While some would be quick to kick 2021 out the door, I have
to admit it sure brought some of the “good stuff” to our family. I will admit, there were challenges- it was
the most challenging year, professionally, of my career thus far, I faced a
couple different scary health situations, and we found ourselves saying “goodbye”
more times than I would prefer. But it
also brought some incredible blessings.
So, as I do each year… here are my favorites of 2021:
5. Youth Rodeo Season 2
While (a) got a taste of youth rodeo in 2020, this year was
an even more exciting adventure. I
watched him make some amazing friends and find mentors, he gained confidence
and learned about perseverance, and he watched hard work pay off. He got serious about practicing and realized
that was the only way he was going to get better. He let me find some “coaches” for him and
listened to what they had to say. He
learned from older kids and loved cheering them on as he watched them
compete. This year also brought me some “rodeo
mom friends” that I was seriously in need of, and allowed (a) and I a lot of
special bonding time as we spent hours together at the barn roping his dummy. We allowed (b) to compete in one event as
well, and he is already preparing for summer 2022, where he has informed us he
will “ride sheep!” I always knew that
some day my kids would find activities or sports they would want to be involved
with, but watching it happen and all the “feels” and life lessons that come
with it have been an amazing blessing to our family.
4. Starting Kindergarten
This past year brought a milestone- we joined the “big kid”
parents’ club by sending our first child to kindergarten. Not only is that a big step educationally and
socially, I had some nerves about bringing him with me to my school. I already knew his teacher is AMAZING, but I
worried if he would want to lean on me too much since I am just across the hall
or if he would be treated differently for being a “teacher’s kid.” I should have known there was nothing to
fear. He has taken to kindergarten like a
fish to water. He LOVES learning, has
made friends with nearly every student in the building, doesn’t complain about
homework, and constantly looks for opportunities to extend his learning. We are so thankful for the great start he has
gotten, and while we don’t always remember to clean out his backpack each
night, we feel like we are adjusting fairly well to the world of school.
3. 2021 American Angus Convention
This fall we took our first, real, family vacation. And while, sadly, we had to leave (b) at home
because he could not wear a mask for travel or sit quietly through convention
sessions, we still made some amazing memories and had some incredibly special experiences. It was the first airplane ride (a) remembers,
and the first one (lk) had ever been on, we enjoyed the historic Ft. Worth
Stockyards, The Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, the Cowgirl Hall of Fame, the NRS
(National Ropers Supply) Ranch, and the guys took in the convention trade show
as if it were another attraction. It was
fun to re-connect with Angus friends I hadn’t seen in a few years, and was
super special to let (A) catch a glimpse of why the industry means so much to
me. He learned a lot, had a great time, and
admitted he was starting to understand why I hold those people and my upbringing
so very dear to my heart. Our trip was
topped off by being in the room as my dad was elected to the American Angus
Association Board of Directors, and sharing in that celebration. I had to take some personal days from school
(which I RARELY ever do) for us to attend, and it was an important reminder to
me that- while I am extremely committed to my job- my job is only one piece to
my life, and sometimes there are things I need to prioritize over work. That trip was a memory I believe I will hold
on to forever.
2. Sibling
Love
As we prepared to bring sweet #3 home to our family, I was
very unsure how the dynamics would change with our children. (a) has LOVED being a big brother to (b), so
I was not worried about him. He was very
excited to meet his little sister and I knew he would be sweet and gentle with
her. (b) however, is pretty independent,
cannot be bribed, and sometimes unimpressed with your efforts to do so, so I
found myself wondering what he would think of the new baby. My best guess was that he just wouldn’t be too
interested. Boy was I wrong! From the
first afternoon (lk) came home, he has been completely in love with her. He immediately was asking to hold her, always
wanted to make sure she had a paci (even when she didn’t want one), and now
that she is bigger he LOVES to make her laugh out loud. The boys continue to be best friends, and
together they ADORE their sister. I know
the day will come win sibling rivalry and fights will hit our house, but for
now, I will soak in every minute of watching them together. It is the sweetest thing in the whole world,
and something I hold incredibly close to my heart.
1. Londyn Kate
Our hearts just knew there was supposed to be one more
little, and she joined our family on April 19th. She was by far the greatest blessing of
2021. Our sweet girl smiles non-stop,
flashes her dimples, and expresses herself by sticking her tongue out for many
smiles. She loves to laugh out loud, cuddle,
and by now has started crawling all over the place. She has learned how to keep her brothers in
line by pulling their hair when she needs her space, and yet knows how to
soothe your soul with a smile and a snuggle.
While I REALLY thought I wanted a third boy, as always God knew
best. Having a sweet little girl has
been a lot of fun for all of us, and I look forward to the days of attending
women’s retreats together, going on shopping trips, and hope that she will help
make sure we are taken care of when we get old.
The last few weeks before her arrival got a little tricky for my health,
and were reminders of my priorities. I
had to slow down, prioritize what was important, learn to accept help, and
trust God in the timing. Our little girl
brought with her lessons I still needed to learn, even in my third time around
as a Mama. We thank God for her every
day.
With its ups and its downs, 2021 was still a year to be
thankful for. It was a precious reminder
that “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the
Father of the Heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
James 1:17
