with the kids some of his testimony and the kids really took to heart the things he was saying.
Take a look at the pictures by clicking the link to the right: Youth Center

Young Travelers - Week 4

Another great Monday with our Young Travelers boys. They are still working in Charlie's shop on their birdhouses. This week we talked about forgiveness and being happy even in bad times. This was a very good discussion with the boys, however, we did hear some sad stories. The boys are getting to know each other and seem to get along just fine. I forgot to get my camera out, so I do not have any pictures to share with you. Andre offered to pray the blessing over our dinner. During his prayer, he thanked God for Lazy B's because if he wasn't here , he might be getting into trouble. This is the 2nd time we heard this comment from the boys. Mmmmmm, boy does this get me to thinking!!!
Do we do another session??? Only God knows!!

Little Sisters

This past weekend we had a group of girls from Big Brothers/Big Sisters come to the ranch for a visit. Some of the girls have a Big Sister, but most did not. They are on a waiting list. The storms did not just pass away this time. The rain came in down pours and we ended up going into the ranch house to wait out the storm. We played a game with the girls and they made some bead necklaces and bracelets. They really were great about it, no one whined really at all. We got to do all of the normal activities, just not in the order we are used to. One girl was a little nervous about riding, however, after she saw the other girls riding, she gained some confidence and Janet took her for a ride on Oreo. Oreo is our faithful girl!
Pete and his son Nate were our substitute chiefs (Dawn,Dale,&Dan were out of town).
Nate is a participant in our Young Travelers program and Pete feels this program has made a differene in his son. Pete was surprised that Nate consented to help out in the kitchen!! Many thanks to our cooks!!!! Our hats go off to you.
My sister came for a visit on Sunday and shared with the girls about pursuing their dreams. and don't give up! Another great weekend at the ranch!!
Take a look at the pictures by clicking on the link to the right named Big Sisters.
Also, you can view the pictures "getting ready for the rodeo" at:http://picasaweb.google.com/LazyBeesRanch/Rodeo080909

Young Travelers - Week 3

Well the guys started their wood/metal project in Charlie's shop this week. It sounds like they all enjoyed what they were doing. The boys are making a wood birdhouse with a metal roof. Bill and Charlie are instructing the kids with the project, while Larry, Rufus, and Jerry are talking with the boys about the 7 principals outlined in the book we are using, The Young Travelers Gift. We told the boys that they will be giving their project away as a gift to someone. Two boys will be giving the birdhouse to their grandma, the others are still thinking about who they want to give it to. We want to teach the principal of giving. Nate is giving his to his grandma because his grandpa passed away and she doesn't have anyone to make her things anymore. The two principals we talked about this week was "person of action" and "decided heart". We may have to continue discussion about these two next week. Sometimes it is hard to keep these boys focused on one subject! They all seem to be enjoying themselves, and I know after the six weeks are over, we will see these boys at the ranch again.

Salvation Army

We have had some great kids coming from the Salvation Army Summer Program. They are escorted by a lovely lady named, Annie. What a blessing these kids are to us! They come for just a few hours to ride the trail and play games, but how much fun they are! They always want to come back. I tell them thru Kids Explosion, they can win an overnight trip by entering a Bible memory verse contest. That puts a smile on their face. I think we will see these kids in the fall at Kids Explosion learning their memory verses. Getting God's word in our hearts is important because you never know when you are going to need it! and you don't have your Bible with you!
Take a look at the pictures at:

http://picasaweb.google.com/LazyBeesRanch/SalvationArmyJuly312009#

Blog Pictures

Just a quick note: if you cannot click the link to any of the pictures in the text box, just copy and paste the link. It does reallly work!!

