12 things in 2012

Twelve things I did for the first time this year:

1.) Learned how to give a horse a massage
2.) Met Kim Meeder (twice!) and heard her speak
3.) Met Ken McNabb and audited a private clinic
4.) Swam in the Kentucky River and swung off a rope swing
5.) Was published in a horse magazine (the Northwest Rider)
6.) Earned my Bachelor's degree - first and only with the Asbury Equine Journalism degree
7.) Learned how to make tortillas and chocolate cake from scratch
8.) Ate at a Waffle House and the original KFC (where the Colonel's chicken was first fried)
9.) Rode Maverick (the newest Miami Police Mount recruit)
10.) Learned to tat
11.) Walked to the barn, across the fields, with my roommate / cousin Abby
12.) Manned a spotlight - for Christmas in the Country

God blessed me this year. This list of a mere dozen fun or happy things doesn't even account for spiritual growth or relationships He gave me. It doesn't count the thousands of breaths He allowed me to take or the fact that He woke me up 365 times this year!

Grace & Peace!

Time of Life

Goodness - I've said it before, and I'll say it again I'm sure - I dislike transitions.

I have finished my college career. No more papers, tests, classes or credit hours. Whether I'll go on for a Master's degree or not, I am unsure. Right now I have to finish packing and then move back to my parents' house. Until God shows me what is next.

I think the hardest (scariest) part for me right now is how unknown my future is. I honestly have nothing concrete or definite that I am looking forward to. For some people that wide open opportunity is exciting, but it's not when I consider the default if something doesn't happen. I know that I want to write for a horse magazine, bless those around me and have a fulfilling life. I want to glorify God with my life, and I want to know that what I am doing it exactly what He wants me to be doing with my life. I want to do everything perfect, and I sometimes (a lot of the time) don't enjoy or praise God in the process. And I am going through a process to get somewhere - and that somewhere is unknown to me right now.

Two and half years ago I came here to Asbury to finish college. It was a step of faith, and God took care of me. Looking back and around - this has been a mountain top experience. I wouldn't change a thing. He took me from a valley to a high green meadow. I still get so giddy and excited when I think that I've gotten to study equine journalism in Kentucky - in Kentucky, with horses and friends my age who love horses, and professors who love God. I am so thankful that I have gotten to experience this community, a place where I belong. Asbury is my school, and it will always be my school.

Now I have to go out and be the person that Asbury prepared me to be. I know it's time to move on. I am ready to be done with school work. But I am almost afraid that once I leave the Asbury community that I'll loose the community and connection I have here. Asbury's creed is "Academic Excellence and Spiritual Vitality." There is a great emphasis on community here. At the barn, the emphasis is, "God, people and horses." At no church or community group have I felt like I belong, as I have here.

You probably can read into the paragraphs above that my emotions are like a roller coaster right now. One minute I am super excited to be done with school. The next I am terrified of what I will do now that school is over. One minute I'm thankful for the friendships I have made and am confident that the ones God wants to last will last; I just need to treat everyone as Jesus would. The next minute I am so sad to be leaving my friends.

Life goes on. I know it will work out. God is in charge. :-)

American Heritage Girls Equine Visit

27 girls from the ages of 7 to 19 showed up at the barn the Saturday before Thanksgiving. They were there to earn their outdoors and horse badges. From learning and reviewing basic horse care like grooming, parts of the horse and tack, to getting on a horse for the very first time or 20th time, we had a fun variety of ages and abilities.
My favorite moment though was leading a second grader on Flash. She had never ridden a horse before. We had made a it a few times around the arena at a walk when I looked at her and asked if she would like to trot. It's faster and bouncy I warned her, but she agreed. So without much encouragement from me, Flash picked up a trot. The next thing I know, the little girl is grabbing the saddle horn and giggling and laughing out loud.
Absolutely the best moment.

The end of this thing called Asbury...

Less than five weeks.

I am not sure who reads this blog - maybe it's just random people around the globe reading it like I'd watch reality TV... boring, impersonal, time-waster...

Even so, it's less than five weeks until I am done with my undergrad studies!!!

One year of half credit load college, two years as a full time student, one year off, and then two  years again as a full time student and then another half a year with a half credit load.

136.66 credit hours later (when I only needed 124 to graduate) I am finishing up my B.A, and I am so excited!

