Thursday, December 8, 2011

Tis the Season for giving!

Tis the season for giving!  Christmas is a time for giving gifts and sharing great stories. Christmas is a time spent with families and celebrating the birth of Jesus.   One of my favorite songs I heard recently is, Where's the Line to See Jesus?  Of course my favorite of all favorites is, Silent Night.   Where are our thoughts during this Christmas season.  I am guilty of buying to many gifts but it is the time of year to give.   As I have gotten older I ask my family not to give me gifts but to give the gift of a donation to ASPIRE.   As I have gotten older I realize that stuff is not so important.  It is the relationships that we build and maintain.  It is our attitude of gratitude!  It is our love for Jesus and mankind that are important.  As I have cleaned my house on this Christmas season and donated many totes to Goodwill and Salvation Army these donations cleansed my soul.   We don't need a house full of stuff.   All we need is the gift of love from those people we care about.  When you are considering what to give for this Christmas season I hope you will consider giving a donation to ASPIRE Therapeutic Riding Program.  The joy, love and laughter on the faces of the thousands of children that is served will melt your heart.  The beautiful horses will thank you thousands of times over.   Please consider your gift a blessing to all who enter our doors.   I wish for all of you a very blessed Christmas and a joyful, healthy new year.   Thanks so much ahead of time for your consideration of a donation to ASPIRE. www.aspiretrp.org 

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Christmas


Christmas by the Lake
Moore Farm and ASPIRE
So the story begins with Christmas by the Lake.  It is December 2010  and the Moore’s decide to take their vacation at a condo in Clear Lake.  Christmas by the Lake include: snowmobiling, laughing and playing with grandchildren, swimming, sitting in the hot tub(cold), shopping, shopping, shopping, Cabin Coffee, visiting, listening to Christmas carols, singing, dancing, watching the beautiful sunrises and sunsets on the snow over the lake.  The beauty of the frost on the trees was breath taking.   We watched the parade in downtown, fireworks over the lake, visited with Santa, ate and ate, watched people jump into the frozen water and then into a hot tub (Polar Bear Dip), went sledding.  We made lots of memories.  Marilyn was able to spend time with each of her grandchildren.    It was a Christmas to remember. 
On this Christmas as Marilyn celebrates her time in Clear Lake this year along with her family members we will treasure more memories and enjoy the peace and quiet of this beautiful house on the lake.   This year Marilyn and her family will spend Thanksgiving and Christmas by the Lake.  I believe it is becoming a tradition.  Clear Lake is truly her place of refuge.   It is where she can breathe and relax and enjoy the many blessings and memories she has encountered throughout the year.   It is a chance to reflect and thank God for the many blessings. 
Blessings you say, so many this year.  Marilyn and Don spent a great deal of weekends camping at various campsites.  Their favorite was Morwood by Oelwein.   It was great to spend so much family time by the fire and create different memories.   Marilyn has decided she loves camping as it gets her away from the everyday things.  Marilyn enjoyed spending camping time with Don, Dale, Christine and Kameron.
Blessings you say, more blessings with over 1,000 individuals served at ASPIRE with over 300 volunteers and 4,000 hours of service.  Blessings you say, successful special events, Let’s Dance, Cowboy Breakfast, Dances with Horses.  It was a truly awesome year.
Blessings you say, more blessings bestowed on ASPIRE with the new and returning employees, including Jen, Jenna, Molly, Bobbi and Alicia. Marilyn is truly blessed with the wonderful employees and the great service they provide.  Thanks to Larry for helping the instructors through their teaching hours.   It has been great to see them blossom and grow.  Thank you Cindy for helping Marilyn this year as ASPIRE trekked through all the changes.  
Blessings you say, more blessings with our horses, Sonny, Erika, Blue, Kily, Bo, Buddy, Benny, Cody, Pixie, Ginger and Maverick.   The horses give their hearts and souls to our great volunteers and participants.  They are amazing and Marilyn’s life has changed because of the relationships she has developed with these majestic animals.   Blessings from the beautiful barn cats, Snappy, Penny, Mouse and Patches,   Snickers the dog and Shadow the house cat.   Marilyn and Don are truly blessed to have Snickers with them as he developed an obstruction in his stomach and had major surgery.   He is fine now but they were very worried about him and have thank God for his healing powers along with Dr. Bixby. 
Blessings you say, a week over the fourth of July in Clear Lake brought us some very weird happenings.   The week was not complete without stories and scary episodes, from storms that knocked trees down to smoke alarms going off to TV running through channels and couldn’t be shut off, to Kameron waking up and talking to someone who wasn’t there.   Marilyn decided that this cabin was not for her.   She said she does not want to rent this cabin anymore.   It was a week of memories and small blessings, boat rides, sunshine, swimming and lots of work cleaning up tree limbs. 
Blessings you say, Camp Hope was a success.  The first time in the history of this camp ASPIRE had a college intern plan and implement this camp.  58 people were served and it was a wonderful week with all the campers.
Blessing you say, to all the wonderful volunteers, interns, horses, sponsors, riders, families, campers and ASPIRE’s board of directors.  
Blessings you say, to a new a beautiful granddaughter born in July, Briana Leigh Carley.  
Blessings you say, to a Marilyn’s husband Don.  His work and volunteering, along with her son Dale, her brother Craig and friend Rich for helping to keep the lawn beautiful, hay unloaded, bedding unloaded, keeping the fence fixed and all the maintenance projects around the farm.  Thank you to Don and Dale for supervising the Americorp team.  It was a true blessing to get the old hay out of the barn, ramp painted, arena painted, stalls cleaned with new sealer on the walls, part of the house painted, all the equipment cleaned and waxed and much more.   We truly appreciated the work they accomplished and the patience from Dale and Don in supervising the crew.
Blessings you say another Christmas by the Lake.   As I close please join the Moore’s and ASPIRE in celebrating Christmas for the true meaning, the birthday of Jesus.  Go out and create memories and enjoy time with family and friends.   Find a place of peace and relaxation as we have done with Christmas by the Lake.
Blessings you say, to Marilyn’s family, Craig (brother), Dale(son), Christine(Dale’s girlfriend), Kelly(daughter), Adam(son-in-law), Kameron, Justin, Autumn, Briana(grandchildren) and Don(husband).  Each and every one of you has contributed in making special memories for Marilyn this year.  Blessings came with laughter, work, fun, tears and memories.
2011 would not have been the same without all the special memories with family, friends, volunteers, riders, horses, coworkers, sponsors and our special pets.
A blessed Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us at the Moore Farm and ASPIRE.

