Pony

Anyone that knows me knows that I call all horses "Pony". Regardless of how big or small, old or young, it's a "Pony". Don't ask me where I started that. Probably somewhere about the same time I started calling all dogs "puppy" and all cats "kitten" again, regardless of gender, size, or age.

So when I say I got a pony this past week, what I really am trying to describe to you is an almost 16 hand BLM Mustang gelding that is 12 years old. He's built like a tank and somewhat resembles a draft cross. The freeze brand on his neck and his owner tell otherwise. 

Occasionally I've been telling people that I got a boyfriend. And that he's tall, muscular, and black. And then stand there in amusement as they try to rationalize if I'm being racist or if I'm just making things up. (Why would I make stuff up?) And then I tell them he's got a nice tail...that really throws them for a loop. By then I'm usually laughing too much and the gig's up. 

20 years, people. That's how long I've waited for this. I don't know when I specifically wanted a horse but I do remember very clearly being 7 years old and declaring I was going to be a jockey when I grew up. Thank you, Marguerite Henry. I was 10 when I realized I was going to be too tall and those dreams crashed down only to arise like a phoenix into a more glorious vision...ok, so maybe not like a phoenix...but I did decide to be a trainer and have my own horse. 

I'm still working on the owning part - I lease him right now, but that's almost as good. His owner has done a fantastic job in training and now I get to pick up and continue on. I've got some amazing people behind me as I go forward and I'm excited for this year. 

PS - his name is Logan. If you're following me on Instagram or Twitter, he's got his own hashtag. #loganthemustang   - yes, he's that cool. 

For my sister Olivia

Because we share a mutual obsession love for all things Robin Hood - I made this for you. Because I love you.  The End. :)

Brains, Music, and A Challenge

So I heard this on the radio and I’ve already been kind of doing something like this. But I wanted to share this challenge with the rest of you.  But first let me offer a little background and preface this challenge if you will.

The brain is an amazing gift. I don’t know what the actual numbers are but it’s said that it takes at least 20 times for us to hear something new for it to be memorized in our brains. Clearly I didn't listen to it long enough to remember the real numbers. J Our brains can recall details (significant or otherwise) in nano-seconds. We have thoughts that run all day long (some of us into the night). It never shuts off.

 How often have I turned on the radio and started singing along with whatever song was on and not paid any attention to what the words were actually saying? Or how many times have I been in a bad mood or felt sad, alone, or angry and listened to music that did nothing to uplift me or worse, perpetuate that mood.  And when I’m alone or there’s no music present I found myself dwelling on those songs, those words that I had heard over and over and over again. Those were the words I had running on an endless loop in my head.  The comfort and solace I was seeking in these songs were not the words that had been promised to me by my Savior. 

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, oh Lord, my strength  and my Redeemer.”  Ps 19:14 

I decided to switch over to the Christian station for a while and listen to that. Within a few days, I had new songs and words running through my head. Even in struggle and my moments of sadness or irritation, I had a sweeter song to sing. Words of truth. Words of life. Words that remind me who I am and what I am in Christ. God gives us Christian brothers and sisters to lift us up, to encourage us in our faith and to help us walk a little straighter. I like to think that my brothers and sisters in the Lord on the radio are helping me in that way, and even if we don't have a personal relationship, we are still part of a community in Christ. How cool is that?! J

Here is where the challenge comes in. The next 30 days I am leaving my radio on the Christian station. I will not be listening (voluntarily) to the other stations I like (Country, popular, etc.) I challenge you to try this. Try it and see if your attitude and life doesn’t change a little. If you’re at all like me and you get easily dragged down in the cares of the world, worry plagues you, or even if you’re just having a bad day, don’t switch to that Adele song that makes you feel even more sad and justified in your moodiness.

There are a few songs that I have heard over the past few weeks that have so blessed my soul that I just want to share this joy with others! I can’t keep this to myself! J I want to see others uplifted in their hearts and minds because they are being refreshed with encouraging words as well. 

