Amazing Two Days!

 I realize I haven't updated in a few weeks. Life has been pretty much the same. Lots of school, horseback riding and forensics! However the last two days have been amazing!

Yesterday Maddy participated in the Victory Spring Spectacular. For the first time Maddy would be competing completely independently and she was in a walk trot class. She was extremely nervous as this was a big step up for her. I could not be more proud of the way she competed. Tammi(her coach) and I have the privilege of watching her improve on an almost daily basis, but to watch her put aside her nerves and ride beautifully was such a joy! She is relentless in her focus and determination and is an incredibly hard worker. I never care about her placement, I just want her to be proud of herself and have fun and be a good teammate. Yesterday she did everything that was asked of her and she was rewarded with a second place finish in both of her heats. Her combined score earned her the high point belt buckle for her class! Not to mention she was in a class with 4 teenagers! Maddy was so lucky to have Mimi, PopPop, Alex, Bruce and Mrs. Whitington there to cheer her on along with all of her buddies at the barn! I am so grateful for all the ways that Victory Therapy is shaping her. From the love of Tammi and the rest of the staff and the volunteers, to the dedication, to the hard work to the work of pushing through her fears, to the many prayers that are said, Victory is shaping her into an amazing little girl that I am so proud to call mine. 

Maddy with Kirsten our barn manager

High Point Champ!

Maddy and Ginny (one of her favorite volunteers)

Maddy and Tammi

Maddy and Emerson

Maddy and Sarah

Mimi with her babies

Maddy with Mrs. Whitington, her teacher

Awards for Maddy's class

Maddy and April, Gabby's owner

Celebrating after Equitation

Finishing Equitation

Equitation Lineup

A rare smile while competing

Mounting for her first heat

Maddy and Tori (one of her riding partners)

Maddy with Avary and Emerson (two teammates)

Today we switched gears and spent the day at another college tour for Alex. This one was special and oh so fun! For the past six years one of our favorite events to speak at for Cook Children's is Dance Marathon at TCU (Texas Christian University). Since the beginning Alex has thought this would be the school he would wan to attend. Today we took the first step and went on an "official" tour. It was completely different than our tour at UNT, because we have been on the TCU campus so many times and already feel connected. IT did not have the same excitement because it wasn't "new", but we both left feeling like it would be a great place for Alex. It has such a community feeling and they have amazing programs set up to get incoming freshman connected. It feels like Home. I'm not sure there is higher praise than that.

I would ask for your prayers for both of my babies. Maddy continues to struggle health wise. She has her long awaited MRI of her brain and spine tomorrow. Please pray for her health as well as her anxiety tomorrow. Please pray for Alex's continued good health and us as we navigate a new road that we didn't think would be possible. Alex is already taking over more of his health care which is hard for him both physically and emotionally. Pray that I am able to be strong and guide them so they may become who God created them to be. 

Ali