Someone Pinch me, PLEASE.....

Sometimes, I just can't believe all the ways God has blessed me....not just once, not here and there, but EVERY single day!

One of my GREATEST blessings...is the man he has given me as my husband...sometimes, I truly just want to Yell out..."SOMEONE PINCH ME, PLEASE". Never in my wildest dreams or best imagination, could I ever have created a husband that I LOVE so much!

Let me tell you just a little about that Man I'm blessed to call MY husband....


~ His name is Pat...actually his full name is Patrick. (But, I never use his full name, not even when he's in trouble. :D)

~ He is exactly one year and 14 days older than me....(However, we both graduated from High School at 17...and started college at that same age ....what babies!)

~ We met at college in La Grande (Eastern Oregon State College )...He was a Sophomore, I was a Freshman....He was a bull rider....I was so drawn to "cowboys" :D

~ He was a bit "wild"...all my friends use to tell me..."STAY AWAY from him". (So, glad I didn't listen to their advice...besides who cares if he would occasionally indulge in a beverage that would lead to him singing to the mailboxes. :D)

~ I had never met anyone like him before...we could sit and talk for hours in my dorm room....

~ I'll never forget how impressed I was that he asked me the first time if he could kiss me...Mmmm..that thought still melts my heart!

~ Next, he asked, and I mean literally asked..."Would you be my girlfriend?" I could hardly contain myself...although, the poor guy...my questioning habits appeared that early...as I replied ..."Do guys really ASK girls to be their girlfriends?" (Well, if they are the catch of a life-time they do :D)

~ Finally his Senior year of college he asked me to be his. (There was no greater feeling in the whole world....!!!)

~ He has a passion for cattle & horses...(You would think the word "cowboy" would of clued me into all of that before saying "I do" :D)

~ He is adventuresome, loves change, challenges, and trying new things...whether it be zip-lining or some exotic dish..he's ready to test it all out!

Since then, there have been countless moments when I've felt the need to be pinched...times, I just couldn't believe he had chosen me to be his partner (Oh, of course, there have been those rough patches, those times that test what you are made of, and grumpies that sometimes appear out of no where....) But, over and over again...I am truly blessed!

Just this weekend, out of the blue he stole my heart yet again....We were just sitting on the couch and all of a sudden he said to me " I want to make more memories with you." "What???" (there I go again with my questioning :D) "Memories....I want us to make lots of them...they always keep us closer together." What could I say, but WOW!!! This is my husband, my treasure, my gift from God....PINCH ME!!!

So to the man of my dreams today....I say...THANK YOU....Thank you for being AMAZING, for working so HARD, for challenging me to live OUTSIDE the box, for knowing all my quirks and still LOVING me....Thank You for always striving to make our marriage better, for providing for us so well, for taking time to do those "little things" that mean so much...THANK YOU for being YOU...the GOOD Man God created you to be!

From my heart to yours......Sweet Blessings!

Smiling...

S - Sunday is my favorite day of the week....even when the wind blows like crazy and the sun is
no where to be seen! I still know the Son is shining on me :D

M - Married...and I LOVE every minute of it....smiling because tonight I had a little date with
husband...in Hermiston, a date for us = a trip to Rite-Aid, Walmart, and then to Shari's for
dessert! Sometimes, life is spinning way to fast...and we've decided we NEED to make it
slow down and take time for little things like Pie & Cheesecake at Shari's!

I - I am blessed....to have a home with heat, clothes to wear, food to eat, and friends that care!

L - Love....Love of family, friends, my animals...(they really do love me, they do :D)

I - Inside is what counts...not the outside....inside my heart is smiling...even though outside my
body is constantly changing ...inside I think I will always feel 22 :D

N - Notice....I want to notice everything all around me everyday....I want to notice the amazing
world, the unspoken needs, the tiny beginnings, the sad eyes, the sounds, smells, even the
silence...I want to Notice!

G - God...my faithful, forever friend! He is Great!

So, today, I'm just Smiling.....and it feels good! May this week bring smiles to your hearts...and may you see smiles happening all around you! Sweet blessings!

