Broken right wrist, left hand,& nose. Severe face laceration. Surgery to wrist and hand went well Tuesday afternoon. CT scans all appear normal. It's a miracle she's still alive. She'll probably be released in a day or so. Obviously she is in an extreme amount of pain. Her horse seems to be doing better as well but we won't know the full extent of her injuries until some of the swelling reduces. I'll keep you posted on any developments. 

---

Please continue to pray for Debi's speedy recovery and for her pain to be minimal.  Poor Deb - I feel so sorry for her.  Thank God her injuries weren't more severe.  

Yesterday Ryann and I took advantage of the rain, wind and "mud" to make some Christmas goodies.  We had a blast. There's nothing like making home-made cookies to make it feel like Christmas.  And we made a few "apples".  Christmas tradition.

If you live in our area you've probably seen Pastor Glenn from Bethel Temple on a television commercial for the Christmas Program on December  23 & 24.  They have two programs scheduled for Christmas Eve at 4:00 and 6:00 and on the 23rd at 7:00.   Bethel has lots of talented people and the Christmas program is always AMAZING.  You will love it.

Bethel Temple Celebrates Christmas with Four Special Events   Imagine Christmas as you've never seen it before. Relive the story through fresh eyes. Recapture the wonder of this season at Bethel Temple in Hampton. With four extraordinary and uplifting events, Bethel Temple invites you to celebrate Christmas like never before. Start the Christmas season by Recapturing the Heart of Christmas, Sunday, December 6 at 9 and 11 AM. Experience the joy of Christmas through the music and dance of children’s choirs, dance teams, multi-media, and the sights and sounds of the season brought to life again through the eyes of children. Enjoy Christmas with Alvin Slaughter, Sunday, December 13 at 9 and 11 AM. Backed by Bethel’s choir and his own band, Dove Award and Stellar Award nominee Alvin Slaughter brings a smooth blend of gospel and contemporary style all his own to your favorite Christmas music. Relive the birth of Christ with wise men, angels, camels, donkeys, sheep, and more right inside the church at The Living Nativity. This moving re-creation of the first Christmas will be presented Sunday, December 20 at 9 and 11 AM. Cap off your Christmas season with Imagine Christmas—a unique, imaginative and highly visual program that ties fast-paced scenes with fresh arrangements of traditional Christmas music. Imagine Christmas will be presented three times, Wednesday, December 23 at 7 PM and Thursday, December 24 at 4 and 6 PM.

 

Take care, and many blessings.

Nardeen

 

 

December 11, 2009

 

Click HERE for the prize list for the December 30th show.  This show is VHSA Associate rated and is held on Wednesday.  Please enter by NOON on Monday before the show so we can decide if we have enough entries to hold it.  I have already received several entries so it's looking promising.  Now we need to pray for the weather.  I sure hope it's not going to be like this weekend.  Brrrrrrrrrr.

 

Brittany's cooking dinner !!!   Well - Costco is actually cooking dinner and Brit is putting it in the pan.  We're having stuffed shells.  Yummmm.   Kyle is here again tonight - and the boys are playing their usual play station game.  I'm finishing the apples and another batch of cookies. Britts watching me type this - she has no idea I'm writing about her - and she's telling me what a good typist I am.  Now she's complaining about her curly hair. She's the cutest thing and has the cutest curly hair - but like all us curly hair girls, she hates it.

 

Okie dokie - please send in those entries asap.  At least give me an idea if you're thinking about coming.

 

Take care, and God bless,

Nardeen

 

 

December 12, 2009

 

We have had more "Christmassy" days this year than I can remember having in a long time.  Making homemade cookies and gingerbread houses, cooking dinner together, just good ole' family time.  No - we're not all "family" but we are - if you know what I mean.  We are blessed to have so many wonderful people in our lives who we love dearly. 

