Christmas is about a birth

Christmas began with a birth of a baby boy who was the promise of hope for all man kind. A birth, new beginnings, hope, all that good stuff! We tend to get wrapped up in Santa, what to get for our ungrateful Uncle so and so, and fret over how to pay for all of it. Have you ever really thought about the real first Christmas? I often think of Mary, a young girl, some believe to be around 15 years old. Can you even begin to imagine what it must have been like for her to deal with all she dealt with? I'm thinking she was probably dealing with a lot of rejection, persecution and who knows what else! What an amazing young woman to just push through her trials, because she knew that she knew she had a special calling from God on her life. Thank goodness Mary didn't just give up when things got hard!

Then I think about Jesus. Do you ever wonder what kind of child he was? Did he ever get a spanking for getting into things as normal children do? Was he full of curious questions or was he the one offering incredible wisdom to his parents as a young boy. Let's fast forward to Jesus at about the age of 33. The bible says he was a "man of sorrows". Here Jesus came to do great things for mankind, and man was terrible to Jesus. Though I'm sure at times Jesus was very broken hearted, he knew that he knew that God had a special overall plan for his life, so he just kept pressing forward. What an amazing person!!! He fullfilled his purpose because he loved us, regardless of our behavior, our stupidity, regardless....he loved us.


I encourage you to not just think of the presents and the Christmas tree this Christmas, or even for just the baby in the manger. Think about Mary and what an amazing woman she must have been, think about Joseph and what a good guy he had to be to just stick with Mary because he knew that he knew that God was doing something mighty. Think about the baby Jesus, the boy Jesus, and the man Jesus who probably lived more heartache than anything because he was just trying to love us, and we rejected him. Remember Jesus is still with us every single second, guiding our steps (if we'll let him), forgiving us, loving us....just because. That's precious.

I hope you all will have the best Christmas ever this year. I am so incredible thankful and full of joy for 2009. Granted there was a lot of hurt this year, but I am happier than ever FINALLY. God took everything out of my life that was (though I couldn't see it then) not for my very best. I am so excited to start 2010! God has made some amazing promises to me that I can't wait to see come to pass! Thank you Lord for putting me where I am right now! God is good. Merry Christmas friends!


Gracie enjoying a snowball fight in Chattanooga recently!

Below, Gracie and her friend Caleb with their school project where they had to invent a toy.

My Christmas tree in my office.

And the winner is..........

Saturday evening we held our Year End Awards banquet for the 2009 Rivermont horse shows. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing everyone! I can honestly say that I have met the most amazing friends thanks to hosting these horse shows, and it wasn't like a gathering of horse people waiting to claim their loot, it was a gathering of my second family! I'm not a big fan of public speaking, and of course I fumbled all over myself and I'm certain looked like the biggest dork ever...but I've been told it just added humor to the night. Glad I could help....

I don't have any people pictures as of yet, however I did take this one photo with my blackberry to show the "loot". If any of you readers out there took photos, please email me a few so I may post them!

I can't believe the year is almost over. Honestly, I'm thankful it's almost done. It has been quite the year to say the least, but I do see a bright light at the end of a dark tunnel. Adversity has truly steered me in a better direction! The Tri State shows appear to be a success, and hopefully will only grow with time! Best of all, I hope to make new friends through the process!

The one thing I have learned for sure this year is that God is faithful, dependable, loyal, and good. I saw His faithfulness in a mighty way Saturday night as a matter of fact, which I won't go into here, but it was apparent He had not forgotten me. He blessed me through a very special person, whom I can only hope will reap the harvest a million times for her kindness to me when I needed a hand. I'm not used to anyone doing anything for me, so this person's gesture was something I wasn't used to....and may God bless she and her family for it!

I can't help but to wonder what the future holds. I know what my hearts desires are, and frankly it looks hopeless from a human perspective. I know that this time last year I would have never dreamed I would have gone through what I've gone through this year. I wouldn't change a thing though, because I KNOW that I KNOW that there is a divine plan in all of this. I do have some good news though! You all know what a big Joyce Meyer fan I am! I did find out she will be in Chattanooga April 8-10th I believe. See her website at http://www.joycemeyer.com/. She's so amazing and annointed by God. Her amazing teachings of the Word are one reason I've held on this year.

