Blue Rose Ranch

On our recent church mission trip to springfield Co. the group had an amazing chance to spend some time with some of God's most wonderful creatures. John and Cheryl Webb graciously invited us to come see their mind blowing operation and spend the evening with the rescued animals and the incredible humans that work/run the place. Blue Rose Ranch is a rescue and adoption center for horses and humans alike.

Horses have a funny way of getting into and speaking to your soul. While I am not afraid of these majestic creatures they do need to be respected and handled with absolute care. I had the chance to lead one of the horses around the area and I was not leading him properly and boy did he let me know it. The horse ended up stepping on my foot. I did not want Lincoln scared so I did my best to not freak out, I just handed over the rope and said that I was done...maybe a little more forceful than I intended, but later that evening the same horse can over to me and nuzzled my chest as to say "i'm sorry". That in itself made me want to cry. It was an experience that I will always remember. yes my foot was hurt (accentually by my own doing), but my spirit was healed. That sweet horse knew it hurt me and was sorry. That in my book is incredible. 

The rest of the evening was spent eating a marvelous home cooked meal (we are still talking about that chocolate cake!!!) and watching the sunset over the beautiful landscape. It was an night to remember, even with Lincoln shattering that glass bowl which ended with me weeping and vacuuming the Webb's living room. 

Thank you John and Cheryl. You have an amazing outlook on life and just the fact that you took on such an operation is unbelievably honorable. You are changing not just the lives of the animals you rescue, but also the people that are around you.  

If anyone is interested in checking out or donating to this life changing place here is the link. http://www.blueroseranch.org/

This was pre-stepped on :) 

Rios Brothers

Sometimes being a brother is even better than being a superhero.

- Mark Brown

Bug Bites, Sunburns and Swim Diaper Wedges

This last weekend was the annual camping trip with Jarrod's family. We go every year and every year it just keeps getting better and better. Lincoln did surprisingly amazing, even with us just getting back from our recent mega road trip to Colorado. He was not in the least anxious to get back in the car seat again. Thank goodness i'm not sure what we would have done if he would have revolted. 

Three families come together every year to endure 4 days of intense camping. When I say intense this involves cabins, air condition tents, microwaves, silly shirts and some pretty serious game playing. We all really had a fantastic time. The camping trip gives all of us a chance to really get to know each other and too see everyone more than just once a year. I'm so excited to share this tradition with Lincoln and maybe someday he and his family will be in the air conditioned tent next to us. 

A lot of stories, shit talking and just pure unconditional love is shared and felt by all. When I first started coming just after Jarrod and I started dating more than a decade ago all I could think was "what the hell did I get myself into", but by the time the weekend was over I felt like part of the family. Even though Jarrod and I did not get married until YEARS later. Blayne my nephew started coming with us a few years ago and this year over a cold cut sandwich he stated that he would not miss this time for the world. This small statement made my heart sing. If a 12 year old boy can come and spend a weekend with his aunt, uncle and his uncles crazy loud funny family out on the lake without his phone and still have a great time. I think we are doing something right. 

I know this tradition will continue, and I can't wait to see where it goes.

These girls are going to keep Linc in line. 

Linc helping grandma out with scrabble. He either stole the Q or he was given it. 

Good times!!