Euthanasia: Making that gut wrenching decision....

As everyone knows, making the decision to put your pet down is never easy. We ended 2015 with doing just that.

Our dog Missy, who was 15, had a tumor on her leg that could not be completely removed because of it's location.  They could remove some of it, or amputate the leg.... 1) Putting a 15 year old through a surgery to not remove all is was not ok in my mind. 2) Amputating the leg of a 15 year old was not even a consideration.

Did I mention that Missy was deaf and had cataracts? 

Even when it seems like the right thing to do, you question yourself.  

I've sat on the kitchen floor and cried contemplating this decision while Missy came over, wagged her tail and nudged my face as if to say, "It's ok, it's my time"

Eric and I were going to have her put down before the girls came home for Christmas.  I wanted to shield them from the hurt, but then I realized that Missy has been with them for 15 years, such a huge part of their life.  I sent a text to all three girls telling them (they knew at Thanksgiving it would be happening but we didn't know WHEN) that I felt her leg was starting to bother her and we felt it was time.  I asked if they wanted to be with her and all 3 said yes.  I cried. Again. I cried because it meant so much to me that they wanted to be with her, honestly, I'm not sure I could've done it at their age.  

The only time all 3 girls were going to be home was at Christmas so the day after Christmas we left for the vet.  We knew we wanted to bury Missy on our property so Eric had previously dug a hole because we didn't know if it was going to be snowing.  Thankfully this was a no snow Christmas. Here are some things I'd love to share with you on this subject:

~If you have children, don't assume they don't want to be part of it. Don't think you are shielding them from pain. Let them make that decision.

~Talk to your vet, ours was so supportive. Find out the details. Our vet had a separate room with a couple of chairs and a rug so it wasn't the "sterile" room.  There were tons of treats and they encouraged us to give her as many as we wanted.  

~Our vet was so kind and told us exactly how the procedure would happen. She gave us time to hang out with Missy.  There is absolutely no way to prepare yourself for this. We talked to her (even though she was deaf) and loved on her and I will tell you, Missy knew she was loved. There is no doubt in my mind. 

~Don't remove their collar.  I actually read this a few weeks prior. A friend had posted a blog from a vet tech saying the things they wished people knew when it came time to euthanize.  At least in our home, when we took the collar off, it meant bath time and they were so excited when we put it back on! I would NEVER had thought of that and I'm not sure if I would've thought to remove it before she was euthanized but I was thankful to have read that.

Eric said it was harder to bury Missy than watch her be put down. He said it didn't seem right burying her and he said that he felt bad knowing she was there by herself.  Cue the sobbing.... (of course I reminded him that she wasn't there, only her body) Emily carried her from the car (she was wrapped in a quilted blanket) which absolutely tore me up.  I don't know if I could've done that. But I realized that we all did exactly what we could and were supposed to do that day. quilted blanket which was 

15 years is a long time... Eric isn't really an animal lover like we are and honestly, I think this hit him the hardest. You just never know how people are affected.  

In the end, it's such a tough decision but the animal's quality of life should be the most important.  It was important for us that Missy not suffer.  She was a rescue and lived a fantastic life.  She followed me from room to room in the house, she was such a loyal animal.  Was she annoying at times? Absolutely. But amazingly those annoying times disappear and you do only remember the good!  Love your animals! They depend on you!

The year 2015, a clean slate.

Am I the only one that is looking at the entire year as a clean slate? Does this mean that 2014 was horrible? No. Does it mean it had more moments that I wish hadn't happen? Most likely yes... Do the good moments outweigh the bad? ABSOLUTELY.  So then, why is it that the bad moments are the ones that get put on repeat in my brain? 

My goal for 2015 is to train my brain to highlight the good more than the bad. 

If I'm to be honest, I will tell you that 2014 was an emotionally/spiritually  challenging year for me.  I won't go into detail because that would involve other people and their hearts and that's just unfair. My heart was tested more than I thought possible by family near and far and by walking through the fire with a friend as she fights her own battle.  

