I've been thinking a lot lately about the difference between being ordinary and extraordinary....???? When, I break the word extraordinary down...it appears to me to say extra-ordinary, which gets me thinking....what does that mean?
There are lots of things that are ordinary in life...the sun comes up and the sun goes down, the seasons come and go..they are all things we expect. We get up, we go to bed, we eat, work, & play...those all seem to be ordinary things we expect too.
An ordinary day in my life consists of waking up, showering, spending time in God's word, taking care of the animals, going to work, feeding the animals again, (& my husband when he's home), catching up on my emails, laundry, ...etc...and finally, dropping off to sleep. What would make it or me extraordinary???
*Some people can bake & cook amazingly pleasing creations.....extraordinary???
*Some people are great with numbers...and finances...extraordinary???
*Taking care of little children or elderly...extraordinary???
*Being a parent, nurturing, disciplining, taking care of your family...extradorindary???
*Serving your community....extraordinary???
*Giving a 100 percent everyday to everyone and everything???
*Working hard to keep your body physically fit???
Mmmm...there are so many thoughts running through my mind...but, the more and more I think about the difference between being ordinary and extraordinary...I think it is how you use the gifts you are given....It's who you are as a person....your heart, your beliefs, your spirit. That's what makes someone extraordinary....it's not the things we do, or the reasons we do them, it's not the talents we possess or the possessions we have...it's the very essence of who we are. I think a truly extraordinary person is someone who shares a heart that desires to serve, help, encourage, build, go beyond the world's expectations, to truly be free of any "me-ness", and filled with God's spirit. Because all extraordinariness comes from God...when we clothe ourselves with his spirit, we become like him....and that is truly extraordinary!!! So, do you know any extraordinary people...if so, you are truly blessed! And, I hope we can all aspire to one day be extraordinary, not because of who we are, but because of who He is! Sweet blessings!
Sunday, May 25, 2008
The Cows are gone....Farmer's Market is here...
Just when life gets a little quieter around here...(The cows are finally in their summer homes, eating to their little heart's content!) And, three of the six horses went to join them on those lush pastures...so, it feels like vacation time here...only three horses to feed and 8 cats...it's just a five minute job!!!
But...as life goes, when the cows go, that means Farmer's Markets arrive!!! Last year Pat started going to Pendleton on Friday nights, Hermiston on Saturday Mornings, and Richland, WA on Friday mornings.....so, far this year he's ventured to Saturday mornings in Pasco, Friday nights in Pendleton, and in June Friday mornings in Richland! I know what you're thinking what about Hermiston??? Well, they decided to try something new...which means Wednesday nights on a side-street off main street. Good location...time change...mmmmm...well, that means on Wednesday evenings I'll be the one doing the Farmer's market! (Unfortunately with Pat's job, it's really hard to be home on a Wednesday night..) So...there you have it....I'm the one who will have to be the Sales person in Hermiston! Good-by Vacation!!!
It will be interesting to see how it goes....I, of course, will NOT be hauling the little freezer along...just a few coolers, a little table, the cash box and a sign...my motto is keep it simple! By now, most everyone knows about our beef...so, hopefully, it will be a snap. And, what I don't have they can order for the following week or I can deliver the next day! So, there it is....now, instead of "cow" stories...you'll be hearing "people" stories...hope it's interesting :D
(On another side-note...I only like working at farmer's markets that have nice bathrooms....Mmmm....that's not the case in Hermiston....better pray for me!!! I'm truly not a porta potty girl!!!...I may be a lot of things, but that has never appeared on my list!!!)
Hope my ramblings bring a smile to your day! And, hopefully, I'll get more time to post...Preschool end of the year craziness has been occupying my life! But, it's all over this week...which of course, makes me sad...I so don't like letting my preschoolers go :D I'll try to let you know how that goes! Have a wonderful week...Sweet blessings!
