The Mayonnaise Jar....

Maybe You've already read this little story...but, I so needed to read it today....on this last day of 2009....It made me stop and think....and I hope it encourages you in some way too!!!


When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, When 24 hours in a day is not enough;remember the mayonnaise jar and 2 cups of coffee.

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him.
When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and started to fill it with golf balls.He then asked the students if the jar was full.They agreed that it was.
The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured it into the jar. He shook the jar lightly.The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls.He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.
The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded With an unanimous 'yes.'
The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand.The students laughed. 'Now,' said the professor, as the laughter subsided,'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life.

The golf balls are the important things - God, family,children, health, friends, and favorite passions Things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the things that matter like your job, house, and car. The sand is everything else -- The small stuff. 'If you put the sand into the jar first,' he continued,'there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls.The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, You will never have room for the things that are important to you. So... Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out to dinner. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the dripping tap.'Take care of the golf balls first -- The things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.'One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled. 'I'm glad you asked'. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem,there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.

First on my list for 2010.....Taking care of the golf balls....Spending MORE time with my Lord & family, Making time for FUN! And....making sure to share a cup of coffee (okay, that would be tea for me :D) with a friend!

My heart is truly blessed that I have each of those golf balls in my life....and I'm praying in 2010 your jar is filled with golf balls first too! Sweet blessings!

Our wish.....

Our wish.......for you......(even though it comes a little late :D)......

May your manager be full of

unique blessings this Christmas!

From our hearts to yours....from our home to yours....from our cows to you....

Merry Christmas!

&

Sweet blessings!

Sweet Surprise!

Yesterday was filled with such a Sweet Surprise! (or little delights, as I like to think of it :D)

It was an unusual day....another 2 hour school delay...meaning I only went into work for my afternoon class. It was wonderful that we had the opportunity to Celebrate Jesus' Birthday, Act out the Christmas Story, and EAT a great snack! Plus, I was blessed with so many sweet gifts...

Then, after work I had to run home, change into my farming gear (due to all the MUD that has appeared with the snow & freezing rain melting :D) do my chores, change back into some real clothes...head to Pendleton to deliver some beef...met up with my in-laws for a GREAT dinner out and some much needed catching-up. And, finally got back home around 7:15.

On my way home, my sister called..."could I borrow some wrapping paper...and when you come I have something for you.." ."What?" to which came the usual answer "You'll see" !!!

I swung into my house, was greeted by my husband being home again :D Listened to the answering machine....Cottage Flowers had been to our house, but no one was home...so, please call on Friday????

Off to my sisters....and guess what was waiting for me there.....This LOVELY Bouquet!!!

My parents had surprised us with a beautiful Christmas arrangement...and since the florist was delivering just down the road to my sister...and a short conversation led to him realizing we were related...my flowers were waiting for me at her place :D PERFECT!!!

My heart was totally warmed...and each time I look at the flowers I can't help but smile! What a sweet, sweet gift! Thank YOU Mom & Dad (YOU know you shouldn't have :D) But, we will totally enjoy them and think of you each time we look at them! And, did I mention...they smell sooooo good! It's almost like I have a "real" tree in my house!

So, my Thursday of unusual-ness, turned into a day filled with warm wishes, JOY, LOVE, and many, many Sweet blessings!

Little delights....

It's that time of year for Little Delights....


things that just make me smile...my heart happy... & bring JOY to my day.....


Actually, I think "little delights" are there everyday...I just might not be seeing them or looking for them as much as I do during this month of Celebrating Jesus' Birthday!


Here's some delights so far...


* On Monday after work I decided an Ice Tea might energize me...as I drove-up to the window to pay...the girl told me my drink had already been paid for by the car ahead of me! WOW! Truly blessed !!!


* Looking at all the lights on the homes as I drive here & there, simply makes me smile....the time, energy, & love put into making one's home glow for the holidays :D


* An extra day-off this week, and a couple late starts....just a little more time to catch-up!

* Hearing one of my three year-olds playing with the little people nativity set, telling the whole story of Jesus' birth...totally PRICELESS & PRECIOUS! (They really do take it all in ...even when I think they aren't hearing a word I say :D)

* Waking up & falling asleep next to my Mr. this week...he's been able to work around home more lately!

* All those sweet Christmas cards that I open my mailbox up to find each day (soon, very soon, hopefully mine will be sent out!)

* The smell of goodies being baked

* The sounds of Winter...the quietness of the new fallen snow, to the crunch of the freezing rain...and the drip, drip of the icicles hanging from the eaves....

* The simple smiles people share with one another during this time of year...don't you wish those smiles were there every month, day of the year???

* Chocolate....Yes...Chocolate has been such a delight to me lately...I don't know why...but, it just keeps calling me name!

Even though, not one Christmas thing has happened at my house yet...I'm not anxious...or stressed....or even panicked......because the older I get...the more I see...the more I realize...it's truly a simple thing...A sweet gift that was born in the manger for each of us....It's not about the fuss...it's not about the hoopla.....it's simply about those little delights!

So, what little delights are you finding surrounding you this season??? May each of them be truly precious to your hearts, bring a smile to your day, and JOY to share! Sweet blessings!

It's beginning.....

It's beginning to Look a Lot like Christmas.....

This is the view I was greeted by this morning as I headed out to do my chores...(okay, not the first view as that was 5 kitties anxiously waiting to see me :D)

This is the side view from my front porch.....

The view from the center of our front porch....

There is just something magical about the first snowfall....everything seems so quiet, peaceful, and pure. Even the air has a smell of freshness to it!

And, I just know kids everywhere in town woke up soooo happy, excited, and simply wanting to skip breakfast to go out and play in it!

I'm wishing for that exact same thing this morning....that I will embrace this first snowfall with a spirit of fun! May you see this white blanket through the eyes of child today too....maybe it'll be in the form of a snowball..or a snow angel :D Or maybe it will be to just take a moment to take stand outside, take a deep breath, eyes wide-open, truly in Awe of ALL God has Created!!!

Happy Sunday...Happy SNOW day....Happy 12th Day of December!!! May today be filled over & over again with Sweet blessings!

$5,859.26

Do you ever have a moment where you just wish you hadn't opened up something???

Well that happened at our house a couple weeks ago...

The Visa bill came...and for some reason I hadn't opened it yet...we were getting ready to head out the door to our Core group meeting and the Mr. asked how much it was...so, I had to do it...I opened it...and it was $5,859.26. Not that it was extremely high or something out of the ordinary...because a lot of time my Mr.'s travel expenses for his real job are on our credit cards.....as is the bill from the Butcher's.....etc....

But, this time....there were a couple items on it, that my Mr. was hoping would be on the next month's statement. You see sometimes in the life of owning your own equipment and animals...expenses just happen...and this has been a year of break-downs....virtually every piece of equipment we own has needed a MAJOR repair. This time it was the Mixer. And, it DID happen, and the repair bill CAME on this statement....And, this month, because markets are finished...the cash flow isn't quite the same.

So, I honestly have to admit...a few MINUTES of PANIC set in. How will we cover that bill this month, and the other monthly expenses??? After all, the Cows do have to eat :D I know, I know, it's not the end of the world...we could just make the minimum payment on the card (something we have NOT had to do yet). We could sell some Cows.....And, we could first and foremost PRAY. We chose the later...deciding we needed to stand in prayer, lay our finances at the cross, and look to God for wisdom.

I have to say the first evening and day was filled with anxiousness , but by day 2 both the Mr. and I were filled with a sense of peace. It would be okay...and although humbling not to pay something on time, it would be okay. Day by day, step by step....prayer by prayer...

