Jerri 4/20/08

Sunday morning

Good morning everyone,

Yesterday, it was a month since we lost our Sweet Nellie and Lil Angel. What made the day so meaningful to me was the strides we have made with Jerri. I can assure you when I step in her stall, I am cautious and I have my escape route planned ahead of time should something go awry. However, I must trust her, just as she needs to try and trust me. Rob and I were talking and he said, "If you are the only person she trusts right now, then so be it" he also stated that she will come around to others, but the importance of imprinting her little one is very important.

If you look at how Baby B and Spirit are today, they are a product of positive human interface daily. (Even though Sir Vlad is feeling his Wheaties right now, he knows under halter and lead rope manners are the utmost of importance.) Baby B also learned that good behavior gets a better result than bad behavior.

I spoke with my granddaughter Belmina this morning. She was five years old on April 15th, and we were talking about Apple. For those that don't know this, she was the one who chose Apple...because she knew how to spell Apple. We were talking and I told her that Apple was gonna have a baby here real soon and we needed to name the Baby. There was a long pause and silence on the phone and I had wondered if she had hung up on me. I quote what she said "I LUB APPLE'S BABY and her name is..." roflmbo "....Princess Tinkerbell." I said Princess Tinkerbell?? Tinkerbell is not a Princess, she said Grandma you don't know, Tinkerbell has a wand and makes you happy. Do not argue the logic of a five year old...you're gonna lose. I asked her what if it's a boy? She said no way Grandma, Apple is having a girl, if its a boy make it a girl. Her conclusion was Apple's baby is going to have wings and when she comes to visit she will ride her and they will fly in the sky. Ahhh, the imagination of a child.

Jerri's color has faded brown areas due to the sun. She is black. Once her shade goes up, hopefully she will lose some of these faded areas. I know JoJo has her shade but prefers to hang in the sun so she too has faded areas on her as well.

Well, I will be working with Jerri more today, but for now I must go feed and from what I see Apple's feeder is upside down again this morning. It is a daily ritual.

I do hope everyone has a blessed and safe day.

Stephanie

Jerri in the round pen

This is Jerri's first time in round pen...it's a snippet, but a big step for your girl

Jerri lubs her carrots!

Apple

She looks pretty darn proud of herself, doesn't she?

Jerri's girth

Saturday noon

Happy Saturday!

Jerri and I had a tete a tete this morning. Very windy again so ball cap was required attire. She was very receptive once again. Gonna have Theresa video tape some today of our progress. Must continue to do this in order to gain trust so that she will allow us to imprint her foal. Might have to carry carrits at all times during her birthing.

Casper and Dancer are going to their new home this afternoon. They will be missed but I can assure you they have an excellent family. Let's Hear it for the Boys!!!

Get those names into Nancy, we are gonna have a baby soon!!!! We'll be opening the polling soon.

Place your guesses on Birth date and time....great gift for the winners of both areas. See http://forums.delphiforums.com/alexbrown/messages?msg=22324.1 for details on how to stake your date and time.

FYI: Theresa submitted Nellie and Lil Angel's story, "Who Would Have Known," to UltimateHorseSite.com. They contacted her and requested pictures of our sweet Nellie as they want to publish her story.

This is a positive step in helping other PMU mares being held hostage to this industry.

Stephanie

Progress!

Lots of progress for Jerri, she is coming in much closer, this was the first attempt, better next time around. If this were Apple she would be in my lap.

Friday, midday

We are working on the cam and should have it up on Jerri here soon I hope. I know that we are going to be working on their shade over the weekend and as time and Rob's schedule permits.

We have been watching Jerri very closely cause the poo is loosening up and she seems a bit more restless. She is still eating but slowly...I cannot tell you how big she is, unbelievable.

Just to remind you, MHR's web cam is located at www.marestare.com/miracle.php

Stephanie

Thursday evening

Hay Everybody,

I was just out talking with Jerri, and she decided my putting a "wide load" sign on her hiney was a no go. She is so big. I thought Rosie and Misty were big, but to see the BBG's, wow!

She moves slow and has a grumpy look but did not move away from me. I can say that she is LARGE AND IN CHARGE.

