Macy and I weighed ourselves this morning. She's 26 lbs. Ironically, that's exactly what I need to lose to reach my goal weight! Looking at that little person really puts into perspective how much I want to take off.
I don't think I'm fat, but I'm not happy with my weight. I tend to eat whatever I want and exercise regularly only in the summer. I'm not a kid anymore and my metabolism isn't going to keep me at a regular weight if I don't work at it! I'm tired of wondering if my pants or suits are going to fit month to month. I want to feel like an athlete when I run agility. I don't want to cringe when I see myself in a picture or video. I want my kids to think their mom is trim and healthy, and follow that example.
Ever since my 4th baby I've been carrying the 'Freshman 15', and well, I'm no Freshman. That last baby left me with a belly and my body didn't recover on its own like after the first 3 babies. She's two years old now, so I can stop waiting for it to happen on its own! This is obviously going to take some effort on my part.
26lbs would take me to my goal weight. That weight may be a bit ambitious, but I've never shied from a challenge. I am anxious to get smaller jeans, fit into shorts that have been in my drawers for years, and be happy with my health and fitness. Where before I've always relied on exercise to lose weight, this time I am focused on diet. I know that this will not only help me reduce my weight, but improve my overall health.
I've asked my husband to join me on this journey. I challenged him to a 30 day weight loss 'adventure'. I don't know how excited he is, but he also could greatly benefit from a better diet and weight loss. Since we're carefully selecting our meals, our children are also benefiting! Not only are they reaping the benefit of healthy meals today, but they are learning how to eat and how important nutrition is for their futures.
Obviously the reason I shared all of this is for accountability. I can secretly lose 5 or 10 lbs, and then gain it back without most people noticing. This is a major goal and is going to take some time and a lot of effort. Now I've put it out there. If I fail, everyone who reads this will know. I hope my pride will be my motivation on days when I want to quit.
I have a 26lb weight loss goal. Let's see what I can do!
Friday, February 22, 2013
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Welcome 2013! New Year, New Resolutions
Instead of searching for a piece of paper with my resolutions from last year, this time I just read the blog. As usual, I was disappointed that I hadn't fulfilled all of my resolutions, but there were some bonus surprises. Overall I enjoyed 2012 and the experiences that I never could have imagined.
Looking at my 5 resolutions from last year, I did enjoy the first one, the blog. It was a resolution to give blogging a try for one year. I definitely plan to continue. I will take the Tuesday 'deadline' away. That caused too much pressure and there for a while, I avoided the blog all together. I will blog when I can, or when I'm inspired.
I was supposed to concentrate on my health. I wanted to eat better, exercise, and lose weight. Um, not so much. I do okay until late fall when the weather gets colder and I don't want to go outside to run. And then Thanksgiving and Christmas come around with all of those yummy treats. This one will definitely make the list again for 2013.
I wanted to improve my Bible study. Okay, so while I didn't improve much with my home Bible study, we did have a good year for church attendance. We travel quite a bit for dog shows and miss Sundays when we are gone. We did attend every Sunday that we were home. No sleep-in excuses this year. There were times when all 6 of us didn't get to go together due to work schedules or illness, but some of us went.
Number 4 was organization. I made progress but still want to continue with this one. I made new file boxes for the overwhelming amount of paperwork around here. I want to clear out some clutter and make a place for everything. This is a BIG project!
The final resolution was actually a collection of goals with my dogs. I wanted Glory's MACH and ATCh, Quinn's ASCA CH, and Ryder's AKC CH. I did achieve the ATCH and ASCA CH. We didn't quite complete the other too, but made great progress. Glory is only 3 QQs from the MACH, and Ryder is sitting at 13 pts, 1 major in AKC. We only attended two AKC shows with majors this year. A surprise accomplishment was Indy's ASCA CH!
So now I look at 2013. I'm very excited for this new year. Life is going well and I hope we will have many new adventures in this new year.
My 5 New Year's Resolutions for 2013:
1. Improve my health and weight. I am going to be more specific on my personal weight goal. I know that I will have to alter my diet and exercise plan to achieve this.