What will I do next? Where will I go?
I've been praying about this for months and don't have clear answer. I know God wants me to take a step of faith and not just passively wait for "clear direction". Not sure what that step is going to be yet.

With all the unknowns, there are a few things I know for sure.
God led me here to Asbury, and I know he will lead me in the next part of my life. God loves me and is providing for me. I am so blessed to be here - even with the ups and downs, joys and stresses, it has been a mountain top experience. Even if he leads me back into a valley when I leave, I know he is leading me.

The end is in sight, and I am so happy!!!

Strangers with memories

We're not friends. 

We're strangers

with memories.

I feel like this is a really sad quote to start my post with, but am doing so anyway. It kind of prompted some thoughts and led me to ask some questions of myself.

 I felt sad because a couple of people came to my mind. Because of my personality style, I feel like friends should always be friends. Even if we're not as close as we once were, I don't understand why we can't remain on friendly terms. Why can't we each live our own lives, as different and as separate as they may be, and when we do meet, treat one another with friendliness?  Why do certain people feel like they must treat old friends like the strangers they may have become?

Then there are the friends that you do things with or see often and one day realize that there is no connection. For whatever reason, you are not friends. If one of you moved or quit the group, you recognize there would be no feelings of loss. It is a rather neutral connection. With a friend like this, I wonder what our relationship means to her. Just because I feel this way, doesn't mean she does as well.

Other friendships seem to last forever. I may not see or hear from her in months, but then our paths cross, and it is like we haven't been a part.

I know that friendship don't always last forever. I know that human life is finite, and I believe that only those who have a relationship with Jesus will live for eternity. I wonder though about the large picture. We have these friendships for this period and are friends for such amount of time. We can only see our side of these interpersonal interactions. If I only I could step back and look at friendships from a higher vantage point. What do all these relationships mean in God's big picture?

Friendships take work and effort.  Friendships happen. Oh the paradox of it all - whatever the reason we all know that friendships are made and take work, but we also recognize that you can't make anyone be friends with you. Frustrating - when I have worked hard to be someone's friend or to keep a friendship going, and it isn't working. Surprising - when someone treats me like I am are special to her and I feel I don't deserve her kindness; I have done nothing to encourage our friendship.

In five years, I don't know what friends I will have or which friendships will have faded into memories. I am thankful though that God has given me the friends I do have.

Some horses (and friends) come and quickly go.

Others come and leave hoof prints on our hearts,

and we are never the same.

Just a few photos from today. There was a Halloween Trail Ride Today.

Hannah & Paige

Emily

Johanna

Plans

God has a plan for my life

God has a plan for my life 

I just can't wait to see 

What's in store for me 

For God has a plan for my life.

September 15th was the fourth annual Asbury Draft Horse Day. Last semester Dr. B asked me to be the student connection and help plan and make the event happen. Between me, Dr. B, Dr. Smith and some help from an alum, we pulled it off. Four weeks into the semester, it happened and now nine weeks into the semester, it's over, but it was good experience. I am not really sure what to say, but I believe we were God's hands and feet to the Wilmore Community.

Even though I was the student connection, we had over 30 volunteers who made the event happen. It was stressful knowing though that if it went alright, no one would really know what part I played in the event, and if it failed, I would have the full responsibility. From working with the Asbury PR department for the poster design, writing and sending the press release, organizing the events, organizing the volunteers, making sure food was there and mediating between groups wanting to host the bake sale, promoting the event, overseeing set up and clean up... I put a lot of work into the day. I remember in my first journalism class - way back at PCC with Dr. Pryor - the text book summed up Public Relations this way: The best PR is when you don't know it's PR. I got a chance to taste that in the preparation of Draft Horse Day.

We had one team of Drafts - American Belgians named Dick and Dan - who gave a plowing demonstration. We also had pony rides, face painting, bar-b-q, bake sale, student presentations like vaulting and the Hunt Seat Club's first demonstration, educational booths and a beautiful sunny saturday. Around 300 people, mostly families, came and enjoyed the Asbury Equine Center. I am glad I was a part of it.

Then after the event, we took an Asbury Board member on a trail ride.

After the trail ride, I took a nap at the barn, wrote thank you notes and then closed the barn. Since I arrived at 6:30 a.m. with the barn openers and stayed to close by 8:30 p.m., I was at the barn 14 hours.

