Thankful...

Hope everyone had a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS...filled with all your favorite things..and most of all more LOVE than you could ever imagine!

Our Christmas was very nice...simple, but, just right!

~ For the first time in a LONG time...my Mr. was home early Christmas Eve :) Which meant no last minute rushing to get to Christmas Eve service on time!

~ We were blessed with sharing time celebrating Jesus with our Church family...then, dinner at my niece's celebrating their first year of marriage and Christmas in their new home!

~ A little late-night entertainment as somehow my sister's keys got locked inside her running car...good thing for mechanically blessed Men ...although, we couldn't help but laugh as we watched from the warmth of our car!

~ Early morning gift sharing....so, so blessed by my Mr. and his gifts....In 23 years of marriage I've never yet once been able to guess what he's wrapped up...(You see I'm a practical gift giver...you know that means socks & underwear...something that you can USE...my Mr...he's a spur of the moment, whatever I see that I like gift giver...such a HUGE blessing to me :) )....So...my gift...which I thought was a pancake griddle..turned out to be a LAPTOP...WHOOHOOOO....I couldn't believe it....so, so blessed!

~ Phone calls with family we love more than we could ever express...
~ Lounging around in our cozies...because we could :)
~ Sharing our home and my Mr.'s great cooking with friends from Church who's pump had decided to stop working. Homemade apple pie (so, wish I had my Mom's gift for pie baking :) ...but, I tried! Laughter, hearts thankful for friendships, the warmth of candles glowing & a woodstove....

So, so many wonderful blessings surrounding us...
And, yet...it so was NOT about the gifts, the food, the fun....

NO

it's such a humbling time for me....a time when over & over again, I see God's hand, feel His presence, and am so thankful that I KNOW HIM!

In just a blink of an eye life can change...and this Christmas season it did that for so many...many, I know and Love, and many I don't know...but, life for them changed in an instant....

It makes me want to squeeze all those I Love extra tight...it makes me want to always give the BEST to all those I know....It makes me thankful for the moments I have had....And, it makes me want to spend more & more time at the feet of Jesus...soaking Him in, growing in Him...and SHARING His Love, mercy, & grace with everyone I meet. Because I know, that it's only through Jesus and my faith in Him that everyday life will be okay...that He LOVES us more than we can ever imagine...and that HE will ALWAYS be with us.

So, as each of you begin a new chapter...I'm praying you will seek HIM too...and that your hearts will be warmed over & over again! Sweet blessings!

Uh-OH!!!

Uh-Oh...I was playing around with my blog...and I messed it up!!! :( Sorry, there's no Sweet blessings in my header yet?!?! I'm a little computer challenged!!! Guess that I probably should of been doing something on my to-do list instead of playing on my computer :)

Wishing everyone a HAPPY Saturday! Sweet blessings!

Knowing too much....

Knowing too much....

How is it that sometimes we can just know too much....????

~I know it's almost Christmas and somehow I haven't squeezed in a post yet in December..???
~I know I'm suppose to have my tree up and be all set for the upcoming special event....but I've yet to accomplish those tasks :)

~ I know I'm so thankful for ALL that I've been blessed with...
~ I know God is ALIVE and AT WORK...Every.Single.Day
~ I know that I LOVE Jesus with ALL MY HEART....

~ I know when my Mom calls by the tone of her voice if something is wrong...I knew last Friday when she called all was not well....and I knew by her tone that I needed to be with her...and my Dad as he was headed to Boise with broken bones. (Praise God it turned out to be just a break in the small bone connecting his ankle).

~ I knew this Thursday she and my Dad would be okay if I couldn't make it to be with them during my Dad's surgery. (Praise God it went well and he is home safe & sound recouperating!!!)

~ I know that my sweet Persistence's days are numbered ...and, I don't like that one bit...I use to want to know all I could about Cows...and now sometimes, I wish I couldn't look at them and just "know" :( (Persistence is the girl in the photo with me ! She was our first baby, and my favorite cow ever since...and we have truly been blessed to have her for 16 years. I know that this is part of the "business"...but, I don't like it!!!)

~ I know that my Husband is so overly worn-out and tired right now..and even though he needs to stop, catch his breath, and rest...I know he won't.

~ I know the sparkle that lights children's eyes during this time of Love, Joy, & Peace on Earth...and I simply LOVE it...if only we could always see life through the eyes of three year olds :)

~ I know that I am truly BLESSED OVER & OVER again by each of you...my friends, those who I've never met, but through this blogging life I feel like I have :)....

~ I know I am Loved...and that is a great gift!

Thinking about how sometimes we know too much....makes me wonder...what God must of felt like so many times when He knew what would happen to His baby son???

Knowing....Mmmmm...most of all I'm so glad that God knows what is going on in my life..and He is always there....and knowing that HE knows....makes my knowing better!

Praying many each of you are finding a season filled with Sweet blessings!

Welcome Monday!

Welcome Monday....

So glad to see you...

Praying you are the beginning of a GREAT new week....

So far, so good...
My Monday started off waking up next to my Mr... :)
Then, some cuddle-time with my Missy kitty...
Some time with my Lord in His word & prayer...

And....NOT having to feed the animals...because my Mr. was home!
Making it to work on time...putting the last minute touches on my classroom before it came alive with happy smiles of 3 year olds....

A fun day of easel painting...green trees or red stockings...
Miss Susy's homemade Olive Garden Potato soup..
hugs, hugs, & more hugs...

Animals that greet me as I pull into my drive-way with their own sounds....
Starting a wood fire to take the chill off our home
Spaghetti, Corn & garlic bread for dinnner...and still a slice of pumpkin pie for dessert :)

And...to end the day...my Mr. coming home again :)

Mmmm...thank YOU Monday for a great start !!!

So how was your Monday??? I'm so hoping it started your week off with a smile and warm heart too..... Sweet blessings!

Wow!

Wow! I can't believe it's almost the end of November, and I haven't posted since September...WOW! What can I say...it just sometimes feels like my life is spinning faster than I can keep up....it's all good....

Oh, oh...I've already used two of my husbands favorite words and I haven't even really started this post :) (In case you're wondering his favorite word for the past year has been WOW...however, he doesn't really use it in the right way..or the way it was designed to be used :) and his second favorite saying...it's all good!)

I wish I could say I'm using those words because I've been spending TOO MUCH time with my husband... but, unfortunately that's just not true. His life seems to be even more out of control than mine...!!!

So here's the top 10 from the last month and a half :)

1. Farmer's Markets are DONE...they ended on October 30th!!!
2. Preschool is going amazing this year....perfect, sweet, wonderful classes :)
3. My first market free weekend...I ended up with some kind of bug...ughhhh!
4. I was blessed to join my husband at the Washington Cattlemen's meeting...at the Suncadia Resort in Cle Elum...(sooo happy about that...it was on my list of places for my Mr. to take me :) And, it's soooo beautiful there...they even have a spa, lots of walking trails, golf, a huge indoor pool....definitely a great place to vacation!!!) I didn't get to indulge in the spa, but I did get to take a nice walk on the trails ! And...you know what...I LOVE Cattle people...they are just so REAL...no clean, fancy rigs at that gathering....only dirty, well-used work trucks...but, they do clean up real nice themselves :) Baxter Black was the entertainment...and I think I could listen to him forever (he's a cowboy poet) because every story he tells I think I've already lived !!!
5. My college girlfriend and I FINALLY got our yearly girl's trip to the Tri-Cities....
6. Cows got moved....to one pasture all together...a new bull joined the family...and finally they got worked....(which I could truly write a chapter itself on...but, I'll refrain :)!!! And, just today, they are finally making it to their winter feeding spot ....
7. SNOW came..and so did snow days...which I use to LOVE in my previous life without animals!
8. Over & over again I've been blessed by sweet friends, great conversations, and prayer partners!
9. The woodstove has been going strong...so, thankful for that warmth!
10. Spending time with my family....always feels good

And, there are sooo, soooo many things I'm thankful for....and each day God shows me something new to add to that list!

