Monday, July 11, 2011

Summer 2011

We are in the middle of the summer and WOW! it’s almost over!

Emily finished her Freshman year at the University of Georgia and what an event that was!!  Your freshman year in college automatically comes with it’s share of bumps and bruises and Emily did not dodge that bullet!  The year ended on a positive note and she is returning in the fall so I’d say that Eric and I scored a big one!!  Of course it helps when your child calls home and is stressed about school, college life, etc and isn’t sure where she should be or wants to be and you say, (in the most loving voice) “Honey, coming home is NOT an option.”  It also helps that at the time said phone call takes place, you are reading Tim Emore’s book The iY Generation.  Timing is everything in life!  We also said to Emily “you need to get a job for the summer” which conveniently turned into “I need to continue riding because I’m on the Team at school so how about I take my sisters to shows and you can pay me”  The phrase “caught between a rock and a hard place” comes to mind…..  We’ll see if she puts “Nanny” on her resume!  Also, like most Freshman, Emily has changed her major roughly 4 times.  I don’t think I’m going to put in print what she is thinking of majoring in because I feel certain it will change…. again….  It’s been great having her home for the summer, but we can also feel that her life is changing and she is spreading her wings.  So happy for her and yet, a bit selfish.  The little girl that was happy to be at home and hang out with her family is now feeling the itch to go, go, go!   The song “My Wish” by Rascal Flatts comes to mind….

Emily on J-Wow who was sold after this show!
                                          

Sarah is currently in Chicago!  She was nominated by some of her teachers to be part of a National Youth Leadership Forum  http://www.nylf.org/overview.cfm  and she is there for the Medicine program.  She will be there for 10 days and looking at the schedule, they have them going from 7am until 10pm each night!  They do get one day to go to the Magnificent Mile and spend half the day there and then another day at Six Flags.  Sarah wants to go into Medicine but of course she isn't sure exactly what she wants to do so she will have the opportunity to hear about and participate in many different things.  She also gets 2 college credits so that's a Bonus!!  Sarah has had a great time horse showing.  She has Emily's Equitation horse Gregor and after a "getting to know you" phase over the winter, they are turning into a lovely team!  Sarah is qualified for the USEF Hunt Seat Medal and the Maclay and is looking forward to finals!  She has also been doing jumpers and is loving that!  This is the girl who said she would never do jumpers because they go too fast!  She continues to amaze us!


Sarah winning WIHS/NAL Child Jumpers on Vigo


Lizzie is currently in Morehead, N. Carolina on a mission trip!  She, along with 65+ students and 20+ leaders are helping to rebuild homes!  I'm so glad to see that she is up on a roof, those skills could come in handy at some point with our roof!!  This is her second year to attend this trip, thankful for it!

Lizzie working on a roof (pink shirt)


Lizzie is also having a great time horse showing!  She got an Equitation horse in February and is 1 point shy of qualifying for Maclay finals.  She has until the end of August so we're keeping our fingers crossed!  If not, there is always next year!  Lizzie has also been doing jumpers and is in love with it!  Since she was 5, she has always talked about doing jumpers and going "fast"!  She has lofty goals and it will be fun to go on this journey with her!

Lizzie on Ashton (App For That)

I end this with a picture of all three girls doing what they love which is competing!  We are thankful that they have the opportunity to do this amazing sport.  We are also thankful for their hearts and balancing their life with mission trips.  It's so important to Eric and I that they have a balance!

Sarah, Emily and Lizzie

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