See you again...

And another beautiful Friday....and you might be thinking it is not her flex Friday...hahaha I am sure you keep track!   BUT today is a FURLOUGH Friday...yes that would be a day you don't have to work...but to save money...you don't get paid!   But I use it as a good chance to kick off a 4 day weekend...see Monday is going to be another Ahma Monday...until Grammy gets back from Mexico...hope they had a great time!!

I think of last night...the Limon Chamber of Commerce honored Jay Sheridan as the 2011 Chuck Stone Memorial Citizen of the Year...

This was a very thoughtful gesture on the Town of Limon's Chamber...a touching tribute to a special person in our lives...A delicious meal of "wedding beef"...(I smile because Autumn was excited about "wedding beef" and I couldn't help but think of Jay talking of "wedding beef" I had not ever heard of it called that before but he said it was a popular item up in their area...and it was pretty tasty) along with mashed potatoes and green beans...Izzy loves green beans and a beautiful salad...and then a tasty apple cobbler...a very nice dinner...

Aunt Aum and Izzy feeding each other...Didn't even make a mess..
beautiful smile Autumn!!

Followed up by the order of business and then an awesome tribute by Micheal Yowell...how this guy does it I do not know!   He is an excellent speaker...I so admire his talent and ability and  his words just hit you...a gift indeed!   He can have you to tears and laughs in seconds.   Those of you that were at Jay's funeral heard him speak...and well he did it again...This was followed by a PowerPoint of some pictures of Jay...of Izzy...of special memories (and I know I catch grief for taking too many pictures...but these hold some special memories...and sometimes I get some good ones!!!)

Andy and Mike...both Jay's friends...Heather's friends...Andy marrying Jay's sister Autumn...
Good picture of friends...

Heather and Izzy were presented with the plaque above...and a check was given towards Isabel's college...a caring gift from many caring people...but one of the highlights was the little police puppy that was given to Izzy...I must say she loved it!!  I put in a few pictures of moments waiting outside to go into the dinner as well as one I call Puppy Love...and I think of friends...

Puppy Love...a couple of the Yowell's...Lynn and Tyler checking it out...
all wanted to play with Izzy's puppy in police uniform...Russell even commented on the stripes...

After the formal celebration...a group headed over to Southside...this is where I thought of Jay...how he would have loved this part...just hanging out with friends...And I was reminded of my calendar reading that morning...

"A friend loves at all times."  Proverbs 17:17

"A good friend builds us up so that we want to become and to accomplish all that our friend believes we can be and do...A good friend can help you become more productive...and have more enthusiasm for life.  A good friend gives you the confidence to take Godly risks, embrace new challenges, and move to the next level in your work or hobby.  When you know that someone loves you and is standing with you and believes in you...you are far more willing to step out in faith and develop your full potential physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.  A good friendship gives you an abiding confidence."

I love this and how it fits with how we can be friends to each other...how I have had others be this friend to me...how I think of Jay...and think of his friendship to many...I thought of the song by Micheal W. Smith...and I put it in here...Friends are friends forever...

I put in pictures of friends...of laughter...I smile thinking about the last part of God Calling this morning...

"Laughter is the outward expression of joy.  That is why I urge upon you Love and Laughter."

Tried to get the whole group...
What happens at Southside stays at Southside (girls getting tattoos)...
 but what happens elsewhere can be laughed at on a camera phone!!

This must be the party animals...last ones there...
Love Amy and Izzy...
And Gordon if you won't let me take your pic...your elbow will do...but the reason two...
I couldn't resist a little head peeking up so her boyfriend would buy her a drink!!

 Ahhh Jake and Amy...was just too cute not to add...
Does it look like Dilan is punching his mom, Lisa?   No he is giving Izzy knuckles...
I can tell Heather is too busy trying to prove something to the Chief...
and then just a good pic of Mike...

Aunt Aum and Uncle Androo to be...Such a good picture...just had to touch it up Androo!