I'm so hoping that I can find more time to share parts of my story with you....and this adventure called life we all seem to be on ....most of all...wishing each of you the BEST month of December ever! Sweet blessings!

Catching Up....

HELLO there !!!

Is it really already the middle of September??? And, I haven't even posted once???

Time...is ....going......WAY....TOO.....FAST! And, sometimes life is spinning a little out of control....so, maybe I'd better just catch you up a bit on things in my little corner of the world :D

Here's what I've been up too....

~ Another year of preschool started...and after the first day of crying...it's all been GOOD! I am already in LOVE with each of my new "babies"! They are just soooooo darn cute & adorable...and did I say...SO GOOD this year!!!

~ My Mr. & I both celebrated another birthday...and our 23rd wedding anniversary! (I know...23 years...crazy! As in how can it be...and it truly has been a crazy 23 years :D ha, ha..)

~ My little Honda of 17 years had to spend a week at the car Drs....and he told me she is just tired and worn out... :( Thankfully, he was able to get her going again.... I so want her to make it 20 years!!! And, you know that's just what I'm praying....but, in reality...I guess I probably should start dreaming about a new rig (Uh, OH...did you read what I just typed...a RIG....I really have become a country girl/farm wife :D)

~ Our College Boy (farmer's market employee ) left us to go back to college...so, I've been Solo at the farmer's markets...and somehow I survived :D !!! My Mr.'s real job has been out of control, so he is barely home lately long enough to switch out the dirty clothes in the suitcase for new ones!

~ On a good note...only 6 more weeks of markets!

~ We are in the midst of calving...new babies everywhere...& I just LOVE that part of this whole Cow thing!!!

~ We actually took a whole Saturday off from farmer's markets to take in the Pendleton Round-up...so much fun and much needed date day! Hard to believe we've lived here for 21 years and never gone :D (maybe we just started a new tradition?!?! : D)

~ With my free Saturday morning, I actually made a peach cobbler and an apple crisp...it felt good to have time to bake :D

Life...it's just happening...and I'm hoping I can find more time to post some of it....most of all...Praying each of you is finding great things happening in your lives....and that each is surrounded with Sweet blessings!

Just sharing...

Happy Sunday!

I Love Sunday...it's my FAVORITE day of the week!!!

I woke up this morning feeling soooo filled, so happy, sooo right! Saturday night I got to actually go on a date to our county fair with my Mr. Something that has basically been a part of our marriage for the last 22 years :D It's fun to go, check out all the animals raised by kids we know, catch up with friends we only see once a year at the fair, eat a bite, wander around some more, take in the Rodeo...and simply enjoy the evening together. WE even stayed out past our curfews :D (somehow since we've ventured into our 40's...we NEVER make it until midnight!!!) But we did last night...whoohooo!!!

I totally woke up with JOY in my heart! And, the morning went along quite smoothly..as always my critters were ever so happy to see me appear and fill their feed bunks! Then, a little leisurely read of the paper, a quick check of my emails..and getting ready for church.

My Mr. has been working 24/7 and then some lately, so I let him sleep...
I had to be at Church early because we were hosting a rural missionary family for breakfast and a slide show presentation. And...I was bringing the breads...(Did I mention there is a couple thata do farmer's markets that make their own breads...everything from Pineapple/Coconut, to Blueberry, Apple, & Zucchini...mmmmm....they are simply scrumptious). And, this job required me to be at church by 8:30....No problem...I was headed out the door at 8:15 and for once I would be on time.

I get my cooler of bread loaded, my bible, & myself and I was off....except for one little thing...

MY CAR WOULD NOT START!!!

NOTHING

NADA

DONE!

Well...the Mr.'s truck was still loaded with the freezers...so, taking it would NOT be an option...he does have a rental truck this week, and he could drive me...but, by the time I woke him up and he got dressed I would really be late...so I scribbled him a little note, saying "I have the rental truck, I'll be back to pick you up before Church."

I unload my car, LOAD up the truck, and go to hop in....

And, today...I actually chose to wear a skirt to Church...it was a straight line skirt...and no matter how I tried it was to fitted for me to be able to climb up into the truck...Okay...a girl has to do what she has to do...so I hike up my skirt and climb in :D And...I was only 15 minutes late getting to Church!

God is good, and we managed to have all the food in place before everyone arrived....

Oh, did I also mention I was signed on to do the art project for children's church...so next, on to that adventure...where thankfully, the leader let me change the art time, so I could leave, and run back home to get my Mr....Now, I know what you are thinking...it's one thing to hike up your skirt in your own driveway, especially when you live in the country and don't have neighbors right next door...but, it's quite another thing to do it at Church...So....after a few attempts...I finally decide the only way I'm going to get in that truck without exposing everyone is to back in....you know like how you jump on the back of a tailgate....so, that's just what I did...turned around and jumped onto the seat backwards :D

What a fun morning...so, so thankful I wasn't alone, and that God had a plan even when I was scrambling....(NOTE: to myself...don't wear a skirt unless you know your car is going to start :D) And, as for my car...it turns out just a battery cable was loose ! Whew!!!

It's simply been a GREAT Sunday even though it started a little different than I planned! Hope each of you is enjoying a GREAT day too....And, may this week be filled with His Goodness! Sweet blessings!

* Snap *

Sometimes, I just wish I could snap my fingers and Ta-Da everything would change! Kind of like how I Dream of Jeannie use to be able to nod her head and make things change...or Samantha could wiggle her nose and things would change :D (Okay, I know I'm dating myself a little with those shows :D)

Do you ever wish that???

If I could just snap my fingers....what would I change.....????

Mmmm....I think I know the answer to that question, but, then, it seems to change daily :D

If I could snap my fingers today....I think this is what I would change...

* I would be able to keep my husband at home with me! (Maybe I'd snap for a stay-at-home or even in town job :D)

* We would actually go on dates :D And do normal everyday things together!!!

* There would be NO war or pain in the world!

* I would turn my dirt-filled dry lot, into a lucious green pasture! And, ALL my cows would live at home!

* I would spend one whole afternoon just "being" with friends catching up :D

* I would pay all my bills with a happy heart :D And, have money left-over at the end of the month :D
* The house would be instantly clean & spotless!
* I would have a normal, BORING, life...meaning 9-5 ...no chores, no extra businesses :D

Mmmm....but, the more I think of the things I'd like to snap and change, the more I realize...this life...it's NOT about ME! And, snapping wouldn't make me any happier....(okay, maybe for a second or two... :D) but, not forever.....Snapping would be an instant fix, but not a forever, long-lasting, deep growing solution. Snapping would eliminate God! And, I desperately NEED HIM more than the instant changes a snap could bring. Because in my heart, I know God has a plan for me....and somehow all those little things I wish I could snap away are a part of that plan...and a part of me becoming the woman of God he wants me to be. So...maybe I should start thinking less about snapping my fingers..and more about learning to be content! Ooops..there it is..the word I'm longing to capture this year....and wouldn't you know it...the more I seek it, the more it makes me uncomfortable.....which I guess = growing!

So, no snapping....just PRAYING...and being Hopeful that God has great things ahead!

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him,

so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

Romans 15:13

From my heart to yours....may you find many Sweet blessings surrounding you!