Spring Break Day 5

FRIDAY....
it's here...where did the week go???

Today, was my catch-up day...you know....

* Picking up clothes at the cleaners
* Going to the Bank
* Grocery Shopping
* Cleaning the House
* Laundry

And....today my new dryer arrived...it is doing it's job as we speak..and I can barely hear it....Yeahhhhh!!! I don't know why, but new appliances make me happy (NOT as gifts though, sweet husband, in case you are reading :D) They, just make doing the work a little more exciting & fun for a while!!!

It's been nice to have a day to catch-up....a day to take care of the things God has blessed me with....and, the best part of this day being Friday...is... my husband is coming home tonight!!!

Oh, and I think there's going to be a little College Basketball going on in this house too! :D

Happy Friday to each of you.......And Sweet Blessings!

Spring Break Day 4

Home!

Home Sweet Home!!!

We arrived safely back to our little corner of the World today around 12:30! Although, it was great getting away and spending precious time with my Grandparents, it's good to be back home! I actually missed all my "chores" and "babies"!

And.... I came home to this beautiful new Spring Banner...thank YOU so much to my sweet friend Lindsay! I LOVE this time of year and watching all the beautiful yellow petals opening up....How did she even know????

Once, I got settled back into my little routine...I did something HUGE....totally NOT something I usually impulsively do...but I DID IT!

After a few days of a clunking, ratchety sound every time my dryer turned....I decided something wasn't quite right. Now, my dryer appears to be a 1968 model...my Father-in-law got for us, for free, when we moved into our house almost 16 years ago....a couple years after we had it, something went wrong and I was able to find a repair man to come out (Did you know that's kind of an extinct job now..unless you work for a big company??!?!) ...and after a bit, he was able to fix the problem. But, this time....it just sounds different, and somehow "feels" different! I guess after 40 years, it's probably just time for it to give up.

Today, I decided maybe I should start looking at what's out there...just Looking mind you. I headed to Sears, because after all, the boys there are always so kind to me every month when I pop in to pay my Discover bill...I never shop or look around, I just go in, pay, and leave! I walk inside, assuring them this time I'm actually here to look around...and one of the guys took me right to the dryer aisle and started showing me around. Wouldn't you know it...today they were on sale, and the Sale ends today...and, it's a really, really good deal....MMmmmmm.....do I or don't I???? I always try to talk to my Mr. about such things before just diving in(not that he particularly cares...but, I just feel like it's the right thing to do, besides I like it much better when he asks me before making a big purchase, instead of finding out about it when the bill comes :D ha, ha...)...but, he's at the Company headquarters doing Trainings??? MMmmmm.....I decide I'll just go ahead and try, in case, his phone is on...after all it is an hour later in Utah, making it 5:30.....it rings, and he answers.....

"What's going on ?" (Not my favorite way for him to answer the phone when He knows it's me calling...but the way he always answers when he's working or his clients/co-workers are there!)

"I'm thinking of getting a new dryer...is it okay." I ask as fast as I can, because I know I'm interrupting something :D

"Get it"

Conversation done....New Dryer on it's way!

I've truly never made such a rash decision....but, something or somehow this time, I just did?!?!? So, tomorrow afternoon a new dryer will be working away in our home! (as we speak my old Mr. 1968 is clunking away....) I will miss that sound....and, I'm hoping my new model will be as faithful and loyal as my old one! (And, I think this one is a She :D ha, ha....)

I can't believe the week is almost over....but, it's been filled with many, many sweet blessings...and I hope your Thursday had been too....Sweet blessings!

Spring Break Day 3

Wednesday....and being at my Grandparents with No animals calling for me to feed them....I could wake up whenever I wanted...and I didn't want it to be 5:00! Why does that happen when you can sleep in??!?! I made myself somehow, manage to stay in bed until 6:45!!

Oh, and for the first time in YEARS...my sister and I had a slumber party! We had to share the guest bedroom...and somehow it seems strange to sleep with your sister when you are all grown-up and married :D But, fun at the same time....you can talk all you want when you are grown-up and no one comes in to say..."girls, it's time to go to sleep now!" :D (Of course, being the germ phobic that I am...I made sure she stayed on her side of the bed..ha, ha....)!!!

