So much to be proud of!

 I am sure y'all get tired of me bragging about my kiddos, but they amaze me so often with their determination and perseverance to succeed regardless of the many obstacles they face.

My Bug...he is such a good kid. And he doesn't ever give himself enough credit for what he has endured and for the impact he continues to have on the people in his life and in this world. His smile, his love of life and his faith touch almost every one he comes into contact with. But he has days where he struggles emotionally. Never-ending fatigue and chronic pain are not easy when you only allow yourself to perform at the highest levels in all you do. Oh how I wish that he was given an easier life. As a mom it is so hard to watch your child suffer day in and day out. And yet I know he was given this life and this call for a reason. If he was just a "normal" kid I don't know that his impact would be as great. What makes it a bit easier for me is knowing that others see the same incredible young man that I see. I have been moved to tears multiple times this week as he has forwarded me recommendation letters written on his behalf as we try to find more scholarships to help ease the financial burden. There is no doubt that he is in the exact right school for him. The very small class sizes allow his professors to truly know who he is. And to love him well. Many of his professors pull him aside and encourage him as they see his heart to serve this world and especially other children who live with chronic illness and pain. Despite taking 18 credit hours in the Fall, Alex made the honor roll and was only .04 from making the Dean's list. I pray that one day he will realize how special he is and see himself as others see him.

My Maddy Moo... it is so interesting to me how very different my kids are. Alex is so much like me. He has never met a stranger and is happy to conversate with anyone and everyone. Maddy's words are few and she would pretty much rather do anything than talk to a stranger. She is naturally quiet and a little reserved, but when you earn her trust and love she is so loving and so much fun. And while people don't always get to break through her shell, animals seem to instinctively know she is sweet and gentle. They all gravitate to her and trust her. The animals in her life are so well loved and cared for. I love to watch her with them because that is when she is most at home. She is growing into such a teen. She loves fashion and music and spending time with me. While Alex is so vocal with his faith, like most things Maddy is much quieter in her faith. When she was younger she would tell us she was a "private prayer". Alex and I call her our prophet because whenever we ask her to pray it seems like our prayers are truly heard. Maddy hates when I share anything about her and her showing because she "doesn't like to brag" and "doesn't care how she places." And while I know she doesn't care it matters to me because I watch her struggle physically and medically day in and day out and work incredibly hard to do her best. To me when she does well it is a reward for all of her hard work and dedication and should be celebrated. You would be hard pressed to ever hear a complaint out of her no matter how bad she feels and she never gives up on her goals and dreams. Some days she will get in the car to drive home from the barn and tell me how bad she is hurting or how bad she feels, but it never keeps her from trying her best. This week we received a large envelope from NSBA that she was the year end Champion in Walk only showmanship and Hunter under Saddle and Reserve Champion in Hunt Seat Equitation. She was also the 4th place points earner in year end walk jog trail and 5th overall in points for EWD Rider. And that was during a year that was very hard on her medically. I am proud of her relentless pursuit of her goals and living the life she chooses despite mito. But without a doubt my favorite thing is watching her with her horse, her teammates and her coaches. She is finally in a place where she feels safe and loved and uses her voice to say what she wants and to joke around with her friends. I am forever grateful for a barn family that has welcomed and loved her and allowed her to be herself. 

My greatest joy in life is watching the relationship between my kiddos. They love each other so well. They help each other through the hard days and share each others joy on the good days. They are truly each others best friends and it is so special for me to watch. The kids are happy that this week Alex doesn't have school so they can hang out and enjoy time together.

Ali