And, do you know what we saw every. single. day....rays of hope! The slowness of the meat business faded....phone calls came daily for orders of meat. A new opportunity to place our meat in an established business came....and, on Monday when we signed the paper for the refinance of our home (Yep, it's true...the rates were low, and we decided to take another jump...something that has been in the process for three months...and something I find so interesting...that process all began before this need arose???!?! Mmmmm...still amazed :D) there was a line that said we would be getting some money back! Enough money that we were going to be able to take care of the WHOLE Visa bill! As we left that office on Monday, we were both humbled and very emotional...because GOD IS SO GOOD!!! It is so humbling still.

Today the bill was due. Today I paid the entire bill....but, that's not the most important, exciting part.....the BEST part was ALL the GLORY goes to GOD! He made something that seemed impossible turn possible......when we didn't have a clue how it would work out, HE had the answer.....when we wanted to be scared & stressed, He gave us His Peace! And, I wasn't just writing out that check today....I was PRAISING GOD all the way!!!
More than that...I know that if it hadn't of worked out...if we had NOT been able to pay the balance today....things still would of been okay, because life isn't about paying bills, or making payments, it's about being a servant with what you have, it's about honoring God in all you do, it's about having Faith!

Thank YOU GOD again for your faithfulness to us!

Sweet blessings!

Even though....

Even though.....

It is VERY COLD OUTSIDE.....

GOOD THINGS are still happening on the INSIDE !!!

* Even though our wood stove is a bit messy...(meaning wood chips here & there, not to mention a film it tends to leave on the windows & other things...) it keeps our HOME so WARM!!! There really isn't anything like wood heat when it's cold...backing up to it and feeling that warm heat warm clear through your body!

* Even though it's been FREEZING....my HEART has been WARM....by sharing each evening with my husband....home cooked meals, opening the mail to find cards from friends & family.

* Thanking God that I have warm clothes to wear....and four layers is much better than one!

* Watching the smiles and joy as little three-year olds come bounding into the classroom packing plates filled with home-made cookie making fun :D And, tasting those cookies was definitely GOOD too :D

* Thankful that we have water-heaters for our water-troughs, so all my outdoor "babies" have water to drink.

* So happy ( even though we found time to move our Cattle to their Winter homes on Sunday, when the wind was blowing like crazy)...they are moved and settled!

* Feeling Peace & Joy even though I haven't done ONE SINGLE THING to prepare for Christmas...because over & over again I'm reminded it's NOT about ALL the THINGS!

Even though it's COLD...it's only temporary...just like the HOT was this Summer....and through it all....GOD is always the same..and right now, I'm soooo THANKFUL for ALL His gifts!

Hope you are each finding your own ways to stay WARM..(even though it is COLD) :D
Sweet blessings!

Welcome....

WELCOME DECEMBER!!!

It's here.....

May you enjoy every moment this month brings......

* Opportunities to give

* Smiles to bring

* Gifts of Love from the heart

* Sounds of Christmas music hanging in the air

* Smells of goodies being baked

* Snuggles with those you hold close

* Warm memories of special times and creating new memories

* Celebrating the birth of Our Lord Jesus!!!

Happy, Happy December from my heart to yours......Most of all may it be filled with many, many Sweet blessings!

Lately....

Lately....

Lately....I've just been in a "spot"....

A spot...of routine..

A spot...of just going through the motions...

A spot....of being overwhelmed....

A spot...of being simply tired....

A spot....of ordinary, ever day, same-ol' things...

Maybe it's just Winter setting in.....or the fact that instead of life settling in, it seems to keep speeding up...Maybe it's my hormones (you know when 40 comes, so do hormonal changes :D ha, ha.)

Maybe I'm just in a "spot"....
Sometimes that just happens with life....

But, what I really want to be is....CONTENT!

I'm going to start....looking to truly be CONTENT with EVERY. SINGLE. THING. OOPS! Did I just say every. single. thing...Mmmm...now, that's going to be the challenge....because let's be honest, most of the time, most days, true contentment is not part of our day....But, it needs to be...it must be....and so I am going to truly strive to make it BE!!!

C-Caring & cheering for each day

O-Open to God's plan for my story

N-Nurturing relationships

T-Time each day to be quiet

E-Every moment is an opportunity waiting

N-Never losing focus...it's not about Me...at all :D

T-Truly trying to be all I was made to be

What a great word...contentment...and even more what a great word to be able to use to describe yourself....!!!! So how about you...what brings you contentment??? Have you found it???

May each day bring more & more contentment to your heart....and may this December be overflowing with just that...and many, many Sweet blessings!

Guess???

Guess what we did yesterday????

Finally, after several missed attempts due to the weather....we woke up to a beautful day of sunshine, NO wind, NO rain...just a perfect day given to us by God!

And...so, now all our babies have their very own ear (rings :D) Sorry, I couldn't resist! And, those babies that were bull calves are now offically steer calves...not that they like that a whole lot either :D

I'm not picture/photo taking savvy like most of my friends...(besides my Mr. would NEVER stand still for it to happen...) so, I don't have any other shots of the fun....but, I'm hoping to catch a few today of the babies sporting their new team attire (as in their brand)!

Overall, I have to say it was a good day...my nephew came and helped us...(Thank YOU so much Eric) and, for once my job didn't have to be pushing the cattle up from behind :D Instead, I just got to catch them in the squeeze chute...help tip the calf table over...get the ear tags set-up, and occassionally, I got to run the shears (or clippers as I like to call them :D)

And, the BEST part...is I managed to escape getting covered in anything green :D (I hope you can guess what I'm talking about?!?!) And, that's not an easy thing to do with you are surrounded by a herd of cattle...who don't like the event anymore than I do!

Hope everyone else found great ways to enjoy the sunshine too....may your Sunday be just as bright! Sweet blessings!

Free Friday

Don't you just Love it when you get a free Friday...or an extra day off?!?!

That was today for me....finally a Friday at home...
We woke up to the sound of rain pounding on our roof....
Today was the "day" to finally get our cattle worked and moved to their Winter home....
Did I mention the RAIN was POURING, literally POURING....????

The Mr. had to take a load of cows to IBP, before we could start...the plan was to start around 11:00....
So....I decided that would give me just enough time to clean my house before the outside "muck" work began....

At 9:00 the phone rang...it was the other cow guy..."Why don't we wait until tomorrow...I think the weather should be better then."! WHOOOOOHOOOOO...."Okay, works for us" I tell him....meaning...it really, really works for me!

So, then, I really worked on my house....that slow-moving, annoying drain in my bathroom came to an end...Do you know what lives inside slow moving drains......it's worse than "muck"...more like "Yuck"...but, I'm pleased to announce the water runs straight through now...and I think I attached all the pipes back correctly as I didn't see water running anywhere!

Then, I washed my bathroom curtains, shower curtain..and are you ready...even the tub! (I hate to admit it...but, I really don't like cleaning the tub...We only shower...and our tub seems to be a cheap one that always looks dirty even when it's clean...) Okay, so that's my excuse...but, I finally gave in and gave it a good scrub...it still pretty much looks the same to me...but, at least now I KNOW it is clean :D

Next, I managed to put away all the "farmer's market boxes" and find a garbage bag full of clutter to put in the trash!

Over all...my free-Friday turn out pretty good...my Mr. even treated me to lunch out.

And...here's a GREAT thing I heard while we were eating...

There was a family that were sitting across from us...they had about three children...all girls...and the girls were arguing over who was going to say Grace! What a great thing to be arguing over....I wonder if as adults we argue over that at all????