2. Continue to organize my home. My family knows how stressed I get when I can't find something or the house is a mess.
3. Goals with dogs: My list of goals for this year includes around 20 titles on 9 of our dogs. (6 of mine, 3 are the kids') Now I know we aren't going to get all of those titles, but I have to have something to shoot for with each dog. The big ones I'm going for are a MACH, two AKC CHs, two ASCA CHs, and an RMX.
4. Better time management. In simpler terms, I want to learn to be on time. I'm always about 10 minutes late. I'd really like to be more organized and prompt.
5. More Bible study time. This is a carry over from last year, but also goes with #4. If I can better organize and manage my time, I will better be able to find 15 minutes a day to spend in God's Word.
So here we go! It's a fresh start and I'm ready to go!
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Christmas Letter
I've never done one of those letters that get mailed out around Christmas time. You know, the ones that update you on what happened with a family during that year. I know jokes get made about them, whether they are embellished or just full of lies. I really enjoy reading them. I never get to keep in touch with my friends as much as I'd like, so the letters are very interesting.
Here's my chance to give this Christmas letter writing thing a try, and everyone can take it or leave it!
2012 has been a wonderful year. As usual, it has flown by faster than I could imagine. My kids are growing before my eyes and each year passes faster than the one before.
Our family has been busy as usual. With four kids and a mini-farm full of animals, there is never a lack of work to be done. We added ducks this year and have started working the aussies on stock. We also have a new family kitty, a calico named Sage who joins our 3 teenage calico cats. Our 2012 aussie litter was born in February - 7 blue merle babies from Owen and Ellie. We are due to take our 2012 family picture with the dogs as soon as the weather cooperates and it will be a very full picture! We transferred membership to Dover Christian Church and have been greatly blessed by this church family. We enjoyed a great family vacation at Patoka Lake with my parents, as well as several family camping trips.
Tim started a new job recently. He left Pace Dairy and is now employed with Land O Lakes/Purina Nutrition. He works in a plant that makes livestock feed, mainly for race horses. The new job is a bit further away than his old one, but he is on a nice, normal day shift with most weekends off. He's home for dinner and is able to spend his evenings with the family.
I've been busy with the dogs. I personally finished two conformation champions that I bred, and watched another dog I bred earn an Altered CH, and go on to a Finals invitation where she earned 5th place! I also got to watch a co-bred dog earn her CH. I was thrilled to complete Glory's ATCH, the Agility Trial Championship. I showed Ryder to several Best of Breed wins. I stay busy at home and running to several dog shows a month. I also substitute teach occasionally, teach classes in the 4-H dog project, and do several 4-H judging assignments during the summer.
Madie is 10 years old and is growing into a young lady, no longer our little kid. She's in the 5th grade, sings in the choir, and loves training and showing her dogs. She put several titles on her dog Ellie, earned her first 500 club in the first 4 months of the ASCA year, and won 1st place in her showmanship class at the Indiana State fair. She now co-owns Quinn and is doing great using him in junior handling, earning many Best Junior wins. Madie has added horse-back riding to her hobby list, and also ran her first 5k this summer. She showed in dogs, goats, and rabbits at the county fair.
Emma is 8 years old and is doing very well in the 3rd grade. She got her first puppy this spring, a blue merle aussie named Nicki. They are best buddies and she's doing very well training her. They've already earned a Best Junior Handler win together! She's looking forward to starting a gymnastics class next month.
Drew is 4 years old and in preschool. He loves school and is a great student. He has learned to read his letters, say the days of the week and months of the year, and loves counting to 100 with a little assistance. He loves trains and trucks and is the best big brother to his little sister. He did another dog show this fall and loved it.
Macy is 2 years old and thinks she runs the world. She is a talker, and so opinionated that she always has something to say. She's Drew's shadow and tries to keep up with everything he does. She too is learning to read her letters and loves to count. She sings all of his preschool songs. She plays with My Little Ponies and Matchbox cars.
We're already making big plans for 2013. Both Madie and Emma with be in 4-H this year. Drew is hoping to start T-ball. Our dog show schedule is full and we plan to attend the ASCA Nationals in Greeley, CO. Tim and I are making more home improvement plans. I pray that we will continue to be as blessed in the new year as we have been in 2012.
