Yesterday we headed down to Livonia for our family thanksgiving. It was great to see everyone again. I think the count was around 54 or so people....the more the merrier!
My cousin Kelly announced her engagement to her friend of seven years. I think we all just about lost our hearing the cheering was so loud!!! We had a great time, talking, visiting and of course, it wouldn't be Thanksgiving unless there was lots of food to enjoy!
On Tuesday, Dad got his new truck. It's one fancy machine! The old truck is officially retired now!
Levi got another doe the other day....we've got four in the freezer and three more still at the processers.
Last night we had quite a snow storm. Everything looks so lovely this morning, covered in sparkling white. The trees and fences are coated in frost.
Tomorrow we are heading to Lansing for a rabbit/horse show. We'll be taking several rabbits and showing all day...that is, Mom, Levi and Lydia will be doing that while I watch the horse show! Dad and Seth will probably float back and forth between the two...they're in the same building. Akia and Kelly will probably join us. I'll be posting about that Sunday or Monday.
Lauren

We finally have some snow sticking around for more than five minutes. It's lovely and bitter cold outside so I'm sure it won't melt for awhile. I got out for awhile today and took some pictures. I can't wait until everything is covered in fluffy white!
I haven't been out to see the horses in about a week and a half or two weeks, but I made it out there this morning. I whistled for Bannie as I opened the gate and he came running and whinnying to meet me. I visited with them for about half an hour and he followed me the whole time, demanding my attention and he kept nuzzling and rubbing on me so I'd notice him. He's such a loving horse. He was so jealous anytime I even looked at the other horses. He followed me when I went back out and kept pushing on the gate trying to get out to me. I thought he was going to break the chain. He looks like a big teddy bear with his fluffy winter coat. The other horses were glad to see me too. Lena is looking so chubby! Her belly has really expanded. Maggie pretty much ignored me after a quick hello and Smoke pretended she didn't want to see me at first, but I won her over with some ear scratching.
After I visited the horses, I came in and made some apple pies. Three of them in fact. A friend of ours, Sara, gave us a box of apples so I put some of them to good use! I found a recipe for a pie crust you just press into the pie plate instead of rolling it out. It's a little soggy even though I froze the crust before putting in the filling...I think I'll pre-bake it a little next time. Otherwise they taste good. I gave one to Grandma and Grandpa and I'm sure my brothers won't let the other two spoil!
Well, if my computer stops acting up I'm going to try and get some work done on my book. Not sure what I'll be doing Wednesday...probably the same thing as tomorrow and Thursday we'll be heading to Livonia to spend the day with family. I'll probably post pictures of that Friday or Saturday.
Lauren

We got back four of the five processed deer yesterday. The doe Seth shot the other day isn't ready yet. The freezer isn't quite full, but almost!! I've put some pictures below of the doe Seth got and the freezer full of meat. Also some pictures of my sunshine box gifts from the last few days.
We've got snow on the ground...maybe here to stay. It was snowing hard yesterday and the roads were icy. The wind has died down today, but it's still snowing a little. It's crisp and cold...looks like we'll have a white Thanksgiving!
Lena is getting bigger all the time. I'm going to wander out later and snap some pictures of the horses and other animals. They all look so fuzzy in their winter coats. Bannie always gets the fluffiest of all the horses. Smoke doesn't fuzz up that much...Mom put a blanket on her last night because it was so cold, about 20 with high winds. Smoke doesn't seem to winter over well.
I've got three more chapters to edit on my book, then off to the publishers it goes for their editing. I'll be glad to finish with this part of the process.
Stay warm!
Lauren

Seth went hunting today and got another doe at the same stand as the two bucks. He's seen a lot of activity there the last few days and he shot at one a day or two ago and missed. Most of the time the deer were just out of range.
 Lydia found a possum in the chicken coup about a week and a half ago and Seth found another one the other day. We knew something had been eating the eggs...they were both adolescents, probably late spring, early summer babies.
My Sunshine Box gift for today was a picture with my name at the top, then they took my name and put a verse of scripture for each letter.
It went something like this:
Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.
                                                                                             Psalms 99:11
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Unto thee O Lord do I lift my soul. Psalm 25:1

Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice. Philippians 4:4

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise. Psalm 100:4

Not my will but thine be done. Luke 22:42

I thought it was very good idea. I would have never thought of it.
Tonight is the ending of the auction so the phones will be ringing like crazy pretty soon!
We're getting ready to leave the auction hall so I've got to pack up my computer and things.
Lauren

