The List

The List....

You know THE LIST....the ones that are always getting longer & longer....

The List of things TO-DO....
The GROCERY List...
The PARTY List...
The WHAT I NEED TO PACK List...
The What I need to do at WORK List....

I've been thinking this week about the CRAZINESS of Life...sometimes it goes smoothly, sometimes there are rough waters....sometimes it's filled with GREAT things...sometimes the worst things....Rush, Hurry, Cram, Speed, Get-it-done....Go, Go, Go...are all the words that seem to show up on my list. And, I can't help but think I'm making the WRONG list....

I'm truly thinking my List needs to be more like this....

* Take time to do something "just because" today
* Compliment & Encourage a Friend
* Call someone you're missing and catch up with them
* Send an email to a far away friend
* See, REALLY see all the beauty around me
* Look & Watch, Hear & Smell....Feel with every part of my being
* Smile, Laugh, and be filled with JOY
* Say the words I LOVE YOU to everyone that I Love!
* Be Thankful for everything (even the bad hair day, dirty house, and yard jungle :D)
* Have FUN....it's okay to be six again...to sing at the top of my lungs to the radio, to dance to the beat in my heart, to talk to myself, to dream


The more I look at this List..the more I think it's the List I truly want everyday...the List I want to check-off....(I'm thinking it should be called my Get-To List :D)So, what about you...what would your LIST say if you could write it this minute....Happy thinking...and Sweet blessings!

Lily update...

Today the vet came to visit sweet Lily again. ... He looked at her leg, and then washed it up and tried to drain some of the "gunk" out of it...a couple abscesses had finally broken loose...but, the final decision is just what we were afraid of...there's nothing else to do for Lily but keep her comfortable until she raises her calf a little more :( It turns out it is a joint infection which has probably gone into her bone. So, it will just stay swollen and drain here and there.....Although, it makes me sad...I've learned that this is just part of raising "cattle"...sometimes, things happen and there is just nothing you can do about it.

So, after the vet left today...Lily got set free again...and she's enjoying life out back eating the green grass that is popping up... & being with the other two cows. I somehow think she knows...she knows what's ahead for her...I could see it in her eyes today...when she looked at me, it was if she was saying..."just let me be". And, that's just what we'll do....let her be her, until it becomes apparent that it's too painful and hard for her...then, in my mind I like to think she'll be joining all my other girls in that place where the grass is definitely greener on the other side of the fence.

Thanks for all your sweet posts on my blog...and thanks to each of you for the sweet blessings you are to my heart! Hope each of you had a GREAT Monday....filled with lots of smiles & love....and may the rest of the week get even better! Sweet blessings!

Lily

Meet Sweet Lily...and her baby....(who I've nicknamed Big Boy...because that's just what he is...BIG!) Lily came to our little home about 5 years ago...she wasn't from one of our Mama's...just a cow the Mr. had bought to fatten up and sell. So, when out popped Lily, and I saw her cute little head, big brown eyes, and then very white body...I fell in Love...and wouldn't you know it...Lily became a keeper. At first, she was really long & lanky, her bone structure a little lighter than my Mr. prefers....so, it took awhile to convince him she'd be a good one to add to our herd. But, as Lily grew and gained, she really did turn into a nice Cow...and a bonus to it all...she throws the hugest calves!!! I just LOVE Lily!!!

Well, a few weeks ago, the Boss was checking his herd, and noticed sweet Lily's back foot was swollen...as sometimes happens, he thought it might be foot rot and gave her some antibiotics....which helped it get better for awhile...and then, it got worse...way worse...so, a trip to the Vet was next on the list. The vet hoping to find an abscess could NOT find anything, so decided it must be an infection in the joint. So, she got some meds from the Vet, and he taped up her back leg to help keep it clean....poor girl, she just won't put any weight on it at all..and she's not impressed by the whole event either! Cows are really not meant to be three-legged.

Now Sweet Lily is living at home again...(but, I don't think she as happy about it as I am :D) For seven days she has had to get a shot of Banamine (which is cattle ibuprofen), then every 14 days another antibiotic shot. The first 7 days we kept her in a pen with the squeeze chute...I could tell every time she stood that it HURT. And, it would take quite awhile to actually get her down the alley into the chute...I did lots of sweet talking to say the least! After the seven days, we set her free to roam our pasture...she was very happy...but, the last few days, I've noticed she just stays in one spot...not coming when I throw out the hay...(so, you know I take it too her...), but, then I was worried she wasn't coming down for a drink...so, today, Lily and Big Boy are back in their pen....and hopefully, the antibiotic shot that is coming will work.