Stephanie

Jerri, 4/17/08

These were taken at about noon today.

Furry friend

Apple, Wednesday, April 16

Jerri, Wednesday, April 16

picture

Tuesday evening

Hay Everyone,

Today was a very busy day, scraping out more pens, and playing musical horses. We have rearranged horses again and it seems we have a nice blend again. It takes a few tries to have everyone getting along.

I scrubbed out water barrels today, and then the wind kicked up...grrrrrr. Oh well, Mother Nature has a mind of her own that is for sure.

Spent time with Jerri and Apple both today. They are both doing well. Jerri is very watchful but that is progress for her. She has come to realize I am sure that nothing will happen to her as she no longer moves to the back of her stall. She stays back, but does not move away.

I was in Apple's pen cleaning her water barrel, I had my back to her and before I knew it she had that big ole head of hers resting over my shoulder. Let me tell you it is one heavy head. She is just so sweet.

Spirit and Baby B, what can I say very animated and a joy to watch and handle. Never a dull moment with these little ones. They will keep you on your toes at all times.

Phred has settled into the football field, and is fitting in with the older crowd.

Robert and I this evening went over to the Jeffrey's (Casper's and Dancer's new family) to help them set up their brand new corral panels and the turn out. They are just wonderful people and they could not be more excited about the two new additions to their family. They have a beautiful location, and Casper and Dancer will have the best.

Well, I am going to call it a night. Sweet dreams to all.

Stephanie

Apple, Tuesday, April 15

Jerri, Tuesday, April 15

These pictures were taken at about 11 this morning. We all know this bag will be soooooo much bigger.


Still eating...she's fine just seems to take longer in eating, as Misty did towards the end

Monday news

What a day I have had here, very very busy. Theresa finding poop in Spirit's water barrel, and a sparrow that tried swimming (not good). Feeding, water barrels, raking, grooming....Whewwww.

I spent time with Jerri talking to her, but she kinda sorta chose to ignore me today. Apple of course was, well if she does not want you come on over here and give me all the attention.

ANNOUNCEMENT

The family that adopted Casper on Saturday came over this evening. They did not want Casper to be alone so they asked if they could adopt Dancer as well.

THEY DID!!

So Mister Fancy Pants Dancer, has achieved his goal and now has his forever home.

Both of the boys will be leaving on Saturday afternoon.

Everyone else is doing great. Good Day for the horses.

I hope that everyone had a wonderful day!

Stephanie

Fred in the football field

This is Freddie when he arrived at MHR last June.

He was in pretty bad shape when he arrived, but he has made great progress and yesterday he was introduced to the football field. Looks like he'll do just fine out there!

Monday morning

Well, the weekend was very busy. Diane. Cathy, Theresa, Joseph, Rob and I did a lot of smaller chores, but a lot was accomplished. There is always something that needs to be done, and we have bigger projects coming up that must be accomplished.

I was trying very hard not to laugh while Chef Cathy was serving one of her specialties and narration of the whole horse experience. It was a lot of fun and the horses totally enjoyed their treat.

Baby B's Birthday Celebration was wonderful. It is amazing that she is a year old and we reflected on the day she was born. She has truly become a beautiful little filly. Both she and Spirit have learned so much. I appreciate all the help that I have had getting them to where they are today.

Spirit did get in trouble twice over the weekend as he bit Diane because she stopped petting him and he nipped at me as well. Once he nipped at me you could see a flash across his adorable face that he had made a mistake with grammie. He knew it. His McNuggets have arrived, and unfortunately his little play dates with Baby B will cease. He displayed a bit of aggression with her when together, so this phase of their life is over until he is gelded. Gelding will take place after the first freeze this upcoming winter so that the flies are all gone.

Jerri is coming around...she is so afraid. She is beginning to know that she will not be hurt and her curiosity and her tummy are getting the better of her. I feel that eventually she will come around completely, however she will always be cautious, I am sure of it. However, I hope that I am wrong, and she will throw caution to the wind.

Then there is our Apple. She is a big love and as you can tell always in your face. She had her pen scrapped out and is currently in sweet Nellie's pen. Apple can make a wet pen. If anyone out there has an idea as to how to keep it a bit drier we are open to suggestions. We have never had a horse that deposits lakes in a stall before.