Going to fast....

Is it just me or is Summer going by to fast???

It seems like it just started...but, it's feeling like it is coming to an end.....

I just finished up my Summer school job...and it was GREAT! I'm always a little sad when it's done...it's amazing how much they grow in just four weeks!

There's still plenty on my original summer to-do list staring at me....but, I find myself, not really caring if the list gets accomplished now or not :D

We've begun calving...and I so LOVE finding new babies snuggled down in the tall grass...and I love watching them run & play even more as the sun begins to set (I only wish I could watch them out my very own kitchen window :D)

The last couple of weekends we've been on the go....two different weekends spent at family gatherings (time to truly relax & just feel God's blessings!) and this last weekend, my Mr. barbecued for our Church and the free community dinner they were sponsoring.

Along the way this Summer I've noticed...

it's not really the heat that makes Summer what it is...
it's not really all the beautiful flowers and green grass everywhere...
it's not really those great summertime drinks....
it's not really the cool pools....

It's really just the season of abundance that God sends that makes Summer so right! The extra hours of daylight, the fresh, homegrown fruits & vegetables, weekends filled with family adventures and gatherings...and those evenings to just sit on your porch and watch the sun set....those...those are the parts that really make Summer what it is for me :D

So, for the next few weeks, I'm going to try REALLY hard to soak in what's left of this summer...to reflect, listen, and just "be" ! Hope each of you find a moment to do just that too...and that in that moment...you fill blessed! Sweet blessings!

Toes....

Feet...they are just one of the many amazing body parts God made...
They take us where we need to go...
They keep our bodies steady...
They can move fast or slow....
They can lead or follow....

Feet...Mmmm....I never really paid much attention to mine...of course I did the routine clipping, but that was about it...until...oh, I turned 40! (what is it about turning 40?!?! :D)
Anyway..that year my sister got married, and she chose shoes that were opened toed...and insisted we all paint our toes red! WHAT??? Paint my toes...NOOOOOOO!!!

What can you do when you are in that spot???
OUT came the Red polish...and my niece graciously adorned my toes...okay, not without a mishap...as it is the day of the wedding and as she's painting away, somehow her bangs get a swipe of red too...only a few hours before the wedding...and nail polish remover doesn't work so well on hair....so, what was left but to snip off the red :D I still smile as I think about that moment!!!

Anyway, since then, when Summer hits...I find myself polishing my toes...RED! I don't know why, but always RED....(Maybe it's because my Mr. seems to like them that color :D!?!?)

But, you know what...it's NOT SO EASY to do your own toes when you're in your 40's...bending to that spot is not comfortable...I've tired sitting on the edge of the tub, the floor, etc...nothing seems to make the job very easy. And, most of the time I feel like a 3 year old...with an out of control brush :D So, today, I decided I'd just splurge and treat myself to a pedicure....and I can honestly say...I LIKE THEM!!! (I keep telling my Mr. he would too :D In fact, I think ALL men would enjoy their feet being massaged :D)
I always feel a little guilty spending money on painted toes...but, it just feels sooooo relaxing...and somehow, I think it puts a spring in my step :D

So, on this Monday...my sister and I enjoyed pedicures and dinner out! And it was a GREAT way to escape the heat! So, how do you feel about polishing your toes?? Is it hard, easy??? Do you treat yourself to a pedicure? What's your favorite color? And, do you like rhinestones & flowers??? (Can you guess my answer to the last question :D)

Whatever your answers to the questions...my hope is that your feet lead you in down great paths! Sweet blessings!

For Real...

I can't believe it's really going to happen...but it is...FOR REAL!!!

We are actually taking a WHOLE WEEKEND OFF from Farmer's markets...For REAL!!(I know it doesn't seem possible, and sometimes I'm afraid it's a dream... :D)

But, it's FOR REAL!!!

Why???

Well my Mr. comes from a huge family...his Grandma had 13 kids...so he grew up with LOTS & LOTS of Aunts & Uncles, Cousins, and family dinners....and every year...during Cheif Joseph Days in Joseph, the family always gathers for a family get-together...

And...we've been naughty...bad...busy...whatever you want to call it...but, we haven't gone to the event for over 6 years :(

Why this year???

Well...one of those aunts...lives in Georgia...and she only comes once a year..and now she's in her 90's....and simply put...it's just TIME! My Mr. LOVES this aunt....(well he LOVES them all ..and the endless stories and bantering that goes on...) and, just as she has aged, so have we...and sometimes...you just need to STOP what you are doing, and simply enjoy the gifts you have in your life (I'm thinking this REALLY should be an everyday thing :D....)

Can I tell you....
I'm SO EXCITED!!!
I CAN HARDLY WAIT!!!

I Love my Mr.'s family...I LOVE Cheif Joseph Days....I LOVE small town life...I simply just LOVE family gatherings, the endless conversations (sometimes 20 at a time :D)....And...getting to spend a WHOLE WEEKEND away with my Mr. :D

Thanks for letting me share my market free weekend plans with you... :D

Praying this weekend is filled with ALL things Great and the BEST of everything...and many, many Sweet blessings for us...and you! Sweet blessings!

Love You...Ladybug!

It's so hard to believe that it's time for our "Ladybug" to get married!

You have grown into such a beautiful, amazing woman...and we are so blessed that we have got to watch you every step of the way. Ben is a great, GOOD man...and we wish you many, many years of happiness as your grow into being Mr. & Mrs. Morris!!!

P.S. Just looking at these pictures makes my heart smile and my eyes misty!

Melissa & Ben (you so go together...like milk & cookies!)

Melissa & her Dad...

Eric & his little girl Keeley

Melissa's Mom (a.k.a. my sister :D) & her beau

Ohhhh....do I LOVE these two with all my heart!

Thanks for being "our" girl!!!

We Love you Ladybug!!!

(Cowboy boots with a wedding dress & all :D)

You are a Sweet blessing to our lives!!!

May God always bless, protect, & surround you as your begin this new chapter with many, many Sweet blessings!!!

Welcome July!

Happy July! I can't believe it's already here....but, I'm thinking this weekend I'll believe it as the weather man is predicting 100 degrees temps will be hitting :D

Today, as I came to my blog...once again I was totally blessed by the gift of a new header...THANK YOU Linds, sooo, sooooo much! You truly started my day with a smile!!! And, I so LOVE it! (I don't know how she does it...she always picks the perfect header for me :D) And, she didn't even know I was going to post about my ladybug's wedding...and purple was her wedding color! Mmmm...maybe that's a little Ta-Da from God!!!

Summer seems to be flying by...and I can't believe on Friday I start my Summer School job! I'm ready...because I feel so lost without being with kids every day....but, oh, I still have so many things I want to accomplish on my to-do list :D We added a new farmer's market this year, and it's funny how one more little market, can totally throw off our whole schedules & systems :D

Okay, enough boring stuff...now for the good news....My niece got married on June 26th....it was a beautiful outdoor wedding...at Hat Rock State Park...the weather was perfect, the family was perfect (you know how family gatherings can sometimes be :D but, this time ALL was good!)...and she was simply beautiful!

Melissa has a very special place in our hearts...since she was the first born niece, and we almost lost her to a disease when she was 4...because she lives close to us, and even lived with us for part of a year...it's like she is "our girl" :D So, you know I needed lots of tissues to get through the walking down the aisle part...actually, it happened before then, when my sister called to say Pat & I were suppose to have flowers to wear....US....wow...I knew then that it was going to be a happy day of tears!!! I never expected her to include us in that way....and still my heart smiles as I think about it...! (which explains why she kept asking and asking me if Uncle Pat was going to be at the wedding!) We Love Ben her husband...they have been together since their were freshmen in High School...and Ben has been our fix-it/help us guy many, many times....truly we couldn't of imagined a better fit for our "girl"!!!