Today, we just shopped around, here & there...although, I didn't find any treasures..can you believe it....a whole town of shopping and I didn't buy a thing! Somehow, I'm thinking my Mr. will be rejoicing over that :D After shopping us girls, (my sister, Grandma & I) had a nice lunch out..then, back to their place to just hang out. We had brought food to make them a nice dinner...so, we did just that...(Nothing fancy, just meatloaf, baked potatoes, veggies, & a jello salad!) Why is it that we you go somewhere all you do is eat???? Another nice evening of visiting, laughing, and catching up!

Plus, my sister and I were able to go across the street and meet the neighbor you helps them now and then. She's a really nice lady that goes over weekly and helps my Grandma change her bedding and vaccums for her (Did I mention that my Grandma has always been a go-g0 girl...and one that has the cleaniest house I've ever seen?) So, being less mobile these days really is hard for her...and we are so happy there is someone close by to help her with those little things that are so very important to her. We also took her a little Thank YOU gift...not my idea...but, my Grandma & sisters...apparently the lady and her wife (Yes, you read that right, which is so interesting, because my Grandparents are okay with it...but, they are still from the prejudice area and struggle with their neighbors that are Vietnamese or someone who is black, hispanic, etc???) like to drink some beer...something called Moore's Pond??? It's brewed in Redmond, in case anyone out there is interested..ha, ha.... Anyway, so we go to Fred Meyer, and buy it...or should I say, I buy it...(I don't know what's happening lately...first cigarettes, and now beer?!?!?) And, I even had to show my ID ! The neighbor lady was in tears...."You don't know how much I care about your Grandparents" was her reply...."I like being able to help"! Our hearts were warmed...and I am still thanking God that while our family is so far away, He has placed someone near to watch over & help them!

It was a GREAT Wednesday! Sweet blessings!

Spring Break Day 2

I'm trying to catch up on my Spring Break log... :D So, here's Day 2 of my Spring Vacation...

Tuesday morning, I loaded up, picked up my sister and the two of us headed to Portland to spend a couple days with my Grandparents (they are now in their 80's and I don't get to spend near enough time with them). We took my car this time, and are you ready..I actually drove! The whole way...even through the three lanes of traffic :D Of course, it really helped that my sister was my co-pilot...and she has NO fear, plus she's a pro at driving in big cities :D The only incident at all, was as I was pulling into my Grandparent's drive way (which is way little and the street they live on is way narrow....in my defense :D) and apparently I ran over their grass. My sister kept going on & on about it and was laughing so hard I just knew my car seat was going to end up wet...it's only grass I kept telling her!!! (Before my Grandparent's started to decline in their health, my Grandpa use to have the PERFECT, most BEAUTIFUL lawn on his block...and driving over it then would of be a big, HUGE NO-NO!)

Of course, the minute we arrived the rain arrived too....we unpacked, visited a bit, then headed to dinner...their treat to us...we ate at Burgerville...which I don't know why,but I just love...I'm thinking because we don't have one in Eastern Oregon :D Then, we went back visited some more, our cousin and her kids came and visited...and, then there was ice cream & popcorn. Oh, did I forget to mention that my Grandma always has two or three candy bowls that sit around...so, I pretty much ate non-stop the whole time!!! Just one of those little things that says Grandma... candy dishes filled with chocolates, hard candies, nuts...!!!

It was a great second day! And, whoooo hoooo I can now say I DID IT!!! I safely survived driving in the Portland area! And, I was praising God for his protection the whole way!!! Hope each of you found a candy dish in your day, just waiting to bring a smile to your day! Sweet blessings!

Day 1 of Spring Break....

Today was the first official day of my Spring Vacation! But, it didn't feel anything like a vacation to me :D I don't know why, but somehow my life always seems even busier when I'm not working.....

So far today.....I've....

* Got up at 1:00 a.m. to see my husband off....pray over him, and make sure he didn't leave his suitcase behind (sometimes, my sweet man tends to leave things behind!) I did go back to bed though around 2:30!!!

