Last week we were covered in snow, and it looked like Winterland all across the farm. This week the sun is out, and I am itching for spring. My husband and our boys took off right after the snowstorm and traveled to Colorado and Kansas to enjoy two of their favorite things – skiing and pheasant hunting. Our youngest daughter and I stayed behind and took care of animals. We kept the home fires burning (literally). What a difference a week can make!
This week everyone returned to school and regular activities. We enjoyed senior night festivities at one home game for our youngest daughter who is a cheerleader. The moms went home with roses, and the girls received some nostalgic gifts to remember their high school cheerleading experiences.
About eighteen months ago, our daughter was diagnosed with a heart condition. Something that will continue to be monitored as she gets older. It has sent me down the rabbit hole doing research on the internet more times than I can count. She was recently approached by a local northwest Arkansas chapter of the American Heart Association about being a Teen of Impact fundraiser. She was honored to be asked and has been brainstorming ideas for raising money for important research and education related to heart health.
We went to the last regular season home game on Friday night. The theme for the game was “Red Out” to promote the kickoff of our daughter’s American Heart Association fundraising efforts. A few representatives from the local AHA chapter came and helped sell tickets for a chance at a half court shot during the boys’ halftime at the ball game. There was a lot of red in the crowd and all the junior high and high school cheerleaders wore red bows to celebrate. One of our dear friends works for the AHA and came out to the game to watch our cheerleader and this fun event. Our daughter got up and spoke about why she is passionate about heart health during the girls’ halftime break. We were proud of her. Then two names were drawn for the epic “half court shot” during the next half time break. One of them just happened to be her boyfriend. Nobody made the shot, but both shooters walked away with a gift card to the new donut shop in town. The boys’ basketball game was an exciting one. They came back from a 15-point deficit to win the game by one point. Nailbiter is an understatement.
As winter winds down, basketball season ends and we prepare for another graduation, my mind is on spring weather. I cannot wait to get out in the vegetable garden and plant flowers for our second child’s graduation party. I spent some time spreading mulch over beds this week in preparation for the upcoming spring treasures. Every year has brought wonderful memories of different seasons to our family. I hope this is true for you too, neighbor.
Jody Harris is a freelance communications specialist, gardener, ranch wife and mother of four. She and her family raise Angus beef cattle and other critters on their northwest Arkansas ranch. She is a graduate of Missouri State University. To contact Jody, go to ozarksfn.com and click on ‘Contact Us.’
