Back to that....

I'm back to that post about Micro-managing a few weeks ago...Well, since I posted about my need to always micro-manage my husband...I decided I really need to spend time in prayer about just that...micro-managing...and give it to God! You know God always Has a way of answering us back :D And, that's just what he did this week....

It all started this last weekend, when as usual my husbands schedule was overflowing....This is the week he has to be in Utah again for the Powder River University trainings (which I so wish I could be at too...because it is a LOT of fun :D) And, as he is telling me about it on Friday at the Pendleton Market, he also says he is taking cattle up to McCary's to be butchered, and picking up all the meat orders to be delivered before he leaves town on Monday, plus move some cows, feed at the property, etc., etc....! I, of course, go into my immediate panic/anxiety mode...how can he get it all done so he can leave town before midnight! (I really, really don't like him driving late at night!!!) Now, here's where my prayers begin working...first, and foremost...I didn't say a word (this is HUGE for me :D) I just listened to his words, secretly trying to micro-manage a plan of how to help...and, as I was driving home, a familiar voice reminded me...I don't have to be in charge of my husband...someone else (who is much better at it) is already in control!! So, I just prayed God would remove my anxiety and that I would leave it in His Hands!
Guess what...it worked....instead of having to do it all on Monday, the butcher said Pat could bring up the cattle on Sunday night! Yeahhhh...Praise God!

So, how did the rest of Monday play out...I bet you're wondering....well...I'm thinking in my version, that Pat will pick up the meat, have it all delivered and be out of town by 6:00 (I was hoping for 2:00, but one couple wouldn't be home until 5:00)! Once again, I decided, I've prayed about it...now, I need to let God work it all out...I always pray that God will place my husband where he needs to be that day....Soon, it was 6:00, then, 7:00, then 8:00...finally, at 8:30 I hear his truck pull into the driveway. For those of you who don't know my Man well yet, it's pretty typical that his plans and mine don't match up :D ha, ha....Anyway...I'm pleased to announce that the later it got, the more I prayed, and the more peace that surrounded me....God was & is in Control! And, the final Ta-Da...Pat didn't leave last night....and I was okay with it!!! He actually got up at 4:00 this morning...and made it safely to Provo by 4:30 our time (5:30 their time) safe & sound! So...God is working on me...and He is showing me daily...He can handle all things....I just need to let go and let Him!!! (And, when I do, I am ever so excited at the magical Ta-Da moment!!!) Thanks for letting me share...Sweet blessings!

Blessings continued...

The blessings of this morning carried on through the WHOLE day!!! The kids were absolutely, adorable and perfect today :D Then, after work, I had to meet one of my "college girls" at our house to pick up the beef they bought. Of course, I was already excited that Deb & I would get a little time to connect...we are so married to the same men :D When she arrived, she brought me a gift....it was a Starbucks Strawberry Creme Frappacino!!! Mmmmmm....it was perfect, us girls sat, sipped on our drinks and got to catch up!! Truly a sweet blessing to my already great day!

I hope you each had sweet surpises to make your day extra special too...Sweet blessings!

Blessed beyond words!!!

Happy Tuesday...and that is exactly how my day is starting...very happy and BLESSED beyond words! A sweet, sweet, gifted, creative, talented, AMAZING sister in Christ offered to create a new banner for my blog...and what an AMAZING gift it is :D (Thank YOU more than words could ever express Lindsay!) I am soooo technologically challenged that after she created it...I didn't know how to make it appear on my blog...so, guess what...she did it all for me...And, it happened before 6:30 this morning!!! My heart is overflowing with the blessings felt from sweet acts of kindness shared by a friend!!! I hope I can pass on a sweet blessing to someone's day as greatly this Tuesday! Sweet blessings!

The last couple of days...

Happy Sunday!

It seems like the last couple days have just flown by...how does time do that??? It's funny in our technological world how we can document and capture the details of time flying by....and yet, I still wonder where it has gone???

So...just in case you were wondering what we've been up to the past few days...here's a rundown :D

* Thursday evening I spent watching some adorable kids that belong to some friends from church...the exciting news is...one of them is new to their household...not in the baby form, but in the adoptive form....how amazing and exciting it is to see answers to prayers!

