I can teach the gospel AND I can teach riding! Boooyah!

The latest news from Danielle (Sister Lytle)...Enjoy!

Dearest 208 dwellers,

I live in the land of area codes. 

Everyone has a different area code here because these states are too dang close together! 

Saturday night we had an appointment with one of our members but he called us before we got there and told us that he had a friend in from VA beach and that he wanted us to teach him, so we agreed. 

When we got to Brother Sanchez's home, 

we found the elders (still cooking dinner) 

and his friend/nephew, Jerard. 

Now, this was my first "real" lesson, and it was on the spot, so that was a little scary. 

And THEN the zone leaders where there as well!! 

We were fed dinner (which we were not planning on, the elders dinner was just running late, so we wound up eating there too... talk about full bellies!) and then we were asked to teach Jerard. 

It is amazing how Jesus Christ can heal the wounded and the weary. We hardly said anything to him, but that lesson was powerful and the spirit was so strong. 

Brother Sanchez had forgotten about his appointment with the missionaries, and had not planned to share the gospel with his nephew. But the Spirit told him time and time again that day that he needed to invite Jerard to listen to a message, and it's a good thing he listened. 

Jerard was going though a really rough time, and to watch him come to peace with his Savior and to remember His love for him was a beautiful thing. 

Today we went out to the barn with the Bricker-Hoffman family, and I got screamed at by a PIG! 

It was the funniest thing of my life. I think poor Ruth might have a heart attack tonight from being so mad at us. But I loved every second of it! 

I got to watch Haylee start a baby horse today, and it KILLED me not being able to ride! 

But instead I gave a riding lesson. 

I can teach the gospel AND I can teach riding! Boooyah! 

Nothing smells quite so good as being around horses. I forgot how much I missed that. But I was able to get my horsey fix in, and it was wonderful! 

We have such a fun week ahead of us! 

On Wednesday, we were going to go to the Temple Visitors Center with the Bricker-Hoffman family, but instead we have our New Trainers Meeting from 10-4...blahh. But we will reschedule that! 

And THEN!!!

On Friday night, the entire mission is going to an Oriels Baseball Game for Mormon Night! 

WE GET TO STAY OUT LATE! 

And of course, our Bishop is calling EARLY meetings that weekend. Haha :) this is the life. 

Quote:

"Did y'all get the copy of that?" (Bishop)

"Did you just say "y'all"" (Ward council member) 

"What's wrong with "y'all'?"

"You're from Samoa"

"Yeah, Southern Samoa."

"Because that's what Jesus would do; when she handed Him that diet coke, He would have said, "Oh, thank you!"" -Sacrament meeting speaker (from the stake) Who knew Jesus likes diet coke?

Miracle:

Aimee had her dad pass away this week, and when we went to see her, she was reading out of the Book of Mormon (it's still her first time reading it) and she told us that when she opened it up, it was on the part where Lehi was dying. She told us of the peace she felt and how healing the Word of God can be in the hard times. It was incredible. Heavenly Father really does love us individually.

I love you all!!

Sister Lytle

This week, I received a text message with this photo of Danielle and a little message about her...

I was told what a wonderful missionary she is and how much they love her!  The girl in the middle is one that they have been working with ~ Hailee.  Danielle asks us to pray for her...it is so fun to put a face with a name.  :)

The Race...

I re-read this poem today, and as I did, I found myself in tears...
This so perfectly describes the challenges my sweet daughter has faced with her horses over the past few years and the beautiful character she possesses because of them. 
I was certain she'd die at the hand of these crazy, lunatic horses
(I've covered my eyes more times than anyone could imagine, I've prayed my little heart out for her safety, I've sworn I would NEVER let her near another horse, I've wondered why she has to love them so much)...Each time they would throw her or run her into a fence at top speed, each time she had "too close of a call" with one of those little (actually big) buggers, she'd just pick herself back up...
NEVER, EVER giving up!!! 
Her love never wavering, her will never crushed...

She is a hero to me! 
Each year has been a struggle through her show season at the Fairgrounds...sadly this year at Fair is no exception; she has a beautiful, sweet, gentle horse to ride, BUT she is unable to actually place in any classes as this horse did not come to her until after the deadline to register the horse (unfortunately it was just a few meager days) but rules are rules and that is the way it is. 

