Snow Day

Last week, we had several inches of snow.  The kids got outside to play in it before it started to melt. 

As the day went on, the temperatures got warmer and the snow has started to melt.

Poor Dog.

Matt and Hannah have a new chore at home.

Bathing the dog.

They love it.  Dot doesn't.

 

Last weekend, as the snow melted, our yard was a muddy mess.

Dot would come back in filthy.

I set the kids to the task of keeping her clean.

They did a good job.  They even brushed her coat out.

It's always nice seeing your kids using teamwork.

Looking Back.

 Matthew- Summer 2004

Hard to believe that my sweet boy had such a temper when he was little.

Hannah's Bling

Hannah got her ears pierced over Christmas Break.  She decided on her own, with no prompting from me.  Once she got her dad's approval, we set out to get it done.

All smiles before.

Her hero, Jackie.

Hannah's friend, Makenna, came along.

Holding still, but a little concerned.

OK now, on the count of 3.

No tears shed.  What a brave girl!

Hannah's new bling.

And, all smiles after.

Totally Unexpected.

Raising a daughter like Mallory is challenging to say the least.

Constantly navigating the world of Smith Magenis Syndrome gives me a major headache.

Makes me long for a hot bath and a cold drink.

All the hoops to jump.

The constant scrutiny.

Some days I just want to curl up in a corner.

Meetings upon meetings. Questions upon questions.

Have you tried? 

You should....

Have you thought of?  

Everybody has input, but sometimes you wonder if they really "get it". It's always easier being the arm chair quarterback, never having to throw a pass.

I want to scream "Walk a day in my shoes and then tell me what you think!"

There are days that I wonder if I have made the right choice, spent the right amount of time, did the right thing by Mallory.

 

It all can make a girl cRaZy!

Today, I received the nicest compliment.  Totally unexpected in my inbox.  It made my day!



"Praise God for Mallory!!! She is a wonderful kid! I see the great strides she has made from last year to this year. :) She is amazing!!! You are amazing too!!! Your love for Mallory radiates! :)"

Sometimes all it takes is a compliment, a pat on the back, a smile.......I've learned that parents need that positive reinforcement too.

My bright idea.

I am all about finding a great deal.  I love bargains.

Every year over Christmas, I struggle with where to put all the Christmas cards.

This year I found the perfect display.

My favorite store, Countrypolitan, had this metal chip rack for sale.

When I saw it, I knew it would be the perfect Christmas card display.

Jackie's Dream (and Hannah's too)!

Our friend, Jackie, recently bought a home with 10 acres.  Her whole reason for this was to have her horses on the same property as she was on.  Everything in one place...brilliant!

It was just Hannah and I at home last Saturday, so we talked Jackie into a little horse riding.    The weather was unreal for this time of year.  Still a little cool, but no wind and the sun was shining.

Hannah checking out Jackie's newest horse, Faith.  She's just a baby but is already developing personality and a little bit of attitude.  I'm thinking Sassy would have been a more fitting name.

As we left to go see the other horse, Faith kept sticking her nose through the gate to get our attention.

Jackie retrieved Hannah's favorite horse, Giz.  Hannah calls her "My Boy".  She hollers to Giz every morning "How's my boy?  Where;s my Giz?  Oh!  There he is.  Good morning, Giz!"

Hannah brushed Giz off like a pro before Jackie got the saddle out.

Notice Hannah's boot that were new last July?  I guess a true cowgirl wears her boots out.

Jackie also got a new trailer last year.  And of course, her collection of saddles is readily available.

After all the prep, it was time to ride.

Jackie even has helmets ready to go for Hannah.

Hannah may be small but she's not easily intimidated by the size of the horse.

Her poor little legs are too short to reach the stirrups.

Hannah has gotten very confidant when riding.

It amazes me how quickly she has picked up the skill of riding. 

Getting a little instruction on how to turn her horse.

And all smiles after a half hour of riding on a beautiful winter day.

Hannah's boy (Giz)

Jackie's horses enjoying the pasture.  I think they were a little jealous of Giz, though.

Can't wait till summer and warmer weather so that we can do this again.