Young Travelers - Week 2

We had a great time again with our Young Travelers boys. We talked about responsibility and wisdom while we were getting ready to ride. They rode by themselves this time and had to learn some things and take responsibility for the safety of their animal and themselves. Also, horses can teach us wisdom as they are herd animals and there is a pecking order. If a horse choices to follow the wrong horse he could get himself into trouble. A horse uses wisdom when he follows the alpha horse (boss) horse (number one uno!). He trusts that horse to show him the way to water, food, shelter, etc. We can relate the boys to this. We talked about who they go to to ask advice on a matter. Mom, Dads, and Sisters were the answer.
We talked about trying to make better choices.
We ended the night roasting hot dogs over the campfire and the boys tossed a football around for a few minutes before they left. They are looking forward to next week when they start their wood/metal project. Next week we will be talking about, taking action, and a decided heart.
take a look at the pictures on this web site: http://picasaweb.google.com/LazyBeesRanch/YoungTravelers72709#

Our First Weekend with Rodeo

Well, we had another great fun weekend. We had a small group of 6 teenage boys.
We think they had a good time. When you look at the pictures you can see a change in countenance from the time they arrived to the time they left. Chris's Mom and Dad came from Texas for a visit and they were happy to see Chris enjoying herself helping with the kids. Larry, Chris and I got a bucket of water dumped on us during the water fight. Larry and I did not retaliate, however, Chris did get the kids back!
They really liked the archery and the food!! During campfire activities, Andre was praised for his part in making sure Chris's parents got their meal. Andre even left his dinner, to "fetch" their meal and serve them. It was a very touching moment because Andre got off his seat at the campfire and gave Chris a HUGE hug. After that it was kind of silent for a few seconds! Nothing more needed to be said.
Wow, that scene was the ranch in a nutshell! Loving and respecting each other as people is what we want to teach the kids. Our first mini rodeo actually went well. All riders and horses performed with no incidents, (probably because Jan prayed for our safety first before we rode, God really favors her!) The "yuts" (kids) enjoyed the rodeo and commented that with practice it will just get better. Katie was our Indian and dressed Oreo up in Native American garb. The "yuts" (they didn't want to be called kids) all put paint on their hands and put hand prints all over Oreo. That was fun to watch. Anyway, take a look at the pictures on the link at the right marked July 25th and 26th.

Harley

A special thank you goes out to our new friend Harley. She has been helping us with kids on Mondays, and will start helping in August during our overnight weekend trips. She loves the horses and is very good with them. Harley has been on the mounted cadet team under the direction of Colonel Lapham for the Junior ROTC program at the Jackson Community Center.
We love you Harley!! Here's your picture. You go girl!!

Young Travelers

Our new Young Travelers program started this past Monday. Five teenage boys are going to be coming to the ranch from 3:30 to 6:30 for six weeks. We are going to be working on the 7 principals outlined in the book "The Young Travelers Gift", by Andy Andrews. We will be doing this by utilizing horses, archery, welding, woodworking, and leathercraft. Charlie has set up his shop so that 5 boys and 5 men can work together on a project as they share these 7 principals with each other. It is our hope that this will start a mentoring program for the teens in our community. We all had a great time and enjoyed getting to know each other. We are very excited about doing this, and we already have a waiting list of kids that want to attend another session if we do it again in the future. We have found that many kids have creative talents and these talents get buried because they don't realize you can be successfull in life with a skilled trade. Please pray for us for guidance as we work with these kids. They are our future!!!
Take a look at some pictures at: http://picasaweb.google.com/LazyBeesRanch/YoungTravelers0720091#

Brightmoor Garden Club

Our very first overnight ranchers came for a visit this weekend. They came back in 2006 and there have been a lot of changes since then. For us and for them. Brightmoor has a youth garden club now. This is amazing to me! They have gardens planted in vacant lots on their street. They grow stuff and then take the harvest to market for sale. It's mostly boys too!! They really enjoy planting and harvesting and making their own money. Mark, Riet, and Sheila were their chaperones, and they had just as much fun watching their kids have fun!! All the horses did a fine job again showing the kids around the ranch grounds. Archery and games were a big hit again. Take a look at the pictures by clicking on the link to the right called "Brightomoor Garden Group.

Volunteers

We just wanted to send out a thank you to all our wonderful volunteers. Many people have labored many hours to help make the ranch a success and accomplish its goal:
touching a child's life; one child at a time. This mission is not mine or Bill's. It is God's and all the people He has assigned to this task. Seeing the smiles on the kids is what makes all the hard work worthwhile. Our volunteer list is growing, and when we see that we have enough help we offer "a regular" the day off, they say "no", I still want to come and help. I know it is seeing the kids!
Thanks so Much!! God Bless you in all you do!

Cub Scouts

Saturday we had fun showing some cub scouts around the ranch. They too enjoyed a nice trail ride on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. The sky was so blue and there was a soft breeze blowing. Archery was a favorite for the boys also. The kids like the archery as much as they like the horses. We had a lot of fun with them, even cousin Russ!