My parents came early to help me get my house in "order" before the wedding....so, so thankful for them...over & over again they give me so many sweet blessings! So, here's all we accomplished....my flower beds..done....the entire house cob-web free & dusted..done...the shop cleaned...done...a load to the dump (okay 2) ..done...a revolt upon earwigs...done...great food prepared, deep conversations, laughter....and simply the love of family being together = a great week!

Okay, so how are things in your little corner's of the world...I hope each of you are feeling as blessed as I am, that God is showing you his little Ta-Da's every day...and most of all...that you are being surrounded by many gifts of friendship & love ! From my heart to yours....have a Happy JULY!!! Sweet blessings!

Me-Oh-My

Oh My...

It's been FOREVER since I"ve posted....
Life has just been goin' & goin' & goin'

May was jammed packed with preschool ending :( I hate saying good-by to my kids!!! Farmer's Markets all started up...so, Thursday thru Saturday...that's where I live :D
We traveled to Lotine, OR for our niece's graduation....
Cows were worked & moved...muck & mud covering me nicely :D
Lunches with friends to celebrate birthdays...
A few things on the to-do list marked off....
A Father's Day Pat~n~Tam's Beef tasting at our Church...(What a good Mr. I have...he did all the work...and I was simply Vanna :D)
Making meat deliveries
A pedicure...some blonde highlights back...
Finally getting some flowers planted...just yesterday :D
A wedding this weekend of our first niece...
My family coming for the week...

Life...it really has just been goin' & goin' & goin'...it's all good...but, I'm just hoping for a little less goin', so I can find more time to post! I have some great things to share....a few funny moments...and just life. Most of all...I am blessed over & over again by each of you...and the opportunity to still READ your happenings, even when I don't get time to post or connect in person....

So until I find a few empty minutes again.....May you feel God's Love in GREAT Ways...Enjoy every minute of Summer & your families...and be surrounded with many Sweet blessings!

heart smiles...

Welcome MAY! So happy you are here....even though, you are the craziest, busiest month of the year for me :D

This weekend marked the beginning of farmer's markets for the next six months....and, somehow, it just made me smile as I saw all those faces that I've come to call friends when we are in our market mode!

It made me think of things that just bring a smile to my heart.....

~ Watching all the newborn calves learning & growing, always makes me smile (and, makes me a little sad that I don't have Spring babies anymore!)

~ Seeing our Church pews so full that the regular customers have to sit somewhere else :D

~ Watching a little year old girl charming a 70+ year old gentleman

~ Being greeted over & over again by 8 barn kitties...wind or no wind, rain, snow, sleet...whatever the weather...forever faithful friends!

~ Hearing from sweet friends....

~ Making the simplest dessert ever and hearing raves about it...what can I say...the preschool teacher in me, totally knows how to turn graham crackers, pudding, & chocolate into a scrumptious item :D

~ Just listening to other's live stories and seeing GOD's fingerprints everywhere....

I think every day my heart wants to smile....sometimes, it's just a matter of taking the time to let it seek out those little, everyday, parts of life, that bring that smile : D

And, here's my thought for this Monday (it's a little quote our Pastor shared yesterday...and since I am a tea drinker....It totally struck a chord ...although the message was based on faith even in painful/miserable times. It really made me stop and think....hope it catches your thought for a second too....)

"People are like tea bags, you don't know what's in them,

until you dip them into Hot Water!"

Praying that I always make God's heart smile!

Happy May....and, all that it brings....Sweet blessings!

Voting required

Happy Thursday! At least I hope you've had a great one...I'm so pleased to announce mine was GREAT!

~My preschoolers were perfect today (okay as perfect as three year olds can be :D)
~During my break I ran errands and came back to find an Ice Tea waiting for me...a gift from a sweet friend (need I say, it totally made my afternoon :D I am blessed!!!)
~I managed to exercise after work...and actually walked a mile, biked two, and lasted on the Elliptical for 3 whole minutes (A huge deal for me :D) And...I survived it all!!!
~Thanks to my lawn man....I came home to a beautifully cut, green lawn...(so thankful for the downpour of rain Tuesday night!!! )

So, now it's time for your opinion or vote....HELP!

The last year, I've realized...I really DO NOT like to dust!
Since I'm an 80's girl...I, of course, have many country knick knacks...here, there, everywhere
I truly LOVE each and every one of them...

BUT...

I'm thinking it's time....to perhaps box a few up...change it up a bit in my home...make dusting a simple task of running a duster across all surfaces.....

I think what I'm really asking...is MORE or LESS better??? What do you think....in a home is LESS knicknacks MORE attractive??? Or....is MORE what makes a home feel so "homey"???? Is LESS dust better than MORE (ha, ha...couldn't resist saying that one :D)

So, feel free to give me your VOTE...or what I'm really asking for is your honest Opinion! Should I do it...should I remove any dust catcher there is??? Should I move out of my "country decor"....Mmmmm... or should I....simply just dust more than once every couple of weeks???

No pressure...but, it's up to you girls...HELP!

Praying today was totally filled with God's GOODNESS and many, many Sweet blessings !!!

Letting go....

Sometimes you just have to let go...

And, that's what happened at our house on Monday....

We had to let go of our horse Pepsi....she had been a part of our family for 17 years....The Mr. had bought her from a cousin....she had a very sweet disposition..unless you wanted to really ride her :D

She became a great companion to our only other horse at the time...Trixie...she didn't mind that Trixie was the boss and always chased her off....it just became part of their unique relationship! And, a couple years ago when Trixie got really sick...who would stand beside and hover over her...Pepsi!

Oh, there were plenty of times she made us good and angry....and several times she nearly did me in....but, somehow, those times just don't seem to matter....

Since, I'm the main horse care-giver....I finally knew it was just time...we had tired to keep weight on her to no avail...the vet had checked her, no known reason for the lack of health...maybe just like us humans...old age was settling in....

I had scheduled it all, so I could be the one at home when the vet came...but, the animal remover people could not come that day...so, I had to reschedule..and that meant my Mr. had to be the one. YES, I am a cry-baby, YES, I have a hard time saying good-bye (in fact, the night before you know I went out and just loved on her :D) But, through the years of this "Animal life" I live...I've learned that sometimes you have to let go, even when you don't want too....and I was prepared to see her through to the end. My Mothering instinct was to tell my Mr. just what to do, and how to do it...afterall, I really knew her personality best....but, this time for some reason I refrained...and apparently it didn't go as smoothly as it could of. :(
(and, for once he actually said...I wish you would of called and bossed me around?!?! )

The first night of feeding....was hard. It all just looked so empty in her pen....and I was worried Trixie would whinny and be roaming around unsettled looking for her...but, NOPE, she just came to her feed bunk, like it was any ordinary day. Did she know??? I like to think she knew it was coming too....

Anyway, so that's my beginning of the week story....and honestly, I'm okay with it all...because I know it was time...and even though I didn't want to let go...I needed too...and there's just comfort and peace in knowing that. (Besides, the fact, that the animal lover in me, cannot watch any animal not looking or being itself!) So, thankful that God blessed us with her for so long...and so glad that sweet memories of her will always warm my heart.

The more I think about it, the more I am in Awe of the way God carries us through life...the opportunities, the mishaps, the struggles....always preparing us, always helping, guiding, and carrying us through and onward. It simply AMAZES me....and I so know that in all that happened on Monday.... we weren't alone. And, because of HIS peace...we could let go!

