Medical Update on Maddy

 I wanted to get out a quick medical update on Maddy Moo. 

Today after four weeks her cast was removed! The repeat x-rays revealed a surprise as along with her metatarsals she had broken her cuboid bone. That was actually where they saw the most new bone growth! She needs to be careful for the next 4 weeks as her foot continues to heal, but she is so happy to be out of her cast! 

While we were at the orthopedic office we were also scheduled to get another opinion on her knee that dislocates every time she straightens it. If you remember, we have been told that she will need a major surgery once she is ten to correct the issues that cause the dislocations. That surgery is an open surgery involving cutting a bone, moving a tendon and repairing a ligament. It involves a LONG recovery and at least 4 months without riding a horse! We got amazing news this morning with a much smaller surgery that we could try first and hope to correct the issue. It would actually be done on both knees (as she has issues with both, the left is just worse). It is done arthroscopically and has a two week recovery. It would aim at improving the tracking by changing the angle her leg grows. It might not work, but at a minimum it would buy us time before doing the major surgery if needed. We are so grateful for another option to try and address her knee pain and instability.

The other issue we have been dealing with is dizzy spells, vision changes and headaches. We did an EEG several weeks ago to rule out seizures and thankfully there is no evidence of seizure activity. We have been increasing fluids with no improvement. We have an appointment tomorrow to have her ears looked at to rule out fluid or an infection since she has had several ear infections recently. We are also scheduled to see her neurologist the first week of September so hopefully she will be able to help.

We would appreciate prayers that we can get to the bottom of this issue as it is very unsettling for her to feel dizzy multiple times every day.

On a bright note she is back in the swing of school and loves her new teacher. She is so happy to have her same sweet classmates.

Ali

NSBA and First Day of School

 What a crazy ten days we have had! It involved World Championships and the First Day of School!

Maddy and I left last Friday to travel to Tulsa for the National Snaffle Bit Association World Show. This is by far our biggest show of the year and Maddy has worked tirelessly to prepare. The weeks leading up to it were filled with uncertainty and truly we were grateful to just be attending. As most of you know Maddy broke 3 bones in her right foot at the end of July and the week before Tammi was sick and unable to coach Maddy. However, we still were excited to arrive in Tulsa and had high hopes about the week. Ultimately the week was full of highs and lows, but once again my girl showed how much fight she has inside of her. 

Her first event was on Sunday and was her trail pattern. She was first in the draw. Unfortunately, due to no fault of hers she missed an element of the pattern and did not place. Her riding was gorgeous and we feel confident that she would have had a top ten finish had she completed the entire pattern. To say she was devastated is an understatement. By the time I got to her in the warm up arena she was inconsolable. She is okay with not placing if she rides her best and is beaten, but to not place due to a mistake was so hard for her to accept. I do not know many eight year olds who work harder or are tougher on themselves than Maddy. At first I wasn't even sure she was going to compete the next day. However, after some time she showed the warrior that resides in that tiny body and decided not only was she going to compete on Monday, but she was going to try and win. 

Before Trail

Tears of what might have been

Still being a good teammate

Monday was Western Pleasure. I was so nervous for her. I desperately wanted her to ride well and feel good about her performance. And did she ever. She placed fourth in the world and missed third by the narrowest of margins. She was so happy with the way she rode. I told her countless times that her placing meant nothing to me. What I saw was the heart of a champion who came back from extreme disappointment to perform their best the next day with a good attitude. Tammi tells her all the time this isn't about horseback riding, it is about life lessons. While this was a hard lesson, she taught me once again about courage and perseverance and strength and for that I could not be more proud. 

Freddie's three riders

Little Red cheering on Big Red

Fourth in the World!

After returning home Tuesday we had a quick turn around for the first day of school on Wednesday! Maddy was excited to see her friends and had a great first day. We are hopeful for an amazing year in third grade!

This last few weeks I have been reminded once again that it is not the experiences in life that matter, but the people who stand beside you. I am always amazed and feel incredibly blessed to have my children loved and supported by so many people. I give thanks to God every day that he chose me to be the mother to these two incredible children who have taught me so much about the person I want be and the way I want to live. My prayer is that we live each day in a way that brings Glory to him.

Ali

Summer Theater

 Anyone who knows me knows that I hate goodbyes! I am usually a blubbering mess. And reaching the end of an era with something that has meant so much is especially hard. But as you reach the end of your child's school years these occasions happen to frequently.

I am not sure there is any activity that has meant as much to Alex through the years as Summer Theater Workshop. For the past 7 years Alex has anxiously awaited the 3 weeks of Summer when he could throw himself into the theater world and not only immerse himself in the creativity of creating a character, but more importantly become part of a family. I have had the honor of watching these weeks year after year. I have watched the kids form new friendships and renew friendships from the summer before. I have watched children from all walks of life and with all different abilities share the love of performing and accepting each other. 

For our family we have watched a level of acceptance and love for Alex that we have not always seen. There were years where he struggled medically, when he missed rehearsals and some where the show was in question. No matter what was going on Alex was always made to feel special and valued and loved. Never was he given a "lesser" part in case he couldn't perform. Never was he made to feel bad when he missed rehearsals. Instead schedules were altered, friends helped out and love was shared. 

This year he shared the stage with his sister for what is likely to be the only time. She also felt the love and acceptance whether it was overcoming her shyness or her broken foot. Alex had the greatest honor bestowed on him when he was asked to take the final curtain call with his fellow senior and longtime friend and castmate. Together they bowed one last time in front of the church that has nurtured them since they were babies. Together they thanked their directors one last time. 

I will miss seeing Alex on the stage performing, but more than that I will miss his participation in a program that has loved him so well!

Elf Jr.

Bert Healey in Annie jr

King of Hearts in Alice in Wonderland Jr.

Mr. Mayor in Seussical Jr.

Mysterious Man in Into the Woods Jr.

Ali

I would ask for prayers this week...prayers for several family members and a close friend who are sick with Covid, for Maddy's foot and upcoming EEG, and for safe travels to Tulsa.