A day for laughter...

So I have mentioned that my friend Mary and I have been following along with Two Listeners...it was written by these two women who were just LISTENING...well today it said:  (hmm maybe it is synchronized like an atomic clock Shaner:)...

"March 30  - Deliverance

Be calm, be true, be quiet. I watch over you.

Rest in My Love. Joy in the very Beauty of Holiness. You are Mine. Deliverance is here for you, but Thankfulness and Joy open the gates.

Try in all things to be very glad, very happy, very thankful. It is not to quiet resignation I give My blessings, but to joyful acceptance and anticipation.

Laughter is the outward expression of joy. That is why I urge upon you Love and Laughter"   (God Calling Edited by A.J. Russell)

   http://www.twolisteners.org/March%2016%20-%2031.htm#March 30

So right there at my kitchen table...I claimed today would be a day of laughter....I kind of had an ace in the hole as I was going to be spending the day with Firecracker:)   And you can't help but be happy spending time with her.    So I have not been let down...While she is sleeping on my lap right now because we have been bIZZY...

I could hold this sleeping little girl for hours....

But the reason we were so tired...we started the day off saying bye bye to Mom as she headed off for work...well since we were outside...you gotta swing....even if you are in  your jammies...but these aren't just any jammies...they happen to be Toy Story jammies:)   Completely acceptable attire for wearing out and about in the confines of your own front porch...or your own back yard!

I sent this pic to some...and a couple nieces wanted to come and play too (go figure mushy and b-bop:)   But we still had her and her daddy's goats to tend to...and she did not want to get dressed yet....so off we went to take care of goats in our cammo boots, P-pa sweatshirt, purple mittens...and of course our fashionable " Buzz Lightyear" jams...

But while there...turns out that some of the pigeons are out and about...this concerns this little shepherd and we are both wondering....how the heck do you herd a pigeon!   We couldn't find how they escaped...but one flew to a high wire and I loved her looking up at them...

Well chores done and we decide we should be getting around and get dressed to go see our mama for lunch but little miss decides that she should gather up some stuff and run from Gramma instead of getting dressed...you know our essential stuff...our purple mittens, our shirt, and of course our "bling" from Sammy!!

Well out for lunch and we choose Ruby's because afterall our friend Joslin is there as well as they tend to spoil a certain little someone while there :)   So we have a great lunch and enjoy watching Firecracker sitting all big in the booster chair feeding herself as well as paying the tab...However, all good things must end...does mama really need to go back to work...

BUT we decide to go to the park and while there...Officer Russell drives by and we watch his police car head off and then off to swings, slides, merry go rounds and maybe our favorite at the park...the crunching rocks....so yes today we are having a day of laughter....I hope you join us...

Didn't get the picture with the hands in the air....I said who taught you that and she says DaDa
and I say I bet he did...I told her I bet Mama says hold on tight...and Daddy says "weeeee"
with hands in the air...

Pretty big stuff on the slide...can you say more more...No Grandad...not as good as you
I don't go up to the top....:)

And so I sign off because I need to watch someone sleep before they wake up...but I came across a John Mayer song yesterday....and so I leave with  Heart of Life by John Mayer as I still hold a precious little Firecracker on my lap as we rest up from the day we have...cause I know the heart of life is good....lyg

Point of Light...

I have been away from my kitchen table and as most of you know why...on Wednesday, March 9, 2011, my son-in-law Jay Sheridan was shot and killed in the line of duty.    He was lost to us through the darkness and evil of this world.  BUT I know that he was taken to be with our Lord in Heaven.   I have so many things in my thoughts and on my heart but at this place and this time...I share a little piece.   But before I share anymore, I want to say THANK YOU even though the words do not seem enough for all of the love and support that our family has been given!   All of the outpouring of love and "light" in this time shows that there is more that are good than those who do not know love...

And so because it is what I do...I write...I want to share my thoughts of a very special person even though this is a very personal and hard time...I feel a need to share...