Yes, it was a long day, but I'd do it again if I could.

Perspective change

I didn't know him, although I had seen him around. Working with the grounds crew, eating lunch in the caf or showing up at the barn for PE riding lessons - he was a member of this Asbury Community. I only knew him by sight - never spoke to him nor heard him speak.

Thursday morning I saw him using the weed eater as I came back from my walk, and I walked the slightly longer route so I wouldn't get in his way. Now, Monday, he is dead.

In the past, my roommates and suite-mates have joked about the "free-tuition rule": if your roommate dies, your tuition is written off.

The other day, on the way back from band practice, my suite-mate Elinor was  allegedly almost hit by a speeding car, but my roommate Abby saved her.
   "Why'd you do it Abby??" I asked in mock horror when they came home.
   "Why not?" She asked back with a confused face as she put her music away.
   "'Cause MaryBeth could've gotten free tuition if she'd died!"
   "Hey!" Elinor responded, mock hurt in her voice. "But if I had died, I'd want the school to build a new music building in my honor. I feel like they'd do that - considering I'm a senior and all," she went on to say matter of factly.
   "Yea - and they could name the building to Blankenship Hall. Then students going to practice their instruments could say: 'I'm going to the Ship to practice'." I eagerly added.
   "I like that! 'The Ship'," agreed Elinor while Abby just rolled her eyes at our carrying on.

Yes. We joke about death, especially the deaths of our roommates.
But then someone dies, and it is a sobering event.

Chapel today was dedicated to remembering this young 24-year-old man. Many Facebook statuses are about him and how greatly he will be missed. The testimony of this man's life is encouraging. So many talk about his compassion and gentleness, his godliness and passion for Christ, his strength and encouraging spirit, and his love of sports and loyalty to friends. It makes me wish I had known him. He was a friend to several of my friends.

I feel the pain of their loss.

And it makes me want to never joke about the "free tuition rule" again. I feel ashamed that I ever have.

His best friend since middle school, who was also his roommate for a number of years, spoke in chapel today. How difficult it must have been to get up there and speak to the student body about his friend.

If you think to pray for the McMillan family, please do.

Equine Center events...

By posting this photo, I am completely skipping Draft Horse Day... an event that I still am amazed that I was put in charge of and actually pulled off in four weeks of preparation. I will give you a summary about that soon!

The last time Paul Daily came was on my birthday in 2010. He is coming again, and if you are in the area you should come too!

Theopolitical

"To be sure, Paul's gospel calls individuals to a right relationship with God, but it call them into a community where right relationships with God and with others – both insiders and outsiders – are taught, learned, and practiced. Those who believe believe Paul's gospels are not first and foremost invited to eternal life when they die (though that is included: Rom 5:21; 6:22-23), but to a new life in this world under the sway of a new lord and savior in the company of like-minded companions (Phil 1:27-2:16). Hence the adjective "theopolitical" to describe the gospel, meaning a narrative about God that creates a public life together, a corporate narrative that is an alternative to the status quo in the Roman Empire, the American empire, or any other body politic." Page 45 Reading Paul by Michael J. Gorman

I know this quote is a bit long, but I felt that I needed to post it all.  I'm reading Reading Paul for my New Testament class on Galatians and Romans, and have found a few "zingers," including this one.

While I've heard it taught in Sunday school and church my whole life that as Christians we're to live our daily lives differently because of Christ, the way Gorman put the concept here gave the concept some clarity. It caused me to think about my personal opinions of church. So many times since high school (even here on this blog once or twice) I have questioned the point of church. Until I came here to Asbury, the last time I felt like I really belonged to a Christian community/church was back in fourth grade. This quote reminded me that my church is to be more than a place that I go for a few hours on Sunday, sing a few good songs,  hear a few good words and connect a bit with a few friends. My church is to be a state of being where I live in this world under the sway of a new lord and savior in the company of like-minded companions. 

He's All I Need

As I walk, I think and pray.
Today I was burdened by a couple of things, including a broken relationship and hope deferred.
While I have never heard God's audible voice, when I pray thoughts, sometimes in the form of songs, will come to my mind, and I know that it's God responding.
Song writing is not my gift, and the songs are those that others have written. Today, it was the song He's All I Need, sung by the Kingsmen. I hope it might bless you like it blessed me today.