Praying each of you can see HIS hand, in everything...every.single.day too! Sweet blessings!

Just in time...

The neighbors I was chicken sitting for came home just in time.....

to save my legs & other body parts.....

Oh My....on the last day I went to feed, the wind was blowing terribly....remember last Thursday?!? That was the day....and I was feeling pretty confident, because on most days when I fed and the wind was blowing the chickens were all huddled underneath a cover made for them....

Sure enough when I got there....the feeding area looked safe...I grabbed the flake of hay for Sarah, open the gate and head in...and from out of nowhere comes the "mean little wanna-be Rooster"...oh, he is definitely a HE, just not the biggest one in the pasture, so I don't think he's earned "bossing" rights yet.....which might explain why he tries to "boss" me...or in other words attack. He comes running straight at me....I YELLED as loud as I could at him...and he backed up a little, I stepped forward and here he came again, this time I shook my foot at him and he rared up.....I threw down the hay, causing him to step back, scanned the area for a nice big STICK....feeling very nervous, anxious, & okay, downright SCARED! (I'm pretty sure he could sense my fear too :D) I decided, the hay could just stay in that spot today...and tired to work my way back to the gate....by work, I mean I was yelling, and hitting the stick very hard on the ground (hoping I would NOT have to actually use it on him...that it would NOT become my weapon of choice : D) Especially since I'm not a chicken girl...I had no idea if hitting a chicken would actually end their life?!?!

Well, I finally made it to the fence...and that nasty chicken had the nerve to come up to the fence and flair up at me through it .....So, when I went into the pen to feed their grain...I made sure I put down the wooden gate so HE could NOT come in the coop while I was inside. And, the rest of the evening, I made a plan of what & how I would react to keep myself safe on the next feeding day.....And, GOD is so good, the next day before chore time....the chicken's owners were home!

Of course, I stopped to see how their trip went and share my chicken adventure...and guess what I learned....HE is mean...and HE even did that to Wynona...but, being the farm/cow girl she is....she gave him a good boot and sent him half way across the pasture.....he apparently layed down and played dead for awhile...but, the next day he was up and about...and seems to leave her alone now. So, I guess the next time I take care of her chickens....It will be OKAY to use that big stick :D

I'm so glad no one was there to watch me act like a crazy girl :D And, I so hope everyone is having a GREAT week.....may it be filled with many, many WIND-FREE Sweet blessings!

Hard....

This week something that is very Hard for me happened....

A phone call came....and the voice on the other end of the line asked...if they could interview me for a story on people who make a difference in their Community???

ME???? I remember asking????

How about the Preschool????

Really.....you want to just talk to ME???

Luckily, it was a sweet person I know....(I actually have her little girl in my preschool class this year)....so, I didn't feel uncomfortable.....but I WAS SO UNCOMFORTABLE.....WHY????

Well, because I really DO NOT like being in the limelight.....
I DON't LIKE anything to be about ME.....
I have a REALLY HARD time accepting Praise..... or receiving gifts....

Because in the end....it's not REALLY ME that is the one doing/or making a difference...it's really JESUS working through me.....I'm ME because of HIM! So, in my line of thinking...the article really shouldn't be about ME, but HIM!

I survived it though....
The article was very generous on my behalf....
And...the photo.....IT was a GOOD HAIR DAY :D

Sometimes, we do have to do HARD things.....
Sometimes, we have to step out of our comfort zones....
Sometimes, God has a way of growing us in a different way......

And, Sometimes, in the end....it simply brings a smile to your heart!

So, if you are desperate to read all about ME.....the article came out in the East Oregonian on Tuesday, April 6th.....and I'm thinking you can check it out online...or I could send you a personal signed copy...Ha, ha!!! (you know I would Never do that right????)!

Once again...I've been totally blessed! Thanks for letting me share little secrets about ME with you.....And, THANK YOU each for helping me to become who I am!
Sweet blessings!

Chicken sitting

Well, I'm on a new adventure...

Our neighbor at the corner...where we rent our Summer Pasture..needed a chicken sitter....and since we love her and she always takes such good care of our cows...I volunteered for the job! Plus, Wynona is the original cattle woman/rancher girl...she knows EVERYTHING about ANYTHING...and I sooooo love collecting her knowledge!

Now, I totally understand and know LOTS about Cows...and she has a heifer named Sarah that I'm feeding hay to every day...no problem..I can handle that. Sarah is kind of special...at first she was totally blind, and would only come to Wynona's voice...but, now she has sight in one eye...and after the first couple days of curious, stand-offishness...she comes to me when I call too :D

Now, to feed Sarah I have to go into her pasture...and that's just where the chickens roam free (as in free-range chickens :D) . The first day...I went in, called Sarah, put down her flake of hay and headed over to check the water trough...that's when I noticed a chicken coming pretty quickly toward me...with a mean sort of look on it's face...(Not being a chicken girl, I couldn't tell if it was a hen or Rooster...because I don't think it's full grown yet??!?! And, do they ever smile or look happy???) It truly was intending to peck me...so, I headed out...I decided the next day I would be the boss of him...and I guess he just wanted to check me out the first day, because he's never came near me again..(Oh, I think it really is a he...as I heard him crowing at me before I left :D)

Next, I have to go inside the chicken coop...feed them some grain...and then check the nest area for eggs. It's kind of fun looking for the eggs....and those Hens are so quiet they often catch me off-guard sitting on their nest. No worries, I just leave them alone...figuring the next day I'll get those eggs. Well, pretty much once they see me, they squawk and fly out....the first time, that totally scared me too...now, I'm on guard for squawking, flying chickens :D Although I feel kind of bad about taking their eggs...it just makes them so happy to sit on them, I feel like I'm taking away all their joy in life :(

All that's left of chore time then is feeding the two kitties...and that's my truly the joy of my life ....taking care of kitties!

I just have to say, I'm kind of intrigued by the whole chicken deal...in some ways, they seem sooooo much easier than cows! But, for now, I think I'll just stick to cows....(& I'm so hoping my Mr. doesn't read this and get any ideas :D)

So that's my latest adventure....listening to a little crowing and clucking vs. mooing :D Hope you each get to enjoy a new adventure every now and then too! Sweet blessings!

Traveling Fridays=Treat Fridays

Happy Friday!
Friday's are my free day...okay, well they use to be my free day :D This year every Friday morning I make meat deliveries to the Tri-Cities....my Mr. signed us up to do an online Farmer's Market...the orders come in on Thursday evening, and then I have to deliver them on Friday...before 3:00! We also have our meat in a little Seafood store there...so sometimes, I meet our regular customers there to pick up their orders...and have to restock our little spot in their freezer.....

I always head out by 9:00....I have a plan....I have to be at NW Seafood from 10:30-11:00...drop off at the Parkway, then if need be, meet customers at the Old Roxy Theater from 11:30-Noon!

Now the real reason I do it in the morning....of course... is because Friday is my one and only day to watch my soap (there I've confessed my sin :D) and, it's my day to squeeze in a nap too! Among a zillion other errands....