Along with my challenge, I am going to try and at least twice a week, post a song, lyrics, youtube video, etc from an artist that I have enjoyed and I hope it blesses you  too!!

Today’s song is from an artist named Jason Gray. The song is called “Remind Who I Am”. It’s a beautiful thing to know and be reminded that no matter what, regardless of what comes, who tries to hurt us, nothing can separate us from Christ – we are HIS! With His blood He bought us and nothing will break that bond!  

The words of the chorus are  “Tell me, once again, who I am to You, who I am to You. Tell me lest I forget, who I am to You, that I belong to You.”  **Click on the song title to follow to the youtube link** 

“For I am persuaded that death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth nor any other thing created will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8: 38-39  

If you feel like participating in this challenge with me, let me know! I'd love to hear from you - facebook me or email me or leave me a comment! I'd love to hear how you've been encouraged! 

Over But Not Yet Gone

Every year our church takes a week and goes down to Rockaway Beach on the Oregon Coast for the annual church retreat forever immortalized as RCC Family Camp.  Family Camp. It’s a phrase that when spoken brings a smile to the face, joy to the heart and a veritable wellspring of happy memories. It’s a time of fellowship with the Saints, learning new Psalms and songs that stretch our mediocre singing skills, and teaching from God’s word that refreshes and inspires us. The weeks (and months) prior to Camp every year have an air of excitement and expectancy of what will surely be "The Best Camp Ever".  :)  Personally, this year did not fail in it's expectations. 

Toby Sumpter was our main speaker this year and brought to us messages about the childishness and childlikeness of Christ and what it means to be the Children of God. Children – that’s kind of what being at Camp is like for many: it’s a sense of being carefree and childlike. I think in many ways it’s how we should live our lives all the time. In Jesus we have eternal life. That means we’ll always be young – because we’re God’s kids.  

There’s a sense of childish abandon; God says “Let’s go! I’ve got you still!” The children of God know they are safe under the wings of the Father. And when you’re safe, you’re invincible. You are invincible against all the dragons of this world because the great dragon has been crushed. Jesus has won. What’s the worst the world can do? Kill us? So what…He’s got me…He’s going to raise me up.  Let’s go.

Camp is over. The sun has set on this week. But the time is not over.  The magic and memories will live on until next year when new ones are forged around the bonfires on the beach, built in the castles on the sand, and written on our hearts with new songs of praise to our God.  

Now I’m home with sand still between my toes, a song in my throat, memories in my mind, and a heart full of joy and love for my people and King.  I’ve been inspired to fight on – taming and slaying the dragons; exploring this treasure trove of Jesus’ kingdom and freely sharing my love for Him with everyone.

Family Camp isn’t over. Not really. It’s just beginning. 

Yikesabee

I think I got bloggered-out by the A-Z challenge (which, yes I know, I didn't finish *hangs head in shame*)

My brain has been going in about a zillion-trillion-gabillion different directions this past couple weeks as most evident in my choice of music. Yesterday it was Cee Lo, Eminem, Tao Cruz and today it's Streisand, Sinatra and the man Dean Martin. Um...yeah. Tomorrow will probably be something like Mozart and Bach and then it'll be Carbon Leaf, The Killers, with a touch of something Celtic thrown in, then we'll probably move on to something like Miranda Lambert, Josh Turner and George Strait by Friday.

Speaking of Frietag; that's my last day at work here in Canada Land. I'm not going to lie and say it'll be grand all fine - I actually spent some time crying over it last night. More over the fact that I'm leaving in general. I didn't think I would get so attached to being here. Well, I knew I'd get attached to the adorable, troublesome, loud, goofy, and absolutely too-cute to handle, smoochable boys I live with. THAT was a given. But leaving is harder than I thought. I'm trying not to get too emotional about it but I'm failing. Miserably.