* Paid the bills

* Sorted through my husband's "mail" pile...and filled the garbage can nicely!

* Dropped off the Mr.'s shirts at the Cleaners

* Filled up my little Honda girl with gas

* Went by Preschool to get my petty cash papers to fill out

* To Walmart to drop-off film....I'm only three months behind on my preschool picture developing :D

* Baked some cookies to take to my Grandparents

* Stood outside in the Cold, Cold Wind holding our horse Duece, while he got a massage...(YES! Horses get massages too...that's another whole story waiting to show up on my blog!)

* Got the Laundry caught up

* Stood outside yet again and held Mr. Duece while the Chiropractor took a turn at fix'in him

There....that's just some of my first day of Spring Break.....How did today go by so fast??? Hoping each of you had a PERFECT first day...and that it was filled with LOTS of fun things to do too! Sweet blessings!

Sunday tid-bits...

It's been a GOOD Sunday! Well minus the wind blowing a 100+ miles an hour that is :D

Today, I actually, got to wake up next to my husband....and, I LOVE starting my day off that way....

Then, I made myself a nice cup of tea, read the paper, gave Missy cat some attention...and slowly found my way to the shower. Mmmmm.....lazy mornings, just feel GOOD! Although, I had every intention of making it to Sunday School on time today....(Pat had to be in Pendleton to tear down his display from the PGG Spring Spec show...so I couldn't use him making us late as my excuse : D ) and, things were going pretty well, until it was time to get dressed....and for some reason today, I changed four times...did you get that FOUR times until I found the right fit. (Now, that is just not usual for me...I usually, pick out some clothes, put them on..and go...) By then, I was running behind, and starved even though I had already had my trusty bowl of Cheerio's?!?! I've decided the culprit of it all, is SUGAR....for some reason I've been so naughty this weekend, indulging every whim and craving for sugar...and when I do....it makes me hungry all day long! And, makes my clothes not look appealing on me at all...ha, ha! So, by then, I was too late to head to Sunday School. So, of course, I just had to watch a little NCAA until it was time for church to start.

Church was GOOD today...the message was on..are you ready for this...GOODNESS! Hey, I think I have a theme to this post going now.....And, another GOOD thing happened...my sister showed up at Church today! Truly that makes my heart happy....I so want her to know my Best Friend Jesus in a personal, deep way!

Then I had to say good-by to a sweet Sister-in-Christ and her family..Alaska is calling their name. Even, though, I will miss her terribly....I avoided any tears....because I know miles cannot make our friendship disappear..and we will see each other again.

Next, was a couple errands, then lunch with my sister at La Palma's (Mexican food is just GOOD anytime :D). Then, home to find my husband walking in at the same time :D Yeahhhh...I just LOVE Sunday's when we get some time to be together, watch a good NCAA basketball game and just "be".

It truly has been a GOOD day! Hope your Sunday was filled with as many GOOD things....

"For the Lord is GOOD and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations." Psalm 100:5

Sweet Blessings!

A little something.....

Happy Saturday!

Happy Beginning of Spring Break!

Happy March Madness!!!

Okay, I have to confess....a little something about myself.....

Are you ready to hear this, oops, I mean read this ????

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE NCAA BASKETBALL!!!

There....now, there's another tid-bit about me that you know.....

I don't know why, but I totally enjoy (or maybe the better word would be THRIVE on) the whole March Madness, Non-stop Basketball games :D (I don't think I've crossed the line to being called a fanatic yet, but the possibility is always there..ha, ha :D) My favorite team happens to be North Carolina...but, along the way I usually pick another couple to root for as it narrows down to the Sweet 16, then, the Elite 8 to the Final Four!!!

In fact, I am so nuts over it...that I am more than annoyed if my Mr. interrupts it for anything...Story in fact, one year, the year North Carolina was playing for the Championship game...my sweet husband scheduled an appointment for us to go to a meeting through our insurance agency on Will & Estate planning! WHAT! I remember saying to him...tonight's the final game....that would be like me asking you to go during the Superbowl!! Now, my husband LOVES basketball too (any sport for that matter) but, with his crazy schedule he just doesn't get the time to get so connected! So, he doesn't understand WHY I get quite so grumpy at him!

