Fabulous Firecracker Flex Friday

So yesterday was one of those days you just take and tuck away in your heart.   It was a Firecracker Flex Friday even though I had to make a trip to the chiropractor before I journeyed on.     While at the "doc's" I was talking to someone whose kids are close in age to mine and they went to school together when they were younger.   So we get on the subject of Grandchildren...I am sure you are all surprised on that one.   But she talks about getting to go hang out with her little one and how much fun it was.   She said too bad you couldn't be a grandma first.   As I have said before, that's what I wanted to be when I grow up.   Not that I didn't love being a mom but like was discussed--it's just different!

So anyway after leaving "Rocky Vegas" yesterday morning, I was on my mission to Limon.   However, upon my arrival Miss Isabel is still sleeping as is her dad who had not been in bed too long because of a DUI.   Please note that it was not his but I need to keep in mind that not always do others know he is an officer of the law so I have to be careful what I say!

But as soon as I get there I receive a call from my daughter who is at work giving me my instructions that it is my job to make sure that both of the two sleeping beauties are up and at 'em because my favorite son-in-law was going to the doctor with a friend and we were to meet for lunch before they left!    Well I did get my crew rounded up and off and we went to Ruby's.

While there, my poor little Firecracker had to learn one of the cold hard facts of life.   Her and I went to pay for our $39.99 lunch.   She proudly walked up with the ticket and two $20's in hand and generously gave them to the woman taking money.   To which she was given a penny back.   Well this is where she may take a little after her uncle because she looked back up at the woman who was stashing away those big green bills and looked down at her penny.   She then held her hand back up as though perhaps this woman was confused!   I told her Izzy that's just how it goes...lessons to be learned.

After payment we got to walk her mama back to work and then walked back to the truck.   I have to remind you that yesterday was the most beautiful day.   It is those days that we all know exactly why we live in Colorado!    So Izzy and I decided we should go do some shopping!   Who knows what all a couple girls might find at the Alco store.

Since I had lost my sunglasses I decided I would look for some more cheap sunglasses.   This turned out being quite fun as we both had to try on the sunglasses.   And I can see we may be good shopping partners because she would shake her head no on the ones that she did not seem to care for on me.  But we found a pair that she seemed to think we should put in the cart.   So upon finding my pair...we went around to the other side and found Firecracker her own pair!  What do you think?

Well we could only shop so long and then it was time to go.  After all, we had found P-pa some camo slip-ons that she was insistent that he have.  (I did try them out this morning and they will come in handy for the little things like running the trash out.   Going and seeing if those two shepherds are ready to come eat lunch yet or not!    Turns out if you miss a weekend, there is double to do this one.   And I think if you have another nice day there might even be more!)

ANYWAY we finish our shopping and check out.   As we go outside it is such a beautiful day that we decide that the park might be a good call.    So we lather up with our sunscreen and take in the south park I guess.  The one with the windmills--in case

you decide to visit sometime.   We tried out the swings--hmmm not sure about how these sit...but those rocks on the playground were quite fascinating!  The sound they made when you walk in them took quite a bit of our time.   We tried out the slide--but didn't go up to the top just yet!   We walked all around and then we tried out the merry go round.    Now this was fun!    Plus it worked well for Gramma because I could walk in circles while playing.   I told the "Great Grand" uncle this morning that she might be his niece...because we made a couple rounds with her holding on tightly just as she was told.   At which point there goes the hands straight up in the air--a look Gramma no hands!!!   

After a while doing this we caught sight of this older kid who had walked by us earlier.   One of those you are not sure why he is all by himself in the middle of the day at the park.   But he spoke to us and asked how it was going and went on his way to swing.   Well Firecracker catches sight of him swinging and is very fascinated at how high he is going.   So nothing doing--we should get closer--at which point she just stops and stares at him.   But the boy smiles at us and I tell him she is very fascinated by his swinging abilities!

Well after all this playing--someone was getting tired!   Really it wasn't just me!!     So we head back to the house and unload all of our loot.   Which happens to also include some cake from our specials at the restaurant.    With the spotting of this container--one of us decides she needs some cake!  NO I DIDN'T HAVE ANY!!    We went and sat in the rocking chair and she ate her cake and then we checked out the new Dr. Seuss alphabet book we found.   Gramma then started singing and certain songs she would shake her head no as that was not a song she wanted to hear.   But we were hooked on 3 blind mice for a while which we did transition into Row Row Row Your Boat.    Then Gramma went in for the kill.   Sometimes when she wants her mom, I will start singing She'll be coming Round the Mountain When She Comes!   Although she had not asked for mom, upon hearing this song she says MAMA!    So I tell her "She'll be driving a silver Mustang when she comes."   And a few more made up choruses and there is a little angel asleep in my arms!   We then rockabye...and she barely wakes up and MAMA was home!   Then special time with my girls...we even played ring-around-the-rosy.   Somehow my falling down wasn't quite as smooth as theirs!

Definitely one of those days you take and tuck away in your heart!   I know that these moments don't come along every day and the time goes by so so fast.   But special days they come along and later I can pull it out and smile as I think about it.   Such a blessing.  I am thankful that Firecracker's parents share this precious gift with me!  