Thank you to those of you who have stuck by my side in 2009. I am forever grateful for those who have been there, and pray for those nightly who have not or who have caused a great deal of pain in my life. I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and God bless you all! :)

The kindness challenge

Hurting people hurt people. It's a vicious cycle that's a tough one to break. The more I pay attention to hurting people, the more I see it's a serious problem in the world today. I would venture to say there are more hurting people than happy people unfortunetly. With that in mind I have challenged myself to every single day go out of my way to reach out every single chance I get. For example, today I'm checking out at the grocery store and the guy bagging the groceries begins bragging about the $3 tip he received earlier. The lady ringing me up rolled her eyes. So I smiled and said "I'm guessing you didn't get a tip today!". That opened the door for her to vent her frustrations. I told her she was doing a great job and I hope she wound up having a wonderful day. We even talked about how selfish the world has become and she shared with how hateful people can be to her. So I smiled and chatted with her, and I truely believe the little things can make all the difference.

Or another example. I was in "Krystal" in Ooltawah, TN yesterday and I have to say it was the cleanest, friendliest Krystal I have ever been to. The sweet lady serving me brought my food to me and everything. I told her that I thought she had the best Krystal around and how much I appreciated how friendly she was and how clean her store was. She beamed with delight and asked that I tell her district manager who was sitting nearby.

I challenge you to go the extra mile every day and do something kind. If it's simply complimenting someone's sweater, or letting the person in line behind you with a gallon of milk (when your buggy is full) break in front of you, or calling the friend who you know has had a tough time lately and saying "I had you on my mind, how are you?", do it! I believe if we all did just a little more in the kindness department we could change the world!

We need to stop being so selfish. If you pay attention to that you will notice how so many people are so wrapped up in themselves. Stop that! Reach out, love your neighbor, and it will come back to you full circle!

Here's the cool part! I PROMISE YOU, that when you do something kind it will relieve your stress, it will make you smile, it will make you forget about whatever problems you may be facing. Get your mind of yourself and do something for someone else. Try it, I challenge you!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Pruning may hurt, but the new growth always produces abundent fruit!

In the past month I've done a lot! Gracie got Champion at her last horse show at the New Classic show in Cartersville, so that was exciting! I went to the Bahamas to just celebrate my new found happiness in life, and I am now kicking in gear for another horse show at Rivermont this weekend. The horse shows just continue to grow with an exceptional quality of people and horses from all over. We are now expanding by doing a winter series at the Tri State Facility in Cleveland, TN starting in November. I have an awesome new boarder moving in Friday from Atlanta. I am getting more and more judging offers all the time, and have 4 different hunter shows I'm judging over the next couple of months in Atlanta. (which has my next goal at aquiring my "r" card so you'll run into my smiling little face at the "A" shows as your judge! LOL) My girls that are at my farm are just the best! Peri is now riding with Mitzi, who is an incredible trainer, and is WINNING everything in sight! Paige has returned to the jumper ring and is WINNING everything in sight too! Paige and I rode as a team in a Hunter Pace last Saturday and placed 3rd in the Advanced group out of a bunch of horses and riders! That being said, I don't look back over the past year with sadness. I look back and say "Thank you Lord for removing what did not need to be there so you can use me in an even greater way".

All of this being said I now finally get it! The pain I went through earlier this year, I finally get it. God has removed the stuff from my life that was dead weight. He is leading me in the direction He OBVIOUSLY feels I need to go. The horse shows and judging opportunities have become so successful I have quit teaching, but that's okay! I feel it's like God said "Ashley, let that stuff go, I have something SO much better for you!". I love what I do, I know I'm good at what I do because God has given me a gift. I am so thankful that God saw the bigger picture and knew who needed to be in my life and who did not. I am so thankful for the people who have proven to be amazing friends that have shown what great character they have this year. Yes, it is painful when God prunes the "non fruit producing" branches in our life, but I FINALLY understand that those branches are pruned because God is trying to make room for new growth!

LIFE IS GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Together for 24 years!

