Kids and horses.. it doesn't get much better than that.

So today I had some long time friends come to visit. Jennifer, Gabrielle, Trey, Ethan and Josie.  I first met Jen and her husband Mark at our old church.  Of course I fell in love with Gabrielle because she was and still is such a sweet and beautiful child.  I used to work in the children's ministry so I got to watch Gabrielle grow.  Soon Trey came along.  When I wasn't working in the kids' room I was holding a baby and for a long time it was Trey. I would see Jen and Mark come in and I would scoop Trey from their arms during worship music.  For me that was such a joy. Holding that sweet baby while the music played. I felt so close to God then. It was my way of worshipping.

Gary and I left that church and moved on.  I remember always saying to Mark (our old pastor) that I wish I could find a way to merge my love of horses with my love of kids.  Several years later I did just that when I used to give lessons. Oh what a time we had.  When I was diagnosed I had to give up the lessons because I just didn't have the energy it took.  I am still very close with several of my old students. A few will stop by and play with me when they get a chance.

Jen and I stayed in touch. She also had two more beautiful children in that time. Through the years they have blessed me with visits and some very yummy food I might add.  Today was one of those visits.  We were talking and realized it has been two years since they first came to ride. Wow !!!  Josie, the youngest was just two then. When we put her up on a horse we couldn't get her down. She LOVED !!! it.  Today she actually got to ride all be herself on my amazing little horse Minnie. Talk about a gift from Go. Minnie is just that.  Some day I will have to tell the stories of how my animals came to me.  They ARE so gifts from God. 

After we were done Gabrielle handed me a folded piece of paper and said she had written a poem for me.  I am going to share that with you all.  This is why I exist.


                                                   Leslie's Farm
Come to a farm where there's lots to do.
Chickens to feed and horses to groom.
Now meet the horses - Amy in the lead,
Then there's Bubba the mule who's stubborn and sweet.
Stray's second best, then Ginger who's proud, And all the dogs are friendly and loud.
The cats are shy, the chicks watch from the gate,
Now come here and start! No need to wait.

The owner of the farm is pretty and nice,
she's warm as a cookie, not cold as ice!
Her name is Leslie,she's as kind as can be,
If you like the description she's the person to see!

By Gabrielle S.
June 2,2011

Is that not the cutest thing ever !!!!  Gabrielle is one of the girls that also sang me that amazing song a little while back.  She didn't realize though that she left out Minnie, the wonder horse.  That' okay, I even have a hard time remembering all my critters.