Troopers for Christ
Feb. 17, 2009
Spring Into Fun Horse Gaming Show, Pierce County, WA State

Spring into Fun Show
Horse Gaming Show
Saturday, March 28nd  
Frontier Park/Pierce County Fairgrounds
Registration:  7:00 am (Come Rain or Shine)
Classes begin @ 8:00am
Sponsored by:  Horsewise & Otherwise 4-H

Get rid of your cabin and barn fever by springing into
the next show season.  Come stretch your legs and flex
your horse and have fun doing it.   Helmets and Boots
required (under 18).  
Try something new!
Instruction and demonstration before each class.
Whether you’re Novice or Experienced, Gaming or
Performance come join in the fun of exercising your horse. 
 High point awards!   Concessions available.

Receive a DISCOUNT for pre-registering_ $
4.00 a class or
$25.00 for all day.
 (Includes Fun Games and $5.00 non-refundable
 handling fee).
Same day registration $5.00 a class or
 $30.00 for all day (includes Fun Games). 
Any questions call Lori 360-832-6744
 or Shelly 253-843-0567.
Pre-entries must be postmarked by March 23rd.
      _____________________________________________________________________________
Check one for High Point:
____Beginner: (any age)   ____ Jr.(3rd-5th)
  ____ Int.(6th-8th) 
 ____ Sr.(9th-12th)   ____ Adult 
(Walk/Trot/lead line)
Check class(es):
 1.  ____Key Hole  
____2.Flags
  ____3.Figure 8 
____4.Pole bending 
____5. Barrels   ____6. International Flags
*** Fun games to follow as time and weather allows ***

Pre- Classes___ at $4.00 ______
Exhibitor_________________________________        
   Pre-All day or $25.00__________
                                    (includes Fun Games)
Horse____________________________________          
     classes_____  at $5.00_________
All day for $30.00____________
Total Amount Due $___________

Phone number: __________________________                     
                                    (includes Fun Games)
Signature (required) ____________________________          
(Parent if MINOR)  ______________________________

Make checks payable to: Horsewise 4-H.
Mail entries to:     Horsewise 4-H Club 
P.O. Box 1628, Eatonville, WA 98328. 

(Fundraiser for Horsewise and Otherwise 4-H Club.)
The above signed agrees; that exhibitor named on entry
 enters at his/her own risk & releases PC 4-H,
PC Fairgrounds & Horsewise 4-H from any liability
 or damage to horse and rider, equipment or property. 
Exhibitor agrees to abide by all rules both
 written and announced.   

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Jan. 24, 2009
My Friend SUNSHINE Gave Me a BUTTERFLY AWARD!


I'm not sure if this award will post here for me but my friend, Sunshine gave me
this lovely, sweet award! Thank you!

You can check out her blog at:
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Carrots/

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Jan. 19, 2009
Rummage/Tack Sale for Barn Fire Victims, Spanaway, WA

We are go to have the Rummage/Tack Sale on Saturday, Feb. 7th from 10:00 to 5:00 pm.  It will be at the Country Schack Gifts Shop at 4020 224th St. E., Spanaway, WA 98387.  We are looking for any items that people would like to donate to the benefit of JayDeen, Aubrey and Crystal.  All proceeds will be divided between these three that lost their horses in the barn fire on Dec. 11, 2008.  There were costs that were incurred that we would like to help out with- besides their hearts being broken.

If people would like to bring any of their items to the Horse Leaders Meeting this Wed night Jan. 21st that would be great or they are welcome to bring them to the Country Schack at 4020 224th St. E., Spanaway, WA 98387 anytime.  Please call Jaenette 253-250-8533 for directions and drop off.  Items to be delivered that day can be brought in from 8:00 to 10:00 am on the 7th.  On the same day there will also be a Chocolate Contest and vendors for the Chocolate Festival- This is a Heart Association benefit.  So if you have nothing to donate please come and and support both benefits and have fun.