Today I worked on my book, made a big pot of chicken soup and did some reading.
Seth and Levi are out hunting right now...Seth shot at a doe yesterday and this morning but didn't get either one. Our freezer is going to be pretty full as it is!
Ranger, the housecat, was stalking a squirrel this morning in the front yard. He's such a sissy cat. The barn cats won't have anything to do with him. I think he did manage to catch a bird once...and once he got a chick. He stalked this silly squirrel for probably ten minutes.
I put pictures below of Ranger, the new stove and soup. Below the pictures is an excerpt from my book.
Enjoy!
~Lauren

Chapter Sixteen: A Trip to Town

   When Amy woke the next morning, Roseann was still sleeping. 
    There were sounds of activity outside, so Amy dressed and slipped out, leaving her Bible on her bed. 
   "Maybe Roseann will read it if I'm not there." she thought hopefully.
   Anders, Tye, Arty and Daniel were standing outside the bunkhouse when Amy stepped onto the porch.
   Anders noticed her and waved her over. 
   "Ready for some good company?" Anders asked as she joined them. 
    Amy laughed. "At least you'll talk to me!" she related what had happened the night before. "I guess all we can do is pray for her. I get the feeling that she is one unhappy little girl inside. I hope she reads my Bible." she
finished.
   Anders nodded. "I bet you gave her a pretty big shock. Of course, that isn't unusual, but…Owww!" he yelped. 
   "You think you're so smart, Anders Archer!" Amy planted her hands on her hips. 
    "Come on, Amy, give me a break!" Anders held up his hands.
   "She just did!" Tye chuckled. 
   "Sure feels like it." Anders muttered, rubbing his arm. 
   "Quit gripin' Anders and take your punishment like a man. I'm heading for the feed trough, is the whiner club going to join me?" Daniel asked over his shoulder as he opened the bunkhouse door. 
   "What did you say?" Amy asked. 
   "Ooops! That didn't include you, Amy." he chuckled. 
   "Better not have!" Amy grinned. "Or you'd be in big trouble!" 
    Clint was waiting in the bunkhouse for her. 
   "Morning, Dad." Amy greeted him. 
   "Morning, Amy. Have a good night's sleep?" 
   "Best in a long time!" she grinned. 
   While they ate, Amy told him about her evening. "I plan to read a little from the Bible out loud every night. Maybe it will get through to her." 
    Clint nodded. "That's a good idea. What were you planning on doing today?" 
   "I was about to ask you the same thing." Amy told him. 
   "I'm going to get started getting ready for the return trip. I doubt Roseann wants to entertain you all day. I'm sending Grubby and Caleb into town for supplies, would you like to go along?" he asked. 
   Amy nodded. "Sure. Can I ride in?" 
   "Yes, but take Buck. I noticed Bannie got a cut on his leg yesterday. You shouldn't stress it today by riding him. He's been working pretty hard the last while, he needs a break." 
   "Okay. When are they going to start?" she asked. 
  "Right away, I think. Here comes Grubby now." 
   While Clint talked to Grubby, Amy slipped back into the house for her hat and spurs. 

Well, I did finish that book...five seconds before the power went out! It went out around six and came back on around midnight. Dad hooked up the generator for a little while, but before that we lighted the house with candles and flashlights. I much prefer the candles! We were playing Amish! There were a lot of people out last night. The electric company said the power would not come back on until eleven pm Monday night...it was a nice surprise when it came on nearly twenty-four hours before expected. It's still wet and windy outside. There are lots of branches down.
One of Levi's bunnies died during the night. We're not really sure why. He says she has a runny nose...if rabbits get a cold they usually just die so that could be what happened. He says she was fine last night. There is a possibility she died of a heart attack. Rabbits have weak hearts and any sudden shock or scare will just stop their heart.
My doctor's appointment on Friday went well. The doctor says what they see with this type of compression fracture is, if you're not consistent with the brace, sometimes the vertebrae will compress more. He said it looks good and it is not compressing more. The vertebrae will never be back to full size, but we don't want it to get smaller. If it continues to heal properly, I should be out of the brace by February.
Today I'm going to work on the first book. I'm more than halfway done editing it. I might work on the rough draft of the third one too.
Okay, I'm going to get to work on that....if I come across an interesting part, I might post an excerpt later today.
Lauren

