Cody's First Horseback Experience

Dad came up to our part of AZ last Friday night to pick up Takela and bring her back down to Ajo. Cody got to go down with his grandpa and hang out for the weekend. So, of course, since the horse was close, Cody got to ride around on Takela.

Grandpa is giving him some horse riding lessons and this last weekend's lesson was 'How to Ride Bareback.' Grandpa said Cody did really good and it seemed to be natural for him. Cody says he has a new love in his life--Takela and horse riding.

Cody is excited to spend more time with Grandpa and ride on the horse. I think if it was possible for him to be down in Ajo every weekend he would!

Here's a pic Grandpa took with his cell phone:

Happy Mother's Day!!

Dear Mom,

I don't know if I can ever truly express how grateful I am to you. You've always been an incredible example of what a mother should be and how a woman should live.

Thank you, Mom, for loving me when I was difficult. Thank you for supporting me when I ran in five different directions. Thank you for listening to me when I talked your ear off about nothing in particular. Thank you for not throwing me off a bridge when I annoyed you. Thank you for showing me how to make a bed properly. Thank you for teaching me how to cook. Thank you for showing me the importance of being my husband's best friend. Thank you for instilling a love of the gospel into my heart. Thank you for inspiring me to go to college. Thank you for lovingly speaking to me over the phone when I freaked out over my own drama. Thank you for letting me get to know you better by sharing your past with me. Thank you for crying when I moved across town from you. Thank you for wanting to spend time with me. Thank you for always working so hard for our family. Thank you for being such a wonderful mother.

I love you, Mom. I think about you all the time, wishing I could emulate your talents and remember your example. I couldn't have had a better mom than you. Heavenly Father knew I needed you. I love you!

Love,
Shelly