Saturday, November 12, 2011

ASPIRE 2011

ASPIRE lesson year has drawn to a close.  I will miss the riders over the winter.  They are such a big part of my life during the spring, summer and fall.   Jen worked on our numbers for this year.  The total number served was 1089.  What an awesome year!  Thanks to all for making this a successful year.  We had a total of 322 volunteers. 123 volunteers from groups.   All adding up to a total of 4,303 hours.  This does not count my volunteer hours or Don's volunteer hours.   We had an almost entirely new staff this year.  This has truly been a year of teaching and facilitating.  I am so proud of Bobbi, Cindy, Jen, Jenna, Molly and Alicia for the great work they accomplished over the course of 2011.  Again Thank You All so much for making this possible.  Thank you so much Cindy for stepping in and helping to make this year run so smoothly.   I truly appreciated your kindness.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Thanksgiving and Beyond

Tis the season!  Thanksgiving and Christmas are fast approaching.  What are your plans?  How will you celebrate?  I will celebrate by being thankful for all the blessings that God has bestowed on me, my family, and ASPIRE.  I feel truly blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful people.  The horses are an amazing blessing.  Our family dog and cats are entertaining and blessings.   ASPIRE is truly blessed with the wonderful people that work here, volunteer here, serve on the Board of Directors, and all the wonderful people in this community that support ASPIRE through your financial gifts, time or service.   As a leader for over 12 years it has been an amazing journey.  I have experienced so much in the past 12 years.  Families that are struggling with children with special needs, volunteers, interns that are trying so hard to get through college and yet dedicate their time to help our riders and horses.   It is truly my faith in God and the blessing he has bestowed on me that keep me in the drivers seat to keep on keeping on.   I struggle with issues everyday.  My life is a roller coaster ride some day's.  My favorite saying is"By the Grace of God go I".   God will never leave us or forsake us.   He is always by our side carrying us through the hardships.  He is there giving us gigantic hugs.  He is there saying it is ok "I Love You".  On this holiday season I pray you will take a moment and thank God for the many blessings he has bestowed on you.  You see life is not about stuff it is about the relationships we have with God and how that affects our relationships with others.  I pray for all of you to have a safe, peaceful and very blessed Thanksgiving!  Enjoy this beautiful day and laugh a little, love a little, give a little and be thankful that God has blessed you with this day!  Go out and make memories!  Peace and hugs for a beautiful day!

Friday, November 4, 2011

Volunteer Recognition and Beyond

ASPIRE hosted it's Volunteer Recognition dinner Thursday evening.   It is always a night to remember.  A number of people came out to support the volunteers, riders and our wonderful horses.   A special thanks to our wonderful board members, Harold Getty, Kim Ihlenfeldt, and Larry Scura for supporting ASPIRE.  We truly appreciate your attendance and enjoy your presence.   A wonderful thanks and gratitude to our great staff, Bobbi, Jen, Jenna for being there to support all volunteers, riders, board and sponsors.   We appreciate them and look forward to working with them again this year.   Great team!   Thanks to Cindy Kline for all the help this year to help guide and teach our new staff.   Congratulations Cindy on Volunteer of the Year.  We could not have made it through this year without you.   Congratulations Jeff Porter on Barn Volunteer of the Year!  ASPIRE just wouldn't be the same without you and your mom keeping the barn clean and our horses healthy.   Erika our beautiful horse of the year!   Can't wait for her trading card!!    She truly is my sweet lady!   Thank you to my precious grandchildren Kameron and Autumn for helping to hand out the gifts to staff!  Thanks to everyone that helped decorate, cook, serve, and cleanup.   Thanks Craig for making it so easy to find our way around the kitchen.   You are a true blessing!   ASPIRE would not be the same without each and everyone of our great volunteers, staff, riders, horses, sponsors, board, interns and our families to support us.   Please join us in saying a warm thanks to all of those involved in making this year a success.  Thank you Lord for blessing my life with all of the great and wonderful people.   As we think about 2012 I hope you will consider, riding, volunteer, making a donation or being an intern.  Your presence and dollars at ASPIRE is the future success of beautiful program.   God bless and have a wonderful weekend! 

