New Year, Same Busy Life

 2025 has begun and we are back in full swing as we get used to our crazy schedule once again! We love the life we are blessed with, and this has been a time of really putting our energy into our family and the things we love. Maddy and Alex took the last 2 weeks to enjoy each other before Alex starts back to school. Maddy is spending time getting used to having to do schoolwork again and working with Quigley to prepare for several upcoming shows. And we all decided to enjoy the rare snow and play together.

Alex is excited to get back to classes and is looking forward to this next semester. His load is much lighter, and he is taking all classes he expects to enjoy. He has made such amazing connections with peers and professors at DBU. I love to hear how excited he is to share all he is learning and doing. He spent his break resting and hanging out with all of us watching shows and movies and playing games and reading books and just relaxing and renewing his energy for this semester. He loves his family and especially his sister and this long break was exactly what he needed!

Alex with one of his favorite professors!

Alex loves Maddy well and is such a sweet, loving brother.

Maddy continues to thrive at the barn. I am watching a joy she lost be restored and a confidence and fearless attitude replace an anxious and fearful demeanor. We love our new barn family and the fun times we enjoy at the barn and shows. There is so much camaraderie, joking, laughter and fun that even the long days are so much more enjoyable. We have made really amazing connections with other riders, families, volunteers and coaches and feel completely part of the family despite our short time at Stable Strides. I am so grateful for where we landed and the way Maddy and I have been embraced and loved. It is really beautiful to watch Maddy thrive in this environment. In the past she would often cry at lessons and shows as she was overcome with fear and almost exclusively did private lessons as being in the arena with other riders was especially scary for her. Now she smiles through each lesson and has not cried at a show since our very first show with Stable Strides. She is often in group lessons with 5 or 6 others, and it doesn't faze her in the least. While she loves all of her time riding, she lights up when it is time for English or jumping with her big boy. She has developed such a trusting relationship with Mandy, her coach. She feels empowered to be honest and use her voice to speak up for herself which is something I did not expect especially this quickly. As a mom I love every moment of watching her grow and flourish doing what she loves...but I will be very happy when it is a little warmer at the barn!

Quigley is the biggest Goofball

Mandy calls Q a skittle loving dinosaur and I'm not sure there is a better description.

Maddy always finds time to love on her Lila Bean.

Watching these two shine in Hunter Under Saddle was so fun. She rode BEAUTIFULLY!

Thank you for continuing to love our family and walk with us through the highs and lows as we continue on the path God chose for us. It is certainly not a "normal" life, but it is a beautiful life, and I am forever grateful God chose me to be the mom to these two special children!

Ali