I am thankful for friends and laughter...I think of Mike and Ty...who I am sure it was a hard night all on its own...as they I am sure were thinking of their Mom who they had lost 5 years before...and Mike you did such an amazing job with I am sure all the emotion you must have had...I pull up one of the pictures that was on the PowerPoint...as I think of these two...and I think of those we have lost...of their sister Shonda's words as she spoke of Loving and Missing her Mom...how I thought she must have been a special woman to have such special children....and how that love continues on...we feel it...we pass it on...

Tyler and Mike Yowell with Jay on Izzy's 1st Birthday...Laughter and Friends...

And I was thinking how at my kitchen table I looked out at my front yard...it is just manure right now...the grass that was there has died because of drought...of wanting to put in a different kind...but I want to plant back grass this year...though it won't be like it was...I  hope to see something good instead of just sitting here wishing there was grass...and I think about those we have lost...and how all the hoping in the world can't bring them back...how we have to keep going... watering what we have...planting more...but we still can carry them with us and like that grass...we will see them again some day...

I came across this song when I was looking for Friends are friends forever...but I leave this for those we have lost though still with us...Someday I'll See You Again by Westlife...

And as I think of I will see you again...I think how we see little pieces of Jay every time we see one little Firecracker...I have to leave this with a story that was told by Heather that is definitely Jay's Peanut..definitely one that would have him rolling..."Izzy has out her fishing pole and says, "Mom, I caught a fish...now do I shoot him?"  I'm sure her dad would be saying...that's my girl...Oh LOVE that Izzy Bell...

lyp

Good Weekend and already Wednesday...

So had a good weekend....my kids were here so that always makes it good...also had extra kids...made it all the more fun!!   Izzy, her mama, and uncle LaLa...pulled in Friday night...then took in some Mexican Food at Fiesta with the Great Grand Pfeiffs on Saturday...Firecracker was so funny holding Great Grandpa's hand...she confesses she likes to tease him...Then got to go see Kasey Jo while she was home...Ted built up a good fire...loved this pic so just had to use it...

Time by the fire...a beautiful night...

Lance and Kasey Jo...two of my favritest peoples!!  I blinded them with the flash...
I am sure that is why Lance would be making such a face...

Kasey, Stella, and Tim...maybe laughing at one of these two...

You can tell Ted puts the fear into the little ones...

After a Saturday night out...we went home to rest up for the next day...after all Peyton and Masey were coming and there mama was bringing some pulled pork...While I was trying to focus on cooking brownies...that obviously should have been skipped...for some reason they just stayed at batter consistency...I sat at my kitchen table for a bit because I knew if I went outside...I might you know not in my normal character...but I might just forget I had anything cooking...HOWEVER, when they hit the John Deere...I had to go take a pic...and wish I could have found the one of when these two mama's was close to the age of their kids...sitting in the bucket...

Well only two were here because Peyton had to go with the big guys to the cows...

I love that Firecracker is playing with "Masey's" ear...she loves him!

So I couldn't find the pic of the kids...but Little Miss thought she needed to drive the tractor so I come across a picture of perhaps maybe it is in her JEANS!

Izzy taking it serious...







Heather and Tim....

Mr. Mason...driving the skid...

And before we knew it...the boys were back and the great grands made it over...

The Great Grand Pfeiff's and Keri...

and then Robyn who was working on a story for the Fence Post also made it.   Along with Tonya and Jeff...I love having those you love around...right after lunch...well some weren't finished...had a lamb buyer show up...GOOD LUCK DACEY!!  Hope you have another good year!!!   

Anyway I said that Robyn had shown up for a "shoot" well she had more than her camera...she joined in on the shooting with the gang...Rumor was she was a pretty good shot...

Girls with guns...Robyn and Heather...

 The couple that shoots together..Alex and Keri...

 Lance and Alex...

And don't forget...those who allows those others to have that fun...somebody's gotta PULLLLLL!

Oppy...the thrower...