 

 

 

December 14, 2009

 

It just doesn't get any better than this !!!  Well - I guess it could get better if we had less rain and mud !!!  But putting that aside - we are SOOOOOOOO BLESSED !!!   Wrapping paper and gifts all over the family room, our favorite Christmas cookies baking, Christmas carols playing, and our horses munching on their hay !!!  Snuggles, Faith and Halo are watching every move we make - hoping something under the tree is for them.  They are so cute.  Actually - Halo is scared to death.  This is her first Christmas and she doesn't get it.  She's wondering why in the world there is paper, ribbon, and boxes all over the floor.  She's a riot.  Snuggles and Faith are sleeping - as usual.  My Snuggles is 15 years old now, and she sleeps most of the time.  But - so does Faith and she is only three.  I guess she copies Snuggles.

 

Remember to keep Danny and Ron's Rescue on your list for Christmas gifts.  If everyone sends a few dollars it could sure add up and help those boys out.  And - keep them in mind for your "Christmas Puppy."  Ron says they have quite a few.  Visit their site at www.dannyandronsrescue.com. 

 

Thirty nine years ago, actually just about this time, Chuck and I got married.  Wow - 39 years !!!  I sure do miss him.

 

Our New York trip is off until after the holidays.  Bethel Temple called and asked if we could help this Sunday with the two services.  They need "helpers" to lead the camels and donkeys thru the church for the live nativity!!!   Ryann is so excited.  She loves a camel.  So she, Hunter and Brittany are going to "camel and donkey practice" on Saturday, then participating in the Live Nativity.  If you get a chance to come to Bethel on Sunday please do.  It will surely add to your Christmas Joy !!!  And remember their "Imagination" program on December 23 - 7pm and December 24 - 4 & 7 pm. 

 

---

Debi Connor Update - from Rod

Debi came home from the hospital on Friday greeted by a very happy Samantha. The surgery on her hand and wrist went well and no long term issues are expected. She is in great spirits and is looking forward to getting on with life and business. She has expressed her deep gratitude for all of the prayers and best wishes.

---

 

That is sure good news from Rod about Debi.  Answered prayers, many prayers.  God is good.

 

 

Lots of love and blessings,

Nardeen

 

 

December 17, 2009

 

On Tuesday I did what I said I wasn't going to do and I totally regret it !!!  I went Christmas shopping.  Up until then I was LOVING the Christmas holidays.  We were "making" our gifts (apples, cookies, crafts) AND giving to our favorite charities.  Well - there were some people Ryann needed to "buy" for so we hit the stores for the ENTIRE DAY and it was awful.  We were just walking thru the stores, trying to find "anything" to give to people who already have everything, and spending money that should be going to people who really need it.  It was definitely not the reason for the season.  Anyway - I hated it, can you tell.  But then - yesterday - was back to the way it should be.  We stayed at home, made more goodies, Ryann hand-made a beautiful gift for someone who is going to absolutely love it, and I made us all pot roast for dinner.  Some of my favorite people dropped by to visit and I gave them their "Apple" and just spent time visiting with them for a while.  It was wonderful.  Then, I taught my precious little girls - who rode soooooo good.  And I gave them their Christmas presents, which one of them is a pajama party, gingerbread "barn" decorating, and a day at the barn playing with and riding horses.  Their little faces lit right up - AND that's what it's all about.  Memories, and cherished moments - NOT store bought gifts!  So BAH-HUMBUG to Christmas shopping.

 

Today is another wonderful day of staying at Ryann's, making more goodies.  Katie and Cady are coming over for dinner and Ryann has a special treat planned for Katie.  It is a great idea, and I know she is going to love it.  And Katie asked me to cook one of Mother Dear's special dinners of chicken cutlets, mashed potatoes and broccoli.  Come on by - we'd love to see you.