If you have any questions, please call me at 360-832-6744 or email me at lqgsunshine@aol.com or go to the Website at www.countryschackgifts.com . All items that are donated that do not sale you are welcome to pick up at 5:00 pm that day or they will be donated to the Salvation Army.  This rummage/tack sale is not in place of our Horse Dept. tack sale to be held in March.

Thank you all for your wonderful support of these 4H people.  Let's bind together to help heal them.
Sincerely, Lori Grohs, Horsewise & Otherwise 4H Club

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Jan. 9, 2009
Your Horse is Your Gift

I LOVE THIS ONE!
 
Your Horse is Your Gift
 
To have a horse in your life is a gift. In the matter
of a few short years, a horse can teach a young girl
courage, if she chooses to grab mane and hang on
for dear life. Even the smallest of ponies is
mightier than the tallest of girls. To conquer the
fear of falling off, having one's toes crushed, or
being publicly humiliated at a horse show is
an admirable feat for any child. For that, we can be
grateful.
 
Horses teach us responsibility. Unlike a bicycle or a
computer, a horse needs regular care and most of it
requires that you get dirty and smelly and up off the
couch. Choosing to leave your cozy kitchen to break
the crust of ice off the water buckets is to choose
responsibility. When our horses dip their noses and
drink heartily; we know we've made the right choice.
Learning to care for a horse is both an art and a
science. Some are easy keepers, requiring little more
than regular turn-out, a flake of hay, and a trough of
clean water. Others will test you - you'll struggle to
keep them from being too fat or too thin. You'll have
their feet shod regularly only to find shoes gone
missing. Some are so accident-prone you'll
swear they're intentionally finding new ways to
injure themselves.
 
If you weren't raised with horses, you can't know
that they have unique personalities. You'd expect
this from dogs, but horses? Indeed, there are clever
horses, grumpy horses, and even horses with a
sense of humor. Those prone to humor will test you by
finding new ways to escape from the barn when you
least expect it.
 
Horses can be timid or brave, lazy or athletic,
obstinate or willing. You will hit it off with some horses and
others will elude you altogether. There are as many "types" of
horses as there are people - which makes the whole
partnership thing all the more interesting.
If you've never ridden a horse, you probably assume
it's a simple thing you can learn in a weekend.
You can, in fact, learn the basics on a Sunday, but
to truly ride well takes a lifetime. Working with a
living being is far more complex than turning a key in
the ignition and putting the car or tractor in "drive."
In addition to listening to your instructor, your
horse will have a few things to say to you as well. On a
good day, he'll be happy to go along with the program
and tolerate your mistakes; on a bad day, you'll swear
he's trying to kill you. Perhaps he's naughty or perhaps
he's fed up with how slowly you're learning his language.
Regardless, the horse will have an opinion. He may choose to
challenge you (which can ultimately make you a better rider)
or he may carefully carry you over fences - if it suits him. It all
depends on the partnership - and partnership is what it's all
about.
 
If you face your fears, swallow your pride, and are willing to
work at it, you'll learn lessons in courage, commitment,
and compassion in addition to basic survival skills. You'll
discover just how hard you're willing to work toward a goal,
how little you know, and how much you have to learn.
And, while some people think the horse "does all the
work", you'll be challenged physically as well as mentally.
Your horse may humble you completely. Or, you may find that
sitting on his back is the closest you'll get to heaven.
You can choose to intimidate your horse, but do you
really want to? The results may come more quickly, but will
your work ever be as graceful as that gained through trust?
The best partners choose to listen, as well as to tell. When
it works, we experience a sweet sense of accomplishment
brought about by smarts, hard work, and mutual understanding
between horse and rider. These are the days when you know with
absolute certainty that your horse is enjoying his work.
 
If we make it to adulthood with horses still in our
lives, most of us have to squeeze riding into our
over saturated schedules; balancing our need for
things equine with those of our households and
employers. There is never enough time to ride, or to
ride as well as we'd like. Hours in the barn are stolen
pleasures.
 
If it is in your blood to love horses, you share your life
with them. Our horses know our secrets; we braid our
tears into their manes and whisper our hopes into their
ears. A barn is a sanctuary in an unsettled world, a sheltered
place where life's true priorities are clear: a warm place to sleep,
someone who loves us, and the luxury of regular meals. Some
of us need these reminders.
 
