So Very Grateful

The last few weeks have really impacted me. In what I think is a good way. I spent nearly a month, living in St. Lukes Childrens' Hospital. And while this is not what this blog is about, I learned that those are some very special people. They aren't just there, doing 'a job'. They love it. It's in their Heart and Soul. It's got to rip at their Hearts so many times. They knew way more than we did, that the outcome for Jilly was dismal. But they always stayed upbeat and caring. When they walked in that room, they started talking to her as if she was talking back, even in her coma. They loved her, and we all grew to love them, while building relationships with them ourselves. We all had our favorites, but there wasn't a single one that we didn't really like. While living there in those weeks, and sometimes coming home for a night, I often thought about the times that "I just don't have enough time". You know? There is NEVER enough time is there? Always something didn't get done. But it hit me one day, after I'd been there for days doing nothing that I usually 'have' to do, that none of that really matters. None of it. I sat and prayed that we'd have our Jilly back. * That she would open her eyes and see us again. * I meant to tell her that we never had doubt ....*

I'm so thankful that we have seen her open her eyes, and we can tell her everyday how much we love her, and how proud of how strong she was thru everything.

Over the years, and this year of 2013 included, I have so many great opportunities, and adventures. I love every one of them, and always look forward to the next. But some of my "Heart Stopping Moments" come while at home, in the simple things. I'm going to share some of what I consider our Awesome Moments of 2013

During the month the Jilly was in the hospital, Wayne stepped up and took care of Bryce, 24/7. * No one had to ask him... and he didn't just do it, he did it in a way, that Bryce had one of his most awesome learning/fun/adventurous months ever. At the age of 5, Bryce learned to drive a truck, break ice for livestock, take care of our cattle and more. We didn't know if Jilly would be home for Christmas, so we did our own Christmas tree, and he loved helping me decorate it.

This may seem silly, but this is one of my favorite photos. Wayne and I are on our way home one Autumn afternoon, and our hats sitting on the pickup dash just looked so happy

These two horses are Sammy (behind) and Beamer (front) Sammy doesn't live at the house most of the time, so when he is there, he and Beamer play and 'fight' like jealous boys. What you can't see here, is that they have a little short stick in their teeth. Neither wants to let go, and of course, another stick for each would just not be the same. This fight goes on for probably about an hour.

This is at a Spring Branding. Jilly waiting to see what's gonna happen.

At that same branding, Jilly learns to give vaccinations.

And Bryce rides his first steer!

At the end of the branding, my grandkids sitting in the hot day, happy with what they learned today, and smiles all over their faces

That same branding, Wayne riding one of his favorite horses, and he looks so awesome. That is a classy looking pair!

Then the littlest cowboy rides away

This is from Bruneau Round Up ... and I'm honored to have taken this photo of Al Thompson.

I had such a good time in Wyoming, and was privileged to photograph Buck Brannaman during the week. Truly awesome and inspiring experience

I was so excited when my daughter met us with us in Wyoming and spent some horseback time.

Seeing my grandsons in Wyoming ..if even for a short time, made my heart happy

Getting to have Austin stay with us for the rest of the summer, was the icing on the cake, without doubt

Just a relaxing photo of Rosie

Race day in Boise, with Charlene, Frank, Wayne and Sharon. These are some of my favorite people!

Reata Brannaman and friends. These girls are going places!

Austin, home riding with Jilly.... no words really needed

Evan's Colt's first ride out with the cattle. I'm proud of both of them

My Georgia Peach, Charlene, from Georgia!

Again, no words needed for the happiness displayed here

Love watching my husband teaching young horses that we're 'ok', to the point where they find comfort in him

This note, left outside the barn, along with the 10$ bill, is still there. Kind of gives us renewed Faith every time we see it

This is a typical evening at our house, just before the kids' bedtime

My Dad's Birthday.... what would we do without him?

Babies..... what really needs to be said here? * My husband, a Grandchild and my sunflowers!

Jilly's first Elmore County Fair 2013. She's pretty grooooooovy

And she smoked the English classes too!

I love a good line up of kids on nice horses

And who wouldn't love the excitement of jumping?

Isn't this post card perfect? * Actually I had lots of postcards made of this photo, because it seemed I should. * This is practically in your backyard ...all you people that live here. * If you think there's nothing to see 'round here, you aren't looking!

LOVE LOVE LOVE this photo of 2 of my favorite men, and my new friend from Georgia. So much humor here. And proof that really, you're NEVER too old.

Love the young ones that come into our life. And who knows what this young one might help someone accomplish? Will she be Jilly's favorite? Or Bryce's? Or mine? We can already tell she's sweet and kind natured.

Halloween, and our little Cowboy/Cowgirl

Again, right in your back yard. * Go look and see the beauty that is right under your finger tips...and get out of your car and go walk around

More of my favorite people. * This is about a week ago.... Jilly home taking a walk with my best friend Sharon, and Bryce.... Life is good

This is Jilly last Fall, when she's discovered she likes going FASTTTTT...*

so glad to have met these 2 young women in Idaho Falls. These 2 sent Jilly the most amazing Prayer Pony. Basically a stuff animal, but I've never seen one like before, or even heard of them. Thank you Jaimie and Ashley, it sure meant so much more than you could know

Going with my friend to be in her first clinic, with such an exceptional woman, was pretty much a Blessing. Two of my friends became good friends over this weekend, while we met more friends. This is the simplicity of life. Friends and Relationships

The twins mom got married this summer. It was an honor to see them start their new life together

This Moment..... when a man is unashamed to show his love...... her Father game him her hand, and immediately, without thought or prompting, he brought her fingers to his lips. * Yes, this was a favorite moment for me to witness

Boys will be boys....and play with frogs

Again, a Baby in the evening sun.... playing with a water hose.... a Favorite moment

Making ice-cream, and waiting for that deliciousness to be ready.... Can't you just smell the warm sunniness of it?

Of course my horses..... gotta love a good horse

I know, it's just a sunflower, but it brightens my day to arrive home and see them. They look like a happy face!

First snow of the year. * This is the photo I made into our Christmas Cards * ... I know, it's just horses' butts..... but they're MY horses' butts, and well, that's all

Jilly about to eat her first Rocky Mtn Oyster cooked right on the branding fire

Kind of excited I got the opportunity to go to Nevada and shoot some photos for a Harley Mama.

Whistle Grin & Ride with Carolyn Hunt.... yep, I think I will!

I'm glad I'm still dorky enough to prop my horse up on some rocks and say "Take my picture!"

Summer time fun.... I can't wait!

Right back to our Thanksgiving Dinner, before our World seemed to Crash

I absolutely loved going here to take these photos, though I was nearly in tears the whole time. I love how this town supported and the school stepped right up for Jilly

So grateful when she did finally open her eyes.... and there she was

Twin Granddaughters for Christmas fun

Yes, these moments will forever be cherished in our Hearts

Try to forget that there isn't enough time. * Sometimes, just be in the moment....

There's a beautiful world out there.... to live in. * Live it