I Lost My Blog List... or so I thought!

Yes.
I thought I lost my blog list - you know the one that feeds you the first paragraph for all the blogs you follow?
That one.
I was on the library computer and went to read my friends' blogs, and it was blank.
Blank. Empty.
Sad, I thought about long list of blogs I occasion regularly and about which ones were important. There were five that I could think of and realized happily that those five were ones written by people I can call up and ask for the addresses again.
Happy, I logged off and went about my day.

The next time I logged on, I was on my own computer. And low and behold the lists was there again!
That made me happy!

It also got me thinking about the relationships I have with the bloggers and facebookers I know.
I stalk (stalk means you look without leaving a trace...) and visit (you leave a note, a poke or comment) people's blogs and facebook alike - some times stalking and some times visiting.

If I had actually lost the blog list, like I said above, I can call the blogger up (or e-mail) and ask for his or her link - whether or not I've merely been stalking or visiting the last few months.
If, hypothetically speaking, I lost the list of all the facebook pages I stalk and/or visit, I'd have a difficult time asking at least a few to re-friend or accept my friends request...
Interesting...
Why would I feel awkward about re-friending ****?
Not sure I have an answer, but it's a thought!

My first week back...

A more detailed account of being here, alone in my tower…

Monday came – I finished unpacking what I could and got my paper started. My future suitemate Elinor popped in to work on her online summer school stuff.

Tuesday – I pretty much just hid out here in my tower and wrote most of the paper. I ventured out to make breakfast at Elinor's summer apartment and then to straighten things out at student accounts and finance office. Elinor popped in again to work more on her online studies.

Wednesday – Almost done with that paper, I spent the evening hanging out with my friend Hillary. Came back, let Elinor in again – her card wouldn't open the apartment until Friday when she checked in – and went over to GC to help loft a bed (since I'm an expert!). Then I came back and FINISHED my paper.

Thursday – I proof-read that stupid paper and turned it in with work samples.  Elinor moved her stuff over that evening. I talked with Ruth again – this time while she unpacked.

What is this paper she keeps talking about? Why is it stressing her out and taking her three full days to write?

It's the last part of my internship requirements. I spent over 120 hours over this summer working for the Northwest Rider magazine. This paper is where I reflect and analyze those 120+ hours. In 10 pages minimum, I had to explore the exciting times as well as the frustrating times. In it I had to give account of my time. It was challenging for me to write it because most of the time I did my best, but at the same time I did not do as much as I could have or to the standard I would have liked the entire time.

Friday – was Collegian orientation!

Let me leave you with a few food photos. I've only had my little cast iron pan to cook in and no microwave.

Getting here to my tower...

Can you believe it's August 20, and I have been here at Asbury for over a week? Now that you have considered that rhetorical question, allow me to start this post with another question.

Have you ever wished for a cave? Or a tower? A place where you can lock your self away for a day or two, maybe even three, to allow your self completely focus on writing or studying something?

My first four days in Wilmore were great! I  unpacked, organized my junk and wrote my internship analytical/reflection paper by myself. All by myself, alone, in an 8 person apartment. God gave me the tower I've wished for during other assignments!

The only time I didn't like it was when the has sunset, the street lights came on, I was tired and ready for my bed. Then I kind of freaked out.

Lock the apartment door

Check

Check the three other bedrooms – under the beds and in the empty closets

Check. Check

Check the two bathrooms – especially behind the shower curtains

Check

All lights off and blinds pulled

Check. Check

Go to my bedroom – lock the door, check in the empty closet and under the other bed

Check. Check. Check.

Get into bed, turn out my little light, pray and lay there listening - hearing every creak of this almost completely empty building

Repeat for four nights.

Here is the story, with a few photos, of our trip.

By late Thursday evening we were all packed and headed out east-bound. I even got to call 911 for the first time... ah, but that's another story. A slight issue made us back-track a little, but we had left the Portland lights way in the distance by 1 a.m. Friday morning. We drove and drove and drove… until dad got tired, pulled over at Perry Bridge park and we slept a few hours. 

Then morning came, we pulled out and drove to the Boise Cracker Barrel for breakfast. There I had macaroni and cheese, home fries and fried apples! Yum! I shared my biscuits with Dad.