Spiritually: Pretty much felt like I was in the valley the entire year.  Have you ever felt that way? Feeling spiritually numb? Yep, that was me in 2014.  I went through all the motions, church, women's bible study and volunteering.  I did what I was supposed to do but for me, the passion and the hunger was missing. I do believe that without my women's small group, I might have slipped down that hole.... I am certain that they will read this and be like, "I had NO idea!" and "why didn't you talk to us?!" But for me, having the commitment and the time with them kept my head above water as I was treading through the year.  This group of women kept the flame alive.  They are my spiritual rope and pull me up when I'm sinking.  If you don't have a group or person that is your spiritual rope, I highly recommend it.  Maybe you are that rope for someone. We all need someone to pull us up when we are slipping.

Emotionally: I am a mom to 3 daughters (ages 22, 19, 17) and I'm quite certain that menopause is lurking very close by! So given the ages of our daughters and me in mid-life, I'd say the emotional roller coaster could be a part of our life for a while! So given that, I have to learn to take a very deep breath.  I have to learn to think before I speak. I have to learn that repeating myself 15-20 times might be a bit overkill.  I have to learn to let go. (WHAT?? *&^%##%^$) Ok, maybe I start with baby steps! I have to learn that people, including myself, only post the good on social media!!!  Oh, if our lives were really how we portray them to be.... I mean, everything I post is true but I only post the good, the happy, the motivating, the "everything is roses" because honestly people, you don't want me to post the messy stuff!!  Besides, we all have messy stuff, messy lives, we are hurt, we are broken, we are a mess! And that's just part of life!  

So with all the good and all the messy, 2015 is a clean slate.  Let's all start fresh, let's reach for those that keep our head above water, let's be present in the lives of those that means the most to us.  Let's remember that family, no matter how emotional they make us, they are OURS and no matter what, those people will be the ones standing, waiting, hugging, loving and forgiving us when we are at our worst! Let's try and be a little more gentle with them, after all, they will be around the longest.....

Washington International Horse Show 2013

Stalls are in the streets!

Walking down the ramp to ride!

This was Lizzie's first time to qualify for Washington and she qualified in both Equitation and Jumpers!

The Washington DC show is such a fabulous show in the sense that it's located at the Verizon Center in downtown DC..... yes, horse stalls are set up in the streets of DC!  For one week, roads are blocked off and horses are trailered in from Prince George's Equestrian Center depending on when they show.  Just imagine for a minute semis of horses maneuvering the streets of DC!  To simply qualify for this show says a lot.  The Low Jr Jumpers took the top 23 riders.  The WIHS Equitation took the top 30 riders from the East and top 10 from the West.  It's very exciting to qualify for this show!

We flew into BWI Wednesday night and Lizzie was schooling her jumper at 11:30pm!  Her original schooling time was 3am but we were able to slip in early!  

Preparing to practice on the Equitation horse at
Prince George's Equestrian Center

Thursday was her first Low Jr Jumper Class and she had three rails down but rode great, Zadermus was great as well.  

Friday was Jr Jumper and the Hunter phase of the WIHS.  Lizzie was clear in the Speed class and ended up 6th in the Jr Jumpers!  The Hunter phase of WIHS didn't go as well.  Lizzie ended up with a score of 65 which was the average of the combined scores.  Call it "nerves", call it "making the first jump count" or just call it a bad round... it was disappointing for sure.

KC placing 6th in High Jr Jumper and
Lizzie placing 6th in Low Jr Jumpers!

Saturday was the Low Jr Jumper classic and the Jumper phase of WIHS.  Lizzie was the first to compete in the Jr Jumper classic.  Not really the spot you want to draw but you have no choice!  It's always nice to watch some rounds to see what others do.  Lizzie and Zadermus had two rails down but rode beautifully.  Both Lizzie and Aaron Vale, her trainer were pleased with how the jumpers went.  In the WIHS Jumper phase, they went in reverse order so Lizzie went 4th.  She received scores of 83 and 84 but had 3 time faults so her average score ended up being 80. They ribboned the top 10 of the class and Lizzie ended up 14th out of 40 riders.  Again, she and Aaron were both pleased with her round but knew there was no way for her to make the final cut.  That being said, it was an incredible experience and we look forward to next year and work hard to make the qualifying list!