When you step back, it's not just about horses - it's about love, life,
and learning. On any given day, a friend is celebrating the birth of a
foal, a blue ribbon, or recovery from an illness. That same day, there
is also loss: a broken limb, a case of colic, a decision to sustain a
life or end it gently. As horse people, we share the accelerated life
cycle of horses: the hurried rush of life, love, loss, and death that
caring for these animals brings us. When our partners pass, it is
more than a moment of sorrow.
 
We mark our loss with words of gratitude for the ways
our lives have been blessed. Our memories are of joy,
awe, and wonder. Absolute union. We honor our horses for their
brave hearts, courage, and willingness to give.
 
To those outside our circle, it must seem strange. To
see us in our muddy boots, who would guess such poetry
lives in our hearts? We celebrate our companions with praise
worthy of heroes. Indeed, horses have the hearts of warriors
and often carry us into and out of fields of battle.
Listen to stories of that once-in-a-lifetime horse; of
journeys made and challenges met. The best of horses
rise to the challenges we set before them, asking little in
return.
 
Those who know them understand how fully a horse can
hold a human heart. Together, we share the pain of sudden
loss and the lingering taste of long-term illness. We shoulder
the burden of deciding when or whether to end the life of a true
companion.
 
In the end, we're not certain if God entrusts us
to our horses--or our horses to us. Does it matter?
We're grateful God loaned us the horse in the first place.
 
Author Unknown
 

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Jan. 7, 2009
Pierce County Flood Emergency Center INFO.

Pierce County opened its Emergency Operations Center this
morning in preparation for predicted flooding on three local rivers.
The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for the
rivers in Western Washington, including the Puyallup (above),
Carbon and Nisqually rivers in Pierce County.
ORTING: 700 Orting-area residents urged to evacuate homes
SUMNER: Sumner advises some residents to get to higher ground
CLOSED: Roads, highways throughout region under water
PASSES: Avalanches, mudslides close all three mountain passes
SHELTER: Shelter opens for displaced Pierce County residents
SCHOOLS: Stormy weather prompts school closures, bus changes
BLOG: Get updates on road closures and flooding on the Lights & Sirens blog
 

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Jan. 7, 2009
Pierce County Flood Evacuation Alert Animals Housing....

URGENT INFORMATION:

I just spoke with the Pierce County Parks and Recreation Department.
If you need to evacuate or know of someone that needs to evacuate and
have animals Frontier Park (This is a park on Meridian just north of the
Graham Safeway on Meridian and 224th. It is the at the next stop light north of 224th)
is being opened up to house animals. From Nancy S. at Pierce County Extension 


Michelle at JMJ Stables in Graham, WA also has called and she has
places for animals too. Sometimes she says Frontier Park fills up.
Call 253-222-6816


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Jan. 2, 2009
Rummage/Tack Sale for Barn Fire Victims, Tacoma, WA AREA

Greetings,

We would like to organize a rummage/tack sale.  The proceeds would go to Aubrey, Crystal and JayDeen.  So if people are going to be going through their closets and barns soon, please keep in mind that there will be a fire victims rummage/tack sale.

The sale will probably be in early February. Exact date and location to be announced.  Thank you to all the 4-H Clubs that have been very supportive of these people.

Sincerely,

Lori Grohs,
Horsewise & Otherwise 4-H
For more information please contact Lori at: lqgsunshine@aol.com

Here's a link to one news story covering the barn fire:

 

Fundraiser For Barn Fire Victims
Clip_Summary_Image
Play_Now_Button


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Dec. 19, 2008
Merry Christmas 2008!

 Christmas Blessings in the Lord!
Love, Bernie, Marie, Nate & Joy
Roxy, Ima, Snickers, Spike, Thumper & Miss Kitty



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Dec. 16, 2008
Hilarious Roosting Roosters!

We are easily entertained 'down on the farm'. We had fun with these three roosters,
so I grabbed the camera to capture a bit of the action. Thank you to our dear friend,
Nancy, for sharing her wonderful critter farm with us!