Gotta love Firecracker Flex Fridays!



Just Because...

 So this morning at my kitchen table, I felt inspiration for this blog.  A theme that I have been hearing from all directions--and so I started writing.  It has to do with being there for people not just saying, "If you need something" but just doing something JUST BECAUSE!   
There's a song by Tracy Lawrence "Find Out Who Your Friends Are" written by Casey Beathard and Ed Hill.  Find out who your friends are .   The words go like this...

"Run your car off the side of the road
Get stuck in a ditch way out in the middle of nowhere
Or get yourself in a bind lose the shirt off your back
Need a floor, need a couch, need a bus fare

This is where the rubber meets the road
This is where the cream is gonna rise
This is what you really didn't know
This is where the truth don't lie

{Chorus}
You find out who your friends are
Somebody's gonna drop everything
Run out and crank up their car
Hit the gas, get there fast
Never stop to think 'what's in it for me?' or 'it's way too far'
They just show on up with their big old heart
You find out who your friends are

Everybody wants to slap your back
wants to shake your hand
when you're up on top of that mountain
But let one of those rocks give way then you slide back down look up
and see who's around then

This ain't where the road comes to an end
This ain't where the bandwagon stops
This is just one of those times when
A lot of folks jump off

{Chorus}

When the water's high
When the weather's not so fair
When the well runs dry
Who's gonna be there?

{Chorus}

You find out who your friends are
(yeah, yeah)
You find out who your friends are

Run your car off the side of the road
Get stuck in a ditch way out in the middle of nowhere
(Well man, I've been there)
Or get yourself in a bind lose the shirt off your back
Need a floor, need a couch, need a bus fare
(Man, I've been there)

Man, I've been there
Oooh yeah."

 So this song always makes me think of my brother, Shane, and his son, Ethan, and a whole "Mini X Fiasco/Adventure" (a story in and of itself).   But my brother is that kind of friend as is his wife (who happens to have a birthday today HAPPY BIRTHDAY JO).  They are the kind who really don't make a big production of it--they just do it--if someone needs help--they try and help them.  Don't ask for anything in return and just do it!

The other day I seen on Facebook where someone told one of my "friends" Jean (I always thought of her as Jeannie in another life I guess--but turns out she is married with sons and I think goes mostly by Jean)  anyway someone posts about how Jean isn't one of those who says if you need help let us know--she just helps.

So as I continue on here at my kitchen table I think of a picture of these cute little girls smiling in their new shirts that were sent by someone for no other reason than  the reward of those sweet smiles.  This same person along with her sister went and visited an older woman in the hospital, that was not even a relative--but a special friend--and took a plant just because.   Well that woman went home and loves that plant and I think more than anything it is a reminder that tells her--you are loved and are special!!   Little things...JUST BECAUSE!

These people inspire me.  That is how I need to be more like--not just throw out there if you need me--even though I mean it.  Turns out when people are down and out--they don't always ask for help or sometimes may not really be sure what to even ask for.

It has been driving in to me more--the message to do more for others and AGAIN..."It's not all about you Penny!"  Okay--Okay I'm learning! 

 As you are well aware I'm sure, we recently went to the National Western Stock Show and I see the bond with my kids (and it makes my heart smile).  A sister going to help and hang out with her brother even though she might not really be a big sheep fan.  Her husband and daughter come along for fun at the show and for support.  Many special friends also showed up.  They really aren't sheep fans, but they show up--JUST BECAUSE!

And then on top of this I got to spend time with an "old" friend--okay face it Phyllis we are getting there!  But we seemed to pick right up catching up on

new and old times.  And even though her and her husband didn't come to Denver for the sheep show--it is quite the sacrifice when a cattle man takes in a sheep show--but they came JUST BECAUSE!

I guess what I take away from this is that we all get little nudges to do for someone.  However, sometimes we try to not listen or just convince ourselves that it really wouldn't be that good of an idea--but again I am sent back to the whole LISTEN...and maybe there is more.  Not only do I hear the question, "Are you LISTENING?"--but, "Are you HEARING?  (Oh yes I am looking right in the mirror when I ask this!)

So maybe tomorrow join me and just try to do one little thing--just because!  I will see what I can do while I am hanging out with my girl on a Firecracker Flex Friday!!!

  



SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT!!   (Izzy at the stock show)



Stock Show 2011

So in case you were wondering how it went at the stock show.  I thought pretty well.  Lance received the Champion Suffolk Ram at the stock show.   So there on my kitchen table...is some of his pretty ribbons!

These next group of pics below would be the champion show boy.   Well one of the pics in this collage has me and Izzy (I made the mistake of labeling this picture meandizzygrand and so when I had uploaded on our family site one cousin thought it was titled mean dizzy grand).  However, that was Firecracker and I's job...we got to hold the banners and ribbons, take pictures, and visit with everyone in the stands.  Pretty tough duty--but hey somebody's gotta do it!

