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.

Happy Birthday, Dad!

For my dad's birthday, I had him take my mom and I to dinner. Thanks, Dad!

He didn't want us to take pictures, so I decided to post one of my favorites.

Pendulum!

Bobby and Aaron created this "ride" for our entertainment at Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving 2012!

I have so many great pictures. This is going to be tough to narrow down.

Buddy The Baller!

Maverick loved every second of his basketball season. He never missed a practice or a game, and he hated to see it end.

The Mighty Kings!

Coach Ben is giving him some words of encouragement.

A Father's Birthday.

Today is Halloween. I should post pictures of my kids dressed up and begging for candy. That's what mom blogs are for, right? I will get around to that, but Halloween also happens to my dad's birthday; my birth father.

They say (whoever "they" is) your personality is fully formed by six. I learned this in college. This means, my birth parents played a huge role in my life. They are responsible for much of what I am today (good and bad). While we're giving props let's also recognise their role in the genetics they passed on to me (also good and bad). I look at so many children each day whether it be in my house, in the schools I've taught in, The TreeHouse, or church, and I wonder how much of their behavior is learned and how much is genetic. Really though, much of what we are boils down to our parents, genetics, and those first six years.

I realize there are many variables in my simple theory...this is called life. My life took the first of many major turns at six years old. I left home (not by choice). I never went back. I didn't see my dad again until I was well into adulthood and sought him out myself. I won't use this post to document details of that meeting or feelings from that time. This post's purpose has now become clear to me.

It's difficult to hold on to feelings from so long ago and memories forged by a small child. My birth father passed away several years ago, and I was quite emotional for a daughter who had little to no contact with the man. I now know I cried for what would never be. I am a 30 something woman still grasping to the tiniest shreds of anything from pre-adoption just to keep some kind of a connection. A connection to what, I am not sure. I am loyal. That's for certain. Is that learned or genetic? Either way, there is a strong chance it comes from my birth father or mother.


If Mike "Dad" Wagar were standing here I would ask these things:

Do you think I look more like you or the mother?

Do you eat fast? Are you always the first one done?

Do you love to read? Is it true my name came from a novel you read?

Are you funny? Do you love to laugh? Can you laugh for me?

Did you miss me when I didn't come back? Did you want me back?

Do you love me like you love your sons?

I was a pretty great kid wasn't I?


Here are things I would say:

The forehead...hate it.

I like animals.

I was a pretty great kid.

Thank you.