Jay sharing his "gifts"

I was lead to a scripture after all this happened in Psalms  91:14-16 in my Living Bible:

"For the Lord says, 'Because he loves me, I will rescue him, I will make him great because he trusts in my name.  When he calls on Me I will answer; I will be with him in trouble, and rescue him and honor him.   I will satisfy him with a full life and give him my salvation.'

And at first I cried..."Why didn't You rescue him?"  But then I was reminded of how Jay was doing what he loved and though he was not rescued in the sense that I wanted him to be...he gave his life protecting those he loved.  We were given the comfort that Jay died instantly--that he did not suffer...in times as these you take all the little comforts that you can get!

It went on to say I will make him great...and also honor him.    For those of you who were a part of the ceremonies honoring Jay's life...you can not say anything more than what our "Firecracker" summed up at the end of the fireworks as she went to her mother and in that childlike innocence that seems to transform past any thing that the most studied scholars could say...I will never forget her looking to her mama and pointing to the sky and saying what I do not recall ever hearing her say before--"WOW!"

A whirlwind that I do not know if I can capture all but things I want to write down so that someday my Firecracker Izzy will have yet another memory of her daddy the hero.  While the others went to the viewing, I held a precious little sleeping girl in my arms and we "rocky byed".   I caught a pic of her laying in my arms and holding her little lamb and prayed that this little "lamb" would also be cared for...

Monday night was to honor Jay's faith and the faith of his mother and family in having a Mass.   In honoring Jay's desire...Isabel Marie Sheridan was also baptized.   This is definitely not a common occurrence...but like I said--you are dealing with Jay and Isabel Sheridan.  But you know it seemed to symbolize this thing called life in every phase...and it was tied together with the theme of love--a theme that was definitely shared by these two...the circle of life.

 

I came across a text I had on my phone from Jay replying to a picture I had sent of his little "Peanut" in sunglasses playing at the park one day on one of our "Firecracker Flex Fridays".   Jay was on his way to the doctor with a friend when I had sent it...Anyway I came across this text that I had saved because it was words that I wanted to remember.   Her daddy's reply was, "Looking hot and having fun.  She's kinda a big deal."   And Isabel, words like that are ones that some never hear...but know that your daddy thought you were something special!

Anyway the service Monday night was one of comfort and one of  hope...one that because of our faith...we can know that we will see Jay again some day and that he has gone to our Heavenly Home where my prayer is that we all will go some day.    In one of the days of this time, I wrote:

Our God is an awesome God!  I wish that we did not have to go through what we are going through.  I have faith Lord but it is as though a dripping faucet--but even a dripping faucet can fill a pail.  Fill my pail Lord--open up the spicket to my soul.  Give us "water" to drink.  As little Isabel said when they baptized her--when the water was poured on her hands..."More--More!"  

And as usual I get sidetracked but a side trip I wanted to share. BUT this is where the honor came in.   Tuesday was a day I will never forget...a day that I have never seen anything like...and as many said--hope I never see again.   While the others went earlier to see the MANY flowers...I stayed behind with my nephew Ethan, "sister" Jo, and Izzy at the house and then we would go later.    And as we were driving through the sea of people and waves and waves of police officers and police cars I wondered how close we would be able to get.  I have to say that this about took my breath away to the point almost of overwhelming.   There was an officer, I am not sure from where, standing guard at the road leading to where we needed to go and I rolled down my window and said we have Izzy Sheridan with us...he smiled and said to pull right up front and park in the circle if we needed to.   It made us all smile and feel a sense of pride...and yes Jay, these guys were looking out for your little girl...your "Peanut" cause you and I both know...she's kinda a big deal!