My best friend in the world, Sultan, and I have officially been together for 24 years as of my birthday this year. I think of all we have been through together. He taught me everything I know horse wise it seems, which most of it was learned in a very physically and emotionally painful manner! He taught me how to win, but most importantly how to lose with grace! My dad bought Sultan for my 10th birthday for me, and we knew nothing. Neither one of us. We learned together, and I have scars to prove it! I started out barrel racing with him, and by the time I was 11 we began our Hunter/Jumper career. Sultan won everything in sight once he mastered his skills. We were year end Champions at Rolling Hills Saddle Club in 1989 and 1990 in the Low Pony division, Intermediate Pony division, and Reserve Champion in the Under Saddle Division. He always placed well at "A" shows too! This horse knew his job and did it beautifully!

To think, he was there when I was a little girl, when I got my drivers license, when I got married, when Gracie was born, when I got divorced. Sultan has been there for me through it all. Such a special thing he and I have. I can't imagine life without him. I tell him all the time that when he gets to heaven he has to promise to watch over me, and be the first to greet me when I make it there one day! I'm so very thankful for this horse. He roams around Rivermont like he owns the place, and during the day I'll find him in my garage by my car as if he's waiting on me! His favorite treat are Little Debbie Oatmeal Pie's. Oh I love this horse. He has been there for me when it seemed the world had turned against me. Anyway, I just wanted to share a few pictures. One is of us the first day I owned him, back in 1985, then 24 years later on my birthday at Rivermont.

As the clock ticks...time slips away

Today I turned 34. I can't believe it. I feel like time is slipping by and there are so many things I want, so little time. I spent yesterday with my friend Kathy Nava. We got pedicures, manicures, ate good food, drank good wine. It was a nice day! Tonight I'm going out with Cathy Gregerson and Marisa Goode to celebrate! Pictures shall be posted soon. Here are a few pics taken yesterday though.

As summer winds down

Since my last post Gracie has competed at the Rolling Hills Saddle Club horse show in Alpharetta, placing well. I think she got a couple of 3rds and a 5th. Then the following weekend we returned to Wills Park for the Ticket To Ride GHJA horse show where she got a 2nd, two 3rds and a 5th. She showed at Rivermont last Saturday in Open Walk Trot and Open Walk Trot Equitation and out of at least 10 horse and riders that were in the class got a 3rd in the Open and a 2nd in Equitation! I was so proud of she and her pony who she has named "Match Made In Heaven". Best of all though is her attitude. It was hard for her to understand you can't win everytime. Now, she comes out of the arena and says "Mama, is a 2nd place good? Did I ride well?". Then she turns to the rider who won first and says "Hey, good job!". THAT is what it's all about!!! She has managed to learn a very important lesson at 8 that took me a whole lot longer to learn! I'm so proud of you Miss Gracie!

A horse show or two...for just she and I

Gracie competed for her first time (outside of showing in leadline) at the July Rivermont show. She showed her new pony "Jose", who is a gift from God for sure, and won a first place out of 12 riders! She and Jose just really click. He really seems to like her. He has certainly played his cards right and will have a home for life for taking good care of my girl!
Then we showed at the Rolling Hills Saddle Club show this past weekend! The show was HUGE. Gracie decided Friday night at Wills Park to try and canter off of the lunge line for the first time. She looked so comfortable cantering her little heart out in the arena I showed Sultan in when I wasn't much older than her. It was a very emotional weekend for me, watching my daughter follow in my footsteps at the same place I have so many horse show memories at. She also got to go to Dover Saddlery, which believe it or not is the first "real" tack store she has ever been to! She jaw dropped when we walked in the door!

She got a 3rd, 5th and a 6th in the Beginner Walk Trot Canter classes. Jose missed a lead, which broke her heart, but I told her we'd work on that and there would be other horse shows. I have to say, it was probably the most fun I've had at a horse show in over 10 years! What a treat, a horse show weekend....just she and I! :)

Gracie, baby Will and I at Nightfall last night

That's My Girl!!!

Today was awards day at school. Gracie was one of only 2 kids in the entire second grade to be awarded the "Principal's Honor Roll"! I know I sound like a bragging mom, but I sure am proud of her!