Phred is out with the football field, and let me tell you he loves it. He is doing so well out there fits right on in.

We had a wonderful time together and I miss everyone when they leave. Of course we talked about Nellie and the loss of her and Lil Angel, we also discussed what an impact she has made on the lives of many other horses. We received a wonderful letter from an individual that also adopted a PMU Fjord (not from the same place), but because of Nellie her entire barn went on a psyllium program and more individuals are being informed of the PMU industry.

There was a great deal of laughter as we have a tendency to look at one another and begin laughing. We are just a group of "WILD AND CRAZY GALS" (remember Saturday Night Live, Steve Martin and Dan Ackroyd?) I even did some fashion runway walk at Walmart...brave me..lol..made them laugh though.

I hope that everyone has a wonderful day!

Stephanie

Restaurante MHR

She got legs

Himself!

Not to be forgotten....Spirit.

One more of Baby B on her special day

After all, you don't turn one year old every day!

Casper's been adopted!

I'd like to take this opportunity to introduce you to Casper's new famblee. Meet Ed "Shaggy", Mary Jo and little Eddy Jeffrey. Congratulations to the Jeffreys and a HUGE congratulations to Casper, he now has a forever home with a wonderful famblee.

The Princess

gotta have a tiara, right??

The Birthday Girl

All fixed up for her special day!

One year ago today!

On April 12, 2007 Baby B made her presence known.

Happy Birthday, Baby B! And thank you Mama Rosie for your beautiful baby girl.

Jerri today, 4/11/08

Can you tell which side the baby is on?

What are you looking at?
On that note, I'll get a drink of water

Friday morning

Good Friday Morning,

Been up for quite sometime, John Wayne (Rooster) was standing at the door of our bedroom crowing his feathery little head off. He starts about 4am every morning. John Wayne loves to be held and petted...but not this morning.

I had forgot to mention that we had two little chicks that were hatched. We had a baby chick round-up which was quite comical, mother hens can be quite challenging. Unfortunately we lost one of the little ones, but after keeping mama and baby isolated till the little one got bigger, I am happy to say that it is out scratching around with its mom.

We will be celebrating Baby B's one-year birthday this weekened. I'm making her an Apple Juice with baby carrots and shredded carrot ice block. I will be making one for Spirit as I know that the little Diva will not share with him.

Thank you to Karen H., Ro, and Kathie in Montana for the beautiful cards and donations towards the General Fund in Honor of Baby B's birthday.

The bracelets for Nellie and Lil Angel should be arriving within the next few days. They are white with rose colored lettering stating 'FOR NELLIE AND LIL ANGEL STOP THE PMU INDUSTRY" These bracelets will be sold for $5.00 each postage included.

I hope that each of you has a wonderful and blessed day.

Stephanie

Thursday evening

My day began at 3am this morning. Seems Dancer was in the mood to play. At 6pm yesterday evening (4/9) I had filled the three water tanks in the football field. Dancer is totally enthralled with water. He will put his feet, and half his body into the tanks. Anyway, he managed to dump one of the 100 gallon metal tanks, and I am sure Whiskey and Trooper were there to assist and play as well. What I awoke to was the clanging sound of hooves banging against this tank. I went out and there they were, pushing it with their noses and hooves. It is so quiet that sound really carries, so I had to go out and move it out until the sun came up. Thank goodness we have wonderful neighbors who love the horses.

In observing Jerri our very pregnant Percheron today, her bag is beginning to slowly fill. I know that it is not nearly as big as it will get, but we are beginning to see the early stages birthing.

We are going to be taking names for the new Big Boned Baby. We will have a poll on our blog for people to vote, as we have many people who follow the blog and the happenings around the ranch as well as follow our group on ABR. This first little one is gonna need a name, so throw them out there and lets be ready for the joys of foaling season. Let the games begin!!

We were busy with water barrels, grooming and scraping pens again. It was a very productive day. We have a few modifications to make for our Foal Cams, but you will be able to watch the girl(s) through the night for those night owls.

The tractor is really earning its keep and is making a lot of the chores much easier, even for a 1950's something it is working real fine.

