loi-uhl-tee
–noun, plural -ties.
| 1. | the state or quality of being loyal; faithfulness to commitments or obligations. |
| 2. | faithful adherence to a sovereign, government, leader, cause, etc. |
| 3. | an example or instance of faithfulness, adherence, or the like: a man with fierce loyalties. |
I think that sums it up.
We took Cocoa's winter supply of "Alfalfa/Grass" Mix up to Cove today. Chris tossed the bails out of the trailer and I stacked them in the barn. I'm continuing to learn the ins and outs of caring for livestock. Today, I learned two things...
First - the bails are stickin' heavy - use your legs, not your back. Seriously, they were like 75 lbs. a piece. I'm tired.
Second - when farmers make that sick, disgusting noise while trying to clear their throats before spitting - it's because there is hay stuck in their throats. Me, being the refined, city girl that I am, chose to drink water instead. However, it's been 5 hours and the junk is still in my throat and eyes. Farmers, I'll no longer judge you.
I've been very worried about my little Cocoa the past few nights. It's been extremely cold, and he hasn't got his winter coat yet. I was tempted to become one of those ritzy, snoby horse owners and buy him a blanket. Chris laughed at me. I'm happy to report, however, that after seeing him today, his winter coat is starting to make an appearance.
I should also mention that this sweet new member of the fam has recieved his official nickname... Co-Coa-Ca-Cho. I know, but Chris has a way of creating silly nicknames for everyone. Now Cocoa has his own.
You know the saying right? Well, it was bound to happen at some point -- however, Brielle didn't get bucked off the horse -- she fell off the horse. Brielle doesn't see the difference. All the poor girl can think about right now is her aching back and the fact that her best friend caused it.
I should mention that we could not have asked for a better horse. His temperament is so calm and he has such a sweet personality. He'll rest his big head right on your chest -- I call this "Cocoa Hugs." He kisses your back when he's walking behind you. I've fallen in love with a brown horse named Cocoa. In a few short days he's become like a 2nd child. It's silly, but I worry about him when I'm not with him.
Back to the drama... Brielle was riding bare-back and Cocoa stopped to munch some hay. She let go of Cocoa to pet him and he shifted sideways rather suddenly. Brielle slid off his back landing right on her behind, legs coming down last. It knocked the wind right out of her, and her face immediately turned purple. Chris got to her first and held her until she got calmed down.
Like a true cowgirl - she got right back on.
Brielle is pretty sore, but is now worried about Cocoa. You see, Cocoa got a little worried with Brielle crying and he himself was little skiddish after the whole ordeal. She's worried that he might have had his feelings hurt, too. On the way home, Chris told her about the above mentioned saying, and she replied "But he didn't buck me - I fell!" I think she's going to be just fine.
I don't have a picture of the fall, but I do have a picture of Cocoa's new home (just in case anyone was wondering). Disclaimer... the next several posts are almost guaranteed to be about my newest love.
By the looks of this place, you can tell that Cocoa is going to be one spoiled pony - livin' a life of luxury in Cove.
First -- don't go walking around in the pasture in good shoes. Even if you miss the big piles of (explicit), the stuff is spread all over the place and compacted into the ground. Just think of the entire ground as a big pile of manure. That brings me to the second thing I've learned...
These are muck boots... and are essential when you have a horse and and go walking through the pastures with the "muck" all over the ground.
I got a pair today. Never thought I'd want them. Never thought I'd need them. Now I have them. The silver lining? They are by far the cheapest shoes I've ever had to buy myself. Brielle got a pair today too -- the childrens muck boots are much cuter than the adult muck boots (and come in a variety of colors).
Third -- when calling around to find hay for your horse, know the difference between alfalfa and grass and an alfalfa/grass mix. Know the difference between 1st, 2nd & 3th crop. No farmer wants to talk to a city girl that doesn't know the difference and who doesn't know which is better for her own horse. I'm learning! Give me a break!
Fourth -- know your way around Cal-Ranch, otherwise, you'll end up buying dog food for your horse. If you ask me, it's dumb that they put the two right next to each other.
Lastly -- owning a horse is like burning $100 bills (at least that's what Chris says) - unless - you have a great friend, with lots of land, a barn, 3 saddles and all other horse necessities. It would be unaffordable if you didn't. Rather than buying everything at once, we can acquire things gradually.
The things I haven't learned???
How to put a halter (bridle?) on the horse. Having the horse jerk his head around makes me jump. I'll need just a little bit more practice.
I'm going to stop here. There are just too many things to mention.
Every other year, when the Merkley's get to together for Thanksgiving, the following day is spent hiking in the woods, looking for the perfect Christmas Tree.
The Chris Merkley family will always tag along, but we never get a tree. I prefer the fake kind.
This year will drove up to Logger's Cabin in the Uintah Mountains, about an hour from the Merkley farm. While the men headed into the trees, the women stayed behind while the kids played in the snow.