Behavior Educators

For the past three Mondays, Behavior Educators from Adrian came for a visit and took advantage of what we have to offer kids and their mentors. We took the kids on a trail ride, played yard games, and learned archery from our very own expert, Chris. We have been having a lot of fun with these kids. Just seeing the smiles on their faces is payment enough for us. I shot a bow and arrow yesterday for the first time, and hit the target the first time!! I wish I had a picture of that, but oh well, it's all about the kids, right?? All the kids had a great time and want their mentors to bring them back to the ranch. I am sure we will see these kids again.
These are activities that mentors and mentees can do together at no cost but the gas to get here. Here is a picture of Tiffany enjoying Paint.

Are We Having Fun Yet??

The boys from Kids Explosion visited the ranch this past Sat and Sun. Saturday morning looked a little gloomy as we watched storm clouds pass around the ranch all morning. It never did rain, the sun came out and the wind blew to cool things off.
It must have been Jan's opening prayer!! God really listens to her!!! We had a great time and the boys were really well behaved. Heather and the boys plotted against Chuck and drenched him with buckets of water after our water gun battle!! Chuck took it all in stride and laughed about it. During our campfire activies, the kids continued to plot against Chuck, but Heather decided against another attack because she wanted to stay dry!!! The seven points were discussed and Bill lead the discussion. He really likes persistence, so he really wants the kids to remember to "never give up". The kids really like Bill and respect him. Today, when he was walking into Menards, he overhead a kid yelling "Hey Dad, that's the cowboy from the ranch"! Bill got a kick out of that!! Lots of pictures to see, so click the link to the right called Boys Kids Explosion June 20

Kids Explosion Girls Trip

Well, we had our first overnight trip on June 6th and June 7th. The weather was great and we all had a good time. The girls had no problem having fun and the horses did their job without question! Our herd is getting used to their jobs and really liking it. City Cab from Jackson provided transportation and we really appreciated it. Cab driver Lee and cab driver Vicki were awesome. You guys rock!!!!
The girls were a little afraid of the night noises, but Lizzy and Casey put them at ease. They slept thru the night and were up on Sunday in time for breakfast. Brian Williams lead worship with some of the girls favorite songs. Jan prayed over the girls for God's blessing the guidance in their lives. It was a successful weekend.
To see pictures from the weekend, just click the link to the right called Kids Explosion Girls June 6. God Bless you all and "Get Ready to Ride"! at the Lazy B's.

New Jackson Celebration

This past Saturday we attended the New Jackson Celebration. This was an event that brought area churches, businesses, and non-profits together. What an amazing day it was! I know God was smiling on us for uniting together for one purpose: to see a positive change in Jackson County. We made a lot of new friends and contacts and I am sure others did as well. The praise music was awesome and the declarations were right on target; families, education, business and finance, church, government and law, the arts, and the media. As we give all this back to God, He can transform our community. All it takes is faith to believe!! Bill and I put on our praise with the Kids Explosion kids and had a great time! We left feeling very uplifted and really believing that if a community can come together,all things are possible with God. If you would like more information on New Jackson, visit their web-site at www.NewJackson.org

Horse Safety Clinic

Saturday we held our first horse clinic for anyone who wanted to help with horses this summer. We learned a lot and had a lot of fun. We have new faces to the ranch and looking forward to getting to know the new wranglers. Following the safety clinic we had a party with a celebration cake to honor our volunteers. We really appreciate their time and efforts at the ranch. We surely could never do it without them. Bill and Kathy Latocki and Jan Livernois helped prepare a great meal and we all had a good time. Many thanks to those guys! Bill Latocki had his camera out, so I am sure he has some great photos. We will post them as soon as we get them.

Saturday Fun at The Ranch

Chris has been bringing her mentees to the ranch for a while now. Bill and I have become great friends of these kids and really enjoy seeing them. Sarah and Ron also have taken advantage of what the ranch has to offer. They brought their mentees and had great fun outside on a beautiful Saturday in April. Lots of stuff to do at the ranch and it costs nothing but a little bit of time.
Archery was the highlight for mentor, Ron. He would not give up until he got a bulls-eye. Unfortuneately, I did not have my camera to capture this accomplishment but I did take a few other pictures that day. Take a look at them by clicking photo album "Saturday Fun at the Ranch".