The logical part of my brain says it's all going to be ok - I'm not dead nor is the city of Grande Prairie and the people within that I've grown to know and love, going to be suddenly blotted off the face of the earth. "Get a grip"  says the logical part.

But the other part of my brain knows how attached I've become. I used to think that I could steel myself against the pains of goodbyes or loneliness somehow. Now I know the pain is because I do feel things. And I'm ok with that. It means that God's given me a heart that is open and yet full. I don't want to get a grip. So there. *heart part sticks tongue out at brain part*

The best part of this whole thing? I've had experiences and been blessed by so much. I've opened up to new possibilities. I've learned more about my Heavenly Father and found a deeper love for my Savior and an excitement over who HE is and what He can and is doing in my life.

There are so many good things that have come out of me being up here. So many new and deeper friendships - it's still so cool to me that God never puts limits on how many friends we get to make in our lifetimes. That just makes me smile.

Things I'm excited for this coming week:

Finishing my last class with the therapeutic riding center - so excited to see how far my 'mentoree' has come these past few months! :)

Packing for FAMILY CAMP!!!! Bring on the beach and sun and sand (and possibly rain) and loud fun, long talks, late big bonfires and laughing and hugging and singing and dancing and absolute being ridiculous and glorying and relishing this awesome crazy life our Lord has given us!

T is for Tolkien and U is for Underhill

This movie comes out in December. 

I'm pretty stoked. I loved the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy, and always feel a kind of sadness at the end of Return of the King.  I'm really looking forward to The Hobbit. 

Plus, it's got a bunch of awesome dwarves in it: 

I'm especially looking forward to this character: 

Thorin Oakshield. 

Played by Richard Armitage of "North and South" fame 

*swoon* 

Ok. Done swooning now. 

I'm thinking I'm not too old for a midnight showing...who's with me??? :) 

R is for Ristupidiculous and S is for Splendiferous

I'm a fan of made up words. :)   These are two of my favorites.

Ristupidiculous: when something is both stupid and ridiculous; saying this just make you feel a little more emphatic when trying to convey the idea that something is beyond ridiculous and stupid. Trust me.

Splendiferous: splendid and wonderous/wonderful. Again, another great word that just has that little extra 'umph' to it. Plays well with sarcasm.

P is for Purpose and Q is for Quotes

I'm doubling up here on the A-Z because clearly, I'm failing at being faithful to post daily. I knew it would be hard - that's probably why they called it a 'challenge'....

There seem to be many definitions of the word purpose, books on the subject, how to find it, get it, give your life it, etc, etc.  As a Christian, I think my purpose in life can be easily summed up in the words of the Westminster Shorter Catechism:

Question:  "What is the chief end of man?"
Answer: "Man's chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever."

(Oh, and see how I slipped in the quote right there...yeah...I'm sly like that)  :)

O is for Osmosis

Definition: molecules moving from high concentration to a low concentration through a semi-permeable membrane.

And for the record - I didn't have to google that definition.   :)  I love biology.

N is for Numbers

*cymbals clash* 

M is for Menchies

It's quite possible that I might become addicted to this place. More specifically, their cake-batter flavored frozen yogurt or as the young masses are calling it these days: froyo.

Excuse me for a minute while I rant:

"Froyo"? Seriously, who came up with that word? Is it really that difficult to say "frozen yogurt"? Can your brain just not handle the vocab? Is your mouth really that lazy?

Ok. Rant over.

Where was I?

Oh yeah - Menchies.

I love being able to pick my flavors and toppings and mix and match to whatever weird taste my heart desires.

And their spoons are so cute!

I am well aware I'm a day late and a dollar short on the A-Z challenge...but if you consider the exchange rate I'm probably only about $0.98 short...

L is for Laundry

I'm out of clean underwear and socks. I know y'all wanted to know that so very much so you're welcome. This means it's time to do laundry. So that's what I'm doing today. And while I'm waiting for the machines to do their thing, I browsed the web and I found these cute vintage laundry signs.