Now I may have just thrown my hands up in the air, feeling defeated AGAIN,
but not this daughter of mine! 
She entered every class she could and didn't even think twice about it.  She didn't go out and give it a half-hearted effort...NO...
She goes out there and gives it all she has! 
She is beautiful, she is smiling, she is riding her little heart out. 

She has been pleased with how the week has gone, but today was a truly rewarding experience for her; even though she could not place, the judges spoke to her and told her where they would have placed her had they been able to -- oh my gosh -- she was the happiest girl ever!  It didn't matter that she didn't come home with a trophy (although I'm quite sure she would have loved to), what mattered is that those judges could see that she has never given up...they see her ability, they see her character, they see that this little girl is a winner and they let her know it!  

So, again as I read this poem, I couldn't help but think of my Danielle picking herself back up when she's fallen time and again...never giving up...

SHE IS A WINNER...and I'm so happy to be her Momma!
 

The Race

“Quit!” “Give up, you’re beaten!” they shout at me and plead,

“There’s just too much against you now, this time you can’t succeed.”

And as I started to hang my head in front of failure’s face,

My downward fall is broken by the memory of a race.

And hope refills my weakened will as I recall that scene.

For just the thought of that short race rejuvenates my being.

A children’s race, young boys, young men; now I remember well.

Excitement, sure, but also fear; it wasn’t hard to tell.

They all lined up so full of hope. Each thought to win the race

Or tie for first, if not that, at least take second place.

And fathers watched from off the side, each cheering for his son,

And each boy hoped to show his dad that he would be the one.

The whistle blew and off they sped, as if they were on fire

To win, to be the hero there, was each boy’s desire.

And one boy in particular, his dad was in the crowd,

Was running near the lead and thought, “My dad will be so proud.”

But as he speeded down the field, across the shallow dip,

The little boy who thought to win lost his step and slipped.

Trying hard to catch himself, his arm flew out to brace,

And ‘mid the laughter of the crowd, he fell flat on his face.

So, down he fell, and with him, hope. He couldn’t win it now.

Embarrassed, sad, he only wished he’d disappear somehow.

But, as he fell, his dad stood up and showed his anxious face,

Which to the boy so clearly said, “Get up and win the race!”

He quickly rose, no damage done, behind a bit, that’s all.

And ran with all his mind and might to make up for the fall.

So anxious to restore himself, to catch up and to win,

His mind went faster than his legs. He slipped and fell again.

He wished he had quit before with only one disgrace.

“I’m hopeless as a runner now, I shouldn’t try to race.”

But, in the laughing crowd he searched and found his father’s face.

That steady look that said again, “Get up and win the race!”

So, he jumped up to try again, ten yards behind the last;

“If I’m to gain those yards,” he thought, “I’ve got to run real fast!”

Exceeding everything he had, he regained eight or ten,

But trying so hard to catch the lead, he slipped and fell again.

Defeat! He lay there silently, a tear dropped from his eye.

“There’s no sense running more. Three strikes, I’m out…why try?”

The will to rise had disappeared, all hope had fled away.

So far behind, so error-prone, a loser all the way.

“I’ve lost, so what’s the use?” he thought, “I’ll live with my disgrace.”

But, then he thought about his dad, who soon he’d have to face.

“Get up,” an echo sounded low, “Get up and take your place.

You weren’t meant for failure here; get up and win the race.”

With borrowed will, “Get up,” it said, “You haven’t lost at all,

For winning is no more than this–to rise each time you fall.”

So up he rose to win once more. And with a new commit,

He resolved that win or lose, at least he wouldn’t quit.

So far behind the others now, the most he’d ever been.

Still, he gave it all he had, and ran as though to win.

Three times he’d fallen, stumbling, three times he rose again.

Too far behind to hope to win, he still ran to the end.

They cheered the winning runner, as he crossed the line, first place,

Head high and proud and happy; no falling, no disgrace.

But, when the fallen crossed the finish line, last place,

The crowd gave him the greater cheer for finishing the race.

And even though he came in last, with head bowed low, unproud,

You would have thought he won the race, to listen to the crowd.

And to his dad, he sadly said, “I didn’t do so well.”

“To me you won,” his father said, “You rose each time you fell.”

And now when things seem dark and hard and difficult to face,

The memory of that little boy helps me in my race.

