Holidays

Again, I'm so behind with updates. We had a good Holiday season though. My brother and sister-in-law and their adorable girls flew from India to spend the holidays with us. The girls had a lot of fun together and it was hard to part.

The house was full and full of laughter and that did my soul (and I think everyone's) much good.

(This is Toby, missing me.)

Christmas was lovely in every way. 

Due to the nature of my work, I was not able to take one single day off holiday season (don't ask how happy I am (NOT) about this.) They all took a road trip to Atlanta to visit our family there, and then one to SC to visit Hrishi's Alma Matter (Clemson University), and then on to their final destination, the most magical place on earth-Disney World! They had a blast although it was again (for Hrishi, especially) a lot of work, planning, food prepping, and more planning to keep Ella well-fed and safe, as she did not have any store/restaurant food the entire trip. Luckily for her (and for us all, especially for me being at home and worrying about all this), her amazing aunt in Atlanta, Meghan, cooked safe yummy food for her, and so did her other even more amazing aunt, Aparna! :) I love these ladies and they sure made this momma feel loved and comforted by taking such great care of Ellie. 

I can say though that being home by myself, I was able to work out every day, cook and freeze meals and prep a nice New Year's meal they arrived just in time before the clock striking 12 into the New Year, to enjoy! Yes, that was a very long drive back from Orlando... some 14 hours.

I am grateful beyond words to my awesome husband and brother in law for driving safely and tirelessly for so long! And grateful to HIm for making it all possible.

Our lovely Toby kept me nice and warm company and was his wonderful cute and cuddly self. :)

Here's hoping this New Year will bring us all much joy in our labors, answered prayers, and happy times.

The first weekend of the New Year, Ella competed in a GHHJA (Greater Houston Hunter Jumper Association) show and won her first Grand Champion ribbon ( that is first place overall.) She won Reserve Champion on the first day of the competition (which is second place overall) and set a goal for herself to come first the second day. And she did. She did an exceptional job and not only won first place overall but swept blue ribbons in all her classes. Oh my goodness, how happy she was, extactic in fact, and so were we! The other super nice accomplishment for her pony, Piccolo is that she competed in the long stirrup (higher jumps) competition ridden by a good friend at the barn, Hope Meinen, who is 14 and won both days first place in that division. Our Piccolo is quite amazing!

We love this beautiful Welsh and Hanoverian pony. 
 

I think I will dedicate an entire post to this very special event. It meant a lot to Ella and all of us. 

So much has happened

We had a birthday and some fun times and some very sad times lately....

As much as I would love to pour in the updates, I find it hard to. The lack of time and my hesitance have both accounted for no posts lately. As a matter of fact, I don't even know where to start.

Ella's ninth birthday was fun and way back in October. She had a painting bash with a few close friends at Pinot Palette and a gorgeous rainbow cake made by moi. I think pictures will be best to describe the fun.

Some pictures from the birthday breakfast:

Then my sweet mother went through a major health issue and life changing event. Prayers, fasting, and His tender mercies have carried her safely through this great trial. Much prayers are still needed, as well as faith and trust that somehow everything will be fine. 

Also on October 16th, Ella's birthday, my parents celebrated their 43rd wedding anniversary. I love them so much!!!

Some pictures from the daddy-daughter pumpkin carving activity at church. Ella and daddy had a great time.

Halloween also came and went and it was probably the best Ella had so far. She went with her good friends at school and had a lot of fun. The very cute Rainbow Dashes ! :)

Equitation has been going well, with a couple of falls but also some good rides.

That will have to do for now as I need to go to sleep to hopefully make my 5:30 am date with the gym tomorrow morning.