Thoughts on a Friday Evening

Four years ago, when we found out we were expecting a baby, I felt like God had such a sense of humor!  With 16 years between our biological kiddos and at a time when I was in total heartbreak over watching some of the choices our oldest daughters made, I learned to realize that not only did He have a sense of humor, but He also knew what a blessing Gabriella would be to us. She has been that ray of sunlight in some of our darkest days.  I can't believe how quickly she is growing up. Tonight as I gave her a bath, she talked non-stop with excitement about riding by herself for the first time in tomorrow's rodeo. She told me she is going to "lope so fast!"  She told me how her hair will be blowing in the wind and that Catolena (her horse) will look so beautiful.  The excitement in her eyes was so refreshing.  It was a reminder of what a gift it is to have Gabriella, Sophia and Caleb. Yes, they keep us hopping and it is not always easy as we get a little older, but we are blessed to be their parents. The truth is that tomorrow Gabriella will probably walk Catolena through the barrels and poles, but we will be there to encourage her in her dream.  Sophia will enjoy lead line and will probably carry the ribbon she pulls off the goat all day.  Caleb will carry his rope everywhere he goes and if we aren't careful, he will rope our feet.  What a blessing!!