God Bless you all! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
-The Williams family.
Here's my chance to give this Christmas letter writing thing a try, and everyone can take it or leave it!
2012 has been a wonderful year. As usual, it has flown by faster than I could imagine. My kids are growing before my eyes and each year passes faster than the one before.
Our family has been busy as usual. With four kids and a mini-farm full of animals, there is never a lack of work to be done. We added ducks this year and have started working the aussies on stock. We also have a new family kitty, a calico named Sage who joins our 3 teenage calico cats. Our 2012 aussie litter was born in February - 7 blue merle babies from Owen and Ellie. We are due to take our 2012 family picture with the dogs as soon as the weather cooperates and it will be a very full picture! We transferred membership to Dover Christian Church and have been greatly blessed by this church family. We enjoyed a great family vacation at Patoka Lake with my parents, as well as several family camping trips.
Tim started a new job recently. He left Pace Dairy and is now employed with Land O Lakes/Purina Nutrition. He works in a plant that makes livestock feed, mainly for race horses. The new job is a bit further away than his old one, but he is on a nice, normal day shift with most weekends off. He's home for dinner and is able to spend his evenings with the family.
I've been busy with the dogs. I personally finished two conformation champions that I bred, and watched another dog I bred earn an Altered CH, and go on to a Finals invitation where she earned 5th place! I also got to watch a co-bred dog earn her CH. I was thrilled to complete Glory's ATCH, the Agility Trial Championship. I showed Ryder to several Best of Breed wins. I stay busy at home and running to several dog shows a month. I also substitute teach occasionally, teach classes in the 4-H dog project, and do several 4-H judging assignments during the summer.
Madie is 10 years old and is growing into a young lady, no longer our little kid. She's in the 5th grade, sings in the choir, and loves training and showing her dogs. She put several titles on her dog Ellie, earned her first 500 club in the first 4 months of the ASCA year, and won 1st place in her showmanship class at the Indiana State fair. She now co-owns Quinn and is doing great using him in junior handling, earning many Best Junior wins. Madie has added horse-back riding to her hobby list, and also ran her first 5k this summer. She showed in dogs, goats, and rabbits at the county fair.
Emma is 8 years old and is doing very well in the 3rd grade. She got her first puppy this spring, a blue merle aussie named Nicki. They are best buddies and she's doing very well training her. They've already earned a Best Junior Handler win together! She's looking forward to starting a gymnastics class next month.
Drew is 4 years old and in preschool. He loves school and is a great student. He has learned to read his letters, say the days of the week and months of the year, and loves counting to 100 with a little assistance. He loves trains and trucks and is the best big brother to his little sister. He did another dog show this fall and loved it.
Macy is 2 years old and thinks she runs the world. She is a talker, and so opinionated that she always has something to say. She's Drew's shadow and tries to keep up with everything he does. She too is learning to read her letters and loves to count. She sings all of his preschool songs. She plays with My Little Ponies and Matchbox cars.
We're already making big plans for 2013. Both Madie and Emma with be in 4-H this year. Drew is hoping to start T-ball. Our dog show schedule is full and we plan to attend the ASCA Nationals in Greeley, CO. Tim and I are making more home improvement plans. I pray that we will continue to be as blessed in the new year as we have been in 2012.
God Bless you all! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
-The Williams family.
Friday, November 9, 2012
Tough Love
Sometimes being a good parent can make you feel like a rotten person.
My 10 year old Madie and 8 year old Emma are in a Bible club at school. (A public school!) Each week they have an assignment to read 7 chapters and then write a summary. My girls are notorious for putting this off or forgetting about it as the week goes by. Each Wednesday night or Thursday morning we have drama as they rush to get the assignment done.
Last week as I scrambled to find them each a flashlight so they could complete the Bible assignment on the morning bus ride, I warned them, "There is a new rule. If you don't have your assignment done by 8pm on Wednesday night, you don't get to go to Bible club on Thursday." Heads were nodding and two little girls quickly agreed.
Fast forward 6 days and there we were again on a Wednesday night and there were moments of panic as they remembered their assignment. Sadly, neither girl had completed the work by 8pm.