We went to church in Ohio today and appropriately my sunshine box gift was a book! So that kept me busy on the long drive. The title is: The Way She Chose. It's a good book for teenage girls.
I loaded the pictures of the boy's deer. Click on the pictures to enlarge and show the caption.
Right now we are in a tornado watch area with a pretty big storm headed our way. Thankfully we got home before it hit so we weren't driving in it. I love storms...especially at night.
Well, I didn't  quite finish that book on our six hour drive today so I think I'll curl up with it and a cup of coffee and see if I can finish it by tonight!
Lauren

Yesterday was opening day of gun season. The boys were out bright and early. Levi got a big doe, his first ever, and Seth got a five point buck, his third. They took them in to be processed, then headed out again in the evening. Levi got another does and Seth got a four point buck. Wow! That's a lot of deer on the first day! Our freezer is gonna be full!
Also yesterday Mom, me and Lydia dropped by my friend Kristina's house for a short visit. We weren't going to stay very long, but two of the Charity churches Kristina's family goes to made a Sunshine Box for me and Nathan, Kristina's fiancé, was on his way down here for the weekend and was bringing it with him. So I stayed and helped Kristina wrap silverware for her wedding. Nathan got there around eight and Mom and Dad picked me up at nine thirty. I had a good time. Below are some pictures of Kristina while we were doing the silverware. Her sister got some silly ones of us that Kristina will be sending me so I'll post those when I get them. I'll also be posting pictures of the boys and their deer as soon as I get them loaded onto my computer.
I guess I should explain what a Sunshine Box is. It's something that the Plain people do for shut ins and people that are ailing in some way. Everyone contributes some wrapped item, then all the packages are compiled into one box. That box is given to the shut in or whomever it is meant for and that person is to open one package a day until they are gone. It's a very interesting thing and gives you something to look forward too. I opened one package yesterday and one today. I've put pictures of those things below as well.
Tonight, or really this afternoon, we are probably going to the Orchard for the horse and tack auction Kristina and Nathan are shopping this afternoon but might join us later tonight. I hope they do.
Well, I'm going to get some of those pictures loaded.
Lauren

Today me and Seth went to the auction hall with Dad to finish up picturing. While the guys were in the back taking the pictures, I was in the office loading preview pictures on to the website. It took me awhile to load all 169 pictures five at a time...I hadn't been finished very long when Dad came up and we realized I had loaded them into the wrong auction! So, down they came and I reloaded them, five at a time!
After that, Dad and I headed outside to take some videos. We take videos of stuff that runs so people can get a better idea of what they are buying. We had six to do this time. It was a beautiful day...not too hot and not too cold and the sun was shining. It felt good to be out there. After we took the videos I had some time while the guys were still picturing so I loaded them on the computer and put them together. Hmmm....the guys still weren't done so that's why I'm doing this! I did some more work on the third book last night....it's getting really exciting! I'll have to post an excerpt sometime soon.
Lena is getting positively huge! After only a week of wearing her blanket, mom had to loosen the straps. It seems like her udder is building somewhat...not really making a big change though. She's so funny, one minute she's so sweet and cuddly, begging to be petted and loved on, the next it's like, "Get out of here! You're annoying me!" I think the other horses are somewhat bewildered by it.
Levi worked with Maggie in the round pen yesterday. She was bucking pretty good when he started, but by the time he finished, she was behaving better. We didn't go to sorting last night, but we might go to the auction this Saturday at the same facility. Our bridles keep breaking...we need another one so we might try to pick one up at the auction.
I think the guys are finishing up so I better pack up my stuff!
Lauren