* Friday AM...I spent with Pat at the Richland Farmer's Market...finally his summer helper, Steven had to go back to college....and on the drive-up as yours truly was driving, my Mr. informs me that Steven is a better driver than me??? (Hey, that's not true!!!)

* Got back from the market, Pat reloaded and headed to Pendleton, I fed the animals, ran to town to do a couple errands...then headed to the Pendleton Farmer's Market myself.

* Helped at the market for a couple of hours, headed back to our church for a baby shower...got there just in time to see the gift opening...helped clean-up after the shower...and was home by 9:00!

* Saturday AM...Pasco Farmer's Market....and yeahhhhh....lunch at Carl Jrs. :D (Little things do make me happy!)

* Saturday PM...Laundry, Lawn mowing, & some yard work....

* Sunday....Sunday school at my church...then, the Preschool staff blessing and worship at Bethlehem... & back to First Chritsian for a surprise 50th birthday party...(it's always good to celebrate with family & friends!)

* Next, moved some Mama cows from one pasture to another...Praise God, it went very smoothly!!!

* Delivered some meat...a.k.a. Pat-n-Tam's Beef :D

* Remembered at the last minute Pat needed some new jeans...Oh, so thankful that he's a Wrangler man and PGG is open until 5:00! You just have to love that guys have simple taste in jeans!!!

* More Laundry...(Pat's headed to Utah this week for another Powder River U training....so, I need to make sure he looks good!)

* A trip to meet my husband with a sandwich, chips, apple & water (what a good meal :D) as he was headed to deliver some cows to the butchers.

* Finally, the END!!!

I hope each of you had a busy & great weekend too.....God is good...and His blessings are truly evident to me each day...as I wonder...how did I get everything done??? Sweet blessings!

From Stinky to Sweet...

It was one of those days today....My Miss Susy was sick and work is just not the same without her (although, Miss Veronica is very good...) Miss Susy and I just are insync. For some reason by 8:45 this morning my room just smelled...(you know that smell...like someone has done their job) Of course, I ask all the kids...."does someone need to go potty?"...Answered by 14 No's....however, the smell didn't disappear...so, next I'm resulted to checking...still nothing...and as I'm checking one little girl, says to me "You know Miss Tammy, I'm potty-trained", bringing a big smile to my moment :D There was only one girl, I didn't check...which all the kids pointed out to me...but, she had just came in and I knew it was okay. So, since no evidence of where the smell was coming from appeared...we did what every preschool teacher would do...Open the windows wide, and get out the can of Lysol!

Next, we were headed outside to play..and I noticed the door to the other building open...as I head to close it...I can smell...(here we go again with another smell :D) and see smoke wafting through the air...it was the smell of cinnamon biscuits cooking past their time limit !!! (or as some would call it...burning!) And, next, the sound of the fire alarm going off....hey, they do work :D It was fire drill day anyway!!! (Thankfully, it wasn't the three year old teachers doing the cooking :D...because a long day of teasing resulted from the incident!!!)

Finally, it was time for our class to end...and one little girl said she needed to go potty...I send her with Miss Veronica and...apparently she discovered the source of the smell!!! And, lesson to me....listen to the kids when they tell you..."You didn't check "her"..."...(I think they knew somehow!!! :D) So, that was the stinky parts of our day!

Now for the sweet part...in my afternoon class one of the little girls (with the darkest, big brown eyes, long soft-tendrils, sweetest face you've ever seen...) asks about Miss Susy again. I tell her she's sick with a sore throat and icky nose, and fever...and the little girl says "I should make her a basket"..."a basket??" I ask..."Yes, one with cookies and milk to make her feel better!" Awwww....how precious is that!

Whether it's a "stinky" day or a sweet one....I can't help but Love & adore these precious children God has blessed me with this year...and I can hardly wait to see what will be spoken next!

I hope your day was a sweet one! Sweet blessings!

Good Stuff....