For some of the kids, it was their first experience playing in "no" (snow). They loved it!
For other kids, it was just way too cold. I hear you Samantha... I want to go somewhere warm, too!
And for the older kids, the cold and the snow did not stop them -- they still found icey pounds to slide on, snowballs to throw & places to explore.
Finally, the men returned. It was then that the fire could be started and the chili, hot chocolate and donuts could be shared. Mmmmmm.
While they enjoy their "real" Christmas trees (and cleaning up the pine needles that will constantly fall to their floor), I will be enjoying my pre-lit, perfectly round Christmas tree that leaves no evidence of fallen needles... of which I didn't have to hike around in the cold, cold snow to find. None the less, it's a tradition that we look forward to every-other-year.
Or in our case - Trucks, Tailors & Horses.
Thanksgiving weekend provided us with the perfect opportunity to bring Brielle's Birthday/Christmas present for the next several years home to Cache Valley. "Cocoa" has been growing big and getting fat on Grandpa's farm.
You may be wondering "What's that Ford doing in the picture?" That would be Pop's truck. Our poor little Tundra tried to make the trip, but after struggling up hills and burning through way to many gallons of gas, we stopped off and traded trucks in Alpine. Let's just say Chris and I are slowly becoming Ford lovers (and it wasn't just the seat warmers).
Well hello, beautiful! Yes, that big, gorgeous brown horse with the white nose and two white socks is Cocoa, who almost doubled in size since the last time we saw him. I believe he is anxiously awaiting our arrival -- he just couldn't wait to see Brielle.
Let's get reacquainted.
Remember me? I'm Brielle. I'm going to take you back to Cache Valley and you are going to live in a big red barn. I'm going to feed you, and love you, and ride you forever. We're going to be the best of friends.
Since Cocoa is still a young horse, Brielle walked him around for a while until he was ready to be riden. He followed her around, nibling at her shirt. He gave her a love bite (which left a bruise and a scab). We told Brielle that Cocoa was marking her as his own. Her response? "I'm not his! He's mine!"
When Cocoa was ready, we saddled him and Brielle went for her first ride. We had no idea that Cocoa would even be ready to ride, but Uncle Gordon has been working with him over the summer. What a happy surprise! Chris and I were amazed at how mellow he is for only being 2 years old!
Next, Chris took him out for a ride. Sexy. That's all I can say. I didn't realize I married a cowboy. I asked if I could get him a hat and boots to complete the look and he told me no. It didn't hurt to ask.
Soon, we'll hit the road for the trip back home. Cocoa will be staying in Cove, Utah -- not far from our house. Having never stepped foot in a barn, he won't know what to think when he finds out he has his very own stall in a barn with the heated water trough and 3 new friends. Lucky guy.
I'm working on a secret gift and cannot tell the details... but I couldn't resist posting this picture. It's beautiful! On the left, you'll see a picture of my Nana (Great-Grandma Brunetti) - this is where I get the Italian from. The gorgeous Audry Hepburn looking women on the right is my grandmother, Carmela (aka Carrie). And the little girl... Brielle refers to her as "Nani." Yup - that's my mom - isn't she darling!
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, I couldn't help but post about my gratitude for these wonderful women who are a big part of life. All of them have taught me something, whether it be about motherhood, cooking, heritage and the gospel.
My Nana taught me about hard work. I vaguely remember the fruit stand in Midvale where she lived and sold fresh fruits and veggies from her garden. I remember family gatherings with the most amazing food. She died when I was young, but I still have some very found memories or her.
Carmela - my grandmother. She has been a huge example of temple service. When I lived in Salt Lake, Chris and I would attend the temple on the weekends because we were sure to find my short little Italian grandmother scurring around the halls of the Jordan River Temple. For as long as I can remember, she has been a faithful temple servant.
Mom - Laura - Nani - no matter what you call her, she is always there for me. She always seems to know just what I need and knows how to make people feel special. She'll go out of her way to get TP at Costco, and hairspray at Jace's Salon when I'm out. She never says no when you need her, is an amazing cook and has to be THE best grandmother out there. Hands down. I know Brielle will agree. Everybody loves Nani.
I feel so lucky to have had, and have these beautiful women in my life.
I know, I know. But let's be honest. I couldn't possibly not blog about New Moon. Once again the BUNCO gals got together, plus a whole lot of other friends who wanted to join our truly fabulous group for a night fun with our favorite, fictional boys... Edward and Jacob.
My husband chose to make fun of us on facebook yesterday. Some of you got it -- some of you didn't. All I have to say about that is this... Not cool. Yes, we did in fact have our tickets 4 weeks early, sweetie. New Moon Tickets are gold. New Moon Tickets were sold out and for days I had people calling inquiring about extras. New Moon Tickets are money. Would you have rather stayed home with an irritable women who was denied the chance to watch a sparkly vampire with piercing eyes and massive sex appeal and drool over a totally ripped 17 year man with muscles so defined that it almost made it a sin to watch? Right now, you're thinking "Lucky she had tickets."