Another exciting part of this show is the Friday night Puissance class!  Aaron rode Sarah's Jr Jumper Smartie and tied for 2nd place!  It was so much fun to watch them topping the wall at 6'6"!!  When it was raised to 6'11", Smartie decided that was more than he wanted to jump!!

Photo Shoot

Sarah and Lizzie were asked to be part of a photo shoot for The Skin Bar http://www.dbtstheskinbar.com/ which is a "pod" store for Delicate Beauty Spa http://www.delicatebeautyspa.com

Both which are owned by a friend of mine Nancy Young who is an incredible entrepreneur, esthetician and fitness guru!  She is also my spinning instructor whom I complain bitterly about but couldn't live without!

I'm thankful for our chance meeting, for her friendship and for being such an amazing role model to all three of our daughters!  

If you are in the Ann Arbor area, go to one of her locations!  You won't be disappointed!  And tell her I sent you :)  

Lizzie far left, Sarah far right

2013 to be a milestone year!! I'm ready! I think...

2013 - The world didn't end... those Mayans!  So now we continue forward with the new year, ready or not!  

I had the realization yesterday as I was cleaning, meal planning, laundry (sitting on Facebook) that 2013 is going to be monumental for our family!

Emily turns 21 this year.

Sarah graduates high school, will be traveling to the University of Michigan for college (approximately 5 miles from our home) and will turn 18.

Lizzie will turn 16.

The one bummer about all of this is that Eric and I turned 50 last year!  Can you even imagine the excitement if we would be celebrating our 50th birthday's this year as well?  Dang... had I only planned this better.... :)

Speaking of Lizzie... we went to the DMV to get her drivers permit last night.  I realized how much you change as a parent after each child.  We left the DMV, Lizzie got behind the wheel and said to me, "I'm such a good driver", proceeded to put it in drive instead of reverse and almost hit the pole in front of us.  I laughed and immediately Tweeted about it! That would not have happened with the other two!!  

On another note, Eric will be having knee surgery Monday.  Not a replacement thank goodness!  We are hoping that he will be as good as he was at 48!  One can only hope!  I'm feeling some pressure because I will be taking him to the hospital... (thank goodness for free WIFI so I can document his day), and cooking which will be added to my usual routine of... well, making the coffee, eating breakfast that Eric made for me, starting my job as researcher for Facebook and Twitter and Instagram, working out, having lunch with friends and getting my nails done.  I know, I know... it's a lot of pressure but I'm feeling up to the challenge!!  Don't worry, it will be well documented on Facebook and Twitter.  

Happy 17th Birthday my Sweet Sarah!

To our sweet Sarah!

infamous "dog" shirt

Seventeen years ago today, at exactly 1:49pm, you came into this world and our lives have never been the same!  You've been a determined child since birth!  Lifting your head up at just a few days old, walking at 7 1/2 months and running as soon as you put it all together!  Refusing to sleep in your crib, but preferred the floor, your crib was apparently only used for book reading..... refusing to take off your "doggie" shirt for days on end,

the crib was merely a playground

 to figuring out how to maneuver yourself out of your car seat at the age of 19 months as I'm driving down the highway, scaring me to death and laughing your head off!  

When we would go to your dad's business functions where families were welcome, your dad's co-workers referred to you as "The WildCat" as you ran non-stop!  



You would get very excited about something and decide to go running to the back of the house, only to run head on into the wood beam in the living room.  Stunned for only a moment, (and I'm sure after the stars cleared from your vision) you took off running again!

with Mrs. Jenkins

 As soon as you were allowed, age wise, I enrolled you in Montessori school where you were able to learn and grow at your pace, which was rapidly!  The bond you developed with your teacher Mrs. Jenkins, will forever be a special relationship.  We are thankful for her and the care and patience she took with you.  

"Party Time" & Grandparents

You soon caught the horse bug and what an incredible journey that has been!  Our girl who only wanted to do Hunters, not Jumpers because they "go too fast" went on to be the 2011 NAL Child Jumper Champion!  You've turned into quite the natural when it comes to horses and we continue to love watching your ride!  