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Dec. 16, 2008
Barn Fire Victims' Memorial Service: Monday, December 22, Spanaway, WA

Hi Everyone, 


There was a barn fire last Thursday that took the lives of 15 horses in the Summit area of Puyallup/Tacoma, WA.  Four of those horses were 4-H horses.   However, Horsewise 4-H club along with friends of Horsewise are hosting a Memorial Service on Monday, December, 22nd for all the horse owners that lost horses.  It will be held at Real Life Family Center on 176th and 28th Ave., Spanaway, WA at 7:00 PM.

There will be a silent auction and a gift box for donations for the fire victims. There are financial needs that need to be met. All proceeds will be divided and there will be separate envelopes for those that would prefer to designate who they want their money to go to. 

But foremost, your attendance would be wonderful.  Please notify your friends because I don't have everyone's e mail address.  I know a lot of you have asked me what you can do, so that is why I have sent out this bulk e mail.  We need to get the word out.

Thank you for all your support.

Sincerely,  Lori Grohs, Horsewise & Otherwise 4-H
lqgsunshine@aol.com

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Dec. 4, 2008
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

 IT'S OKAY TO SAY MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
 
 These boys are telling it like it ought to be.
.
click here

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAckfn8yiAQ


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Dec. 3, 2008
Save Our Horse Farms News

Dear Horse Lover,
I strongly encourage you to attend the Department of Revenue hearing this Thursday in Yakima which will impact the future of the horse industry in Washington State.  The Yakima hearing will be similar to the one last month, but I doubt there will be the same outcry from the horse industry over in Eastern Washington because they are not as polarized as we have been in the Western Washington/ Puget Sound area.  Likewise, many cattle ranchers dont understand the horse industry and how it will affect all horse owners in Washington State.
 
In fact, I just got off the phone from the Yakima County Assessors office and they will be there.  And guess what?  They do NOT think horse farms that board horses or give lessons/training should be allowed in the "farm and agricultural" classification of the Open Space Act.  They are concerned that horses aren't "used" on "real farms" anymore and since the anti-horse slaughter legislation, we don't export horse meat anymore.  While I don't like the thought of horses going to slaughter, I never realized the unintended negative consequences it is having on the horse industry today.
 
What can we do?
  • Go to the meeting this Thursday in Yakima (I know it is a long drive but losing places to board/train/race our horses is worth it).
  • Encourage friends in Eastern Washington to attend and SPEAK UP at the meeting.  Now is our chance.  If you go and don't talk, how can you convince the assessor's offices that horse boarding should be allowed?
  • Write your legislator and tell them of your concern. They are our last hope if the DOR kicks horse farms out.
  • Continue to write the DOR about how the boarding and training of horses contribute to a product, that is a more valuable horse than before which can be sold. Show how if you dont have horse farms to board or train the horse, you dont have a product.
  • Write DOR before Dec 17th.   The 31st of December is the DORs deadline to issue their emergency rule.
  • Go to http://SaveWashingtonHorseFarms.org and learn more
 
The DOR has scheduled a meeting in Yakima for Thursday, December 4, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.  The meeting will be held in the Upper Terrace Conference Room of the Red Lion Hotel at 607 E. Yakima Ave, Yakima, Washington  98901.
 
Thank you for your continued support to preserve the equestrian industry in Washington State.
Sincerely,

Dana Kapela
Save Our Farms Coalition
http://SaveWashingtonHorseFarms.org

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Nov. 20, 2008
Unwanted Horses Survey to Answer

Just posting this survery regarding "Unwanted Horses" for your information. This is from the Pinto Horse Association or America and is a nationwide survey. The link would not remain a 'hyper link' when posted
so you will have to copy/paste it into your browser.