Do you notice anything different with this picture...you see I got to shoot the "BIG GUN"...Jeff let me borrow his zoom lens...SOOOOO COOOOOL!

Thanks Jeff....Jeff and I like to shoot the same...I think he got some cool ones of the clays busting up...and not sure what all...he is much better than I and just cooler too...

One of my favorite photographers...bikers...Jeff
(YES TONYA I DID NOT PUT IN A PIC OF YOU...I KNOW YOU DON'T LIKE THEM
But I got some!!) 

And who says SHOOTING isn't a spectator shot....also took this one with the zoom lens...did I say I like taking pics...

Great Grandpa Pfeiff...

And so then everyone was about ready to head out...but got one of the Wilson boys...Mason and Peyton hanging out on the hay...

Family...Peyton and Mason...

And everyone headed their different directions...Turns out I had several pics and now Wednesday is Thursday...the shepherd is in from the barn after hanging out with the vet...I didn't even make it to Ahma Monday...but it is bedtime...so with that said I say good night and...

THE END

lyp

Sometimes just a touch...

I must admit that I am having a time staying focused today...thinking I would clean some house and do some taxes...not got much of that done...but did spend some time this morning at my kitchen table...I first read my "KJ" calendar...

As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways.  Isaiah 55:9

"Our definition of what is good changes as we come to Christ and grow into His likeness.  However, God always see what is absolutely good for us...He gives us only the things that are truly beneficial for our growth as His children and that are beneficial for the advancement of His kingdom on this earth.  The question to ask yourself if you have an unmet need today is this: Is this thing that I need something that God defines as good for my life?"

Boy isn't that one one to make you say hmmmm....that reminds me that I think I may be about Firecracker's age in my maturity...and maybe not there...or perhaps I a am just a more spoiled two year old...I want what I want when I want it...of course it is good for me!!!

But I am encouraged as I read on...I love Jesus Calling each day but seems I have been nudged more on prayer...and so reading today...

"I AM A GOD of both intricate detail and overflowing abundance. When you entrust the details of your life to Me, you are surprised by how thoroughly I answer your petitions. I take pleasure in hearing your prayers, so feel free to bring Me all your requests. The more you pray, the more answers you can receive. Best of all, your faith is strengthened as you see how precisely I respond to your specific prayers.

Because I am infinite in all My ways, you need not fear that I will run out of resources. Abundance is at the very heart of who I AM. Come to Me in joyful expectaion of receiving all you need--and sometimes much more! I delight in showering blessings on My beloved children. Come to Me with open hands and heart, ready to receive all I have for you."

And so it always includes scripture to read along...these spoke to me as well and made me think of others going down this journey...

Psalm 36:7-9

New King James Version (NKJV)

⁷ How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God!
Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings.
⁸ They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house,
And You give them drink from the river of Your pleasures.
⁹ For with You is the fountain of life;
In Your light we see light.

Psalm 132:15

New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁵ I will abundantly bless her provision;
I will satisfy her poor with bread.

John 6:12-13

New King James Version (NKJV)

¹² So when they were filled, He said to His disciples, “Gather up the fragments that remain, so that nothing is lost.” ¹³ Therefore they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves which were left over by those who had eaten.

How this makes me think of my faith and shakes me up and inspires me...I also read in My Utmost this part that just seemed to jump out at me...

"If the Spirit of God detects anything in you that is wrong, He does not ask you to put it right; He asks you to accept the light, and He will put it right. A child of the light confesses instantly and stands bared before God; a child of the darkness says--"Oh I can explain that away." When once the light breaks and the conviction of wrong comes, be a child of the light, and confess, and God will deal with what is wrong; if you vindicate yourself, you prove yourself to be a child of the darkness."

