We have another big surprise in store for Jordyn, my oldest granddaughter.  I am not telling what it is yet-it will happen on Monday.  But as I thought about Jordyn and her life and reflected on my life as well, I thought this little preamble to the surprise was in order.

Two of the biggest surprises in my life were first getting a dog when my mother absolutely forbid dogs or pets of any kind in our house.  I was obsessed with all animals.  It was an unfair match at best.  I was in third grade when my mom went off to spend a week in Oklahoma with her sisters and my dad took a highly suspect week’s vacation to watch my sister and I.

We had no more pulled away from O’Hare airport when my father made a turn that was not towards home. Yes, immediately after leaving the airport, the three of us went to pick up a four-month old Miniature Schnauzer puppy we named Scamp.  I was the happiest I had ever been.  By the time my mom got home a week later, my father had this dog housebroken and trained.  My life was complete for awhile until my push for a horse would begin in earnest.

That was my second big surprise.  My dad and I had gone to look at some nice Quarter Horses.  I loved the buckskin one (still love buckskins).  But I was told we would have to wait until spring when Chicago thawed out enough to pull trailers and move horses.  On Christmas morning of my seventh grade year, one of the last packages I opened contained a model horse.  I thought it was just a promise of a horse to come.  My dad told me to look under the horse.  I was amazed to find the registration papers for the buckskin, lying inside.  Despite  the bitter cold Christmas morning I was riding “Hilltop Dunny” soon after.  One of the best surprises and days of my life.

At age 16, with my horse Brandy (Hilltop Dunny).

When Jordyn was younger, we let Snowboy go off to our trainer’s barn where he could be used more.  Jo wasn’t old enough for regular rides and Lauren and I had our hands full with training and riding what we had.  Some of you will remember this, but on Jordyn’s sixth birthday, we brought Snowboy back to the farm.  We had him all tacked up in the arena for her to ride after she arrived.  I am inserting the link to the video.

https://exechorseluver.com/2013/08/21/the-snowboy-reveal/

Come Monday, I will have a new video of a new surprise for Jordyn.  It was meant to be a Christmas present (and it will be) but sometimes you just can’t wait for Christmas.

Enjoy this link-I hope it puts a little smile on your face!  And maybe makes you remember a special surprise you got-the day you got what you wanted most in life.

Check it out!  And as always thanks for being a part of the farm and riding along with us!