Then, there was last year...and wouldn't you know it...right in the middle of the final game..I have a sick calf that needs some attention....I tried to squeeze it in during half-time...which resulted in a chase around the squeeze chute, a board that I was using to block a get away spot being knocked over, stepped on, and flung back up to hit me in the thigh...(OWWWWW...was an understatement!!! And, the bruise ) By, the time I finally got the job done, it was down to the last 2 minutes of the game! But, at least I saw the ending...I LOVE it as the champion team climbs high atop the ladder cutting a piece of the hoop down to signify their victory...and then, there's the final music and the video of all the teams throughout the play-offs! Can, I just say again I LOVE COLLEGE BASKETBALL!!! What else can you watch that in the final seconds, and I do mean seconds one team that has led the whole game can lose, or a team that is ranked way below can turn out victorious....Oh my, so many times it is totally nail biting (not that I bite my nails :D) and on occasion...I can't NOT hoop and holler! (Why, I find that so annoying when my Man does it over football games is beyond me :D) ha, ha...

This year, I'm hoping for a night of total UN-interruption...(A girl can always hope :D) So...if I don't answer my phone, or emails, or you don't see me for a few weekends...you'll know why...it just means I'm fixated on my TV and the action that is unfolding there.....Oh, it's always GOOD!

Maybe you'll take in a game for yourself....so, from my little March Madness zone to yours....Have a good one whatever you choose to do today...and in it all may you feel God's presence! Sweet blessings!

Not enough....

Today, I heard some of the GREATEST news ever...My Mom's biopsy came back Cancer free!!!

You see, my Mom had breast cancer about nine years ago...and had chemo, a masectomy, chemo & radiation. It was a LONG year...but, God is so good and faithful...and the Cancer left.

This last month her mammogram showed some tiny pin-point dots...which led to a biopsy. God is so amazing...in that in between her appointment with the surgeon for the biopsy, she had an appointment to meet with her radiation oncologist (she still sees him every 6 months). He had all the reports from the mammogram and concurred with the surgeons guidance and plan of action. If it turned out to be cancer, my Mom had already opted to have a masectomy, which this time (since it was a different kind of cancer) would be the answer and all that needed done! Whew......my Mom really isn't vain, and since the beginning had wanted the other one removed too. During her visit with the oncologist, this time she asked more detailed questions about the first cancer...and it turns out it was called Inflammatory Breast Cancer...which is a very rare and often fatal cancer (which I've learned since two ladies I know have battled it & now I have researched it on the internet...if you are unaware of it...PLEASE read about it and be informed too!).....little did I or we know then....and in hindsight...I am totally awed by God's healing hand, thankful that for whatever reason, we were shielded from all the real truth's about the first cancer, and ever so THANKFUL she is a survivor! In hindsight...looking back, I would of NOT had as much strength, confidence, or whatever, if I had really known the severity of the battle my Mom was facing.

So, over & over again today and since then I have been saying those two words to God..."THANK YOU"...but, they don't seem in the slightest enough....they seem too simple, too short, too small for the true, deep, extreme gratitude I feel each time I think about it.

The Dr. had said the odds of it being cancer were 50/50...but, I was so sure they would say it was cancerous (since, I also have a dear friend that's had that same kind...)....but, this time I decided to pray, "LORD your Will be done"....so, hard for me...but, a true step in faith this time. And, Ta-Da...He answered...and it's His will. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU I shouted at the top of my lungs to him today as I drove home from work...But still, it's not nearly enough. My heart is bursting with deep Awe at the Amazing God I LOVE so much!!!

I think my THANK YOU pleases him...

but my heart wants to do more... So, my heart's desire will be to keep walking in faith, reaching out in trust, and serving him whole-heartedly as my gift to Him in return! Thank YOU to my sweet friends who have been praying for my Mom too...Thank YOU for letting me share my heart, my Mom's story, and the ways God is working in our lives!

Sweet blessings!

H.O.M.E.