Next week we leave for Conyers for the Regional Championships, then the 6th is another horse show on my farm. Plus I pick up Gracie's new pony in Chattanooga! Big week...so til then, please remember me in your prayers as I search my soul and decide where to go from here.

Gracie on Turbo

Took this today! Shortly after this was taken he dropped to the ground and rolled with her. She's okay though!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRACIE!

This time 8 years ago I was in absolute agony at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta as I was in the middle of giving birth to that adorable little girl we all know as Gracie. I remember when I was pregnant asking the Doctor "What if when the baby gets here I don't like it?". You see, I was never a kids person. The Dr. laughed and said "Oh, you will"! She was right! By far, my greatest accomplishment to date.



We had a party at the skating rink on Saturday. I invited 50+ kids and only 4 showed up. I was very sad for her, as it surely had to be a disappointment for Gracie. She made the best of it though and had a great time with the few who did come!

The adults had just as much fun! Cathy came along with Paige and Olivia, so we skated!




So Gracie is officially 8 years old. Where does the time go!

Great Horse Show & Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day! After a very large, successful horse show day yesterday here on the farm, I have spent most of today recovering. However, we did go to church which is always time well spent!

Proving once again we tend to worry for nothing, the horse show yesterday wound up having a huge turnout after having to postpone it one week thanks to the never ending rain from last week. From what I could tell everyone seemed to have a great time!

Cathy drove down from Chattanooga and did an awesome job as usual helping me with the show check in duties, which at times can be an ugly job! Denise announced, which I've decided is her calling in life and she's never allowed to quit! Marisa came down from Chattanooga and brought 3 week old baby William, whom I'd adopt if she'd let me. In fact I did offer to trade a horse for him, which I think she would have gone for! :)

We had a short rain shower hit around lunch time, but other than that it was a perfect day. I'm so blessed to have the people in my life who have proven to be real friends. True friends. It's funny, I'm learning there are people who will walk out of your life for a while because they truly thought it was for the best at that time. Though it hurts you love and respect them anyway. Then there are the people who you thought were true friends who walk away in the most malicious manner, but oddly enough you handle it with grace because you realize they weren't real friends after all and you move on. Life is an interesting thing that I'm still trying to figure out. Maybe I'll never figure it out. I honestly ponder how long I'll be doing what I'm doing now, because for some reason I feel change is in the air. Is God getting ready to make some big move and "suddenly" do something new and different in my life? Only time will tell, but til then I'm going to take the good with the bad, and ironically enough I can say that with all the dark clouds and storms that have been on my farm and in my life lately.....when the sun does finally come out you sure do appreciate it a whole lot more than you did! Spring is finally here, new growth, new beginnings, rainbows, sun. Here's to spring, in more ways than one! :)


Pictured here, my buddies Hannah Campbell from Wildewood Farm and Marisa Goode with baby Will.











Cathy (aka "Rivermont Security) helps out at the show check in, then Peri has her boots wiped by her dad. Dewey looked great on horse show day! He has finally fattened up since joining us on the farm! Amazing what a little TLC can do! :)

Conyers Adventure

What a weekend it was! Our group left in 3 vehicles for Conyers on Saturday around noon. I was riding with Cathy and Paige, James was pulling the trailer, and Denise & Peri followed him. About an hour into our trip Denise called and dropped the bomb that the truck and trailer were broken down on the side of I-75. Being that we were way ahead of them, we turned around and found them stranded. Long story short there, it turned out to be a bad alternator. A few hours or so later, we were on the road again! Our 2 1/2 hour trip ended up taking 6 hours, but none the less, we arrived safely in Conyers around 6pm Saturday evening.

Peri and Paige did a lesson Saturday night, and an exhausted crew of Rivermont Farm folks headed to dinner, hotel and a few hours of sleep before horse show day!

Peri and Never Say Never showed Sunday late morning in the Short Stirrup Division. First off, let me say, this show was huge! Not only was it a large show, the quality of horses were incredible. It was the H.J. Fox show at the International Horse Park in Conyers (where the Olympics were held in '96). Super dooper horses were everywhere! A little intimidating I must admit! However, Peri and Dewey rode near flawless rides! I was so proud! They won one of their jumping classes, and ultimately were Reserve Champion in the Short Stirrup division! She also placed 3rd I believe it was in the Equitation over fences. Yay Peri!