I had to do it. I hated to do it. I told the girls that they would have to come straight home after school the next day, they couldn't stay for Bible club. What followed was noisy, to say the least. There was weeping and gnashing of teeth. Emma went upstairs to her bed where the wailing could still be heard all over the house. Madie pleaded her case, told me how important Bible club was to them. I responded that if it was so important, they would complete the assignment on time.
I know the girls were upset with me. I know Tim didn't agree with my decision to keep them from this activity. He offered me several suggestions to get out of the declared punishment. I moped around all night, disheartened to see my girls so upset. Madie came down at 8:15pm, the end of their reading time, to tell me she had finished the Bible assignment. I told her she hadn't made the deadline and would not be able to go. More tears. Emma announced the next morning that she had finished hers. When I reminded her of the rule, again, there was more crying.
I sat both girls down and explained my situation to them. I have to have their respect and trust. I have to follow through on what I say, or they wouldn't be able to believe in me. I need them to take me seriously and know that I mean what I say. One day I will tell two teenage girls that if they are not home by curfew, there will be a consequence. They will know I mean it and that I will back up my words.
I hate to see my kids sad. I hate to see them miss out on fun events, especially in a situation where they weren't being bad, just made a mistake in their organization and time management. But I'm teaching my kids about life. I'm teaching them about consequences. I'm teaching them that I love them enough to be tough on them and teach them about behavior and consequences. It started with the first time I swatted their toddler bottoms to keep them safe and obedient, and will last through these childhood days. It will last through the tough teen years, and will follow them through the rest of their lives when I will be the constant voice of a mother, of experience and wisdom.
The good news is that they survived the consequence. They never thanked me for being a tough mom with strict rules, but they have laughed and hugged me and declared me the 'best mom ever' just after the incident. Sometimes loving them is easy, and sometimes it's hard. But I love them enough.
My 10 year old Madie and 8 year old Emma are in a Bible club at school. (A public school!) Each week they have an assignment to read 7 chapters and then write a summary. My girls are notorious for putting this off or forgetting about it as the week goes by. Each Wednesday night or Thursday morning we have drama as they rush to get the assignment done.
Last week as I scrambled to find them each a flashlight so they could complete the Bible assignment on the morning bus ride, I warned them, "There is a new rule. If you don't have your assignment done by 8pm on Wednesday night, you don't get to go to Bible club on Thursday." Heads were nodding and two little girls quickly agreed.
Fast forward 6 days and there we were again on a Wednesday night and there were moments of panic as they remembered their assignment. Sadly, neither girl had completed the work by 8pm.
I had to do it. I hated to do it. I told the girls that they would have to come straight home after school the next day, they couldn't stay for Bible club. What followed was noisy, to say the least. There was weeping and gnashing of teeth. Emma went upstairs to her bed where the wailing could still be heard all over the house. Madie pleaded her case, told me how important Bible club was to them. I responded that if it was so important, they would complete the assignment on time.
I know the girls were upset with me. I know Tim didn't agree with my decision to keep them from this activity. He offered me several suggestions to get out of the declared punishment. I moped around all night, disheartened to see my girls so upset. Madie came down at 8:15pm, the end of their reading time, to tell me she had finished the Bible assignment. I told her she hadn't made the deadline and would not be able to go. More tears. Emma announced the next morning that she had finished hers. When I reminded her of the rule, again, there was more crying.
I sat both girls down and explained my situation to them. I have to have their respect and trust. I have to follow through on what I say, or they wouldn't be able to believe in me. I need them to take me seriously and know that I mean what I say. One day I will tell two teenage girls that if they are not home by curfew, there will be a consequence. They will know I mean it and that I will back up my words.
I hate to see my kids sad. I hate to see them miss out on fun events, especially in a situation where they weren't being bad, just made a mistake in their organization and time management. But I'm teaching my kids about life. I'm teaching them about consequences. I'm teaching them that I love them enough to be tough on them and teach them about behavior and consequences. It started with the first time I swatted their toddler bottoms to keep them safe and obedient, and will last through these childhood days. It will last through the tough teen years, and will follow them through the rest of their lives when I will be the constant voice of a mother, of experience and wisdom.