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Volunteer Recognition

I hope you will join us for the Volunteer Recognition on November 3rd.  It will be a grand night of celebration.  It is impossible to operate a program of this magnitude without the sincere and compassionate, dedicated volunteers, interns, board members, advisory board members and our wonderful staff.   A huge hug and gratitude go to all of you that have made this year possible.  A gigantic hug to all of our riders that light up our world and make it possible to see the real changes that happen on a daily basis. I want to honor our beautiful horses. These magnificent animals give their hearts and souls to make a difference.   Winter is long and we miss all of our riders and volunteers.  Please come and visit us and the horses.   You are always welcome to come and pet the horses and say hi to our staff or help Bobbi in the barn.  This year has flown by so fast.  It only seems like yesterday we were watering horses down because of the extreme heat and now we are thinking about the S word and cold.   Where does the time go.   What do we do with all  of our time.  Are we making a difference?  We are making a difference in each person's life that walks, drives or rides at ASPIRE.   A friend left me this quote: "ASPIRE to inspire before you expire."   I strive to inspire others and make a difference.  Please, Please join us Thursday evening, November 3rd at 6:00 p.m. for a beautiful slide show and free meal and celebrate all the great horses, riders, volunteers, sponsors, board members and staff.  It will be a night of joy and laughter and good food.   Please join our team in making a difference and inspiring others.  Go in peace and hug someone today.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Changes and life

Today is a new day! Rejoice and be glad in it!  Wow everyday we are faced with changes!  Changes in our attitude, changes in the weather, changes in the world, changes in the government, changes in our health, changes in our children, grandchildren, spouses, even our parents as they or we get older.  Everywhere we turn there are unexpected and expected changes.   This year I have learned so much from the many changes in my life.   This year has been a year for me to work on forgiveness and trust.   I have learned about letting go.   I have learned about appreciation.  I have learned there is a season for everything under heaven.  I had the honor of visiting a therapeutic riding center in Ill for the past couple of days and enjoyed renewing old friendships.   Realized that age has no bearing on how much we can accomplish.  As we remain dedicated and passionate and let go of some of our control and turn it over to others and God it makes is so much easier.   I have the good fortune to make a trip to Minnesota this weekend to revisit and renew more old friendships.  It is what God has in mind.   Changes in horses as they come and go. We welcome our new Tennessee Walking Horse Buddy.  Blue our Gypsy horse will be leaving for some training.  Then I am going to visit an Icelandic horse for potential donation.   Wow so many changes and our old horses just go with the flow.   I need to learn to just lean back and go with flow and not get so anxious about everything.  There is a time and a season for everything under heaven.

As we look at the many changes.  Please visit our website for our new attachments.  We are now on twitter, blog, facebook and yes even You Tube.  Please visit our page and print out our new annual appeal forms.  We would love to include you in our wonderful benefit package for being a donor.   Just fill out the form and mail it back with a check, or credit card.  We are offering a variety of options this year.  So I hope you will visit our website at www.aspiretrp.org and join us in helping ASPIRE be the best it can be in 2012.   Blessings for a great weekend.  Remember to take in the beauty of the changing of the seasons. 

Friday, October 21, 2011

Disabilities

An acquaintance posted this on her facebook page!  I remember this well!   I was not sure what was going on I just knew it was not normal.   I loved being in Holland!   I loved the challenge!  I loved the new books, and the workshops learning all I could about my child's disability.   I found that working with these children created a humbleness inside that I would have never felt without knowing about the disability.   I went through a great deal of loss and grief and learned to accept that I would never again be in Italy!  The beauty surrounding us sometimes becomes gray and dark dealing with the issues at hand.  I never dreamed I would be in the places I have been with this child.   I also know that my child taught about love, hate, anger, play but most of all he taught me the precious moment of everyday.   You see not only do I have children with disabilities, I have a number of family members with disabilities.  Life can get interesting when surrounded by it everyday.  The Lord put me in this place because I am strong and I love working and living with them.   That does not mean that some days aren't  hard.   Some days we need to take a break.  Some days we need to cry and even scream.  The day is done and we look back I would not change being in all the different places with all the different people.   My trip to Holland has been awesome!  Each and every stage took me to a different country and I am still experiencing those different countries with the children I serve and now my grandchildren.  I would not trade it for anything!  The Lord has blessed my life with these loving a beautiful children!  They are precious and beautiful because they are children of God.   God does not make junk!   They are all very special.  Have a beautiful weekend!   Enjoy the weather and breathe in the fresh air.   Blessings and peace. 

"Welcome to Holland"
By Emily Perl Kingsley, 1987. All rights reserved.
I am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with a disability - to try to help people who have not shared that unique experience to understand it, to im...agine how it would feel. It's like this......
When you're going to have a baby, it's like planning a fabulous vacation trip - to Italy. You buy a bunch of guide books and make your wonderful plans. The Coliseum. The Michelangelo David. The gondolas in Venice. You may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It's all very exciting.
After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The stewardess comes in and says, "Welcome to Holland."
"Holland?!?" you say. "What do you mean Holland?? I signed up for Italy! I'm supposed to be in Italy. All my life I've dreamed of going to Italy."
But there's been a change in the flight plan. They've landed in Holland and there you must stay.
The important thing is that they haven't taken you to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It's just a different place.
So you must go out and buy new guide books. And you must learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met.
It's just a different place. It's slower-paced than Italy, less flashy than Italy. But after you've been there for a while and you catch your breath, you look around.... and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills....and Holland has tulips. Holland even has Rembrandts.
But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy... and they're all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there. And for the rest of your life, you will say "Yes, that's where I was supposed to go. That's what I had planned."
And the pain of that will never, ever, ever, ever go away...because the loss of that dream is a very very significant loss. But...if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn't get to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things ... about Holland