From there, we drove and drove and drove… passing Fort Bridger of Apple Dumpling Gang fame… arriving at the town of Little America, WY in time for dinner.

It was a good dinner! We started out with the 50 cent ice cream and then went over to the restaurant for dinner. I had a breakfast burrito with potatoes and mint tea. Yum!

Then dad and I pulled over to the side of the parking lot and slept for a few hours. When I awoke, we were driving down the highway, still in Wyoming. We arrived at the Little America rest stop in time for breakfast. There I had lovely French toast.

Having hit our favorite destinations, we then hauled. We drove and drove and drove… only stopping briefly for dad to nap and then again to get coffee/tea and then make ourselves a dinner of high fiber O's and yogurt before hauling on further. We drove and drove and drove... We stopped and parked in a Sam's Club (I think) parking lot to sleep.  When dad woke, he started driving again. When I awoke, we talked about what we going to do and decided that we would stop for showers somewhere before we arrived at Asbury.

We arrived in Wilmore early Sunday afternoon. There I called the RD of Aldersgate and found out that it is a new lady and not the one I thought would still be there. A suite mate of mine, Katie, was there and let me in to the apartment before I went and got my early arrival packet (housing agreement, key, sheet of important rules and nice little letter from new RD). Somewhere between dad and me unloading the car and coming back from the storage unit and Walmart, Katie had gotten permission to move to her own room in the upstairs apartment and had moved.

Then dad helped me move everything in, hugged me, prayed for me and left. He only had a few hours to return the rental car in Ashland and catch the train.

I felt sad. I was all alone in the apartment. I knew I wanted my bed lofted and couldn't really settle in if I'd have to rearrange when my bed was lofted. I thought I might just do it myself but couldn't figure out how. I went and found pins for it anyway – just to be prepared. That's when I got a phone call from dad saying that he was able to come back to help me loft my bed! Apparently he had gotten a hold of someone who gave him permission to leave the car after hours! I was ready for him and we lofted it together, moved my dresser and desk in place, and then he had to leave.

So we got in the car and I drove with him as far as Talbot street. I got out and waved as he drove away.

After he left I made my bed and unpacked my clothes. Even though I was alone, I had a cell phone. I called my mom, Ruth and Abby.

Lavender Harvest

Consider the [flowers], how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

Luke 12:27

As for man, his days are as grass; as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.

Psalm 103:15

The grass withereth, the flower fadeth, because the spirit of the Lord bloweth upon it; surely the people is grass.

The grass withereth, the flower fadeth; but the word of our God shall stand for ever.”

O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength. Lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, “Behold your God!”

Isaiah 40:7-9

:-)

Today is a good day. I may not have touched a horse, but any day where I can sit outside and work makes me happy!

Tomorrow the family has plans for celebrating the 4^th of July, so I had to sit myself down and work. Make hay while the sun shines so to speak.  So I pulled up mom's solid white Adirondack chair God gave her the other day ("Free" by the road as we headed home from a friend's house!), slid on the sunglasses (the sun has been trying to come out…), put my bottle of water within arms reach, and settled down on the deck in the hesitant sunshine. 

          As other posts have indicated, at the end of May I began my internship. I'm the first intern the Rider has had, so, at times it's been touch and go as I try my best to do what my editor gives me to do.

Today I wrapped up work on an article for August, tentatively titled: 6 Tips from John Lyons for Great Summer Riding. I pulled six suggestions from all that John Lyons America's Most Trusted Horseman told me in my hour interview with him last month and compiled an article about how to get your horse truly ready for summer riding. I still can't believe that I got interview John Lyons! It was pretty exciting for me. So, we'll see how this article goes. I'll post a link to it when it's published!

Friends

Some people come into your life and quickly go, others make footprints on your heart and you are never the same.

One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.

Friends are the family you choose.

Friends forever. Friends til the wedding rings. Friends until the snow falls and can't get up. Friend til the window pain’s are cured. Friends til the ocean waves. ...

So, to state the obvious, I've hit the point in my life where my friends are finishing their degrees, starting careers, getting married, starting families, going here, going there, driving their own cars, buying their own houses ... doing life as independent adults. It's a transition time. Like my friends, I am learning to be an independent adult - shouldn't it just happen over night? I wish! If I am honest I'll tell you that I have mixed feelings about it all. And sometimes I compare. And facebook doesn't help!