The good news is that they survived the consequence. They never thanked me for being a tough mom with strict rules, but they have laughed and hugged me and declared me the 'best mom ever' just after the incident. Sometimes loving them is easy, and sometimes it's hard. But I love them enough.
Friday, September 7, 2012
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
The Olympic Experience
I anxiously counted down to the start of the 2012 London Olympics. Not only do I love the Olympics, but the Summer Olympics are by far my favorite and this time they were located in a city I would LOVE to visit someday. I enjoyed watching every minute of it.
I appreciate the two and a half weeks of the Olympics. Not only is history made, but it is a time of 'peace'. It is a distraction, perhaps, from life around us. For just two weeks we can push aside politics and wars in foreign lands and just cheer for the home team. At this time, we Americans are all cheering for the same team. We're united as a country in our desire to see our athletes succeed. We hope they can be the fastest runners, highest jumpers, and best paddlers or shooters in the world. We secretly hope the crying Russian girl stumbles or the Chinese get slightly out of sync on a dive. We cheer together for weird sports we've rarely even seen, (trampoline?!) and shout like a coach at the TV when our Americans 'take your mark' on the track. Not only are we united as a country, we are watching individuals who spend the rest of the year competing against each other, now come together and work as a team. They depend on each other and work together for the win. Athletes of different sports are attending their fellow Americans' competitions just to be heard as an American crowd. Even better, the big picture is a huge competition of people from all around the world who on any other day, might be enemies. But these two weeks they cheer and hug and pick each other up when one falls down. They shake hands and congratulate the winner and forget about their differences, even if it's just temporary.
These Olympics have already made history. I watched the opening ceremonies wondering what drama lay ahead. Would judges cheat or someone test positive for drugs? We watched amazing feats such as a man with no legs run a race, history made in women's gymnastics (first African American All-Around gold medalist as well as the first American to win gold in both All-around and team), badminton players disqualified for trying NOT to win, and a legend of a swimmer earn his 22nd Olympic medal to make a statement in Olympic history that may never be broken. These athletes from around the world include ages 15 to 71. There are countries I've never heard of being represented. Countries are being represented by anywhere from 2 athletes, to over 500. New world records are being set all over the place.
While the spirit of the competition and the truly amazing ability of these athletes are what draw us to watch, it's the personal stories that steal our heart. We hear the stories of triumph and failure. Whether an athlete is overcoming an injury, mishap at a former Olympics, positive drug test, or a barely missed qualification in the past, they celebrate their true achievement of being an Olympian, and just hope for the chance to stand on the medal stand. Just being there, for a chance to represent their country and compete in the sport they love is a dream come true.
I spent far too much time over the past two weeks watching TV. I laughed, I cried. I cheered for the Americans, and when they weren't competing, I cheered for someone else who looked like they deserve the win. I learned the rules of water polo and feel an odd desire to try white-water kayaking. I ached, usually in vain, for more coverage of the equestrian events. I averted my eyes during weightlifting, held my breath during gymnastics, fell asleep during rowing, and paid my bills during some ridiculously long tennis matches. My kids sat with me to cheer for the US and watch what can happen when you are truly passionate about something and work hard, sacrifice everything, and strive to make your dreams come true.
We will wait another 2 years before the world comes together like this again, and 4 years before another summer games. Many athletes are already dreaming and training for the next Olympics. They spend their lives in a strict training regimen of practice, exercise, and diet. Some are already dreaming of redemption for something gone wrong at these 2012 games. I admire their dedication, wish them luck in their training, and anxiously await the next time we get to cheer for them as they chase their dreams.