So, since I've had to give up part of my "free Friday"...I always feel entitled to treat myself to a little treat :D Usually, it's just a Starbucks Ice Tea...sometimes, a hamburger for lunch...but, today...well, the Mr. doesn't know it yet...but, today...he bought me a new Easter outfit! (If only it had just been one.... : D) I so wanted a new dress...(I don't think I've bought a new dress for at least 4 years....) and, can you believe this...I couldn't find one I liked today...four stops later...I ended up at ShopKo (Yep, another confession...I LOVE SHOPKO!!!) No dresses or skirts...but, I ended up with three mini-sweater cover-ups, a cute dress-up blouse, and Easter Candy for my Sunday School class! I was quite proud of myself....(for those of you who don't know me well...I really do NOT like shopping for myself....it always comes with guilt issues...like I shouldn't of spent $$$, I didn't really need THAT...etc....and the catcher....my MR. doesn't even care what or how much I spend...on anything....ever!!!) Oh, back to my story....the mini-sweater cover-ups are perfect to mix & match with every skirt or dress I already have in my closet :D Whooohooooo.....so, NO GUILT because, hey I can make these three new sweaters turn into at least 10 different looks/outfits :D I thought you just might like to see them for yourself...so, here they are .....

Okay, now I'm not very talented with the camera...but, I hope you kind of see what they look like :D So my delivering Friday turned out to be a little fun today too....minus the pouring rain :D Hope everyone enjoys their weekend...May you take time this Friday to think about all that Christ did for each of us...and on Sunday may you celebrate in Great ways...that Jesus is Alive! Happy Easter....Praying it is overflowing with lots of Sweet blessings!

Still learning....

I can't believe March is almost ready to leave us...
I can't believe I've hardly been on my blog At.ALL.....
I can't believe that every day I still am learning.....

Learning about life...
Learning about relationships...
Learning more & more about My Lord....
Learning day by day, more & more about Me!!!

I had a wonderful Spring Vacation.....my parents came for the week! We mostly hung out around my house...had lots of family dinners (including my brother & sister coming over :D), a trip to Portland to see my Grandparents who are in their mid-80's....and just spent time "being"!

They've been my family for 44 years now...and still I see, hear, feel, and learn more about them..... L.I.K.E.....

*My Mom has this thing of running a sink full of HOT, and I do mean HOT water to toss dishes in while she's cooking! It's a great idea...why didn't I ever think to do that??...NO...I'm more of a stack them up and wait until I'm all done cooking type dish girl...which can = some hard elbow-grease scrubbing :D

*Little things that seem so unimportant at 44, seem huge at 84.....like walking a long distance to be seated in a restaurant....or deciding what you want to have for lunch....or even changing the sheets on a bed. (NOTE: TO SELF....realize all the little things really do matter!!! )

*My parents give & give & give....it didn't stop when I was out on my own, when I got married, or now, that I'm 44....they keep on showering me over & over again...in so many ways!

*Sometimes when you're all grown up...it's just GOOD to spend time alone with your family....(Not that I don't love my Mr...because I do sooooo much....) but, sometimes, it just feels right to be alone with my parents & sister....there's always those inside jokes that no one else understands but you... :D

*I also heard a story from my Grandma about how my Dad almost chopped his hand off when he was very little....and he still bears a scar that somehow I NEVER noticed before???

Stories are so precious...lives lived by those we love are so precious...time....it goes by way to quickly...and, I am soooo glad that I got to enjoy a week watching, learning, hearing, and storing away parts that make me who I am :D (I now, know where I get my OCD from :D ha, ha....)

And, just yesterday I found myself running my sink full of HOT water...and letting those dishes soak while I cooked :D May each of you take time to learn more about those who mean the most in your life....may you hear a new story, see them through a different lens...and most of all find time to soak it all in! Sweet blessings!

Unique

Oops! I forgot to show you the most unique gift our friend Debbie got us...



Are you ready???



Be warned....You might just want one for yourself :D

Is that a GREAT gift or what...who can't use a back-scratcher...and especially one that comes with a telescopic extend wand..and a clip to attach it to your purse or pocket if you like :D

I think my Mr. was a little jealous...I noticed he couldn't wait to try out my new gift!

So the next time you are hard struck to find a gift for the person who has EVERYTHING....just remember...the Back Scratcher (available at Bed, Bath & Beyond) :D

Happy March! Sweet blessings!

Time away....

I was sooooo BLESSED last weekend to get some time away with my college girls :D There are actually 6 of us that have been friends for over 20 years (a true gift from God!) But, only three of us live close enough to meet up each year. This time we went to Depoe Bay....and, I cannot express in words what an amazing time it was :D So, here's a few photos of it.....
(remember I'm a little photo challenged :D)

First here we are....

And, here is a shot from the window of our condo...

And, another shot as we were sight-seeing :D (Okay, as I was sight-seeing as both my friends have been there several times :D)


The gifts that always appear when us girls meet up...

Here's what was inside those pretty packages....WAY TOOOOO MUCH stuff :D I totally feel spoiled!

Here's a shot of the living room of the condo...it was on the third floor and had a whole glass side that overlooked the ocean!

Here's a shot of what I lived in while there...Yep...my Hello Kitties :D

And, this...our own little private spa in the Master Bath....Mmmmm...it was heavenly to soak in!

One evening, my friend Tami made us Chocolate Fondue...Oh, my was it ever delicious...and the first time for me to discover the goodness of fondue!

It truly was the perfect get away...one I soooo needed...and one that memories of will forever warm my heart! It truly was a very, very Sweet blessing! I hope everyone is blessed with some time away now and then, time to rejuvenate and come alive again! Sweet blessings!

So blessed...

I've had a hard time finding time to post lately...not that I don't have LOTS to share...
I just can't seem to find the time to sit down and do it....
And, since I haven't been on my blog....
I didn't know....

That this beautiful new banner was waiting for me....
To greet me with a smile and the warmth of a Good friend....
To bless me in many, many ways....

I am blessed to have a friend who over & over again suprises me :D

Thanks Linds...you totally always bring a smile to my heart! Sweet blessings!

Friday thoughts....

Happy Friday!

Don't you just LOVE Friday! There is something about it being the ending of a week, or is it the beginning of the weekend, that just makes it seem Right.

Although, I'm so wishing my Mr. was home! He's not home many Friday nights...and that would be the one thing that would make Fridays totally perfect!!! (Mmmmm...I'm thinking that's going to go on my prayer list :D !!!)

Since I'm blessed to work at Preschool and Friday's I have no classes...it's my free-day! Well, sometimes it's free....most of the time I find it FILLED!

It use to be filled with my errands to run, my house to be cleaned, catching up on my soap (Uh, oh, did I just let my sinful habit slip ..Oops!)....those things that kind of get left un-done during a work week. This year however, since my Mr. signed us on to do an online farmer's market (The Parkway Online...just in case you want to check it out :D ), Friday means making deliveries to the Tri-Cities. And....since, I have to go to Richland to drop off at the Parkway...I make other deliveries as needed too. So now my Friday mornings consist of packing up orders and heading to the Tri-Cities. (Somehow, I just feel it justifies myself getting a treat :D....usually, it's a Starbucks Ice Tea...but, last week it was a Chocolate milkshake, burger & fries...today, nothing
:( ) But, I did take a nice two hour nap this afternoon!!!

I've been thinking....if I could order up the perfect Friday...what would it look like??? So for fun...here's my version of a dream Friday.....

~ Sleeping in a little, just hanging in my cozies for awhile
~ Spending some time in God's word
~ Catching up a little in Cyber world
~ Leisurely getting myself ready for the day...a little pampering :D
~ A Nap
~ Connecting with a friend for lunch
~ NO CHORES to do ... :D
~ Dinner that is not "homemade"...:D Maybe Pizza or Mexican
~ A Friday night date (with my Mr...)....dinner with friends, a movie, taking
in a high school sporting event, a game night, or even dancing :D
~ Staying up late, because you can...because tomorrow is Saturday :D

I know not too much exciting on my list....truthfully, I just like the simply, ordinary things of everyday living....I think it's the growing up in a small town part of the girl in me :D

So, what about you...what would your dream Friday look like??? Whatever it is, and however you fill your Friday...I hope when it's done...it all felt just RIGHT! Happy weekend....may it be filled with many Sweet blessings!