Oh facing those things that need to be faced and ready to ask for help...YES EVEN MY TAXES that many will say she has really went out of her way to keep away from this...on this my flex Friday...hoping that perhaps an Uncle LaLa will convince a Firecracker and her mama to hop in...and make it a FIRECRACKER FLEX FRIDAY after all!!   But for now I am home and it is an amazing day...which the shepherd has been out and about and so I  have been shepherd on call...granted I am not a great shepherd...but hey I try...so when I heard some ruckus on the lam-cam...out I headed to the barn...and it was so nice decided I would hop on my bike...stop by the barn and go on a bike ride (yes a real bike ride!!)...well I get to the barn and lo and behold we are having a baby!!    So I text the shepherds...and to which I get a call back from the one that resides here full time...that is the one that I thought was close he tells me...the one I had just told Lance about...to which I get another reply back from Lance saying she bred back fast...so the old shepherd tells me there will probably be another...so I decide to take a quick ride down to Katy's corner and then come back...well upon my return...this mama had lost all interest it seemed in the first baby...so my assumptions  being the super shepherd I am...either she is having another or she decided she didn't want to be a mom...I am hoping for the first!!

I decided to give her some time and snuck in the house and throw some laundry in...and finished sending out some e-mail...and back out I headed to the barn this time with camera in hand just like earlier today...only this time...the BATTERY WAS CHARGED...so when I walk in there is a new baby on the ground...and I notice the first one is just lying their cold and still and I had thought when she first had it that I had cleared its mouth and wiped its nose but when I went to touch it now it was cold and still...I began to wipe its face more and shake it up a bit to which it sat up and said HEY I'M ALIVE!   I am sure that is what I said...no don't mistake me with a lamb whisperer...

But something spoke to me...the words sometimes just a touch...and I thought sometimes just our touch to another...or a touch from our Shepherd that says HEY YOU ARE ALIVE AND I CARE ABOUT YOU!!!    And so I smile at this lesson I have learned and yes this break from taxes!!   I hear more sounds from the barn and so perhaps I should head back out...yes the shepherd is on his way but until then....perhaps there are some that need a whisper...or a touch!!

This is the new little guy...I need a good name for him...I think Jeremiah
Jeremiah 29:11 has been my "gift" for this year...

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 

 

And so I think I will also throw in the God Calling reading today...just seemed like good ones today as well as the Girlfriends in God What if Jesus were in the boat with you...

God Calling for today...

Until Your Heart Sings

I am beside you to bless and help you. Waver not in your prayers. They shall be heard. All power is Mine. Say that to yourself often and steadily.

Say it until your heart sings with the Joy of the safety and power it means to you.

Say it until the very force of the utterance drives back, and puts to naught, all the evils against you.

Use it as a battle cry - "All power is given unto My Lord," "All power is given unto My Friend," "All power is given unto My Savior pass on to victory.

"He ruleth by his power for ever." - Psalm 66:7

I think I am about done...but I take a break and head out with the "real shepherd" who has been away from the farm...hanging out with his folks...checking on his cows...meeting up with his brother...he was going to work on some other but either wrong parts or no one home...so he is back to shepherding and I realize the difference in caliber of shepherds...oh sure I checked on them...wiped off "slime"...wiggled them until they breath...but then when the big guy gets here...he puts them in their own jug (that would be an individual pen)...he gets the numbers marked down on the wall...to which he makes me laugh as he says, "And when was the second one born?" (good thing I text out on my phone to know)   "After the first one?"  To which I can't resist replying, "no a little before"...He also gives a hit of nutridrench...not sure I am spelling that correctly...but I laugh again because he likes the smell of it...oh that shepherd...he shows a whole different level of "touching"...so I sit back...take notes...and give thanks!!   And PRAY for shepherd skills!!

lyp

First day of spring...

I am not going to lie...I started this day off moaning and whining about the wind (and have continued some throughout the day)...just like I am sure many others did...and so when I went to my kitchen table and read Jesus Calling by Sarah Young devotional...it was one of those, "YOU TALKING TO ME!" 

It reads...

