Leap Year!

Today, we get an extra day added to our year!  I think it would be a great day to reach out to somebody in some sort of random act of kindness.  Therefore, I decided to send the nurses at St. Jude's Hosptial a package of gourmet brownies.  :)  Hopefully, they will enjoy!  I think that once you've had a loved one go through the battle of cancer or heart disease, it's then and only then, do you realize how special each and every day is.  If you just take the time to reach out to somebody with a kind act, you never know what type of impact it could have on their lives.  "Ordinary Angels" by Craig Morgan I believe says it best, and that is why I used that particular song when I did the video of the rodeo and Amy.

Seems like almost everyday
Trouble carries us away
And sometimes when we hurt we all need to be saved
Every time I'm in to deep
Someone always rescue me
Its like heavens sending down the help that I need
Life like a chain sometimes it breaks
We all need a hand when we fall from grace

It could be someone walking down the street
A stranger on a bus
A little kid on his way to school or any one of us
We all got a little superman ready to take a fly
And save a life ohh save a life
Take a look around and you'll see ordinary angels

The world can make you feel so small
Steal your dreams and make you crawl
And break you till you got you got nothing at all
When your in that dark place and you need that embrace
You know love is never to far away

It could be a waitress at coffee shop you never saw before
A soldier thats just coming home from fighting in the war
We all got a little superman ready to take a fly
And save a life ohh save a life
Take a look around and you'll see ordinary angels

It could be someone walking down the street
A stranger on a bus
A little kid on his way to school or any one of us
We all got a little superman ready to take a fly
And save a life ohh save a life
Take a look around and you'll see ordinary angels

So, take the time, to bring out that "superman" (or woman), and do something nice for somebody today that perhaps needs a kind word or act.  :)

PS:  My foot, not a stress fracture, some sort of deformity that is causing me pain.  So to the orthepedic dr next Tuesday, to figure out what can be done.  Have to say, it's a bit upsetting, as I had the issue several years ago, and nothing was every done to figure out why-the only thing they did was give me anti-inflamatory pills.  Eventually it leveled out I guess.  But now, when I ride, and put that pressure on that foot in the stirrup, it swells up something aweful!  I can't have THAT going into my 2012 season!  I'd ride without stirrups, however, Sis is quite full of herself lately, with the chilly air, riding at night and I need to keep well balanced to stay in the saddle and not in the dirt! 

What a Great Surprise!

Friday, when I got home from work, I had a great surprise in the mail!  A letter from Amy!

I LOVE the little peace sign!  So cool!  This is the stuff that keeps me going and moving forward, keeping me more determined than ever!

Also, this weekend my family and I went to Harrisburg to the Horse World Expo.  We went to see Equees Theatre, which was AWESOME!  While there, we got to meet my next little "Rodeo Kid", Trenton Noll's mother, Mena!  She had a booth set up there for her Children's Cancer Recovery Foundation.  You can read more about them at their website.  http://childrenscancerrecovery.org/  You can also find information on their Ride for Hope.  http://www.rideforhope.embarqspace.com/  This ride is goin to be held in June, so please consider attending.  

FOOT!

Well, today, after about a month of limping around, I finally decided perhaps it was time to go see the Dr. about this little issue.  #1 reason-hubby told me if I didn't, it could interfere with my riding!  As, it seemed like the foot was starting to feel better, but then when I rode the last few days, it got worse.  So, with that thought, when I was only exercising and not competing, I certainly do not want any interference once I start my season. 

I went yesterday, and they told me it could be a stress fracture, or some sort of small tumor that grows in a certain area of my foot-which would only be the size of a pea.  They are benign tumors, so nothing to worry about, but would still need to be removed.  So, needless to say, luckily I went to have looked at to try and figure out which it is, as if I have to have surgery to remove that thing...could put me down a few days.  Certainly can't have that in middle of a season! 

I had the X-Rays done today, and should know beginning of next week if they can see any fracture.  Then, if not, it's onto have a ct scan I guess.  Which, I do NOT want to have done, as clausterphobic and went in that thing once already!  NO FUN!  Thought I was going to have a panic attack!  Actually, I think I did have a panic attack and almost sat up and got the heck out of there!  Regardless if they said don't move!!! 