The most important man in her life next to Eric!
Her trainer, Aaron Vale

"Queen of Hearts"

"DaSilva's Amore"

First of many wins!



You have been trying to get Lizzie's affections for many years!  With only 19 months separating you two, you have your own special bond and although you fight a lot, I know you also hold each others secrets close to your heart.

 We love watching the two of you and your relationship even with the ups and downs of it all!

My Daughters, My Life.

Our fabulous daughters Sarah, Emily and Lizzie

We were fortunate to all be together at the SEC Competition in Athens, Ga.  It was fun to watch the girls.  It had been 4 months since we'd all been together for Christmas and Sarah and Lizzie got to have some one on one time with Emily.  I know they each appreciated their time.  


Emily said to me a couple of times, "I forgot how funny they are!"


As sisters, they will have a bond that I will never fully appreciate (having 4 brothers!).  I know they know things about each other that Eric and I will probably never be privy to which is fine!  I'm sure one of these days, years from now sitting at the Thanksgiving dinner table, we will hear conversations of "remember when...."


A sister smiles when one tells one's stories - for she knows where the decoration has been added.  ~Chris Montaigne


More than Santa Claus, your sister knows when you've been bad and good.  ~Linda Sunshine


Sisters function as safety nets in a chaotic world simply by being there for each other.  ~Carol Saline


Siblings are the people we practice on, the people who teach us about fairness and cooperation and kindness and caring - quite often the hard way.  ~Pamela Dugdale


Sisters annoy, interfere, criticize.  Indulge in monumental sulks, in huffs, in snide remarks.  Borrow.  Break.  Monopolize the bathroom.  Are always underfoot.  But if catastrophe should strike, sisters are there.  Defending you against all comers.  ~Pam Brown


We know one another's faults, virtues, catastrophes, mortifications, triumphs, rivalries, desires, and how long we can each hang by our hands to a bar.  We have been banded together under pack codes and tribal laws.  ~Rose Macaulay


She is your mirror, shining back at you with a world of possibilities.  She is your witness, who sees you at your worst and best, and loves you anyway.  She is your partner in crime, your midnight companion, someone who knows when you are smiling, even in the dark.  She is your teacher, your defense attorney, your personal press agent, even your shrink.  Some days, she's the reason you wish you were an only child.  ~Barbara Alpert

Hello Flu....

I'd like to start by saying that I will be 50 this year (I promise this has nothing to do with that!) and I've NEVER had a flu shot.  Nope, don't need it.  When I came home from taking Sarah to the doctor this afternoon, I told Eric that I would be standing in the flu shot line!!


This is how our last several days have gone:


Friday:
 Lizzie runs 102* fever all day


Saturday:
 Sarah wakes up, says she doesn't feel well.  I took her temperature and it was 100.4*.  To top it off, she was taking the ACT test.  Eric and I look at each other..... Sarah says she will go.  She has been taking the online prep class and taking prep tests and had been gearing up for this day!  We pump her up with meds, give her some and to take and tell her the exact time to take them.  I drop her off and watch as she shuffles to the room.  It was 7:30am.  At 12:40pm, she calls and says she is done and feels terrible.  When I pick her up, she proceeds to tell me that she threw up three different times...... yes, you read that right.  I about died, I felt so bad for her.  First of all, I would have thrown the pencil in after the first time throwing up!!  No way would I have stayed which really says a lot about the two of us.  She is clearly better than me!  
Lizzie woke up, came downstairs to the kitchen and Eric said the next thing he knew she was passed out on the floor!!  (This took place while I was taking Sarah to the ACT)  He got her up and got her upstairs..... what the heck!  But I have to tell you, miracles do happen!  There was a school dance that night and God healed her.  I'm certain that all of her friends being there had nothing to do with it..... I did bring her Panera home for lunch and I think that was actually what healed her.  And with the cost of items at Panera, it better have!  She felt 100% better after eating Panera!  We let her go to the dance for 2 hours.
When Sarah got home, she went straight to bed.  That is where she stayed until Sunday morning!


Sunday:
Lizzie felt much better but has a persistant cough
Sarah still feels bad and achy but got caught up on A LOT of TV!