But...as life goes, when the cows go, that means Farmer's Markets arrive!!! Last year Pat started going to Pendleton on Friday nights, Hermiston on Saturday Mornings, and Richland, WA on Friday mornings.....so, far this year he's ventured to Saturday mornings in Pasco, Friday nights in Pendleton, and in June Friday mornings in Richland! I know what you're thinking what about Hermiston??? Well, they decided to try something new...which means Wednesday nights on a side-street off main street. Good location...time change...mmmmm...well, that means on Wednesday evenings I'll be the one doing the Farmer's market! (Unfortunately with Pat's job, it's really hard to be home on a Wednesday night..) So...there you have it....I'm the one who will have to be the Sales person in Hermiston! Good-by Vacation!!!
It will be interesting to see how it goes....I, of course, will NOT be hauling the little freezer along...just a few coolers, a little table, the cash box and a sign...my motto is keep it simple! By now, most everyone knows about our beef...so, hopefully, it will be a snap. And, what I don't have they can order for the following week or I can deliver the next day! So, there it is....now, instead of "cow" stories...you'll be hearing "people" stories...hope it's interesting :D
(On another side-note...I only like working at farmer's markets that have nice bathrooms....Mmmm....that's not the case in Hermiston....better pray for me!!! I'm truly not a porta potty girl!!!...I may be a lot of things, but that has never appeared on my list!!!)
Hope my ramblings bring a smile to your day! And, hopefully, I'll get more time to post...Preschool end of the year craziness has been occupying my life! But, it's all over this week...which of course, makes me sad...I so don't like letting my preschoolers go :D I'll try to let you know how that goes! Have a wonderful week...Sweet blessings!
Friday, May 16, 2008
Catching up...
Hello there! Back to May craziness I haven't found time to post for over a week...and now, I'm sure the suspense of what Daisy had is driving you crazy :D Well, it was a girl...am I getting good at telling baby calves by head size or what?? That just goes to prove once again that George Strait's song, "How 'Bout Them Cowgirls" really is true of me :D ha,ha..but, I don't know why he doesn't sing about the true realities of being a "cow-girl"...the one where you are at the tail end of the cow pushing it in the squeeze chute, or knee deep in muck, or covering yourself in alfalfa leaves at feeding time everyday?!?!? Even my hair dresser commented on that this week as she was trying to convince my hair to be blonde again :D (NO...I don't dye my hair, I just help it along a little with a few hints of blonde here and there!)and, apparently a spackling of green leaves here & there!
Let me think what has happened in my world since I last posted...well, my family came and we got my sister all moved into her new apartment...it's really nice..in fact, I could invision myself living there :D (Mmmmm...would that be the life or what...no lawn to take care, no animals demanding to be fed rain or shine, neighbors to keep an eye on, a maintenance man to come take care of any leaks or breakdowns :D) Remember when we all couldn't wait to get out on our own and get "real houses"...it makes me smile just to think about that time!
Next, Pat got home on Friday night from Provo, Utah, and had to leave Sunday by noon for Canada...okay, he was suppose to leave, but you know, things never go as planned with my sweet husband. I was really excited to head to church on Sunday to check our new Pastor...but, Pat was in a rush, he had to go to the other property and feed the cows there, then, come home move sweet Daisy and Cate, and two other cows to pasture...and still leave by noon. So, being the good wife that I am...I decided I should stay home and help him with it all...while he went to the property, I saw my parents off, and got his suitcase all packed...at 11:00 he's still not home, (and since he never wears a watch, I called to let him know the time...) I only got his voice mail...it gets to be 11:30, then, noon! Oh, NO....he's really pushing his luck of making his flight out of Pasco on time....finally, at 12:15 I decide I should head to the property to make sure he's okay...half way there he calls to say he's on his way home, that he had more to do at the property than he thought....(I told you our life is always eventful!!!) So, he asks if anyone is still at our house, because he'll just start getting undressed on his drive home so he can hop right in the shower...I tell him not a good plan, as my sister is here :D "Only take off your top half" :D So, he pulls in, runs into the shower, and I head out to unhook the horse trailer...pull his pick-up, get him loaded...and believe it or not he was on the road by 12:45! (I've never seen him get dressed that fast ever!!!) He does actually get there in time to catch his flight...and even remembers his passport...whew!! Bad news the poor cows had to spend another week at our house...they are sooooo ready for the taste of fresh green grass!