For all of life is like that race, with ups and downs and all.

And all you have to do to win is rise each time you fall.

“Quit!” “Give up, you’re beaten!” They still shout in my face,

But another voice within me says, “Get up and win the race!”

To me, that little girl of mine, won the race...

She rose each time, smiling all the way...

refusing to give up...

And Today

she showed us all what she is made of --

just who she is...

a hero...a winner!

Busy July Days!

Started my day off with some wonderful exercise...laps around the track and running the bleachers are a true test for lungs...the good news...I'm still alive!

After catching my breath, I came home, jumped in the shower, hurried myself along and got all the kiddos up and then out the door to the Buckaroo Breakfast for the Snake River Stampede. 
The older kids worked it, little kids and I ate the breakfast  :0)
My Big Kids were on Clean-Up detail ~ fun stuff! 
Well, while they were doing their thing, I took our three youngest out back to the amphitheater area ~ those kiddos took one look at the stage and made a run for it. 
How I wish I would have had a video camera!  Priceless moment!

Wyatt and Cassie are rocking out and Natalie is dancing across the stage ~ ballerina style. 
Oh my gosh, it was adorable!  Each of their personalities were just shining up on that stage...
I love the beauty of young children --
they are not afraid to just be who they are --
no inhibitions to stop them --
no worries about someone thinking they might make a fool of themselves --
just sweet, genuine indulgence of fulfilling every dream! 
Now, I say this, because as I looked at that same stage, thoughts also crossed my mind,
"Oh how fun would it be to be on top of that stage just singin' my heart out, etc, etc...." 
But then my "not-so-fun-side of my brain" stops me from actually acting on that impulse; the part of my brain that reminds me I am less than stage quality ~
I was not blessed with the singing or dancing talent,
I just love them both!
Makes me wonder what line I was standing in up there in the pre-mortal world when I missed out on getting these awesome talents! 
What did I think was more important???

Watching others "up there" fulfilling their dreams just makes me want to join in on that same amazing experience..  Their energy on stage is invigorating, makes me crave that same excitement.
I felt that same energy as I watched my sweet kiddos today ~
I am actually kinda kicking myself in the buns cause
I had the chance to run up there WITH THEM...
now that would have been a moment I'm sure they would always remember...
darn that not-so-fun part of me!

I really do try to be a fun mom...I didn't stop my kids from being on the stage, BUT I did stop them when they wanted to climb the rope ladder that leads to the lighting wayyyy up high.  That one just wasn't gonna happen!!!   Oh how I want them to dream and to not be afraid to act on their dreams,
but climbing up that crazy ladder goes beyond what I thought was okay,
if they were to get stuck up on top
 and be "afraid" to come down ~
who would rescue them? 
Not I!!! 
Not so sure I could make it up there without having a massive coronary attack. 

The rest of our day was pretty busy...felt like I never stopped the entire day!

We headed out to the library for one of their little summer programs for the kids.  We have made it to several this summer and I have been so impressed and pleased.  Well, today they had one for little kiddos, ages 5-7, who are in the losing teeth stage.  They read stories to them, told them different customs around the world for children who lose their teeth and then they each made a little pillow for their teeth for the tooth fairy.  Adorable!   Can't hardly believe I am on my last one to lose teeth ~ seems a little strange somedays!


This evening we were back to the Snake River Stampede...three of the kids volunteered to work concessions for 4-H...we've done this for many years ~ I was actually a little disappointed to not be joining them tonight, but my hubby wasn't able to be with us and it is just too much to do by myself with a bunch of little people running around, so the little girls and I came home and watched Tangled in my room while we folded and hung 7 baskets of clean laundry...
How and Why do we have sooo many clothes??? 
Ridiculous ~
I think I could be seriously rich with the invention of disposable clothing,
yes it would be nice fitting and fashionable and all,
but would not require laundering...
just wear it a couple times,
when it looks soiled,
simply toss it and replace. 
I know it's really not feasible, but one can dream! 

I talked with my hubby this afternoon, he and one of our boys have been up at Scout Camp...it's awfully quiet with them missing! Speaking of "missing", I am missing them both! My sweet hubby is coming home early in the morning and sweet son coming home on Saturday...I'll be happy to have us all back together again! Can't sleep when he's gone, so that is why I am rambling about on this silly blog of mine. Helps to pass the night away. I know I should be cleaning toilets or something...but this is much more relaxing...and hey the laundry is done, well it was done, until the kids took off their clothes tonight and now an entire basket is full again!  Oh well, such is life  :0)


The next couple of weeks hold much activity for this little family of ours...Rodeos and Fairs...here we come!
August ~ I'm gonna be ready for a really great nap!