 

Love and blessings,

Nardeen

 

 

December 18, 2009

 

Yesterday was another wonderful day.  Ryann gave Katie her Christmas present which she loved.  I knew she would.  It was a gift and a memory.  And we had the Mother Dear dinner which was delicious, except for the broccoli.  It was okay, but no one can make broccoli like Mother Dear.  Even George Bush would love loved her broccoli.  We had a great girls night of making "Christmassy" things and reminiscing.  One of things we made was oranges with cloves.  I brought one home and put in my bedroom and it smells soooooooo good.  I love it.  And Brittany made cookies to take to school today for their "Gathering."  They aren't allowed to call it a Christmas Party.  It's just a "Gathering."   So weird what our world has come to.

 

I taught my two "little, little" girls - Shannon and Savannah - and they were adorable.  They are starting to really get it and they even trotted a little jump.  Cute as they can be.  Of course - that Jack makes it all possible.  He is worth his weight in gold. And Shannon brought Ryann and me the most beautiful angel pins that she and her mom made.  She was so excited. They are beautiful and I put mine right on my jacket.  So cute !!!

 

The countdown is here.  Seven - yes 7 days 'til Christmas.  Hooray!

 

Lots of love, many blessings and enjoy the CHRISTmas season.

Nardeen

 

 

December 20, 2009

 

What a weekend.  "Camel Handling" - much harder than it sounds.  They are the most beautiful animals, with their big beautiful eyes and their soft noses.  And as long as they were outdoors they were fine.  But - walking into Bethel Temple was another story.  The poor things had never been indoors before - but we weren't aware of that before it was "too late."  The commitment to Bethel Temple had been made and you know the saying "the show must go on."  I was proud of Ryann and Brittany.  They did a great job for not having "Camel Handling" experience.   And I was very proud of Ryann for using really good judgment when in the 9:00 a.m. service her camel got very nervous and could have been involved in a serious accident.  She quickly turned her around and took her out of the church.  Then everything went smoothly for the 11:00 a.m. service and the camels walked through the church like good camels.  Well - as good as camels can be in that situation.  God was definitely at Bethel Temple today and he definitely answered our prayers.  Thank you Jesus !!!  It was a really nice production - and Bethel, Pastor Glenn and Lacey should be proud of how it all turned out.  Try and come out to Bethel on either Wednesday at 7:00, or Thursday at 4:00 or 6:00 for a wonderful "Imagine" Christmas Eve production.  It will be AMAZING !!!

 

Hunter missed out on the camel fun because the National Guard was called last night because of the snow storm.  They sent his unit to Lynchburg to help out.  He's heading back home now.

 

We are sick, sick, sick of rain, snow, or any type of precipitation. 

 

Please visit Danny and Ron's website at www.dannyandronsrescue.com .  They have many, many dogs who need homes.  Read Ron's blog below:

DECEMBER 2,2009- THIS IS THE SEASON OF SHARING LOVE, JOY, PEACE AND HAPPINESS THROUGHOUT THE WORLD. PLEASE REMEMBER ALL OF THESE HOMELESS PETS THAT WANT LOVE IN THEIR LIVES. THEIR ONLY CRIME WAS BEING BORN. OPEN YOUR HEART AND PLEASE ADOPT. WE HAVE OVER 70 DOGS THAT NEED HOMES SO ON CHRISTMAS DAY THEY WILL SING "JOY TO THE WORLD LOVE HAS COME, AND I HAVE A HOME!" WE STILL HAVE CALENDARS FOR SALE THAT MAKE PERFECT CHRISTMAS GIFTS AND SAVE LIVES.

December 19, 2009- sorry it has been so long! my computer crashed!! we are overwhelmed with the amount of dogs that need homes. we need your help. please pass the word on. we have over 82 dogs that need homes. we have labrodoodles to you name it that need homes.