Making a batch of rolls, cherry filling for tarts, hot-dog-rolls, and scones gives plenty of time for contemplation.

Here is a bit of background. Yesterday I sat for three hours and typed out a transcript of the hour conversation I had with John Lyons for my internship. It was frustrating because I am not a typist and typing out transcripts for me is tedious work. However, the time flew by. I enjoyed the satisfaction when I stood up from my desk.
"I could do this forever," I thought.
Then I laughed.
"Good! Because you hopefully will be!" I responded to myself. (Yes. I talk to myself.)

So as I cooked, I contemplated a few things. A few things that seem like rhetorical questions to me.

- How it is that one day we're kids, all doing the same sort of activities in life (school work, some sort of sport/music lesson/w.e, chores, youth group/awana) and the next day we're here all having something different that makes up the main portion of our individual lives?

- Why is it that even though I know that I enjoy writing more than most of my friends, why does it ever cross my mind that any one of them has a better career than the one I am pursuing? 

- Why do I one day feel happily confident that if God wants me to remain single or be someone's wife, it will all work out, and then the next day, I wonder why I'm single, if I'll ever get married, and how friends transition to couple status?

- Sometimes I am excited for the next adventure life will bring and God will lead me through.
Other times I don't want to get out of bed and just want to waste the day there. :-p

This might sound cheesy. It's ok. I'll say it anyway. It really helps me to remember that Jesus is my best friend. Yep - it sounds cheesy. It's also true.

You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit —fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. 

Good Day Oregon

Well, this girl is back home in Oregon; unpacked and settling back in to the swing of life here.

Already God has blessed me with an internship (which I am super excited about!) this summer, and I am looking forward to all that I'll learn at it!

S0, my two top priorities for the next three months are:
1.) Do my best at the internship and complete the 120 hours satisfactorly (is "satisfactorly" a word...?).
2.) Connect with and enjoy family and friends.
Thus far I've gotten to see a couple of dear friends and hope to connect with more of you this summer!

...and me...

Are you sure you want to use the personal pronoun "I"?? What about "me"??

This is a rant.

I have simply heard or read too many misused "and I" sentences this week!

By the way, I'll probably make a couple of dumb little grammatical errors in this post, and I ask for your forgiveness. Please ignore the log in my eye while I point out the sliver in others' eyes. ;-)

"This is a photo of Jane and I." Grrr... This is incorrect and bothers me. So many people make this mistake. Is our mother tongue changing or is it a gross mistake?
You wouldn't say, "This is a photo of I." So, why do you think it sounds proper when you add Jane?
"This is a photo of Jane and me." This is correct.  I think it is a gross mistake to think referring to yourself as "I" makes it proper when it's not! What is proper is to put the other person first.

"This is a photo of me and Jane." Improper. Impolite.
"This is a photo of Jane and me." Proper. Polite.

"Jane and I are going to see John." This is correct. Take the other person out. It stays the same with or without the other person. 

"I am going to see John." See? It's the same.  

If you want to use "Jane and I" when describing or labeling a photo, you can, but you need to phrase it slightly different.
"Jane and I are in this photo."(Check: I am in this photo.) This is correct.
"In this photo Jane and I are bouncing on Jo's bed." (Check: In this photo I am bouncing on Jo's bed.) Again correct.

"Will you go with Jane and I to the movies?" Grrr... INCORRECT.
"Will you go with I to the movies?" Would you say this? No. You wouldn't.
You would say: "Will you go with me to the movies?" It doesn't change simply because Jane is going along as well!

*sigh* I feel better. Thank you for allowing me to rant about my pet peeve. :-)

A picture is worth a thousand words, right?

Here are just a few photos since Spring Break...

Abby's concert

Bernice sings

At the baseball game! Go Asbury Eagles!

Aurora giving Jess a massage

Abby & her horse Roxi

Diamond

Emily on Romeo giving directions to those going on a trail ride

Tabitha & Brooke came to celebrate Jess's "birthday"!

Chelsea & Laura at Equine Affaire

Equine Affaire watching Stacy Westfall

Another concert!

Mishia was excited 'cause they played Star Wars theme song!