"THANK ME FOR THE GLORIOUS GIFT OF MY SPIRIT.  This is like priming the pump of a well.  As you bring Me the sacrifice of thanksgiving, regardless of your feelings, My Spirit is able to work more freely within you.  This produces more thankfulness and more freedom, until you are overflowing with gratitude.

I shower blessings on you daily, but sometimes you don't perceive them.  When your mind is stuck on a negative focus, you see neither Me nor My gifts.  In faith, thank Me for whatever is preoccupying your mind.  This will clear the blockage so that you can find Me."  2 Corinthians 5:5; 2 Corinthians 3:17; Psalm 50:14

Psalm 50:14

New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁴ Offer to God thanksgiving,
And pay your vows to the Most High.

 The "blockage" isn't that the truth...good thing I was a plumbers daughter so I understand on this terminology!!   So I think of this morning and the things I began to stop and give thanks for...instead of I DON'T WANT TO GO TO WORK...Thank you for the job I have been given...instead of THIS WIND IS AWFUL...Thank you for this shelter from the storm...and I must confess...after awhile of this...my "blockage" did seem to not be so much.

I seen that there were many who were having "bad" days...and I looked at my calendar at work,

"The day the Lord created HOPE was probably the same day He created Spring." (Bern Williams) 

 I must confess I was not sure who Bern Williams was...I see that there was a Bern Williams who was a baseball player...thus the love of spring!! :)   But in looking I find a few more Bern Williams quotes:

 "Sooner or later we all quote our mothers.”

And perhaps one that is definitely food for thought:

     “Man never made any material as resilient as the human butt.”   (and I make a correction because when I went to shut down there was another that said SPIRIT in place of butt...BUT me being me I leave both in!!)      

But I go back to HOPE and SPRING...and perhaps today is more of a I hope tomorrow isn't like this...but I still want to be thankful and "prime my pump!"   So I say

                                                        

And I just got an update a bit ago...Rain Alert for Olney Springs!!   HOPE...yep that's it!!

So this is my walk today...as in my thanksgiving theme...I AM THANKFUL I DON'T HAVE TO GO OUT THERE!!

lyp

                                                  

ahhhh she's a good mama!

A Saturday morning at my kitchen table...how I love these days...one of those days from the old Funny Farm...some may not know the sign that sets in my kitchen...

WELCOME TO THE FUNNY FARM..

We may not have it all together but together we have it all...

This blog has been all over before it even hit the board...I started my morning...sleeping in a little later...as the shepherd and I got home late yesterday as we went to the funeral for my "sister" Jo's dad.   Though God did not give me a sister by my mother and father...he gave me one through love in marrying my brother...one of my favorite women...and so when talking about mama's...how appropriate to put her here.   And I send my heartfelt love and prayers out to this family and I put up a picture of one of the ultimate "MAMA BEARS".    How I love my friend...and pray for her healing...as she is always there for me!   So I include a picture of her and her GREAT Niece Briana...Rosie and Dirk's little one...she is a cutey.   There was a guy who commented at the funeral that every funeral has one little one that just catches our attention and brings us JOY...and little Briana was indeed that one!

So in looking for songs...for my mama blog...I type in one of my favorite songs that I think of for my kids...one that makes me think of my daughter...but feeling like I have a bigger "Search Engine" another song comes up that makes me always think of my daughter and realize it is perfect for this one.  I smile thinking of yesterday...and Jo's little brother Danny tells her that she reminds him after a comment had made that she sounded like her mom...and he commented that she reminded him of their grandmother and I know that is a compliment as her Grandma Goin was a special woman...and Jo talks of wanting to let her dad know it was okay to go...and that his mom was waiting...it was time for supper...so I can only imagine the emotion when the song chosen unbeknownst to Jo was "Come Home it's Suppertime" sung by a woman who made me think of my mom and my aunt!    But I realize that this was a gift from God to Mary Jo!   Like I said....an amazing woman!  An amazing God!  