God bless you,

Nardeen

 

 

December 21, 2009

 

TOOLS !   There are going to be lots of tools under the Christmas tree this year.  And not for Hunter - but for Ryann.  She wants TOOLS.  She totally runs the barn now.  She teaches most of the lessons, organizes the lesson schedule, takes care of the horses, and rides the horses.  She puts up fence boards, fixes the electric fence, drives the tractor.  She is the barn manager and makes sure everyone does their job.  And SHE LOVES IT !!!  She loves it all. I thank God everyday for my wonderful daughter and how her passion and love for the horses and barn has grown these past few months.  And, I'm always amazed by God's timing for everything that happens in our lives. Isn't He wonderful.

 

Love you guys,

Nardeen

 

 

December 22, 2009

 

What a day we had today.  It started out with wrapping presents, making Orzo & Chicken Soup for poor Ryann who wasn't feeling good, and some last minute shopping for a special person.  Then - we got an unusual phone call asking if Celeste Kellogg, a local teenage girl could come to the barn for a few minutes and have a picture taken with one of our horses.  It is for the cover of a DVD of a TV program that is going to be airing in a few weeks, called "Lindsey's Way".  Right here in Smithfield we have this AMAZINGLY talented teenage girl who sings, dances, acts, and is getting ready to star in a new television program.  Ironically - it is about a teenage girl who rides and loves horses and her mother recently died.  She and her father are left behind and how they deal with the pain of it all.  WOW - a tear or two were shed today over it - but we also found it ironic - and God given.  We were going to use Reese because he is so beautiful - but the specifics of the photo was not something Reese was going for.  Celeste was to be holding his head on each side of his halter and her forehead touching his face.  Well - Mr. Reese is very funny about his head, and he was having no parts of that.  So - we decided to use precious Piper!  He was perfect.  And - AMAZINGLY enough, the horse that Celeste was in the pilot with looked very much like Piper.  It is absolutely incredible how it all turned out. The picture of Celeste and Piper is almost identical to the pilot picture they wanted to capture. Check it out at the web site under "Sneak Peak."  Celeste is very talented and adorable.  www.lindseysway.com.

    

The following is from a recent press release:

 

Teenager Lindsey (Celeste Kellogg) lives on a horse ranch with her father (Jeff Rose, Army Wives) as the two struggle with the recent death of Lindsey's mother.

Robbins contracted rising singing star Kellogg to play the adolescent who is more concerned about her fathers wellbeing and happiness than her own. As friends and teachers intervene, Lindsey learns that everyone grieves differently, and some may need more time to reflect on a loss of such magnitude.

We are giving young audiences a fresh new role model, Robbins says. Lindseys Way will attract tweens and teens with pop/country music, high octane horse riding action and powerful stories.

The Pilot will be ready for viewing in mid-December, 2009.
 

So - hopefully this talented local teen will make it to stardom.  And precious Piper will be the "Cover Horse."

God bless you Celeste.  Follow your dreams and always remember to give God the glory.

 

That precious Savannah came out today with the most beautiful Christmas ornaments for Ryann and me.  They remind us of Reese. Thank you Savannah.

 

Tomorrow is another busy, busy day.  My nieces and I are getting together and making "Brocioli" for Christmas dinner.  It is a delicious Italian rolled beef.  We are using Mother Dear's recipe which was out of this world.  I've found three of her hand-written recipes and they all are different.  Denise is going to have a fit because she wants to know EXACTLY what to do.  Oh well - we'll do like Mother Dear did and make it from the heart.  I have no expectations of it being as good as Mother Dear's.  She was an incredible cook.  I'm sure she'll be watching over us and helping us out. Then Denise and Molly are spending the night to help me get the house ready for Christmas.  I am sooooo blessed.

 

God bless you all, and lots of love.

Nardeen

 

 

December 23, 2009

 

 

 

    Celeste and Piper

 

 

 

December 24, 2009

 

Thank you Mrs. Jordan.

Nardeen

 

 

 

December 26, 2009

 

I sure hope you had a Merry Christmas.  Ours turned out wonderful. It was extra special this year because we had Anya, Brittany and Agita with us.  That made it more fun for us.  We LOVE them and are so blessed to have them in our lives.

