Our Little Cow Girl...

...I often compare Madelynn to Dr. Doolittle. There isn't a creature on this earth that she doesn't love, including Clarabelle. Clarabelle is a sweet little jersey cow and is Madelynn's 4-H project this year.  Calfs are born like all other animals they have to be trained.  In order for Madelynn to be able to show her, she has had to halter break her. This entails putting a rope halter on the calf and basically making her walk. The first few times were a challenge to say the least. Madelynn who only weighs 70lbs had to convince a calf who weighs 3xs that to walk on a rope. Here is what it looked like...

... A bit of a tug o' war.  It has been work, very hard work.  And at times a little defeating.  Especially every time Clarabelle decided that she was done and would just lay down...

...But eventually she got her to walk.  The key is for you and the cow to become friends.  There is no denying how much Madelynn loves her little cow....

...The real test came for Madelynn and Clarabelle at Buckeye Ag Days where they to some much needed "practice" in the ring.  It was even more special for Madelynn because her papa was the judge. Of course in order to keep things fair, he didn't judge her, but he was still there to be able to watch her shine.  I know it meant the world to her and I think she did him proud. 

...Madelynn and her sweet little friend Sheridan getting ready to show.

...Miss Clarabelle all clipped and ready to go.

...Heading into the ring for the first time.

...There was only one moment where Clarabelle decided that she was not going to walk anymore. Thankfully papa was right there to help coax her back up.

...She and Clarabelle won first place in her class.

...And reserve champion overall. 

...It was a fun day full of really great memories and good lessons. In just a few days she will be showing at County Fair and the excitement of it is just about to send her over the edge.  I am hopeful that she will do well.  All we can ever ask of her is that she do her best, and give it all she's got. I am so proud of my little cowgirl!

Smiles For Zane...

We were blessed to have our family captured in some beautiful photos thanks to Smiles For Zane. Thank you to Bryan and Jennifer for having such giving hearts.  We will cherish these sweet photos for a lifetime!

http://smilesforzane.blogspot.com

A heart month.....

Here are a few things we did in February to celebrate other kiddos with special hearts like our sweet Kaden......

...Team Kaden at Ethan's Run 2011.  It was such a speical day celebrating a sweet little guy who touched so many lives in such a short time.  Happy Birthday Ethan!

...It was super cold the morning of Ethan's Run. Kaden was snug as a bug in his stroller waiting for the "fun run".  Look at his little red nose....too cute!

...Kaden with Dr. Pophal. His smile is contagious.  The love and devotion he has for these heart kiddos is incredible. We are so lucky to have him.

...The start of the "fun run".  It was so neat to look around at all the people that were there for the same cause.

...If you look closely at his shirt it says "1 in 100 and I'm a CHD survivor."  It's amazing to me that 1 in every 100 babies will be born with a Congenital Heart Defect (CHD).  Those are staggering numbers. Not all of them will be survivors, which is tragic. Having a child born with a CHD is life changing. I don't know that I can ever look at life the same. Brett and I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to be Kaden's parents. We know that he is going to grow up and do great things!!!

...To end our day at Ethan's Run, I wanted a family photo so that we could remember our first run forever.  Here's what I got...

...Oh well, guess that's what happens when you have a bunch of kids.


...The Heart Walk (with other Eller Heart families and Mended Little Hearts of Phx)...

...We thought it would be fun to take the light rail to the Heart Walk.

...All of the heart kids wore shirts and capes that said "Heart Hero".  He really is our heart hero!

...One proud heart mom.

...And 3 big kids that love this little heart guy.

...We took the light rail back to the city.  They're growing up too fast.

In honor of all of the heart moms...

The Day I Became a Heart Mother
My world came crashing down,
I'll never be the same.
They told me that my child was sick.
I thought, "Am I to blame"?
I don't think I can handle this.
I am really not that strong.
It seemed my heart was breaking.
I have loved him for so long.

I will not give up on this child.
I will listen to your advice.
I will give my child any chance.
No matter what the price.

I will learn all that I need to help my child thrive.
I'll even use that feeding tube.
My child must survive!
Will he need a lot of therapy?
Will he gain the needed weight?
Please God, help me do this.
I will accept our fate.

When the monitors beep at night,
it serves as my reminder.
How many parents would love that sound.
Tomorrow I will be kinder.

As another Angel earns his wings,
I run to my child's bed.
I watch him sleep for quite a while.
I bend down to kiss his head.

I cry for the parents whose hearts have been broken.
I look to You wondering why?
Oh Lord, I just can't know your ways....
no matter how I try.

And yet, I trust you hold his life,
and guide us through each day.
My mind says savor each moment he's here,
but my heart begs, "PLEASE let him stay"!

From pacing the surgical waiting room,
to sitting by his bed.
From wishing for a good nights sleep,
to learning every med.

From wondering, "will he be alright?",
to watching him reach out his hands.
With every smile my heart just melts,
despite life's harsh demands.

For all who see that faded line,
I look to them and smile.
You see my child is loved so much.
I would face ANY trial.

That scar I trace with my finger
It's the door to his beautiful heart.
God must have known how much I'd love him
Just as He loved him from the start.

A heart mom is always a heart mom.
Now wise beyond her years.
For those who have angels in heaven,
Our hearts share in all of your tears.

Every day I will try and remember,
I was chosen for him (and no other).
I will always embrace that beautiful day.......
When I became a "Heart Mother".

- Stephanie Husted

The First Of Many...

...posts that is.  I've been wanting to create a blog for some time and just haven't done it until now. I'm a serious blog stalker and  have been inspired by so many of the blogs that I follow, that I just figured it was time.  Last year was a year in our life that we never could have expected. It brought times that were pure joy, times full of fear and times that I don't ever want to re-live.  But through all of it there were sweet tender moments, some big and some small but none the less moments that will be forever cherished. 

I hope that maybe in reading even the small day to day stuff in our life you might be inspired to give more, love deeper and cherish the sweetest moments in your life.