Salute to Daisy Mae, She's going home.

At the end of the day does your ass still want to follow you around? 

Steve and "Daisy"

Steve has been working with daisy for about 60 days.  Steve trains horses.  Horses.  This woman had heard of Steve's gift with horses and just had to have Steve train her mule.  Daisy Mae is a Mule. (A.K.A Ass.)  Mule's are a cross of a Jack-ass or "Jack" stud and a Quarter Horse Mare.  Daisy is a cross between a "Mammoth Jack" and Quarter Horse.  So, she's bigger than most mules.  She stands about 16 hands high.  Daisy is about the prettiest Mule I've ever seen.  To bad she can't be bred, Eh? (Mule's are sterile.)  She is 3 years old. She really shouldn't be 'started' until she's 5 or 6. Started = Start training.  Mules live anywhere from 10 to 20 years longer that horses, so they mature later.  It takes an awesome trainer to get much done with a 3 year old mule!  They're extremely smart.   If fact, We'd been using baling twine to tie the gate shut on the horse corral until she untied it.  She didn't chew through it or break it,  She UNTIED it. Keep in mind she's on the inside and it's tied on the outside. huh, I wish I had a picture of that!  Next thing we knew she and the other horses were out running around the 40 acres.  We had to use the truck and my car to herd them in. Bet that was a sight! If she was ours, we would've left her out to colic.  We were so damn mad. But she's not ours, and she's worth $8,000. YES, 8 thousand dollars.  I don't think my car is worth eight thousand dollars.  We are trading the work he's done with her for a high money name Brood Mare.  She comes from 'Dash for Cash,' and  'Poco Bueno.' But, I sure am going to miss her.  Everyday I'd go out to grain 'Twiggy" (my rescue horse) I'd race her from one end of the corral to the other.  Steve has done an awesome job with her.  She is amazing.  She's one that I will cry to see go.  But that's part of it.  We take horses, train them, fall in love with them and then take them home.  Before She goes I'll post a better picture of her, with out Steve.   ~ TO YOU DAISY,  I'LL MISS YOU. ~

It's a freaky thing...

This is "Peppy." She is a chicken!

The part that is staring at you is her comb. Freaky huh? Eden and Ryker found her earlier this summer when It was still 30˚ through the night. We live in a "cold" desert. It's cold all night and Hot all day. So, she had fallen into the water just after Steve did the chores (5 o'clock in the morning) She was still there when Eden, Ryker, Gideon and I went out to grain the lambs, about 9 a.m. Eden immediately went to rescue her! So, she SNEEKS her into THE HOUSE. Dries her off with a towel. Wraps her up in a clean shop towel. . . Oh, and puts the bell around her neck. Then she continues to treat her like a baby. You know, rolls her around in a doll stroller, carries her in a doll cradle. When I found her, Peppy was dry, dressed, and enjoying her new home. Oh, and pecking the eyes out of all of Eden's other stuffed animals!