I have heard numbers ranging from 1,500 to 3,000 of police officers alone were there, as well as many family, friends, and just others wanting to pay respect.   I am not sure if we will ever know how many.  The Limon gymnasiums were filled as well as others outside.  Jay's friend, Officer Michael Yowell, gave one of the most touching and inspiring words for his friend that I have ever heard.  And his words touched the hearts of many...I continue hearing what an awesome job he did.   But in Michael knowing Jay so well...I remember at one point the whole place boomed with laughter...now if that's not a gift for your friend who loved to laugh...it touched my heart...and I love you all the more Mike for that! Then how he had all of those fellow officers stand and just how much honor seemed to fill the room.   A sense of honor I have never experienced before.  Honor for a guy that was just an "ordinary" guy yet left this world as a hero...but I said Jay had that little "something-something".   You can't put your finger on it...but he was special.

I remember the "Chief" standing up in front as the last call was played...and we all held our breath...waiting for the recording of Jay signing off.    And seeing the Chief say, "Come on buddy!"  And thinking to myself...Jay is still messing with you guys!   Chief Yowell and his family are one special bunch!!  THANK YOU!

Jay's final ride in the horse drawn carriage (with Isabel and Heather riding next to fellow officer Jake who was recently released from the hospital from his own health fight) was one that will forever be engraved in my mind and heart as the bagpipes played and we all marched through the ever going waves of police officers who lined the streets of the town of Limon.  As they stood at attention--paying respect and honor to Jay for giving the ultimate sacrifice for his job--but also respect and love to the family and friends that are left behind...wondering what will we do without him.   As I told my daughter on that fatal night (as she was surrounded by other wives, sons, and daughters still waiting to see what the night would hold for the men that they loved) when I held her in my arms...an experience that I wish no one would have to go through...my advice to her was just to breathe! 



I remember at the cemetery and hearing the bagpipes (that seem to continue playing in my ears even now) and then having to take little Izzy to see what was making that trumpet sound playing "Taps".   Watching from behind as my daughter was held by her brother and given a flag of honor by the Chief who was another "father" in Jay's law enforcement family.   

Governor Hickenlooper,
Chief Yowell's daughter--Amie "pit bull" Yowell :),
Aunt Autumn, P-pa, Great Grandpa Pfeiff
 all surrounding Izzy and her Mama



I made note in the cafeteria as Isabel and the Governor made "fish faces"...Jay had two families...His family that shared his name and extended through his marriage to Heather...but also this family of those in the brotherhood of law enforcement.  

And I go back to the scripture I was given and I remember reading this and it said "FULL" life and I said, "What do You mean full life?"  He was so young...and it hit me that it did not say a LONG life it said a FULL life!    And I think of the words of my brother Shane, although the translation might be somewhat different...that if you have the love of a good woman, children you love and love you, friends and family who love you, and on top of that love what you do, and have a faith in Jesus that will carry you through the hard times...and I think yes he had a full life in the short time that he had here with us!   He had more in his short amount of years than some hope for in such a longer span of time...

After the graveside was over I was holding Izzy and she wanted to see the flowers.   I took her over there and she got down to look at the flowers in her pretty little dress that her daddy had picked out for her for Christmas...Out of the corner of my eye, I seen the photographer, and I stepped back as this was a moment that I wanted captured to share with our little Isabel some day when we could try to explain this day.   This picture that I knew was a special one...ended up on the front page of the Denver Post.   And though it was hard in some ways with the press--part of me knew that there were many others that should know and wanted to know about my "favorite son-in-law"--Jay Sheridan.


Photo taken by Aaron Ontiverost...Denver Post


And so I end this with a link to a couple videos that was made as a tribute...to this fallen hero!  The first was done by an EMT who said she, "did not know him real well but Jay was the officer with me when I had my one CPR save and he played a huge part in saving that woman's life."   And though these are painful to see...I was given words from my cousin Carol who when talked of losing someone we love...

"When I lost Phyllis, I can't describe to you the anguish, and I don't have to because you understand it but when I thought about not hurting, what not feeling that pain meant I realized that to take away the pain would devalue the love.

Would I have wanted to be without her in my life? Heck, no. I treasure every minute of time I had with her and if having that means hurting now, then I choose to hurt now. I can't think of any greater tribute to give a person than feeling pain when we're separated.