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

The Important Things in Life

I have been reading so much about relationships with humans, relationships with dogs and the great service they provide.  I know there are many people that are struggling.  I would like to pause for a moment and discuss the important things in life.  Life is important to all of us in very different forms.  Importance to some is a beautiful house, beautiful car, beautiful furniture, beautiful and perfect children, being a perfect spouse, being a perfect employee or employer, being a perfect parent or grandparent.   Why do we think that all these things matter?  Why do we have to have stuff?  Why do we think we have to be perfect?   What is really important?  When our earthly life is ended do we really think that any of this is going to matter?   I live in a beautiful home and I share almost my entire home with coworkers, volunteers, husband, grandchildren, children, riders, dog and cat.  I share my property with literally hundreds of people every year. I have a den with two chairs and tv.   I have a nice bedroom.   I share the rest of the house to the public.   What is important?   At the end of the day I pray and thank God for giving me the ability to give back to those people that are less fortunate.   I pray ASPIRE and our beautiful horses have touched many lives.  I pray that our horses provide therapeutic moments forever.  You see ladies and gentlemen it does not matter if you are around them on the ground or on their backs or just hanging out with them you will find a therapeutic moment everyday for all the days of your life you are around them.  I know one lady that is around 80 and she continues to be around horses because it is what keeps her going.   I know teenagers that have found horses to be a positive outlet during those troubling years.  I pray each and every day that those that enter our doors will receive the positive impact that these animals have had on my life.   It is disheartening when parents no longer find this a positive service for their children.  I will cherish those that love and will continue to love these animals that give 150% of their hearts and souls to everyone.   I have learned so many things from these powerful and majestic animals.  I believe that animals can be a catalyst for many changes.   We must open our hearts and minds to the differences they can make.  What is important?  God must come first and then the relationships, how we treat each other and what we give back to each other are the most important.   I think when it is all said and done we will be judged on the relationships, the great memories we build and the differences we make in the earthly world we live in.   Go now with peace and love and make those differences.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Volunteer Recognition

It hardly seems our active season is about to come to a close in a couple of weeks.   Where has the time gone?  So much has occurred over the past 10 months.  Change is the word.  Big changes, little changes. Amazing events.   Amazing staff and truly awesome volunteers.  This program would not be the same without the individuals that dedicate their time and effort to make ASPIRE run smoothly .   Thank you so much to the volunteers that give their time in the barn, class, office, events and concessions. Thank you to all the awesome interns that assist with camp, events, office work and much more.  Your time, talent and skills makes ASPIRE operate on a day to day basis.   IT IS TIME TO HONOR these great individuals and groups.   We will also honor riders and our beautiful horses.  Each individual, horse, rider and family makes a big difference in the wonderful benefits that everyone receives from participating in ASPIRE.   ASPIRE is celebrating 12 years of service.   Honoring these individuals, horses, riders and staff seems like a small token of thanks for all they do.    Honor them we will on November 3rd at St Paul's United Methodist Church, 207 W. Louise Street, Waterloo, Iowa, 6:00 p.m.  There will be a free chili dinner and slideshow.   Your are welcome to come and join us in giving thanks to all these wonderful individuals, horses, and riders.  Special honor will go to Volunteer of the Year, Horse of the Year.    Thank you Lord for blessing our lives with wonderful riders, volunteers, staff and our beautiful horses.  Thank you all for making my job easier this year.  Thank you for your assistance with all of our instructors.   Thank you each and every horse for making a difference in the lives of our riders.   Thank you to our beautiful riders and families for participating.  Thank you Cody for making a difference in nearly 1000 peoples lives this year.   It has been a year of changes, love, beauty, and learning.  Love, peace and hugs for a beautiful day.

Monday, October 3, 2011

Life in the fast lane

Slow down you move to fast.  Got to make the morning last.   Are we living our life to fast?  Do you take time to smell the freshness of the autumn breeze? Do you take time to play in the leaves?  Do you take time to bliss in the beautiful sunrises and sunsets during this beautiful season?  Do you take time to tell the people you love, "I Love You"?   Do you take time to spend quality time with your spouse, children, grandchildren, family, friends and pets?   Do you take time each day to thank God that you are blessed with a beautiful life and wonderful surroundings?   There are so many that feel like life is not a bed of roses all the time.  We never know how much people are suffering, lonely, lost, starving for food and affection.  We don't know how many people don't even have a roof over their heads or at least a safe roof over their heads.   I am so blessed to have a beautiful home, awesome animals, awesome employees, awesome husband, beautiful grandchildren, awesome family, supportive children, wonderful volunteers, wonderful supporters, beautiful children that ride our horses and families that support ASPIRE by bringing their children each week.  I am truly blessed to have the opportunity to see these children prosper and gain strengths in all areas of their life.  I am truly blessed to have rewarding job on this beautiful land.  Thank you Lord for blessing my life and thank you for blessing me with ASPIRE.  Lord I can't wait for each day to see what it brings!!!!   Thank you Lord for blessing my life with all the beautiful horses, dog and cats.  Thank you Lord for blessing my life with the wonderful people that have crossed my path over the many years.   I have met so many wonderful people.   Words are not enough to express my gratitude.   I sincerely wish you a wonderful day with lots of peace and blessings.  I wish everyone the best life ever. 

