Greenhorn Creek Guest Ranch

It was Ryan's birthday this past week, so I surprised him with a mini-vacation to Quincy, CA to Greenhorn Creek Guest Ranch. 

We had an amazing time! I always learn something new about myself each time I step out of any comfort zone. And this is the reason I love taking mini-vacations - traveling and exploring new places, especially with Ryan!

This time, we also brought the dogs with us. Greenhorn is extremely accommodating to dogs, so it worked perfectly for us!

Heading out of Town.

My Babies.

Ryan & Ms. Rae.

Ranch Chuckhouse.

Absolutely gorgeous views.

Getting ready to ride.

Ryan ahead of me on Dolly.

When Cody met Dolly.

Ranch Saloon.

Fiona hanging out in the Saloon with us.

Sweet, little girl who loved Fiona.

We loved the Saloon! Best Saloon Bartender around:)

Always in love with the country look.

Simple, beautiful and open!

The dogs loved all the space!

Running back to our room. Trying to catch up to Ryan & Reagan.

Driving home. Absolutely exhausted. (And yes, somehow we all fit in the front seat!)

If you ever have the chance to get to Greenhorn Creek Guest Ranch, I highly recommend it! They were the nicest, most down-to-earth people I've met in a long time! Everything about the place from the people to the atmosphere to the activities and overall ambiance is simple, stress-free, active and yet magnificently peaceful! 

Furthermore, I really love them because when I was researching "dude ranch" and stumbled upon them, I was able to find out even more about them via their Facebook Page and Twitter Profile! I was impressed with what I saw, and I truly believed that "sealed-the-deal" for me!

So what did I learn about myself this weekend?

1. Being active does not just mean "24/7 in-the-gym bootcamp-style rah-rah-rah." It can mean a weekend getaway (or any "daily getaway") with movement. We were highly active this weekend - always out running around with the dogs and horseback riding. I didn't feel an ounce of guilt for not being in the gym! (But I am also excited to begin my new program tomorrow!)
2. I love horseback riding! 
3. I CAN disconnect from my "digital life." I had no cell service. I barely jumped on my computer. Though it was tempting to be on the computer more, staying away from it from time-to-time is not only a good thing, but an absolutely critical thing for my mind, body and overall well being!

FINALLY, my husband and dogs reminded me that no matter where I am - California or Minnesota - HOME is truly where they are (HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RYAN - hope you loved it)!

And I hope all of your weekends were healthy, fit and fantastic as well! 

CHEERS!

Dear Diary: I Miss You Minnesota.

I feel like a school girl right now when I act like, "Dear Diary: I Miss You Minnesota."

But it's true. 

I love California. Ryan and I and our dogs explore the hell out of this place. We love many things, mostly the outdoors and the beauty that surrounds us. 

But the "sentimental" side of me has come around so often lately. And it says, "You can't put a price on what I can't describe about Minnesota." And that's just the truth.

Here are my (most) favorite things about Minnesota:

1. The People. You always hear about "Midwest Nice." It's true. Believe it.
2. The Summer (or something like that). The second it hits 50 degrees, kids are wearing shorts to school and people are out and about. Minnesotans appreciate anything that resembles a nice day. And I appreciate that about Minnesota.
3. Country Roads. My parents live there. Many of my friends grew up there. You can get lost. And you can not see anyone or anything for miles. It's the exact distance from people, place and thing that you just crave sometimes.
4. Less 'tude. Where I'm from, people just accept. Life isn't necessarily about "making it big" or "who you know," but instead it's about people who have your back. Friends who are friends because they adore something money can't buy.

Those are just 4 reasons. I'm not looking to give you my "100 Things I Love About Minnesota" (though I could). But the biggest thing? Who gets placed in this "diary" on the page, "I Miss You Minnesota?" My Family. My Friends. And all the people, places and things I LOVE the MOST (except for my Sister-in-Law and her family in another state....and a few other relatives in other states as well, of course!)! You can be anywhere in the world and be happy when the people you love the most are right there...and by "right there," I mean closer than a phone call away!