Sunday night found Mr. PPRM and myself all snuggled up on the couch...wrapped in a warm, hand-made with love afghan, and the cat securely snuggled into his lap...(of course, us girls were subjected to listening to the Dallas Cowboy game...but, we didn't so much mind)....All of a sudden my husband says..."This is good stuff"! "The game??!" I ask. "NO...this, being with my two girls, having them close to my side." (Okay, maybe those weren't the EXACT words...just in case, a Mr. is reading...but, pretty darn close :D) He definitely did say "GOOD STUFF". Which made me start thinking....Good Stuff...What do I consider "Good Stuff"??? Ready or Not...here's my list :D

1. Of course Being next to my Husband is ALWAYS Good Stuff
2. The Bible...How could God's word be anything other than Good Stuff!!!
3. Sunday Morning Worship Music
4. Emails and blog comments from friends :D
5. Pat-n-Tam's Beef (just getting a few brownie points :D)
6. FRIENDS & FAMILY
7. Oreo Cookies & Milk...Mmm...the thought of them makes me want some!
8. Digital Cameras....how amazing that with a click a memory is forever frozen
9. Cheesecake...am I hungry for sugar right now or what???!? :D
10. Looking at life through the eyes of three year olds...today, they made me laugh a lot.....
11. Laughter...it feels so good!
12. Newborn baby calves, kitties, foals...Come to think of it...anything newborn
13. My Mom's cooking
14. Miss Susy's Sugar Cookies
15. Christmas...because it's Jesus' Birthday
16. Easter....because it means Jesus is Alive!
17. Dove Bath Soap
18. Sleeping in fresh, crisp, clean sheets
19. Warm afghans to cuddle under when it's cold
20. Going for drives, just because....

I think this list could go on & on...and maybe it just will...as things pop into my head that remind me of Good Stuff...I'll just pop them into my blog every now and then...So, what about you??? What are some things that you consider "Good Stuff"...I hope you are enjoying a few of them right now! Have an amazing Tuesday....May you see God's hand in amazing ways! Sweet blessings!

Circle of gold...

This morning as I was passing through the living room on my way to the office, something caught my eye...it was the shine from the circle of gold on Mr. PPRM's hand. My heart is always warmed and filled with pride when I see that circle on his finger. You see, Pat doesn't wear his wedding ring everyday...at first, that was hard for me...because it's such a symbol. A symbol of love, commitment, of saying "I'm married to the girl of my dream" (Okay, I had to add my own comment there :D) Why you might ask, as I did over & over...??? The reply was always the same..."It's just not safe in my line of work". Still that answer never satisfied me...I knew LOTS, TONS, a ZILLION Men who wore their wedding rings everyday...they had jobs where they used their hands to fix tractors, work on equipment, rope, work cattle, etc. So, just why couldn't my man wear his. (Side-note....sometimes, I'm a slow learner...and God has to show me the answer the hard way :D) Well, that's just what happened.

A couple of Winter's ago, Pat was on the road and I had a sick calf...one that I had been doctoring every couple of days.(which meant his life was going to end at Tyson..:( ) I know my way around the squeeze chute now, and pretty much have it all figured out, except for calves are short enough the alley stop doesn't work. In that case, there's a big heavy metal bar that you can slip behind the calf so it doesn't keep running back & forth up & down the alley :D (which really is annoying when you want them inside the squeeze chute!) Well, I've always been very leery of using the "bar" because I've had countless lectures on "If you don't use it right it can flip back and break your leg"....but, as my frustration was mounting...I decided I had little choice...so, I grabbed the bar, chased the calf forward and started to slide it in...well that little calf was a quick one, and just as I started to slide he moved...and SMACK!!!! The bar came back and smashed my left hand! It was instant pain..and I had a feeling NOT a good thing was happening...so, quick thinking led me to instantly put my hand in the ice-cold water-trough inside the pen! Okay, now I'm thinking....My husband is oh, so smart...why don't I just listen to every word he says to me ???

After a few minutes....I know I need to let the calf out of the crowd alley...so, I do, and realize, as my hand is swelling I need to get my ring off quickly....No such luck...It's pretty much there for good. Thinking the swelling could continue, and I didn't want to wait and see if I need to go to the ER...I grabbed the phone book and called the jewelry store...."Can you cut off wedding rings"??? Sure enough...so, a trip to IJ Gems, a little sawing and my circle of gold was No more a circle. I iced my hand the rest of the night, and the swelling pretty much was gone by morning...(I was hoping for a nice big, black hand by the time my husband got home, but that didn't happen either!) I did call him as I was leaving the jewelers....and you can imagine what he said back to me :D First, it was are you okay, then,...came the rest!!!