Oh my....

Oh my...I can't believe it's already the 16th of February...and I didn't even post a Happy Valentine's to everyone...so, here it is.....Happy Valentine's Day..hope it was filled with LOTS of LOVE!

I don't know why, but I simply can't make it on to my computer long enough to blog these days....I guess that just means Life is happening, and I'm living it :D

But, I just had to post a little something today....because yesterday, Monday, President's Day, No School day....was all of the above and so a MONDAY in EVERY WAY!

Somehow, my No School Monday's have turned into Cow adventure days....Yep, yesterday was a cow day. My poor Mr. has been on the go, with a list of things & places to be that surely must reach clear across Oregon....and he needed to take some cows in....so, I offered to help..thinking it would take him less time, and get him on the road sooner (He needed to be in Roseburg this morning by 7:00 !)

So, he swings by the house to hook up the horse trailer and get his Lil' helper. He gets all hooked up and we're ready to go, when we discover a flat tire....so, thankful it was obvious while the trailer was free of cattle :D Next stop, Les Schwab....after a few this & that...one tire repaired, a new tire bought...we are finally headed to sort cattle.

Okay, you know the rain has made everything muddy...and when you throw in animals..it's definitely not mud anymore, but muck! We're prepared...muck boots are on...a quick climb over the fence...heading the cattle toward the gate...and it appears the muck is deeper than I thought...or my legs weaker than I thought...and you can guess, I find myself stuck yet again! My Mr. is calling for me to hurry up..and I simply CANNOT move....he heads back to help me....but, by now, I've figured the only way out is to pull out my foot, then pull the boot out with my hand :( I did, and of course the bootless foot dips into the muck...and then HAS to go back into the boot :( UGHHHHH....I DO NOT LIKE THAT FEELING...I DO NOT LIKE IT ONE BIT!!!



Next, it's sorting time...and for some reason it takes us what seems like FOREVER...and the good part...finally, it's done...the ones going are headed to the trailer..all is good....IF YOU ARE A COW that is....COWS...they simply have minds of their own...and one, did NOT want to go in the trailer...somehow in the pushing forward, squeezed into the fencing, and decided to just jump over...if one goes...ALL follow....it was not a good moment to be witnessing !!! According to my Mr. it is the WORST possible thing that can happen...if a cow gets away with it once, they will be harder the next time. :( (At this point, I must confess, I find myself simply praying & praying & praying..) as we head back to the go through the whole process again!

And, wouldn't you know it...I'm the gate....No, not the one opening or closing a gate...I'm actually, the gate...my job is to stand in the alley and let cows go into an open corral, or stand in the corral opening, and let them go down the alley back to their "home"! OH MY...that is NOT an easy job...on dry ground, let alone in muck.....you already know what happened don't you??? Yep...one went by me that was NOT suppose too ....OH MY!

Finally, FINALLY, FINALLY...the job is done! And, I have to say...my Mr. is AMAZING, STRONG, & my HERO :D

I wish the story could end there....but, OH MY...it didn't! Of course, my boots were covered...and my Mr. offered for me to wash them off at the faucet...but, I had my spare mucks in the truck and in an effort to save time, I said "Oh, I'll just pull them off and hose them down at home". I see a board over by the fence....perfect to help pull off my mucky boot...one boot off, and I start to pull my heel on the board to slip the other one off....instant PAIN! Oh MY....there would of course be a nail I couldn't see through the mud on the board....and of course it would go right through my boot into my foot! Do you know it really, really hurts when a nail punctures the ball of your foot???? And, I cannot leave the muddy sock on....I hobble to the truck..and luckily find a clean white roper's glove in the door pocket...NO I did not try to put it on my foot like a sock...I just stuck it in my clean muck shoe and put my foot in!



My Mr. then informed me...you'd better get a tetanus shot (Mostly because every time he gets cut, poked, or bit, I make him get one :D) Good news is I just had one last March...so it hasn't even been a year...I'm good! Whew!!! I just made sure as soon as I got home I cleaned it well...and soaked it in Epsom Salts a few times. And, my Mr...made it safely to Roseburg ...arriving there at 2 a.m. this morning!



So, it was a day! But, clearly God was with us ALL THE WAY :D



I'm glad today was Tuesday...and I was sharing the story with one of my preschool Mom's....(because she was wearing her muck boots today :D) I told her that I had mine home soaking in a tub of water outside...and asked if she thought it would take long for them to dry out.... this is what she left on my porch this afternoon.......

Yep! It's a boot dryer :D And, it's the Sweetest blessing to my day!!! So, so thankful that she is sharing it with me...because I know I'm not through putting those muck boots on this year yet :D

So, there it is.....my Monday....my Life.....a page in my story that God is writing :D Thanks for reading my "book"! Most all...praying you can find blessings even in the muckiest of times! Sweet blessings!

How sweet it is....

Happy February...
Happy Heart-filled Moments...
Love, Love, Love....

Wishing all those things for you...and that each day you look around and see how sweet it is...
life, friends, co-workers, your job, family, all that is YOURS!

Today, I opened up my blog...and once again the sweetest gift awaited me...thanks to my sweet friend Lindsay, my blog always stays "hip"! And, over & over again, I fall in Love with whatever picture she creates :D (So smiling right now, because I soooo needed that surprise today!)

I've been slightly grumpy the last couple days :( Sometimes "things" just seem a bit much...and sometimes "things" don't go just like you want them too....and sometimes, a girl just needs a day or two of good grumpiness to be ready to smile again :D

Yesterday was a MONDAY...all the way around....and I'd like to say what I'm about to share didn't happen...but IT DID....

You know we've been blessed with LOTS of moisture..and things are a tad muddy here...I was doing my evening chores...and it was going pretty good...I've now figured out where to walk to avoid the deepest muck spots ....I knew I might be pushing my luck...but, I so wasn't feeling like making three trips to fill the horses feed bunks...so, I decided to pull my little green handy cart just inside the gate...not so bad...and somehow, and don't ask me how...as I grabbed an armful of hay and turned to head out to feed it....my foot came right out of my muck boot and went smack-dab down into the muck !!!!

Oh, it was bad alright....now, my sock is totally covered in muck, so I can't put it back in my boot...UGHHHH...the thought of that totally is wrong.....so, in this case a girl has to do what a girl has to do ...I balanced on my one firmly planted muck-boot clad foot, pulled off the drenched sock, gave it a big toss into the green cart, and slipped my naked foot into the stuck muck boot....OOOOOOhhhhhhh...not a great feeling! As fast as I could, without slipping and falling I finished feeding and headed straight to the house (no stopping to do the usual washing off of the muck boots...) took off my boots and washed my foot! Now for the confession...I'm not a swearing type-girl...but, yesterday in the midst of the mishap...all that came out was a single word that started with an S and ends in a T.

When my Mr. got home and I shared my lovely event....all he did was tease me over & over again about the four-letter word...honestly...I should of just left that part out of the story !!! But, how sweet it is...to have dry-clean socks inside your muck boots!

And, how sweet it is that my life is blessed with animals, a wonderful Mr., great friends, and Jesus who even LOVES me through my grumpies!!! From my heart to yours......Sweet blessings!

Grocery Shopping.....

Grocery Shopping...one of those necessities of life....

One of those Love/Hate relationships for me...

I LOVE eating...I just HATE Grocery shopping!