Have a wonderful evening and sweet dreams to all

Stephanie & The MHR Famblee

Morning breakfast

The sire

This is Bill, aka Prins View Congressman. Born in 1999. He is described by the rancher as quiet and easy to handle. He is 18 hands and weighs about 1700 lbs.

Jerri is changing...

There are some definite changes occurring. Jerri's bag and teats have always had an odd shape, kinda lopsided. However, Carolyn and I were just looking at her and things are starting to fill.

Last year Jerri foaled May 22. It seems it was common practice at the ranch that she was allowed to breed back. So just guessing, and guessing only could be April 29th according to my guesstimation .

I believe it would be a good idea to put those names for fillies and colts for Jerri's baby on the table. Gotta have a name when the BBB hits the ground. Whoohoo!

Stephanie

Dancer

Mr. Fancy Pants.

Rosie and Shania

Football team

Jonah!

Here is Jonah an hour and a half after breakfast was served, taken this morning.

Wednesday evening

Evening everyone,

Well, today had to accomplish many things both personal and ranch chores. I hope you have enjoyed watching the football team today. Change of scenery.

It was a very windy day here, so now tomorrow will entail cleaning the water barrels again, cause the dirt blows in them. The horses are doing real well. We are planning Baby B's official 1st B-day this Saturday. I remember the day she was born, 3:35 in the afternoon, she was born running. What a cutie she was, remember when she was all slick and wet. She has turned into such an elegant little filly. You wouldn't think I am a bit prejudiced would you??

I must go and pick up apple juice, shredded carrots to make her the ice cake. I better pick up a bit extra because I am sure Spirit would like some as well. This has truly been a wonderful journey for all of us, but even better for Rosie, Misty and their little ones, who would not be here if not for the FOBs. Thank You!

Jerri and Apple are doing wonderful. Jerri is getting so wide, and we will have two more young lives that will be born safely and loved and all because of FOBs, Family and friends.

Well, I will close for this evening but will be posting again.

Have a wonderful evening.

Stephanie

Wednesday morning

Good Morning Everyone,

All the horses have been fed and watered. They are in their happy place. It is cool and breezy this morning. Seems that it is going to be a pleasant day. We will be doing various chores today, and since the day has just begun I will post at days end.

I do hope that everyone has a wonderful day!

Stephanie

Jerri's figure

Here is the backside of expectant mama to be Jerri taken 4/8/08. If the rancher bred her back right away, then this baby according to our guesstimate should arrive 4/29/08

Stephanie

Baby B

These were taken today. Isn't she lovely. She moves so beautifully...



Stephanie

Tuesday morning

Good Morning Everybody,

I hope this finds everyone doing well this Tuesday morning. All is well here at MHR, very quiet this morning. Yesterday evening at 6pm, the "Banana" (tractor) was put to work to scrape another pen.

All the pens are held together by clamps, so the front panel must be unclamped, moved and then the Banana must back in and do its thing. I actually was cooking dinner when Rob and Joseph decided to do this. Once this was done then horses were all fed dinner. The tractor does not even phase any of them, and this includes Jerri and Apple.

When we were doing this a couple of weeks ago, Baby B decided she must bite the fender of the tractor as it was idling in the pen next to her. Guess she wanted to make sure it knew she was boss. It did not bother Spirit at all yesterday evening, he just goes with the flow.

Water barrels must be scrubbed again today, so I have my work laid out first thing. I was hoping the "Laundry Fairy" would show up this week but I guess not. Gonna have to talk to her/his boss.

Well, I hope everyone has a great day, don't work too hard, take a moment to enjoy a bright new day. Baby watch will be starting here soon, I am also trying to squeeze in the sleep as well. Talk to all of you later.

Stephanie

Monday afternoon

Hi All,

Takin' a break and having a cool drink. Very nice 82 degrees with a slight breeze. The Big Girls are doing real well. We kinda had a bit of girl talk this morning. Jerri got close enough to me that I could feel her breathing on me. Mmmmmm, maybe she likes the cologne that Nikki gave me (which Nikki wears also) it is Mariah Carey "M" it smells so nice. Guess we can make Miss Carey's cologne the official smell for Apple and Jerri. Of course Apple was "whatcha doing? "Did you bring me something?" Kinda hard to see on cam but Apple's lips were smacking, always.