Now...I'm headed to cook a "real" dinner.....! And, I'm thinking I'm going to be the one begging to say Grace! Hope everyone else had a GREAT Free Friday too! And...that the rest of your weekend is filled with many Sweet blessings!

T.H.A.N.K.F.U.L.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I Hope today finds everyone full of Thankfulness...yummy food, great family, wonderful friends...and ALL the great blessings of this day!



I can't believe I haven't posted but 3 times this month!!! I wish I had some reasons why....well, of course I could come of with many :D ...but, the simple truth is...I've just found myself tired this month...and when I get a free minute...I keep finding myself snuggled up on the sofa!

I've been blessed over & OVER & OVER again in so many ways......

* We had a good time at the Savor the Flavor show...meeting new friends who are sharing the same adventures in marketing their products that we are....

* Preschool has been filled with activities..from Grandparent's Day to Thank YOU God celebrations...and finally growing into our routines.

* My 17 year old baby (Yep! I'm talking about my car :D) Well, she kind of had a few rough days...not starting...but, thankfully, it always happened at home...and after a new battery, a check-up, and some special additive to my gas system...she's going strong again. I sooooo want her to make it to 20 :D

* Opie kitty has adjusted great to living outside...although, I just came in from chores and found him roaming the house...apparently he snuck in with the armful of wood I was bringing in ! Thankfully, he and Missy kitty didn't have any run-ins!

* My husband has been around home a LOT lately...which is always nice....if only I could get into the cooking dinner mode again :D So thankful for the weeks when his travel schedule is light....and we share that bowl of soup together !

* Thankful that God has a plan...and all those days when we were scheduled to work the cows & the weather was Yucky we were able to wait! (But, if all goes well, tomorrow is the day!)

* Loving the fact that we are involved in a Sunday evening Core group...which means we get together with about 7 other couples, in a home, share some goodies, study God's plan for us, and share our stories. (At first to be honest, we were reluctant to give up a Sunday evening, because sometimes that's our ONLY time home together...but, once again God has a way of blessing things we do to grow for Him!)

* Feeling so blessed by the gift of Friends He has placed in our lives! Thankful for their unending prayers, words of encouragement...and just for being "them"!

* So thankful that our families are both enjoying GOOD health!

* Thankful for all the invitations to join others to celebrate Thanksgiving today ...we truly are blessed by each of you! (but, it was just one of those days we needed to stay in our cozies, catch-up on some rest, and just "be")

* Contentment is happening Right now...I'm sooooo blessed to be in a warm home, surrounded by those I Love most, smelling Apple Crisp baking...and just taking time to remember and be THANKFUL for All that I've been blessed to have!!!

And, just in case you're wondering....There was NO Turkey served at the Mallon Casa today :D .....not that we don't enjoy Turkey...but, feeling the need for a simple day...we opted for some T-Bones instead!!!

So from our little nest to yours.....HAPPY DAY FULL OF THANKFULNESS! And, from our hearts to yours...many Sweet Blessings!

Sunday Adventure...

Did I happen to mention that life with my Mr. always turns into an adventure???

That there is always SOMETHING that happens.....?????

And, that his nickname is Charlie Brown???? (poor guy...if only his Mama wouldn't have given him that nickname...maybe it wouldn't of stuck!)

Well, yesterday was a typical, normal day....that ended with some adventure....

It all started out perfectly....a nice Sunday morning, enjoying the paper, our tea & coffee (guess who drinks which ... :D Oh, that's too easy if you know us!) a little time online....Sunday School (I'm totally loving teaching my 4th grade class of 2!) Church, lunch, a little football/nap time...and then...it was time to sort some cattle.

Off to the property we head....
"Do I need my big muck boots?"
"Maybe, I don't know"

I decided....I don't know didn't sound convincing enough...so, I chose to wear my knee high muck boots anyway. My Mr. assured me his were in the back of his truck, so off we went.

You see we are blessed to have vegetable screenings from one of the processors to mix with hay for our cows...they LOVE it...it's like they get fresh garden vegetables all the time....but, when it gets dumped in a big pile, the juices kind of spill out around the pile making some muck (not to mention, that in warmer weather it tends to smell a little...okay a LOT..and it's just a smell I've yet to acquire an appreciation for!!!)

Of course all the cattle are at the other end of the pasture...so, we had a nice walk (I'll consider it my exercise for the day :D) to gather them & get them all pushed through the gate, down the alley and start sorting them. My job is gate opener....yeahhhh...I know easy job, right??? Okay, not so much, because sometimes I can't move as quick as the cattle to open or close at an exact needed time....but, yesterday, I'll give myself a 10...I didn't let any go the wrong direction!!!

Once they were sorted, we walked them back to their pasture...oh wait...I left out the part that on their way to the other corrals, they have to pass by the vegetable hills....and of course, they run right to the vegetables (or as I like to think of it in their terms...candy piles :D) and start chowing down.....I think you know what that means.....one of us...meaning me...has to go into the slippery wet spots and make them move....so thankfully, my muck boots keep my feet from coming home smelling like that lovely aroma. JOB DONE! And, guess what no squabbles within the work crew :D

Thinking it was time to go I head back to the truck, only realizing the Mr. is not following...NOPE...he's looking at a feeder panel...it needs to come out...there is a broken bar....what???? How will that happen...they are heavy...and guess where the tractor keys are....yep..at home on the counter....MMmmm.....nothing like that will stop my Mr. So, next we are unhooking some panels to move over....and apparently I don't listen to instructions very well...and the Mr. ends up carrying it by himself (okay, there was a little squabble then:D) Now for the very fun part....this panel has to go right by the water trough...which has overflowed into a big MUD HOLE...or pit is a much better description. One of us has to hold the panel while the other puts in the pins that connects it to the feeder panel...since I'm not the strong one..I get to hold the panel by the water trough....Not so bad....well the ends won't line up right so the pin can slip in....so, guess what the panel needs to be moved....inwards...Over the MUD pit! Okay, Okay....I'll try to move my end....and I take one step, try to take another...but, my right foot has sunk into the mire of mud at least 4 inches deep, and I cannot...let me repeat that CANNOT pull my foot out....

"Tam, keep moving the panel"
"I can't my foot is stuck"
"Pull it out"
"I can't"
"Keep trying...hurry up"
"I can't....OH NO my boot is staying in the mud and my foot is pulling out"
"Then take you foot out of your boot..."
"What??? where will I put it...I"m in the mud"
"Just do it!!!" I hear as I see him heading my way, looking as though he's going to pull my foot out himself....
Instead he grabs the panel, so I can use both hands...lifing my foot out of the muck, balancing on my left foot, pulling with both hands my right boot out of the muck....and FINALLY...TA-DA...Whew!!! My boot is out, and, I didn't even fall in the muck!!!

So finally, we can swing the panel over, the pins drop in...and we are done. Thankfully, there are freezerless faucets everywhere there so I could wash off my muck boots (which truly earned their name this Sunday :D) Oh, and here's a fun little fact...remember my Mr. had his muck boots in the back of his truck...well, that's just where they stayed the WHOLE TIME! Yep...he had to step in the muck too, and his shoes were totally covered, and his socks soaked.....see why I wish his nickname was something else :D

Now we can head for home...oh, wait...now, my Mr. informs me one of us needs to drive the truck with the horse trailer hooked on, and the other truck with the dump trailer hooked up to Northwest Farm Supply so they could do some work on the dump trailer. Seriously.....that's the word I needed to use...SERIOUSLY! Did you see what happened last time I tried to drive the truck & trailer...remember I got it stuck in the gate opening??? Remember you weren't very happy that you had to get it "unstuck"??? Remember you said, please don't try to drive the truck & trailer again???? REMEMBER????

