Trenton and the Rodeo

I could barely sleep Friday night in anticipation of getting to meet Trenton and his family and to take them to their first rodeo.  First, we had my son's soccer game, then the drive to Harrisburg.  We arrived at about 4:30, checked into hotel, then the kiddos wanted a small bite before we went to meet the Noll's at 6:00 at the farm show complex 

We arrived, and Trenton and Bryce were eating some pizza waiting for us.  They were both sweeties and looked very handsome in their Dreaming of Three shirts.

Then, once he was done with his pizza, he looked through some of his goodies in his goodie bag. He LOVED everything!   The cowboy hat and feather from Salty Cowgirl, the very cool dolphin color zipper pull from Horsehair Bracelets by Candance (he put it right on his jacket), and he thought the feather from Southpaw Beadworks was really cool!  The t-shirts from Penn State and Forever Safe were big hits too!  Mena, his mother, thought the the Forever Safe sponsorship package was going to be really neat for the boys.  So far, it seemed that Trenton is a horse lover no doubt, so I'll be curious as to which animal he picks.  I think they will really enjoy that activity.  Bryce thought the cowboy hat was cool too!  I made Bryce a goodie bag and he also had t-shirt from Forever Safe which he thought was pretty cool too.

After that, Trenton seemed to warm up a little.  He was full of high 5's, wanting to arm wrestle, hugs and telling me to close my eyes, and then he'd say "boo!". 







He definitely didn't take long to warm up to all of us. 

My dauaghter even told me that Trenton told her he loved her.  Mena said that Trenton loves the ladies for sure!

We headed into the rodeo and got seated.  Trenton really seemed to enjoy the music, he was jamming as he sat in his seat waiting for the rodeo to start.  Then, the lights went out, and the announcer got a bit louder.  Noise, loud noise I never realized would bother Trenton with having a brain tumor . My step father never really showed any signs of noise bothering him too much during his year long battle, but then again, we never really went anyplace loud.  So, Trenton's dad took him outside the arena until the lights came back on and it got a little less loud.


Once they came back inside they moved Trenton to an area where it would be easy for him to step outside if it got too loud or dark.  Which turned out better in the end.  We watched some bulls, then a very cool rodeo clown/dog act.  Afterwards, the rodeo clown came up to say hello to Trenton.  They stopped the rodeo and introduced Trenton as a very special guest of the rodeo!  How cool is that!  First rodeo, and Dave Martin stops the performance to welcome Trenton and to present him with an autograph Bullride Mania tshirt signed by some of the bull riders that evening. 

Trenton was totally thrilled and felt very special. 

Then the girls came out to do some barrel racing, which he really enjoyed.  Horses are his favorite!  He started to actually fall asleep towards the end of barrels, as his bedtime is typically 9:00 p.m, so it was a bit past his bedtime and he was stuggling even though he was really enjoying the show.  He hugged me and told me he loved me...so that was very special to me to know how much he enjoyed the rodeo and was comfortable with us all.  I certainly fell in love with him as well in the short time I was able to spend with him.

The family left after the girls barrel race.  We said our goodbyes, and hopefully will see them in Nags Head in June as they are moving to the Outer Banks in the beginning of June.  I hope to have a cookout with them while there, so we can spend some more time with them all and relax some more. 

After  they left I received a text from Mena:  "Trenton just gave the biggest squeal n said mom I love that! Thank you so much for the wonderful night- any time the kids are smiling like this out means they had a great time!!!!".

So I felt like what I set out to do was accomplished--the family having a great time, perhaps taking their mind off of things for a little while. 

And my favorite part, I received yet another text from Mena: 

"Trenton and Bryce are in bed asleep, Bryce will be talking about this for days.  Trenton said he loved the hot babes on horses, lol love that boy! " 

He is one little ladies man for sure!  What a night!  What a great family!  What a very special boy Trenton Noll is!  He is a great Rodeo Kid #2!  I feel very honored to have met him and to have spent the night with him at his first rodeo!



Off to Bullride Mania With Trenton and His Family

It's been another very exciting week for Dreaming of Three!  I've been contacted by one of the writers for Rodeo News, who will be doing a feature on me/Dreaming of Three/Team DO3, and also received news that we will have tv news coverage at the May 26, Venango County Fairgrounds Penn-Ohio BRA horse show! 

The Team continues to grow daily!  We have people from CA, OH, PA, TX, LA and MO on the team!  Hopefully, someday we can have TEAM DO3 members in every state!  I certainly have alot of dreams of where it all can go! 

I have even been working on a Business Plan, and trying to get organized and things continue to build.  Hopefully, I believe with some organization, I'll be able to keep ontop of everything! 