Its an uncomfortable, horrible feeling but I will gladly suffer it for the gift of having them in my life for however long I had them. That's no comfort but it makes it easier to bear. For me, it does anyway. I would do anything for my sister, including suffer."

And Carol I share your words because they have given such comfort as I know so many share this feeling and I want to share with others as we could easily put Jay's name in here...or others could put names in there and so I Thank you!

YouTube Tribute by FFLilFox

Denver Post Tribute

As I conclude this...even though I know I will probably have others related to this topic--as it has been an event in my life that has forever changed me...Before the services, we were going through songs and pictures. Jay's brother, Shane, seemed to have this song come to him that I think says so much to all of us.   This song is one that we should all think about.   I think Jay's life reflected this and in leaving his daughter who brings us so much joy has left us a living "point of light" in addition to the "Light" that we receive from God.   I was told of a friend who said that during the service, little Izzy was like having a ball that was being passed around and whoever got to hold the "ball" got a break from all that was around us...our light in this darkness!   So read these words in a song sung by Randy Travis and stop and maybe just think of this day and...if you see something wrong "just try to make it right"...and you will be a "Point of Light"...and together this "light" can help against the darkness...

"There's a point when you cannot walk away
There's a darkness that everyone must face
There are heroes whose names we never hear

When you have to stand up straight and tall and mean the words you say
It wants to take what's good and fair and lay it all to waste
A dedicated army of quiet volunteers

There's a point you must decide just to do it 'cause it's right
And that darkness covers everything in sight
Reaching out to feed the hungry reaching out to save the land

That's when you become a point of light
Until it meets a single point of light
Reaching out to their fellow men.

All it takes is a point of light a ray of hope in the darkest night.
If you see what's wrong and you try to make it right you will be a point of light.

There are dreamers who are making dreams come true
Taking time to teach the children there's nothing they can't do.
Giving shelter to the homeless giving hope to those without.
Isn't that what this land's all about.
One by one form the mountains to the sea points of light
Are calling out to you and me

All it takes is a point of light a ray of hope in the darkest night.
If you see what's wrong and you try to make it right
You will be a point of light."

Listen to Randy Travis singing Point of Light

"This is the message God has given me to pass on to you:

That God is light and in Him is no darkness at all."     (1 John 1:5 Living Bible)

I will miss you Jay...giving me a hard time...calling me "Sweetness"...special times with you and your family...but I have stored many memories of you in my heart.  We also have a constant reminder of you by seeing your little Izzy and how she has certain things that are no doubt a part of her daddy.   I had someone tell me "I know a little girl who was supposed to be born. She's a light in this world that wouldn't be here if not for Heather and Jay being together. That alone makes Jay's life worthwhile. He left a piece of his soul behind."  But not just with your "Peanut" but in so many ways...you have touched our lives deeply and for that I thank you!

Love your "favorite mother-in-law"

lyp



This picture says so much to me...
it is the last picture I took of Jay as they were helping P-pa do chores.
I see on his face that he might have been thinking, "there she is taking another picture!"
But I also think that even though he is gone...
May Isabel always feel his arms wrapped tightly around her to keep her safe
and may Heather always feel him by her side bringing a smile to her face...
Cherish the days you live as we do not know how many we are given!







My favorite son-in-law

For now the words are not there but I wanted to share this that was written by the chief...Jay loved his job.

 

We will miss you Jay.   I could hear you saying what you doing Sweetness...

 

Rest in peace...