I appreciate the two and a half weeks of the Olympics. Not only is history made, but it is a time of 'peace'. It is a distraction, perhaps, from life around us. For just two weeks we can push aside politics and wars in foreign lands and just cheer for the home team. At this time, we Americans are all cheering for the same team. We're united as a country in our desire to see our athletes succeed. We hope they can be the fastest runners, highest jumpers, and best paddlers or shooters in the world. We secretly hope the crying Russian girl stumbles or the Chinese get slightly out of sync on a dive. We cheer together for weird sports we've rarely even seen, (trampoline?!) and shout like a coach at the TV when our Americans 'take your mark' on the track. Not only are we united as a country, we are watching individuals who spend the rest of the year competing against each other, now come together and work as a team. They depend on each other and work together for the win. Athletes of different sports are attending their fellow Americans' competitions just to be heard as an American crowd. Even better, the big picture is a huge competition of people from all around the world who on any other day, might be enemies. But these two weeks they cheer and hug and pick each other up when one falls down. They shake hands and congratulate the winner and forget about their differences, even if it's just temporary.
These Olympics have already made history. I watched the opening ceremonies wondering what drama lay ahead. Would judges cheat or someone test positive for drugs? We watched amazing feats such as a man with no legs run a race, history made in women's gymnastics (first African American All-Around gold medalist as well as the first American to win gold in both All-around and team), badminton players disqualified for trying NOT to win, and a legend of a swimmer earn his 22nd Olympic medal to make a statement in Olympic history that may never be broken. These athletes from around the world include ages 15 to 71. There are countries I've never heard of being represented. Countries are being represented by anywhere from 2 athletes, to over 500. New world records are being set all over the place.
While the spirit of the competition and the truly amazing ability of these athletes are what draw us to watch, it's the personal stories that steal our heart. We hear the stories of triumph and failure. Whether an athlete is overcoming an injury, mishap at a former Olympics, positive drug test, or a barely missed qualification in the past, they celebrate their true achievement of being an Olympian, and just hope for the chance to stand on the medal stand. Just being there, for a chance to represent their country and compete in the sport they love is a dream come true.
I spent far too much time over the past two weeks watching TV. I laughed, I cried. I cheered for the Americans, and when they weren't competing, I cheered for someone else who looked like they deserve the win. I learned the rules of water polo and feel an odd desire to try white-water kayaking. I ached, usually in vain, for more coverage of the equestrian events. I averted my eyes during weightlifting, held my breath during gymnastics, fell asleep during rowing, and paid my bills during some ridiculously long tennis matches. My kids sat with me to cheer for the US and watch what can happen when you are truly passionate about something and work hard, sacrifice everything, and strive to make your dreams come true.
We will wait another 2 years before the world comes together like this again, and 4 years before another summer games. Many athletes are already dreaming and training for the next Olympics. They spend their lives in a strict training regimen of practice, exercise, and diet. Some are already dreaming of redemption for something gone wrong at these 2012 games. I admire their dedication, wish them luck in their training, and anxiously await the next time we get to cheer for them as they chase their dreams.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Raising Kids in Dog Shows
This past weekend has been a reminder that I am raising my kids in a sport. They are learning about life through a type of competition. I stood and had a conversation with a reputable figure in our breed and she commented on my parenting, as well as the passion that the girls show in the sport. They want to be there, they aren't doing this for mom. They are largely among adults who take this sport and love of the breed very seriously. They have been forced to act in a mature manner as they play an adult's game. Along the way they are making friendships with other juniors that will last them a lifetime. They will learn how to win, how to lose, and how best to play the game. More than anything, I want to teach my children to play with honor. No matter what sport or hobby your family is involved in, there are opportunities to learn good and bad lessons. I can speak at my kids all I want, but they will follow what I do, not what I say. The best I can do for them is to be an example.
These are the lessons I hope they learn:
Hard work in training your dog will reap the best results. It takes effort and dedication to be successful. It takes a sacrifice of time and money to follow your passion. If it is truly your passion, you won't mind what you give up.
You will lose. Lose with grace. Congratulate the winners and be truly happy for their success. We are all there for the same reason, because we hope to win. Pouting because you didn't win won't change the results. It's best to rejoice with the winner and hopefully they will celebrate with you when you get the chance to experience the joy of winning.
You will win. Win with dignity. Thank the judge and happily accept congratulations. Remember that each win is truly an honor and a celebration of your hard work and effort.
Play with honor. Follow the rules and hold your head high that you are playing an honest game. As long as you know you are honorable, you have nothing to worry about. When people attack or question your ethics, you can walk away knowing you are right, and they were wrong to question you.