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Dances with Horses

Wow!  Dances with Horses is over!  Shout out to the world what a great event!  Thank you to all the great volunteers and staff.  Thank you to the wonderful performers for making this night the best year.  The entire show was awe inspiring!  Thank you to Jenny from forever now photography for all the great photos.   Thank you to Eric for the video production.   Please check with Jenny for photos and Nepo Productions for the video.  It has been a experience that created memories that will last a lifetime.  Thank you so much to Bridget Bryson for announcing, Bill Quibell for the beautiful and inspirational singing.  Thank you to Sandy for the sound.  Ladies and Gentlemen most of the entertainment and all the individuals I mentioned either donated all their time or a least a portion of their time to make this night a success!  Thank you! Thank you!  Thank you to all the companies and individuals that provided silent auction items.  Thank you to each and everyone for your assistance in making the night go smooth and safe.   My husband told me as I was watching that he had not seen me look so peaceful.  I could have watched forever.   It truly is a night to remember.  If you were in the audience thank you for spending your money and taking the time to support ASPIRE and we hope that you went away with great memories.  Thank you Lord for blessing my life with wonderful supporters, friends and beautiful animals. Thank you for protecting us and keeping all of us safe on this great evening.  It is all you Lord that made this night possible.  It all happened this way for a reason and I bless and honor you.  2012  will be a wonderful time, so mark your calenders and stayed tuned for the date.  We will rock the auditorium.  Let's bring in the people and show them all this wonderful talent from right here in the Midwest.   Hugs and peace for a wonderful day.  

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Teaching and Learning

I have spent the weekend working and playing, teaching and learning.   I feel so blessed to have this job.  I am blessed to meet so many wonderful people and enjoy making memories and creating teaching moments.  It is out of these moments relationships and growth comes with awareness of how special God has made us all.    I watched as my granddaughter interacted with the horses, calves and just the beauty of the care she took in petting the animals.  She asked permission to touch each of the animals.   She got to feed the tigers and watching and listening to the man talk about working with this magnificent animals was a learning experience for me.  They are majestic and beautiful.   It was a time in space and a moment I will treasure.   My son came over and cleaned the camper.  What a great person.  It is all cleaned and ready to be put away for the winter.  I am sad that it is time as I enjoyed our camping trips.   UNI students helped us with cleaning stalls and putting away memorial garden items for the winter.  That was a great experience getting to know the girls and watching them work hard and learning about ASPIRE and the horses.  I am truly blessed with beautiful family, awesome grandchildren, great job and wonderful friends and of course the beautiful animals.  Please stop by and say hello to all the wonderful horses and enjoy a hot cup of tea.  We love to have people visit.   Thank you so much for blessing my life with this job Lord.  Thank you for the memories and the journey we are traveling on.

Sunday, September 11, 2011

9/11

I wanted to write today about 9/11.  I was standing in our then living room and left the room to go do something and my husband said a plane accidentally hit the World Trade Center.   I came to watch TV again and I was devastated to say the least.  I don't think I remember a day I cried so hard for people I did not know.  I remember saying why would they take so many innocent lives.  I just did not understand.   All those people, rescue, police, fire and emt's and dogs saving lives and risking their own.   All out of love and concern for their fellow man.   It will be a day that goes down in history.  It has changed America.  It has changed our world.  America will never be the same because of that day.   Please, Please pause for a moment of prayer and ask the Lord to guide and assist with the decisions we make.  I pray for peace and safety for those that are in NY to remember.   Keep these people in our prayers and keep America in your prayers.   The greatest of these is Love.  Go in peace and fill your days with joy, love, laughter.  Dance in the rain.   Play with your children.  Love them as you have never loved them before.   Tell everyone you love them and care about them.  Most of all never forget what this day brought to this country.  Concern for fellow man.   It will be a day that goes down in history.   May God bless each and every life with hope, love and belief in oneself. 

Thursday, August 25, 2011

New Mini

Our new miniature horse arrived and we excited to begin work with her.  Her and Cody have already buddies.  It is totally cute.   Some good exercise will help her a lot.   Continuing that work on Dances with Horses and can use some help.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Dances with Horses

ASPIRE is getting ready for some great entertainment.  Here they come!  Liberty Acts, Bridless acts, drill teams, fire act, roman riding, and our very own ASPIRE riders.   Please, Please join us on September 24, at 7:00 in McElroy Auditorium for an evening you won't forget.  Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for children and $30 for box seats.   Please visit our website at www.danceswithhorses.org for tickets, silent auction items and great fun. 

Thunder

Thunder is our little white pony that is a Welsh, Hackney mix.  Thunder just didn't seem to like the arena work.  He loved to be groomed, lead and loved on but just did not seem to adapt to the therapeutic riding.  Thunder has a brand new family now.  The family loves Thunder and he will be well taken care.   We are very sad that Thunder had to leave but happy that he is in a good home.   We wish Thunder well and hope to hear good reports about his progress.  Watch the Cedar Falls Times for an article about Thunder. 


Friday, August 19, 2011

Volunteer Highlight

Today I would like to take a moment to highlight one of our volunteers.  Cindy has been very dedicated to helping ASPIRE this year.  It has been an ever changing situation here at the farm.  Cindy has been the stable force to keep us going.  She comes and helps with programming and always helps or attends all of our events.  She has a very pleasing personality and we enjoy her love for the riders and horses.   Her horse Benny has been Horse of the Year and Cindy has been Volunteer of the Year.   What a great opportunity to say Thanks a million Cindy for all you do for ASPIRE.  

