Thursday, May 30, 2019

Not Blogging

It is interesting how some things don’t change.

I have never fit in with people. In school I was very much a loner. I preferred it that way. I did not do well with the “game.” I’ve always been very straightforward and have not understood (or trusted) those who aren’t. Which is pretty much everyone else on the planet.

When I was young, I prided myself on my honesty. I thought it was such a good thing that I was never fake. If I liked someone (or didn’t) they would certainly know it because I did not pretend otherwise. As I matured, I guess I have learned the “art” of pretending somewhat. But it wearies me.

Why is it that superficial relationships are so very exhausting?

I am tired. And frustrated. And limited.

I cannot say what I wish to say, nor bring about a resolution, nor really move forward. I am stuck and it is stifling every part of my life.

And all I can do is withdraw.

I have nothing valuable to offer here while in this state. Maybe ever. I apologize.

I am taking a break from the Internet. I am unsure what I’ll do with the blog but I will not be posting for awhile. Indefinitely.

I feel like I’m letting another piece of him go.

But I just...can’t.

I apologize to my friends who read it but I haven’t offered much of late anyway.

For my bereaved parent friends, you are not alone. There is no such thing as “normal” in grief. Please follow my friend, Melanie’s, blog over at thelifeididntchoose.com.

For my friends who are still following from groups for children who are deaf, thank you for participating in William’s story. I know you’ll continue to support each other. Don’t forget that just because someone’s choice in hearing isn’t YOUR choice, doesn’t mean it’s the wrong choice.

For my friends from across the country who like to read the antics of a crazy, Christian, country girl with a ton of children, I hope there have been seeds planted.

And for my “real” friends, thank you for hanging in.

Thursday, May 23, 2019

Spring Recital

Elly and Selah had their spring recital this week.  We are so proud of all they've accomplished!  I love to hear them play...






We are so thankful for Julia and the talent the Lord has blessed her with and her desire to pour into the lives of the next generation, for the glory of God!


And, of course, there are these guys (and gal)...

I let everyone pick out their own clothes (and dress themselves).  I am definitely getting soft in my old age!

Thursday, May 16, 2019

Growing Up...

I read this sweet story this week and thought I would share.
"When you first have children, people talk about the challenges of parenting...the struggles of a baby waking in the night, the toddler who won't stay in their bed, the cost of childcare, injuries from sports...

Having to take off work to pick them up from school when they don't feel well, helping them with homework, a messy house, the never ending laundry, the cost to buy school clothes, packing their lunches...

You watch their eyes light up on Christmas morning...and try to soak in the magic of those moments.

You coach them in sports, rushing to practices and ballgames...and tote them all over the country to let them play the game they love...no matter how exhausting or expensive it becomes.

Life is just so busy that you rarely even stop to think what the end of those days look like.

In fact, it's not really even something you can wrap your mind around.

You go into it thinking that 18-20 years sounds like a long time...

Then suddenly hours turn into days...days into months...and months into years.

That little person that used to crawl up next to you in bed and cuddle up to watch cartoons...suddenly becomes this young adult who hugs you in the hallway as they come and go.

And the chaos and laughter that used to echo throughout your home...gets filled with silence and solitude.

You've learned how to parent a child who needs you to care for and protect them...but have no clue how the whole "letting go" things is supposed to work.

So you hold on as tight as you can...wondering how time passed so quickly...feeling guilty that you missed something...

Because even though you had 20 years...it just somehow doesn't seem like it was enough.

You ask yourself so many questions...
Did you teach them the right lessons?
Did you read them enough books as a child?
Spend enough time playing with them?
How many school parties did you have to miss?
Do they really know how much you love them?
What could you have done better as a parent?

...When it's time for them to go, it all hits you like a ton of bricks.

And all you can do is pray...hope...and trust that God will protect them as they start to make their way into the world alone.

Parenting is by far the most amazing experience of your life...that at times leaves you exhilarated...while others leave you heartbroken.

But one thing is certain...it's never enough time...💕

So for all the parents with young children...whose days are spent trying to figure out how to make it through the madness...

Exhausted day in and day out...

Soak. It. All. In.

Because one day...all those crazy days full of cartoons, snuggles, sleep overs, Christmas morning magic, ballgames, practices and late night dinners...

All come to an end.

And you're left hoping that you did enough right, so that when they spread their wings...

They'll fly...💕"

(credit: Misty Brewer Lee)
I thought this was so sweet.  And true.  Especially at this current stage we are in with adult children and teen children and younger children.

I love having children.  I love every stage.  Each stage has its own unique benefit and joy.

It is all-too-easy to get caught up in the nostalgia, missing the younger years, and bemoaning the change.  And occasionally I do find myself lamenting how quickly they are growing up.  But the truth is, I love it.

I love being part of their adult lives, watching them spread their wings, making decisions, pressing forward.  I mean, this is what we raised them for.  And it is more than I could have dreamed.

But it DID happen oh-so-much-more-quickly than I ever imagined...



Thursday, May 9, 2019

Challenge Results

Most everyone has heard the results by now, but for those who haven't or didn't get to see the performances, here's my wrap up post.

The girls (and their horses) did fantastic!  I could not be more proud.  I love to watch them take a horse who is basically unadoptable, pour their heart into him, and watch him turn into a lifelong partner for someone.

And that is exactly what happens.  This year, Blitz and Hombre were both adopted by the same family!  The girls were elated.  We are all so happy that they get to stay together, as they are awesome buddies, AND that they went to such a sweet, loving forever home!  What a blessing!

The competition was really exciting to watch this year! So many excellent trainers! I was especially impressed by the youth division. There are some outstanding young trainers coming up that are definitely worth watching. I’m sure Blaze’s will be posting the videos soon on YouTube. You should absolutely check them out!

Here are the performances for our teams:

Team Blitz...








Team Hombre...







Team Hombre placed 3rd...


Team Blitz placed 5th (in the overall competition)...
And 2nd in youth...

Such a fun, exhausting day!  I'm so glad it's over, though!  I always am...I don't know who was more exhausted, them or me! 😜 We made some wonderful new friends and, as always, had a great time!

Now for a tiny bit of rest before the girls' summer schedule hits...

Thursday, May 2, 2019

Time for the Challenge

It’s finally here...2019 Blaze’s Tribute Equine Rescue Trainer’s Challenge. It’s this Saturday at the Shawnee Expo Center. Looking for a good horse? Want to see a great show? Come join us! This fun video highlights the teams:


We also have a few extra shirts available, for those wanting to show their support of Team Blitz and Team Hombre...

The girls have done a fantastic job with their horses! But that’s no surprise. Somebody will be taking home some gems!

In honor of all the hard work all of the trainers have put in, I've decided to post some of my favorite horse (or competition) memes.  Of course, horses give so many life lessons, they are also good for every day life...








Come out to the Shawnee Expo Center this Saturday, May 4 from 10am to 6pm for a fun show (and maybe some life lessons)...😉