For Horses, Marie


Unwanted Horses



Pinto Horse Association of America Inc.
is a proud member of the Unwanted Horse Coalition, a broad alliance of equine organizations that have joined under the American Horse Council and strive to reduce the number of unwanted horses and to improve equine welfare through education. To help the UHC solve these problems facing the nation's horses, please take the quick, anonymous survey by clicking the link below.

http://survey.ictgroup.com/uhcsurvey/
A Call for Help: Your Input is Needed in a Nationwide Survey on the Problem of Unwanted Horses

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The problem of unwanted horses is being studied through a nationwide initiative of the Unwanted Horse Coalition (UHC) with help from equine associations, veterinarians, breeders, state and local law enforcement, horse owners, rescue/retirement facilities, and other facilities using horses. The first step is an online survey - and everyone with an interest in the welfare of horses is encouraged to respond at http://survey.ictgroup.com/uhcsurvey/.

With tens of thousands of unwanted, neglected and abandoned horses in the United States, some say the problem is a fast-growing epidemic. However, much remains unknown. Currently, there are few documented facts about the accurate number of unwanted horses, their age, sex, breed, recent use, value or what happens to them in the long run.

"Although there are numerous media reports and much anecdotal evidence of a growing problem with unwanted horses, there have been no studies or surveys done to attempt to document it," said Jay Hickey, president of the American Horse Council (AHC), the national association that represents all segments of the horse industry in Washington, D.C. The UHC operates with the AHC. "The downturn in the economy, rising costs of hay, the drought that has affected many parts of the United States, the costs of euthanasia and carcass disposal, and the closing of the nation's slaughter facilities have all made the problem worse. But no one knows its magnitude. That's why the first step toward a solution is to gather and examine the facts. The goal of this survey is to get the input, observations, opinions and suggestions from anyone and everyone involved with horses."

The Study on Contributing Factors Surrounding the Unwanted Horse Issue will be instrumental in filling factual gaps with actual data on:

-- Awareness of the unwanted horse problem and perceived trends in recent years
-- Level of concern
-- Factors contributing to the problem
-- Direct and in-direct experience with the issue
-- Actions taken by owners
-- Expectations about responsibility and assistance
-- Solutions
Phase I of the study is an online survey of people most affected by and involved with the issue of the unwanted horse. An independent research firm developed the questionnaire and is hosting the online survey site at http://survey.ictgroup.com/uhcsurvey/. The firm will also tabulate and analyze responses, and provide a full report.

A comprehensive view of the problem depends on representation from all corners of the horse industry, according to Dr. Tom Lenz, chairman of the UHC. "To ensure the broadest possible participation, we're working to involve a variety of individuals, associations, state and local agencies, and equine-related companies to actively encourage their constituencies to take the survey and voice their opinions."

The American Association of Equine Practitioners defines the term "unwanted horse" as, "Horses which are no longer wanted by their current owner because they are old, injured, sick, unmanageable, fail to meet their owner's expectations, or the owner can no longer afford or is incapable of caring for them." This definition, according to Lenz, is a starting point to discover what's causing the problem and what can be done to correct it.

"Regardless of how horses reached this state, every owner-and the equine industry at large-has a responsibility to ensure that everything possible is done to guarantee the humane care and treatment of unwanted horses," Lenz said. "Our message now is to please go to http://survey.ictgroup.com/uhcsurvey/, and provide us with feedback. Answers will be confidential. More important, this feedback will be invaluable in developing a strategy to solve the problem."

The American Horse Council (AHC)

Founded in 1969, the American Horse Council was organized to represent the horse industry before Congress and the federal regulatory agencies. The AHC promotes and protects all horse breeds, disciplines and interests by communicating with Congress, federal agencies, the media and the equine industry. The AHC is member supported by approximately 160 organizations and 1,200 individuals representing every facet of the horse world, from owners, breeders, trainers, veterinarians, farriers, breed registries and associations to horse shows, racetracks, rodeos, commercial suppliers and state horse councils.

The Unwanted Horse Coalition (UHC)

The mission of the Unwanted Horse Coalition is to reduce the number of unwanted horses and improve their welfare through education and the efforts of organizations committed to the health, safety and responsible care and disposition of these horses. The UHC grew out of the Unwanted Horse Summit, which was organized by the American Association of Equine Practitioners and held in conjunction with the American Horse Council's annual meeting in Washington, D.C., in April 2005. The summit was held to bring key stakeholders together to start a dialogue on the unwanted horse in America. Its purpose was to develop consensus on the most effective way to work together to address the issue. In June 2006, the UHC was folded into the AHC and now operates under its auspices.