"You'll be fine...or do you want me to drop the dump trailer & truck off and walk all the way back down here to get my truck & horse trailer???"
"Okay, Okay"....maybe that's not quite how I said it or the tone :D

You know I was praying the whole time, because I had to drive through a gate, turn onto a narrow gravel road, and then, onto Hwy 395 crossing a lane of traffic, and later get into the turn lane and pull into the parking lot......GOD is GOOD! And, we both made it there safe & sound!!!

It was a LONG day....but in the end, a GOOD day!

So there you have it...our Sunday Adventure....looking back all I can do is smile, and wonder how we make it through those adventures...and, hope there aren't any more for a good LONG time!

Thanks for reading along.....hope your Sunday was filled with fun times too! Sweet blessings!

Meet the new baby....

This time it's not a new calf, or a new horse...this time...it's what else but another kitty! A couple of weeks ago on a Thursday evening I had to deliver a meat order back into town...I had already done my chores and it was still light when I left. After making my delivery I stopped at Walmart to pick up a few things...and I got home around 6:30, and it was dark. I heard a soft mew, and then another....thinking it was my follow along cat Larry, I called for him to come to the porch....he came running, but he looked little to me??? After taking a closer look I realized it was NOT Larry, but this sweet little thing!



I did what ever responsible kitty girl does...I fed him and made sure he had some water...then, posted him on Facebook. Who wouldn't want this sweet face greeting them??? The next morning was a market day, and he was still there...following the Mr. everywhere, even inside the freezer :D By the time, we were packed and ready to go, I told my husband I was just going to call him "Little Cat" until I found him a home....he said, Nope, his name is Opie. Mmmmm....that probably should of been my clue that Opie was staying at our house! But, come on' we already have 8 barn cats, plus a house kitty...and this little guy...well, he was DEFINITELY somebodies pet, because he LOVED being cuddled...more like demanded it...and everytime the house door opened he tried to bolt in! No fears from this little guy...definitely not a scaredy cat at all!!!

You can see he is demanding...as he's whining for me to pick him up as I try to snap this picture :D

Well, I had no -takers on my Facebook AD....only many comments insisting he already had a good home! Not that I couldn't keep him...I think the Mr. had already fallen for him...I just knew he would be sooooo much happier at a home where he could be THE house cat, live the life of luxury and sit on someone's lap all day!

It's been two weeks now, and he's already been to the vet for a check-up, and soon will go again to turn him from a "he" to an "it", has his own little bed on the front porch....and everyone has taken to him...even all the barn cats that he follows around, hiding and leaping on ..... :D

So, welcome to the Mallon Casa...little Opie! We'll try our best to meet all your needs and give you a little lovin' each day....and now you are the baby at the house!

There's just something about kittens that bring a smile to your day! Sweet blessings!

Done!!!

It's finally Done!!!

That is 6 months of....
28 Weeks of...
And....54 Days of...


FARMER'S MARKETS!!!

Can I just say..........YIPPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!

We survived it....and, I somehow, don't quite know what to do with a Friday & Saturday morning where the alarm doesn't go off at 4:00 AM! But, I'm sure going to try to truly savor and make the most of having all that time back!!!

To start with instead of spending our Thursday evening loading up my Mr.'s truck & the freezers....we actually had a date night....Yep...dinner out even! It was so nice to be able to come home from work and just relax!!!

And, today...well, it's off to a GREAT start....I slept in until 5:30...have a couple loads of laundry going (cleaned my house yesterday...so, that's all checked off the list :D), enjoyed a cup of tea and some time in God's word, went for a morning walk with my Mr. (Something we're trying hard to put into our routines daily....exercise...yuck...but, in your 40's somehow a neccessity...or at least that's what my body shouts back to me from the mirror :D) Although, I wish my Mr. could spend the whole day at home with me...he has to head out to do some work for his "real" job and then pick up a load of meat that's finished at the butchers.

Next on my list...well, it's simply catching-up....although my house is clean, there are piles that need put away....the checkbook needs balanced, I offered to check the Mama Cows & babies today, A trip to town and a couple stores....and then, I'm hoping to actually curl up for a little nap :D (Shhhh.....the Mr. doesn't know that's what I do when he's away..ha, ha)!!!

So, happy that the Sun is shining today...and giving me an extra spurt of energy! And, so happy that I have this weekend FREE!!!! (Oops! did I mention next weekend is NOT free...we are doing one last show...called Flavor the Savor in the Tri-Cities!) And, then, I truly am packing away all the "farmer's market" tools!!!

May each of you enjoy a FREE weekend too...filled with GREAT things! Sweet blessings!

Monday wishes

Happy Monday!

Here's a few Monday wishes for each of you..and me too :D

* That it's a day filled with Thankfullness....for family, friends, good health, a home, pets.....anything and everything that makes your life YOURS! :D

* A surprise email, card, or phone call from a sweet blessing in your life!

* Time to just "be".... Maybe a nap, or to read a little, or to hug someone you Love.

* Money in the mail :D (It's okay to wish, right??? Besides this is my wish list for everyone :D)

* A great conversation with someone

* A smile or two received and many smiles given

* A day filled with HOPE, LOVE, & FAITH!

* NO WORRIES, ANXIETY, or STRESS

* A day that begins with a happy heart and ends with a grateful, full, even happier heart!

So...there's my wishes for this MONDAY! Hope at least a few of them come true for each of you! Sweet blessings!

The phone rang....

Sometimes, our phone tends to ring non-stop...does it do the same thing at your house??? Sometimes, it's telamarketers, sometimes it's beef customers...sometimes friends & family (those are the BEST calls :D). Lots of times, I simply let the answering machine pick it up (I know...I probably shouldn't of confessed that to the the whole world ...Oops!)

Well, last Tuesday evening I was scurrying around trying to get all my loose ends tied up before I headed out on Wednesday after work for a Teacher's Conference in Seaside. (You know the loose ends of laundry, a clean-house...why I feel the need to make sure my house is spotless before I leave is beyond me...making sure the animals are all lined out....on & on)

I was just finishing up my dishes from dinner when the phone rang....I stepped over to look at the call-waiting to see if it was an answer call or a machine call :D I saw the number was from Lewistown, Montana.....Lewistown...oh, wait, there's only one person I know that lives there...my first College roomate! So, right away I answered...to hear the familiar voice of a sweet friend (one I don't nearly get to hear often enough)....

"Hey you want to come meet us at Dairy Queen for dinner?"

"Are you in Hermiston?"

"Yep, on our way back from my Grandma's funeral and I wanted to see if we could see each other even if for just a few minutes"

"I just ate, but I'll put on my shoes and be there"! (Lucky her, she got to see me in my farming attire and everything...not that she cares...as she grew up a farm girl : D)

Karen and I began our college life together in a little room on the second floor of Dorion Hall on the campus of Eastern Oregon State College...she was a small town girl from Burns, Oregon, and I from Richland, Oregon...and we instantly hit it off! She truly helped me survive my first year away from my Mom (yep,that's true too...I was a big time Mama's girl : D) And, no matter how far apart we live, or how little we see each other...she will always, always have a special place in my heart!

So here's a picture of my College Roomie...Karen & I taken by her Mr. at DQ!!! (I so wish I had one from those good college days at Eastern when we would hang out at Taco Time)

And, here's one with Karen and her sweet family! Does she have the cutest boys or what?!?! I can just see adventure & fun-loving written all over their faces!!!

I'm sooooo glad my phone rang last Tuesday...and I'm so glad I was home to answer it....even though it was just a few minutes...it was great getting to talk in person, hug each other, share & catch up! And, I so hope my phone rings more often with calls just like that!!!! Happy Tuesday..... &....Sweet blessings!