Dear Diary: I Miss You Minnesota.

Dear Mom

(Just a couple day late!)

Dear Mom:

I missed you dearly on Mother's Day.

I know I sent to you a card. 

And a custom piece of jewelry.

And a gift card.

But it was time spent with you that I missed mostly.

Time I can't make up being this far away.

You should know, though,

That where I live never changes

How much I love you and how often I think of you.

I remember each and every single thing,

Big and small, that you have done for me

Over the years. 

Starting with the time you drove back to Waseca 

Just to get my ID:)

I remember the times I was mean to you. 

And all the times you still loved me - 

Unconditionally. 

I remember all the times we have laughed - and cried But mostly laughed.

With, not at, JJ! (HA!)

I will never forget how my heart broke the first time

I headed West to Los Angeles. 

And then again how it broke when we moved 

West for good.

I can't listen to Sugarland's, "Baby Girl,"

Without fighting a single tear.

I typically think of growing up, singing with you

By the piano or at a bar by a jukebox or 

In an auditorium. 

There are so many things I think of when I think - 

MOM

But nothing compares to the simple thought of - 

LOVE. 

If I could give you a million dollars to repay you

For everything you've done, I would.

But it would be an embarrassment still to the things

You've given me.
Thank you for giving me life. 
Thank you for giving me love. 
Thank you for being the best Mom and Friend
A girl could ask for!

"Well, remember me in ribbons an' curls.

"I still love you more than anything in the world...

"Love,

"Your baby girl." (Sugarland)

Thankful

(Taking one day off from discussing the GAPS Diet to reflect on Thanksgiving.)

Truly, I am THANKFUL. 

There are so many things day-in and day-out that go wrong, in our own lives and in the world in general. But as a whole, I believe we have so much to be thankful for. I'd like to share my Top 7 (in no particular order):

1. Ryan, Reagan and Fiona - our family. I love knowing that they are the first people/things I see when I wake up and the last before I fall asleep. I love my husband's heart, the unconditional love and the smiles he creates around our house. I can't imagine life without any of them. I am so thankful for them each and everyday.
2.  Family - back in Minnesota. I miss them everyday, sometimes too much. But I know that they are there - always there - and that even though we are so far apart, nothing changes because we love each other all the same. I could not have asked for a better Mother, Father and Brother. I was blessed to "inherit" unbelievable in laws. Family is the most important thing to me - always will be. I am so thankful for them each and everyday.
3.  Friends - near and far. There is nothing like good friends. Good friends become almost like family. I always have a guard up when it comes to good friends; they are rare to find. But when I do find them, the relationship is priceless to me. They are always the friends that would drop anything and everything in a heartbeat if needed. And even more importantly, they are always the friends that just "come easily." There is no work involved. They love, respect and understand. Most of my best friends don't even live in a 100-mile radius (and another one soon to be leaving:(), but while it kills me the friendship is all the same!  I am so thankful for them each and everyday.
4. Health - not something I may have said last year at this time. You don't know how great it is until you don't have it anymore. I have finally figured out how to stay healthy. And when I stray from that (like I have so often lately) I really realize how thankful for good health I am. I am thankful that I know how to control "feeling well." And I am thankful that I have had some key support to get me from there to here in this past year. Having good health allows me to be active, which is one of my favorite things in the world. I am so thankful for health each and everyday. 
5. Success - through hard work. Success is measured in so many different ways. I am thankful for success through hard work. I am thankful in knowing that because I am driven and strive for the best in everything I do, success can always be looming around. I am so thankful for success each and everyday. 
   
6.  Life - simple. I am thankful for this life that God gave to me and continues to give to me and the ones I love the most every day. I am thankful for the beauty that surrounds me each and everyday. Sometimes I can't even believe that life is so great - that the world is so beautiful - that the possibilities are endless. Sure, I have bad days - we all do. But as a whole, life is great. We have to appreciate all the small things and not sweat all the little things. Tomorrow will always be another day - we can be thankful for that idea, as not everyone will have the chance for a "tomorrow." I am so thankful for life each and everyday. 

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!