I want this in my laundry room 

This one's cute  :)

Only 25 cents? Where did those times go? 

This makes me glad we have machines  

Speaking of machines...I think  I heard them stop...that means it's time to go. 

In other news: it's snowed last night and hasn't stopped....we're up to about 10 inches.

             This the view of the back deck. 

K is for Kinesthetic

Have you ever taken one of those "What Kind of Learner Are You" tests? I've done a couple, and most of my results come out to show that I am a highly kinesthetic learner and a moderately visual learner.

I really like being able to do things with my hands - to touch, see and feel, what I'm doing.
In school, I was loved all my lab sessions and activities for all classes, from biology, chemistry, to my horse science and beyond.

 I love "how-to" books and projects that have photo guides.  I think this might be one reason why I love Pinterest so much...there's lots of DIY projects and ideas. I'm pretty creative and crafty and love making things.

What about you? Do you know your learning style?

J is for June

Which, in my humble (yet accurate) opinion, cannot come quickly enough. Because that's when this happens:

More specifically my church's annual Family Camp 2012. 

There will be much of this

Some of this:  (we hope for sunshine)

And other stuff like this: 

I'm a little excited. 

The end. 

I is for Inconceivable

"You keep saying that word. I do not think it means what you think it means."  

Any Princess Bride fans? Anyone?   :-) 

I is also for Inigo Montoya...you killed my father...

H is for Heavenly

"If you then were raised with Christ, seek those things above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory."
Colossians 3:1-4

D is for Dessert

Dessert. I love that word. This weekend we're having a get together for Easter, and I'm going to try and commandeer the kitchen. Which might be harder than it sounds what with having my family all in town means 2 extra adults plus a couple of big kids around plus 3 little kids running around in circles.

But I digress.

My real purpose for posting about Dessert today is to post a favorite recipe. I recently made this cake for church potluck and it's quite amazing. I'm not a huge cake person, gravitate more towards pies and icecream and the like, but this cake was different for two reasons:

#1 - Chocolate. I'm sold

#2 - Super dense AND moist to boot.

I love heavy dense cakes like pound cakes etc. This baked up so lovely and heavy and chocolatey - I can't wait to make it again.

Chocolate Sour Cream Bundt Cake
(adapted from Williams Sonoma)


For the cake:

1 cup cocoa powder, sifted, plus more for dusting pan
7 1/2 oz. semisweet chocolate, finely chopped (semisweet chips work well)
1 cup boiling water
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
20 Tbsp. (2 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter
2 1/2 cups firmly packed light brown sugar
5 eggs, lightly beaten
4 tsp. vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups sour cream
1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

For the ganache:

6 oz. semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
1/2 cup heavy cream

Have all the ingredients at room temperature.

Preheat an oven to 325 degrees F. Grease a Bundt Cake Pan and dust with cocoa powder; tap out the excess.  *I used "Pam for Baking" LOVE IT. Works super well, just makes sure to coat the inside of the pan really well.

To make the cake, in a bowl, combine the 1 cup cocoa powder and the chocolate. Add the boiling water and whisk until the chocolate melts and the mixture is smooth and blended. Set aside.

Over a bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the flat beater, beat the butter on medium speed until smooth and creamy, 30 to 45 seconds. Reduce the speed to low, add the brown sugar and beat until blended. Increase the speed to medium and continue beating until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 5 minutes, stopping the mixer occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the eggs a little at a time, beating until incorporated before adding more and stopping the mixer occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl. Beat in the vanilla until incorporated, about 1 minute.