Each day is one more baby step with Jerri..in time and patience.

Well must hit the door again, will talk later

Hope everyone is having a good day

Stephanie

Sunday evening

Good Evening All,

Well, it was not a real productive day in the sense of working with the horses. We have had a lot of personal things that have been sitting on the back burner since Granny Irma came to us and then with her passing and then Nellie's passing, well needless to say things have piled up and tried to get caught up, and I am rofl cause the hurrier I go the behinder I get...sigh

While doing water barrels this afternoon I sat across from Jerri and her curiosity is getting the best of her. I also saw her baby moving a great deal. I have yet to take that rear shot photo so you can see how wide she is, but I will get that accomplished. While watching Jerri, Apple was letting me know that I was not to ignore her. She is such a ham bone, and attention hog. Gotta Lub them.

I know this is short this evening, but it will be better tomorrow. All of the horses are doing fine, and there is rumbling on the ranch that Baby B's first B-day is coming up.

Have a wonderful evening all!

Stephanie

Sunday morning

Good Morning Everyone,

I hope everyone is doing well.

I really do not have a lot to report from Saturday, other than I was Grandma for Zachary, Michael and Amelia. Goodness can those little ones wear you out. The kids all went to the arena for a few hours and had fun with the horses.

Today, will be a time of puttering around, taking care of paper work and getting it ready to put in the mail. Of course the typical daily chores.

Next Saturday Baby B will be one year old..gotta go pick up the stuff this week to make her, the Apple, carrit, and Apple Juice Ice block for her B-day..Hope she likes it. Diane and Cathy will be here to bring in her day.

I will talk to all of you a bit later.

Have a wonderful and blessed day!

Stephanie

Saturday afternoon

Good Afternoon All,

I hope this finds everyone well. Today has been verrrrrrrrrryyyyyyyyyyyy busy. Mmmmm, wonder what keeps me busier and less tired...uhhh..horses. LOL had three of my grandchildren, while horses went to the arena.

I am going to be uploading videos of the horses at the arena. The first one I uploaded has been deleted because it didn't match up. Stay tuned!

OFFICIAL WORD: GRACE IS BEING ADOPTED. NO she is not going to be living in Pahrump. Everything checked out perfectly. It seems a perfect match has been made.

Well, I have chores to get done but I will be back later after Rob and I have dinner.

Stephanie

Friday evening

Good Evening All,

It has been a very busy day. We spent a great deal of time with the horses today. Nikki was able to feed Jerri from her hand today. It was wonderful to see. We puttered around checking everyone out grooming and talking, plus I got the chance to play with little Zachary..what a little ham bone he is.

Grace is being test driven today, I think it may be love at first sight. It went beautifully. I will let you all know tomorrow if Grace will be getting her forever home. I did take video, and will be uploading it here soon.

Phreddie was ridden by Joseph and Nikki both this evening. This guy is full of himself. He gave Joseph a bit of a ride, but of course between brother and sister, Nikki told Joseph to climb down and she would ride the rough off and then hand him back. Oy, Siblings.

Tomorrow there will more video as Grace, JoJo, Phreddie, JD and Cloud II are going to the arena after breakfast. It is going to be a busy day again.

I hope everyone's Friday was good and your evening even better.

Stephanie

Thursday, April 3

Good Evening All,

I hope everyone had a good day.

It was the typical day here, feeding, watering and I worked with Phred. He still has some issues with his head, but they have improved tremendously. He was out in the round pen for most of the afternoon.

We worked on repairing the well. It was a matter of replacing the switch. But, that all went well.

Apple and Jerri are doing real well. I am finding that Jerri does watch intently when you are near Apple's stall. She will even wonder over, as long as you are standing by Apple's gate. So curiosity is getting to her. We will continue our daily sessions.

