Blaze (Baxter)

Here is a picture of Blaze running in the round pen. He was very excited to be outside in a new place. He is really a beautiful horse, but this picture doesn't do him justice! I do think he does have some Arab in him, because he "floats" when he trots. He is bigger than I remember. Almost the size of Doc, just not as bulky.

New horse (another one!)

Well, Leah bought herself another horse. He is 3, green broke, and energetic. She had ridden him this summer and made an offer, but the people didn't accept it. They were unable to sell him, so they put him thru the auction today so they didn't have to keep him for the winter. Leah was able to buy him there. He is a black paint (the previous owners thought he was an Arab cross) with a little white under his belly and a large white blaze on his face. Hence, his name Blaze. He hasn't been ridden much, so she will have her work cut out for her!

Graduation. . .

. . .from dog school! Hannah and Leah are seen here working hard to train the dogs. The class was as much about training the owners as it was about training the dogs. Glad we did it!

New Bike

Here is a picture of Andrew's new (used) BMX bike he bought from a friend recently. He likes getting lots of air under his tires!

Done. . .

. . . . with my postal exam!!! Glad to have that behind me. I went on Thursday to Hamilton to take the exam. It was hard and lasted 3 hours. The facilitator for the test was really laid back and we review for about 2 hours before we took it and then if we were stuck on a certain question while taking the test, we could ask him about it and he would eliminate the wrong answers for you. I think I did well enough to pass (I need a 75%) so I am not stressing about it. I have still been getting part time work at the St. Jacobs office which is busier than St. Clements. The hours are about perfect.

Missing. . .

. . . family camp. This is the first year in many that we have not gone to Life Action fall family camp. We normally are there the 2nd week in Oct. We have all been missing it (except for one) and will occaisionally talk about "what we would be doing at this moment at family camp." BUT, God knew way back that this would not work. I had my postal exam yesterday (a non-negotiatable) and Grandma Baxter just went into the hospital for a bowel obstruction. We would have had to cancel if we would have signed up, but God knew and kept us from signing up this year. While I miss it, I am again reminded about God's IS all-knowing and does look out for our best. PTL!!

Happy Thanksgiving

Yesterday, we Canadians had the day off to celebrate our Thanksgiving holiday. It was a beautiful, hot, sunny day and we went to Jim's sister and brother-in-law's house for a GREAT meal. Jim's family was there, so we had a chance to catch up with each other. After arriving home, the cowgirls went out for a trail ride until dark.
This week will be a busy week for work as I am scheduled to work Tues, Wed, Thurs, and Sat. Hopefully all goes well because one day I am working until close by myself and have to lock up and set the alarm system. I am a little nervous about that thing going off accidently!

Our Week

Just blabbing about our week. . . .
-Julia has just turned 7 and is happy to be growing up; the faster, the better! She has been riding Stella whenever possible and helping obedience train Odie. Since I worked 2 days this week and had to leave the house at 7am, she has had to be more responsible to get off to school on time. She had done well.
-Daniel is happiest on his dirtbike. He has been a bit forgetful about closing the gate to the horse pasture after he finishes, so he has had to "practice" several times going in and out! He is making friends with a new neighbor who is in his class. Yeah for someone his age in the neighborhood to play boy stuff with!
-Leah is currently looking to build some horse jumps. We do have access to some free lumber (one source is our old swing set) and some wood working tools. She is researching how much it will cost HER to build them. We do have a pattern on building the jumps. The weather has been perfect for riding, but does have to been done right after school is over because daylight is SHORT!
-Hannah is busy with piano and homework. She is also helping train Odie for obedience lessons and likes doing this. She is at the mall with her friends at the time of this post (a place she loves being at!) She has been very helpful in making the mornings I am gone go smoothly for the rest of the kids.
-Andrew is busy with volleyball every night of the week. Today, he gets to miss a whole day of school (too bad!) to go to a tournament. Their team is not doing too well, but he is learning lots. We were given an outdoor volley ball set from some neighbors who moved, so we just need to secure the posts in something sturdy (and portable) so we can play beach volleyball in our sand arena. (can't forget to scoop the poop!) Not much time for riding his dirtbike, though!
-Jim is busy working on his bargain trailer for the dirtbikes. He is now at the wiring (lights and brakes) stage and should be finished within 2 weeks. He does need to take a break and fix the van brakes (no pun intended). They are dragging and making awful noises!
-I am busy ranching (yippee!) when I am not working. I love doing the outdoor stuff and the weather has been gorgeous. Sometimes on Sunday afternoons, Jim and I take the motorcycle out for a ride to see the fall colors. God is great! It is SO beautiful!

Happy Birthday, Julia

Yesterday, we celebrated Julia's 7th birthday. Here are some pictures of her opening presents and her cake. Notice the gummy worms on the cake. Grandma Baxter always makes our kids' cake as part of her gift to them and spoils them with decorations like this! Julia got to have friend over on Saturday and also got to choose her birthday supper. She has expensive taste; she chose ribs on the BBQ and mashed potatoes with gravy. The top picture is her opening her crocs (imitation ones) which she has been asking for. She also got a princess diary set and gymnastic lessons/pony club membership (not sure which one it will be yet!)