Getting the Trail Ready

Bill and Antonio are getting ready for the trail. We added a new gate to the arena so that the flow of horse traffic would go smoother and not interfere with the archery area. Antonio is an 11 year old boy who came to visit this week and spent two days helping Bill with "man's work" around the ranch. He is a great kid and he will be coming back to help us when he is finished with school. We like to teach the kids that having horses does include a "little" bit of work!! He rode Oreo and did quite well with his riding. It is amazing that we find a lot of kids just have a knack for horses and really relate to them.

The Yee Haw Kids

Even on a rainy day in May, our ranch kids can have fun. Today we played with taking pictures, playing musical instruments, wearing cowgirl hats, and made bracelets and painted sun catchers. The rain never gets us down. We always find some fun without the sun.

Wrap-A-Round

Today I met with a group of people who facilitate the "Wrap-a-round" process for eligible recipients in Jackson and Hillsdale Counties. Wrap-a-round is run by Highfields and is a team of people from the community who work together to get the help a child needs. The teams usually consists of people in the child's life; school, home, court, and community. They have asked the Lazy B's Ranch to represent the "community" part of this process. Right now there are 19 kids in this program with all kinds of needs. This is very new to us, and not sure how it will all work out, but God is always good to us and provides for us when needed. We know that the horses are just one avenue to help reach a troubled youth. As soon as I have more details, I'll let everyone know. Please pray for us for guidance.

One Special Girl

Let me introduce Ashley to you. Ashley came to the ranch to complete community service hours. We have been working with Ashley since October 2008. She doesn't mind doing anything that has to do with horses, including mucking out stalls! She is very calm and quiet around the horses and really relates to them. Ashley has completed her hours, but will continue to come on a weekly basis to help us in the barn. We hope to have Ashley help with our kid programs after she gets trained. Ashley's counselor has come to the ranch to watch Ashley in action and she is very happy with Ashley's progress. She asked Ashley what has contributed to her success, and Ashley said, "Coming here and being with the horses!" "I've come in like a lion and out like a lamb!" She is a good example of how horses, and animals in general can make a difference in a kids life. Ashley LOVES Paint!

Networking Again

Yesterday, I spent some time talking with the great folks from Behavior Educators in Adrian. Chris works for them and is a mentor to some really cool kids. She has been bringing them to the ranch and Bill and I have had a lot of fun showing them around. Behavior Educators is an organization who matches kids with mentors. They will be bringing the kids out this summer for a couple of hours to "horse around" at the ranch. The kids will come with their mentors. This gives the mentors something free they can do with their kids. We are looking forward to servicing these kids and providing fun things for them to do this summer.

A Jackson Community is Blessed

Many of you who were at the benefit at New Jerusalem Christian Fellowship on Feb 28th probably don't know this, but we had LOTS of spaghetti sauce left over. Our dear friend Miss Wendy (We Can Make A Difference House) volunteered to take it with her the the Wilkins House and use it for her "Soup with a Purpose" lunch during the week. Wendy always has very creative ideas, and on the way home from the benefit she decided she would make lasagna, not sure why. Anyway, that night she got a call from a neighbor on Wilkins that a neighbor had passed away. His church didn't have a lot of money to have a funeral luncheon, so Wendy decided that was what the lasagna was for! She made the lasagna, the ladies from the church made salad and 60 people were fed! I was so happy that the left over food was used to bless someone else! God does fun stuff like that! I love it.

Silent Auction-Huge Success

Hi Friends of the Lazy B's
Our first charity benefit in this area was a huge success. We were amazed at the public support we had and the funds that were raised. Jan opened with a awesome prayer and word about unity. Our ranch kids were there helping set up and serve meals. They seem excited to help out. Migual Russell, from Jackson, was doing dishes in the kitchen with a smile. Desmond Russell, Emily Bush, and Ashley Foulk all donated their artwork to the auction. Between the three of them, they raised $136.00 for the ranch. Brendal Gamez spoke to the audience about how the ranch has helped her; Heather Johnson spoke about how horses have been instrumental in her recovering from issues of her past. Chuck Lake starting a VERY LONG chain with the silverware ties, to signify that with everyone's help, something big can he accomplished! Travis Matchulat, from Redford, did a beautiful painting of our very own "Skeeter". Travis has offered to help this summer with the kids in the area of art. Great music by "What a Band,What a Band", and New Jerusalem Christian Fellowship Praise Team. Thanks to all the musicians! I could go on and on about what happened, but it would take too long. Three people were taking pictures, so when I get them I will forward them on to you. Watch your local papers to see the thank yous that went out to all who particiated, especially our local businesses. Many thanks to all of your support, and may the peace and blesssings of God fall on you in 2009.