So, finally, I understand when my sweet husband tells me it isn't safe or a good idea for him to wear his ring daily!(especially since he does tend to have Charlie Brown's luck :D) But, on Sunday's he does put on that ring...and all feels right! Although...through the years I have learned..it's just a symbol....and symbols don't matter....what's inside one's heart is really what counts!

Sweet blessings to each of you on this Sunday!

Some girl time....

First, I need to apologize for my spelling/typing errors....You'd never know I actaully have an AA in Secretarial Sciences :D I just am not really into spell-checking or proof-reading...so, if you come across a word that doesn't make sense, just feel free to pick a word you'd like it to be...ha, ha...

Now for my blog title today...Some girl time...that's just what I was blessed to have yesterday! Since I only teach four days a week...Friday is my "free day" (Okay, NOT really...it's actually usually my catch up day! You know...errands, house cleaning, laundry...etc...PLEASE read this carefully Mr. PPRM....I DO have a lot to do on my "day" off!!!And...you may not pick a word you'd like to change..ha, ha... ) Sorry! For some reason I keep going off on tangents tonight...??? Back to my story....

This Friday, my college friend Debbie (she lives in Ione) and I met at the new Simply Divine Salon & Day Spa for facials. Although we are both "country girls", married to always working, "farm boys"...and don't usually do such things as "Spa time"...we decided a couple months ago..that it was time! Time for us to splurge a little...and maybe see what our options are concerning the fine lines that are appearing :D ha, ha...(Side-note...there really aren't many options...fine lines are simply a gift from God!) I had the first appointment...and I have to share...it was WONDERFUL!!! And, the therapist was a previous preschool Mom :D It just felt so good to have the warm oils and massaging, the mask, and refreshers...it was a great treat! (Although, they put your hair in a band so it doesn't get all "gooped" up...and I must say...it really didn't give me a very good "hair look" : D) So, while Deb had her facial I ran home to add a little more poof :D Then, we met at El Cazador's for lunch. It feels so good to spend girl time , talking, laughing and catching up..(NO worries Pat & Tim..we only talked about you a little..ha, ha)!!! Of course, the rest of the day was a crazy go, go one...but those few hours totally replinished and refreshed my soul!

So my wish is that each of you gets a chance do a little splurging....call a favorite friend and enjoy some girl time!!! Sweet blessings!

Hermiston is a good town...A good place to live!

I'm a small town girl at heart...most of you know I grew up in Richland, Oregon...a little, itty bitty town on your way to Halfway or the Hells Canyon. It was a sweet place, everybody knew each other (and each other's business :D),there were no traffic lights, only two grocery stores, two gas stations, two resturants, and a post office. It was a safe place to be...an occassional break-in, but No real crime. I loved that people cared for one another there...that's my favorite part of small town living...everybody is family!!!

When we first moved to Hermiston in 1988...I was overwhelmed...it seemed sooooo big..there were traffic lights, a Payless, & Safeway (A real grocery store), &policemen. A lot has changed since then...and a town where I knew no one (and was sure no one knew anyone else's business)...has become my sweet home. Hermiston has a way of capturing your heart!

So, in a tribute to MY TOWN...here's all the things I love about it....