Monday:
Lizzie goes to school coughing....
Sarah goes to school for an hour and comes home


Tuesday (today)
Lizzie goes to school still coughing
Sarah goes to school for an hour and comes home.  We go to the doctor this afternoon.  They rule out mono as she doesn't have the symptoms.  They did a quick strep test and it was negative but they will send it to culture.  Looks like the flu bug is the winner!!!  


In the meantime, I've been pumping myself and the girls up with Esberitox which is basically a supercharged Echinacea!  Get some!!  


Here is another thing I've found out.  These kids drink after each other at school!  From their water bottles!  Gross!!  Germs, germs, germs!  Please tell your children to NOT share their water with their friends!  I don't care if their friend is about the pass out from heat stroke!  Well, that could be an exception.... but then tell your child to not redrink from it!  Ugh!


That's it, we're getting the flu shot....

I'd like an Easter basket until I have children of my own....

 These words were spoken to me this morning by Emily who will be 20 in July.  


Eric and I were out yesterday and I said we needed to get Easter things for the girls.  


Eric, "Sharon, I think we're past that stage"
Me, "What?  Are you kidding?"
Eric, "Trust me on this one....."


Wow, was he ever wrong! 


 Yesterday when I spoke with Emily she asked if we'd sent her an Easter basket.  (Why can't they ever ask Eric these things?!)  When I told her we didn't, you would've thought I had told her that we were no longer going to pay for her college.  And of course, I felt terrible!  So I said, "Remember the cute purse and things I brought you the weekend I saw you in Texas?  Let's pretend that was your Easter gift!"  That was last month and she didn't go fall for it, but it was worth a try!


This is the text I got from Lizzie this morning.  She spent the night with her girlfriend Alex.

  She got a bucket of candy and a gift card to Starbucks.  I did add "brat" as my next text!


This is what we got Sarah and Lizzie:

Moral of the story:  Don't EVER think you are past the stage of Easter baskets.  


This cute solid milk chocolate bunny.... not quite as exciting.  Even when they are in college, they will forever be kids at heart!  My words to Eric this morning, "This will never happen again....."  


Question from Lizzie when I handed her the chocolate bunny, "Was this in the basement from last year?"  For the record, the answer was NO!


I transferred money into Emily's account to pay for Easter brunch with her girlfriends at school.  It wasn't the cute basket of goodies but she did appreciate it!  


Lesson learned.  Some things you just don't outgrow.... until you have children of your own!

SEC Equestrian weekend

The 2012 SEC's was held in Athens, Georgia at the University of Georgia.  The three teams competing were Auburn, Univ of S. Carolina and Univ of Georgia.  The Dawgs ended up 2nd after the weekend was done.  It was an exciting, sitting on the edge of your seat competition and in the end, we couldn't pull out the win.  Hopefully this loss will make the girls hungry for Nationals which will be next weekend in Waco, Texas.  There will be some tough competition for Georgia but staying focused and strong, the team can pull off another National title!  Best of luck to everyone next weekend!


The highlight of the weekend, of course, is spending time with Emily.  Time spent with this wonderful young lady never gets old.  Our family was together for a weekend, sisters spent precious time together and Sarah even cleaned Emily's bathroom!  Sarah truly proved her love for her sister by doing this... not sure I would've tackled that bathroom!

I am continually thankful for each of these young ladies and what they bring to our life!  I wouldn't trade a single moment so far and I look forward to many more moments that will continually shape who we are and who we will become.

Hunger Games Midnight Premier

I admit it.  I was one of the people (crazies, fools, etc) that arrived at the movie theatre at 10pm to wait for a midnight showing!  Now in a thumbs up to us, we were the first in line for Theater 11 !!  Whoo hoo!  So we sat on the floor for two hours and waited.  And because I LOVE to people watch, I was not be to disappointed!  People actually dress up as the characters!  I, on the other hand, arrived in sweat pants, sweat shirt, no make-up and glasses.  I'm a thinker and planned the 3am home arrival!!

I went to the movie with my two daughters and three of their friends.  I have not read the books and really had no idea what the movie was about!  I knew it was kids fighting each other with a love story twist.  I was pleasantly surprised with the movie.  The cinematography was great!