Cowboys Boots Needed

We got an idea for a new craft to do with the older kids at the ranch. The idea came from our friend Pegg, from the Jackson Non-profit Support Center. It is a cowboy boot birdhouse. It is really cool. If anyone has old cowboy boots that they don't wear and want to donate them, let us know. They do not have to be in great condition and they don't have to be in pairs. Bright colors would probably be best. We have to cut a hole in them anyway so the birds can feed. It looks like a really fun craft.

Also, we are in need of old work boots, doesn't matter size or condition. We have had kids come to do community service work, but do not have the proper boots to work in the barn. Any donations of this kind would be appreciated.

Thanks for all you do for us, God Bless.

Silent Auction - Feb. 28th 5:00 p.m.

Wow, do we have a surprise for you!!! As we are preparing for the auction, we discovered that we have A LOT of very cool items for you to bid on! Too many to mention here. It is a very long list! However, I would like to mention a few:
Leather Tooling Kit, Circular Saw & Case, Brad Nailer, Ranch Play Set, Skate Board, Red Ryder BB Gun, Hand made Afghans and Quilt, Electric Guitar with gig bag and strap, Darren McCarty Autographed Bobblehead, gift certificates from local business, and the list goes on............ Come and see what we have and get a good deal, while helping the youth and kids of our city.

One more thing, if you are planning to come, please RSVP to 517-592-4252. We would like to get a count of people so we know how to prepare.

We have three of our ranch kids donating their artwork. Please encourage them by bidding on their work. They are very excited about this and we want them to continue their passion in the arts.

p.s. Don't forget to take a look at our new pictures; First Ride/Lake Livernois
See ya soon.

 

The Big Thaw Feb 2009

Well, we finally got a little weather we were waiting for, (until this morning) for some "horsin" around on the ranch. I went out in the back 2 acres taking pictures of "Lake Livernois" as it started to fade away.

Also, we had a beautiful day Fri. to finally get out to ride. The horses were a bit frisky but we quickly put them in line of "who is boss around here".

Take a look at the new pictures. Please forgive me if they look a "little light", I am getting used to this new photo editing program. You photographers out there may want to write to me and give me some pointers. I could use them!!

Take Care, May God truly bless you in all that you do!!!

PS. See ya on Feb. 28th!!!

Spaghetti Dinner/Silent Auction

We are fast approaching Feb. 28th 5:00 p.m. for our first benefit in this area. Chris has done an outstanding job putting this thing together. Bill has made many contacts out in the community and gathered a lot of items for the auction. It should be great fun! We have a couple of kids coming who have been to the ranch and benefited from their experiences with us. They will be helping us set up and working with the auction. We have uncovered a few "aspiring artists" in our kids and they will be donating some of their artwork for the auction. Help us encourage them in their gifts by bidding on their artwork. Chip, Johnny B. and Bill Latocki will be playing with "What a Band, What a Band". New Jerusalem Christian Fellowship Church Praise Team will also be sharing their gifts and talents in music with us. Call us at 517-592-4252 for more information, or if you have any auction items you would like to donate.
A special thanks go out to members of New Jerusalem Christian Fellowship Church for donating their time and talents to this event.

Web Site

Don't forget to take a look at our web site. There is a new poem and picture of Tucker, and we have added a picture of Twiggy. Now our website has the complete herd listed (except six the cat). My lovely sister, Lynn, wrote the poem and had the picture and poem framed for Bill's 60 birthday in Decmeber.

We thank Lynn for her valuable input with her writing skills at the ranch. We couldn't do it with out her.
Our hats go off to Lynn!!! We love you!!!

Summer Ranch Schedule

It seems strange to talk about the summer, but around here we have to start preparing ahead of time.