The rest of the week flew by too...It's almost the end of preschool, so I'm madly working on their little scrapbooks...my in-laws came for a visit, and I worked at preschool today for a co-worker who's gone on a mission trip.
The best part of the week, is I finally got my flowers planted in my planters..one more thing off my to-do list...yeahhh!!! So, there that's the excitement here for the week...and, hopefully, sweet Daisy, and little Cate..that's her name, will get to those green pastures this weekend!!! I hope each of you had a much calmer week, and that you can start Saturday free of any to-do lists! Sweet blessings!
Let me think what has happened in my world since I last posted...well, my family came and we got my sister all moved into her new apartment...it's really nice..in fact, I could invision myself living there :D (Mmmmm...would that be the life or what...no lawn to take care, no animals demanding to be fed rain or shine, neighbors to keep an eye on, a maintenance man to come take care of any leaks or breakdowns :D) Remember when we all couldn't wait to get out on our own and get "real houses"...it makes me smile just to think about that time!
Next, Pat got home on Friday night from Provo, Utah, and had to leave Sunday by noon for Canada...okay, he was suppose to leave, but you know, things never go as planned with my sweet husband. I was really excited to head to church on Sunday to check our new Pastor...but, Pat was in a rush, he had to go to the other property and feed the cows there, then, come home move sweet Daisy and Cate, and two other cows to pasture...and still leave by noon. So, being the good wife that I am...I decided I should stay home and help him with it all...while he went to the property, I saw my parents off, and got his suitcase all packed...at 11:00 he's still not home, (and since he never wears a watch, I called to let him know the time...) I only got his voice mail...it gets to be 11:30, then, noon! Oh, NO....he's really pushing his luck of making his flight out of Pasco on time....finally, at 12:15 I decide I should head to the property to make sure he's okay...half way there he calls to say he's on his way home, that he had more to do at the property than he thought....(I told you our life is always eventful!!!) So, he asks if anyone is still at our house, because he'll just start getting undressed on his drive home so he can hop right in the shower...I tell him not a good plan, as my sister is here :D "Only take off your top half" :D So, he pulls in, runs into the shower, and I head out to unhook the horse trailer...pull his pick-up, get him loaded...and believe it or not he was on the road by 12:45! (I've never seen him get dressed that fast ever!!!) He does actually get there in time to catch his flight...and even remembers his passport...whew!! Bad news the poor cows had to spend another week at our house...they are sooooo ready for the taste of fresh green grass!
The rest of the week flew by too...It's almost the end of preschool, so I'm madly working on their little scrapbooks...my in-laws came for a visit, and I worked at preschool today for a co-worker who's gone on a mission trip.
The best part of the week, is I finally got my flowers planted in my planters..one more thing off my to-do list...yeahhh!!! So, there that's the excitement here for the week...and, hopefully, sweet Daisy, and little Cate..that's her name, will get to those green pastures this weekend!!! I hope each of you had a much calmer week, and that you can start Saturday free of any to-do lists! Sweet blessings!
Friday, May 09, 2008
Daisy did it....
My sweet Daisy did it...she had her baby this afternoon, probably about a half hour to an hour before I got home! It's a very cute black calf....I was just on my way to check out if it was a boy or girl...while Daisy had her back turned getting a drink...but, she's much faster than me...and came running full steam ahead down the pasture with that wild New Mama look in her eye...so, I backed off...guess I'll wait until Pat gets home and let him do the honors! My best guess from the cute little head is it's a heifer...and that's soooo what I'm hoping for! Hope sweet surprises are happening at your homes too! Sweet blessings!
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Doing Something Right...
Today, I was caught by the words "doing something right" and actually, saw those words in action. Today, I actually took 10 minutes to sit down and check out the Ellen Show before I headed out to feed. I wanted to see it because on the Today Show this morning (NO, I don't just watch TV all day :D) they were talking about a story about some girls who had done something right. Probably most of you have heard about the story on the news...the one where an Oregon softball team had a player who hit a home run and as she was running back to touch first base, tore out her ACL. Two girls from the opposing Washington team actually asked the umpire if they could pick her up and carry her back to home-plate. On Ellen today, of course, she was commending them for being so good to an opposing team (who actually ended up winning the game)..and, their reply was.."we didn't do it for all the fame it's brought...we just did it because it was the right thing to do." That, their coach had always told them there were more important things than winning a game. It made me think "Wow!" How awesome, that in a crazy Me-centered world that we live in...there are still others who not only want to do things right, but do it without hesitation or thought! Just like I think God calls each of us to do...to truly serve, to help others and be a shining light...not because we have to, but because we want to and it's just the right thing to do.