Monday, August 8, 2011

Camp Hope and beyond

Camp Hope is finished.  What a week!  Great fun and Great laughter and lots of activities were had by all.  The volunteers did a great job and all the campers participated.   Heat, goats and much more to round out the week of riding, grooming, fire department, humane society, juggling and lots more.    Campers had a great time at the Grout Museum and Lost Island Water Park.  Thanks to all the great people that helped to make this Camp possible.  

Time to say thanks to all the volunteers and staff for their awesome work.

Please join us for fall classes and Dances with Horses. 

We will also be looking for volunteers to help with UNI concessions this fall and winter.  

Join us for some fun, laughter and entertainment.  

Friday, July 29, 2011

Life this semester

Camp Hope begins on Monday!  Sixty campers and over sixty volunteers.   Lots of activities and fun with the campers.  They will be enjoying water, sports, crafts, horseback riding, grooming, music, cooking and a trip to Grout Museum and Lost Island Water Park.   It will be a great week. 

This next week would not be possible without the help of our wonderful interns, Noelle, Melissa, Jordan and Kristine.  A great thanks to all the wonderful interns that have helped to make this camp come together to be a wonderful camp.  I am looking forward to an exciting week. 

Thanks to Jen and Molly for their help and working together.   Thanks to Bobbi for enduring this awful heat and keeping our horses healthy and clean.   Thanks Jen for hosing and hosing and hosing them to keep them cool. 

This has been a stressful heat on our animals and it takes some extra work to keep them cool and safe. 

Looking forward to a day with Heartland Vineyard Church on Saturday. Then off to the races with the campers on Monday.   Have a safe and wonderful week.  Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers for a safe and fun week.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Cowboy Breakfast, etc.

Wow!  What a great Cowboy Breakfast!  ASPIRE served over 350 individuals.  Great turnout.  Mark your calendars for next year.   Hope you enjoyed the meal and will remember to tell your friends next year.


A special thanks to all the people that helped at the breakfast.  Everyone did an awesome job and I truly appreciate your kindness and service.   Thanks for helping to make this event a success.

Camp Hope is coming fast and we are in need of volunteers for the week.  Mark your calendars for August 1-5 from 8-3.  Enjoy some great activities, including horseback riding, grooming, water activities, Grout Museum, and Lost Island Water Park.  Come and enjoy the fun.  We are in need of about 65 to 70 volunteers each day.  Please help!


The heat is upon us.  Please pray for our animals and people outside.  Stay hydrated and cool.  It will break and get cooler soon.

Don't forget to mark your calendars for September 24th.  Dances with Horses.  www.danceswithhorses.org Great evening of entertainment.   Join us and have some fun.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Instructors

What a beautiful day!  Girl Scouts are here and enjoying the morning with lots of activities.   Mowing and trimming the lawn.


Class tonight with our wonderful riders.   Jenna will be teaching tonight.   Looking forward to some great classes.


Everyone is gearing up for Cowboy Breakfast and Camp Hope.

Please keep our instructors in your thoughts and prayers this weekend.  Jen and Molly are in Illnois.  Jen is going to get certified and Molly is going through the workshop.   I am looking forward to all the great information they will bring and pray for Jen as she takes her certification test.  

Please enjoy our continued post as the summer continues.  Stay cool and hydrated and remember to keep your animals safe in the heat.   I pray you are all enjoying a great summer.

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Vacation

Thank you so much to the entire ASPIRE team for the great work that was done while I was on vacation.  A special thanks to Bobbi for helping with weekend chores.   Please remember to join us Sunday for our annual Cowboy Breakfast at the UAW Hall from 8-1.  That is Sunday, July 17th.  All you can eat pancakes,   also eggs, sausage, ham, fruit, biscuits and gravy, coffee, milk, juice and water.  

Camp Hope will be approaching soon.  August 1-5.  Still need volunteers and there are a few openings for campers.  Join us for a fun filled week of horseback riding, grooming, arts and crafts, and Lost Island Water Park.   Great fun.

Don't forget to mark your calendars for Dances with Horses, September 24th.  Enjoy a great evening of entertainment and fun with horses.   Check out the website at www.danceswithhorses.org.

Thursday, June 30, 2011

ASPIRE VIDEO and happenings

It has been a beautiful week here at the farm.  Amazing children, amazing parents.  I enjoy visiting with the parents.  They are so appreciative of what we do.  We cancelled two Wed because of weather and one parent said this is Iowa.  We try real hard to make up the lessons that are missed.  It is so awesome to watch the children grow and the parents smile with their children as they ride. 

ASPIRE received a nice video yesterday.  Please watch this amazing video on ASPIRE facebook page.

Don and I drove to a farm to look for some hay for the winter.  What an amazing evening.   We had a great time visiting with the lady and enjoyed the evening ride on the mule.   They had two haflinger, fjord mix horses.  They were gorgeous.  

It will be hot so keep hydrated and keep cool.  Blessings to all for a wonderful 4th of July weekend.  