So I put in Who I Am by Jessica Andrews...but I find a version of it showing clips from the Lion King...and I smile thinking of the whole Circle of Life theme...and how fitting it is...I think of myself...I am Bessie's granddaughter...Of Heather...I am Peggy's Granddaughter...I think of Jo's grandmother...and that Izzy would sing that she was Penny and Maryann's granddaughter...thus probably contributing to her "crazy" side!!!

So I look at the direction this blog has taken and I smile thinking of my morning reading of Jesus Calling by Sarah Young...and I smile at the words..."COME TO ME FOR UNDERSTANDING, since I know you far better than you know yourself.  I comprehend you in all your complexity; no detail of your life is hidden from Me."   And I look at what I had written before I had got to this..."The complexities of this world and life we live are not as complex as we might make them to be...Bottom line...LOVE AS YE HAVE BEEN LOVED!"    And I guess for this I might have to remind remember who you are completely LOVED by...our Heavenly Parent!  And I look up the scripture for this portion and I recommend that you read all of Psalm 139...beautiful read...but  here I include 1-4. 

And in case you had noticed the purple theme going...this would be for Jo also...these flowers would be the ones from her family and her Aunt Jo...oh yes there is another one out there...who reminds me much of the one I know...or perhaps visa versa...

But I include this part as I realize that many look at this and wonder about the direction and the bike rides I go on...but I smile and take comfort in knowing that God gets me!!!  Even when I don't get myself...and so I carry on in the morning I had...

The shepherd had gotten up early like 3:45 a.m. to shepherd...I call him Big Boy (the lamb that is not the shepherd!!  There are some things I don't share...)...he is just one of those cute ones...a nice solid single!!  I change the background...for some reason I am into backgrounds lately...but I know LaLa would not be that thrilled with his lambs on purple flowers...of course for Aunt Jo he probably would!!   You know those dang accountant types stick together...

Then later on along came twins (And thanks Great Grandpa and Great Grandma Pfeiff for shepherding yesterday and delivering healthy twin lambs as well!)   So I put the new twins from this morning...still fresh when I went to go out and check on another that was to be under my watch while the shepherd went to check cows...so here are the twins...and I do some cropping for the weak of stomach who might not appreciate all that this photo shows of how new they are...

Do you see a strong theme here...singles...twins...these would be the preferences...and so as I said I was left to watch...and so in going out to check...I just as well take my camera...and perhaps I will write a blog on what a beautiful day it is here on the funny farm...one of those days that I know spring is coming...I snap a picture of a bird and the cottonwood...yes that would be green coming on!! And so I add another verse from Psalm 139...

Yes I get distracted from time to time...some may have not noticed...and I notice the clouds and realize how beautiful and CALM it is but that the wind may be coming...and it did come...not near like they were talking...and it is still a beautiful day!   And so I go and check in on the mama who has not started yet...but has assumed the position...and started singing the birthing song...So I decide to go snap some shots around and since this is a mama blog...I put in some mama's and baby shots on the old funny farm...

This one doesn't show that these are twins...but I love how it is snuggled in with mama...
This would be Great Grandpa Pfeiff's delivery!!

And one of the heifer's had calved and watching this one jump and run...
one of those things you just love to watch...

And I continue playing with my pics...I know I know...AHMA size toy!!

One of Izzy and Jay's KIDS...

As you can see...I took a little time and when I went back in the barn and there it was a lamb...but even in my limited amount of shepherd knowledge...I knew this one was a small one...that usually means...MORE TO COME!!    So I get in there and take pics of this new little baby and I think well at least she is a GOOD MAMA!!    And thus you have read through all of this...and there comes my inspiration...my theme...in livestock as well as with human beings...a good mama can make or break you!   Some may not have all the genetics...but if they take care of their little ones...that is a blessing.  No mama's aren't perfect but those that are willing to love that little gift from God they are given...I give thanks. 

One of...???