Home....that's just where I went this weekend...to my parent's home...but, somehow no matter how old I get or how far away I live...the minute I get there it is still MY home! It's that place where the outside world stops and I feel 5 again :D The place where I can just "be"...no animals calling my name, no laundry staring at me, no endless "things" needing done....HOME...it's one of my favorite places to be.

There's just parts of my family home that never change....

* My Mom still cooks better than anyone I know..and food elsewhere NEVER tastes as good as hers.....

* My Dad still always has the TV on, and turned up loud and then repeatedly says "what" because he can't hear the conversations going on :D

* There's always some kind of baked goodies sitting aluringly on the kitchen counter ...this time, there was Chocolate Cake, Cookies, & Muffins...(how can a girl ever choose??? Okay, so I made the "my pants don't fit this week" decision, and had it all :D)

* Speaking of that cake...for as long as I can remember...my Mom always put the cake (layered of course,) on a plate, then covers it with this burnt orange tupperware bowl from probably the 70's! I couldn't help but smile when I saw that bowl on the coutner...I knew what would be hiding underneath. Although, somtimes, that bowl becomes the popcorn bowl too...no matter how many other bowls my Mom has or we have bought her....it appears that one is her favorite and for keeps. (At least she takes my teasing about it well!)

* My parents also have dish TV....they are a step up from my Antenna...so, not only can I lay around there...but, I can catch some great movies too!

* One change in the house is finally, after years of one bathroom, three teenagers & girls....they have added another bathroom....and this weekend when my sister was there too...we didn't have to share...whoooohooooo :D (Although, I still had to hear..."does this outfit make me look fat?" :D)

HOME....it was great to be there this weekend....not only did I get to catch up with my family, but I also got to welcome a new addition to our family. I became a GREAT AUNT!!! (I'm not really sure how that happened, because I am wayyyyy to young for that...) but, I would never trade it...it's been a long time since there's been a new precious bundle around. Babies just have a way of bringing smiles to life!

Although my trip home was way to short...it just felt good to get away, to see those who I love with all my heart, and to be in a place that will always have a special spot in my heart. And, I have a new mission....a mission to make going HOME something that happens more often!

Hoping each of you had a relaxing weekend...and that your week is being filled with many, many Sweet blessings!

Mistakes...

Mistakes....

M-i-s-t-a-k-e-s...............

MISTAKES............

Little or BIG..a mistake is a mistake....

Mistakes happen...

Mistakes are part of life...

Mistakes are hard....

hard to realize...

hard to accept....

sometimes hard to correct....

But, for a mistake to totally go away..it has to be addressed, corrected, solved....

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This week I discovered I had made a mistake.....when confronted with it...I instantly knew...YEP...I had overlooked something, and the result was totally my fault. Of course, as my mind raced back through the events that led up to it...there were many reasons I could of used as the cause of the mistake...but, no reasons were needed, no excuses...the plain and simple truth was I had made a mistake! For me, the answer is always just owning up to the fact...working on setting it right, and going forward. So, that's just what I did...(after heading directly to God in prayer, that is :D)

So, today I'm reflecting on the ways in which we grow...and I've decided that making mistakes is part of our (or should I say MY) growing process. If I never made a mistake, I would miss the opportunity to learn from it, grow from it, be humbled by it. I would miss the opportunity to practice apologies and forgiveness. If I never made a mistake...I wouldn't be human...and I wouldn't be the person God is molding me to be.....Mmmmmm......on that note, it makes me even more thankful, in awe, and humbled...that I have a God that LOVES me so much He forgives any, & all my mistakes...big, or little...He wipes them away. And, I'm thankful that He is teaching me how to do the same thing!

So, the next time, I make the mistake (of forgetting to be somewhere I've volunteered to serve... for not watching the peas while they are cooking (creating a lovely burnt masterpiece :D).... for not standing up for what I believe in...for ear tagging two calves with the same number...or whatever it may be....) I'm going to embrace the fact that it's my opportunity to grow! And, a mistake is just a chance to get it right the next time!

Sweet Blessings!

Just Playing....

Happy Monday!

