Each New Year is full of so much promise, hope, and excitement for everything to come. Let's pause to take a look back on some of my sweetest memories, adventures, and lessons from 2024.
JANUARY
"Family is not an important thing, it is everything." - Michael J. Fox
January was spent surrounded by my sweet family, supporting me through a quick recovery after surgery. The laughs never stopped flowing, and the time spent exploring every one of my favorite places in Texas was so blissful. I have always been so grateful for my village, and nothing reminds me of that more than the memories we make during times like this. Through every hard time, good time, and all the in-between, remember your family is a gift from God himself, designed just for you.
FEBRUARY
"The greatest joy in life is seeing the people you love succeed." - unknown
What an exciting milestone for all of us! I had the privilege of witnessing two of my greatest friends and closest allies celebrate a beautiful and well-deserved achievement. Jacqueline Ervin, the 2023 Elite Rodeo Royalty Ambassador of the Year and my best friend, traveled to Fort Worth so we could all celebrate her accomplishments during her tenure as Miss Rodeo Mississippi. Mckenna McKinnon, the founder of Elite Rodeo Royalty, presented her first ERR AOTY buckle and saddle, a dream she has tirelessly pursued to support rodeo queens nationwide and showcase their dedication to this ever-growing industry. Standing beside both of you in this moment is a memory I will always treasure. I am so proud of you.
MARCH
"Nothing in nature blooms all year - be patient with yourself."-unknown
For those who have been following me here, you might have seen my post titled "The Beauty of Unanswered Prayers." If not, I assure you it's worth reading. I took a moment to pause my hectic life and express gratitude. Thank You, Jesus, for all the "no's," the closed doors, and the tender mercies I couldn't perceive or comprehend at the time. From experience, I can say it's rarely easy to do this in the moment, but taking a step back to appreciate the times when the future is uncertain is always beneficial. Having the courage to trust in God's perfect timing will never lead you astray.
APRIL
"The expert in anything was once a beginner." - Helen Hayes
My first rookie roundup, and this quote perfectly captures the admiration I have for these competitors. They truly seize life by the reins and pursue their dreams. Each year, these rookies exemplify the passion and determination of the American cowboy and the western industry. Celebrating these athletes and this milestone serves as a great reminder to be kind to yourself. In every journey, whether you're pursuing a dream, reaching a milestone, or overcoming an obstacle, remember that everyone you admire was once new to their craft. All of us will be beginners at some point; it’s up to us to ensure that’s not all we ever remain.
MAY
"All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them." - Walt Disney
Walt Disney has always been a major source of inspiration for me in all my endeavors. I am a dreamer, and always home to remain so. I firmly believe that no dream is too grand to achieve in this life, no matter how unattainable it may appear initially. Visiting Disneyland this month was a wonderful tribute to someone I greatly admired. This month, a true visionary in the western industry, Patrick Gottsch, passed away. I owe Patrick a great deal and will always hold him in high regard. He brought me to Texas, showed me kindness and support, and to me, he was the "Walt Disney" of the western industry. I look forward to sharing more with you about everything I learned from him, a true legend.
JUNE
"We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives." - John F. Kennedy
I traveled to some of the top rodeos with incredible people, feeling grateful to be around those I admire and to learn about what shapes them. The Reno Rodeo this past year offered me some truly heartfelt experiences. I spent time with the amazing Wayne Brooks and heard many cherished stories. I also had the chance to meet Shane Minor, whose concert 25 years ago was where my dad proposed to my mom on stage. It was definitely a full circle moment!
JULY
"The greatest gift our parents gave us was each other." - unknown
This quote resonates deeply with me, and I am incredibly thankful for my little brother. Anyone who knows me knows how much I genuinely adore him. The most cherished moment of this month, and perhaps this year, was celebrating his 18th birthday with him. Despite all the places he could visit and things he could do, he chose to come to Texas and spend time with his sister. There's nothing in this life I would want to experience without him, and I could talk endlessly about how wonderful my not-so-little brother truly is. But for now, I'll just say this: hug your sibling. Let them know how much you love them. Put aside your plans or pause that movie to take their call. Siblings are a unique gift, and even on our toughest days, I am truly honored that God chose me to be your sister.
AUGUST
"Enjoy the little things in life because one day you may look back and realize they were the big things." - Kurt Vonnegut
22! My Taylor swift year! This month was a little quieter than other years but so sweet regardless. It is never easy to celebrate a birthday away from family, but my bonus family and sweet friends made sure the day was as special as ever. Of course my mama never misses an opportunity to send over my favorite, a bouquet of gorgeous flowers. August was all about the details and joy that comes from the little moments.
SEPTEMBER
"There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure." - Colin Powell
Miss Cowboy Capital Pro Rodeo, my inaugural Texas title! As many of you know, rodeo queening is a significant part of my life, and this experience is one I will treasure forever. During this pageant, I made a dear friend, Sabrina Borg, about whom I cannot say enough good things. She is genuine, kind, incredibly fun, and a graceful competitor who will undoubtedly achieve many great things in the future. I was also thrilled to achieve a personal goal by presenting the American flag on horseback for the first time. I am excited about all that 2025 has in store and the new memories and friendships I will create under this crown, representing a fantastic rodeo and association.
OCTOBER
"Cherish the lasts, for they are the moments that remind us of the beauty of what is fleeting." - unknown
This month was both beautiful and deeply emotional. My brother completed his last varsity football season at our high school, and on his senior night, we walked arm in arm across the field where we both grew up. We've spent so much time here and created countless memories. I'm incredibly grateful to have been part of this special moment for him and to acknowledge all his hard work and achievements up to this point. Supporting him is my favorite thing in life, and I eagerly anticipate what this promising young man will accomplish next!
NOVEMBER
"I love those connections that make this big old world feel like a little village." - Gina Bellman
My court! - Pecos Hopkins and Brooklyn Drewry
These girls are the sweetest, funniest, and most beautiful souls, and I couldn't have wished for a better queen court. This month, we had the privilege of riding horseback in the Fort Worth Veteran's Day parade, celebrating all the brave men and women who defend this country. We also enjoyed spending quality time together exploring Fort Worth, and I had the chance to share some of my favorite places with them. It's very important to me to have the opportunity to learn from the younger girls and their unique perspectives, and these two are no exception. Their bright outlooks on life and their drive to work toward their future goals every day are such an inspiration to me, and I am so thankful the Lord brought us together.
DECEMBER
"The magic in new beginnings is truly the most powerful of them all." - Josiyah Martin
This month offered numerous opportunities to learn, grow, and spend time with the most wonderful family in the world. Throughout December, I reflected on the many instances when God's presence was so clearly evident in my life, teaching me about who I am, who I aspire to be, and most importantly, deepening my relationship with Him. As I enter the new year, I have a long list of goals, but I am confident that anything is possible with the Lord. I am excited for a beautiful new chapter filled with promise, and I am incredibly grateful to my family, both by blood and by choice, for supporting me through every moment.
Here's to 2025 and all the new things on the horizon!
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