You think we're geeks for arriving at the theater 3 hours early to stand in line... but I call it street smarts. Have you ever stood in a line of crazed Twilight fans, pushing and elbowing their way closer to that black door, which houses a super-large wide screen which will soon show a super large image of the sexy vampire I mentioned earlier? I rest my case. Not to mention... the people at the front (me) did not freeze... the front of the line was inside the building. Like I said -- street smarts.
On to more important things. New Moon (sigh). It was wonderful! I can't say that I liked New Moon more than Twilight, however, the quality of the movie was SO much better! I really loved the movie! LOVED it! It was so much more colorful and so very clear. At times maybe too clear. Dear Desi said it best when she said "Some people can't help their body features... but EVERYONE can wax!" Well said.
Oh Keri - I'm glad that this movie wasn't a total waste for you. Her dear, deceased James flashed on the screen for a brief moment, causing her to scream "Thank You Lord!" Keri, I love sitting by you at movies. It's truly an experience all of its own. I did, however, find it funny that the scene that showed was of James getting pounded by Edward. But hey, at least he was there, right?
Jacob - oh my Jacob. I have never been a Jacob fan. I was always on Edward's team. However, I didn't mind the eye candy. We was very, very, very, amazingly so very, incredible easy to look at. Wow. Insert disclaimer... the kid doesn't look like he's 17 in the movie! I'm just sayin'.
The most important part of watching a Twilight Saga movie is the company you take with you. It made the experience so much more fun. Really, it is the only time 30 years old can act this crazy, obsessive and giddy and get away with it. "Notebook Moments" cannot be had in the presence of husbands, or people that just don't share your enthusiasm for the books. You can't giggle and laugh and drool and obsess with non-Twilighters near by. Besides... when you don't take your hubby, it gives you an excuse to go back and see it again!
On a side note...I almost hit a deer on the drive home. For those of you who remember last years events, I did in fact hit a baby deer on my way home from seeing Twilight. This time, the deer was bigger and if it weren't for Amy, I surely would have hit it. I may be jinxed, cursed, I don't know. But I know this -- I'm not driving next year.
Ladies - it was amazing and the experience was top notch! Eclipse 2010!!! Jolene - start planning our "before party."
I received an order from some Real Estate agent friends of mine. Working in my new smaller kitchen is a bit more challenging than my old, wonderfully big kitchen with center island... but I'm not complaining. The result is still just as fabulous (and blissful)...
Blissfully Maple Pecan... Maple Cupcake topped with a Maple Cream Frosting and dusted with Candied Pecans. I don't know what could possibly be more Thanksgiving? Except for maybe the Pumpkin Cupcakes.
We recently made the decision to switch Brielle from the local charter school to Providence Elementary, which is just a few blocks from our new house. I was reminded of the show "Charlie & Lola". You know, that cute little show on the Disney Channel?
The day Brielle outgrew that cute little show made me cry. I loved listening to Lola's sweet little voice with her British (English?) accent. I was reminded of one of the episodes (which was made into a book - which we have) yesterday when I took Brielle to her second first day of school. You know... this book...
Lola thinks she's just too small to start school, but her brother Charlie convinces her not to worry; that she'll have fun and do fun things. Yesterday, I too was trying to convince Brielle that her first day at Providence Elementary was going to be magical! There was going to be so many fun things to do! So many new friends to meet! And nice teachers waiting to welcome you to their class!
While trying my best to convince Brielle that all would be well, I was looking around at the sea of 3rd graders thinking to myself "She's too small for this!" "She's too little!" My cute little 7 year old looked like a baby compared to the rest (all 8 & 9 year olds). She was very noticeably 6-8 inches shorter than the shortest kid in the class (slight exaggeration, but close). I hadn't noticed this before, but was sure seeing it now.
That's when I felt it. A wave of nervousness hit me and I worried for Brielle. Will she have fun? Will my tiny person meet new friends? Are her teachers waiting to welcome her?
I had nothing to worry about. Her teachers had prepped the class for the "new student" and so many children waited anxiously for her arrival. I kept hearing little voices whispering "that must be her -- that must be Brielle." Almost immediately, Brielle was surrounded by wonderful new friends, some we recognized from our old ward. I wasn't prepared for what came next.
Brielle, with a smile beaming across her face looked at me and said "You can go now, Mom." What? Wait! What? I thought you wanted me to stay with you? Don't you need me? I kissed her on the cheek, squeezed her tight and held back the tears while walking out of the school. The first day of school always makes me cry.
I had nothing to worry about. Her day was magical... I could see it on her face when I picked her up from school that day.
*** Thanks K.M. for helping me make the decision to switch. Your input and answers to my questions made our decision much less difficult. It makes me happy to see Brielle so happy!