Contact:

Unwanted Horse Coalition
Julia Andersen, 202-296-4031
Director
jandersen@horsecouncil.org

or

Stephens & Associates
Cathy McCormick, 913-661-0910, Ext. 115
cathym@stephens-adv.com




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Oct. 29, 2008
Working at the Property


For more nifty Show n Tells
go to:
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Canadagirl/




Bernie fixing the front
gate AGAIN! If the workmen
can't undo the lock they
just lift the gate off its
hinges. This gate needs
help but will 'do' for now.

The previous owner
left 2 other gates that
we don't use. Bernie
is using a grinder to remove
very thick, rusty chains off
the gates so we can use
them some where else.
I'm easily entertained by
all the sparks!

Power tools are awesome!



Pounding in the metal
T poles for the horse
pasture is a family event.
Joy holds the ladder,
Bernie holds the T pole,
Nate whacks it in with
the mallet. I was useful
for deciding where I
wanted the pasture
fencing and photographing
the moments. I think maybe
the person holding the T
pole should wear a hard
hat.
Shift change: Bernie
whacks the T pole, Nate
holds it and Joy still
holds down the ladder.


After this, the guys decide
Joy should hold the ladder
and not be taking photos like
she did for this picture. Bernie
has spent hours working at the
property and we aren't even
building the actual house but
there is PLENTY of work.

He's been on strike from the
Boeing Company and using his time
wisely. Praise the Lord there
seems to be an
acceptable contract for
the members to vote on this
Saturday!!! November is
certainly "Voting Month"
for our family.

I wasn't 'just' taking
photos. I was scooping
up broken glass, metal
scraps and debris. Joy
and I have spent many
hours doing this. Some
years ago a lot of this
debris was dumped on
the property. We call
this "Environmental
Reclamation" for
the our school record
books.
 


We spent a lot of time
sweeping floors in the
house and cleaning the
windows. Joy showed
me where she was
hiding for a game of
Hide & Seek. It's a
silly shot with our new
bathroom fixtures.

The building crew put
in the nook and kitchen
linoleum, light fixtures
and started on the
kitchen counter laminate
this week.

We thought it was neat
to see how the finish
carpenter put the
baseboard around the
rounded corners.

More and more front porch
progress. See those rocks?
I spend a lot of time chucking
glacier rocks out of the yard
around the house. More
work-outs for mom!
 


That pile of stuff on the left it where
I've been carrying and chucking
rocks. 

Bernie's job 4 hours a week when he's not working
at the property. He earned $150/week for doing this.
He called the strike his 'vacation'. Prayerfully this
will no longer be his part-time job and he will
be back to his full-time work very soon.  All the time
at the property was useful but having an income is
rather 'useful' too!

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Oct. 24, 2008
This Week's Home "Improvements" on "This New House" Show n Tell


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go to:
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Here's Nate already looking
through the cupboards. This
week we have cupboards and
the counter bar. Subflooring
is going down for the linoleum.
The counter laminate is waiting
to go on.

The 'colorful view' inside
and outside of the house looking
to the back pasture from
the kitchen.

The wide plank wood
look for the foyer floor
was added yesterday.

Joy was excited to see she
has closet doors today!


We have our master counter
top and sinks now. Today we
have a working toilet too.


This is something you
don't see every day.
Are you ready for what
this is? It's a toilet
waiting for a bathroom!
 

The front porch railing is on
and the skirting is next.  A
homeschool dad, "Mr. Bob"
is building this with a bit of
help from Bernie, Nate and
his friends. I have some
wisteria in mind for this
porch.

All of this means....
we NEED to start
PACKING to MOVE!

Joy and I took a walk to
the back of the property.
There's nothing like God's
handiwork in nature. Fall
color is BEAUTIFUL!

More of the back acreage.



