She's 7!!!

I can't believe she has turned 7!!!  I think that it is every little girl's dream to own a horse.  Bryson is not any different!!  She wanted a horse party.  We found the Sound Spirit Ranch about 5 miles from our house.  I must say that this had to have been the best party we have ever had!!  For two hours, Jet, Chance, and Doc entertained all of us and walked many miles with children on their backs!!  Brett recycled his Halloween costume and was the perfect little cowboy!

Blake was in Sumter,SC at the Kookaburra Soccer Tournament playing hard to bring back the 2nd place medals!!!  He made it back for the last 10 minutes of the party and was VERY upset because he did not get to ride.

Bryson is a natural.  She was not afraid of the horses and as the owner said, "She is a natural.  She is not afraid to boss them around and is very assertive."  That describes Bryson in a nutshell!!!!  Brett had no fear either!!

I even got on a horse!  After seeing the pictures (which will not be posted) of Rick heaving my fat *&^ on the horse, I will be going on a diet tomorrow!!

After singing Happy Birthday and eating cake and ice cream, Bryson opened her presents.

Rick and Doc became fast friends!!

The horses were worn out so it was time to brush them and unsaddle them.  Bryson listened carefully and was very attentnive to the horses.

They were hungry too!!

This horse was hot so he rolled and rolled to cool down and get the sweat off him.

Here are some more shots of the party!!

Bryson,
Seven years ago you came in to our world and things have never been the same since!!!  You have brought us so many laughs and so much joy in 7 years!! Words that describe you are: spontaneous, fun, funny, happy (most of the time), fru fru (that came from Blake), sassy, smart, strong willed, and determined!!!  These are wonderful qualities if you direct them in the right way. You have made us so proud this year with your grades- you have made honor roll each 9 weeks.  You are very kind and compassionate.  You are a natural caregiver.  When you visit your Grandaddy, you always make your rounds and check on all of your "friends" at Spanish Oaks.  They all look forward to seeing you and ask about you when you are not there.   I have always said that I think you will be a teacher or a nurse.  You will be in some kind of caregiving field.  I can't wait to see if I am right.  You insist on spending every Friday night with Grandmomma and hop in the car to go with her any chance you get.  It doesn't matter where she is going.  You are growing up way too fast.  Sometimes I feel like I am talking to a teenager.  You make me laugh with some of the things you come up with, especially when you say something that leaves your Daddy speechless (usually something to do with girl parts!!!).  You seem soooo grown. You have so many good qualities and your Daddy and I love you with all of our hearts.  Happy Birthday Sweetheart!  I hope you had a great one!
Love,
Momma



The BEST Valentine Gift ever!!

Dad has been such a happy camper lately and in the best moods.  I can't help but think that it is the caffeine from the cokes that we bring him.  Brant started this tradition of bringing Dad a McDonald's sausage biscuit and a coke on the mornings when he comes.  Dad always seemed to perk up and talk a lot more.  Since then, Mom and I take him a coke each time we go to see him if Brant isn't here.

Usually after about 3 or 4 sips, he will say, "WOW", or "Hello there!" and his eyes light up.  I really think that Brant found the trick for Dad.

Today, we took him his coke.  Rick got to Dad before I did because I was visiting another patient.  Dad heard me talking but did not see me.  Rick asked him if he recognized that voice.  Dad said, "It's Kellie."  (I can't remember the last time that he has called my name.) We got him up to walk and he did pretty good.  Apparently, Dad and Mom had a lot of elelctrical energy between them because when Mom touched Dad's back, the loudest static shock sounded!  Dad's face was priceless and we all laughed!

At lunch, we sat down with him to eat.  I told him to say the blessing.  We have done this numerous times and he never responded.  Today, he bowed his head, folded his hands and said, "Lord, thank  you for the food and this family and we will see you again. AAAAMMMMEEENNN!"  We were in shock.   Three actual, complete sentences that made sense!!!  It was a great day and one that we will cherish forever.  So thankful for the good days like this and so greatful for Spanish Oaks for taking such excellent care of Dad!

Trouble

Hershey's Cocoa.............

GA Lock In and Thailand Mission Study

Bryson went to her first Lock In at church last night.  She was so excited.  It was for the 1st-5th grade GA girls and was a mission study for Thailand.  Bryson had soooo much fun.  They did facials, manicures and pedicures, made flip flops and sachets and ate lots of food.  She said that she did not like the Thailand food!

Looking for Thailand on the map

Listening to stories about Thailand

 Bryson and her flip flops that she made (on left)

The chocolate facial.....her favorite part.  She was definitely pampered, but exhausted!!!  She said she wasn't tired when Rick picked her up this morning at 8:00, but she crawled in the bed with me and I had to wake her up at 1:00 this afternoon!!!!  Those lock ins are hard!!