But, today it just had to be done....There was NO milk in our house, NO Butter, NO breakfast foods, and NO tissues! (Okay, there were a lot of other things missing too..but, those were the main items demanding a trip to the store :D)

Since Walmart's make-over...I've really noticed the selection has declined...so, I've been trying really hard to do my shopping at Safeway (plus, there's less for me to think I need, when I really don't...if that makes sense...OH, yeah, and there's this little thing too...my Mr. really does NOT want me shopping at Walmart...He has issues there :D) Not to mention that it's not uncommon to wait in line for 15 minutes to be checked out! But, today's shopping list had things from every single department...so, to save time & energy...sometimes a girl just has to do what a girl has to do...WALMART!

I had my list...and believe it or not...I stuck to it! And, for a Saturday it was fairly empty inside the store...I was so lucky not to even have to wait in line....WHEW! Another Grocery shopping/To-Do Done!

Now, I was walking out to my car feeling pretty happy....I opened my trunk, loaded all my groceries inside, close the door, and it won't close??? I fiddle with the latches, try again...still won't shut...Mmmm...maybe I just need to open it from inside...maybe my key didn't unlock it all the way...still WILL NOT SHUT! Of course, it's dark...and so I inspect what I can see...the bottom latch seems to be loose....I decide to try to tighten the screws...with what else but my car keys....(NOTE: to self....make a tool box for the car!) I manage to tighten the screws some, and the latch seems stable...I give it one my try..and Ta-Da...it worked! Thanking God that I didn't have to use baling twine to tie down my trunk for the trip home...I notice something is sticking out of my sweatshirt...OH NO...it's a dryer sheet...oh, how cute that must of looked as I strolled through the store :D

So there you have it....my Saturday outing! And, tomorrow morning my Mr. is going to be soooo excited at all his breakfast choices! Sweet blessings!

Wet !

Wet!

That seems to be the three letter word for the month! And, I've decided this year...that ALL weather is needed...whether I like it or not....so, I'm going to leave the weather making decisions in God's hands...and just go with the flow :D (or would that be steady downpour..ha, ha...)

So, here's what the WET looks like through my eyes....Meet our Trixie...she is the Mr.'s girl...his first rope horse and definitely his baby!

And, this....well, this is my little green feed cart...I load it up with hay and take it out across the pen to feed all the horses....check out it's wheels.... totally covered in MUD!

And, this...well, this is the mud & muck I have to drive my little green cart through to take hay to the other horses....

Today, it is deep! As you can see...it totally covers the top of my muck boot! Too deep to try to drive my little green cart through....

So, I left my cart parked and took the hay flake by flake out to the other 4 horses! It was a few extra steps...but, at least I didn't get my little green cart stuck :D

Inside the barn...this was the view...definitely the place to hang out and be :D

Here's the view of our driveway from the road...and this...it's our very own Mud Puddle :D And, I have to say it makes me quite happy...why you ask???

Because when I get done feeding and my boots are totally covered in muck...I just head to the puddle and splash through it until my boots are clean :D So glad that I get to still play in mud puddles!!!

Even my kitties like leaving their footprints everywhere....the sight I see all over my front porch!
Even though it is very WET....I'm thankful...that I have the right equipment to get through it....thankful for a chance to splash in a puddle...and thankful that God is sending the moisture that the farmers (NOT THE CATTLE RANCHERS...because wetness and baby calves do not = a good thing :( ) really need!

I hope each of you can find ways to enjoy this WET season...maybe it'll be curling up inside with a good book, or trying to catch some great shots through the lens of your camera...or maybe it will even be putting on your rain gear and stomping through some puddles...whatever it may be....may you find warm moments filling your heart! Sweet blessings!

Really

Really....
Really...I am still here!
I can't believe January is going by...and I've only posted once! REALLY???

What can I say....I don't really have any reasons why I haven't been visiting my blog more....other than, Life...it's happening :D

So here's a little catch-up from my REALLY moving fast month :D

~ I've really enjoyed being back in my classroom, watching my preschoolers grow day by day...it's funny, they all came back from Christmas break seeming "older" and every class is in it's groove now :D

~ I survived two back to back nights of after-Christmas preschool programs! (Okay I might of rewarded myself a little each night with Dairy Queen ice cream :D)

~ I REALLY am working on de-cluttering! And, so far...the laundry room closet, and the office desk have felt the affects!

~ I REALLY DID have to spend my free Monday (Martin Luther King day) sorting cows, trying not to slip & fall face first in the muck!

~ I've been trying to make Monday's a day to reach out and bless someone else...I listen to KLOVE, a Christian radio station ...and they've been encouraging everyone to make Monday's a reaching out day...(Make a difference Monday!) So, this week, as I was headed to work, I remembered I needed ice for the water table...as long as I was at Safeway and Starbucks was looking at me...I thought I'd treat my Miss Susy to an Ice Tea to start the day....there was a nice gentleman in a wheelchair as I headed in...I started to head to the Starbucks section, then remembered the ice was at the other end of the store...so I by-passed him and smiled...when, I came back he was pulling up to the counter, but backed up and said..."You go first..you were actually headed here before me"....You know I told him...it's okay, go ahead..and after a few back and forth's, I said thank you..and stepped up to the counter...when she asked what I'd have...It felt so good to say...my usual Ice Teas..and then, whatever the gentleman behind me is drinking. He was so touched...and I my heart felt so happy! It began a conversation...and ended with me walking to my car feeling totally blessed! When I got to work, I was telling my Miss Susy...all about the Make a difference Monday...and what had happened..when I remembered...it was TUESDAY! (The holiday had thrown me off :D But, it's all good, Tuesday or Monday, right????)

~ Another amazing event happened...one of my college friends and I actually got to talk online through Facebook...she lives in New Zealand, but being able to talk online makes it feel like she lives next door :D

~ I've Really enjoyed some great meals with friends this month...all at La Palma's (the Mexican restaurant in town???) And, a date night dinner with my Mr. there too!!!

~ And, can I just say as long as I'm using the word REALLY so much..there's a few things I Really like but don't like....
* I really like clean sheets...but don't like changing them !!!
* I really like eating...but, I don't like going to the grocery story!
* I really like that it's staying lighter longer...but, I don't like it still being dark in the AM
* I really like the warmth of a woodstove...but, not the mess it makes

When I stop and think about it....most of ALL...I'm just feeling REALLY Blessed this month! I hope January is being just as good to you...REALLY I am Praying that! :D Sweet blessings!

The New Year...

The New Year is HERE!

And, I'm ready for 2010!!!

2009 was a LONG, BUSY, HARD, BUSY, ROUGH, BUSY, CHALLENGING, BUSY Year....
I know the Mr. and I both grew a LOT through it
....and, now...we are READY...

READY for a New YEAR! And, READY to see ALL that God has in store for us... :D

I've been thinking a LOT about what things I would like to truly place emphasis on in 2010...and after going back & forth, over & under, around & around...I think I've finally come up with my plan!


Five thoughts kept repeating themselves...

1. FUN....I just want to have FUN! I want this year to be FUN...fun at work...fun at home...fun with the animals...fun with my family....FUN!

2. GRACE....I truly want to aspire to be a woman of Grace..every.single.day!

3. FAMILY...more time with our families! :D

4. CONTENTMENT...(oops! Did I type that one out....you know sometimes it's the things you seek, that you really have to grow into :D)

5. PERSPECTIVE....looking outside the box (or in better terms...outside of my thoughts/self :D)

So, there it is...good or bad....
These words that have just kept coming into my heart over & over again the last few days....

And....here's to them inspiring me to new heights this year!

Praying above All...that in whatever I do, and wherever I go, and whomever I'm with...that the Love of Jesus is shining through.....Sweet blessings from my heart to yours......!