 

lyp

 

"OUR ANGELS IN HEAVEN 2011: USA"

Limon, Colorado
Limon Police Department
Officer Jay Sheridan
End Of Watch: 03-09-11...
Officer Jay Sheridan, 27, was shot and killed when he attempted to serve a warrant. At 1805 hrs (local time), Limon Police Officers along with Deputies from the Lincoln County SO, went to a home to serve a fugitive warrant at the request for assistance from the U.S. Marshal Service. Three Officers went inside the home only to be met by gunfire. Brother Jay was hit. Two other Officers sought cover in one of the rooms in the mobile home as the killer holed up in another. The Officer down call went out and members from multiple agencies responded. A stand-off ensued with the Cop Killer barricaded inside with the Officers, who stayed put for their own safety. The authorities made sure all neighbors were evacuated safely as a priority. Four hours and 30 minutes later, When SWAT made entry, the Cop Killer was found deceased with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The Officers who were trapped inside the home were not injured. The investigation is ongoing.

At just 27 years old, Officer Sheridan has already been Saving, Serving and Protecting the People of Limon for more than six and a half years. This young Warrior was born with a soul that has courage to wear the badge. Never backing down from the dangers, Jay was determined to make this a better world. No bad guy was too tough for him to face. But it wasn't just about getting the bad guy. Ofc. Sheridan also knew when his understanding was needing. A genuinely nice guy, Jay knew how to comfort and console. His co-workers from LPD, that consists of just four other Officers, along with those from the surrounding agencies who often worked together, all truly loved their Brother. He was someone they could count on to be there, no matter what. Destined to go far in his career, Ofc. Sheridan served with Honor, Respect, Integrity and Professionalism at all times. He was so proud to be a Police Officer. The citizens of Limon looked forward to seeing their Hero out there on the streets as he made them all feel safe, cared for and looked after. Officer Sheridan was out there this night for that very reason. To take off the streets one who was dangerous to the community.

Our Brother's work came second only to his love of his wife and their newborn child, their first, whom he loved spending quality time with. A man who will be missed by so many and forgotten by so few.

Jay leaves behind his beloved bride, their young child and his sister. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Sheridan family as well as to all the Men and Women of the Limon PD and to all the agencies who came running to assist their fallen brother. We pray you all find a healthy way to get through this by leaning on one another and keeping that line tight. You all must always stand tall, place Jay upon your shoulder's and carry him into the next battle ... In your Brother's Honor. May you all always look after his young family and he watches over you all.

Our Brother, you have shown even the old-timers what it meant to Live As Only A Hero Could and you have shown us all what it means to Die As Only A Warrior Dare. May you wrap your wings around us all as you now patrol the streets of Heaven and keep us protected from the very same who took your life. We Thank You for your service and for your sacrifice. We will be forever grateful to you. Job Well Done Sir.

Rest In Peace Officer Jay Sheridan ... We have the watch from here. SALUTE!

This is an ongoing and painful investigation, so all details will take time. I will update this as more is confirmed.

Limon PD
Chief Lynn Yowell
100 Civic Center Drive
Limon, Colorado 80828
(719) 775-9211
http://www.townoflimon.com/index.php?option=com_contact&task=view&contact_id=6&Itemid=3
HEARTFELT THANKS GO OUT TO ALL THE AGENCIES WHO ASSISTED/CONTINUE TO ASSIST
Parker PDhttp://www.parkeronline.org/index.aspx?nid=194
Aurora PDhttps://www.auroragov.org/AuroraGov/Departments/Police/index.htm
Elbert County SOhttp://www.elbertcountysheriff.com/
Douglas County SOhttp://www.dcsheriff.net/
Lincoln County SOhttp://www.lincolncountyco.us/sheriff.htm
Morgan County SOhttp://morgansheriff.net/main/
Colorado State Patrolhttp://csp.state.co.us/
Colorado Bureau of Investigationhttp://cbi.state.co.us/
Colorado Department of Correctionshttp://www.doc.state.co.us/
FBI - Denverhttp://denver.fbi.gov/

**OUT OF THE 36 LINE OF DUTY DEATHS THIS YEAR OF 2011, 18 OF THEM, HALF, HAVE BEEN DUE TO GUNFIRE**

**All stories written and photos created for are the sole property of Law Enforcement Today and administrator and may not be copied, reproduced nor redistributed in whole or in part without expressed consent AND/OR fully sourced with Law Enforcement Today name and page link. "Tagging"/ "sharing" is always permitted**See More