A picture...

You know how they say a picture is worth a thousand words??? Well, I wish I had a picture so I could spare you the thousand words... :D But, since I'm not as photo savvy as some of my friends...you just have to plug in your picture imagination and try to follow me :D

Yesterday was day 4 on the countdown to the end of farmer's markets...and I had already spent Friday in the new temperatures outside all day..and heard OVER & OVER again just how COLD Saturday was going to be. So, I definitely WAS going to be prepared & WARM for those four hours...

Here's what I threw together for my WARM OUTFIT...

~ A pair of Hot Chilly's (they are like long underwear but in a silky type material)...My Sister was kind enough to loan them to me...insisting it's what all the snowmobilers wear to stay warm.

~ My jeans next...
~ A tank
~ A Turtleneck
~ A Hooded Sweatshirt
~ Two Pairs of sock
~ A Pair of Wool socks
~My insulated Carhardt Bib overalls
~My Carhardt "Farming" Coat
~ A Scarf (hand crocheted by my Miss Susy)
~ And, Gloves.....

It felt like I was the Pillsbury Dough Boy...not that easy to walk in definitely...and climbing the ladder steps up to the back up the truck & freezer....Mmmmm....interesting! In fact, I really just couldn't even bend over to tie my shoes...lucky my Mr. knows how to tie :D Having never experienced pregnancy...I'm wondering if that's just how Mama's to be feel ?!?!!? And, if you have to go to the bathroom.....Oooooohhhhhh Ohhhhhhhh Ohhhhhhhh.....better not wait til the last minute, because it takes at least 5 minutes to get it all off & down :D

It was a day I DID NOT care about my hair...both the sweatshirt & coat hoods were on...and the coffee man informed me I looked like an Eskimo with the only visible part of my body being my face !

And, still....I WAS COLD! Not even the HOT tea was working....I know, I know....why did I drink Tea when I had all those layers to remove to go to the bathroom??? Needless to say, I really tried to NOT have to go all morning :D To some of your surprise....I made it!!! ha, ha...

So, there...I hope your imagination made me look cute...and warm! And, today OVER & OVER again, I'm thanking God that I have a WARM home....and clothes to wear. And, I'll be waiting for some Clothing advice from all my Alaska friends...and anyone else out there that is a WINTER, COLD WEATHER, SKIING, SNOWMOBILING Fanatic!

Happy WARM, COZY Sunday to everyone (at least the sun is shining :D And, I just know another SON will be shining in my heart today too! ) Sweet blessings!

P.S. In case you're wondering...yesterday's color was BLUE...in the COLD sense... :D

Yellow...

Yellow...Today's color is Yellow! I decided to make today a day of Sunshine, Joy, & Fun...and so far...you know what..it's worked!!!

Here's just a few Sweet blessings that have happened....

*My preschoolers were PERFECT today! Sweet, Easy-going, Fun....just Perfect!!!
* Miss Susy brought me a Starbucks Ice Tea at lunchtime....and you know what...when you give up drinking them for a week or so...Oh, how GOOD do they taste :D
*I found extra time to water my porch plants and sweep off the dust & cobwebs!!!

Now for the big one....we have this horse...Well, actually, she's the Mr.'s horse...his first, best, & favorite...she came to our home when we had just been married a couple years....so, you know she's not that young anymore : D Her name is Trixie..and the last couple years she's had a lot of trouble with her feet...her soles are thin, and it seems unless we keep pads on her front feet she goes very lame. There was an incident in September that a gate got left open and she and another horse spent a great evening in the barn eating alfalfa & grain to their hearts content...(just like us...it tastes too good to stop..and later, it doesn't feel so good!) Long story short...she foundered some...which means she went lame (not able to walk well at all...only with short, slow movement because her feet became inflamed and very, very tender & sore). The farrier came and trimmed her, checked her all out, and decided we should wait to see if any abscesses came....so, I gave her some bute (that's like giving her ibuprofen) every couple of days...and finally, after a month I called him to come back..and this time he put pads on again. (Which usually helps in a day)...That was Monday...Last night she could hardly walk at all..when I went out around 6:30 to bute her she was laying down..something she doesn't do at that time of day...she let me go right up and bute her, not moving at all...and while I was moving a tub to put water right next to her...she layed flat out...NOT something a horse does a lot either. I have to say, I was pretty worried....because there is one thing I cannot bear...and that is seeing anything in pain! You know I was laying my hands on her praying over her. (And, I gave the farrier a call too :D)

This morning when I went out to feed she was still pretty bad...it's very hard to watch a horse walk on three legs...so, I prayed again...hoping the farrier would have time to come today and take a look....AND...are your ready for this...when I got home tonight and went out to feed, she was walking GREAT!!!! PRAISE GOD!!! And, to top it off, the farrier did stop in on his way home (he just lives down the road :D It's good to have the right neighbors in all the right places :D) and, he was surprised too!

So, I am totally feeling YELLOW!!! God is so good!!! And, now...I'm headed to meet with my bible study girls...then, off to a birthday celebration for my niece (Yep, she's 21 today..and I don't know how that happened!!!). And, hopefully, when I get home...my Mr. will be there too! So, what color was your day???? From my little spot to yours.....Sweet blessings!

T.I.R.E.D.

That's just how I'm feeling today...TIRED!

Maybe it's the fall weather and it getting dark so much earlier....????

Maybe it's the LONG TO-DO Lists lately....???

Maybe it's getting too much sleep...????

Maybe...it's just how the ball is bouncing today :D....But, whatever it is.....I am so feeling called to go curl up on my Sofa with a warm blanket!!!

But, first, I wanted to share a thought I had this morning....well, actually, it started yesterday morning...I just finished reading that book by Max Lucado called...."Every Day Deserves A Chance". The last chapter was titled "The Blade of Uncommon Color"...and I have to say, it really wasn't a story I wanted to read, but one I will ALWAYS remember....(I can't go into detail, because I'm taking this book over to my sweet friend Lindsay and I don't want to ruin the end for her)....So, let me just sum it up as this....What color does your world look like every day????

Every day??? There are so many colors it can be....but, do you find it being Gray???? Sometimes, I do....and you know what...the more I think about it, the more I NEVER want any part of my day or life to be gray.....I want the vibrant colors of Fall, or the brightness of Spring...a Blue as clear as the sky, or a Red as bold as fresh picked strawberry....Okay...I'll just take a Rainbow every day :D!!!

To do that...I have to GIVE EVERY DAY A CHANCE! (Meaning even the days when I'm tired! When there seems to be more things on the to-do list than time, when things are messy in life, or uncertain...when life just doesn't seem to be going in any direction you want) That's when I really have to make an effort...a real step past ME...to see the Colors God wants me to see...to fill my life with more of Him over & over & over again...until Gray simply doesn't exist! So here's to practicing over & over & over again looking for "blades of grass amid life"!

And, now....my kitty is sitting beside me staring at me with eyes that are saying..."Come curl up on the sofa with me"...so, here I go...and may each of you have a Thursday lavished in bright colors...and many, many Sweet blessings!

10, 9, 8, 7....

10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0......

Counting down....

My preschooler's love counting down...to blast-off! I have to admit...I Love to count backwards to...especially when it's a count down!

Here's some of my favorite things I've counted down too......

* The number of days before I married the man of my dreams :D
* The days of Summer freedom before it was back to school, college, & work
* Counting down until Christmas/Spring Break or a great Vacation!
* Counting down until Christmas :D
* The days until it's payday :D
* Counting down the days when my husband is away until he's back home again
* Dentist or Doctor appointments
* Company arriving
* New babies being born...so many times I've watched & waited for those Mama's to finally have their calves : D (I don't think they can count!)