Tomorrow, my family and I will be driving to Harrisburg to meet up with the Noll family and go to the Bullride Mania.  My kids can't wait to meet Trenton and his brother Bryce!  I have the goody bags all filled with items donated by some of the sponsors and some of the items we purchased.  I think he will be extremely happy with all his items.  Even a sponsorship package from Forever Safe Farms for Trenton and his brother where they can choose an animal to sponsor and receive updates, a framed picture, etc.  I've spoke to Dave Martin who puts the rodeo on, and he's got some great friends from the rodeo coming up to make Trenton's night very special as well.  I can't wait!

I hope to have some wonderful photos of the evening and some video when I return. 

This is one of the great opportunities for me, to be able to meet the families that we are all working very hard to raise money to help find a cure! 

What A Whirlwind This Week Has Been!!!

No doubt, this week will go down in history (well, in my mind, my history I suppose) as the week that Dreaming of Three really took flight!  It went from the end of last month, Sis bleeding, and me thinking, "well, all that work, and preparation, and I'm done!"... to "holy smokes, how am I going to manage to keep up!". 

A business associate of Franco's  and friend of mine, Steve, was kind enough to write my Press Release regarding Team DO3 that Barrel Horse News requested.  I sent that out to several magazines as well, however, haven't heard anything from anybody yet.  So the week, I thought, was going to be slow in the land of DO3.  Little did I know!  Steve had told me that this thing could be huge!  Was I ready?  How far did I want it to go!?  My answers were, yes I was ready, and I want it to go as far as possible..to help and reach as many people as possible!

The Team members were trickling in, but it wasn't until I explained to people, that it doesn't matter if you win $2 or $20,000, you can be on the Team!  It isn't about how much you donate, just that you want to "give back" or "pay it forward".  At that point, I was overwhelmed with the people wanting on the Team!  I have two youth members now, which I think is wonderful!  As what better way to teach your child to give back.  Sometimes, we all tend to forget how fortunate we are, with our health and what we own and enjoy.  I have about 17 members of TEAM DO3...still awaiting more forms to get up on the site.

My own children have watched this thing with Dreaming of Three grow and they want to be a part of it however they can, even though they do not compete yet on their ponies-they are proud to wear their shirts and are excited to be coming to the rodeo with me and my husband on April 28 to meet Trenton and his family.  We also have always watched shows like the "Home Makeover" show together and every day the Ellen Show via my DVR.  My son actually watches the Ellen Show twice!  With my mother after school and then in the evening when I get home.  He actually tells me all the jokes before Ellen says them..drives me bonkos!  Then, he tells me all the time, he wants to go see the Ellen show some day!  Anyway, if Ellen gives a home to somebody-my son will say, "I'm gonna do that someday for people" or if she gives away a car, my daughter will say "I'd like to be able to do that".  So I think, having people in children's lives, that give back with their good fortunes in life, teaches them to do the same.  Therefore, one life touched continues to ripple outward.  We've always watched Ellen, Ellen inspired me, and Ellen and myself inspires my own children...and hopefully it will just keep going on and on and on!

Also, this week, I acquired another horse!  I never thought I would have a back up horse, as we just didn't have the space.  My husband has a trail horse, my kids both have a pony, and then Sis and of course Snowball, my mascot (whom is a mini bascially, doesn't take much space-and was the kids first pony-I'm not allowed to ever sell him!).  So, my husband watched me agonize for a couple days over the fact that all my hard work with Dreaming of Three had come to a very quick stop with Sis needing time off for a month. (and who knows for how many other months if she would bleed in the future).  He didn't want to see all this hard work, and effort to do good for others go to waste.  Therefore, he has offered to sell his trail horse, in order for us to have the space for me to have a back up.  I fought that for a bit, as I didn't want him to do that for me, but then realized, I could find something that would work for both of us.  Something he could ride on trails when my family would go out, and something that I could run when Sis couldn't.  I am very touched that he had my back like that, and it means alot to me. 

My friend Jeanie and I searched for mares..as of course that is all that I had in my barn.  However, it seemed, when we'd find one that was affordable for me, and worth a shot, they would sell within a day!  She had a gelding in her barn, that she was looking at for her daughter who rodeos.  But, things went a different way for her daughter, and this big, beautiful white gelding was there...calling my name!  Jeanie just was in love with him, so from that, I knew he must be something special.   His name is Smoke!  He's from the bloodlines of Streakin Six and Dash for Cash, two great barrel racing sires. 
I, of course, can't just post a photo-I had to make a video!  So, introducing the new "man" in my life, "Smoke"!
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/8388586/smoke/

I hope we do well, and add to the tally of TEAM DO3!  Sis should be back up online in about two weeks or so...  My fingers are crossed all goes well, and I have her back!  I'm excited about Smoke, but I also want my ole' trustworthy mare back.  I'm comfortable on her...  I know what to expect.  I know here and I have collected checks!