So, to me, this is NOT the way I envisioned the beginning of my season starting.  BUT, I will deal with whatever it is-and no matter what, WILL be riding and legging Sis up.   (I tend not to listen in regards to if I should ride or not...  I need to ride, therefore, I will ride)  :)

Back of Cross #3 almost filled

The last few days I have received numerous new initials to add to my crosses.  Therefore, Cross #3 is almost completely filled.  I have room for about three more initials on this cross, then I will be starting Cross #4.  Thank you to everybody who reached out to give me their loved ones initials.  I want you to know that they are always in my thoughts and in my prayers and of course they will give me strength as I ride as well. 

This year is leap year and next week is leap day!  I thought perhaps I could ask all of you to do some sort of random act of kindness on this extra day we were given this year.  Try to make somebody's life a little brighter and put a smile on somebody's face. 

Getting the buck out!

Well, with the beautiful day, and not so bad evening...bright skies with the stars out-I couldn't stand it anymore!  It was time to throw the saddle over Sis's back, trim that mohawk she had going on and get back in the saddle and start legging her up! 

The toughest part about being a barrel racer (in PA)-are the winters!  Of course, because I work full time, and work an hour from home, I do not get home until it is dark-so that is a big hinderence as well.  So the end of the year is always tough, riding and keeping Sis fit at night, and then the beginning of the season as well.  But, I was determined this evening, as friends have already either been riding all through the winter, or have 3 weeks in and ready to start hauling if the weather permits. 

I was able to ride up and down our barn driveway, which is a hill, but lit well with the dusk to dawn light and also the light of the stars.  Luckily, as we trotted up the hill, and Sis felt the need to get that buck that has been building up all winter out...  the hill pooped her out enough that it wasn't so bad after 3 or 4 times up and down! 

I will have to say however, after turning 40, your body just starts to go downhill!!  About a month ago, I woke up one morning with an injured toe.  I really had no clue what I did, but I had a limp and swollen toe when I woke up!   I believe it was the roller skating the few days before that injured me.   I THINK from using that foot to stop, somehow, did something to the darn thing.  No clue really.  But, just seems to be taking forever and day to heal!  Tonight, in the stirrup, I certainly felt it!  Darn thing better get healed or it's coming off!!!  Can't have it hindering my riding!  :) 

Anyway, I am ready to get this season started and I am back where I love to be, in the saddle!  2012..here we come! 

Again, updated back of cross #3

I've received several more names from Barrel Horse World from some of the posts I've put on there, and I wanted to place an updated picture of the back of cross #3. 

Once it is totally full, I will update the webpage as well. 

Giving the Avenue to Reach Out

I was told once, by a friend, that what I am doing with the children that are fighting cancer is certainly giving other's an avenue to reach out to families struggling with cancer or heart disease.  As I continue on with this journey of "Dreaming of Three", I am really able to see that.  As how often, I'd see or hear about a family on tv, that are going through hardships, or diseases like cancer, and for the most part, there are donation sites set up to donate money.  I always try to do so when I see these types of things on tv, or online.  However, typically, you can't write to the family with your support and love. 

With Dreaming of Three, I am giving each and every one of you the opportunity to reach out to a family having to go through the heart wrenching struggle that cancer or heart disease seems to deal.  I am not only taking the family to a rodeo, I am making a package up for each child, along with any siblings and Mom and Dad too.  Notes from my supporters with their donated items, or even just a note from anybody that would like to say "hello, I care".   

If you follow my blog, or my website, you will see, it's NOT about me.  Sure, I'll report on my successes (or failures) in and outside of the arena, or what me and my mare are up to regarding the upcoming season, but for the most part, it is about "paying forward" and doing something nice for other's.  So whether you'd like to be anonymous in reaching out to these families, or if you'd like to reach out and let them know who you are and that you care, I want you to know that you can do so through Dreaming of Three.    As I know all of our hearts break when we see a child going through something so horrible. 

T-Shirt Display for a Tack Shop in Salem, Ohio

I will be taking this up to Armstrong Saddlery & Trailer Sales Saturday.  They were kind enough to allow me to have a display to try and sale more shirts for my cause!  Thanks Armstrongs! http://www.armstrongsts.com/

Winter Blues

As a barrel racer in Pittsburgh, typically come the end of February, those of us that don't have indoor arenas or a place to ride during winter months, tend to be bouncing off the walls and itching to get back in the saddle.  I am usually one of these people.  However, with Dreaming of Three, I have kept fairly busy getting the word out there through social networks, creating a new website, and shipping the t-shirts.  This evening however, while doing my nightly chores down at the barn, the warmer weather, the seemingly longer days, nuzzling Sis's nose before I brought her in for the night, I am ready to throw a saddle over her back and start competing!