Reduce the speed to low and add the flour mixture in three additions, alternating with the sour cream and beginning and ending with the flour, beating just until blended and no lumps of flour remain. Slowly pour in the chocolate-cocoa mixture and beat until no white streaks are visible, stopping the mixer occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in the chocolate chips.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading the batter so the sides are about 1 inch higher than the center. *This recipe makes more batter can can fit in the bundt pan - make sure to leave that 1 inch of space from the top of the pan - use the rest for cupcakes or something*  :)
Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out with only a few moist crumbs attached to it, 60 to 65 minutes. Transfer the pan to a wire rack and let the cake cool upright in the pan for 15 minutes. Invert the pan onto the rack and lift off the pan. Let the cake cool completely, at least 1 hour.

Return the cooled cake to the pan. Using a serrated knife, gently saw off any excess cake that extends over the edge of the pan. Set the wire rack on a parchment paper lines baking sheet. Invert the pan onto the rack and lift off the pan. (I skipped this step).

Meanwhile make the ganache: In a heatproof bowl, combine the chocolate and butter. In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, bring the cream just to a boil. Immediately pour the cream over the chocolate and butter. Whisk until the melt and the mixture is smooth.

Pour the ganache over the top of the cake, allowing the ganache, to drip down the sides. Let the cake stand until the ganache is set, at least 15 minutes.

Serves 16 (or more depending on your slice size)

*what it should look like - this is not my cake...I'm thinking this time I'm going to go all funfetti on mine and get it all springy looking. 

C is for Canada

When I moved to Canada this past January, I realize that many of you thought this is what I live with:

You would be wrong. 

 Close. 

But wrong. 

Also that I live in one of these

Also wrong.

That it looks like this year round:

As cool as it would be to actually go to Narnia, we don't live here either.

So,  again wrong - sorry.

And last but not least, that I see these everyday and we hunt them regularly.

And Again. Wrong. 

The closest thing to animals I live with are these monkeys: 

They make a lot of noise and are incredibly silly 

But you can't beat the cuteness factor

And while it did look like this for a while: 

And I dressed like this occasionally 

 It now looks much more like this: 

And I have seen one moose, but generally, the closest I get to them is this: 

They are not so completely uncivilized here.

There is plenty of this to be had 

And I get to live with one of my best friends. 

She's pretty. 

So yeah. There ya be. 

In other news: the rest of my family minus one sister are on their way. They should be here tonight. 

Happiness

B is for Blessed

That's how I feel this morning. Normally, I'm not a "Monday-Morning" person. It's not generally my best day of the week. But this morning, I just felt particularly blessed and rejuvenated in my spirit.

Psalm 139 is probably my most favorite passage of Scripture and I thought of these verses today as I was driving and watching the sun come up through my rear view mirror. (Sunrises here in GP are particularly pretty - I think it's my favorite time of day)

"Where can I go from Your Spirit, or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven You are there. If  make my bed in hell, behold You are there. If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there Your hand shall lead me and Your right hand shall hold me."  ~Psalm 139:7-10

That's a pretty powerful message. There is nowhere or any place that we can be or go that is out of God's hands or not in His purpose for us.  I sometimes struggle with feeling like I'm "in the right place" or "doing what I'm supposed to be doing" in life.  In those moments, these verses become very personal and I find great encouragement in them and the promise that they hold.

A is for April, Alleluia, and Awesome

April will be Awesome. The end.

Ok, so maybe not..

Since it is the first of April, it's traditional to do some kind of prank on people to fool them. Most people try and fool me. It never works though, because I'm too attuned to what day it is and I tend not to believe anything that seems too good to be true, or outlandish, or even the slightest bit off.

Does this mean I have trust issues? Yes.

But only one day a year.

There is something about starting a month on a Sunday that I really like. Sunday worship sets the tone for my week and I feel like starting out the month on a Sunday sets it up to be an awesome month.

Another reason April will be awesome is because my parents and sibs are coming!    They'll be here Tuesday and stay through the following week.  :-)   Squee!

*ahem* And now, I must go needs clean my room...


***Epilogue****
I just spent 20 minutes on Facetime with my Dad going through my closet so I could 'show' him some things I need them to bring up for me. Never thought I'd see the day with my dad rummaging through my dresses and shoes for me...  :)