* Everyone does know everyone here
* It is a very supportive community...People care about each other and are there to support whatever causes are on the horizon.For example, the Sparrow Club, Relay for Life, etc.
* In times of need, families are inundated with support, financial, meals, prayer...
* The weather is great...you get to enjoy definite seasons..and just the right amout of each season :D
* The community supports school acitivities..it's unbelievable to attend a high school sporting event and see the facility packed! (I thought that was just in small towns, because it was the main social event :D)
* Those at the local stores...(Safeway, Rite-Aid, Bi-Mart) still know you by name...(Okay, if you frequent those spots often enough that is :D)
* We have a Walmart !!! :D (although, my husband prefers I don't shop there...what's a girl to do...it is the one stop shop deal!!!)
* There's a McDonalds...this small town girl Loves enjoying fast food occassionally! I remember when we first moved here...that would be a dinner out date night for us....Mmmmm...I wonder if it was due to finances or the fact that there was a McDonalds in our town?!?!
* There's a movie theater! And, it even plays movies as they come out, instead of three months later!
* People are just down right friendly and warm here...
* Hermiston has diversity
* It has amazing variety of agriculture that supports a LOT of families
* Neighbors do help one another here
* The wind rules ! :D
*
It is a Good town...and a great place to live!

Hermiston is now my home...not the town I live in, but home! And, even though it's not itty bitty, there's still all the little bits that make it special. Sweet blessings!

My heart is heavy....

Today, my heart has felt heavy...there is a boy who has been battling cancer..his name is Austin. Although I don't really know the family, I do know who they are and a lot about their story (my Miss Susy and other co-workers know the family...Austin even went to Bethlehem) Plus, he has been on our church prayer chain from the beginning of his illness, and I find my self often lifting him & his family up in prayer. This afternoon, Austin got to go home and be with Jesus! What a wonderful, perfect place to be...but, in the midst of it all my heart is sad for the family, and my mind can't comprehend all that is happening to them. But, I have to believe that God can comprehend, and He does know, and He will carry them onward.

As, I took my preschoolers on a little walk today to see the Chapel next door, to look for crosses, and see where many hear, learn, & grow with Christ...I couldn't help but think...this may be the first time any of these precious children have ever been inside a church...this could be the first year they are introduced to Jesus...this could be that tiny seed that one day will guide them to a relationship with Christ. A seed that one day may be what they need to pull them through a hard time, a loss, a tragedy. Wow! It's almost too much to think about...but, I am ever so thankful that God has chosen me, and blessed me with the opportunity to do just that every day.

So, even though my heart is heavy today..I am thankful...thankful that once Austin sat in that very chapel hearing of God's Love for him, thankful that many, many people were & are surrounding his family in prayer...thankful that God Loves me...and that He assures me He will always be with me. From my heart ......

Newest member of RockinTp family!

It's been an AWESOME Day!!! First I'd like you to meet the newest member of the RockinTP family.....His name is Vetor (I let the Mr. of the pasture we rent name him :D) I was driving home from work today and as I drove past the pasture we rent...I happened upon seeing the Mama laying in that obvious position that says...I'm having this calf NOW! Since she was a first time Mama (or heifer as Mr. Cowman would say :D) I wanted to make sure that I kept on an eye on it to make sure everything went okay....And...it did!!! The best part was I got to see it happen...(without the usual waiting period of pushing, standing, laying down, etc...that can often take quite awhile). It never ceases to amaze me to watch the miracle of life happening...I just LOVE it! I decided I should leave them alone to settle in and mother-up (another Cowman term :D). I did check back later this evening...and both are doing great...Mama is a good Mama and little guy knows just where to get his groceries!!! Perfect!!!

The other Awesome part of my day was.....NO CRYING!!! WooooHoooo...the crying is behind us at preschool...(Okay there was a couple squalls, but nothing past three minutes!) And, everyone's personalities are starting to come-out...shinning brightly...and I must say I LOVE every, single one of my new "babies"!

Hope God blessed your day with as many WoooHooo's! Sweet Blessings!

Favorite Utensils...

Happy Monday! I hope it's been an amazing, sweet day for everyone! Today, as I was heading out to feed the horses, and later cooking dinner....I started to think about my favorite utensils??? Utensils...I know, who blogs about utensils...but, hey, you never know, you just might find one of my favorites becomming one of yours!!! Happy reading!!!!

* My Muck Boots....Yep...they are my favorite outside item....not, Bogs, or Crocs...but, the real deal Muck brand boots. I'm so excited because Mr. PPRM just bought me a new pair...after two years or maybe it was three...my last pair finally sprung a hole. I actually have a Summer pair...that are just like sleeping on shoes, and a Winter pair that come clear up to my knee for those mud/muck days that always come during that time of year! If you have never tried a pair...just go to the local farm store and slip a pair on...walk around and you'll see why I LOVE them!!!

