Much Needed Miracles.

I will admit, I have cried a few times WHILE blogging, but never have I cried just simply logging in.

Six years ago today, my miracle was born. His birth was normal...no extraordinary miracle. It was just your average, everyday miracle. Later that night, things changed. The next day, he and I were flown to UMC in Tucson. I've written this story before, so I won't bore you with details, but I'm here to write today on a much more personal level. This is for him to see one day.

Strider, you are "Tiny" because God allows small miracles to happen each day. It is up to us to see his hand in all things. In my life, you are the biggest miracle of all. I should call you "Biggie." In the large scheme of things, you are a tiny miracle. There was no parting of the sea or walking on water, but God let me keep you here with me. You are my tiny miracle. You are my reminder each day that God has his hand in all things. I have experienced the loss of a child and was doing my best to prepare for losing another. I often wonder how much of our lives is already planned. I wonder if the plan was to take you away from us. I like to think God's tender mercies were in full-effect the day I held you in my arms. He knew we needed you...I especially needed you.

Happiest Birthday, Tiny!

Sold.

While my thoughts are fresh, I want to write them down. Over the years Edna and I have received many inquiries regarding opening a center or other small business and want advice, so here goes:

1. Managing employees can be the hardest part of owning a small business but also one of the neatest parts. I have worked with some of the most spectacular women ever.

2. Kids are easy. Parents can be hard. And yes, the customer is always right...even when they are clearly wrong.

3. There are very few preschool prodigies out there. Sorry. Your child is not hyper because he/she is bored. I can assure you of that.

4. Of the 2,000 registered children, I love just about all of them. A woman's heart always has enough room for more love.

5. If you pay yourself last, you will never get paid, but do not take money you don't have. Tricky. There is never enough money. Expect to double what you budgeted for everything from opening the business, to buying equipment, to paying employees.

6. Don't expect friends and family to grow your business. Marketing and networking grow a business. Try not to take it too personally when family and friends don't support your business.

7. I have an MBA, but actually owning and operating a business taught me more than any schooling ever could.

8. Paperwork is a necessary evil.

9. It's a huge commitment, and it's something you hold near and dear. It's easy to get offended by comments/opinions. Blow it off. They don't understand.

10. Choose your partner wisely. Our accountant told us, "A partnership is like a marriage without the love." I'm grateful for a BUSINESS partner who loves me, and I love her. We didn't really know eachother when we joined forces. This surprises everyone when they find out. I could not have done The TreeHouse without Mrs. Edna. She has been so patient, forgiving, and kind throughout this journey. She deserves an award for putting up with me. Is there a business partner of the year(s) award out there?

As far as my feelings on the sale, I want to record those, too.

I loved it. I am sad to see it end, but it was time. That's what I keep telling myself anyway.

Calf Project!

Sydney has been showing horses for the past few years. Mallory decided she was ready to start a project, as well. For all of my adult life, I have sworn off animal projects (numerous reasons). My girls decided together they would do a feeder calf project. Bobby and I went along with it. This is what I do now:

Christmas!

This is the obligatory Christmas post I must do every year. I am sorry for a million pictures, but I think I'll be glad I posted them in ten years when this is printed in a book for all time.

The Holidays!

This was a busy holiday season for our family.

Mallory and Malaya joined in with the Cibola Choir (Sydney and Kay-Lanie) for their Christmas performance. This was my favorite event of December. Quite a show!

Syd and Kay performed in The Messiah. It was very challenging and time consuming for them, but I am so proud.

Due to our girls having a busy musical month, the boys were not able to perform in their Christmas programs. They were crushed (sarcasm).

Bobby had a few roles in "A Christmas Carol" this year. I think the hard work paid off. He had a wonderful time.