 I didn't get a good picture in front of the sign as the ram was a little bit of a...hmmmm I don't think he is a "Diva".    So can only females be Diva's?   What would you call him?   Besides maybe a pain in the...Okay I got off track!   Those showing was mostly Lance and his friend Anna (Thanks to Anna considering she had just got into town moving back like a day or so before the show).   Sister Heather helped out when they needed a spare showman.   It is not really her thing but she is always a good sport and helps out!   My favorite son-in-law wasn't in the ring but I think he was in on the prep!   Since I only come up the day of, I really don't know what all went on behind the scenes at the show!  I think Firecracker enjoyed the whole experience...especially the squeeze cheese and a tote full of snacks!   Time with her Aunt Autumn (Jay's sister pics to follow), and Uncle Lance, and Mom and Dad.   They even got to all take a big bath together...well I guess some call it a swimming pool!

Champion Suffolk Ram...pretty exciting I thought!!

The ewes didn't get any purples....but still did okay.   Need to figure out how to get a little bit lighter pictures.  Maybe I need to drag out my PhotoShop and could help them out???

Includes the Wither and Frame Ewes (I think that is what I am supposed to call them instead of Market and Breeding!!)

I didn't get to put my pictures of the fans posted...so that one might be a little later.   But must say had a fun time at the Ole Stock Show.   The "shepherd" was telling me that they originally started the stock show at this time of year because it was after harvest and before spring calving.  However, it hits us right in prime time lambing season so the "shepherd" didn't get to go.   Which left me to bring the pickup and trailer home from Limon.   I was just thankful that I didn't have to drive it from Denver to Limon.   But from my kitchen table the morning after, I watch as Tim is out driving and backing the trailer all over and I am thinking, "sheesh here I was worried because I had to make right turns!!!   How does he make it look so easy?"  

But was a fun time even if only a day!   I will post later about those friends who came by!   So I think it must be almost bedtime.   Well for some...the shepherd is out birthing babies.   But in the words of one of my favorite lines from Gone With The Wind..."I don't know nothing bout birthin no babies!"   (That's my story and I'm sticking to it!)

lyp

Am I dying?

As I am sure you have figured out by now that what you get from "my kitchen table" is pretty random.   But it wouldn't be my kitchen table if it wasn't.   You know back to "riding my bike" (that's an older blog) but a constant theme for me.   I have always had a vivid imagination since I was young.   All of my stuffed animals, dolls, and sometimes even flowers had personalities of their own.  I dream in color and sometimes those dreams are to say the least "out there".   (No comments from those who want to add more to this!)   But I guess this was just to give transition into why some things come in my head I do not always know why.   Sometimes I definitely know and those are the ones that I am trying to listen more closely to.

This week I had one of learning.   As I was sleeping away, minding my own business, I was awakened a little before 4:00 a.m. maybe by the hurt in my "Barbie Leg" or NOT.   Because it was as though I needed to go to my kitchen table and read and write.   Well not always being a good listener I readily pointed out...it is cold out there we just had a "blizzard"--really I could do some good listening here...here in the warmth of this bed.   And it was as though I heard "Wa Wa".    Now I know these do not sound like words that one would receive but like I said I am not always a good listener and do not always understand the first time.   But I must say that got me up.

And so in the cold darkness (did I say COLD!) I got up and put on my snuggly robe and fuzzy slippers and strolled out to my kitchen table.   And as I sat there in what seemed as the only light in the whole world--with total blackness and cold out my window...and I know that there is going to be something learned from this illustration.   And later on in the morning I am reading in Jeremiah and I write:

Jeremiah shows me the dark--it seems so dark to me but I am reminded that this was before Jesus.  Jesus came to bring LIGHT for me and there it is again. (light).  There is darkness abound but God is there to bring LIGHT.  Though it may be just enough to see his Word--it is enough. 

I thank you for your words--for your Spirit-even if the words are WA WA.   Because this time here has been a blessing and I am thankful for those moments.  Tender moments of teaching--tiny morsels of Truth.  To be bitten and savored throughout the day.  Some to share and some to Selah (pause and calmly think of that). 

May the Lord keep you as you go about this day!  And I read Jeremiah 10: 23-24 in my Living Bible:

Oh Lord, I know it is within the power of man to map his life and plan his course--so you correct me Lord but please be gentle.  Don't do it in your anger, for I shall die."

And this transitions me to my writings a few days prior that was the oringial theme as to what this writing was titled.  And I wrote:

The thought just came to my head, "Am I dying?"  I know not why I questioned  and even less why I wrote this down.  I do not want to leave those I love--but if that is the path I take it is one to a Better Place and those I leave behind, I have faith will meet up with me in Heaven one day.   But we know not when our time is--But we are all dying--from the moment you are born I guess you are dying.   But I am not dead so while I am here I choose living over dying.  So maybe that is the question I should ask--AM I LIVING? 

It is all how you look at it!   Lord let me live while I am here.   Let me Live!  Let me Love!

And so within this week time frame this whole "living" thing is brought about and I discuss with someone about contentment and I begin to ponder this word--CONTENT.  If you are content where you are--then are you stale and stagnant?   So I am reading along in My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers and he writes:

"Are we freshly born this minute or are we stale, raking in our minds for something to do?  Freshness does not come from obedience but from the Holy Spirit; Obedience keeps us in the Light as God is in the Light."