Still yet another amazing thing happened that even drove that thought home more...Tonight my sister and I met at Shari's for dinner (as most of you know, she is having a rough time right now, her husband decided he didn't want to be married anymore, she sold her house and has desperately been trying to find a place to move...and so the story goes as you can imagine) We had a good visit and were waiting at the counter to pay...this older gentleman was sitting at the counter and I noticed as we walked by he was looking at my sister..then, he got up, walked past us to the restroom, making eye contact with her...(Of course, I told her...see, guys are already looking at you :D I figured she needs to that feeling of being attractive...) Anyway, he comes out of the restroom still watching her, goes back to his spot at the counter...we are still waiting...and then, gets his bill and comes to stand next to us. He asks my sister "If you cut off all your hair would you give it to me"? (He was bald on top with gray on his sides). She said "I don't want to cut my hair, but, I if I did I would give it to you. The next thing I know, he moves closer to her takes the ticket out of her hand, and said "I'd like to buy your meal". Well, if you know us girls at all...we always argue over who's going to pay...with whoever it is trying to pay....so, she said "Thank you...but, no I have to pay for my own meal"...she even said it to the cashier...please don't let him pay...but, he insisted saying..."This is my way of giving...instead of giving to charities, I just like to buy people's meals occassionally." My sister was totally at a loss for words...and gratefully said "Thank You very much"...of course we both did...and we left. On our way out she said "That was soooo very nice...and that has never happened to me before." She really had never felt the gift of a strangers help before. (Thankfully, God has blessed me in that way...and I soooo knew how that moment felt to her...and I was grateful that God was revealing himself to her in that way!) So, once again I witnessed "something done right"....he didn't do it because he was hitting on her, or because he wanted something...he did it because it was just right for him!
On my drive home I couldn't help but think about Hebrews 13:2 "Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it". How many times has a stranger touched your life in a special way???
The other verse that came to my mind was Luke 6:38 "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
I am inspired tonight...that I too, must make sure to "Do Something Right" each day...maybe it'll be as simple as opening a door for someone who's arms are full, or just letting someone go ahead of me in line at Walmart...whatever it is...I know it will be because that's what my heart is telling me to do! Sweet blessings
Still yet another amazing thing happened that even drove that thought home more...Tonight my sister and I met at Shari's for dinner (as most of you know, she is having a rough time right now, her husband decided he didn't want to be married anymore, she sold her house and has desperately been trying to find a place to move...and so the story goes as you can imagine) We had a good visit and were waiting at the counter to pay...this older gentleman was sitting at the counter and I noticed as we walked by he was looking at my sister..then, he got up, walked past us to the restroom, making eye contact with her...(Of course, I told her...see, guys are already looking at you :D I figured she needs to that feeling of being attractive...) Anyway, he comes out of the restroom still watching her, goes back to his spot at the counter...we are still waiting...and then, gets his bill and comes to stand next to us. He asks my sister "If you cut off all your hair would you give it to me"? (He was bald on top with gray on his sides). She said "I don't want to cut my hair, but, I if I did I would give it to you. The next thing I know, he moves closer to her takes the ticket out of her hand, and said "I'd like to buy your meal". Well, if you know us girls at all...we always argue over who's going to pay...with whoever it is trying to pay....so, she said "Thank you...but, no I have to pay for my own meal"...she even said it to the cashier...please don't let him pay...but, he insisted saying..."This is my way of giving...instead of giving to charities, I just like to buy people's meals occassionally." My sister was totally at a loss for words...and gratefully said "Thank You very much"...of course we both did...and we left. On our way out she said "That was soooo very nice...and that has never happened to me before." She really had never felt the gift of a strangers help before. (Thankfully, God has blessed me in that way...and I soooo knew how that moment felt to her...and I was grateful that God was revealing himself to her in that way!) So, once again I witnessed "something done right"....he didn't do it because he was hitting on her, or because he wanted something...he did it because it was just right for him!