Friday, June 24, 2011

Life at ASPIRE

The week has come to an end and we are thrilled to have so many wonderful people come and help at ASPIRE.  We have wonderful interns, great staff, beautiful horses and a great time serving all the wonderful riders.  A special thanks to Bobbi and her team for the great work in the barn.   A special thanks to our program staff and horse staff.  Jen, Molly, Alicia and Jenna.  A special thanks to Jen for going the extra mile and getting the work done.  It is truly awesome to watch her blossom and grow.  Thanks to Alicia for the great work she does with all our horses.  Thanks to Molly for hanging in there and assisting with the paperwork.  I am looking forward to having Molly, Jen and Jenna become certified instructors.  Looking forward to seeing more of Jenna this year as an instructor in training.   Americorp finished their project with ASPIRE and is moving on to a new site.  They accomplished so much and we enjoyed all the great work they were able to get done.   Stop by sometime and see the great accomplishments.   Thank you to each and everyone that contributes to ASPIRE and I enjoy working with the volunteers, parents, board, advisory board, staff, interns, riders and horses.  You are all a great team and very special individuals.  Thanks and have a beautiful weekend.  Hope to see you at Sturgis Falls Parade or stop by our booth on Sunday and say hello.   Blessings for a great weekend.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Interesting Week

There is never a dull moment around the ASPIRE farm.  This week has been one of those weeks of interesting and different happenings.  Snickers our dog got sick this weekend.  Vet visit to find a mass in his stomach.  Turns out he had food stuck and it had to be removed.  This week Salvation Army has been at the farm.  Beautiful young children learning about horses.   Yesterday brought a group of wonderful young people from to help with a service project.   Working around the weather we were able to have class Monday evening and everything seemed to be going well went out of the corner of my eye in the field stood one of the ASPIRE horses.  It was a hairy moment to try and catch him.  He was one determined horse to get away.  After some exhausting exercise he was caught.  I think he loved playing the catch me if you can game.  Our five o'clock class went exceptional well and ended the evening with a storm early Tuesday morning and woke up to no power.  Mid America came out to fix it and his words were this is freaky.  Just a weird coincidence nothing to do with the storm.  What a deal!  It is only Wednesday folks.  Hope and Pray the week goes much better.   Have a wonderful rest of the week and continue keeping us in your prayers.   Thanks for following.

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Exciting Week

Our week began Sunday with returning Snickers the horse back to his owner.  She was so thrilled to get him back.  It was amazing to watch the connection.   Tuesday was a Cody visit and evening class.  Tuesday also brought an Advisory Board Meeting.  It was a small but wonderful meeting.   Wednesday traveled to Ames to get Erika tested for allergies.  She is allergic to some grasses but mostly bug bites.   Wednesday, Thursday and Friday brought Girl Scouts for programming.   What a joy to serve this excited little girls.   Classes went well on Monday and Wednesday evening.   A special thanks to Larry for giving so much of his time to help with classes each day and evening.  Thursday found 36 volunteers from Students Today Leaders Tomorrow at the farm.  Friday EPI was here to help.  It was a great afternoon.   Americorp has most of the house painted.  Stop out it looks nice.   Today ASPIRE is attending the Iowa Trails Summit.    Looking forward to meeting all the recreational people.  It will be a interesting day.   Sunday is Father's Day.  It will be a quiet day.  Happy Father's Day to all Father's and hope everyone can have an exceptional day with family.   Thank you for blessings our lives this week with so many great helpers, riders, staff and volunteers.  Looking forward to a great week next week.   Enjoy and peace and joy to you for the upcoming week.

Sunday, June 12, 2011

ASPIRE News

It is a new day!  Rejoice and be glad in it.  Moving a horse to Minnesota today.  Wednesday down to Ames to get Erika tested for allergies.

Today I wanted to talk to you about our mission.  ASPIRE provides benefits to individuals with disabilities through animal assisted activities and outreach programs, primarily through partnership with horses.

Horses are amazing animals.  They bring so much joy and love to each person they interact with.  A horse has a very intuitive sense.   They teach joy, peace, love, patience, gentleness, calmness, trust, respect,kindness, self-control, exercise, and a sense of spirituality.  They teach us to think outside of the box. 

ASPIRE has served thousands of children and adults with and without disabilities over the course of 12 years.  It has brought dreams a reality, it has brought joy and love, it has changed the quality of life of many individuals.   I think back 12 years and how far we have come.   I watch the Amercorp group outside throwing hay into a trailer, diligently working on painting the arena, and ramp.  Putting up fence posts and cleaning the barn inside.   What a joy to watch them give back.  This week they will be painting the office.

You see ladies and gentlemen this program not only changes the quality of life of the individuals we serve but the volunteers and staff.   Open your hearts and mind to a different way of life.  Think about a child that couldn't walk, can now walk his horse around the arena.  Think about a young man that could not say any words can not speak words you can understand.  Think about a child that couldn't swing or ride a bike, can know do both and more.  Think about a child that refused to be part of extracurricular activities at school and now can participate in sports.   Think about a child that is so afraid of horses can now ride her horse independently and in front of large audiences.  Think about a child that has suffered so much abuse that there is no love to find and then they find a horse and the love begins.   Think about a child that is ridiculed, teased, bullied and lost all sense of self-worth.  Imagine putting that child in an environment that no one cares what they look like or what labels they might have.  There is no judgements, labels, only the challenge to reach new levels of skill.  Imagine what that does for their self-worth.   Imagine being a child that the only way of survival is to exist each day.  Imagine a child in a wheelchair and has every part of their body strapped in.   Now visualize this child sitting on a horse with no straps only sitting with people assisting on each side.   Are you imagining the freedom.   Imagine that you no longer have to just exist that your life is filled with joy and love and you can now look forward to each day.  Imagine a senior that interacts for the first time with a little horse that loves to come and put his head in your lap.   Imagine the love this little horse gives to people that sit in places that sometimes don't get visits from people.  Imagine a senior that is able to visit about days gone by and this little horse is willing to listen.  Imagine someone that is suffering from life's tragedy and has decided life is not worth living.  Imagine now you are getting up every morning and coming to a peaceful place where each day you are giving back to others.  Imagine what a difference that makes in your life.  You see ladies and gentlemen a person can't achieve all these results in an office or home or television or video games.   This comes from a relationship with a beautiful horse and many adults that are caring, kind and want to give back. Imagine if you are a parent and you watch your fearful child ride a horse for the very first time.  Imagine a child that is filled with anxiety can now seat astride a thousand pound horse.  

