Happy Friday, you all!
My cousin, Rachel and her husband, Stephen, are expecting their first child, a little girl, anytime this month. We tried to set up a pregnancy photo shoot a couple different times, but between our work schedules and illness, we just finally made it happen!
I'd never done anything like this, so it was a very fun experience! My favorite photo is the two of them reading the baby book and the three pairs of shoes.
I'm looking forward to my little second cousin's arrival...and I can't wait to take her newborn photos! I'm sure some of those will make it to the blog :)
Grandpa didn't know it at the time, but he was building me my very own life size rustic, western studio!!
Which one is your favorite? If you were having a shoot like this done, what are some poses you would like?

Today I would like to introduce...Cowgirl!

Due to health issues, Lydia recently lost her old mare, Lena, and that left her without a horse to ride. We had planned on waiting until spring to look for a new horse for her, but Mom found an ad for a horse that looked promising so we went to take a look.

The horse we went to look at ended up not being a match as far as temperament and personality, but the owner said she had another mare she thought might work for us so we were introduced to Cowgirl.

Cowgirl is a nine year old registered paint mare. We usually don't prefer horses that young because they are still in their "stupid phase", but Cowgirl had been used as a lesson horse at the owner's boarding barn all summer and had a very quiet disposition.

Lydia and I both rode her in the arena and she did very well. She has no problem communicating her disapproval when asked to do something she doesn't want to, but if prompted firmly, she just goes ahead and complies :)

Lydia was able to control her easily and we also liked her size, which is a few inches shorter than our other horses.

Cowgirl has been home with us for a few weeks and Lydia and I have had her out a few times in the round pen and out on the trails. I even chased my brother's calves around a little (and accidently made one jump the fence!) and Cowgirl lived up to her name...she's a cowgirl!

We switched her to bitless bridle as I prefer to ride bitless whenever possible, and she seems to like that whole lot better.

Since she is young, we hope she'll last Lydia several years. Although size may be a problem...Lydia is only eleven and is only a inch or so shorter than I am!

Since Smoke is still recovering from her shoulder injury and has been having some weight issues, I'm probably going to give her the winter off. I was disappointed because I was looking forward to doing at least a few cattle sorting competitions, but I think I will be able to use Cowgirl for that.

We were sad to lose Lena, but God provided a horse very similar to her and Rio has taken a shine to Cowgirl, maybe because she looks so much like his mama :)

On Saturday I went to a craft show/farmers market in Capac with my books and pictures. It was a smaller size show, so I didn't sell a whole lot, but I covered my expenses and learned a lot! I hope to do some more shows soon!

A week ago, I asked you all to share something you were thankful for in the comments and that one person would be chosen to receive either a $10 Starbucks gift card or a $10 Amazon gift card.
I was supposed to announce this yesterday...for some reason I thought today was Thursday instead of Friday! I'm blaming it on brain freeze....
Anyway, I am very excited to announce that the winner of our Thankfulness Giveaway is...

Congratulations, Liberty! I will be contacting you shortly.
To everyone who participated, thank you! I was pleased at the number of responses and it was so lovely to read all your comments overflowing with thankfulness.
I will be back next week with an update on the craft show I am participating in tomorrow with my books and photo art.
Also, a quick update on the trip to Guatemala coming up in February, I just got my ticket today and will be leaving on February 15th, Lord willing!