And there it was my illustration of light I was looking for...So this morning to finish this up I am sent right back to Philippians 3:11:

"So, whatever it takes, I will be one who lives in the fresh newness of life of those who are alive from the dead."

So on this journey of being alive, I mentioned that I am working on my "physical".  The other day I read in the God Calling by A.J. Russell that:

"Think health--and health comes.  The physical reflects the spiritual and mental."

I am thinking that my physical is not just my body, but many of my surrounding "physical" needs a weight loss... remove some of the clutter--get it all into "shape".   So I am working on that part of me as well.   However, on the physical of me, in the last two weeks I have lost 10 pounds. (and I hope to never find them again).   I know I have a long way to go but have had a lot of help (Thanks Angie) from http://www.myfitnesspal.com/.   Those who know me know I love numbers and data bases and I guess this helps make me more accountable!  And also the little voice from Philippians who keeps saying "their god is their appetite."   It is hard to grab something when that keeps playing in your head!

I feel like I get extra "Help" and motivation being in this frame of mind.  Last night I wanted to see how many calories one would burn from doing stairs so I enter them in ..WELL it all of a sudden puts in that I have done stairs on my news feed.   SO in not wanting to appear as though I am putting things I did not do...I got up from my comfy chair that I might not have moved out of and did stairs.   It helped burn off I'm sure that homemade pizza I had eaten!   And the "Barbie leg" survived as well.  (Turns out not a lot of calories are burned just plugging in the exercise--one must actually do it!)   TECHNICALITIES!!!

Like I said when I started this particular blog that...sometimes I am all over the place but wanted to share part of my week at my kitchen table.   Thanks for listening and if you take nothing else away from this I hope you ask yourself ..."Am I Living?"

lyp

Red Neck Girl...Stock Show Update

So the kids have headed for the stock show today.  This morning after gathering everything up, Lance left the Funny Farm and stopped in Limon with the sheep and loaded on Heather, Jay and Izzy.  (I think they got to ride up front;)   Anyway...We have checked in off and on but I couldn't resist sharing these pics I got via the cell phone.  For being such a ham, it is funny how she always seems so serious in her pictures.

There is a song by the Bellamy Brothers...Red Neck Girl...these pictures just made me think of that song.   Firecracker decked out in her pink John Deere boots and Colorado State sweatshirt...hanging out in her Stock Show chair from Uncle Lance with her drink in hand...watching the sheep get ready for showtime!  She is getting way too big--Joe Cool at the sheep show! 

So me and P-Pa will head up early Sunday morning.   Should be so much fun and I get to meet up with an OLD friend...no that doesn't sound right because she can't be OLD because she is younger than me!!   Not by much but still younger.   Will be fun to see you Phyllis!

So for now that's it from the Funny Farm.  The shepherd is just watching for babies--stitch free I might add!  The doctor said we could put makeup on it for now!   After I got up off the floor laughing after we left, I asked as serious as I could..."would you like some makeup?"   And in the line he seemed to use all day he says "It is what it is!"   (Actually he deals with a lot in life that way.  It is what it is...deal with it!)   So I guess the shepherd will just be oh natural!  

lyp

Barbie leg...

I guess be careful what you ask for...perhaps one might think it would be nice to have "Barbie" legs.   But let me tell you a little more!   I have been fighting it for a while now but I have self diagnosed it and got in to the chiropractor today.   I told him as I have told everyone else--I have Barbie leg!    Do you know when you have those old Barbies the ones that have seen lots of playtime?   The ones whose legs seem to come loose from where they belong?   That is exactly how mine felt!    I wonder what the doc thought when I explained to him what I was suffering from.   But everyone is beginning to catch on and asks how my Barbie leg is doing...so don't be surprised if it shows up in some medical terminology description book.   I feel like I have been worked over a little--not sure why the doc didn't just get the super glue out and glue it in that way!

But we are in healing mode here.   The shepherd gets his stitches out tomorrow and has been busy birthing babies!   The young shepherd just pulled in to pick up sheep to head up to Denver tomorrow.   I can hear them on the lamb cam discussing all the new babies.  I on the other hand am sitting here by the fire, finished off a cup of hot chocolate (good medicine for Barbie leg), and waiting for the guys to come in!

So all in all--Life is good here on the Funny Farm!   And hey tomorrow is Friday!! 

It's SHOW TIME...

Well as I mentioned earlier it is almost time for Stock Show.   Next weekend to be exact!    The "BOSS" was here over the weekend getting ready...But as weekends tend to do...it went by way too fast!



There were a few check off items that he said we could do if we wanted...and actually we about got all of them out of the way today.   Okay I get pretty easy jobs...no washing or shearing of sheep, getting the truck ready, or even getting the trailer loaded BUT--here is some of our list we got done today:

Oh and one more SIGN--the...

So if you aren't doing anything on Sunday come on by the sheep show!   See you in Denver!