My family and I have kept fairly busy as well, keeping the winter blues away.  We've gone to "Nuclear Cowboy's", a freestyle moto cross show.  This weekend we are headed to Monster Truck's.  Next weekend we are headed to Horse World Expo to see the Theatre Equus!  So, although I do miss riding, it is always a great time of year to spend time with family without all the busy schedules of summer activities.  

I am looking forward to being able to have more to write about as well with Dreaming of Three, as seemingly these winter months have me feeling as though there isn't much to report.  I want the momentum to continue!  I did get word that the April issue of Horse & Rider will be on shelves mid March!  So keep your eyes out for that issue and look in the "talk" section for a blurb on Dreaming of Three.  I would just love to acquire some more sponsors for the kids with this exposure.  Waiting though, is very hard.  Waiting for something more to happen--like a magazine contacting me, or a news station, or sponsor, etc..  I have my ups and downs with feeling like I can make all of it a success, but ultimately, looking back to the photos of Amy and her family, their smiles, looking back at the kind words people have spoken about being able to allow their loved one's initials on my saddle crosses so that they too can ride with me this year, and just overall the response from strangers that I've received, is what keeps me moving forward--pushing ahead.  Even some of my sponsors recognizing how far I've moved forward, telling me how impressed they are-helps my confidence. 

So, until I throw a saddle over Sis's back-I will try to keep you entertained with good news and happenings of Dreaming of Three!

Items for Trenton

I am starting to get some items gathered up for Trenton, who I am taking to the rodeo in Harrisburg on April 28.  Thanks to Pete Bordi, my buddy over at Penn State for sending me a tshirt.  I am sure he is going to love it as he loves Penn State, and Joe Paterno! 

If you would like to donate any items for Trenton, please contact me at jackie@dreamingofthree.com. 

Updated Website

As you may have noticed, I have updated my website (dreamingofthree.com).  It no longer directs to the blog, but instead a more "user friendly" version website.  I wanted to update it, make it look more professional before the Horse & Rider article came out in April.  Feel free to email me with any suggestions regarding the site. 

Received hat from Cowgirl Swant for Amy today

Thanks so much to Cowgirl Swank  www.cowgirlswank.com for making Amy an awesome hat!  She'll love it!  Her favorite colors are pink and black! 

A great inspirational story!

Never doubt that all things are possible if you just try!
http://www.kbtx.com/home/headlines/Local_Girl_a_World_Ranked_Barrel_Rider_Despite_Disability__138890274.html

Also the video that she did as well with Speed the Band
http://youtu.be/oD88FvCSEBM

Enjoy!  Hope you have a great Thursday morning!

Meet Snowball!

Meet Snowball.  He was my kids very first pony!  I actually bought him when my daughter was 4 months old to keep my horse company once we built our own barn.  He has now become an invaluable asset to my barrel racing, as he is Sis's babysitter.  She won't go on trailer without him, nor stand calmly at the trailer without him there.  Therefore, he's my mascot!  I was thinking I need to take him in the Hookstown Parade on Memorial Day this Spring!  Make a banner with DO3, and throw out some candy to get my hometown aware of the happenings!

A face to a set of initials.

Often times, I've asked people to share their photos of the loved ones they place on my saddle crosses.  It is really nice to see some faces of those I am going to be trying to raise money for in 2012.  To know who "rides" with me, as I turn n burn! 

 

I received Sheri's initials to go on one of my crosses from her sister on Barrel Horse World. Here is what she wrote:

 

Read your post and got teary eyed. I lost my older sister, Sheri, to breast cancer last June. She was 54. My other older sister, Sue, had thyroid cancer but has been cancer free for several years. My big sisters had me riding before I could walk and were both barrel racers back in the day. Sheri rode ...a big appy gelding named Bo and Sue rode a little QH mare named Tiki-Tu. I'm sure my sister, Sheri, would have loved to take another spin around the barrels! So, if you would please put the initials SES and SEB on your saddle, that would be awesome!! I am attaching a couple of pictures of my sister, Sheri. The first one is of her riding one of my geldings with her grandaughter, Sydney.

 

 

To know more about the initials on my crosses, really does make me feel good.  If you want to share more about your loved one, please email me and send some photos as well. 

 

Cross #3 so far...

IPRA Support

Today I received a letter from the IPRA General Manager, Dale Yerigan.  They wanted to let me know that they admire what I am doing and that the IPRA will try to support me and my efforts as much as possible this year as far as the children and families are concerned.  They will also try to put me in touch with the contractors and/or comittees at the rodeos that I will be attending in order to make each family have a wonderful evening at the rodeo!