Gideon, living up to his names' sake

Gideon Jack Robinson

Gideon is... well, to say the least, BIG! Gideon was born on January 23rd. When he was born he was 6 Lbs. 11 oz. And 20 inches long. At his 2 week appointment the nurse first weighed him at 8 Lbs. 11 oz. The Pediatrician didn't believe the nurse had gotten an accurate weight. Gideon would've gained 2 Lbs. in 2 weeks! That doesn't happen!! So, the doctor had him reweighed. After our 15 min appointment and filling a diaper, he weighed 8 Lbs. 12 oz. Go Figure!! Oh, and he was 21 1/2 inches long... He'd grown 1 1/2 inches and gained 2 Lbs in 2weeks! That's only the beginning!! At his 2 month appointment he had gained another 4 Lbs. and 7oz. (in 6 weeks!) He now weighed 13 Lbs. 3 oz. and was 24 inches long!! I thought the doctor was going to hit the floor at Gideon's 4 month appointment. He weighed 16 Lbs. 1 oz. and was 27 inches long. Albeit, now he also had 2 teeth. (on the bottom.) The doctor expected that Gideon wouldn't be very strong. He told us that when they grow this fast, a lot of times, their muscle can't keep up. So, I turned him over on to his belly and he pushed up and looked around. The doctor literally sat back in his chair and shook his head. Saying "I can't believe how strong he is." Gideon is living up to his names' sake. We named him Gideon after 2 different warriors, both named Gideon. One is in the Bible and the other in The Book of Mormon. Both were very large men. Gideon is a Hebrew name that means "Warrior; feller of the trees" Gideon is 6 months now. And, 6 months in this picture. He is 19 Lbs. and 28 1/2 inches long. I asked the doctor what the average 1 year old weighs. He told me on average a 1 year old is 20 Lbs and 29 inches long!!
It's hard not to have "big" plans for him. He has always felt to me, as if he wanted to be born an adult!! I can just see him telling the Lord "O.K, Look I just have so much to do." "I can't waste my time being a baby." So, now it's almost as if he's very 'put-out' by this "Baby-stuff!" I am so glad to have him in my life. He is a lot of fun. In this picture he's smiling because Ryker is pushing him. He loves his brother and sister. I was pushing him, and he had this look on his face as if to say "alright, I'll swing." very bothered! Ryker asked if he could swing Gideon. I said "Sure, but not to high!" Ryker didn't reply! So Ryker pushed him. Not to high, but higher than I would have. Gideon started squealing and laughing. Ryker looked at me and said "Now you see how high he likes to swing." I was afraid of him not liking the swing. Or, being scared of going to high! Once again, Go Figure!! But that's Gideon.

Ryker, A.K.A Bam Bam !!

Ryker is a Character

Ryker has the gift of humor. He has a very mature humor. Ryker crack jokes that are genuinely funny, even to adults. He says and does things the normal 7 year old wouldn't think of. He can recall punch-lines from movies and use them appropriately. I am having a hard time explaining how funny he is, because you'd just have to hear him. He was on the bus when a little girl cussed at him. He, without cracking a smile said "I ought to slap you twice and send you off to your mommy." That is a line from Pirates of the Caribbean. I was thrilled. He didn't cuss back, he didn't throw a fit and tattle, he didn't hit. He made it into a joke, and the little girl scowled in her seat and turned around. She couldn't say a thing! Once we were driving from Provo with some of the kids friends. They were going to stay with us in Grantsville for a couple of days. They are 'city kids' and weren't as used to being in the car as long as Eden and Ryker are. So, River (a friend) asks me "When are we going to be there?" Ryker replies, faster than I could even open my mouth, "We get there, when we get there." He used the timing and tone Mr. Incredible used in the movie The Incredibles. It was hilarious and everyone in the car understood the joke and laughed and laughed. Ryker is truly blessed with humor. We love to play together. I'll crack a joke about him or about something. He'll crack right back. I have a hard time staying upset with him if he has done something wrong. We have a great time together and I cherish the relationship we have. He truly is one of the most fascinating people I have ever met. I am so thankful I have had the opportunity to know such a fun and exciting person. He highlights my life.
Ryker is very passionate, he's passive. I know, that seems like an oxymoron. He does it well though! He's cool, easy going, self-entertained, fine. Until he believes someone has "wronged" him. Unless, he thinks he's getting the "raw-end" of the deal. Then you see his fire. He maybe best described as a Dragon. He likes his cave, there's no where else he'd rather be. But steal his gold, wrong him, and he'll spit fire of all kinds of color.
Everybody loves Ryker! He has few really good friends but everyone in his class wants to be his friend. He's fair enough to be friends with a lot of people. He's entertaining enough to be friends with the 'popular' boys. (Even girls, but he's 7, and I'm not allowed to say that!!) He's assertive enough to stand up for the kids who don't have friends. He is fair, loyal and an independent thinker. He decides who he'll play with for the day. He doesn't care what someone else thinks he should do. He is loyal to all of his friends, popular or not. So, he makes his way through the world. Or, should I say, playground! Being and doing exactly what HE believes is right. Without concern or regard for others judgment. He doesn't have to follow the crowd, I love that!
Ryker is a millionaire in the making. He's constantly trying to make a buck. He likes to forge copper! No, really! He'll take copper tubing and pound it flat with a hammer. He'll give it a handle and an edge. He sharpens the edge on the cement. He sells Knifes for $1.00 a knife... and they sell! He is brilliant. He came to me one day, I was making a balsamic vinaigrette. I had just used the last of the vinegar. He looked at the bottle, and in a very serious tone asks me "what do you plan to do with that bottle?" I, obviously, blown away by the question. Didn't know what to say. I'm having maternal thoughts, of course, of a 7 year old running around with a glass bottle. I can only imagine his intention. So, after these horrific thoughts of what 'could' happen if I give him this bottle. I, admittedly, several seconds later. Staring at him in utter confusion. Mouth wide open and all. Dared ask "Why?" and thought to myself, "Oh brilliant, Lisa, give him a reason to brainstorm on it!" He, of course, already had! replied "That's a nice bottle." So, a little quicker this time, I say "Yes, it is." Thinking, let him do the talking! So, he picks right up, asked me "What do you think that bottle is worth?" Again, blown away! Acting cool, Replied "Not much, it's empty. Why?" He says "Well, it's a nice bottle. Can I have it?" So, I ask "What are you going to do with it?" Quick as a whip, and straight faced as can be, he replies "Sell it." I couldn't help but ask "How much do you think your going to get out of it?" He'd already thought that through, and said "two dollars." I love my little economics major!! But, I had to tell him "No." So, instead he started hunting the 'back 40' and the barn for bottles. He found some cool old whiskey bottles, but never found a buyer!! I love him, He cracks me up...