So, there it is...the latest Cow story at our place....and I'm oh so praying that this story has a Happy ending! Sweet blessings!

LLFSA

From my little corner of the world to yours....HELLO AGAIN !!!

Just in case you are wondering....I did not misspell the word in my title, there was no typing error...it's my own lingo for "Living Life Full Speed Ahead"! (Because that's just what it feels like has been happening lately :D)

Here's what I mean when I say LLFSA....

Last week went like this.....

~ My Mr. was home Monday & Tuesday....which is absolutely the Best thing...but, it also means a little less schedule and more "anything goes".....meaning I need to cook dinner, more laundry to catch up on..., some help with the cows, beef orders to fill...(I'm thinking you get the picture :D)

~ Tuesday, sweet Lily Cow and her baby came home...not a good thing...(I'm still hoping to post more about that story soon....)

~ Wednesday was Mom's Night Out for our Preschool Mom's
~ Thursday my Bible Study
~ Friday, I headed home to spend the weekend with my parents.....
~ Saturday I lived the life of a princess...I just love going home by myself ....My Mom baked my favorite cookies, my Dad treated me to dinner out...and they both helped me work on my preschool books!
~ Sunday back to reality and home....weeds to be pulled in my yard..lessons plans to be done...animals missing me....(I'm pretty sure they did!)

New week....more go, go, go....

~ Monday I had to drive to Pendleton for an eye appointment after work....then my sister came over for awhile..next my "handyman Ben" came by to help me get my 16 year old riding mover going....How is it possible we are eating dinner at 8:00????

~ Tuesday...a hair appointment :D (much overdo & needed !!!)...my Mr. was still home, so together we finally got our Jungle (also known as our yard..) cut & the much needed water applied....Plus, finished taking care of Lily and setting her free.... (Even though our evening was filled with work...at least we got to do it together...which is totally rare, and truly was a GREAT blessing to my heart...just in case you are reading Mr. PPRM...THANK YOU again!) Maybe I should justify that one...it's not that my Mr. is lazy...his plate is just usually so overflowing that time is rare for him...so most of the jobs at home are mine....

~ Wednesday....a trip to the dentist after work....due to a toothache that has been surfacing off and on every day for a week (Good news...He can't find a reason for the pain...at least no apparent cavities, abscesses or root problems...so, it's likely a tissue infection = antibiotics..which I am totally struggling with because it's been over 2 years since I've had to take any antibiotics..and I like to keep my immune system doing it's own work...but, in this case, it's pain or another week or so while my body does it's job, or the pills?!?!?)

So, there you have it....my life for the last week ......but, most of all...I've just missed getting time to connect in this blogging world with my favorite friends! So, if you don't hear from me occasionally, you'll just know that I'm LLFSA....which isn't always such a bad thing...because it totally makes me appreciate the days in the Slow lane :D Sweet blessings!

Whirlwind Wednesday....

Wednesday...it's here...where has this week gone....It feels like forever since I've posted...and I have some good posts just waiting for me to find time to type up :D



Today, has been absolutely a whirlwind....from the moment my feet touched the floor this morning...



I was a little lazy last night...so, this morning, I needed to get my Mr.'s things all packed as he's headed out to Idaho for the rest of the week & weekend....then, I was on a mission to find our missing plug-in cord for our meat scales...(that is still yet to be found :D)...next, I had to help Mr. PPRM get our Sweet Lily cow into the squeeze chute for a shot (definitely a story coming on Lily soon : D)....



Work was busy...happy, but busy...not to mention that for the first time in my 20 years of teaching three year olds...a little boy actually tried to pick his nose with my finger....(I know...WHAT???) Well, it was sharing day and I was sitting next to him...he had grabbed my hand, (Like they always do :D) and was holding onto it...he started squeezing it and I had just told him to be kind to me...when, I feel him pulling my hand toward his face (mind you my eyes are not on him, as I'm hosting the show & tell event)...suddenly I look down and he's trying to pull my ring finger into his little nostril...."OHHHHHHHHHH.....NOOOOOOOOO" were the words uttered very quickly..to which the whole class of three year olds begin screaming with laughter as I say "YOU MAY NOT PICK YOUR NOSE WITH MY FINGER"...& I head straight to the sink to thoroughly wash my hands with HOT, SOAPY WATER (Not, that I"m a germ phobic or anything :D)

Somehow I hear my cell phone ringing...the cute little Hawaiian music tune that signals it is my husband calling...Mmmmm...he doesn't usually call me at work??? "Tam I need a favor....the neighbor called and the cows are out at the property...I might of forgotten to tie the panel shut....do you have time to go there after work and try to get them back in???" "Okay, I'll try my best."

