Wraparound Boys - 6-19-10

No power didnot interfere with the activities and fun at the Lazy B's Ranch last Saturday. We woke up Saturday morning wondering how we were going to keep the boys cooled off with no water! It was suppose to be hot that day. Thanks to Jill Clark from Highfields loaning us her generator and Charlie and Josh's handyman experience hooking it up to our well, we had running water! Thanks to you guys for making that happen. We had so much fun, they all rode, learn to shoot a bow with an arrow, made a leather bracelet, and enjoyed fun with water and the Lazy B's Olympics. Chris came up with the good water games, and bunkhouse one needed a fifth player, and I was it. It felt very good to get very wet! They had no problem with an old lady being on their team. I think we won most of the games!
Take a look at the pictures by clicking the link "Wraparound Boys 6-19-10

Young Travelers-Girls Week 5

This week we spent some more time working on our belts. The girls have used their creative gifts to design them. Larry and Charlie were a big help in punching holes, but Alyssa shined and was able to do them herself. We played a word game and discussed different career opportunities. I was a naturalist and Ashley actually knew what it was! You go girl! Our discussion this week was being a person with a decided heart. We talked about our dreams and what we need to do to accomplish those dreams. Chris was a big hit in the kitchen and made tacos and nacho cheese dip. Thanks to Chris for taking care of the food. We love you! Kathy and Bill Latocki came and joined us for dinner. Kathy was given permission by Andy Andrews publisher to record the book on CD so people could listen to the book if they don't have time to read the book. She did a great job. Thank you Kathy! The kittens are always a big hit, so Ashley wanted to take some pictures for you to see. They will be going to there new home next week. Our tractor guy, Jerry, plans to take all five kittens. Next week we will be discussing having a joyful heart.
Take a look at some pictures by clicking the link to the right, Young Travelers Girls 6/14/10

Night Out At The Rodeo

Last night we went to the 3 Bar B Rodeo in Adrian Michigan. Our very own wrangler, Josh, participated in the bull riding event. We took some of our ranch kids, Johnathan, Jalen, and Keith. Josh took us back behind the shoots to check out the activities behind the scenes. The kids got to touch the bulls. Without a bull strap on, they seemed pretty tame, but wow, when they got in the arena, look out cowboys!!! Josh came very close to qualifying in the event finishing at 7.53 seconds. To qualify, you must stay on the bull for 8 seconds. Good thing for Josh, no one else qualified, so he is still in the running for the prize buckle he is working towards. I wasn't able to get a good photo of Josh riding, but he looked good. We had a lot of fun, and the boys would like to go back again.
There was also barrel racing, pole bending, and calf roping. There were a lot of good riders and if they work hard, they could soon enter the pro rodeo. There was a young girl, about 7, participated in the pole pending, and another participated in the race to the barrel, (grandma running with her). The discipline of horsemenship can start at a very young age with the right horse and the drive to press on in the sport. Take a look at some pics by clicking Night Out at The Rodeo.

Salvation Army

School is out and kids need something to do! Yesterday, Jackson Salvation Army came to the ranch for a few hours to ride and play games. Chuck, Bill, Johnathan, and Annie all walked horses in the arena and gave 23 kids a ride! Wow, I missed a lot.
Johnathan shined as he moves into his role as "wrangler in training".
They got the kittens out to show the kids and they were a big hit. One child was going to take a kitten home, but Chuck caught him just as they were getting ready to leave!! Too Funny!!!

Young Travelers - Girls

This Monday we talked about being a person of action. Do not put things off. Have a plan and stick to it. The girls rode in the arena with help and instruction by Sharon. She used to be an instructor. The lesson was to move your horse in the direction you want him/her to go. This was challenging to those who haven't done it before, but a learning lesson on having a task to do and taking the necessary steps to do it. They all enjoyed learning the basics of riding. The girls also started to tool their belts. We had sloppy joes and cheesy potatoes for dinner. Our discussions with the girls are going well. It will be hard to vote at the end on who participated the most. Take a look at the pictures by clicking the link at the right Young Travelers-Girls 6/7/10 and Making Belts

1st Overnight Campout - Young Travelers Boys

What a fun weekend we had. There were 4 boys from our Young Travelers group. They were really looking forward to this camp out. We started off the day with grilled hot dogs and chili cheese nachos. Then they took a ride on horseback and shot archery for points. They did pretty well and I even shot the bow and hit the target. We took off down the road to play softball and had a great time. We all hit pretty good, however, we all could brush up on our fielding skills. The rain came and it came hard. We continued to play in the rain, but the game was called after the 3rd inning (I think, who's counting anyway). I think that was the most fun we have had in a long time. The boys really enjoyed it. We went back to the ranch to cook cowboy dinners, but it was raining too hard to cook or eat outside. We stayed in the ranch house for dinner and played board games. We waited for the tornado watch to be lifted, and then went to bed. We played pretty hard that day . Dan made an awesome breakfast of pancakes, sausage, and fried potatoes. Brian led us in a few worship songs, Megal and I read my favorite psalm, and Jan spoke about God's forgiveness and mercy. It was an awesome time. These Young Travelers boys are part of our family. We continue to mentor these boys on a weekly basis. Take a look at the pictures by clicking the link to the right Young Travelers June 5-6.

Volunteer Kick Off 2010

Last Saturday we had a volunteer kick off wrangler training and party. We had a beautiful day and the food was great. Thanks to Kathy and Chris for taking care of the food! They all know not to leave me in charge of food!! We have some new wranglers this year, WELCOME to Josh, Sharon, Larry, Linda, and Angel. New volunteers include Naomi, Nate, Tammy. Thanks to all of our volunteers. We could not do anything without your passion and dedication. Many kids will be blessed because of you!