Things lately

School is going well for Ella. She pretty much works non-stop after school on homework assignments and extra stuff. Some days she likes it, some others she does not. I can't blame her. It's a lot to do. Add that to piano practice which is getting really intense now that she's one week away from her ABRSM performance exam. We will sure be glad when all that is done. Preparing for next year's exams will be much easier, I think, now that she has a strong theory foundation.

We are foster certified!! Yay!! And we can't wait for our placement. Just two days ago, we were very close to welcoming a baby boy into our home. It was a little crazy because it happened the very day after we had our final inspection and interview. It was a baby boy born this week, fresh from the hospital, fresh from Heaven, with no name. A million emotions washed over me when I took that call and said "Yes, we are taking him!" Immediately after, I started a shopping list for baby stuff, like ALL baby stuff (crib, diapers, clothes, and the other myriad of things you need for a baby.) I told Ella who almost instantaneously exploded with excitement and started her own list of things to do for, and with the baby. We waited for the confirming call for a couple of hours. The call came but not with the news we were hoping for. Because the baby had been born in a different county, they picked a family in the birth county for convenience reasons. Can you imagine the disappointment on Ella's face...? She cried and was sad for most of the night. I was too. I know though that we will be blessed with a placement soon. I keep my phone handy. And pray.

It's been so wonderful having mom and dad here with us. Ella and we love all the spoiling, help, and the feeling of being reunited. There are desserts galore and yummy food prepared almost daily. There are polished riding boots ready on the shelf every day. There is laundry done and folded and put away. There is a lot of fun. 

In the equestrian department, a few changes are on the horizon. Things are not going as we planned with the current trainer. In fact, the past couple of weeks were very disappointing and we're moving on. It's a little though but we have to do it for Ella and Remi. This next weekend might be the last for her riding in Magnolia and with Heather. A closer barn will be best to allow her enough riding time and a structured growth plan where she can be happy with her riding and compete in rated shows. Some news as far as Remi: this past week he was registered with the USEF and got his permanent measurement card. He's now officially a large pony standing at 14 3/4 hands, and a Welsh Connemara Paint cross. Waiting for this registration  ID card in the mail now! I love that boy of ours and have been worried sick about him. 

The weather is cold here. Yesterday we woke up to 35 F, today is a little warmer. So winter has finally arrived, even here in Houston. I love the fact that it's going to be up in the 80 F this weekend. Yes! (Really, the best weather I could have hoped for.)

I am starting to enjoy my Young Women's calling a lot. To feel that I'm actually meant to be there and contribute in a way that Heavenly Father has planned for me to. I love those Beehives, they're so amazing.