Back to my kids and class....the phone rings again...the same sweet music, I usually long to hear coming from my phone....however, that it has rang again during preschool means it's probably NOT a happy call. I'm right in the middle of singing Happy Birthday to one of my little ones, whose parent is in the room...so, I have no choice but to let it ring...when I finally get back to it...there's no message, just a missed call??? When I get a chance I call my sweet husband back..."I think Greg is going out to handle the cows, give him a call first." "Okay, I say again" :D.

So, after work I rush home, change from my work clothes into my "outside/feeding attire"...and my phone rings....it's Greg...he hasn't been out to the property yet...he can't get there until about 5:30.....No worries, I'm on my way....Sure enough as I pull up to the gate...I see cows, LOTS of cows...EVERYWHERE...THANKFULLY, they were NOT my Mama's and their babies...just the fat cows (those being fattened for you know what :D) ....I climb the fence....and they actually started running from me (Surprise...Not so much!) down the alley they go right into the hay stack....but, they are oh so smart...turn back down the alley and believe it or not...right back into their pen via the open panel :D YEAHHHHH....PRAISE GOD...because you know I was praying about it the whole way there!!! Now, all but two went in...so, there was a little more chasing and finally, Ta-Da!!! Next, I made sure I tied every opening possible shut with some good ol' baling twine!!! Whew!!! Cow Adventure for the day done!!!

Back home to do my chores....changing back into some "real clothes" to head to town for my preschool Mom's Night Out....a little time to craft a project, eat some goodies and just visit!!! It was a lot of fun...I SO LOVE MY PRESCHOOL Moms :D

So, that was my Wednesday...it was busy, fast, and full...and now, I am so feeling the sofa calling my name! Thankful that today, even in the midst of the whirlwind...I could feel His presence and helping hands surrounding me! Sweet blessings!

All Good.....

Happy Belated EASTER to everyone....Hoping your day was more than PERFECT...and, overflowing with the amazing Love of God!

For some reason, I didn't get a chance to post this weekend....but, it's ALL GOOD!

~ It was SO GOOD to have my husband home for the whole weekend!
~ It was GOOD to spend time working on my preschool books
~ It was GOOD seeing the Sunshine here & there...
~ It was GOOD getting to spend time visiting with my sister at her new place down the road...(And, it will be GOOD to be able to pop down the road when I'm in the middle of something and find I'm missing an egg, a pinch of salt, a dab of butter, etc.... :D)
~ It was GOOD joining my friends for our time of Bible Study...learning to let the Fruit of the Spirit reign in us.
~ It was GOOD wandering through Office Max, U.S. Cellular, and ending at Shari's with my favorite date guy :D
~ It was GOOD getting some time to just rest & catch-up yesterday
~ It was GOOD opening up my blog this morning to find a beautiful new banner...thanks sweet friend!


~ It was just a plain, ALL-OUT, GOOD Weekend...and the best part was Celebrating that Jesus is Alive!!!

And, now, I'm ready for Monday...praying that it's the beginning of another list of GOOD things!!! Sweet blessings!

Here's how it goes....

Here's how it goes....

My Day that is....

From start to finish......not that you really want to know all about it...but, here it is :D

4:45 am ....the Alarm goes off...but, crazy as it is...somehow I usually wake up 5 minutes before it does....(just in case your wondering...it doesn't buzz or ring...I like to wake up to music..what kind you ask??? Okay, Country if I must tell the truth :D)

4:55 am....I finally hop out of bed...because after I shut the alarm off, I like to spend a few minutes talking to God....thanking Him for keeping me safe all night (since mostly I live alone :D), for a new day, and just for loving me.

Next, I make my bed (because I'm a total creature of habit girl :D), get my comfy clothes on....which = sweats and a t-shirt!

5:00 am....head straight to the kitchen where my Missy kitty meets me, eyeing her bowl and me, her bowl and me...she knows it's time to eat ! Then, I make myself a cup of tea...and head for my spot on the sofa.

5:00-5:30 am....My bible reading/prayer, quiet time....and of course, without choice, kitty loving time...yep, my bible is totally covered in kitty hair! Which is only a little embarrassing when I open my bible at Sunday School, during Church or at my Bible study....

5:30-5:45 am.....Stretching exercises....a few minutes on my 1965 stationary bike (Mmmm...I think I should add a 2009 exercise bike to my Christmas list this year...you know nothing sparks interest like new equipment!!! :D)

5:45-6:00 am....A little computer time...checking my emails, blogs, etc.....

