Taze & Tesi - Fall 2008!

I just couldn't help but share these pictures. I have been doing a bunch of reorganizing and came across these pictures. They are so happy and playful and they make each day a delight. I love them and I am so grateful I am their mom. They are such a joy to have in our home. I am always amazed at all I learn from them each day. You're the best Taze and Tesi!

Happy New Year!

Make a Smilebox greeting

Merry Christmas!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

My Three Favorite Canines!

Meet Mator, Masi and Britta. They are the best dogs. All three are very obedient and kind. They love Taze and Tesi and let them do just about anything with them. Masi and Britta are English Mastiffs. They truly are gentle giants but awesome guard dogs. They have proved their protection abilities a couple of times with me and I truly appreciate their loyalty. After losing Meier, my rottweiler, I didn't know if I could love a dog so much again, but my girls have won me over 100%. They are such a joy to have around. Oh and Mator is too.

This is Masi. She is the youngest of the two. She is such a beautiful dog. She is quiet but observes everything around her. When she is guarding me she sits right at my feet. If I move she moves. She is such a delight to be around. Tesi loves to play like her and Britta are her horses. She tries to ride them but rarely succeeds because she slides off their sides pretending they bucked her off. It is hilarious to watch.

This is Britta. I bought her when she was 10 months old. When I got her home she was really shy and quite scared of everything and everyone accept me. I am so proud of her because she has really matured and broken out of her shell. She is my vocal one. She makes her presence known and does not like me giving attention to anyone else but her. She will push her way in to get attention. She is really beautiful and we love her.

This is our Mator dog. He is one hunting fool. He loves to go anywhere we go. He is always first to jump in the truck. He loves Chris and can't wait for the next hunt. He is very patient with Tesi - she is always inventing new ways to play with him. The other day my dad told him - "Mator, you better run, here she comes!" It is so funny to watch her with him. I am just glad he is so well tempered. Just don't bring your dog around him. He will eat them for lunch. He has been in more than one fight and he was not the dog yelping. Don't let his size fool you because he is one tough dog!

And More of My Favorite Things!

Taze is just having fun hanging out in the barn.



Chili is the next champion to come out of the Stegelmeier Barn. Stay tuned til next summer for the list of awards and money earned!



Chili is so good to Tesi. He drops his head just so she can give him kisses. It is so cute to watch.



Another great picture of Tesi with Chili!

More of My Favorite Things!

Taze is practicing his roping. He does very well for his age.



Posing for a great picture. What a handsome little cowboy!



This is my winning horse 'Tuff'. He is so awesome and fun to ride. There will never be another one like him.



Tesi waiting for Tuff to give her a kiss goodnight.

A Few of My Favorite Things!

This is what we love - being outside with the horses!

Taze and Tesi love riding Ike. He is so good to them. They both can ride him all by their selves and they are so proud of that fact.



This is my latest edition to the barn. "Hez My Little Man" aka Mani. He has been one of the easiest colts I have raised, so far that is. He is so gentle and kind. He loves attention and is so smart. I teach him something once and he retains it and is always eager to do what I ask him to.



Tesi grooming Ike. I cannot go to the barn without her. She wants to be in on everything that happens with the horses.

*In Loving Memory - My Grandpa Harman*

In loving memory Willard "Pete" James Harman. Better known to me as Grandpa. My grandpa passed away December 28, 2007. His funeral was January 3, 2008. I had the wonderful opportunity to speak at his funeral. I was very fortunate to be able to reflect on his life, his many accomplishments and the memories I have of him. His passing was a blessing for him but a trying time for those that loved him. He is a great man and we all miss him very much.

More Fun Vegas Pictures!

Vegas is so pretty at night!

The fun and fabulous New York New York!

One of our favorite places - the M&M factory. Always a lot of fun and great shopping! (As if you can't tell by all the bags we are carrying!)

Oh, and yes, we love the Coca Cola factory as well. Lots of fun stuff to see and buy!

Watch Out Vegas!

Last December during the NFR, my Mom, sisters and I all headed down for a lot of fun. We left the husbands and kids behind for a vacation requiring no responsibility. We had the time of our lives. We shopped a ton and spent way too much money, we ate really good food, watched an amazing performance of the NFR, laughed a lot and just had a really good time with each other. We actually got to eat a meal and we didn't have to wait on anyone. We could carry on a conversation without being interrupted or helping someone with a potty break and then missing the rest of the story. In fact we had so much fun we are going back this year and we are even staying a day longer. We had a terrific suite in the New York New York. We even
had the opportunity to see some famous people, get pictures with them and their autographs. I personally had the opportunity to talk to Sheri Cervi World Champion Barrel Racer). She is really nice. It was just so fun to be able to get away and enjoy the special people in my life that unfortunately I never get enough time with. Can't wait for the next trip!

*I lost my Best Friend - Meier*

 
November 6, 2007 I had to put my best friend to sleep. His name was Meier. He is a 7 year old Rottweiler. He had an incurable spinal cord disease and I had to make to the hard decision of whether to be selfish and keep him alive putting off the inevitable or put him down and let him be free of pain. I know I made the right decision but it sure was a hard one. I know he is happy and running and playing like a dog should. I was fortunate enough to have him spend his last night by my side. Meier was an amazing dog. He understood me as well as my twin sister. He always kept an eye on me to make sure I was OK. I am so grateful to have had him be a part of my life. Animals are truly a blessing from God. Meier is a true testament of that.

Barrel Racing Season 2007!

The 2007 barrel racing season was a blast. Although I just didn't get enough. Tuff did an awsome job as usual. Even though I wasn't on the road as much as I would have liked, he did win me a very beautiful 1st place buckle. Oh, and of course, some money throughout the season. It is always so fun to participate in such a great sport that is so family oriented. I couldn't ask for a better horse. Tuff is all heart and gives everything he has every run. What a great season this has been.