There is just something about getting up at dawn to go work and ride horses with your family. As hard as it is to get up that early I do enjoy the fresh smell of leather and hay, the glorious sunrise, and the coolness of that time of day.

We have just competed a week long round up of our sheep in Sterling City. Despite the 100 degree temps, the kids did such a great job riding and handling the sheep. They are such hard workers. I love that Robert is faithfully teaching our children about our family business. He is such a patient man...always ready to take as long as need be to instruct our children. One of the things I love most about that sweet sexy man of mine.

I would have never thought that this would be my life, but here I am living a dream life. My heart is full of gratitude and I am overwhelmed by His goodness. Is it hard work? Your darn tooting it is but I do love getting to experience every minute of it.

Can't believe a solid year has passed since I have even gotten on this blog. Life being such as it is there has simply not been a moment for me to sit and write about life.

Summer is upon us and I am feeling for the first time in a long while the chance to take in a deep calming breath. I am looking forward to the long days of play and work. We will go to the ranch in Sterling soon to do our summer working of our sheep. This is always a fun free time of riding and enjoying time spent where Robert grew up.

Speaking of growing up...I can't believe the change in Riley. He has grown about 10 inches this year. He will be 13 in June and I honestly can say "Where did the time go?" Around Christmas I realized that I was grieving over the fact that my kids were growing up. Funny how we tend to spend their younger years longing for them to grow up, and now I am longing for them to be young again. The Lord really ministered to my heart to embrace every moment I can with them. He showed me that yes those days are gone but instead of grieving for what once was I must embrace the stage they are at now and enjoy every minute. And that is what I am doing. They are so fun to be with and I love being able to share our hearts at this new level.

Time may be slipping by but I know that I have spent time loving, playing, and embracing the moment. No, I am not a perfect mom but I have tried to be aware of each stage they are going through. Have I missed opportunities to minister to their heart. Sure. Have I said no too much or not taken the time to play. Sure. All I know is that I am doing my very best to make this home a place where when they do fly from our nest they will think of home and it will warm their hearts and bring back fond memories. A place they will always want to come back to no matter where God may take them. SO enjoy the moment and embrace every stage your child goes through. What a treasure it is to be able to do so.