Arriving home at 3am was a bit painful.  Sarah and Lizzie had to get up at 7:15am to go to school.  I got up and came into the kitchen in full support!  After they left I went back to bed and slept until my mom called at 9am and woke me up!!  MOTHER!!!!  hahah!  I've been a mess all day.  I went to the grocery store and honestly felt like I had "cart rage".  It was difficult to have patience with people in the store!  Leaving the parking spot?!  Have you ever felt like everyone was out to get you when they really weren't?  That was me backing out of my parking spot!  Why did everyone have to come down the isle I was trying to leave?!!

I was thankful to be home.  With good intentions of cleaning out my closet, I spent most of the day laying on the couch!

I've decided that as exciting as it might seem to go to a Midnight Premier, there are more negatives than positives!!  The movie will be just as good the next day at "normal" times!

I'm just not as cool as I'd like to think I am!!

Equestrian Mom 101

I got the pleasure of going to Ocala this past week with Sarah and Lizzie and watched them show.  To say that I'm proud of them is an understatement.  My heart jumps out of my chest when I watch them show.  They've been doing this for years and honestly, it never gets old.  You would think by now that I'd be cool as a cucumber when they enter the ring.  Wrong.  I'm still looking for the person next to me to grab.  I think my best asset is mentally helping them over the jumps!  Sitting in the stands and your body goes up as they go over the jumps!  The best is standing and watching them!  You kick one leg back just a bit as they go over the jump!  I always feel it helps them, at least that's what I'll keep telling myself so I don't feel so dumb!  Although it helps when I'm taking pictures because I have to focus on the picture so I don't move around as much!

Sarah and Lizzie have held their own in Ocala.  The classes are huge, anywhere from 30-50 in each class and they've placed in the top 10, even getting 2nd places in some of the Equitation classes!

I zip from ring to ring in the golf cart, sometimes getting the phone call of "can you go back to the barn and get...." so off I rush, retrieving whatever item was left at the barn.

Just this past weekend, after dashing to a Porta Potty, this thought ran through my head, "You know are a horse show mom when the Porta Potty's no longer bother you!"  I didn't know whether to laugh or cry!

Sunday it was raining and it was cold and at one point I looked around while at a particular ring and just smiled.  I smiled not because it was rainy and cold, but because I wasn't the only parent all bundled up, hair matted, makeup smeared and muddy waiting for my children to get their two minutes in the show ring!  And once again, so proud of them because while I was cold and wet, they were also cold, wet AND maneuvering a horse around a ring and over jumps!

I'm still trying to get the stains out of their white breeches!

Sarah and Rocky Carr

Lizzie and Ashton

Aaron talking to the girls after the USET

Sarah and Gregor

Lizzie and Onno Z

The Equestrian Mom 101

Being the mom of Equestrian daughters has always been near and dear to my heart.  I tell people that I'm the equivalent to the mom's who have their daughters in beauty pagents at young ages and live vicariously through them!  I love horses, I think they are magnificent animals and the closest I've ever been to competing is being on a trail ride and getting close to the barn and your horse wants to get there first!  Although I'm the one bouncing up and down, shoulders hunched in, holding onto the pommel, praying I stay on!!

People automatically assume since we have three daughters that compete Nationally, either Eric or myself rode growing up.  This couldn't be farther from the truth!  Horses actually scare me.  Yes, they really do.  I go into full panic mode if one of the girls asks me to hold their horse while they walk the course.  I make sure they know that if for any reason the horse starts doing anything crazy, I'm immediately letting them go... run away!!  The typical reaction from them is (after rolling their eyes of course) "Mom, look at him, he's just standing there, does he look like he's going anywhere?"  What I don't tell them is that in my mind, bad things start happening and the next thing you know they are rearing, etc.   For the record, I've learned to not be anywhere close when it's time to walk the course.  I go directly to the stands and plant myself in a chair, preferably next to a friend that I can squeeze their arm or leg while each girl is on course.  I should follow up with, I've never had anything bad happen while holding their horse, the dramatic effects make for good stories though!

