The Dogs

These are our dogs, Abby and Maggie. Abby is a 10-year-old Golden Retriever, and Maggie was a Border Collie. Maggie died this summer. We do miss Maggie.

Abby is a sweet dog. She loves to play fetch and a game we call "find it!" She loves children, and she'll let them do anything with her. Actually, Abby loves everyone that will pet her. She doesn't get as much petting as she would like, because she likes to roll in smelly stuff. We bathe her often! Abby got run over by a car in our driveway last summer, but she's a tough old dog. She is doing well now. We're thankful for Abby (smells and all).

Maggie was the smartest dog I've ever met. She herded our horses with out being taught, and she picked up on words so fast! This does not mean that she was an obedient dog, though. Maggie knew that we couldn't make her obey, so a lot of the time she did the opposite of what we asked. Maggie liked to hike and camp with us, and she was an athletic dog. She could keep up with the horses at a gallop for a long run. Maggie liked to swim, hunt for bugs, and sleep under our beds when it rained. She would open the front door, sneak inside, and tiptoe up the stairs to the room Annie and I share. Annie had to go up after her and drag the wet, muddy dog back outside. We have many funny memories of Maggie.

Tonight we are going to do our shopping at Whole Foods. We like to do our shopping as a family, because it is more fun that way. We'll also stop by the plant nursery to get the seedlings I need for our fall garden. Daddy is preparing the soil for the garden today. I'm excited about getting started on that! I planned my garden on http://www.growveg.com/. It was much easier than drawing it out on paper.

Here is today's memory verse:

Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Proverbs 30:5

Let me explain...

Ethel is not the author of this blog, Ethel is where the author of this blog is writing from. I, the author, am called Jill. Sorry for the potential confusion! :)

This morning I rode Peg. He was a very good boy, in spite of the distracting influence of a certain stray dog who has been hanging around for a week. This dog is so sweet! She is about a year old, and she gets along with Abby (who loves her) and even with other dogs who act aggressive towards her. She is good with our cats and loves people. She loves horses, too. Actually, that is the problem. She would like to play with Peg while I'm riding him. Peg and I are afraid that he'll step on her. We named the dog Bunny, but we cannot keep her. So, does anyone want a pit bull? ;)

Jack is one funny horse. He is big, heavy, and quite strong, but he thinks he is about the size of the average dog. Jack is always itchy, especially around the region of his tail. When big, goofy Jack scratches on things, things tend to not hold up very well. The end of this story is that Jack broke a fence board this morning. He sure was surprised. Sorry, Daddy!

About a month ago, Jack pushed the plywood siding off of the wall in Peg's stall while scratching his tail. While Daddy was fixing that, Jack scratched his way out of the pen behind his stall. Oops! We got him safely put away again. Good thing he's easy to catch. Next time we'll build your pen more securely, Jack.

On a more serious note, I'm going to be posting our family's daily memory verses as often as possible in this blog. Today's verse is Proverbs 28:25.

He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat. Proverbs 28:25 KJV

Introduction

Hello, and welcome to my blog! I hope you will enjoy reading what is written here. Let me introduce you to some of the various people and animals that are a part of my life.
The first and most important Friend that I have is the Lord Jesus Christ. I hope that he is a Friend of yours, too. The greatest thing that ever happened to me was when he saved me.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16 KJV

Our family likes to sing and study God's Word together, hike and camp, trail ride on our horses, and just be with one another.
My father is a civil engineer. He is a strong Christian man who strives to walk with God and lead our family in God's paths. I'm so thankful for him.
My mother is a homemaker and helpmeet to my father. She is a homeschool mom and a good example of a wife and mother following the Lord. She's also a good cook. :)
I have one sister, and her name is Annie. She enjoys playing many various musical instruments, such as the Mountain Dulcimer, the classical guitar, the fiddle, the piano... she'll play just about anything. Annie likes to spend lots of time with her horse, Buddy. Lately she's been teaching him tricks.
I guess I should introduce myself as well. I'm Jill. I like to read good books, and I enjoy just about any kind of crafting. This year I'm in charge of our garden, and I'm learning a lot from that. I love to spend time with my horses and my dog.
We have five horses, three cats, and one dog. Most of the time they all get along.
Rusty is our oldest horse at 19 years. He is a big sorrel quarter horse gelding, and he belongs to Momma. He is not ridden much anymore, as he is afflicted with heaves, arthritis, and a major case of grumpiness. He's a sweet old guy, though.
Then there is Poco. She is our only mare, and she is a few months younger than Rusty. Poco is also a quarter horse. She is mine, but she is not ridden much anymore. Poco was abused as a young horse, and gaining her trust has been a long process. She is still rather difficult to ride due to her nervous temperament.
Buddy is Annie's horse. He is a nine-year-old bay quarter horse gelding. Buddy likes to give ponyrides to children and do his tricks. He can shake hands and shake his head "no" when you ask him a question. Buddy is a well-trained cowhorse and reiner, but we don't compete.
Daddy's horse is Jack, a four-year-old dun quarter horse. Jack is still in training, and he is very laid back. He is a great trail horse. We keep wondering," When is he going to stop growing?" He's big!
Last but not least is Peg. He is my riding horse. Peg is a quarter horse/paint/appaloosa mix. He is nine. Peg is a frisky, mischievous troublemaker, and I love him.
Abby is our old golden retriever. She's also known as the yellow rug. Our cats are Aaron, Flea, and Spunkabitty. They are full of personality. We get a lot of laughs out of them.
That is our bunch. I hope you have a blessed day, and I'll write again soon.