There's just so MANY things in life that it seems we countdown to....
but, right now...
I'm on a new countdown...
the END of MARKET SEASON countdown..
2 more markets to go for Richland & Pendleton...
4 more Pasco makets......and then.....

Whooohooooo....Blast-Off!

Meaning a little time to enjoy a weekend....maybe take in a movie, go to a football game, out to dinner with friends, trips to see our families....or catch-up on some much needed odds & ends at home!!! Of course, it will also mean doing some actual "Cow work"...like tagging, branding, vaccinating, and moving the girls to their Winter spot....But, just knowing we DON'T have to be in an exact spot every Friday & Saturday is totally freeing :D And, I am so going to start a new countdown then.....to a real date night with my Mr. :D (I'm hoping he's reading my blog this week :D)

So, from my little spot to yours....10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1,.... Hope you have some great countdowns happening in your lives too! Happy Saturday! May it be filled with many, many Sweet blessings!

What did it bring???

Happy October!

I feel like I've been gone from my blog forever....there's so many stories just waiting to be told...if only I could find enough time to sit down and share them :D Soon...hopefully, SOON!

Until then...here's what the first day of October brought to my life....

~ Definitely feeding all the animals in the dark....somehow doing the morning chores seems so simple during the summer, and so much work during the Fall & Winter???? I do have it all figured out though...and me and my handy spotlight are quite a good team....(our barn doesn't have a light...and there are always 8 kitties running under my feet...) Today, I just turned on my light...and got everyone fed without stepping on any tails :D

~ The heat was on...and my house felt oh, so cozy!

~ I fed a neighbors dogs on my way to work....their tails were waggingingly happy to see me :D

~ My Miss Susy was gone, but I was blessed with a great Mama to help me in the morning...and my Miss Veronica in the afternoon!

~ Starbucks greeted me after work as I headed out to check the Mama cows

~ Another new little baby joined our cow "family" today...I'm pretty sure it's a heifer...so I'm working on finding a name fitting to being a calf born on the first day of October :D

~ Emails from friends awaited me in my inbox...

~ Dinner was some of my favorite comfort foods...Mac & Cheese, Chicken Nuggets & Green Beans!

~ I actually got to sit down on the sofa for a whole half hour :D

~ I visited with my Mom & Dad on the phone....

~ October marks the beginning of the farmer's market countdown...Whooohoooo...Only 5 more weekends to go :D

And, now finally, I'm getting a chance to post! It's been a GREAT first day of October! So, how was yours...what happened that made your day GREAT?!?!? Most of all....I'll be praying that the whole month of October is filled to overflowing with many, many Sweet blessings!

Cozy things....

I can just feel Fall in the air...especially in the mornings when I head out to feed (mostly in the dark now :D), the grass is damp from dew, the air is crisp, and the sound of birds tweeting is missing....

There is just something about the feel of Fall that I LOVE! It makes me want to surround myself with my favorite cozy things.....

~ A warm cup of Tea
~ My favorite cuddle-up on the sofa blanket
~ Baking Cookies
~ A Roast cooking for dinner
~ Sweatshirts that had been tucked away during the Summer
~ The warm glow of candles, filling the air with a vanilla/cinnamon/apple smell
~ The sound of football coming from the TV, so symbolizing that my husband is HOME with Me!


The sights of Fall are so breathtaking....the earth changing colors, vibrant hues fading to soft muted colors...my animals coats becoming thick and oh, so warm to touch, the smell of the last few days of warmth bouncing off the earth.

It's all simply amazing to me! And, daily I find myself filled with a sense of calmness and peace as Fall brings the most Cozy feeling to my heart! Hope you find things that bring a cozy feeling to your hearts as we begin this new season :D And, that each moment is filled with many Sweet blessings!

Life is good....

Happy Wednesday! And, Happy middle of Septemeber...Can you believe it..the month is halfway gone?!?!?!

Life is good here....just on the Go....didn't want everything to think I'd gone missing or something :D So, here's a little recap until I can find REAL time to catch up :D

* My preschool classes have started to click...Whooohoooo....no more tears & clinging!!! :D
* Last Friday & Saturday I spent ALL day at farmer's markets...and I survived!!!
* Friends came by our Casa one evening and spoiled me with a few gifts and great conversation
* The Mama Cows & babies escaped from their pasture...the day the Mr. was in Yakima & I was in Pasco...why that always happens when we are gone is beyond me...but, it all turned out good in the end...Praise God!
* I got a new baby calf this week...but, also lost one :(
* My parents are here....so, we've been enjoying time together...eating, visiting, eating, visiting... :D
* The fruit flies are driving me totally over the edge...after a little computer research, I've discovered that a dish of apple-cider vinegar with a squirt of dish soap in it..WILL caputre them and bring them to their end! (That's just another free little tip, from my little world !)
* I discovered my front tire was going flat while leaving Safeway...Praise God it was then, I was close to Les Schwab..and my Miss Susy could come pick me up :D

So, life is GOOD...just sometimes jam-packed! Hope each of you are enjoying a GREAT week...and that God is making it GOOD ....until I find time to pop in again...hope your hearts are being filled with Many Sweet Blessings!

My secret...!!!

Well today was ONE of THOSE Days....LONG, CRAZY, and in the end GOOD !!! :D

Today was my second "first day" with preschoolers...I forgot how many things they really do learn in a year...and the "rule" day is just NOT as fun as the getting down to basics and enjoying preschool! I am blessed again with very sweet three-year olds...ready to explore, create some adventures, make some friendships & grow :D I can hardly wait to see all the blessings in store for this year!!! (You know there are going to be some good stories coming...but, until they start happening...here's just a cute moment from today....)

One of my little boys was sitting on the swing...and he ask me to push him...so I did. Then, he said push me higher..and I did! To which in a very loud voice came..."Whoooohooooo I'm going high...everyone look at me...I'm swinging soooo high". It totally made me laugh...don't you wish you could swing high and shout at the top of your lungs everyday????

Now for the rest of my day...NO not the bill paying, errand running, Starbucks stop...but the after work part! Well, you see I was a little grumpy at my Mr. last night...and since I have guilt issues (as in I always feel guilty about everything :D) I was determined to be a "good wife" today! So, when he said he needed to sort off some calves to be moved....of course I said I'd help. The pasture these cows are on, often has swamps because it is flood irrigated...and there is one big lake (wouldn't you know it :D) that always forms at the gate between the two pastures. But, not to worry, I put in my big muck boots just in case...I've learned my lesson that tennis shoes in a swamp equal very soggy, squishy wet feet :D

As usual, the cows are as far away from the place you need them to be as possible. (Oh, well I needed the extra exercise... since I'm on a "get healthy kick" right now anyway :D) So my boss heads his direction and I head mine...and Ta-Da...rare as it is...the cows all went right where we wanted them too...even through the lake! It was then that my Mr. shouted...head to the other end, FAST! (Which meant I had to go through the lake, and the swamp up to the other end of the pasture....) I made it through the lake without getting stuck or water in my muck boots..and actually, was doing pretty good at running through the swamp....Until....my foot caught on something, I tripped, and landed, thankfully forward on one knee with my hands catching the earth. Mmmmm...swampy mud on my pants, & hands...but still not inside my muck boots...and thankfully, I had my long-sleeve farm'in shirt tied around my waist to use as a towel!!! I'm sure I was a sight. Then that little group of cows wanted to play "catch me if you can" or maybe it was "chase" all around that little section...until finally, I got them to the Mr...and Ta-Da out of nowhere comes a gentleman with his rope helping corner them in...so the open gate looks like the best, safest option to them and they head straight in!!! Whew!!! Job done!!!