So giving her a little privacy...I decide I will walk out and get the mail and notice that the wind has decided to kick up and changes the feel but still a beautiful day.  In my break in all my wisdom I decide to call my son.   Those who don't know Lance...he can be very serious about sheep and livestock...and I on the other hand...am just not the caliber of shepherd that he or his father are.   BUT I call him and so for a visual for you...there I am heading in the barn with my hands full of mail because of course I would get a phone book today...cell phone in my hand...don't forget my camera over my shoulder...trying to carry on a conversation with Lance to tell him I have this small baby so I am anticipating MORE...I tell him I don't know how many more she has in her.  To which he replies that WE prefer twins and singles over triplets...(while it seems like a good thing to get that many out of one mama...it tends to bring extra work for the shepherd who usually has to supplement these feedings...that is if all of them live). 


He then asks me what the ewe's number is.   Well WHY would I look at that even though I know I shot several closeups that probably have it on there...I go back into the barn with all the garb in my hands to look and I tell him that she has water and another lamb is coming...I tell him the number and then say I must go...because I can't take pictures...AND he clearly is not impressed that this is my priority...of course the lamb's well being is of UTMOST IMPORTANCE LALA!   Even I laugh at myself trying to make sure I don't miss anything and so I head in the other room to put the mail in a safe spot and get my phone back in my pocket.   I rush back in and there before my eyes...another miracle...I believe this one might be a little bigger...and I hope she also takes this one on.   But she is distracted at first by all of the afterbirth...And I am thankful that God did not create me as such that I felt compelled to eat this after giving birth to my babies...Knowing that I am the charge of this situation I fling my camera over my shoulder and rush in and give mouth to mouth...hahaha just kidding...I just wiped the stuff over its sweet little head and stuck my finger in its mouth saying come on baby it's a great day to be alive...

Then there were two...

This little one starts kicking and mama again gets back on track...partially I am sure because she is wondering why is this psycho woman that keeps clicking that thing at me...sticking her finger in my baby's mouth!!    So I go in the other room to find a towel to get the "gunk" off so I can use my camera again...okay Lance...perhaps you aren't reading this!!   I go back in and get a few more shots...and I head back to the house...I go in and look and there they are right there on the lamb cam...

on the lamb cam...somehow doesn't have the same effect...

so I look back at my computer and notice the shepherd pulling in...he heads straight to the barn...with not a camera one!!  Okay perhaps his phone but he I know is checking to see what is going on...as I have gave him a heads up...that I am birthin some babies!!!

He then comes in the house and proclaims that she has had another...AND THEN THERE WERE THREE!   Triplets...and so of course on my watch we get the triplets...I hope that doesn't mean that if there are bottles to be fed that I will draw that straw.   But so far so good she cleaned them all and they are trying to stand and eat...time will tell...as it always does!



Then there were three...


And so that tells part of my good mama story...I smile as I posted the triplets for my son and a friend of his comments to Lance of his nice mom as we harass him about going on spring break!   You know taking in Vegas...the ocean...Lake Havasu...of course it was Ty's birthday and so of course why wouldn't one take your friend on a road trip to try out that new EcoBoost...I am thankful that they are home safely and I am thankful for the great son I have...though I really can't tell him that often as it would go to his head and he would think he was kind of a big deal....oh never mind!  


I think back of my day yesterday and watching one little girl...loved very much by her mama...then stopping at my daughter's last night after the SHERIDAN girls had a girls day (Heather, Autumn, and Izzy) well Izzy only picked and choosed...she didn't take in the pedi or massage...or OTHER SHOPPING...that I won't share...because like my son probably what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas...It might be said what happens in Victoria's Secret...stays in Victoria's Secret!! HAHA  

Okay I get back on task but I add a couple pics...and I get back to my original of how this started...and here is one that reminds us that life goes on...love goes on...one to make you smile for sure...

I also end this with one of my original thoughts of what I wanted to include...and only fitting that the Firecracker Princess is wearing purple...in a princess outfit her and her mama got while having their own day out and about on the town of Limon...I was talking with my friend Mary...and she had noted how much LOVE surrounds Isabel...and I smile and am thankful to God and thankful that she has a GOOD MAMA!!    And I smile at how blessed I am as I look at this picture sent to me from Heather...of this precious gift we have been given...