Fall color and Mt. Rainier. I had
to pull over and snap a few
photos of this pretty scene
on the route to our new home.


"He makes me lie down in
green pastures, He restores
my soul...."Psalm 23

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Oct. 23, 2008
Did You Ever Dream of Getting a Horse for Christmas?



Did you ever dream of getting a horse for Christmas? You can get a sneak peek of our Fall issue and see Nancy Carter's first horse! Oh, and she's not the only one sharing her childhood pictures. You'll see photos from the 50's through the 80's.
But, you'll need the Fall issue of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine to go on this walk down memory lane.
 
Plus, do you like to create holiday memories? The brand new TOS holiday E-Book can be yours, too. It's all about the fall and winter holidays - mainly Thanksgiving and Christmas. But it's not even for sale yet. This is your chance to get it first  - for FREE ($12.45 value)!
 
Normally when a person subscribes, their subscription starts with the upcoming issue which can take a while. But, TOS thought about that when they planned their  Fall Special.
 
If you subscribe now with their Fall Special, you'll get:
  • Almost 50% off the cover price for 2 years
  • The current Fall issue as soon as it is ready
  • 6 Bonus gifts
  • 12 months of Teacher's Toolbox, which contains a FREE E-Book every month
  • PLUS, the new E-Book, Homespun Holidays for FREE!
    This is over $250 worth of product for only $39!!

CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE NOW! 


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Oct. 22, 2008
Army Mug


The US Army mug Nate earned for
me by doing NINETY PUSH UPS
at the Puyallup Fair! I can't even
do one push up and I'd be hurting!

It's too special to use. But if I do,
I'll drink my cocoa in it!

How sweet of him and what a lot
of work!

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Oct. 15, 2008
Welcome to the House of Many Colors! Friday Show n Tell

For more nifty Show n Tells
go to:
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Let me begin this Show n Tell by saying
we have lived in an all white interior house
for 8 years. I wanted to try a variety of colors
in the new house. Joy and I spent HOURS
selecting colors, analyzing them in the
store, in the new house,at the model
display house with the other house
fixtures we selected, and  in our current
house with the furniture and accessories.
Nate and Joy selected their room colors after
some time selecting wall paper borders.

I also wanted the house to be upbeat
and warm colored to counteract the
gray, rainy days here. I prefer warm
colors.  So here it is.....



I loved the greens on one color
chart. This is grape leaf on the
bar and corn husk on the wall.
I see fields of these colors now
all the time and ooh, and aaah.


In the nook, the yellow is wickerware. 
It should go very well with our
nook table and L bench.

Nate says the house looks

like a wanna be Jamba Juice
I LOVE Jamba Juice and its
upbeat energy and drinks.
So we have some fruit
smoothie jokes about the
house now.

Okay, I liked corn husk so much
I have a WHOLE room of it.

  Yes, yes, it's the watermelon
look. This is the foyer and it's
going to look great with our
pictures on the walls with this
'delicate blush' color that
extends into the living room.

 Men tend to gasp when
they see 'pink'. I did show
the colors to my
husband before we made
final decisions. He left the
choices up the kids and I.
We've given some of the
construction crew men
something to talk about!
I think our painter was going
crazy having to 'cut in' all the
colors.

Nate coined Joy's room
"The Welcome to Heaven Room"
He had me laughing as he'd
walk in her room with his arms
outstretched saying, "Welcome
to Heaven, my son."

Joy selected this sky blue to

go with her running horses
wall paper border. Later,
she got to help paint the green on the
bottom half of the walls.
Without  the border on it
the colors don't  make
sense but it will with the border.



Okay, Nate in his room.
The room closest to a
'cave' or camo as I'd let
him go. I think he wanted
a slightly darker brown
and I told him, "Not in my
house." I tease him it's
the peanutbutter and mold
room.

Nate looked at the rest of

the house and said,
"At least I have my room..."

He took a paint brush and

touched up areas, put his
hand prints on the floor
and had a creative time.


Here's a sample look at
Nate's wall paper strip
called "Stag Creek". After
showing him many options
he really liked this one of
cabins in the dusk with
lights in the windows and
stags by the creek. It's
definitely "Mantastic!"
as he'd say.

