The Muench Bunch

Grandma got a deal for Jayden that was good for one hour horse riding lesson for her and a friend at an English equestrian center in Ames. Jayden invited her friend Claire along and the girls had a blast! Neither of them had ever ridden English before. They learned a lot and the instructor even let them jump. They were so excited and had so much fun.

My horse Joe was an awesome horse. I got him in 1995 when he was 9. It took a few years for him and I to really click. We had our share of barrel runs that were pretty much a disaster. In time we figured each other out and started making some really good barrel runs. He also ran excellent poles, he would glide through them so smooth and fast, he was hard to beat. Because of Joe, I have gotten to enjoy many opportunities that I otherwise would not have been a part of. I was involved in the saddle clubs, team pennings, trail riding, the NBHA and other barrel associations, IRCA and IRA rodeos, along with college rodeo where I have some of the greatest memories. I met so many people because of Joe. As time went on , we got better and better and I thought I would give rodeo a try. Rodeo is some of the toughest competition out there. Joe was at his peak when I was a mom so I went with the flow. I had always wished he ran his best during my college years when I had time and could go anywhere

Later in the evening, I took Jayden and showed her where Joe was buried.There is a nice little spot on the east side of the wind break. I chose the area near the cow barn as that was where we kept Joe when Mark and I first were together. Tonight Jayden and I went to the HCSC horse show in Webster City. It was in the low 80’s and got really cool after dark. The arena was super dusty. We were on the committee to help, so I worked in the food stand. Jayden was on her own riding and rode Jessie in walk/ trot and got first in western pleasure. She ran Dakota in the races and got 5th in flags, 2nd in barrels, and won the poles. I jumped on Jessie in the end for my thrill ride running barrels and poles. The HCSC is a nice group of people and Jayden enjoys being a part of it.

My brother Wade got yet another camper, this time much bigger and nicer. I was in awe of it and he was kind enough to let any of us use it. My parents wanted to take the kids and do a little camping. I told them about Spring Lake, so they came down and set up camp. After school we packed some things and the kids and I headed to the Lake. The weather was in the 80’s and sunny. We got the bikes out right away and went for a ride. Mawgee stayed back to get the grill going. There are some nice bike trails and a lot of paved roads to ride on. Back at the camper we grilled some supper. We discovered something else really neat about the lake, they have a little building with night time roller skating. Something we will have to try in the future. I stayed until dark and then headed home. The kids and grandma and grandpa did so well, they decided to try it another night and stayed saturday with the boys.

The first day of school I woke the kids up with a good hour to get ready. Luke was super excited! He was proud to wear his new backpack Grammer and Po Po brought back from the Moline, Il John Deere plant. Jake was a grump for the first 20 minutes then he snapped out of it and was riding his bike around waiting until it was time to go. Jayden had to make sure she had the right outfit and all the right folders and pencils . The night before 6th grade was a big night for Jayden. Mom finally said she could shave her legs. She has been asking a lot lately. Turns out her best friend Claire did her first shave the night before also. Jayden told me the two of them were comparing their shave jobs… to be a 6th grader! It is always a little sad when the kids go back to school as I like having them home. It really hit me when Luke went off to pre-school. Makes me sad and makes me want another one. LOL.

After church, Mark, Jayden, and I went to Klingson’s to rope. Mark has roped there numerous times throughout the summer. Jayden rode Jessie, I rode Tex and Mark roped on Traveler. He is really doing well. He even got on Jessie and roped a few times. It was pretty hot and very dusty. We sure could use some rain.

There is an old barn on a farm we own that has been falling down. Over the past week, Mark has been tearing down barn boards with his Dad and some other helpers. They even recruited my kids to helping. Cousin Rylie he took to tearing out nails like a man. Luke wanted to help so bad and use a hammer. He got to hammer a couple nails. Mark even climbed the rickety old roof with many holes to cut down some cables. I did not enjoy watching this! Today was the first day I had to turn the air conditioner on since July. It has been such nice weather, very unusual for August.

Cousin Laura and her family were down for a visit from Minnesota to my parents farm. Today we had Laura come down for a day of fondant frosting making. After talking about cakes yesterday, we came up with the idea to have fun together making them, and that we did. Laura is very talented in making decorative cakes with the fondant. I had 3 cakes ready when she arrived with my mother. Her boys, husband, and my day spent the day at a tractor show. It is a long process of making, kneading, coloring, rolling, and shaping to get exactly what you want. My mom, Jayden, and I each decorated a cake with the help of Laura. It was fun to spend the time with my cousin who lives so far away.