On my drive home I couldn't help but think about Hebrews 13:2 "Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it". How many times has a stranger touched your life in a special way???
The other verse that came to my mind was Luke 6:38 "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
I am inspired tonight...that I too, must make sure to "Do Something Right" each day...maybe it'll be as simple as opening a door for someone who's arms are full, or just letting someone go ahead of me in line at Walmart...whatever it is...I know it will be because that's what my heart is telling me to do! Sweet blessings
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
My smile for the day...
I just wanted to share my smile for the day....I just got done feeding and watering all the critters, came inside and was washing up...I looked out my kitchen window...and there was my Daisy...(She was truly my baby when she was little...oh, she's a cow by the way :D) She us to come running full speed down the pasture when I would call her name...and snuzzle up to me when I rubbed her head...of course, that's been quite a few years ago...my sweet Daisy is 6 years old now...a real Cow and no longer my pet. Well Daisy is as big as a house and due any minute...it was warm here today, and all you Mama's know how good cool water feels when you are carrying around the weight of that baby, your ankles are swollen and your sweaty hot??? Well, I'm thinking that's just how my Daisy was feeling...there Daisy was at the water trough flipping water with her nose up into the air like an elephant letting it hit her head and back...it was quite hilarious...and something I'd never actually seen a cow do before, horses yes, cows no!!! She just kept doing it...like she was shouting...."Ooooohhhhhh..that feels heavenly !!!" Maybe tonight will be the night she has her precious baby...and if it's a girl..I might just have to name it Cate, after another special little baby that was born today! I'm still smiling....what a picture keeper that was! Sweet blessings!
May Craziness....
Is it just me, or is May one of those out of control months??? Finally, the weather is great and I feel the urge to work in my yard (which usually never happens :D) And, I have no time to accomplish that urge!!!
Because I'm so good at waiting until the last minute to finish projects, I am currently moonlighting like crazy to finish up my preschool books (I always keep my kids artwork and their pictures from throughout the year and try to put together a little keepsake book for them!) Pat calls it my self-induced stress...but, actually, it is something that is special to me and them :D Not to mention their families (some of whom never get to spend a day in our room!) Plus, you know I try to save all the fun, cool activities to do in the classroom in May...that would be making friendship t-shirts with all their handprints, an outside adventure day (either involving their bikes or lots & lots of dirt & water :D), and of course there is always a need for an ice cream sundae party!!!
I Love May...but, at the same time dread it....it's all bitter-sweet! The beginning of Spring and the excitement of Summer knocking soon...God's creation truly shining forth after the coldness of Winter...My kids having grown so much and being so capable of doing so much...but, then, it's having to say good-by, passing on frienships made. May is the freedom from coats, but the adding of sunscreen : D It's longer days...more time to do work :D May is magical when you are 3, 7, 10, 14, 17...it's counting the days until No more school...May is the beginning of family vacations and time spent camping and in the water. May....what can I say....how can you not Love it, even though it is the beginning and the end!
So, I hope each of you are enjoying May...not the craziness, but the sweetness & anticipation it brings! Sweet blessings!
Because I'm so good at waiting until the last minute to finish projects, I am currently moonlighting like crazy to finish up my preschool books (I always keep my kids artwork and their pictures from throughout the year and try to put together a little keepsake book for them!) Pat calls it my self-induced stress...but, actually, it is something that is special to me and them :D Not to mention their families (some of whom never get to spend a day in our room!) Plus, you know I try to save all the fun, cool activities to do in the classroom in May...that would be making friendship t-shirts with all their handprints, an outside adventure day (either involving their bikes or lots & lots of dirt & water :D), and of course there is always a need for an ice cream sundae party!!!
I Love May...but, at the same time dread it....it's all bitter-sweet! The beginning of Spring and the excitement of Summer knocking soon...God's creation truly shining forth after the coldness of Winter...My kids having grown so much and being so capable of doing so much...but, then, it's having to say good-by, passing on frienships made. May is the freedom from coats, but the adding of sunscreen : D It's longer days...more time to do work :D May is magical when you are 3, 7, 10, 14, 17...it's counting the days until No more school...May is the beginning of family vacations and time spent camping and in the water. May....what can I say....how can you not Love it, even though it is the beginning and the end!