Shepherd Update

They say you can't keep a good man down....and so with that said the "shepherd" is up and at 'em!

Tim made it through his surgery...they removed some skin cancer (and say they got it all) but in doing so had to take some off of his nose and so gave him a "nose job" while they were at it.   So he has several stitches on his face but being a tough guy, he is doing great.   I know it has to hurt but he is one of those that "sucks it up" and keeps on going!   He had one day he gave himself of "taking it easy".   But still thought he should go to the barn so after some major eye rolling, I convinced him that he should wear one of the cute little masks I got him!

The "shepherd" in the barn with his cute mask.  Couldn't resist leaving the power outlet!

Okay so I couldn't resist the one pic I think he looks different without the muffs...
and the after is my wonderful bandage job...a nurse I'm not!



Was a pretty busy weekend for the younger shepherd.   Between baby watch and having several sets of twins, to getting some ready for the stock show, a wedding, and then just sheep stuff.    However, he had his sister here part of it so she went to the wedding also and helped with some chores and tail docking this morning.  (Tail docking is when a band is put on the lambs tail so that it will come off.)  Oh and "Uncle LaLa" also had to cook supper last night because Firecracker needed me to feed her.   I said that everyone didn't know what I was up to when I would say, "Izzy don't you want Gramma to feed you?"   So she wanted me and so Lance worked on supper.   Now he could have had some assistance, but once he takes over ownership of the meal--the rest of us just let him!  

Busy little Saturday...

Enjoyed having my girls here.   My favorite son-in-law had to work so we missed him!   Was a good weekend but already over...Time flies when you're having fun!!

Out my kitchen window...

If Only's...

As I was hanging sheep "outfits" on the line on my EXTRA day off (if you look at the sheep show blog coming later, there are pics of these outfits;)  ANYWAY, I was thinking of what I think seems to be an outbreak (an epidemic even) of people I know, those I don't know, and of course that one who looks at me in the mirror everyday.  So many seem to be suffering from the "If Only's"!    I am sure if you think about it you can come up with your own!

If only...I had more time, if only I could get organized, if only if I could get my _______ in order (this one took too many for me to fill in so fill in your own blank!),  if only I could go to school, if only I could have that perfect job, if only I didn't have a job, if only I could find that perfect someone, if only I could get my finances in order, if only I had more money, if only I could have a different home, if only I could exercise more (ride my bike more), if only I were taller, if only I were shorter, if only I were thinner, if only my spouse would...are you getting the idea?  

Then there are the "if only's" that we seem to carry with us that weigh us down...if only I had told them I loved them, if only I would have taught them more, if only I would have told them I was sorry, if only I had been more patient, if only I had gave them more of my time, if only I had shared the love of Jesus with them...IF ONLY!!

I am sure you are getting the idea of the start of the sentence IF ONLY...THEN I WOULD BE HAPPY--THEN I WOULD BE CONTENT!  And some of these "if only's" are actually things that if we just put our minds to it and as my Grandma Bessie used to say, "If the Good Lord's willing and the creek don't rise" are things that we can do!   But doing these things may or may not make us happy--make us content!   We all have regrets, we all want a few "do-over's", ,..but sometimes that isn't how it goes.  We can't just dwell on the "what ifs"!   Like they say "IF" the center of   L-IF-E!

But again Philippians from last week keeps speaking to me.  My Living Bible says in 4:11-13:

"Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to get along happily whether I have much or little.  I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything.  I have learned the secret of contentment in every situation, whether it be a full stomach or hunger, plenty or want; for I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power."

This one comes in handy as I am working on losing weight.  But it isn't an IF ONLY kind of thing.  It is because it is something God has pressed me to do!   There are so many benefits that I will reap but first of all it is an exercise in obedience.  I have been reading in Jeremiah and for several days Jeremiah 2:13 kept coming back to me AND coming back to me.  It says,

"For my people have done two evil things: they have forsaken me, the Fountain of Life-giving Water; and they have built for themselves broken cisterns that can't hold water!"

The whole broken cistern concept kept getting to me.   When we lived out at the old Pfeiff homestead ranch we had a cistern.  With the help of the windmill--this was how water was provided to us to supply our needs.   If there was windmill or cistern problems...these took priority!   And so this illustration helps me in looking at this scripture and I ask,  "CAN MY CISTERN HOLD WATER!"   It may be able to hold some, but I feel God is working on me so that I can hold all of the Life-giving Water that He wants me to hold not only for my own needs, but the needs of others!

So many areas of my life--mind, body, and soul that seem to need some assistance.   I want to be better--I want to do better!   But while I am on this quest--I need to be content where I am while I am traveling.   Not to be weighed down by "If Only's".   To look at that person in the mirror and smile.  And like so many times before a song comes on and plays for me...You're Beautiful by MercyMe plays.   I want to sing it to that woman in the mirror, but I also dedicate it to some very special women in my life...It seems to go along with my Jeremiah reading in 1:4,

"I knew you before you were formed within your mother's womb, before you were born I sanctified you and appointed you as my spokesman to the world."  You're Beautiful

And so I end this with some words taken from my devotional in God Calling by A.J. Russell:

"Nothing in the day is too small to be a part of My scheme.  The little stones in a mosaic play a big part.