Our overnight trips are confirmed as follows:
June 6th and 7th
June 20th and 21st
July 11th and 12th
July 25th and 26th
August 8th and 9th
August 29th and 30th
September 12th and 13th
September 26th and 27th
We will be doing a couple of day trips in May and October. We will let you know when they occur. We are also developing a 5 week, 3-4 hr trip/class for kids who need diversion rather than going to detention. This will evolve as we go, but it will consist of horses, archery, woodworking, and welding, along with the study of the book "The Young Travelers", by Andy Andrews. We will let you know the detail of how this will work when we figure it all out. This will be a pilot/pioneer program, so it will be fun to watch it grow and change as it moves forward.

As we continue to strengthen our relationship with the Lord, He will give us the wisdom and knowledge of how to proceed with what He has called us to do.

Be Blessed!!!

How Can I Help?? - Together We Can Make A Difference

We're posting this message from our good friend Wendy Wight, Director of Together We Can Make a Difference in Jackson.

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2009 -- HOW CAN I HELP?


• PRICELESS EASTER BASKETS Would you like to be part of the team who helps provide Easter Gifts to all of Jackson's Nursing home residents? We will be contacting each Nursing Home and matching them with Schools and or Church Youth to make and deliver gifts this Easter. Like to help? Contact Wendy @ 740-8444.
• QUILTING FOR VETS Would you like to see God provide 500 Quilts to our forgotten Veterans? We have many men and women who have served our country and are now in our veteran hospitals or homeless. Lets get a list of first names, and be praying for them as we make each one a gift. Watch God use this expression of love in their lives as only HE can. We are asking God for people to help who love to sew, or who have never tried, but are willing. We are asking God for batting, or blankets to put in the middle. We are asking God for manly fabric for the quilts and the back. Do you have a group who sew together? Would you like to adopt 5, or 10, or 100? Wouldn't it be wild to see on July 4, 2009 a stack of 500 Quilts for these precious ones! Interested in how you can help? Contact Wendy @ 740-8444 or Pam @ 764-3724.
• MONDAY AND THURSDAY SEWING CLASSES We are looking for someone to help direct the sewing at the Wilkins House Mondays and Thursdays. You would need to know some basic sewing to help answer beginner questions, like threading a machine, sewing a straight line, and using a rotary cutter would be a wonderful plus! We have several new comers, and the Vet Quilt project, and are growing. Please come see what fun we are having learning this skill, and using it to benefit others. Questions? Call Wendy @ 740-8444.
• ANGEL FOOD ORDERS/DELIVERIES We are looking for a few people who are willing to help take Angel Food Orders one Friday a month. We have set up a route to cover Jackson from 9:30am-2:30pm usually on the 2nd Friday. We collect Angel food orders, paid by food stamps or money orders to be delivered 2 weeks later by Drivers, who help on one Saturday a month. This is a wonderful way to help people help themselves. With 30 drivers, and 10 order collectors we could deliver groceries to 300 families monthly. If you are interested, please call Wendy @ 740-8444.

Happy New Year! Check out New Year's Pics

Hello, friends and family of the Lazy B's Ranch. We haven't written in a while because, well, time just slipped away. So, we wanted to say Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
The cold, icy, snowy weather has prevented some "horse play" the last couple of weeks, but hopefully we can get back on track with our equine friends this month. Even though we don't do much riding in the winter, we still need to spend time with the horses keeping them in shape and keep reminding them who is boss. We do this by round penning, bending exercises, or just taking a walk out in the field. I love this kind of time because it helps with bonding with your horse. I think they really do like just taking a walk.

We also are open on Saturdays from 2:00 - 4:00 for mentors to bring their mentees to the ranch for some "horse play" (weather permitting). Chris has been doing this for a while, ever since she started working at Behavior Educators, in Adrian. The kids have been having a great time interacting with the horses and they always want to come back. This is something Chris can do with her mentee that does not cost anything but her gas to get here.

We are also continuing some relationships with a few of the kids we had here in 2008 doing community service while they were on probation. A few have come back just to hang out and one girl has been attending church with me. These relationships are important for these kids, because we are just ordinary people who love and care for them. We can be just friends and a have a listening ear.

We look forward to see what God is doing to do at the ranch this year. I know He has amazing things planned and only with His grace upon us can do we anything here! Have a blessed 2009!!!