Even though the wind is blowing a 100 miles an hour,

And, it is COLD, COLD, COLD,

I still hope each of you had the PERFECT day!

I'm just playing with my blog....I LOVE how other people use different colors of type, different styles of print, & so much more...but, I could NEVER figure out how?!?! (The truth is, I truly am computer illiterate...I know how to turn my computer on and type...and that's it :D) I really, really need a blogging class.....

But, today, I was blessed to get to meet a couple sweet girls at Starbucks for some great drinks and visiting...and of course, I was whining about how cute their blogs were, and how I needed help....well, bless my mentor's heart...she told me just how to do it....And...finally,

TA-DA !!! I did it!!!!

(Thanks so much Lindsay!!)

So for awhile, you might just be seeing all kinds of different print and colors happening on here...and if you do, you'll just know I'm playing, learning, and becoming a little more technical...ha, ha... From my little warm corner of the world to yours.....

Sweet blessings!

For my Sweet P

So many times I've heard the saying...God brings people into your life at different times for different reasons...some friends are forever, some are just for a short-time, some just pass by....It's funny, I never thought much about that poem, but as the years go by, I've come to recognize that it really is true.

Friendship truly is a gift from God to our hearts & lives...a precious gift that fills our hearts with joy, laughter, love, sometimes frustration, anger, or even sorrow. But through it all, and in all the emotions...it truly is a gift.

I've been blessed by that gift. Today, one of my most sweetest blessings got to go be with Jesus! Her name was Pat...and we met about six years ago, when her husband became the Pasotr of our church. And, I would of never imagined we would of been such "forever friends".

~ She was an East Coast girl...I'm a West Coast girl....

~ She Loved big Cities....I'm a small town girl...

~ She was a Pastor's wife...I'm a cattleman's wife....

~ She Loved shopping...I Don't like to shop...

~ She was a Democrat...I don't have a particular Political opinion...

~ She was a Keep it Clean girl...I'm the Clutter Queen...

~ She could express her opinions....I hold all mine inside....

~ She liked animals...but, they were animals...I LOVE them all..& they are my babies!

~ She wanted a heart tatto on her hip...the thought of a tattoo sends me over the edge!


So different, yet so drawn to each other!



My sweet P taught me so much....

* She taught me that saying "NO" to things is okay....

* She encouraged to me to Stand-Up for myself...

* She helped me realize, it's okay to wear fitting clothes (before, I always liked to wear my clothes a little big)...she informed me form-fitting clothes look better! :D

* She showed me how to truly stand beside my husband

* She even helped me overcome some of that OCD-ness :D

* She knew the "real" me, and loved me anyway!

Even though today, my heart is sad...my spirit is happy, because God blessed me with the gift of knowing her...a gift that will forever live on in my heart! And, becasue she was truly my Sister-in-Christ...I know she is living with Jesus and one day we'll meet up again. It was quite the friendship...even though we actually only lived by each other for three years..and the rest has been through email & cards...I treasured her friendship....


This blogging adventure has blessed my life in so many ways...some of you I've known forever...some of you a short-time, and some I've never met, but I feel I know you as much as if we were next door neighbors....and to each of you...I CHERISH the gift of your friendship! And, I so pray each of you...have as many friendships that are as dear to your heart...whether they are passing ones, short-time ones, or forever ones....Friendship is a gift...EMBRACE it!!!! Sweet blessings!

Another first....

This life of country living, always seems to come with some new lessons learned, skills gained, or something that stretches me to grow in new directions :D Sometimes, I can't help but smile about it, even though LOTS of times I just want to crawl into bed and cover up my head.

So today, was another first regarding life in the country....

You know over the years, I've learned how to use a shovel....I'd like to say I use the shovel mostly to dig nice little holes to plant new rose bushes, flowers, or shrubs...but, somehow that is not the case. Whenever I get out the shovel, it usually means something has to be buried.