* Baling Twine....I've found it is universal for everything...I've used it to tie gates shut, panels together, as a handle for our screen door...and even to wrap presents! I also Love to give this to College bound students among other items in a personal tool kit :D

* The Powder River Rancher Hydraulic Squeeze Chute...complete with lots of simple levers to push with one hand...(Oh, yeah...that's still in my dreams and not sitting in my cattle-working area!...Maybe, one day :D)

* My bright Orange (hunting) Coat...it's my favorite feeding attire...so, if you're driving by and see an Orange walking pumpkin...make sure to honk and wave!!!

* My bibbed Carhardt overalls....WARM indeed!

Okay, now for some inside favorites....

* My wooden spoon....not the new, fancy Pampered Chef kind...but, the real, old round spoon...that turns from a light brown to a dark one through the years...not only is it my favorite stirring utensil...but, Mom my liked to use it as a spanking device!

* My Pampered Chef Quart-sized & bigger measuring bowls with handles...what can't you create in those?!?!

* Paper towels...I absolutely cannot do anything in the kitchen without them!!!

* My 12 inch round pan...everything gets cooked in it...!

* My Curling Iron...you know my hair issues already :D And, of course, it's companion, the hair spray!

* My computer...because it keeps me connected to all those who have touched my heart and life in sweet ways!

* My iron...YEP! Believe it or not...I iron everyday...whatever I put on, gets ironed...whatever Mr. PPRM puts on comes from the cleaners..ha, ha...He likes his shirts crisply starched...mine, just need to be wrinkle free!

Now for my MOST favorite utensil of all.....

* My Bible...I longed to daily open it, store the words written inside deep in my heart, and follow it as my map for life! Really, the more I think about it...I could live without all my favorite utensils listed above, but not this one. It is definitely the ONE that I will forever need!

Hope my list makes you think of some of your favorite utensils too....what in your life do you love using the most....what do you really need the most??? Sweet blessings!

21 Years....

It's so hard to believe, but it is a true fact...I've officially been Mrs. PPRM for 21 years! Although it only feels like yesterday that I was repeating those vows of forever with my Mr. Right! It's been an amazing journey....and I LOVE how we've grown, changed, and created a life together that is so different from the beginnings of that day. (Isn't it funny how we all have a dream of how "marriage" is going to be....only to learn, marriage has plans of it's own :D) Sometimes, it's hard, sometimes it's easy,...but, when it is just right..there is nothing better! Just like our walks with God....there has to be hills to climb and valley's to go through...otherwise we would miss those rainbows that appear! I am so thankful...no make that grateful..that God brought this amazing man into my life...that Pat loves me no matter what....when I'm grumpy, micro-managing, having a bad hair day, or gaining wrinkles ...He Loves Me! And, I Love Him! And, I LOVE that God is the center of it all....He is the cord that ties us together! And...I can hardly wait to see where he leads us this next year....& the sweet gifts He blesses us with! Sweet blessings!

A great day for Pat!

Okay, so everyone knows my husband tends to have Charlie Brown luck...I tell him God is just character building, but Pat thinks it's been built enough :D


Well, yesterday was a crazy day for him....I'm still in the micro-managing mode a little...and as he dropped me off to work I made sure he repeated to me the three things I had added to his to-do list... 1. Pick up kitty food at the farm store
2. Call in his prescription for his allergy spray and...3. Pick me up from work at 3:00!

He was anxious because after a month of trouble with his cell phone (NO not because I had washed it...this was a NEW phone :D) Verizon was sending him yet another phone and he had decided to go back to a Blackberry. He had to be home to sign for it, and it should arrive between 9:30 and 10:30....(Note...final arrival...1:30!!!) So, the rest of the afternoon he spent setting it all up to be insync with his laptop. For some reason, I think to call him when I get done with work...still no word on the truck...so I have my Miss Susy drop me off on her way home...(she's soooo good to me...feeding me lunch everyday, and now chauffuering me....I need to do something extra special for her :D)