The Latest & Greatest...

What to share tonight???

The highlights, hmmmmm.....

School is good, the house is still standing, the kids are all doing just hunky dory, the dog (TINY) has moved to the back porch, I had lunch with one of my favorite people today, I'm down 14 pounds, General Conference was amazing, we spent the afternoon outside burning branches and cleaning up the pasture (I LOVE living in the country!), I've been reading some great books on Nutrition and Diet, we've decided to go to the Manti Pagaent this year for the first time...can't wait!, I get to see my oldest daughter and my grandbabies tomorrow, I only have 4 mountains of laundry to tackle, my flowers are starting to pop up in areas, the sun has been shining off and on, Spring is coming, we've almost memorized the entire Living Christ (our goal is to have it in our minds and hearts by Easter), I've started a new workout program that I am LOVING...it is called T-Tapp...I mostly love that it is based on working your lymphatic system and it's a huge bonus to do your measurements and see those inches melting away, our little school co-op is going great...I love teaching Early American History,  Hosted a dinner and dessert evening for the Young Women and their Moms and then headed over to watch YW Conference with all of them ~ great aftn/evening, I have an empty box of butter sitting in my kitchen window...when I want to eat something REALLY bad for me, I just look at that butter and imagine fourteen of those hummers back on my body and it's a lot easier to go without!, I've been wondering to myself what I might be when I grow up, I've been playing around with the idea of going for chickens again...my hubby is not so sure he wants to tackle having a zoo or a farm again...I'm working on him...fresh eggs might be a nice thing to have, just read Morning Girl to my little kids ~ I really love that story ~ the sweet, simple life they enjoyed...the innocence...the purity ~ packed with beautiful lessons, Crepes on Conference Sunday were divine and the Quiche was mighty tasty as well, during one of our Family Home Evenings we were all playing a game called Do You Love Your Neighbor...well it was Natalie's turn and she said "Yes, I love my neighbors, but I don't love Obama" -- the random things that come out of my kids mouths amaze me...that was our favorite quote of the week!, we've learned that the only thing harder than trying to get all of our school work done with only three computers in the house is to lessen that number by one for 2 weeks ... aaaauuuggghhhhh...maybe the lesson to be learned in all of this is patience, my hubby has been such a huge help with all of our business paperwork over the last little while...it has been so nice to have a little less to worry about, my brain is starting to think about RETREAT time, I am loving the delicious peppers and cucumbers that I've been eating ~ but I could do without the high prices, which brings me to my next thought...Garden...last year it was all in pots, do we repeat that again or go for the gusto and do it big???, I still have amazing photos and experiences to share from Cassie's baptism that I haven't been able to do...mostly because I have no idea at all how to get the photos from the phone to the computer...might be time to enlist the help of teenagers, I've had contact with our "other daughter" who isn't technically our daughter and it was wonderful to see her...she has a long way to go to find true happiness in her world but she is making a little progress here and there, Chad and I have had two dates to the temple recently and it was great...funniest thing ever happened and it was on April 1st so I was really wondering if someone was playing an April Fool's joke on us...during a sealing we stood in proxy for Lord Crab and Crabby Crab...everyone in the room, including the sealer was losin' it (maybe you had to be there!), we've had lots of time training the horses lately ~ I just sit and watch (and pray) and smile and tell them all just how great they're doing, the boys have made an absolutely amazing bike track...it is very picture worthy because words simply cannot express the creative minds these kids of mine have...where there is a will, there is a way ~ and we have some serious will going on around here!, our oldest son is becoming quite the handy man...he can fix just about anything -- the motorcycles, four wheelers, truck -- he just has a knack for it all -- Chad is going to set him loose with a Kohler Motor and see if he can work his magic (I have no doubt at all!),  our next son is now a den chief (basically this means he is acting as a leader for the younger boys (scouts) and helping out with planning and executing their meetings) he'll be such a wonderful helper in this area ~ his compassion is amazing and his main boy that he works with has some physical disabilities and Bryce is ever so sweet and gentle with him, we spent some time at the local fire station for a tour and it looks like my hubby is going to pursue one of his dreams...he's always wanted to be a volunteer firefighter, I really want to stand in his way and keep him nice and safe and protected, but I will step to the side and smile the biggest smile I can muster up...

