The Many Emotions In One Weekend...

I got to experience sadness and happiness and pride within hours of each other this weekend.  Wow.  It was truly an amazing weekend on so many levels.  

Friday 11am:
 I was blessed to be at the Celebration of Life for our neighbor Marv Howard who was taken from this earth too soon.  This past August (ish) Marv thought he was having a heart attack and was taken to the hospital.  As it turns out, Marv had a 2-3 inch mass in his liver and the aorta ran right through it.... when the Oncologist came in and presented the news, apparently Marv looked at him and said, "I'm going to sue the hospital" Caught completely off guard, the Oncologist asked why?  Marv proceeded to say, "I came in with a heart attack and I want my heart attack"  This would be the beginning of Marv's incredible outlook on this sentence he was given, which was, "There is nothing we can do for you..."  Marv was an incredible human being that I will say I'm truly sad I didn't know better.  

Friday 4:30pm
Dry those eyes and head to Kappa Kappy Gamma Mom's Weekend at University of Michigan.  Tea and cookies are being served and you are meeting friends and mom's from out of state! I am always amazed at how we "switch gears".  

With all of this, I'm receiving updates from our youngest daughter who was competing with her horse in Ocala, Florida.  With the different horses she was riding, there was both ups and downs with that and taking the time to listen to her as she spoke of each one.  

Saturday:

A day filled with thinking of my neighbor, wondering how she is doing and knowing that really.... she's probably pretty crappy.... wishing I could be there to give her a hug.  Comfort in knowing that she knows I think of her and pray for her daily.  

Heading to Sarah's to continue with Mom's Weekend!  We spend the day doing some shopping, eating sushi and watching Frozen.  We head out to dinner with some mom's and girls from the sorority and go "out" for the night!! No doubt this means that I'm home and in bed by 11pm!! But what I left was a daughter who I had an amazing day with! We laughed, we ate, we even went to a Frat Party.... Darty... which now that I know what that is... actually, the guys were incredibly nice... polite... and yes..... I venture to say won't even remember me... ;) 

During this day, still receiving texts/updates from Lizzie in Ocala with how her rides went.  Talking to her on the phone and listening when she was frustrated with a night class that she knew she could've done better in and for possibly the first time... I just listened.  I told her I was proud of her but I understood her frustration and that tomorrow was a new day.  

Sunday:

Picking Sarah up and heading to the Sorority House for Brunch!  Oh my word it was magnificent! We were serenaded by the G-Men, the UofM A Capella group and they were fabulous!!

Take the time to watch the video.  You will not be disappointed!

Ending the afternoon with some FaceTime with Emily in Georgia!  Always a joy to see that girls face!!  

I leave you with a few videos from Lizzie's weekend taken by my friend Elizabeth DeRose.  The first is her doing the High Jr Jumper Classic to which she tweeted the following:

Lizzie van der Walde ‏@Lizzievdw  Mar 23

HAHA the high classic is huge I'm gonna cry #jesustakethewheel

This was her first time doing the High's, she had 3 down but was thrilled with the ride!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypOl-No91JY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbdTiSMdKnE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7F9_V8xC3w

Reflecting

This is one of probably under 5 times I've been in my home by myself.  I'm really not good by myself.  I know it's good for me and there is a small part of me that enjoys it… for about an hour…. When life is so chaotic, I crave the quiet.  Although, as I'm typing this, I've got Pandora on, so you see… I really can't even do "quiet".  

Eric has gone to a friends lake house doing guy things like driving around on the frozen lake or some crazy stuff like that.  

Emily is in Georgia but never far away, thankful for the phone calls I get as she is going from place to place.  I'm blessed she chooses to call me "just because".

Sarah, while in college but only 4.7 miles away.  I love that I can pick her up, go to lunch, run her to the mall to get her glasses fixed, drop off an application (yes, she is applying to J.Crew, her favorite store which means that she will be working for her wardrobe if hired!)

Lizzie who is at her school Winter Formal with one of her dear friends Annie.  Those two literally crack me up.  I love the realness of their friendship and how they truly adore/annoy each other.  While others will be with dates, I believe they will look back on this time and be thankful they shared it with each other.