Just as I walk in the door, he is calling on his truck...and NO..it's not done yet....needless to say my sweet husband was not a happy camper. So, he went back to his phone setting up, and I headed to town to do some errands....got home, washed the car, etc....and about 5:30, he says..."My truck is done"! Yeahhhhh...he was soooo happy...but, I must confess, I was a little grumpy about the whole thing...(mostly because I had already changed from that mode into a new one, that didn't include driving to The Dalles!) Poor Pat....I think I burst his happy bubble :D

Anyway, we did get his truck, grabbed a bite to eat at Burger King, and were home by 9:45! So, his crazy day turned into a great day in the end! He had his two main essentials back...his phone and his truck! Another day with sweet blessings.....May each of you have a Friday full of Sweet blessings!

P.S. In case you're wondering....the to-do list didn't get done...ha, ha!!!

Real Food!!!

Happy Tuesday....

It has been a good day here...okay, so I still have three criers in two classes, but the crying period is growing shorter each time :D And, I've already found there are a few that are definitely going to make me smile, if not laugh out loud every day! I forget after working with 5 year olds all Summer, how little 3 year olds are ready for....life's just a lot simplier at three!

Pat's truck is still spending time in The Dalles...they finally got it in today, but have yet to discover the problem?!?! Mmmmm...don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing...but, it means my husband has been home. Which also means...cooking! Somehow, it's an art that tends to get lost if you don't use it...ha, ha!

Tonight, however, we had REAL food...not the kind that you buy at the grocery store, that comes frozen, in a box, or can...but, REAL food...the homegrown with love, hard work & prayers kind. Of course, our menu had to include some Pat-n-Tam's Sirloin Tip steaks, baby reds from a local grower...and green beans from a friend....topped off by peach cobbler (made from the hugest peaches I've ever seen!!!) It was GREAT to eat real food...now, that we've joined the farmer's market club...we've both become so aware of the bounty God provides. We no longer take for granted the fruits and vegetables at Safeway...because we have learned the best is straight from the garden :D It's funny that until you experience homegrown first hand, you really don't understand what all the fuss is about! But, tonight our tummies were filled with the best...and our hearts warmed that someone took time, hard-work, and put lots of Love into the products we were consuming! Hey, I think that peach cobbler is calling my name right now in fact :D

I hope each of you had a great meal tonight too....Sweet blessings!

Micro-managing

Micro-managing??? Hmmmm....I don't know why...but, I always feel the need to micro-manage my husband??? He doesn't ask me too...and what's more he doesn't need me too. Pat is an amazing man...

*He is very talented in many areas...he can run his cow business and take care of his full-time job....and Me too :D

*He wears so many different hats...(Mostly all green ones..ha, ha..)

*He totally fascinates me with his financial & mathematical sense...(he can figure out a tip without a calculator..:D)

*He can travel anywhere without getting lost or flustered by a zillion lanes of traffic...

*He is adventuresome and NEVER follows the same path anywhere...

*He is a great provider

*He always gets a job done...and always gives 110%

*He is loyal friend

*He thinks in ways I never do....

So....why do I feel the need to make sure he gets his to-do list done...why do I remind him a zillon times about his Elder schedule...why do I fret when he leaves for his job a few hours later than I think he should....why do I try to plan out his work schedule....why do I stress about his Elder messages....why do I constantly try to plan out his time?????

Hmmmm....as I write this...I'm thinking...it's really my creature of habit ways coming out....I'm the one that needs to live what I preach..."Give it to God". Or maybe it's my mothering instincts...needing to nurture everthing....or maybe it's my OCD (Obssesive/compulsiveness :D)Or maybe, it's just a wifely thing....but, I know I need to work on that micro-managing issue....Watch out Missy Cat...you might be next on my micro-managing list :D Happy Monday & Sweet blessings!

The latest excursion.....

Saturday started out in our normal Saturday routine...the alarm went off at 4:30 and we were up and at em' and out the door headed to the Pasco Farmer's Market at 5:46...Mr. PPRM would rather it be 5:30, but somehow that never quite happens! The market was good, and Pat cooked up his usual roast so the aroma would drift through the market bringing hungry customers knocking :D It actually, does...and,...makes me hungry throughout the whole market :D So, because it's not ready, I HAVE to indulge in other things...like homemade cinnamon rolls!