I remember the first year my Mr. went to work for Powder River...and I was "oh so new" at the cattle thing....well, wouldn't you know it, it was a rough weather year, kind of like this one. And, as he headed out on the road that day, a brand new baby calf made it's appearance at our home. But, something wasn't quite right...it was just weak...so, he told me to keep an eye on it. By the time, I got home from work...it was gone. I, ran to the house, dialing his number, and crying my eyes out. "Tam, there's nothing we can do...it's gone."...somehow, those words brought little comfort to me...and what was worst, was I could NOT handle looking at that sweet baby everyday for the next five days until he got home. So, I knew what I had to do...I must bury it. It was about 6:00, pitch dark out...and cold...but, not as cold as I knew it would be by morning...I had to take care of it then, because by morning the ground would be too frozen. I called my sister to see if her boyfriend could help....and, while I waited...I headed out to start the digging....crying...digging...crying....finally, they showed up... and by 9:00 the job was done...it was over! (after a short prayer that is...!)

Then, there have been the countless cats we have taken in, gotten fixed, shots, etc...only to find them laying in the middle of the road.

An occasional bull snake...

But, today...was a FIRST....the first time I've ever had to bury a CHICKEN! Yep, I did it...I just couldn't leave BJ's little beloved chicken in the coop indefinitely...I couldn't just throw it out into the empty pasture...or over the fence....I just had to give it the proper ending. (Plus, I know that is truly what BJ would of wanted.) Because that's what I would of wanted too :D

There just seems to come a sense of responsibility for critters (Large & small) when you live in the country..whether they are yours or not...

When you live in the country, a shovel is just part of the deal. And, tonight, I can relax easily, because I know that I did the right thing....

So from my little country spot to yours....I'm hoping you get to use your shovel for planting & growing! Sweet blessings!

Headlines for today....

Happy Wednesday!!!

Today's been a day of news....so, thought I'd share the headlines :D


~ The SUN came out...and I actually felt the Son shining on me !!!

~ Today started with emails from friends....what is better than that!!!
(Oh, wait I know...waking up next to my husband again!)

~ One of the chickens died (Not ours...they belonged to my friend BJ that passed away last week...I've found them a home, they just haven't made it there yet....) and so I've still been feeding them...and today, the white one was laying down...don't think I've ever seen a chicken lay down. And, the sad part was her friend was really clucking to me about it. Hopefully, (I'm praying hard & furiously about it...) she'll get to go to her new home tomorrow!

~ Dinner was homemade soup & sandwiches....the best part being they were left-overs!!!

~ The Sun made the muck seem less like muck...ha, ha...if that is possible :D

~ The Discover & Visa bills both got paid....I so LIKE that feeling !!!

~ Our friend, Ben, just got good news....after a year of Chemo, it looks like the cancer is gone!!! What a great headline!!!

~ Next week, my nephew will welcome a new, sweet baby into the World.

~ And, today...one of my preschoolers shared that her Mom sleeps with Jesus!!!

So...that's the headlines for today....with a forecast of Hope, Kindness, & Peace for tomorrow! Sweet blessings!

Tuesday's Terrific moments....

First of all...I need to finish my recap of the weekend....You know that beautiful Saturday...where did the sun go by 10:00???? And, the girl's day while the boys were fishing....well, that was gone by Noon too! (Thanks to the appearance of the wind!) So, just what did we do...well, my brother & his fishing crew (meaning his friend Bob & my Dad) came back to the house (interrupting our girl's shopping plans :D) And, we all just ate, visited, ate, visited...and had a perfect afternoon of being together!!!


Now for my Terrific Tuesday notes...

* I got to wake up next to my husband....Whoooohoooooo!!!

* My kids at preschool were absolutely quiet, easy, and perfect today!

* Miss Susy ran the Easel Painting :D (Big SMILE for my day...so, what did I do...well, just pretty much played :D)

* Starbucks Ice Tea appeared at lunchtime...thanks to my sweet co-worker....! I am truly spoiled!!!

* My Mr. was home this afternoon...and TOGETHER we did the chores!!!

* The rain started after feeding time...Praising God for that one!

* We had my favorite dinner....Macaroni's :D

* I got to talk to my Mom on the phone...

* My kitty, husband, & sofa are all calling me to come join them...

Tuesday! It was a Terrific day :D Sweet Blessings!