6:00-6:15 am ...Now that it gets light early again....it's Feeding time.....that would be 8 barn cats, 6 horses, and 2 cows!!!

6:15-6:45 am......Getting Presentable Time....(Showering, deodorant (of course, :D), hair, make-up...etc.....)

6:45-7:00 am....Breakfast....Ironing of clothes.....getting dressed...

7:00-7:30 am.....Finishing up whatever needs finished :D (Sometimes, that is writing out last minute bills, filling a beef order, finishing up a load of laundry...and, making sure the sink is dish-free!)

7:30 am....I head to work!!!

7:45 to 2:30 pm....WORK!!! (Okay, I do get a break in there...to run errands, eat lunch....visit with my co-workers :D)

2:30-3:00 pm....Errands....you know the fun ones...going to the grocery store, the bank, the feed store, the post office.....

3:00-3:15 pm....Get home, change into my "farming clothes"....check the phone messages, the mail, etc....

3:30-4:00 pm.....Time to do the chores again.....the 8 barn cats are eagerly waiting to follow me to the barn...the horses are whinnying, just in case I didn't know it was time to eat, and the two cows...well, they've figured out the routine too, and come a running! This time, though, I have to fill the water trough....and before this nice sunshine came...take some wood inside for a fire.

4:00-on.... Anything goes....dinner, dishes, more laundry...checking emails, blogs, returning phone calls, life!!!

7:30-8:00 pm.....My evening prayer time...(which doesn't seem to happen as often when my sweet man is home :D)

9:00 pm.....is the time my husband usually calls to check in...I LOVE that part of my day...it's never complete until I get to talk to him. (Of course, the best part is when he is AT home with me!!!) Next, if I'm home alone... I usually fall asleep on the sofa watching something that I think is my favorite show : D ha,ha....

So, there it is....my day! It's not always that simple, that short, that long, or that easy...but, each day is an opportunity that God gives me...and sometimes, I need to remind myself of just that...it's a day...just a day...and we get a chance to do with it whatever we want...and tomorrow is a new day, just waiting to be filled! Sweet blessings!

Go team, Go team......

I know this is just what everyone has been waiting to read...ha, ha...

But...

Last Night...My favorite College Basketball team...DID IT!!!

University of North Carolina....WON...and they are in the FINAL championship game on Monday night!!!!

YAYYYYYYYY....North Carolina....GO TEAM! GO!!!!

I have to confess, I can hardly contain myself...when I turn the TV on and the March Madness music begins to play, my heart actually starts beating faster...and I get such an anxious feeling (Do I have a problem??? Am, a truly a NCAA junkie??? :D) It's just so unpredictable, even the underdog can come out ahead.....and by the end of the games....I feel just plain zapped!!! :D

My sweet Mr. was in Minnesota...and I was feeling bad that he had to miss all the excitement...so, after the Michigan State/UCONN game I made sure I emailed him the results...to which came a text back....I know I saw it??? The good news is....he was already checked into his motel room and got to watch both games too! It was funny how we kept burning up the text/phone lines! But, I was ever so glad even hundreds of miles of distance couldn't keep us from sharing the game together!

Okay, so that's my News of the day!!! Besides the Sun is shining in the most beautiful ways outside.....Hope you each enjoy moments soaking it in...and that there are things in your life that make your heart beat just a little faster from time to time!!! Sweet blessings !

My fashion statement...

Okay, here it is...my fashion statement that has lasted through.....


OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
JANURARY
FEBRUARY
MARCH...

And, now into April...ENOUGH I say ENOUGH!!!!

The green hat....not that I'm a hat girl..

but with this year's snow, rain, sleet, wind...

what's a girl to do???

The famous Carhardt Coat...sorry the picture is

a little blurry so you cannot see all the green

flakes covering it :D

My trusty gloves...

And, my Winter-time Muck boots...

as you can tell they just got used today!

But, I am READY to trade in all that attire for something more like this :D

Thank YOU, Thank YOU to JC Penney for filling my mailbox with hope of things to come. A girl needs dreams to keep her trudging through the mud & muck! And, this WIND!!! Honestly, where is it coming from day after day???

On a good note...the hay man brought a new load of hay last night...and Yipee...it's not so leafy...so, I can actually toss it into the feed bunk in one piece without it going everywhere!!!

So, with that I am feeling hopeful...hopeful that soon I will be able to retire my Winter fashion for at least the rest of April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November...and that it won't reappear again until December!! HOPE...it's what I'm clinging too.... :D

Sweet Blessings!