I slipped out of my muck boots, back into my tennis shoes & headed home to my shower! Now, for the secret....are you ready...???? Sometimes, because I like my hair to be poufy and it was getting late and I didn't feel like washing it tonight....(Yes, I can shower without getting my 80's hair wet :D) but, after chasing cows it tends to smell a little like a cow..(a smell I don't relish smelling ALL night....) I simply take a fabric softener...rub it on my hair...run my fingers through it...add a little mist of hair spray...and Ta-Da...good as new :D Occasionally, I will do this little trick after cutting the grass too....and believe it or not...it WORKS! So, there you have it...my day, and my secret to good smelling hair no matter what! And, my day is ending perfectly because my Mr. & I actually got to share a meal together and the rest of the evening too! Hope your Wednesday was a good one too...and that Thursday is even better! Sweet blessings!

Hip, Hip Hooray for 3 day weekends!

Yeahhhhh...it's a LONG weekend! So glad for the extra day...although during the school year, I get three day weekends ALL year ....it seems like forever since I've enjoyed one :D

It's just plain been a little NON-Stop around here lately.....

Last week was my first week back to my Preschool job...and it felt good to be back...even though the first week consists of cleaning EVERY SINGLE TOY in our room...plus our room...setting it back up, & making it look cute for all our new little friends, first-aid & CPR trainings, staff meetings, CSEPP Drills, Parent Orientations, and finally on Friday a little popsicle party (okay make that 4 in 4 hours) to meet our 52+ new three year olds! And, my Miss Susy & I survived it all...maybe in much need of a nap afterwards...but, we made it!

After my preschool job, then I headed to Pendleton to help my Mr. with the Pendleton's farmer's market...but, I have to admit my mind was so drained and checked out from the mornings events...I couldn't even make change right :D Thank goodness for patient customers!!!

Next was Hermiston's farmer's market Saturday morning..followed by a totally lazy, nap-filled rest of the day! And, today....I woke up feeling recharged and ready to go again.....and oh, so THANKFUL it's Sunday, because at our house that means a day to REST and take it easy!!! Whoohoooooo!!!! (although I think I did hear my Mr. mention something about moving some cows?!?! and, my house is giving me the evil eye for being so neglected last week... :D) Whatever today brings...the good news is...there is always tomorrow for all that!!!!

So, here's hoping that YOU enjoy your three day weekend, whatever it may be filled with...and say a Hip, Hip Hooray along the way :D Sweet blessings!

The 2nd Mile...

Did I mention that I'm reading an excellent book right now...called "EVERY DAY DESERVES A CHANCE" by Max Lucado :D !!! ???

I just Love Max's books....and somehow they always speak volumes to me...whether it's because of thought provoking words, convicting scriptures, or simply something my heart revels in....I always finish a book more inspired, encouraged, convicted, filled, ready....I always close the book GROWING in some way!

Well, today's chapter was so Awesome...I just had to share a bit of it with you....STOP here if you don't want to have to buy the book :D ha, ha....

So here it is....Are you a go a mile person...or a 2nd mile person???

Do you give what you need to and stop? Or do you go on???
Do you demand and recieve? Or do you give without reserve???
Do you do your job & leave? Or do you help your co-workers so they can leave too???

Those that belong to the second mile club..

"don't wear badges or uniforms; they wear smiles. They have discovered the secret. The joy is found in the extra effort. The sweetest satisfaction lies, not in climbing your own Everest, but in helping other climbers." (perfectly written by Max, don't you think :D)

I want to be in THAT club....EVERY DAY!

It's not easy, because we have that thing.. our "self" that always, always gets in the way....to do it means we have to put ourselves OUT of the WAY! And, you know what that means.....it means it's NOT ALL ABOUT US !!! :D Sometimes, I just have to laugh when I think about how we are created...and how God really wants us to be....they almost seem as far apart as the North & South Pole...but, I just know when they meet in the middle...there it is....JOY & Contentment ! And, the closer we get to the South Pole...the greater true Peace we'll find :D

So, here's the words of wisdom Max gives to find that place....

"Daily do a deed for which you cannot be repaid"

&

"Get over yourself"

I'm totally NOT good at running...and the thought of doing a mile simply wears me out, let alone going two...but, I so want to be a 2nd mile girl! So, I'm going to try my best this week to leave myslef in the dust...and find ways to cross the finish line!!! (Because I know God will be there all the way cheering me on...Go sweet girl, GO! :D) Have a GREAT Wednesday...May it be a day of going the 2nd mile for you too...Sweet blessings!

Not just looking....

This last week I had a revelation....it was one of those whispers that made me start to take a GOOD LOOK!

I think as time passes, I stop seeing and start looking....do you ever do that???

By looking I mean, you see the same things daily, and you can almost describe them with your eyes closed...quick close your eyes....what color are the towels in your bathroom??? What is on the top shelf of your fridge??? What is on your table???

Because I'm OCD (Obsessive/Compulsive)...I do notice new things...like when someone gets a haircut or new glasses, or when things are out of their "place" in my home or classroom :D But, sometimes, I'm so use to looking that I don't really SEE.

I think my sweet husband has become someone I look at, and don't always really See. (I know BIG confession :D) Oh, I LOVE him with All my heart...and I adore, respect, & totally admire him....but, I don't think I really always SEE him! Lately others have been sharing words with me about him...words that make me stop and think.....WOW! They are right....He does have some amazing qualities....

* He is hard-working

* He is a GREAT salesman

* He does truly listen to others

* He has creative ideas

* He is so, so cute! :D (thanks sweet friend for those words!)

He is all those things and so much more....and I'm so thankful that this week over & over again others have been telling me things about my husband that they SEE...things that I know...things that I Love about him...things that are there EVERY. SINGLE. DAY...!!! Things that I've come to Look at and NOT See!

And, you know what I WANT To start SEEING...every day, every thing....I want to See beyond the outside, beyond the picture, beyond what I'm looking at....to the inside..the very core of ALL that God created...ALL that He gives...ALL that is in front of me! So the revelation....it's just this....SEE don't LOOK....Strive each day to overcome familiarity, and find the NEWNESS that is always waiting....SEE the goodness that is ALL around!

Happy Monday! Happy Last Day of August (where did it go??)! Happy First Day of School!...and Most of all...may you SEE great things today!! Sweet blessings!

My 10 good things....

Okay, I did it...yesterday I concentrated on being grateful...and here's my list of 10 things I found....

1. Even though it was a BAD hair day...I have hair..and I'm thankful : D

2. A little 9 year old girl that was helping her mom at the Market, came and helped me in mine...she folded ALL my brochures...and was so happy that I paid her in jerky & pepperoni!

3. The Mr. came home with cantaloupe & blueberries...two fellow marketeers had given to him...just for me :D And, the cucumbers that showed up on our porch from the neighbor :D

4. So thankful for two beautiful friends & our bible study ... (and that we had time to connect for some ice cream & girl talk!)

5. Thankful that even though my Mr. was exhausted..& slept away most of the afternoon/evening...he was home!

6. The weather was just right yesterday...not too hot, not too cold...just Right!

7. Even though they require attention twice a day...so, glad I'm blessed with 8 barn cats!

8. Even though the magpies attacked my front steps while I was gone yesterday...I'm so glad they are cement and I can hose them off ! (a small thing, I know..but, such a good thing :D)

9. That I can talk to my parents whenever I want...everyday, twice a day if I want :D

10. Phone calls from friends..

That each and every day I am blessed by the gift of Life, Love, Family, Good Friends....and many, many Sweet blessings!