 Emily, who is a Sophomore at the University of Georgia and rides on the Equestrian team there started riding when she was 6.  I was the mom who stood on the side and listened to what the trainer was saying and when Emily would trot by the side I was standing, I'd tell her again, what the trainer had said.  You know, reinforce it because I was certain she wasn't listening.... "keep your heels down", "shoulders back", etc.  Then I decided to take a few lessons..... oh dear.  Let me just say right now that I NEVER said another word to Emily after that (until she got older, but that's another story)!  Helen, the one-eyed horse I was on was fabulous but when she coughed, I just knew she was going to rear.  When she shook, I knew she was going to rear.  Basically, I spent the entire time assuming she was going to rear.  Did I mention Helen was old and had one eye?  Helen wasn't going anywhere, and the trainer was guiding me with a lead rope.  I think I took three lessons and realized I was better off on the ground, writing the checks!

Sarah (a junior in high school) and Lizzie (a freshman in high school) hopped on their first ponies when they were probably 3 and 4 years old!  This was, of course because they were at the barn when Emily was taking her lessons so it was a natural thing to have happen.  Although we did have them do other sports because we didn't want them to get older and say, "I never really liked it but because EMILY was riding, we felt like we HAD to!"  This is too much time, energy and money to have that happen!  By golly Sarah and Lizzie needed to be in love with horses!!

And they are!

I often times feel like I'm their personal assistant.  I make sure their memberships are renewed each year.  I keep track of points for different classes to assure they can make the cut for finals.  And then there is knowing when the cutoff is for each Equitation class because of course, they are all different!  Making sure to secure hotel reservations a year in advance for Finals, making sure entries are in by the deadline because those are all different, etc!  It's a full time job!

I haven't even begun to talk about the number of pictures I take each season.  Don't even get me started on that!!  Yes, I am the mom that pulls out the camera with the huge, white lens.  This year I'm digitally scrapbooking and my goal is to keep it up each month.  I'm going to be more organized with my photos and my personal goal when I take 500 pictures at a show is to ask myself if I really need 20 shots of the same jump.  I mean, they are all good but I think 20 might be overkill.  It's my goal, I'm not saying it's going to happen... one step at a time!!

Changes...

What a crazy summer this has been!  I knew this summer was going to go fast, I was just hoping for a slower speed!
School ended, horse showing started, Emily’s grad party and then graduation.  Did I mention horse showing?  Em going to UGA for Orientation, horse showing, oh, and more horse showing!  In between all this, volunteering at church which keeps me so grounded.
Taking a step back and seeing changes start to happen in our family relationships, family dynamics, etc.  I saw a shift between Emily with Sarah and Lizzie.  She mentioned to me that she felt that over the summer they were becoming better friends.  They spent more time away from each other this summer and I think that made a big impact as well.  I saw friendship relationships change and grow, going off to college makes you realize and appreciate things in a different way.  I know this is going to sound strange but I think that the hardest part of Em leaving for college was the day that she and Hannah had their last goodbye.  We have often wondered if we should claim Hannah on our taxes — this might give you some idea of the relationship!  I do believe the tears lasted an hour or more and it was heartwrenching.  Change is not always bad, it does make you realize who and what is important in your life.
Another change, Sarah started Drivers Ed!  Wow, that middle, somewhat quiet child will soon have her permit and will be bugging me to drive!!  Sarah and her friend Kristen have enjoyed the summer decorating Kristen’s basement and decided that our TV room needed some changing.  So together they drew a plan and got the IKEA catalog and presented ideas and prices to Eric.  He was quite impressed and when Kristen returns from Italy, our TV room will be transformed!
I had the pleasure of spending some quality time with Lizzie at our last horse show in Kentucky.  With Em in college and Sarah driving, it was just Lizzie and I off to the horse show!  What a great time hanging out with her and watching her master Mallory’s motorbike!  And watching her ride and hearing her little 6 year old voice say to me while watching the jumpers “Mom, I want to do that.  I want to go fast and feel the wind blow through my hair”  And seeing her do it and knowing it’s what she loves!
Ahh changes will happen and we need to embrace it and know that we are along for the ride.  As my friend Christine said to me quoting her mother, “God knows my journey, I’m along for the ride, I am His Soldier”