So as you can see, the week has been crazy!  But a good crazy!  Stay tuned!  I hope to have more wonderful news in the coming weeks!  I hope TEAM DO3 grows and grows..perhaps someday needing to divide it into regions, or divide into seperate teams of ropers, barrel racers, jumpers, etc.  Who knows!  The possibilities are endless! 

Smoke...

Alot of things are happening this week...it's a whirlwind...  Enjoy the video!

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/8373775/smoke/

WOW! Is all I can say about this past week!

Team DO3 has really really taken flight!  I never expected such support and interest however, I am very glad it is turning out to perhaps be something big! 

Currently we have 9 team members!  You can see them all on http://www.dreamingofthree.com/!  I am hoping to get some more people on the team that have some other disciplines other than barrel racing-so that people will recognize that it's all equestrians!  Any shape, form, age, no matter how much you win in a year or how little..if you are willing to donate 10% or more...our team welcomes you!  Watch out Cancer, Heart Disease and animal cruelty...Team DO3 is coming for ya!



Also, in the midst of all this action with the new team members, I had an interview today with RFD-TV!  I did a phone interview, and unfortunately, I don't get RFD-TV, as I don't have Dish...so therefore, I couldn't even DVR it to see it later.  :(  So I have no clue how it turned out..but any exposure is good exposure! 

Last but not least to report upon, is the Connie Combs clinic yesterday!  First, I must say, THANK GOD I had Harry and NOT Sis there!  Trains overhead, walking inside a building with booths, etc...geesh, she would have killed me no doubt!  Harry was a perfect gentelman.  I learned alot of new things, and Connie was very nice.  I'm very glad my friend Melissa allowed me to borrow Harry, and be able to still take this wealth of information with me to future horses or to show others.    I had a blast! 

Keep in mind also, that Harry is for sale!  Not too many opportunties are out there to own such a wonderful horse!  Don't waste any time, snag him up!  Contact me for his owner information!

Have a great weekend everybody!  Good luck to Team DO3 members wherever you are hauling to..kick some butt!  



Cowgirls in Style Magazine

I have been contacted by Cowgirls in Style Magazine  to be featured in their "Making a Difference" section of their magazine! 

I'm really thrilled beyond belief!  Please make sure you check them out at http://www.cowgirlsinstyle.com/index.html

Also, I have been getting alot of interest in Team DO3, so I am going to get the Team Signup forms up on the website soon, as I worked on it last night. 

I started off yesterday, a little down, as it was my father's birthday.  I remember making him his favorite Easter Cheese, laughing as he slapped anybody's hand that would try to take a piece.  I miss him terribly.  However, after work, I headed out to ride Harry and make a run on him before the Connie Combs clinic this week.  I certainly didn't want to go there never having made a run on him.  He ran great!  He is a perfect gentleman for sure!  Does his job perfectly!  No chananigans what so ever!  I'd like to add too, that Harry is for sale, so if you need a consistent horse, contact me and I'll put you in contact with his owner.  If you meet him, try him, you'll fall in love!  If I didn't have Sis...  I'd be swoopin him up no doubt!  Then, after my run, I heard from Cowgirls In Style-so by the end of the day, I was feeling like the wind in my sails had returned. 

Harry

It is truly amazing how when things seem to be going so wrong, friends and family step up to help you.  As I mentioned, Beth Penland is going to take over raising some funds for the charities while Sis heals these next few weeks.  Also, my Connie Combs clinic is this coming Thursday.  As you know, I was truly excited about being selected to ride with Connie, so when Sis needed her few weeks off, my heart was crushed. 

Several years ago, I was scheduled to ride with Charmayne James in a weekend clinic.  I can't tell you how excited I was about that as well.  However, Sis and I got into a bit of an arguement, and she won!  I broke my wrist, and had to cancel out of that clinic as well.  So when I realized I couldn't take Sis Thursday, it was very upsetting to me.  Once again, however, a friend, Melissa Kelly, stepped up and is allowing me to borrow her good horse, Harry to take to the clinic. 

He is a great horse no doubt!  I've watched Melissa run him and compete against me for several years.. most the time kicking my butt, so I am very excited to be riding Harry these next few days. 

Which, "next FEW days" is just it!  I have 4 days to get accustomed to a horse that I've never sat upon and take to a clinic!  I don't know if I'm just crazy or determined!  I do know one thing though, I am forever grateful for these friends who have saved me from losing weekends without earnings for the charities, and a friend who is entrusting me with her horse so that I may still participate in the clinic.  I am usually on the other side of things, where I have loaned Sis to friends whose horse got hurt, or passed away and they are in the running for points and awards at the end of the year.  I've never been on the side of needing a horse to borrow.  So it is a slightly strange feeling for me but at the same time an amazing feeling!

Thank you to all!  Even to my family for getting up early this morning to go and get Harry and to rush back for my daughter's birthday party tonight!  Sorry for the drive guys and thank you to everybody for all your support that you are giving to me!