Inside this photo album, you will find the faces of the 36 men/women and K-9 Officers who have lost their lives IN THE LINE OF DUTY in the USA this year of 2011. Take a few moments and remember these men, women and 4-legged HEROES. If there is someone y...ou knew, please tell us about them, so their memory will live on in all of us. Rest In Peace Our Brothers and Sisters ... We have the watch from here. **All stories written and photos created for are the sole property of Law Enforcement Today and administrator and may not be copied, reproduced nor redistributed in whole or in part without expressed consent AND/OR fully sourced with Law Enforcement Today name and page link. "Tagging"/ "sharing" is always permitted** Year To Date: 36 VEHICLE RELATED: 9 (car/motorcycle/ crash, dui, hit while out of) GUNFIRE: 18 ASSAULT BY PERSON: 1 (strangulation) HEALTH RELATED/INJURY: 8 CHILDREN LEFT BEHIND: 57 Inside this album is a COMPLETE, ACCURATE and DETAILED list of Our Brothers and Sisters. All information within was garnered direct from the acting agencies (not from the media nor from any other site). **We would like to thank Mike Snook for giving us the courtesy of using photos of his patches. You can find his amazing collection here: http://www.mike-snook.com/ **See More

By: Law Enforcement

Chores...

So with the recent injury of my shepherd, I have been helping with the morning chores.   And I have been "hearing" and thinking on different things that have been building for this particular blog.   I am married to a man who loves chores!   While I am out feeding hay and the like...I must admit that I love the freshness of the morning and there is an accomplishment in making sure everything is taken care of...but to say I love chores I am not so sure I can.

Many of you know Curtis Ball and if you don't he was definitely a "shepherd".   A special friend that went to be with our Lord.   Anyway, he always had animals and he always cared for them.   BUT Curtis also took care of people (especially kids) as well.   He was one of the tough guys but still a softy when it came right down to it.   And so this morning out helping do chores, Curtis was so on my mind and Tim says now there was a guy that loved chores too!   To which I completely agreed.  


I have been reading in Ephisians and in chapter 4 it talks of gifts and the passage in my Living Bible in verse 11 that is talking about gifts...a gift that I would like to think is mine but just all of this has made me realize how much is involved in being a shepherd...it is not for the faint of heart...there are "chores" involved.   It isn't just about the "show".   So 4:11 says:

"still others have a gift for caring for God's people as a shepherd does his sheep, leading and teaching them in the ways of God."

But what does one do with these gifts and so I read on to 4:12-13:

"Why is it that He gives us these special abilities to do certain things best?  It is that God's people will be equipped to do better work for him, building up the church, the body of Christ, to a position of strength and maturity; until finally we all believe alike about our salvation and about our Savior, God's Son, and all become full-grown in the Lord--yes, to the point of being filled full with Christ."

And I think of this journey that we are on and how that is the ultimate goal.   I think of Curtis who has suffered but kept going and learning and growing and helping..."DOING THE CHORES"...and now it is time for him to sit back and enjoy the "show".

So I keep reading in my devotions and I think how fitting that this morning in My Utmost For His Highest by Oswald Chambers it reads:

 

03

2011

Feed My sheep —John 21:17

This is love in the making. The love of God is not created— it is His nature. When we receive the life of Christ through the Holy Spirit, He unites us with God so that His love is demonstrated in us. The goal of the indwelling Holy Spirit is not just to unite us with God, but to do it in such a way that we will be one with the Father in exactly the same way Jesus was. And what kind of oneness did Jesus Christ have with the Father? He had such a oneness with the Father that He was obedient when His Father sent Him down here to be poured out for us. And He says to us, “As the Father has sent Me, I also send you” (John 20:21).