Joy in me.  Joy is the God-given cement that secures the harmony and beauty of My mosaic."

So this day I wish you JOY!   I wish you harmony, contentment, and peace.  But above all of this--I wish you LOVE! 

What Love Really Means by JJ Heller

God Bless!

lyp

You are More by Tenth Avenue North

For Battle...

Last night the natives were restless--lots of noise there on the old "lamb cam".   Not so much anyone having any babies...they were just restless it seemed.  But this morning the shepherd headed out early because there was action!  

He ended up delivering twins...Two live healthy twins.   I watched them on the old t.v.  Something special about watching new life and little wobbly legged babies trying to find their mama.  (Especially from the warmth and comfort of my heated bedroom).   A miracle right there on my morning television...I watched instead of switching to the news.  Just something more peaceful about it.

But back to the shepherd.    While at my kitchen table this morning, "Ole P-pa the shepherd" is out on the porch putting on all the layers that have been necessary for these cold temps we have been having.   He mentions that his "bibby" coveralls need mended.    Well being the seamstress I am--I reply, "or perhaps replaced."   Keep in mind that he has another pair.   So I say, "you love those 'covies' don't you?"   To which he replies, "these are the ones I like to wear into battle!"    Battle would be when you go out in subzero temps and a little lamb or lambs aren't quite so sure that they want to see this big cold world...but mom says GO!    So being the shepherd he is, he does all he can to make sure that these little ones get a good shot.  

And so the "boss man" weekend shepherd is on his way to watch over the sheep...because tomorrow the "senior shepherd" is going to have a little surgery on his nose.   So if you think about it, say a little prayer for him that all goes well so that he can put on those old "bibbies" soon and head back out to "battle"!

lyp

Therewith to be content...

This is probably one of my favorite scriptures.  So last week I was inspired to read Philippians (okay the guy on the television told me to.)  So my friend and I...we did.   I must say had some special moments.

Anyway...now I feel the need to encourage you to take the time and just read through it.

I received this picture last night and if that doesn't say content...Oh I love that Firecracker!!

lyp

OH BROTHER!!

I am a little in thought today as my brother and his "smokin hot bride" as he refers to her...have left my kitchen table.   Yes we sat around this morning talking over "b & g" (biscuits and gravy) and I had my husband, son, and brother all at my kitchen table.   Some of my most favorite guys!!   And then my "special sister" that I am so blessed to have!

And while I am sad because my brother left...I think of my family in Illinois.   Where a brother has left-- leaving a very empty spot.   And I pray for peace and comfort in this day and days to follow.   I think of the circle of life we live in and how David Scales who just passed away was the son of my great Uncle Lem.   A great uncle who could bring out the "fun" in things definitely left an impression on me as did his son.  

So with that sadness, the weekend was also a happy one.  We had our family Christmas Friday night and I still smile of the thought.   It seems "Grand/Great" Uncle Shane  and the Firecracker....might not be a good combination.    But boy do they have fun:)    Izzy loved him.   At first it was one of just Izzy watching him and soaking it all in...okay maybe Uncle Shaner is not the one to teach her how to use her power drill!  



Izzy and her Grand Great Uncle Shane



But later Izzy went to her new stools that are sitting side by side.   One is the princess stool and the other was intended to eventually go in the bathroom maybe.   So Izzy goes over and sits on her stool and is quickly joined by Grand Great Uncle Shane (Izzy actually has two uncle Shane's as that is her daddy's brother's name too).    Anyway they go through some time of each sitting on their stools...playing with Otis...

But for those that know my brother...just sitting on the stool is not enough.   Next thing I notice he is standing on the stool whistling one of Izzy's favorite songs..."oh oh oh stuck like glue..."



Shall we stand...



Well of course this catches Izzy's attention and so she heads to stand next to this fun friend she has made.  And before we know it they are dancing on the stools...dancing with the dog.   She is calling him "Naner" or something and grabbing his hand if they needed to go somewhere...Just being!  

That is probably one of the things I love about my brother...he is fun...even when doing nothing he can make you laugh and just be happy to spend time with him.  



I had put my facebook status as saying "he's your oldest and your best friend" and as the Bob Seger goes on to say..."If you need him he'll be there again."   For some reason that part of the song always makes me think of him.  Perhaps it is because there is a bond of that relationship with a sibling.   They have been there throughout your life and they share memories that no one else has.   A special connection indeed.   I love time with my brother and we may not see each other for awhile but we pick right up and we always know the other one is there if we need them.  I am blessed indeed.

And I think how close my brother was with my daughter and I watch my son in training  to be a "great" uncle himself!   I think of this circle of life and how we pass on those things that we have lived.  Oh ya life is good!



Firecracker and her "Lance" uncles



And another weekend has came and gone...but definitely a good one!  So signing off from the funny farm and hope that you have an awesome week!!

lyp

Listen...and sing this day!

With the New Year I have had put on my heart to LISTEN!   I am going through this journey with a special friend and it is an awesome experience with special things happening along the way.