So here I sit.  And my first thought is how thankful I am for all that has been given to me.  Thankful for the every day challenges that occur.  Thankful for the privilege of raising three amazing young ladies and that God chose me to be their mom!  Thankful that HE knew the many times I have and will fail as a parent but trusts me anyway!  Incredibly thankful for God's grace and knowing that HE knew I needed this time to reflect and be thankful.  

It's the unexpected times of being alone that turn out to be some of the best times…..

Thankful….

New Years Resolutions I Think About...

The New Year is here and it's the time of year that people make New Year's Resolutions.  For me, I have some thoughts that run through my head but quickly leave because I have to laugh at the thought of really seeing them through!!

This year I resolve to:

1. Not buy another purse.  (you should see my closet... but it doesn't stop me.)

2. Not buy 4 of something just because it's half price.... (I'm not kidding..take a look at my gift closet)

3. Work out more than twice a week. (really... you have no idea what it takes for me to make it twice a week!)

4. Be more organized. (hahahahhahah... enough said)

5. Be a better mother. (I just don't know how you can do better than perfect....)

6. Finally making breakfast for the youngest before school.  Our oldest is 21,  our middle is 18, the youngest is 16.... (not sure any comment I say about this will be good... I'll be quiet, but I guess I'll resolve to continue to make her breakfast!)

7. Send more handwritten letters. (It's for shock value only)

8. Not buy anymore Christmas wrapping paper. (I already blew this after Christmas... now I have at least 45-50 rolls which only means I will feel the need to give some away... see the vicious cycle?!)

9. Have a garage sale. (It exhausts me just thinking about it so unless someone is willing to come over and organize and tag everything, it'll never happen....)

10. Cook more! (goodness, it makes me chuckle just thinking about it...)

11. Actually hide Eric's glasses.... I mean, this whole "where did you put my glasses" is fun and all but I think it's time to mix it up a bit...

12. Not get mad at the girls.... (haha not sure why I even typed that. I'm certain they've done something right this minute that makes me mad!)

13. Not try to "stress" Sarah out so much. (since merely walking into the same room as her stresses her out... no luck on this one!!)

14. Get Lizzie to talk more... (I realize this is the equivalent of me being able to tame a wild beast but hey, I'm up for the challenge!)

15. Laugh. Even if it's at Emily's expense from when she had her wisdom teeth removed as I watch the many video clips I took.... (it was a very entertaining moment and so worth it!)

While I do joke about most of these resolutions, I do hope to be more intentional.  I will work on really listening when someone is talking to me. I will work on putting my phone down more and talking face to face.  I will work on being more encouraging and not ask so many questions.

I wish everyone a beautiful and blessed 2014!

Sharon

Maclay Finals 2013 - A mom's perspective...

With three girls that have all competed/and currently competing in the ASPC Maclay, I believe this is our 8th or 9th Maclay finals.  This year Sarah, who is 17 and a Freshman at the University of Michigan and Lizzie, who is 16 and a Junior in High School both qualified.  I always thought it would've been great for all three girls to have done the finals at the same time but we've only ever had two at the same time!  

Thursday at 4:30pm, Lizzie and I picked Sarah up at UofM and headed to Lexington, Ky in the pouring rain!  I'm thankful it's just a 5 hour drive and the girls compete there a lot during the summer so this drive is really second nature to us!  Two-three Redbox movies do the trick!

Friday the girls rode and had a lesson from their trainer Aaron Vale.

  

Saturday morning at 5:30am the Maclay warm up class started.  In this class, the rider has 90 seconds to jump the jumps in the ring. Sarah was posted to go 3rd and Lizzie 141.  I looked at Aaron and said, "You'll get Sarah right?!!" 