 

Our Brocioli turned our good.  It wasn't Mother Dear quality, but it was good.  We need to make it more often so we are more experienced at it.  My precious Uncle Sal called this morning and I told him we had Brocioli for dinner.  He's my father's brother and he's in his 90's.  Still sharp as a tack though.   Anyway, he asked me how we made it and I when I told him we put pine nuts in it he said "well it sounds like you know what you're doing because the pinolis are an important part."  Pinolis are what all the old Italians call Pine Nuts. So - I think I'll make Brocioli again in a few weeks so I can practice!!!  Actually a few years ago when I was in Palm Beach Mindy Minetto, Claudia Roland and I put on an an "Italian Feast" at Claudia's house for Valentines Day. We all cooked things we loved. I made the Brocioli. Alex Cenzio helped me and he was a huge help. At the time I didn't realize he was such a good cook.  He is amazing.  Caroline and I love it when he makes us dinner. Last time I was there he made Chicken Curry and oh my goodness it was delicious.  The best I've ever had.  And he doesn't use a recipe or anything - he just cooks.  He's adorable !!!  I love him to pieces.  He is one of the kindest, sweetest people I know.  Caroline is as blessed to have him in her life as he is to have her.  They are the "perfect" couple.  I just wish they would quit smoking.  Add that to your prayer list please.

 

A group of us are heading to Williamsburg for the evening.  We are going to the Yankee Candle Factory - which everyone is telling me is a must do during the holidays.  We were going last Saturday night but then we got the "blizzard" so we didn't make it.  We're going there, the Prime Outlet Mall,  and eating dinner at Carrabbas. Yum - I love Carrabbas. 

 

CAMEL DAYS - OH WHAT MEMORIES !!!

 

             

 

 

Ryann & Anya

 

Have a blessed and wonderful day,

Nardeen

 

 

December 27, 2009

 

Remember to get your entries in TOMORROW (Monday) by NOON for the December 30 horse show at Amazing Grace Stable.   Click HERE for the prize list.  We've had sooooooo much rain that we're praying for it to dry up enough to have the show.  We will not be able to park in our usual field so entries will park in our parking lot which will only accommodate a few trailers.  We already have entries from Pam Herman, Melissa Luning, Betsy Burton and Beth Jones.  We will only be able to accept a few more trailers due to the limited parking.  Entries will be accepted on a first come basis. The above entries are already accepted so if you are one of them and do not plan to come please let me know as soon as possible. The show will start at 11:00 a.m.  

 

I sure hope you got to Bethel Temple on Christmas Eve to see the "Imagine" program.  It was AMAZING !!!   It was the best Christmas program I've ever seen.  There are so many talented people at Bethel.  And the children - oh my goodness, they were incredible.  It was a modern day version and had some touches of Cirque Du Soleil - starting out with one of the Pastors playing the role of the Mime in Cirque.  It was incredible.   Hats off to Bethel Temple !!!

 

We had a wonderful time last night in Williamsburg.  We sure don't spend enough time there.  It's fabulous.  And that Brittany knows Williamsburg like the palm of her hand.  She took us to another part of the Prime Outlet Mall that we didn't even know existed.  It was our favorite part.  Before we went we prayed and asked God to give us wisdom in our spending and to be with us as we shopped.  Thank God we had that prayer because we would have ended up spending a fortune.  God is good !

 

God bless you,

Nardeen

 

 

December 28, 2009

 

Today was Ryann's day !   We spent it at Sears buying tools, and tool cabinets, and well - all sorts of things that I never thought would be of interest to my "girly" daughter.  She had the best time.  She's all about organizing the tool room. I love it.

 

What a fun night we had tonight with some of the kids from the barn.  Soooooo cute.  They made a gingerbread barn and had the best time. Then they played some "crazy" games.  Just a fun night, with precious girls who LOVE horses.  Tomorrow - a "Ride-A-Thon" at the Amazing Grace Stable.  They can hardly wait. 

