Young Travelers Girls

We have five girls in our new Young Travelers group. The cool thing about this group, is they all come from different high schools. After two weeks, they are getting to know each other and we are all enjoying each others company. Last week we took them on a trail ride and discussed the 7 points out in the field. Nikki was so excited to ride, she couldn't wait. She went on Twiggy and Greg led her around. What a fun night it was. Our discussion was about responsibility and what it means to each girl. They all seem to enjoy what they are doing and look forward to our time together. Tomorrow we will be talking about wisdom

Jackson Family Expo

Saturday we were a part of the Jackson Family Expo at Westwood Mall. It was a good day to be inside; it was very wet outside. I think there were about 20 booths from various non-profit organizations. We each had a healthy snack to give away and an activity for the kids. Our kids were throwing horseshoes and bean bags; if they got a ringer or hold in one, they got a beanie baby of their choice. Ashley (2) and Matt were our teen helpers and they had just as much fun as the kids.
We had a drawing for kids 8-12 to win a trip to the ranch sometime this summer. The kids were pretty excited about that.

Friday Night Fun

Well, haven't written in a while. Bill has finally healed from his surgery and we are back on track with activities at the ranch.
The last few Fridays we had an opportunity to play with the horses. The kids (and myself included) are enjoying getting back in the saddle. The winter was tough on us wranglers and soon to be wranglers!
Friday, Preston got in the saddle for the first time ever!! How exciting! He had a great time and told Bill he doesn't know why he has been staying in the house all the time! Everyone is looking foward nice weather.

Young Travelers - Forgiveness

Tonight we talked about forgiveness. I love this one because we can use the horses to help illustrate. And the weather finally cooperated, so we were able to go to the barn and work with the horses. The kids learned how to groom and saddle. We also showed them a few things to look for on the horses with regards to the health and behavior of the horses. Horses are known to be very forgiving, so I was glad we were finally able to use them to talk about forgiveness. We have one more week with this group. We are really getting to know them and enjoy spending time with them.

Charity Benefit

Wow, did we have a great time, or what??? Last Saturday's benefit was a blast. Everyone had a great time and God truly blessed us. When you look at the pictures, you will see a lot of smiling faces. This year's benefit was even better. Our ranch youth participated in most of it. We were so proud of them. They are amazing kids and every time we are together, I grow to love and respect them even more.
The skits were hilarious and every time we practiced with them, I couldn't stop laughing. Thanks to Jenny Scoby for making sure the kitchen was organized so we all could enjoy a great meal together. The music was awesome. What a Band,What a Band did a great job as usual. Chip's version of "Let it Be" (Lazy B's) is always fun to listen to because he changes the words every time to fit the moment. That is talent!! Thanks Chip, we love you!! Weren't Taylor and Larry wonderful? I can't wait to see what happens with Taylor's gift of music. Chris thought Randy Travis was in the house after Larry was finished. Our hats go off to you Taylor and Larry! I love our string illustration. We cannot do anything without all of you! Thanks so much for your prayers and support. Take a look at the pictures by clicking the link to the right called Charity Benefit. Thanks to Bill Latocki for capturing the event on film!

Monday 1-31-11 Week Three Young Travelers

Tonight the boys worked on their belts, and are ready to stain the leather. We talked about wisdom and what it is and where do they go for wisdom. They all seem to be enjoying the book and reading it. Kathy Latocki also recorded it on CD for those who might not like to read. That has helped a lot with this group.
Next week we will be talking about being a person of action, using Joshua Chamberlain from the Civil War as an example.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Award

We got a nice surprise last week. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Jackson County gave Lazy B's Ranch the 2010 Contributing Organization of the Year award. What a great honor! We hosted 4 different groups of BBBS youth last year. One group was the older kids who are "mentors in training", and in the fall we hosted 3 groups of "matches". They all had a great time. Some of the youth had never ridden a horse before, so that was fun to introduce something new to them. BBBS have been very supportive and we are happy to partner up with them.