After the trim, carpet and

 fixtures are in we will put up
 the wall paper borders. We
don't want the wall paper torn
or dinged by the other work
 left to do.


Master Bedroom and Bathroom:
Delicate blush and glass bead.
It will go nicely with our burgundy
curtains and bed spread. Joy
and I checked all these colors
with our current accessories.

These rooms look better without

 the plastic on the  windows. Eew!

Bernie's comment was it's pink

and blue since it's a his and hers
room. He's learning what to say.
Ha!

Joy and I selected a desert dirt
type color for the laundry room.
We wanted it to hide dirt and
even the linoleum for this
room will have streaks
to hide dirt.

The bonus room color is

home song and I call it
my lemon meringue pie room.
I didn't get the photo hosted.
I really like it. We made sure the
color would look good with
the green on the pool table.

The front of the house with the
front porch being built. I'd like
to have the doors painted the
darker green as well.

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Oct. 9, 2008
Six Quirky Things About Me Tag!

Pam tagged me and wow, is she quirky.
I'm glad I know her quirks!
Find Pam and her bag of unspectacular
quirks at:

http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/hip2schoolathome/

I am inviting the following blog friends
to be tagged:

naytJoyKuuleilani, Sunshine HorsieBabe and Stef

Joy has accepted the tag at:
JoyKuuleilani

 

Here are the rules:

Link to the person who
tagged you.
Post the rules on your blog.
List 6 unspectacular quirks
you have.
Tag 6 bloggers by linking
to them.
Leave a comment on each
blog to let them know they
were tagged.

 

1) I always have to use a
certain style and size or
fork in our silverware
drawer. I do not drink
out of plastic cups at home.
My whole family knows this.

2) Just like Pam, I talk to
pets. I'll talk to your pets.
I hug, talk to and kiss the
upper noses of horses.
I'll talk to the cat, dog
and the rabbits. The pets
see
me and some
come begging for my
attention and some
do talk
back in their own lingo.

3) I can't leave the house
without a shower and make
up. Eeew, that's
just not 
acceptable for me to scare
folks otherwise. 

4) I  only drink non fat
dried milk with hot cocoa
in it and I don't like it all
stirred in but gritty. I've
been drinking this since
I was a kid. I start the day
with this instead of coffee.

5) I'm a night owl and
think mornings are lovely
but I can't get up and I am
more productive late in
the day. I can get lots
done late in the day and
my mom says I've been
like this since I was a baby.

6) I want to lead nature
tours for tourists from
around the world on
Mt. Rainier. Hopefully
from a Christian Creation
perspective. I would like to
lead horse trail rides
some where else with
the same theme but on
horse back. Saying all this,
I like to talk to
strangers. 

 

 

 

 

 


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Oct. 2, 2008
Lacamas Fair 2008, Friday Show n Tell

 

For more Friday Show n Tell posts
click on the button above!


This was a very beautiful and fun day. In August,
Joy and I got to take turns showing our sweet Ima
Bondfire at the tiny Lacamas Fair. Everyone parks
in this lovely meadow for free. The whole fair is free
except for the food! Ima and I earned this lovely
reserve champion ribbon in showmanship adult
class. Joy took the photos. It's one of the few horse shows
 I get to show Ima in all year so it is pretty special.




 This was the BEST FUN of all: Joy showed Ima in all the
intermediate classes based on the grade the horse
handler is in.  I showed Ima in the adult classes. We
earned the exact same ribbons in each category. We
won
our first trophies too.

Sometimes Joy and I have shared Ima and I've done
worse than Joy and some times better. We thought
doing exactly the same as
each other in our respective
age categories made the day extra special. 
A lot of our
friends were at this fair and
we made new friends too.
Our friend, Julie, loaned us her 'bling bling' saddle and
bridle to use.
The country atmosphere and the friendly
people at this small fair really make it
a huge success.

Joy entered baked goods, crafts and photographs and
I entered crafts and photos too. Our whole family
attended.  Our Happy Summer Memories!

 


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