All of the horses out in the field are doing well. I was out doing their water tanks this afternoon and Dancer came rushing over. It really is fun to watch him..with him being a Missouri Foxtrotter it always appears that he is gliding across the ground. Anyway, he absolutely loves water and began messing with the hose. He was trying to get himself wet, and of course when he does get wet, he will go rub himself either against Trooper or Whiskey. After he has done this, he will go roll, and then rush around to all the horses saying "LOOK AT ME"!! ( Dancer is a healthy gelding seeking his forever home) Whiskey is another one who enjoys the water, he likes to have his jaw sprayed, no clue as to why. (Whiskey has been with us since he was 8, he is coming 10 now, he came from Northern Nevada, he broke his right rear fetlock as a four yr old, his former owners wanted him to come warmer climate as he was not doing well in the cold with that break) Whiskey would make a good companion horse or if someone would like a very large pet.

Shania and Jonah were together all afternoon, she is still ignoring Dancer despite his efforts to be her friend. As far as mares are concerned Jocori and Rosie seem to run the show.

Well, I think I will call it a night for now..tomorrow there will be much more activity.

Stephanie

The football field and Easter cookies

Wednesday evening

Hi All,

It has been a busy day. I scrubbed out water barrels today. This is time consuming but affords you the opportunity to stand around and talk to the horses. We chatted about this and that.

I told them their sister Nikki was flying in tomorrow night from Dallas. I am so looking forward to seeing her, I need my daughter fix. She will be here for about a week which will be nice.

While doing water barrels, I was scrubbing Jerri's out and she came over to investigate. I ignored her, never looking at her but continuing to talk and she actually hung around. When I began filling up her barrel I walked to her gate and she came walking over. I know in time it will come, I would just love to have it before she foals. If it does not happen we will cross that bridge when we get to it. Jerri is really getting quite wide. I was looking at her from behind and she is huge, looks like a house. When I can I will take a rear photo of her.

Apple, what a big musher she is. She just loves her humans almost as much as she loves her carrits. I was watching Apple's tummy and the baby was moving so much, I do not know why, but I started singing the following to her...Watch it wiggle, see it jiggle, jello gelatin is so much fun" I saw the other horses put their hooves over their ears.

Did some more pen scrapping, getting it done. All in all a good, productive day.

Shania is doing well with the football team. Dancer has sidled up to her, but she is playing hard to get. Rosie does not care for this beautiful, tall thang being out there, but she'll get over it.

I hope that everyone had a good day, and I hope your evening continues to be a pleasant one.

Stephanie

And now...another story from Turkey Crest

Spirit: Hay Baby B!!! I learned a new song from Granpa Muffin today.

Baby B: Oh now you think you can sing, what did your pilates help you get a voice...(rolling her big beautiful brown eyes)

Spirit: Well, Granpa was saying watch Grammie, so I did..then he started singin'(his voice high and crackin'), He said "She is werkin' her fingers to the bone, what does she get? Boney Fingers!!! (he starts snortin' and laughing)

Everyone around the ranch put their hooves to their ears. Spirit's voice was like running hooves across a chalk board

Acey (katherine Hepburn in her golden years) oh, oh my, what is that horrid noise

Simba Marie (Joan Rivers) OY, it's a good I was not visiting my plastic surgeon today, can you imagine what I would look like!!!

Queen Misty ( in her queenly manner) Would you please tell the gardner to stop the weed whacker!

Baby B: Takes hoof and does the gagging motion

Spirit: Unaware that he has offended anyone...shows his pearly whites as big as big and proud as can be.

Another cookie video

Easter cookies

Thanks to your donations and Emilee's Galloping Goodies

Tuesday afternoon

Good Afternoon All,

Have been outdoors all morning with the horses.

I have been spending time with both Apple and Jerri, off to the sides where you could not see me....LOL

Their babies are moving around so much, it is wonderful to watch. I am still in awe every time I think and watch those little, or should I say, Big Babies moving around.

We're getting suggestions for names and I love all of them, but I do love the name Blossom.

I do think of Nellie and she is even in my thoughts when I should be sleeping. She awakens me. I do not know why, but she is trying to tell me something. I would like to share something with you: We have lost horses at the ranch and it hurt and they are missed. But, with Nellie my heart is truly broken. I want so many to understand her plight and the plight of others. I do hope that many will media blitz to as many newspapers, TV stations, magazines that they can. Her story must me heard, as she is speaking for so many others.

I appreciate everyone's hard work and efforts for all horses.

Stephanie