That...

That day, YESTERDAY...It was a New Day! And...a very Good Day! So, glad I gave it a chance :D!!!

And, today..."This is the day that the Lord has made; I will REJOICE and be glad IN IT"!

GRATITUDE

That's my word for today....Looking to be THANKFUL for ALL things!

Hope you have the BEST Saturday...and in it you find MANY, MANY things big & small..to be grateful for! Sweet blessings!

This....

This....

Is A NEW DAY!

It started at 4:30 this morning...and Fall is truly on it's way! All summer I got up at 4:30...and each day I was greeted by the Sun peeking over the horizon...This morning...at 4:30 I was greeted by bright stars lighting up the sky! Simply Amazing...somehow the stars look totally different in the moments before dawn than they do in the moments after sunset!

Today is my LAST Friday before it's back to Preschool....
Today is the beginning of our Farmer's Market weekend....
Today I have errands to run...
Today I have appointments....
Today the horse shoe-er (as I like to call him :D) is coming....
Today is a NEW DAY!

It's my opportunity to share my Jesus with someone...It's the opportunity to help & serve... It's the opportunity to start over...begin a new, fresh morning....I'm reading a book right now by
Max Lucado entitled..."Every Day Deserves a Chance". It is inspiring me...to do just that...give every day a chance.

My new morning motto....

"This is the day that the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it". Psalm 118:24

Sometimes that is easier said than done....sometimes life is full of roller-coaster rides..and I just want off the ride....sometimes it's filled with hard times..and I earn for easiness....sometimes, it even holds NOT good things...but, in the midst of it all ...these words from Max's book say it all..

God made this day, ordained this hard hour, designed the details of this wrenching moment. He isn't on holiday. He still holds the conductor's baton, sits in the cockpit, and occupies the universe's only throne. Each day emerges from God's drawing room.

Suppose neck deep in a "terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day, you resolve to give it a chance. You choose not to drink or work or worry it away but to give it a fair shake. You trust more. Stress less. Amplify gratitude. Mute grumbling. And what do you know? Before long the day is done and surprisingly decent!

That's just what I'm trying my best to do....Live in it...(Today that is!) Through G-O-D!

Grace - Saturate my day in His grace. (Luke 23:43)

Oversight - Entrust my day to His oversight. (Luke 11:3)

Direction - Accept His direction. (Luke 9:23)

This is a New Day...and I'm excited to see the plans God has for it! Hope you enjoy a New day too...filled with many, many Sweet blessings!

Meet the Mr.'s treasures...

Here they are.... My Mr.'s treasures.....Before they came to our Casa we already had three horses...Oops...make that four :D

One day in late August, my husband decided to head to La Grande to the Cow Sale...(one of his favorite things to do when he has time :D)..... We had invited his parents for dinner...but NO worries, he'd be home in plenty of time for dinner.

His parents arrived, dinner was ready, and still no husband...finally, the phone rings....to which I hear..."I just had the BEST Day of my life!"

"Oh, was it a good Cow sale? ..."
"Yep!"
"We're the prices good??" (see I do know what to ask at least :D ha,ha...)
"They were okay."
"Did you buy some cows?"....
"No....I bought a horse...it totally is my dream horse. I couldn't believe it when it went in the ring...I saw the brand and I knew it was an Elwyn Hall horse."
"A horse?????"
"I never thought I'd EVER own an Elwyn Hall horse....and guess what she only cost $900.00!"(Elwyn Hall was an old horseman that my Mr. worked with at a feedlot...and he truly did raise the most beautiful, best working horses around...his reputation always exceeded him!)

So, it was a great day for my Mr...but another horse??? Well, of course, we went ahead and ate dinner while we waited for him to drive back home...my father-in-law was just excited as my Mr.

Finally, the horse trailer pulled into the driveway...and out came Mora, the Mama, with a baby beside her, named Shotgun...and guess what...a baby inside her! Yep...it was a PERFECT day for my Mr....he came home with three horses for $900.00. And, all I could say was..."Happy 40th birthday gift to you"! :D (since it was almost his birthday ...and 40 is a BIG one!) Besides...every guy deserves his dream to come true once in awhile, right?!?!

So here they are...Charlie, Mora, & Shotgun (I'm not sure which is which from this picture...because they ALL look alike :D)

These three horses have been a sweet blessing to us! Each of them has their own personality...and each of them is very sweet, gentle, and easy going! (Well except for Charlie...he's the baby, and is the one that always finds trouble...and is a bit too smart for his own good!) The Mr. said it's because I've babied him too much and let him get away with too much..and I think he's right :D

So, how many horses do we have...??? Right now, we have 6, yes, SIX at home...and one at another place. What do they do??? Eat, eat, eat.... :D And, this week, they all finally got their West Nile shots, wormed, & their vaccinations! Life is good...and there really isn't anything as relaxing as watching them run through the pasture! (But, how will I ever find a 50th birthday present that lives up to the 40th??? Good thing I have a few years to work on it :D) Have the BEST Wedesday! Sweet blessings!

Leavenworth & the girls

Leavenworth ready or not here we come! Every year two of my college friends (we are the ones that live closest to each other and have that opportunity!) and I try to meet up. Usually Deb and I just head to Port Orchard where Tami lives...but, this time, we decided to live it up...and that's just what we did.....in the beautiful, quaint, little town of Leavenworth, Washington!

We stayed at the Bavarian Lodge! And, it was absolutely perfect! We were blessed with a room with two queen beds and a little side bedroom with a King bed ! Which meant it was like a slumber party all night!


There were beautiful flowers everywhere...and the smell of pine trees...and shopping....oh, did I mention, our hotel was right across the street from ALL the shopping...tons upon tons of tiny little shops of everything imaginable!

Even...a quaint little Starbucks! Whoooohoooooo vacation time doesn't get much better than a Starbucks within walking distance :D

This is a shot from one of the restuarants we visited on our first day....each of us tried a different German dish...topped off with Apple Struedal, German Chocolate Cake, and Raspberry, White Chocolate Cheesecake! (No worries, my girls know I'm a germ aphobic, and kindly each gave me a spoonful of their desserts to taste before they dug in!!! I am blessed!!!)

After lunch, we shopped the little stores for awhile, then headed back to our room to lounge, & talk & talk & talk! Somehow we NEVER run out of things to talk about... :D (And, just so our husbands know...it's NOT always about them either..ha, ha...!) Later in the evening we wandered the streets some more and found an outside patio to enjoy some Beef and Seafood! This time, there was NO room for desserts... :(

The next morning, after the biggest continental breakfast I've ever seen, some more shopping, a stop at Cold Stone Creamery...we took to the road for a little sight-seeing.....

It was absolutely breathtaking ...God never ceases to amaze me! What an incredible world He created for us!!!

Here's my college girls...Tami & Debbie...(and I have to say, they are my most stylish friends :D...always looking radiant and beautiful!!!)

After our sight-seeing we lounged around our room again...enjoyed some Starbucks...discussed the finer points of life at 40 :D..then, had an amazing dinner at an Italian resturaunt...topped off with carmeled apples for dessert! Did I mention that we ate & ate & ate on our trip?!?! :D

And, here we are getting ready to say good-by! It was a great time...but, way to short...and a little lonely without the other girls...but, they were there in our hearts! And, there's talk of another trip soon :D

So from my heart...thanks girls for a much needed time away! I am blessed over & over agian by each of you!

And...I so hope all you other girl "friends" out there...get to do that once in awhile too...get away with some good girl friends...because it totally is a gift like none other! Sweet blessings!