I encourage you to join us in taking time to listen.  Each moring I head to my "kitchen table" to see what I hear--what I learn--such a special time.

The other morning a prayer came to me that I feel called to share--maybe just that obey (LISTEN) thing--but here it is:

God please come to my "kitchen table".  Thank you for accepting me for who I am.  Thank you Jesus for dying for me because of who I am.  This road we travel is one of joyous turns and sometimes long hills to climb--But it is a glorious venture.  One that I am thankful to be on.  Help me with my day to day struggles--struggles that really are not much in the big scheme of things.  I thank you for Your Peace, Your Spirit, Your Energy.  God you truly are an awesome God and I am thankful for your mercies.

Sing this day a new song.  Sing this day an old song.  Just sing this day the song the Lord puts on your heart!   Amen

Shepherd in training...

So up the road at Firecracker's house...her and her daddy started their game on...with goats!   I just had to share this pic of our little shepherd (okay maybe goats are herdsmen??? but I prefer shepherd) in training.  My favorite son-in-law sent out a picture off his phone of his little helper!  It's a little chilly up there but her and the goats looked pretty warm!



My Firecracker--Isabel (shepherd in training).



 Izzy is an animal lover.   Not sure why she is so serious here.   But actually it seems when you go to photograph her--she gets very serious!

Sounded like they had more than one kid today...oh the fun!

_______________________________________________

As I write this, my shepherd is out in the barn pulling a lamb.  I hear him on the "lamb cam".   In fact his phone talks and so I hear "Message from Lance".   So I know that they are texting about the new babies!  Ain't technology wonderful!

We had another lamb last night.  The shepherd was up most of the night it seemed.  He comes in and says another "single ram".    (Usually we refer to whether we have singles, twins, triplets...and seems there have been several single rams).  

Well I can't help how my brain works sometimes...but I decided to rewrite the Beyonce song.

All the single rammies...all the single rammies

all the single rammies...all the single rammies

If you like it then you shouldn't put a band on it

If you like it then you shouldn't put a band on it

Oh well...couldn't resist sharing...I know you all will be singing along!!

Sweet dreams!

lyp

THE GAME...

Well you may have heard me make mention that the "senior shepherd" referred to lambing season by saying, GAME ON....well I decided to show some of the "players".  With the cold weather it definitely is a whole different game.  We had below zero temperatures and so the "Boss man", the junior shepherd, got here for the weekend relief and not one new baby decided to come the whole weekend...guess these little guys said it's cold out there--I ain't going no where! This is usually not the case with livestock...usually the colder it is the higher the odds of giving birth it seems.



The A team...Tim, Lance, Bo and of course Sweetie (who is healing up)



 And of course, this game would not be complete without the "lamb cam".   In case you wondered what my view looked like at night...this would be the view.   Actually we can get other views but this is the main one.  The thing that usually gives them away is the sound.   However, we have a few moaner groaners who I am not sure why they think that they should moan all night--just because I guess.   But it is sometimes an adventure when you wake up in the middle of the night (and the old eyes are a little blurry) it takes some focus to figure out if that is a head or a lamb...

And the whole signal comes into our home...right here near my kitchen table!  Technology can be so cool even if it is noisy.   But it sure is nice that the shepherd doesn't have to make so many trips to the barn when it is so cold out...Like I said I want to get this on the web--someday...

So I haven't been keeping score other than I know that Bo or I haven't delivered any babies.   The Great Grand Shepherd (Tim's dad) came and delivered this little guy.   He and Grandma Pfeiff have came and checked in while the shepherd carpenter (some days he wears too many hats!) P-Pa has been in Pueblo where he has just about finished an addition for his sister.   It is pretty cool I might add.  

I think that maybe this guy should be called Roy (after Frank ROY) after all Frank is the one that "pulled" this little guy out into this world.   The biggest lamb so far!   Actually I don't name too many of them and try not to get to attached...because with livestock, they do not always get to stay.   I am just thankful there isn't a market for old "Gramma's" or I might get hauled off as well.  (just kidding...I'm almost positive that the shepherds would not haul me off...I don't think they...hmmmm???)

So I took advantage of the sunshine and went out with the shepherds and snapped some shots (being the spectator and all, I do like to take pics).   I love it when the lambs are sunning themselves.    They just seem to soak it all in. 

Please note that these are more "cutesy" pics and not "show" pics.  I have a son who is a showman and CLEARLY these sheep are not braced for show!    BUT I still think they are cute anyway...

Statement of Faith

The other day I had a conversation in which this person was questioning their faith--their beliefs.  This person is a "rules" person and wants to know the WHY do you believe that way...which made me start questioning or I think just the touching of my heart of not only WHAT do I believe but WHY!   Maybe it is enough because God said so for some, but others they need to know more...perhaps this person is somewhat of a doubting Thomas--but I guess the bottom line is that we believe!   And I thank them for prodding me to stop and view why do I believe as I do.

So as I questioned this I began writing at my kitchen table over the past few days and so most of this is taken directly from those special moments...