Eden, Pretty as the morning.

Eden

Eden is an extraordinary child. She is absolutely committed to being 'good'. She is a beautiful person both inside and out. I am blessed to have her as my daughter. I believe she was an angel the Lord sent to me to help me in my journey. She has already saved my life. As her mother, it's my job to help her and teach her. But with Eden, it seems more often it's the other way around. She reminds me to apologize. Asks trying questions, that make me think about my choices and rethink my priorities. She softens my hard heart. She is calm, kind, helpful, respectful and honest. For an almost 10 year-old, who's going into 4th grade this fall, that is very rare. I am a very lucky mother.

Eden loves her dog Okie, who is very much like her! Okie is playful but very sweet and tries so hard to please. Especially when we're out working the sheep. Okie is Eden's not because we bought him for her, but because he chose her. He loves her.
Eden loves helping Papa, especially when driving the truck is involved! No surprise there!! She drives (idles) around the farm doing the chores with Papa. She is also our driver when we haul hay (at least, as long as we're in the field!)
Eden is also very helpful for me. Her little brother Gideon is 6 months old and she loves showing me "look I changed his diaper!" or, "I changed his outfit" Like he's her doll!! She's awesome with him, and responsible! I never question the care he receives if Eden is with him. She is the best sister her 2 brothers could ask for. She loves to read. She can often be found in 'somewhat' hiding places, reading. Like she became so involved with the book, she just dropped. Behind the couch, against the book shelf, against the laundry bins. Busted reading in bed (with a flashlight) long after bed time! Eden likes putting "beans in the jar" when she's "caught being good." She likes to cook and I've been impressed lately how well she does. She really is an awesome cook. She still won't tell me what her "special ingredients" is though. ... But I think it's sugar!
Eden is popular at school, I think because she is so pleasant to be around. She's a peace-maker. Her friends have made her a weekly schedule whom she'll sit next to on the bus each day. They were fighting over her, so they had a "meeting"!! That's what they came up with. (3rd grade girls!) Her "best" friends are Siera and Lacy.

Meet the Author; Lisa. ...and our 3 dogs!

Lisa, Pecos, Jake and Okie.