On our way home from Pasco, we stopped in at Ace...because, once again my husband felt the need to drool over the Traegers there...it's been a back and forth decision between the Traeger and the Louisiana Grill...I'm not sure which is winning at the moment (but, I'm pretty sure something is going to come home with us soon?!?!) I know my man well enough, that when he starts talking and stopping to look, it's only a matter of time before it all becomes reality! So, as you know, for oh, probably a year now I've been wanting to paint my living room...I finally narrowed it down from 20 + paint chips to three....but, I could resist getting a few more (just in case) while the Mr. was looking at the grills :D One day, I really am going to get a new color on my vanilla walls :D

Next, we had to go to Rite-Aid to pick up Pat's prescriptions...Oops! Did I not add the biggest point of the day....??? Halfway through the market Pat remembers to tell me that he has to leave town today...because he's due in Olympia, Washington Sunday morning for an open house at one of his dealers. (You all know what a creature of habit I am...and I so don't like last minute news...). Plus, he was scheduled to give an Elder's meditation for Communion on Sunday...which means he needed to find someone to cover... So, once we get home, unload the freezers and put everything away...I'm on a mission to get his suitcase packed (YES!!! I do pack for him :D), and get him going so he doesn't arrive there at midnight....well, if you know my Mr...there's no hurrying him...finally, around 5:30 he calls to find someone to cover his meditation & he heads out...not to leave town, but to get the dump trailer (filled with frozen vegetables for the cows) emptied and returned to the plant....Good News...he called and apparently he and his partner had a miscommunication and the trailer was already at the property and not at the plant. (Which allowed him to keep traveling on towards his destination!)

I decided I'd head to town and rent me a good girl's flick for the night....I stopped and visited with my sister a little, rented "Fool's Gold" and headed home...I was just about to pop the movie in..when the phone rang and it was Pat...."Tam...my truck broke down...halfway between Rufus and The Dalles". A tow truck was headed to take the truck to The Dalles...and at 8:45 I head out to pick Pat up....Thank Goodness for once I hadn't already put on my cozies or my glasses :D Now that would of been a sight!!!

After I picked Pat up (smelling strongly...NO make that profusely of diesel...) we decided to get a bite to eat...plus, Pat really needed to wash up! It's only 11:00....but, guess what...all the fast food places are closed on a Saturday night by 10:00 (see how often we go out late :D) So, finally we find a Denny's...Pat washes up, we eat, and head home...because after all there are two of us and we can switch off if one gets tired....WRONG! Pat immediately fell asleep...and by Arlington I could barely keep my eyes open...so I pulled down by the park and took a little nap myself. When you are 40, parking after midnight, is so different than when you were 20...ha, ha...(I had to add that just for my college girls :D) Then, as we started back on the road Pat woke up long enough to ask if I wanted him to drive....(crazy guy...he could barely talk, let alone wake up enough to drive...) Finally, we made it home around 3:00 a.m.! So, that was our weekend excursion!

Then, we both were up and ready for Church by 9:30...somehow, Pat creates the most amazing communion meditation without even writing it out...God is Good! Praise God He kept us both safe...He provided a close place for Pat's truck to find repairs....and we got to spend Sunday together! Overall...there were many Sweet blessings!

It's time for Preschool....

It's time again...time to start over....a new school year, new preschoolers full of curiosity and wonder, new parents full of anticipation...and me...ready to grow new friendships!

I am READY!!! My classroom is decorated and set up, warmly inviting friendships to blossom...I've met the parents, answered questions, shared a few minutes and some great popsicles with my new three-year olds, planned the lessons and activities for the week....and...now, I'm surrendering my year to Jesus....covering my Preschool children and families, co-workers, and "ME" with prayer. I pray that this will be an amazing year...that my preschoolers will know Jesus as their friend, that my families will see Jesus in me each day...that hearts will be touched and changed!

I can hardly wait....and, I promise, I will share those funny stories with you, the bring a tear to my heart ones, and the ups & downs or helping little ones grow! I hope you are feeling ready for your week ahead too....Sweet blessings!