I do not claim a denomination--I claim to be a Christian.  I do not want to be identified by nothing more than believing in Jesus.  Perhaps I should create my Statement of Faith.  I am not sure where that came from but it came.  What do I believe and why!   What is my foundation?  Why do I believe as I do? 

STATEMENT OF FAITH

I have never claimed a specific "religion".  I have always leaned towards I guess "non-denominational".  But I am a Christian (a Bible believing).  That should be enough in its own to describe my belief.  I believe that Jesus was the Son of God and died for my sins.  Perhaps I do not understand WHY my Lord had to die...but He gave His life so that I could be given Eternal Life.

My foundation is built on LOVE--not just the Love that "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16).    But also LOVE for others--I strive to live 1 Corinthians 13 and though I know I am not perfect, God is working through the Holy Spirit within me that I can share God's love with you!

1 Corinthians 13 (Living Bible)

"IF I HAD the gift of being able to speak in other languages without learning them, and could speak in every language there is in all of heaven and earth, but didn't love others, I would only be making noise.  If I had the gift of prophecy and knew all about what is going to happen in the future, knew everything about everything, but didn't love others, what good would it do?  Even if I had the gift of faith so that I could speak to a mountain and make it move, I would still be worth nothing at all without love.  If I gave everything I have to poor people, and if I were burned alive for preaching the Gospel but didn't love others, it would be of no value whatever.

Love is very patient and kind, never jealous or envious, never boastful or proud, never haughty or selfish or rude.  Love does not demand its own way.  It is not irritable or touchy.  It does not hold grudges and will hardly even notice when others do it wrong.  It is never glad about injustice, but rejoices whenever truth wins out.  If you love someone you will be loyal to him no matter what the cost.  You will always believe in him, always expect the best of him, and always stand your ground in defending him.

All the special gifts and powers from God will someday come to an end, but love goes on forever.  Someday prophecy, and speaking in unknown languages, and special knowledge--these gifts will disappear.  Now we know so little, even with our special gifts, and the preaching of those most gifted is still so poor.  But when we have been made perfect and complete, then the need for these inadequate special gifts will come to an end, and they will disappear.

It's like this: when I was a child I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child does.  But when I became a man my thoughts grew far beyond those of my childhood, and now I have put away the childing things.  In the same way, we can see and understand only a little about  God now, as if we were peering at his reflection in a poor mirror; but someday we are going to see Him in His completeness, face to face.  Now all that I know is hazy and blurred, but then I will see everything clearly, just as clearly as God sees into my heart right now.

There are three things that remain--faith, hope, and love--and the greatest of these is love."

[How I LOVE that scripture...I know that I have so far to go...but what a chapter to try and live by.]

But I didn't stop with this "Statement of Faith"...a phrase that I have to admit I have never really heard speak of it was just words that were given to me...words to ponder (but I encourage you to stop and take your own look at your own statement).  And like I said before I seem to get different words from so many different places...my devotional spoke of a "Continuous Conversion".   I have a conversation with a friend and we talk of how one's faith can not just come at one moment and stop...one must continue growing.   Then a few days later I write the following:

I am still going back to my faith--How did I get to this place?--We take in things from those before us--those around us--but until we take in those things within us, it is not real faith.--We are not saved by the faith of our fathers but saved by our faith in our Heavenly Father.

The Lord is working with me as I struggle--struggle through this place--this stepping stone of growth that is leading me higher and closer to God.

Others can not walk the same road as I--we each must follow our own path--walking towards the Light and hopefully reflecting It's glow to others we meet...who might for a brief or sometimes a long time--are walking along the same path.

There are those that follow the "highways and freeways" in which many share the same similar journey.  But I think I have been put on the "back country road"--it may take me a long time to get there but it has been a beautiful ride.

Lord, I thank you for the words--words that the Holy Spirit gives me to comfort my soul--to show me the blessings I have in my life.  I thank you for this day and I thank you for this journey.

I am not well versed in Theology and have not read the entire Bible--But I am a student.  I am learning and growing--and as the devotion said working towards a "Continuous Conversion".

And so I think of the devotional where Oswald Chambers says "Do not look at someone else and say--well if he can have those views and prosper why cannot I?   You have to walk in the light of the vision that has been given to you and not compare yourself with others or judge them, that is between them and God."

Yes, this was a very emotional blog from my kitchen table...but I was prodded to share (a hard thing to do I might add).  And so I thought I would use it to start off my New Year...plus it is a Saturday...probably my favorite blogging day.  And so as many times I have a song given to me while I am writing and today it was Born Again being sung by Third Day and Lacey Moseley.  This one seems to just touch my emotion of giving thanks of this place that I am.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0i6ItvVQfOs

I started a new devotional today given to me by a friend and it starts of the new year as I ponder this daily walk I am taking.   This comes from A.J. Russell in "God Calling": 

"Our Lord and our God.  We joy in Thee.  Without thy Help we could not face unafraid the year before us."

So from my kitchen table I say God be with you this new year and that we each find that personal vision that God has given us and continue to grow!

lyp

There is a Way by Newworldsson

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17eWXuUTq5s