Peter now realizes that he does love Him, due to the revelation that came with the Lord’s piercing question. The Lord’s next point is— “Pour yourself out. Don’t testify about how much you love Me and don’t talk about the wonderful revelation you have had, just ’Feed My sheep.’ ” Jesus has some extraordinarily peculiar sheep: some that are unkempt and dirty, some that are awkward or pushy, and some that have gone astray! But it is impossible to exhaust God’s love, and it is impossible to exhaust my love if it flows from the Spirit of God within me. The love of God pays no attention to my prejudices caused by my natural individuality. If I love my Lord, I have no business being guided by natural emotions— I have to feed His sheep. We will not be delivered or released from His commission to us. Beware of counterfeiting the love of God by following your own natural human emotions, sympathies, or understandings. That will only serve to revile and abuse the true love of God.

And so a "coincidence" that this was the particular reading I had today...I don't think so!   So today I am thinking about a man and inspired by one who would "Feed My sheep".    My heart so goes out to the Ball family as they have lost a very special person in their life!   We love you Curtis...and who knows maybe there are some chores in heaven!!  Thank you for this life and now it is time for rest...



Curtis at the fair...after chores were done.



A song that my mom loved and so for you Curtis...(click on link to hear the song).

Go Rest High On That Mountain

lyp

FAMILY

Soooo it has been a few days since I have been on  here...but I had a good excuse...IT WAS THE SHEPHERD'S FAULT!!   Well I can't so much say that as it was a nasty old heifer...now I know I have already set myself up once with this one!!!

So last Friday was going to be my Firecracker Flex Friday...but her daddy was off...and Tim had a job he was finishing up and the weather wasn't real great and we all know how much fuel is per gallon...so I decided I could stay home and make "rounds"...(I think maybe I should have a stethoscope and white coat--I am laughing thinking how long that would stay white!!)     Anyway because of this sacrifice on my part...I was rewarded.   It turned out that a guy Tim was working with was going to Denver and said I could hitch a ride to Limon.   And Lance would be coming through that night so I could hitch back home.    SCORE!!!   

Well we find out through Lance that his dad had been kicked by a heifer...Had I heard it from him...no that really isn't how the shepherd rolls!    So I call him and say how's it going.   He says okay.   I say is there anything you want to tell me.    So then he says my son "ratted me out"!   Well at this point I really am not sure how much pain he is in because those who know Tim know he can tolerate quite a bit of pain.   He says go ahead and eat up there but the heifer that kicked him is due to calve so he might need some help.   Still really doesn't say alot about how bad.    So we eat "dinner" (this is a topic of debate depending on age and environment as to what meal is dinner) so I will say supper....even though Izzy and I shared breakfast!!

My "favorite" son-in-law decides that since they are both off on Saturday that they will come down as well on Friday night and help out.   I must say that gestures such as this touch a mother's heart when her kids say we will be there for you.   So we all head off in the fog for home sweet home!   By the time that the "girls" ride gets there, the guys are all out in the barn.   So Izzy and I go in and watch on the "lamb cam".   She can see her P-pa and is not impressed that he is hanging around out there and not coming in.   To which she yells at the tv, "POP!   POP!   and then motions for him to come here.   To which P-pa  hasn't acknowledged seeing her through the television...so she shakes her fist to give him a "knuckle sandwich".

The shepherd comes in and is not getting around very good and you can tell by his eyes that he is hurting.  Needless to say he didn't get a lot of sleep but does in fact get into the chiropractor the next day.   The "doc" recommends crutches, ice, and staying off of it after he works on trying to get it back in place.    Well this is devastating news to the shepherd as he wanted the knee fixed so that he could run on down to Reid's bull sale!   Those who don't know the shepherd as well must realize that auctions and auctions + buying could be one of his favorite things to do.   But he says that Lance will have to do it.   This gesture is another of family bonds and trusting that touches me.   And there is no doubt in the shepherd's mind that his son won't do a good job...it's just missing out on one of his favorite things!    So off the kids go to the sale...leaving Firecracker and I to look out for P-pa and watch over the "birthing center."  