Politics are a part of every sport and game. The strategy of bad-mouthing, back-stabbing, and playing the two-faced friend never has a good ending. It's better to avoid it all. The immaturity of high school comes back into play too often in life. I'd rather win or lose knowing that it was based on the merit of my dog, not because of who I am, who I know, or any tricks I played.
No matter how much you love the sport, it is never worth a hit to your integrity. Always keep in perspective what is truly important in life: your self worth, your faith and values, your family and friends. Play the game and take the lessons it offers, but never let the game play you. Always remember who you are and why you are there.
The dog you came and leave with is valuable because of the love you share, not because of ribbons won. The dog didn't choose this sport nor ask to go to the show. Cherish them and take care of their every need as you enjoy the time you spend with them.
Authority figures are to be respected. Judges, coaches, and leaders have earned the right to our respect. We must follow their instructions and speak to them with the respect they deserve.
It is better to listen than to speak. Wisdom comes from experience and from the words of those with experience. Knowledge will come quicker when you accept advice, rather than trying to figure everything out on your own. Humbly acknowledge that you don't know everything, that regardless of what you already know, there is always more to learn.
These are the lessons I hope my children learn in life. Dog shows are the venue I have to teach these life lessons. I pray that I can be a positive example to my kids. I know they have a love for the sport and could continue for a long time. I would love to continue showing with my adult children. Along our journey, as they move toward the teen years and adulthood, I hope they become young women and a young gentleman that I can be proud of. I hope they become positive influences not only in this sport, but in life.
I will raise my children, not just watch them grow up. I will guide them with instruction and with discipline. I will guide them with love as we enjoy this adventure in dog shows.
These are the lessons I hope they learn:
Hard work in training your dog will reap the best results. It takes effort and dedication to be successful. It takes a sacrifice of time and money to follow your passion. If it is truly your passion, you won't mind what you give up.
You will lose. Lose with grace. Congratulate the winners and be truly happy for their success. We are all there for the same reason, because we hope to win. Pouting because you didn't win won't change the results. It's best to rejoice with the winner and hopefully they will celebrate with you when you get the chance to experience the joy of winning.
You will win. Win with dignity. Thank the judge and happily accept congratulations. Remember that each win is truly an honor and a celebration of your hard work and effort.
Play with honor. Follow the rules and hold your head high that you are playing an honest game. As long as you know you are honorable, you have nothing to worry about. When people attack or question your ethics, you can walk away knowing you are right, and they were wrong to question you.
Politics are a part of every sport and game. The strategy of bad-mouthing, back-stabbing, and playing the two-faced friend never has a good ending. It's better to avoid it all. The immaturity of high school comes back into play too often in life. I'd rather win or lose knowing that it was based on the merit of my dog, not because of who I am, who I know, or any tricks I played.
No matter how much you love the sport, it is never worth a hit to your integrity. Always keep in perspective what is truly important in life: your self worth, your faith and values, your family and friends. Play the game and take the lessons it offers, but never let the game play you. Always remember who you are and why you are there.
The dog you came and leave with is valuable because of the love you share, not because of ribbons won. The dog didn't choose this sport nor ask to go to the show. Cherish them and take care of their every need as you enjoy the time you spend with them.
Authority figures are to be respected. Judges, coaches, and leaders have earned the right to our respect. We must follow their instructions and speak to them with the respect they deserve.
It is better to listen than to speak. Wisdom comes from experience and from the words of those with experience. Knowledge will come quicker when you accept advice, rather than trying to figure everything out on your own. Humbly acknowledge that you don't know everything, that regardless of what you already know, there is always more to learn.
These are the lessons I hope my children learn in life. Dog shows are the venue I have to teach these life lessons. I pray that I can be a positive example to my kids. I know they have a love for the sport and could continue for a long time. I would love to continue showing with my adult children. Along our journey, as they move toward the teen years and adulthood, I hope they become young women and a young gentleman that I can be proud of. I hope they become positive influences not only in this sport, but in life.
I will raise my children, not just watch them grow up. I will guide them with instruction and with discipline. I will guide them with love as we enjoy this adventure in dog shows.
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