So, I hope each of you are enjoying May...not the craziness, but the sweetness & anticipation it brings! Sweet blessings!
The results are in....
Okay, here are the results from that yard sale adventure...First, it's over...yeahhh...second, I survived it....third, the weather cooperated...only one quick sprinkle, and finally, all my 10 cent & 25 cent items made me $77.70!! And, I didn't have to bring any "treasures" back home....yeahhh!!! I would call it a success...especially for my sister, she had lots of large items, household furniture and outside furniture....her profit was over $700.00 :D Makes me want to do it again and this time sell everything that's not nailed down...ha, ha! Not really, I'm still not a professional at yard saling...and I don't foresee it becomming a talent of mine :D So to any of you thinking of cleaning out a few spots at your house...I say go for it....and then, treat yourself to a nice drink at Starbucks! Sweet blessings!
Friday, May 02, 2008
Yard Sales...
Yard Sales....what can you say...you either totally LOVE yard sales or you totally avoid them!
Well, it's finally time to add that word to my vocabulary...I don't know how or when I became such a collector or "everything and anything"...but, it's beginning to overrun every area of our home....so, it's finally time to jump aboard the Yard Sale boat! (I think boat is more appropriate than train...because it either sails or goes bottom up :D).
The thing about yard sales is...I never know what to price an item...and being as indecisive as I am...it's always over and over "Is that too much, Is it not enough"???....afterall, it's things I don't want, so why do I spend hours debating that thought?!?! Most of the time, I simply give it to Goodwill...but, my sister is moving and so desperately needs to have a yard sale...I thought she shouldn't experience it alone...and I think Mr. PPRM would absolutely love to have 80 percent of his shop back : D So, there it is...today, I'm beginning the fun job of placing those bright colored pricing stickers everywhere...and tomorrow, I will sit biting my nails, hoping I don't have a single thing to cart back home...hoping I have something that someone else truly wants or thinks they need :D And experiencing all the hard work a yard sale really is!!!
So, here's my acronym for Yard Sale....just for fun..
Y - You work yourself crazy trying to sell things of no value
a - await the outcome
r - rescue items before they find the wrong home :D
d - do your best to avoid taking anything back home....
S - Save your household from total clutter
a - always find something you didn't know you possessed
l - lots & lots of lookers
e - End...as in the End!
The sun is shining bright today, and the day holds a hint of spring actually arriving...wish me luck....Sweet blessings!
Well, it's finally time to add that word to my vocabulary...I don't know how or when I became such a collector or "everything and anything"...but, it's beginning to overrun every area of our home....so, it's finally time to jump aboard the Yard Sale boat! (I think boat is more appropriate than train...because it either sails or goes bottom up :D).
The thing about yard sales is...I never know what to price an item...and being as indecisive as I am...it's always over and over "Is that too much, Is it not enough"???....afterall, it's things I don't want, so why do I spend hours debating that thought?!?! Most of the time, I simply give it to Goodwill...but, my sister is moving and so desperately needs to have a yard sale...I thought she shouldn't experience it alone...and I think Mr. PPRM would absolutely love to have 80 percent of his shop back : D So, there it is...today, I'm beginning the fun job of placing those bright colored pricing stickers everywhere...and tomorrow, I will sit biting my nails, hoping I don't have a single thing to cart back home...hoping I have something that someone else truly wants or thinks they need :D And experiencing all the hard work a yard sale really is!!!
So, here's my acronym for Yard Sale....just for fun..
Y - You work yourself crazy trying to sell things of no value
a - await the outcome
r - rescue items before they find the wrong home :D
d - do your best to avoid taking anything back home....
S - Save your household from total clutter
a - always find something you didn't know you possessed
l - lots & lots of lookers
e - End...as in the End!
The sun is shining bright today, and the day holds a hint of spring actually arriving...wish me luck....Sweet blessings!
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Some Beach.....Some Where....
Oh, how I wish I was sitting on this beach in Maui again!