I am a wife and a Mother. I love my babies both human and not! I enjoy photography, reading, writing, cooking. ...and cleaning (believe it or not!) I like farming, ranching and keeping half-dead animals alive! I have 3 'human' children; Eden, Ryker and Gideon. They, along with my husband; Steve, own my heart. I have 3 male dogs, Pecos (left) Jake (middle) and Okie (right) Pecos and Okie are purebred Australian Shepherds and Jake is ...well, he's Jake. (We have no idea!) I have raised 7 bummer lambs (bummer = orphan) 4 last summer (2 Ewes; Bunny and Lucky, 2 Rams; Buck and Kronk.) Kronk is a whether, that means he's castrated and he'll be dinner after we take him to slaughter. I raised 3 bummers this summer (2 Ewes; Rosemary and Restless, and 1 Ram; Cotton.) We'll Keep Cotton this year to breed Dotty and Minnie. (He won't be castrated and eaten!) My 2 Bummer-Ewes from last year; Bunny and Lucky both had ewe-lambs this year. ...So, I have 2 grand-lambs! Dotty and Minnie. This year I also took on a bummer calf; Dolly. And a rescue horse, we named her Twiggy! Twiggy is a 4 year old mare, half Quarter horse and half Arabian. She looks like a yearling mare. A friend of ours bought her at auction ...cheap. She had already miscarried due to starvation, the original owners kept her on pasture, but there wasn't feed in the pasture. I guess they couldn't afford to feed her. She was taken by an animal rescue and sold at auction. Our friend, Paul, had been feeding her twice a day. She'd been wormed, vaccinated, and given the West Nile immunization. However, he couldn't get her to gain weight. He asked if I knew what else he could try. Being a woman I know if you eat to much, you gain weight!! Seems simple to me, Right?? Steve and I agreed to board her here. Steve feeds her 2 flakes of hay in the morning (about 5 a.m.) Then I'll go out about 10 a.m give her 2 more flakes along with grain. Then at 4 p.m I'll go out and feed all of the animals. Steve gives her another 2 flakes at night after he finishes working the horses. In the last month and a half she's gained about 300 Lbs! She's not as heavy as she needs to be, but she is looking alot better. So, altogether we have 2 horses; Dancer and 'Ole Rusty. 1 rescue horse, 1 Mule (Steve is training.) 4 Sheep; 2 Ewes, 1 Ram, 1 Whether. 5 Lambs; 4 ewe-lambs and 1 ram-lamb. A Calf; Dolly, and a Goat; Daisy. Oh, Yeah, We just 'harvested' chicken too! So, we have chickens in the freezer! I love my life. It is definitely alot of work. Maybe more work than I knew I was getting into when I married my Husband. See, I'm a city girl. My only claim on the country is the cowboy that I married. But, I could never go back! The country and my farm owns me now.

Steve, Horse Trainer Extraordinaire.

My favorite person in the whole world!!

He is my Best Friend, our Father, our Daddy, our Papa, and our Leader. Steve is a "Horse Trainer Extraordinaire" We own and manage Living Horsemanship, a small horse training business from our "Little Patch of Heaven." A little 40 acre ranch in western Utah. He has trained many horses using Natural Horsemanship techniques. He was the apprentice of a awesome natural horseman named D.E. Wright "Dew". He has completed the internship, and has been training horses (and their owners) for 3 years on his own. He is the most gifted, most natural Horseman I've ever seen. Natural Horsemanship is a new name for an old horse traning tequinique. An art originally used by the Mexican 'Vaqueros' and the American Indians. However, the skill was learned and brought back by Tom and Bill Dorrance. It is still being used and is very much alive in the west today. Steve has studied books, magazines and editorials from the best! Ray Hunt, Bill Dorrance, Tom Dorrance, Pat Parelli, and Buck Brannaman. He has even studied some 'not-so-well-known' trainers; Marty Marten, John Lyons, and Clint Anderson. He has also taken some home study programs from Pat Parelli. Steve has trained Quarter horses, Arabians, Draft breeds, Stallions, even Mules! He is a very hard worker.

...and We love him.