This is how Saturday morning went:

Sarah was setting her alarm for 4am so I set mine for 4:15am - just to be sure... My alarm goes off at 4:15am and as I walk to the adjoining room, it's pitch dark.  Sarah's alarm didn't go off. Ok, not a tragedy but now I'm standing in the room waiting.... not sure for what but of course I can't go back to sleep because in my mind, she won't actually make it out the door.... (remember, she is in college and as far as I know, she does make it to her classes!) She leaves, I go back to bed.  Now it's 4:30am and my mind on the fact that I will have an hour and a half to sleep.  Lizzie needs to be there at 7am, setting my alarm for 6:15am.  Sarah comes back to the hotel, Aaron texts and says 7:30am for Lizzie.  I wake Lizzie up and she informs me that Aaron text her and said 7:45am.  I compare texts and the one he sent me was sent last so I'm certain we have to be there at 7:30am.  We arrive at the Horse Park at 7:30am.  Lizzie gets on, Aaron and I head to the Indoor only to find out we are 50 out.... that is over an hour away... we head back to the barn.  

I'm not certain what time we finished but Aaron said for the girls to be back around 1:30pm for another lesson.  We head back to the hotel to get some rest!

Back out at 1:30pm for lessons, watch some jumpers and head to Malone's for a wonderful steak dinner!

Sunday: The Maclay finals class started at 7am.  Lizzie is scheduled to go 8th and Sarah 146.  There were 148 riders in the class!  As we said, they might as well have been first and last!!  We had to be there at 6am for the 6:15am course walk.  

Lizzie ended up placing in the top 30 which was very exciting!!  Sarah had a really good round and didn't get called back to flat.  The heartache and excitement for both girls was a bit overwhelming.  So happy for one and so sad for the other.  This is the nature of the sport.  One of them does well, one doesn't, there are times they both do great in the same class, there are times they both bomb.  This is a very humbling sport and I know that life lessons happen at every show!

Sarah has one more year left of her Junior year and has said that she will most likely not do Equitation but do Hunters and Jumpers this next show season.  With being in college and trying to get the points needed for Indoors, she thinks she will close the Equitation door.  If she just wants to do Hunters and Jumpers, we will support her decision.  This needs to be fun so we will see how it plays out!

We will take the rest of November and December off and gear up for the 2014 show season!  

Videos:

Aaron Vale and Smartie $50k Kentucky Puissance

As we arrive in Lexington, Ky for Maclay finals, we also get to see Aaron do another Puissance on Smartie!  Smartie is Sarah's Jr Jumper and he passed the try outs once again to get the chance to jump an incredibly high wall!!

I thought I'd try and give Aaron some advice and tips before the class, this is the response I got.

Tonight was barn night and local barns came with banners, horns, costumes, you name it and made lots of noise in hopes of be the winner of a brand new Golf Cart!  They also really like Aaron and were not shy about showing it!!

They also won the Golf Cart!

In the end, even without my training tips (snicker!) Aaron and Smartie placed 2nd in the $50k Puissance!  The height of the first wall was 5'9", it then went to 6'3" and then to 6'9".  When it was just Aaron and Tim left, with the wall at 7', Tim and his amazing horse cleared the wall and Aaron and Smartie (who is no doubt just as fabulous at 6'9"!) did not clear 7'.  

Press conference after Puissance class!


Watch Aaron and Smartie's rounds!

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!!

Lizzie and Zadermus

Lizzie and Zadermus
Low Jr Jumper Classic
4th out of 38


To say that I'm crazy about these two is an understatement!  I've loved seeing how Lizzie and Z have grown and bonded over the last 6 months because exactly 6 months ago it was a different story!  Lizzie's trainer, Aaron Vale called us after a trip to Europe and said, "I really think you should buy this horse for Lizzie"  We watched a video of Z, Lizzie wasn't overly impressed but we trusted Aaron and made Z a member of the van der Walde clan!

Z arrived late last October and came to the November Kentucky show.  Lizzie did a schooling class on him and it was a disaster.... I believe her exact words were, "I'm not getting on that horse again."

Z went back to Florida with Aaron and spent the winter in training.

Lizzie and Z were successful during the Ocala Winter Circuit and are starting off the summer show schedule with a bang!  They have become great partners and I am hopeful that I will have more "bragging" moments.  It's a mom's job after all