Please help ASPIRE to continue bringing all of this and more to our wonderful community with your gifts of talent, money, volunteerism, and your children that are in need of services.   ASPIRE is proud to serve an individual no matter the ability to pay.   Help us to reach our goals and to strive to provide this community with a service that can bring joy to every child's life that is need of our service.   Your gifts of time, money, or service go towards changing peoples lives.   Please consider helping us grow and providing service to thousands of children and adults.  Dreams do come true.  It is with your help that we will be able to make many more dreams a reality. 

Friday, June 10, 2011

Exciting Days

ASPIRE was on the Front Page of the Waterloo Courier!   The Americorp NCCC was working on the office and ramp.  What a great promotion!!!!!   Then ASPIRE received a suprise visit from Teen Trust with a Jumbo Check.  ASPIRE was their favorite organization!   Then an email from CVS.  ASPIRE is a recipient of  a grant.  Wow!  So many things happening!  Board meeting!  Then Tuesday night is our Advisory Board Meeting!   Exciting things coming your way so please follow us on this blog.   Watch for all the news from the projects Americorp has been doing out at the farm.   ASPIRE had an article in the Cedar Rapids Gazette.  The Gypsy Horse Journal will soon publish and article about Blue Bayou.   I will be working on stories for Erika and Benny.   I enjoy writing about all the wonderful and exciting times we are having at the farm.   Let's get the ball rolling and get started with a great summer and good weather.  We have many programs planned for the summer season.   Watch for more news!  Enjoy and have a blessed weekend.

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Waterloo Courier

Good Morning on this very hot morning.  Hope everyone is staying cool and will enjoy the hot weather.  Sure prohibits us from class.   The Waterloo Courier was out yesterday to watch, take pictures and write an article for all the wonderful work Americorp is doing for ASPIRE.   We are looking forward to all the wonderful end results of this project as we move forward with the many work projects they are providing.   Hope you all have been watching the website and seen our newsletter.   We will soon have a brand new brochure.  

ASPIRE participated in the My Waterloo Days Parade and was honored with the equestrian award.  What a beautiful day and fun for our riders to ride in the trailer.   Noelle did a great job on the signs and we had fun with Cody and Ginger.  


Thanks to everyone that help with the parade.   Please keep watching for more and exciting news.  So follow my blog and catch the excitement.

Saturday, June 4, 2011

A day in a life of ASPIRE

Bobbi and Jeff worked hard yesterday supervising all the Americorp people.  They cleaned part of the inside of the barn.  3 stalls are cleaned mats, walls the works.   Part of the inside of the barn is cleaned, the empty hay loft will keep the barn cleaner.  Not so much dust.   Painting the ramp and powerwashed one side of the house.   It was a busy day.   Get ready Ginger and Cody for My Waterloo Days Parade today.  
Courier will be out Monday for an article about Americorp.   Classes begin on Monday.   Get ready for a busy summer.   Volunteers are needed to help with classes day time and evening.   Have a wonderful day. Please come and watch us in the parade.  Noelle and Jordan did an awesome job on the posters.

Friday, June 3, 2011

ASPIRE News

Good Morning,

It has been an interesting month.  AmeriCorp is working with us through June 30th.  They have gotten all of the old hay out of the hay loft.  We now have brand new tie up posts. They are painting the arena, ramp.  Two new doors are on the barn.   They have built a trench for water drainage in the pasture.  They are in the process of cleaning the inside of the barn.   They will begin painting the office next week.  Stop by and see all the wonderful work they are doing.

Jen is working full time and teaching on Monday and Wednesday evenings. 

This summer will bring Girl Scouts, Salvation Army and Bremwood for summer programming.

Jordan and Melissa are two of our PR interns.  They have been diligently working on getting donations and making the public aware of our upcoming Cowboy Breakfast on July 17th at the UAW Hall from 8-1. 

Noelle and Kristin are two of our Program interns and working on Camp Hope.

Alicia is working part time getting our horses exercised for classes.  She is working hard with Thunder and Blue. 

Molly is working on getting summer classes lined with students and volunteers.  She has been amazing at diligently working on finding those volunteers.

ASPIRE has now developed an Advisory Board and watch for updates on this wonderful group of positive and inspiring people.

ASPIRE is developing and mentoring three people to become certified instructors.  

I find it exciting and challenging to continue moving forward with so many possibilities.   It is rewarding to watch the children explore their new world of horseback riding.   We are enjoying watching Cody discover and make new friends at preschools, nursing homes and churches.  Cody loves to put his head in the laps of people.  He even visited inside a nursing home this year.  Watch for many more visits.

It is truly awe inspiring to watch and observe the interaction with each individual and the horses  that enter our doors.  Every person is touched in a different way. 

I want to say that we are very thankful and appreciative of the many people that helped to make Let's Dance a huge success.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart.  

As our summer journey begins watch for many updates.   Keep smiling and following. 

Marilyn Moore