 

We'll decide after we ride tomorrow if we are able to have the horse show.  It's been awfully cold - and that's not helping things to dry out.  More than likely we are not going to be able to have it,  but please call me at 846-8176 or 357-7471 to find out for sure.

 

           

           Ryann, Liz, Brittany, Emma Claire & Logan                                   The Gingerbread Barn with Reese & Rex

 

 

 

 

December 29, 2009

 

I want to share something with you that happened to Ryann and me yesterday.  It was AMAZING and shows the power of prayer and how God wants us to pray for ALL things.  Sometimes we think we shouldn't "bother" God with "little" things - that he's too busy solving bigger problems in the world.  But that's not how the spiritual world works.  God wants us to come to him for "all" things in our lives.

 

Okay - so yesterday while we were going to Sears, Ryann and I asked God to give us wisdom in our purchases and to help us not over-spend.  Well - we shopped, and shopped for tools and only purchased what we really needed.  There were one or two other things we "needed" but we didn't get them because of the prices.  There was one particular tool chest Ryann wanted but they only had one part of it in stock.  Then we found another chest that we actually liked better and it was on sale.  So we ended up with three parts - which provided more space - and was a better deal.  Then we found a table and chairs for the office and it was on sale for a really good deal.  After we paid for all our purchases we went to the "Pick Up" area and there on display was our shelf, our table and chairs, and our tool chest !!!  Now - it was no coincidence that the three major items we purchased were what was on display in that area.  Out of that huge Sears store that was no coincidence.  There are thousands of items in that store - and right there in that little display area were our three major purchases.  It was like God was telling us we did good.  Plus - on the shelf was one of the things we had been looking at earlier but didn't get because of the price.  It was on sale, a really good sale, and it was the only one they had left !!!  I know that sounds crazy, but that is how He works.   God is AMAZING !!!

 

******************************

 

We ARE having the horse show tomorrow.  The exhibitors who entered want us to have it - even though it's going to be cold.  So bundle up - wear your long underwear, and warmest coat.  Riding coats are not required.  We are going to start at 1:00 to give the ring time to thaw out and get worked.  Schooling will not start before noon.  Brrrrrrr - I'm getting cold just thinking about it. 

 

We didn't get to have much of a "Ride-A-Thon" today.  It was so cold and the ring didn't thaw out until later in the day. Then we had to drag it (thank you John) and build the course for the horse show. And the horses were - well - a "little frisky."  They had a right to be frisky.  They haven't been ridden in a couple of weeks because of weather and Christmas. Jack - of course - was his perfect self, and surprisingly enough, Reese was a very good boy. I thought he would be really wild, but he was perfect. So  kids - we'll have to do our Ride-A-Thon again on a warmer day. 

 

So horse show "enthusiasts", we'll see you tomorrow.  Bundle up !

 

God bless,

Nardeen

 

 

December 30, 2009

 

We've come to our senses.  It is way to cold to have a horse show.  We just couldn't bear the thought of John getting on the tractor to drag both rings.  Brrrrrr - it's 27 degrees - and today's high is only 40 degrees at 3:00.  So, I called everyone and canceled.  Sorry guys - but it is just way too cold out here.  And happy birthday to all of Pam Herman's kids !!!  We were looking forward to sharing your birthday with you today. 

 

Here we are - at the end of another year.  AMAZING. 

 

God bless you all for a wonderful, prosperous New Year.

Nardeen

 

 

 

 

 

IMPORTANT FOR "A" SHOW EXHIBITORS

 

If you are showing at ANY "A" rated horse shows you should join the VHSA so your points will count. There are many exhibitors who would be winners of VHSA year end awards if they join and record their horses.  Click here to visit the VHSA website for more information and the necessary forms.  Make sure your points count!  Good luck.

 

 

 

 

 

Click here !