We had quite the snow storm yesterday. We've had a few times where a few flakes floated down, but this one actually coated the ground. It was nice to wake up to a white world outside.
So of course I had to get some pictures before it melted! There were some pretty scenes just waiting to be captured.
The horses were sunning themselves....Lena's belly seems bigger than ever. They all looked half asleep! Especially Bannie. I think sleeping and eating are his favorite things to do!  
Sunday afternoon, me, Levi and Dad headed out to do some work with Maggie. She has been bucking on and off the last week so we worked on that. Both Levi and Dad rode her while I took full advantage of my backseat drivers, or should I say...riders license! She did buck for both of them and we quickly figured out she was being lazy and wanted to quit. So every time she misbehaved Levi or Dad, whoever was riding, made her speed up. By the end of the session, she was doing much better...she had figured out that bucking didn't get her out of work, it just got her more. We got her a new bit at the expo on Saturday and that seemed to help.
I went for my first x-ray of my back yesterday. My appointment with my doctor is Friday so I'll know then how well it's healing. I feel great and have nearly no pain. Occasionally it'll ache a little, but that is the minority of the time. I'm able to be pretty active...I've been going on walks to help fill my spare time....of which I have a lot right now!!
I did a little work on the third book yesterday while we were at the auction hall. It's coming along nicely and I'm very excited with the plot for this one. I'm on the seventh chapter....Kidnapped. After we finished at the auction hall we went over to a lady's house that we were having do some sewing for us. Lydia has already gotten one dress and Deegee had another one for her ready and one each for me and mom. She did a nice job.
Today I'm going to be editing pictures for the auction....I'm hoping to have a little time to work on editing the first book too.
Well, if I hope to get all that done today...I'd better get busy!
Lauren

Yesterday Dad took me and Levi to the horse expo in Novi Michigan. They had all kinds of trainers and such doing talks and demonstrations. We got there around ten and didn't leave until nearly seven. It was very interesting and we learned a lot. There was one trainer from Rhode Island, Ben Wallace, doing a demonstration on breaking colts, the first ride. That was really interesting and helpful.
There was a lady there, Holly Armstrong, who she and her horse are the 2013 parade horse international winner. They were a sight to see. The saddle weights 150#'s and is made of silver. It's a vintage saddle like Roy Rogers would have used. Their was another lady there who trains dogs. Her Frisbee dog was amazing.
They had lots of venders and we came away with a few things! The building we were in was huge and all the sand for the arena and round pen were hauled in and had to be hauled back out at the end of the weekend! That's an incredible about of dirt.
Bill and Cricket, two of the people we've met at sorting were there showing people how to tie their horses on a picket line.
We had a good time and I think it inspired Levi to start working harder with Maggie. We got her a new bit and some non-slip saddle pads. The guy who sells them, Tim Scarberry, demonstrated how he could leave his cinch completely loose, actually hanging 5 inches below the horse's belly and climb on, with out the saddle turning. He doesn't live very far from us and one of Mom's friends has taken a horse to him before. He has a trailer with steps and a ramp going up to the top...he rides a horse up there, stands on it's back and cracks a bull whip, them rides back down.
Levi's chomping at the bit, not literally!, to get out and ride. I'm sure some of us will be out at the round pen later!
Lauren

We are pretty sure that Lena is bred. At the lady's place where we got her, she was in with a donkey jack named Luke. Jan, the previous owner, thought he wasn't able to produce anymore because he is older so she put a bunch of mares in with him.
Well, Luke graced her with four mule babies this summer. She expects to get some calls from a few other people that bought mares from her this summer as well.
When we went to pick Lena up, I saw a couple of the mule babies with their mothers. They sure were cute.
Jan had bought Lena from the kill pen last December. So there is a possibility that she was bred there. If that's the case, she would be due sometime in December. If Luke is the father, she may not be due until March. With as big as she's looking, I don't think we'll have to wait so long.
I've put some pictures of Luke and Lena's pregnant belly at the end of the post. Notice the ears on Luke!! We'll be able to tell right away if its his baby or not!
As we were discussing the possibility of Lena being bred and such, Dad said, "So, weaned and gone right?" Well, immediately me, mom and Lydia shouted. "Nooooo!" And Dad just shook his head! So if we do get a baby, it's here to stay.
I'm excited for the chance to train a baby right from birth...even if it is mule. We looked up some mules braying on the computer and some of them sound like a freight train! They are loud! The good thing is that mules make very sturdy, dependable riding animals. Some were even used on the range by cowboys. They generally have a quiet disposition.
Another reason we think Lena might be pregnant is her mood swings. She was pretty even tempered when we got her, then the last while has been moody and grumpy. She hasn't wanted cinched either. Now all the sudden, she's friendly and wanting to be cuddled.
I have less than half of the book to go in editing. Then I've got to put it all together and get it sent off. Shouldn't be too much longer.
It's been cold the last while, but today is pretty warm, though the sun hasn't decided to show it's face yet. 
We should have some goat babies by the end of December. Belle isn't looking terribly huge, but last year when we got her, she didn't really look pregnant but she was carrying twins. Libby and Shiloh are due the beginning of February. 
Last night, one of Levi's rabbits got loose, one of his good ones, in the dark. Everyone but me went to help catch it. Mom finally grabbed it and it promptly fainted! It's fine now. 
Well, I better get back to work on my book.
Lauren 

