Here we go...it's officially fall both on the calendar and here at my blog. I'm not in love with the new background, but it will due for a few weeks until it's time to find a CHRISTMAS background. Have you thought about that lately? It's nearly October and Christmas is right around the corner.

A little update on my New Year Resolutions would bring mixed reviews, so I'm going to ignore my failings and focus on Christmas and my goal to really go all out this year. Mentally I've already begun planning and I've even [please don't faint on me] purchased Christmas cards. I know, I know what you are thinking, "Natalie Eades doesn't even send out Christmas cards." Ah, but this year, you would be wrong. I'm getting it together this year. So, if you see my kids' facebook status updates moaning about the Christmas carols ringing though out the house in October, you'll know I've really got my game on!

And did I mention I'm not spearheading any costumes for Nutcracker this year? I almost feel anxiety driving up to the dance studio just because it's the fall. But then I remind myself "I'm not in charge" and the knot that had begun forming in my stomach disappears. It's so freeing...so I truly am on my way to a fun, festive holiday season.

And, I've even heard rumors about a Christmas Ball. You just never know what rabbit I might pull out of my hat next.

How about you? Have you thought about Christmas or Thanksgiving? They'll be here before we know it.

Random Thoughts

I'm too tired for any creativity or cohesive thoughts, so you'll have to take what you can get.

Getting ready to load up for the big weekend.

Tie Dye shirts are only flattering on young girls...on me? Not so much. They are extremely fun and no one will mistake which group we are with.

A fun group of girls with their amazing and fearless leader.

A beauty pageant, uh...I mean, halter class for a horse is more work than I would have ever imagined.

Hannah banding Lacey's mane...making her all beautiful for the judges.

Unloading 5 horses and all their necessary gear for the next 3 days in temps hovering around 100 is beyond exhausting. I do believe we smelled worse than the horses.

Taking a ride to check out the new show arena. Rachel must have something interesting on her boot.

There's a chihuahua tied up a few stalls down from our horses, and it's lucky to be alive. Really...imagine a yippy chihuahua barking non-stop inside a metal building with concrete floors. No worries, Mr. Owner...those white signs with red lettering that say Absolutely No Dogs Allowed in the Barns...it only applies to everyone else. You and your hound are the exception because everyone loves that high pitched bark only small dogs can make.

No matter what happens in the arena tomorrow, I am incredibly proud of how hard Hannah has worked this summer. She is an amazing horse woman!