Oh my oh my

I honestly do not know how to explain. Words are not enough. Well, I guess they are. But just imagine that everything I say has about 50,000 times more meaning than usual. 

We got some horses. 

One, named Pax, is Heather's. He's a beautiful guy, inside and out. 

The other, a mare, is mine, and I named her Kara. (Side note: Mom just reminded me that she's not *just* mine, she's everyone's. I know. But she's mine. You know what I mean? Heather knows what I mean. :)) Her name means "beloved", and she certainly is. Only, I don't know if she knows that yet. But she will. She also is beautiful. They both have such kind eyes. You know what I mean by kind eyes? Where it seems like their soul is peeking out, saying "it's okay. I'm gentle, and beautiful." 

Yesterday was the day we got them. It was a many hours-long drive, and my knees are sore today, but it was so worth it. We got Pax first, then Kara. Trailering them was stressful, but we got home safe and sound. 

Today was workout day number one. Heather came over and we haltered them (have you ever experienced a horse who will put his nose into the halter? A horse you don't have to fight? My goodness! That was a surprise!), then we brushed them and picked their hooves. 

I still have to get used to the fact that they're easy going Standardbreds, not hot, fiery Arabians. Wrap your brain around that, Linda. You can in fact walk between their two bums without worrying they might kick you. For the most part. 

After that, we put the saddle on Kara (she's been a month under the saddle - Pax has not been ridden at all), and hooked her up to the lunge line. She is so gorgeous when she's pacing. Just so's you know. 

After that, I climbed up on her back!!! :D :D :D 

She spooked a teeny, tiiiiiny bit when I got up - Heather and I think it's because I'm miles taller than the girl who used to ride her. A little more up there, so I guess a bit of a surprise. 

We walked. I talked. She listened. The day was beautiful. 

She even trotted a little bit. As I was walking, I'd turn her and she'd take these massive sideways steps - she's used to having a cart behind her. She'll get over that. 

By the time we were nearly done our pleasant walk, she was already responding to leg aids quite well. She's a natural. We'll have Christopher up on her in no time! (And then maybe all the nephews and nieces....by the way, we want Pax and Kara to some day have a cart to pull. Would that not be the most coolest thing ever?? A matched bay pair???? Come on. Tell me you're not getting excited.)

Anyway, I am exhausted. Today was a busy day, especially after 6 hours of painful sleep (a mixture of aching knees and worrying about the two beautiful horses in the barn.)

Did I mention they were beautiful? 

See for yourself:

Heather does most of the work:

And began Kara's workout. 

I was watching...

And I DID lunge her, and here's the picture of us walking back to the fence:

Kara foreground, Pax background. His halter says "I love my horse". :D Too cute.

See what I mean about their kind eyes? I mean, look! 

You agree they're beautiful, no? :D 

Song of the Week

Selah: All My Praise

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53sfRW5Mx64

I will follow You through green pastures

And sing hallelujah to Your Name

I will follow You through dark disaster

And sing hallelujah through the pain

And even in the shadow of death

I will praise You

And even in the valley I will say

Chorus:

Holy, My God

You are worthy of all my praise

Holy, My God

You are worthy of all my praise

You are seated on your throne in heaven

And You see all of us down here

And You have promised You will not abandon

So I shall not fear

And even in the shadow of death 

I will praise You

And even in the valley I will say

(Chorus)

You made every star

And You taught it how to shine

You knew my name before there was time

And all this was just part of Your glorious design

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

(Chorus 2X)

Song of The Week

I like music. I listen to a lot of music. I'd like to share some of that music with y'all every once in a while. (I say song of the week, but it could be months, knowing me, before I change it.)

Casting Crowns: If We Are the Body

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4wojcSO9Ww

It's crowded in worship today

As she slips in trying to fade into the faces

The girls teasing laughter is

carrying farther than they know

Farther than they know

Chorus:

But if we are the body

Why aren't His arms reaching?

Why aren't His hands healing?

Why aren't His words teaching?

And if we are the body

Why aren't His feet going?

Why is His love not showing them there is a way?

There is a way

A traveler is far away from home

He sheds his coat and quietly sinks into the back row

The weight of their judgmental glances

Tells him that his chances are better out on the road

Chorus

Jesus paid much too high a price

For us to pick and choose who should come

And we are the body of Christ

Chorus

Jesus is the way

Two Camps

I'll start with the first camp (starting at the first is usually a good idea): Rockwood Acres. 

What that actually starts with is Vicky asking me a few months ago if I'd like to go to a C&C Retreat with her. Since it was her, naturally I said yes. :) 

So, Labour Day weekend came and off we went! It was a fun trip with the Matthews family, and we arrived at the camp not dead. And that, my friends, is always good. Being alive has always been a big thing for me. 

Everyone there was very nice, and they tried to welcome me into their circle - which was pretty tight considering they had all known each other for years and years. However, they were all quite gracious and there were some very cool people there. 

It was an excellent weekend of rest, fun, food (delicious food), and fellowship. We were coaxed more than once - well, not coaxed, but reminded that we could hypothetically do something illegal, since we were all adults. I don't think anyone did, though we heard stories of what people had done in the past. Tsk tsk. I STILL want to go back. :D (I was asked if I would go back, even if I had to pay $100 dollars and there was something else bad thrown in but I forget. I said yes, because I'm crazy like that. But it was really, really fun, so what can I say?) 

So all in all, Rockwood Acres was fun. I think we should go to family camp next time it comes. :D 

Second camp: Creekside. 

We made the long trip home from Rockwood Acres to Jim and Vic's house, where I played a game of Perudo (fun)  and ate some curry (yummo), and then hopped into the car and drove home, had a shower, packed new clothes, grabbed stuff that was forgotten, petted the dogs and reassured them that they were not abandoned, checked the chickens, and then hopped back into the car to drive up to Jeff and Adeena's, where everyone was camping. 

Creekside is the most restful camp, because it's home. (I mean, not specifically, but you know what I mean. It's home-ish enough that it's home.)

I showed off the bruise I received at Rockwood Acres, playing soccer. It's still there, though faded. It is a marvellous trophy, or, a reminder that I should stop playing soccer. Either I injure someone else or myself. Maybe if I played goalie...my team would lose. 

I guess to summarize I have to say that I had an amazingly fun week, at both camps. One was new and exciting and welcoming and different, the other was homey and relaxing and familiar. Both good. It's like the feeling you get when you can put marshmallows in your hot chocolate for the very first time. 

Boy do I want a hot chocolate right now.