As the never ended day rolled on, it finally came time for Paige and Matinee to show. She ended up showing in the 3' Childrens Hunter division and the 3'6" Working Hunter Division. Honestly I was a little nervous for them when I looked out there and saw some GIANT jumps waiting for this pair! She rode the heck out of Matinee though and won some 2nd, 3rd's and 4th's!!! This was their first time even attempting such giant fences at a show! Once again, I was so proud!

I totally love watching these girls work so hard at home, and then to have their hard work pay off at a show nearly brings me to tears. I have to admit watching Matinee do a 3'6" division up against some sweet warmbloods (and beating them!) choked me up! Matinee was born right before my eyes, and after sending her to my friend Hannah Campbell for 30 days to break her, I finished this mares training. To watch her go from birth to soaring over such impressive fences and placing well....ahhhhh....it just did my heart so much good.

As we were packing up to go, Peri's mom Denise accidentally locked the keys in her car. I can't repeat exactly what was said, but lets just say I think she was a little frustrated! LOL! We called the Conyers Police Department and much to our delight a very handsome police officer came to our rescue. Actually, he didn't succeed getting into the truck, but we enjoyed watching him try. (with goofiness and giggles!) Another police officer showed up and got in the truck. The Rivermont crew was finally on the road around 9pm. We arrived safely in Lyerly at 11:30pm. I tucked the horses in, grabbed a shower and made it to bed by 1:30am. Horse showing...gotta love it! As my buddy Mitzi put it best, "This is the kind of stuff that horse show memories are made of!". Well said Mitzi. I'll remember this one forever!

(photos from top to bottom: Matinee and I, then I'm fighting with a problem in the horse trailer on the side of the interstate...nice shot huh? I fixed it though as you can see. Peri soars over a fence, then we have her showing off how well she did! Then we have Paige and Matinee. Mitzi and I fighting over a much needed bottle of Vodka, and finally Officer Hot Pants works on Denise's truck!)

Horse Show Weekend, Away This Time...

The Rivermont family is headed to Conyers this weekend! I will of course post photographs and results Sunday night!

The toothfairy wanted to visit, but....

Gracie obviously wasn't willing to part with her tooth! She left for school this morning with it barely hanging on. I imagine it will be gone by this afternoon!

My new black Beamer

Announcing the latest family member, I introduce "Beamer"! Last night Gracie and I adopted a precious black lab at the McKamey Animal Center in Chattanooga. Last October my Lab cross "Oscar" was killed, which was just the beginning of MANY heart shattering things I would go through over the months to come. I didn't think I wanted another dog to "replace" Oscar with, because frankly there is no such thing. Beamer has a similar disposition though, and I have already totally clicked with him! I believe this is the beginning of a long over due healing process of my very broken heart. I've begged God to make me better because I'm so tired of the hurt that seems to sufficate me on a daily basis, and I think Beamer may be the answer to a prayer!

Gracie loves him, and he is equally fond of her! He loves my dad of course, although all animals love him! Look for future Beamer stories! I'm so excited to have a dog to take on road trips with me, or to Nightfall this spring in Chattanooga. I'm so thankful for my new friend! Oh, and so is Buddy our 3 legged Lab. He is SO excited to have a friend to play with!

Easter

Easter Sunday was an uneventful, yet lovely one. Gracie, Granddad and I went to church. Gracie is the only child in our church so she was a hit in her little dress, hat and gloves!

We came home, colored eggs and had a grand Easter egg hunt. Being that I don't cook much, we sort of enjoyed BBQ purchased from some guy off the side of the road and ate from Styrofoam plates. I know, real traditional. Maybe next year we'll have a "real" family dinner. Turkey, dressing, the works! It's good to have a goal!

I hope everyone enjoyed their Easter and remember what this day is really about.

A few Florida pictures

We're home safe and sound. I wanted to share a few pictures from this past week with you all!