Well I think that about does it...there's a random list of some of the Latest and Greatest around this crazy house...

Sweet Dreams  :0)

Horsin' Around :0)

Finished off yesterday afternoon at the Canyon County Horsebowl Competition...

Already covered how the little girls did, but not the big girl ~ Well, she was outstanding!!!

Are they adorable or what???

Wow, do I love those girls!!!

Her team ended up taking second place and will be heading to the District Competition in March. 

They are also judged personally and she took third overall...

Way to go...All that studying pays off!

And the two little girls in the photo were in their first year of horse bowl competition and did fantastic...

I love that part of 4-H is all about Mentoring younger kids ~ what a perfect program to build character in our youth and to instill goodness and service and giving!  I could not be happier with this day...

Look at all those great awards ~

But I truly believe

the best award is just how fantastic they each felt

at the end of a marvelous day!

I love to listen to our kids when they feel successful in themselves ~

Not because of their placements, but because of the knowledge and growth they've made!

What a day!!!

Now we have until March to re-coup before we head back for the next round!

4-H is a marvelous program! 

If you are looking for something fabulous to have your kiddos involved in, I highly recommend it!

So what do you know? Enough to get a pretty ribbon!!!

What an exciting morning...and there is more to come this afternoon...

We were out this morning for HORSE Competitions...

usually the little girls just go along to see how their big sister is doing,

but today was a different story!!!

Today is the Horse Bowl Competition ~ Are you in need of a description???

Well, it is basically Horse Jeopardy...

Anything and Everything a judge could ask you about horses, well, you best know it if you'd like to win this competition!  Holy Smokes ~ There is a lot to know!

(Kinda glad it's them and not me)

Well, Today was a little different than normal for our sweet little girls --

THEY GOT TO COMPETE TOO!!!!

(I think I could've handled this little competition, but not the big one)

OH Happy Day...Oh Scary Day...Oh Nervous Butterflies in the Tummy Day!!!

Just waiting for the competition...

Our littlest one is happy as can be with her special little dolly...oh how she loves her! 

Have I ever mentioned that I have the best friends on the planet??? 

Well, if I haven't, I DO!  My sweet friend, Corrie slaved away making this special doll for my little one.

Christmas Morning was a happy day around here when she opened this! 

She goes EVERYWHERE with us...Even to the Horsebowl Competition!

Oh My Goodness...It is almost time!

"Mom, I'm a little scared!"

Me:  "You are beautiful and you will be amazing!!! 

Just remember to talk loudly enough that the judges will be able to hear your remarkable answers!"

A little practice time just before the big event!!!

The older kids have been studying away...they are gonna do awesome!

It's real, We're Here!!!

And we even get to use the BUZZERS!

OH MY WORD...We are real Horse Girls Now!!!

Oh Yeah!!!  That's a ribbon! 

Check Me Out!!!    HAPPY DAY...

Just gotta share some of the hilarious answers ~

One of the questions asked to all of the little girls was:

How much does it cost to take care of a horse for a year?

Our littlest one repied, "Oh, about 8 dollars!"

So where does the Shetland Pony come from?  Hint:  It's on an island that is named after the pony.

"Ummm....India?"

No...try again...

"Ummm....Ponies Island"

Good try...talk between yourselves again and see if you can get it....

After little whispers back and forth, came a meek little "Shetland???"

YES, YOU GOT IT...Shetland Island!

And my favorite...The last question of the "competition".

What is your favorite color of horse?

Our little "C" responded with ~ "Bay" (I was pretty impressed!), the little girl next to her responded "Sorrel" and then our little one said "ummm, probably Pink!"

That judge was rollin' in her seat at all of the hysterical answers!

What a fun morning...Right after the little girls are done eating their lunch, we'll climb back in the car and head back to see how Big Sister is doing in her competition!

LOVE SEEIN" THESE HAPPY FACES...THEY WERE SO EXCITED!!!

Rainbow colored Ribbons and a little chocolate bar ~ what could be better on a Saturday Morning???