We had an exciting day yesterday.
First, our washer died. It wouldn't spin out so it took two hours to dry the clothes! So we moved in our new washer. It's a crazily fancy thing...way to confusing for me!
Then, Dad put in the new stove while me, Mom and my friend Kristina went to the Orchard to the sorting. We had a good time and I gave Kristina a picture I had made for her. She had sent me the quote awhile back and I knew she liked it so I included it in the picture. She's getting married in February.
After picking Kristina up, we got subway for supper and went back home to drop some subs off to the boys and Lydia. Dad called and told us they were in the field right next to the house so we went and saw Levi's turkey he had just gotten. It's a hen. When he shot it, he said his hands were shaking so much he couldn't reload his gun! I think I know what we're having for lunch today!!
I went for a walk today and got some pictures of the horses. They are starting to get fuzzy! Ready for winter. Lena is looking chubby. She was being sent to the kill pen when the lady we got her from bought her. She's been acting moody and hasn't wanted cinched. There is a possibility she could be pregnant. That would be exciting! Horses have an 11 month gestation period so that would mean she would be due around January or February. We'll just have to wait and see.
Below is another excerpt from book one.
Enjoy!
Lauren

Excerpt From Chapter Twenty: The Hideout Hunt

   After awhile, Daniel leaned forward. "Unless my eyes are playing tricks on me, I think there is a group of riders coming this way." 
   "Can you see who they are?" Amy asked. 
   Daniel shook his head. "No, they're too far away."
   "I recognize Jack's horse." Arty said a moment later. 
    "Then he's not watching us?" Amy frowned. 
   Daniel shrugged. "Doesn't look like it." 
   Suddenly Tye burst out. "Look over there! Right next to that hill to the left. It's almost hidden. Do you see it?" 
   "A shack!" Arty exclaimed. "There are horses in the corral and the riders are riding towards it!" 
   "That's got to be their hideout." Daniel agreed. 
   "We found it!" Amy cheered. "Come on, let's have some of these cookies to celebrate!"
   Fifteen minutes later, Anders leaned back and patted his stomach. "The cookies were really good, Amy." 
   "Thanks and no thanks. You know I didn't make them." Amy rolled her eyes. 
    "You look so beautiful when you do that. Could you do it again in slow motion?" Anders teased. 
   "Oh be quiet, Anders. Back to the rustlers…" Amy said. 
    Anders stood up and turned around. 
   "What are you doing?" Amy asked. 
   "You said 'back to the rustlers'." Anders grinned. 
   Amy groaned. "Stop it, Anders." 
   Daniel spoke up. "I think, so we don't arouse suspicion, we should go down and ride around awhile. The dishes need washed so we'll go to the river first. Just remember, we weren't supposed to do anything more than to locate their camp, so our job is finished." 
   They quickly packed up and headed down to the horses. 
    "We'll take the horses with us." Daniel instructed. "We don't need them stolen or turned loose again."
   The dishes were done amid much splashing and laughter. 
   They were almost finished when Amy caught a movement in the trees and bushes behind them. 
    "Don't turn around, but there's a man watching us." Amy said out of the corner of her mouth. 
    Anders was drying the dishes beside her and was the only one who heard.
He turned to look at her. "Jack?" he asked. 
    Amy shook her head. "I only got a quick look, but I didn't recognize him."
   "Come on guys, we're ready to go." Arty called. 
   Amy picked up the dry dishes and dumped them into her saddle
bags.
   She caught another glimpse of the man as she mounted Bannie and noticed he was riding a pinto mare. 
   Quickly she suggested. "Let's ride over there." indicating with her hand. "Is there anything interesting to see there?" she asked Roseann. 
   "Depends on what you find interesting." Roseann replied. 
   Anders winked at Amy as he rode past. He knew why she wanted to ride in that direction. 
    They rode for an hour but saw nothing. Amy noticed some hoof prints, but that was all. 
    Finally they decided to head home. 
   "It's so warm I'm getting sleepy." Anders yawned. 
   "Me too." Amy agreed. "But every time I start to relax, I think about the rustlers, how they could be hiding behind a bush or rock and suddenly, I'm wide awake!"
   Anders chuckled. "Yeah, it is kind of creepy to think that someone could be watching us and we don't know it, but personally, I'm too tired to be worried!"