New directions . . .

Yesterday was a bit difficult for Katy.  It was her last official day at Carriage Step Stable, aka "the barn."  She told me a month or two ago that she no longer looked forward to going to the barn.  Her heart wasn't in it any more, and with high school just around the corner, she knew she would need to spend time doing other things--service hours, homework, marching band, social activities, etc.  Katy struggled with what to say to her trainer, Gabrielle.  She did not want to disappoint her.  She has been taking lessons since she was 8 years old and has been "working" since she was about 10.  As I knew she would be, Gabrielle was very sweet to Katy when she finally summoned up the courage to tell her she wanted to discontinue riding.  In fact, Gabrielle told Katy she had been expecting that conversation.  She told Katy it was common for girls to go in a different direction at her age.  Life just gets a little more complicated and there are often other interests to pursue.
For her last day, Katy was able to help with Stable Days, a one day horse "camp" for the younger riders.  It was a good way to go--busy girls buzzing around the barn all day took the edge off.  Of course, Katy was fine until I arrived to pick her up.  She had packed up her tack room gear and was almost ready to leave.  I started crying as soon as I saw Gabrielle and Mysti(the horse).  I am so thankful Katy was taught many skills that she will carry with her throughout her life.  I know Katy will pick it all up again when she is an adult.  She just does not have that passion right now.  (Her plans for fall do include trying to work in a lesson a month, just keep it all fresh.)
Next we will be focused on her new adventure--working on all of the parental supervised driving hours she will have to log after she receives her learner's permit next Tuesday . . .

Cleaned out her corner of the tack room.  Kind of a bad shot, as I was crying and could not focus the lens!!

Mysti

Last ride before hanging up her paddock boots . . .

Giving it another try . . .

Well, here I go again.  I know I have been posting on facebook, but I am not completely comfortable with sending photos and information out to all of my "friends!"  Plus, I like to brag a bit about the girls, and I can really only get away with that on a regular basis when I am talking with family.  Oh, and there is the teenager-in-the-house aspect of it all.  She will happily post 50 pictures on Instagram but freak out if I put too much facebook.  Emma, well she is just hoping I will let her sign up for all the social media sites her friends are using, even though they all likely had to lie about their age in order to make an account.  (You must be 13 or older to join most sites)  

Anyway, I thought I would make another attempt at blogging, so let me know if this is how you like to get family updates or if you would rather I send personal messages on facebook.  
Of course, I could text everyone . . . just kidding!

Emma had a dance recital on the 10th.  She has been taking a jazz class at Boise Dance Alliance this year and has really enjoyed it.  Her performance was awesome.  They danced to a Lady Gaga song called "Fame."  You will have to ask her about wearing footUndeez.  Funniest dance "shoes" you will ever see!  

I was able to make it to this years Awards Ceremony at North Junior High!  I  took the entire day off and had been planning to do so since I left early last year and missed THE big award. It was only a 45 minute event, but worth every minute to see her take home the Outstanding Citizen award, again!!

On her way into the Freshman Farewell.  I was there because I was one of the moms who had a hand in planning the event.  There was dinner and dancing, just for the freshman!  It was so fun to be able to peek in on all the festivities.  (Emma will not appreciate it as much when I help plan her farewell in three short years!)       

Katy eating dinner with her friends before the dance--the boy sitting next to her is the infamous Peter!   He is such a nice young man.  Katy just likes him as a friend, which is good because she has a year before the dating scene becomes a reality for her.  He and Katy have a little academic competition going on.  I have become friends with his mom and she told me about the time he came home with some startling news--someone had a higher score than he did in science.  It was Katy!  She maintained that higher score for their entire 8th and 9th grade years.  Way to go, girl!!

Okay--I started this one a few weeks ago . . . with any luck, I will have another one up by this weekend!