Sunday morning comes and the shepherd and I head back to the "doc" for more work.   I am not sure I mentioned that the knee was probably double regular size...however, it is also his "bad" knee so it is swelled up already.   Tim has a Ford truck that is working towards 400,000 miles...I think of him as putting that wear and tear on his body as well!    The time at the "doc" was a time I will always remember...one of those of feeling the power of God and miracles.   I know some of you doubt this but if you could have seen the guy coming out of the back and how much better he was...you might understand and believe.   Truly a lesson in faith and all things working together for good.   As the kick and conditions might actually help in some of the process of working on his knee.   (To which comes the part where I set myself up in saying sometimes God uses a nasty old heifer...and my daughter started laughing and pointed at me!   CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT!!)

Also, Sunday we head down to do some work at the cows and of course check out the new bull!   Firecracker LOVES this and I laughed so hard at how she would try to imitate the cows sounds.  


Decked out in her cammo future hunting princess cap.

 And how she might be a little wild and crazy on standing on the fence!!   Definitely one of those days that you pack away and put in your heart.   Because days like that are precious!   



Moving around some WILD cows!



Uncle "LaLa" has my hat but by have the stick!



So enjoyed the kids for the weekend and then sent them on their way saying, "we can handle it!"   But this leaves me on rounds for the middle of the night shift!   There is something about waking up in your sleep, changing clothes, going out in the cool of the night...that makes one realize how much they take for granted the other nights.   I get out to the barn and go in and there is a baby lamb standing up with mama right there standing and taking care of it!   (What is so hard about all this birthing baby stuff!)  I forget that I am being viewed on the "lamb cam" as I carry the lamb with mama following behind to their own private "jug".   The shepherd gets a laugh out of me trying to locate the wire to shut the gate.   But I return to the house and we watch television to see if this mama might have another baby.   So it is not long and the shepherd decides that he needs to go check!   I am surprised he made it as long as he did...we go out with him on crutches and he checks the ewe and then decides another one needs to be locked up to watch closer.   Well I have an equation that came out of this exercise {shepherd chasing sheep + crutches = dangerous} at least for those sheep that think they can run around him and don't realize what his reach now is!  

So then BACK to bed, catch a few winks, and then time to go out and do chores.   Well the shepherd is going to go along and tell me what to do.   Another one of those if  you know him, know that is a difficult task for him to just watch.   We make it through chores and I go and get ready for work and Grandpa comes to pick him up to go check cows!   They go and take care of all of that and Grandpa helps with chores!

Which brings me back to FAMILY.   I went the next day to my kitchen table and there sets a cribbage board in my spot.   Tim and his dad had played cribbage while waiting until chore time and time to go to the doc.   And I realize how blessed I am to have such "family".   Not just those related by blood but those that are family none the less.   I stop and give thanks for special time that Tim spent with his Dad.   Those moments that we should all cherish.   Time spent with our kids who came to help out!  

And as I sit at my kitchen table I realize how blessed I am.   I think that the day before Tim and his father were here at this table spending time.   The days before my precious granddaughter sat in her special chair at that very spot.   Surrounded by my kids and husband.   And I think in that chair it was where my mom used to sit when she would come over and I think how this kitchen table is such a symbol of what is important to me in my life.   My time with God, my time with family, and time with friends!    I am so blessed.

The shepherd is healing up even though I am driving "greeny" (clutch) and still helping doing chores....another blog in and of itself!!!   So thanks for all the prayers and offers of help.   We are blessed indeed!   lyp

Gotta love that Firecracker and her P-PA!

I had written this earlier and was going to look back over it before I posted it.   But in between times, I found out that a very special man, Curtis Ball, passed away tonight.   I went to be with FAMILY!    Another reminder of the fact that we do not know how long we have...but watched a special family continue to bond together loving a special "shepherd" in their life!   God be with you!   lyp