As summer draws to a close, I thought I would take the kids to Spring Lake one last time. We did the paddle boat, swam in the water, played in the sand, and finished with some yummy ice cream.

Starting in June once a week we took Jacob to Sylvan learning center. For 2 hours he was given instruction on reading and math. I just wanted him to have a little extra help over the summer and to get him ready for second grade. He seemed to enjoy his time there. I have had him read to me a lot over the summer and he has improved a lot. I hope this school year goes well for Jake. He really doesn't want school to start. For the past few weeks, he has been dreading it. He got a letter in the mail from his 2nd grade teacher with a little project for the first day. It made Jacob cry because he does not want to go back. I guess we have had too much fun over the summer.

This was Jayden and I’s second year of working at the Iowa State Fair volunteering at the Little Hnads on the Farm. Just like last year, it rained. Luckily it was just for the first hour. Once it cleared, the kids came through at a steady pace. Jayden and I got to work in the little dairy barn. The kids would bring in a bag of corn to feed the cow, then they got to milk one of the two pretend cows that have udders and water comes out. It turned out to be a nice day, so we went on to explore the fair after our shift. We saw my friend Jamie and her girls with their Belgians. We saw Torrie who had showed her heifer earlier. We ate plenty of fair food, saw the sights, saw the butter cow, checked out her 4H display which got a blue award, and saw Jake's drawing he enterd.

The corn is tall and starting to really need rain!

Cousin Kelly W. was back for the weekend so we invited her to go to church with our family. We always enjoy seeing Kelly when she is back. After church we went out to eat for brunch. While there we saw Santa Clause. He was short, round, and had a big long white beard. Sure enough it was him as he even brought photos of himself to our table and had a long chat with the boys. Luke informed Santa that he didn’t bring the right present for him at Christmas. Luke was fascinated. Later he went over to his table and asked him to say ho ho ho. It was so cute. Another wonderful day that the Lord gave us with temps in the low 80’s. We enjoyed the evening outdoors throwing the football, frisbee, and having smores around the fire. Ahhh, I wish these days could last forever.

Another Dayton fun night A.K.A. buck nite was held. This time we took Dakota and Jessie. Mark stayed with the boys and brought them later in the evening to watch. My parents, Carina and Alivia came also. Jayden did walk/trot and pleasure, on Jessie and barrels, poles on Dakota. Her pony Dakota can go pretty fast for a pony and they did really good. I rode in some classes too. We had the boys ride the horses in the parking lot so they got a ride in too. Jake has been into dressing just like Dad, sunglasses, pliers, and cell phone. Luke was super excited to get to be in the foot race/ pop race with cousin Alivia.

The weather this week has been fabulous upper 70’s to 80. It is so nice to get a break from all the heat and humidity! It has been wonderful to be outdoors and very few mosquitoes if any. Tonight Jaynie had her 10th birthday party. She invited some extra kids and had a pool party and even late night fireworks. Jake stayed the night with Rylie.

During the summer once in awhile we would have a friend or cousin ride with us at the Dayton arena. On one occasion I was crazy enough to take my three kids and Maggie along with three horses to the arena. What was I thinking?

Today was a trip to the zoo. Lisa and her children Mason, Mallory, and baby Madden met us in the afternoon. It was a great day for the zoo with the weather, however everyone else had the same idea and it was very crowded. The kids enjoyed seeing all the animals and even a dinosaur display. This was Luke’s first time being at a zoo since he was a baby. They all did great.

Cousin Jaynie spent the night and the kids played outside all morning. The weather has been lower 80 and nice. I took the kids in the evening to Ogden to ride bikes around town. We picked up a pizza from Caseys and rode to the park to eat it. The kids really enjoy riding their bikes.

Today Jayden, Mark, and I went to Dayton for a team penning. My Dad ans Lynn E. joined us for the day also. . It was a very hot day and My mom and Alice brought the boys to watch for several hours. I am thankful my parents and Aunt Alice are very supportive and like to come and watch. Jayden always likes to know someone is watching too. We figured out some different teams and got ready to roll. We all had a good time competing. Mark is pretty hard core competitive and was out for a buckle. Jayden was on a youth team that was a pretty tough team. Her, Makenna, and Cheyenne had a time of 25 seconds on one head, which beat the adults. Jayden went in and sorted the steer out and was a key part in their win. It was awesome to see those three girls compete. They are all very good riders and got a plaque for penning and a trophy for sorting- they earned it. They also has individual sorting and penning events. Mark sorted in 17 seconds and missed winning it by 1 second.