Princess Isabel...in her Aunt Do favorite color...purple!

 

So I also inlcude the song I was looking for originally because it is one I hope for my children...(and many other children that though I did not give birth too...I love them as well).  I also hope for one precious little Firecracker!   I hope you dance...and though I know I am just a mama who loves her babies...I hope my kids know how very much they are loved and appreciated and how very proud of each of them I am!

God Bless you and keep you...be with you on this journey we call life...and so I end with the words from Jesus Calling...

"As I fill you with My Love, you become a reservoir of love,

 overflowing into the lives of other people."

lyp

IT happens...

I started this after my trip to Limon on the 9th and so today in my Jesus Calling, it spoke of singing and so I start this on the 15th as I thought of a year ago and all the emotion that went with the day as we went through one of the most emotional days I think I have ever experienced...but I still reflect back to my trip to Limon and so I think about my ride and how it seemed to have so many songs each speaking to me in one way or another...And so my writing on the day after my travels I wrote...
I am at my kitchen table...reflecting on the prior day and not sure if I will include the day here or just the soundtrack!   I often think of my life as being accompanied by a soundtrack.   I love music and must say I like many different styles and types...but I love music.   Though I could not sing on key to save myself...I so appreciate music...sometimes just the rhythm, the instruments, the words, and in those certain songs that just put the entire package together...and so it might be no surprise that usually every morning I start a day with some sort of song in my head.  Yesterday was no different.   And so this morning as I am reading in Jesus Calling...one of the scriptures is Psalm 27:23-24 and I read it and as many times during this past year...I think of Jay:

"The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And He delights in his way.  Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholds him with His hand."

And really it is not just Jay but all of us...but I guess I think of Jay's faith as being black and white...at least from my perspective.  He had a childlike faith...either you have it or you don't you believe or you don't.   You go to heaven or you won't.  Though I did not really discuss faith with Jay...I do believe his was important to him...and so I add that in...as I look back on yesterday...

Like I said my first song in my head was maybe not one that would be me in a good state for the day without being prepared to blubber all day!   But it was still in my head all the same and with it I stop and include a video that I listened to many times over the course of the last year...and looked at the pictures and cried and prayed for those I love...the words in the song are very touching to listen to and so in including videos...I start with this one...

It tugs at my emotion but it also shows the magnitude that Jay's life and loss thereof impacted so many and so this song hits more on those of us behind...and though a  year has passed...some days it is though it was just yesterday...and some days the emptiness hits harder but again am reminded that we had such a special one to lose and am thankful that I got to know  Jay and that some day we will see him again...and warn you that this is a very emotional video...put on YouTube by an EMT who had worked with Jay...

And so that is what set the stage for my Firecracker Flex Friday as I was getting around to head north to Limon to spend the day with my girls...and go to the Memorial Anniversary that evening...and so I have to admit that I hopped in my truck and like I said I listen to random music and so my truck radio was left on the LaJunta station that I don't always listen to...but left there from the day before flicking of The River...and so when I hopped in and heard Sugarland singing...IT happens!   I am sure to many this may seem out there...but it was as though I could think of Jay saying IT happens...things we have no control of...HAPPENS!  

I admit I have always loved this song...And the words echoed...

"Life don't go quite like you planned it

We try so hard to understand it

The irrefutable, indisputable fact is...

IT HAPPENS!"

But I guess that the part that kind of hit me was IT does happen and whether it be IT we would rather live without IT happens and the words that seemed to talk out to me was ...that sometimes I do think that sometimes I do over think it...but the words I heard were LET GO LAUGHING!   And this was so Jay and so in honor of Jay I thought of "Izzy's Maddy" she would be Madison Lengel another police officer's daughter...and her and Isabel seem to have a very special bond...

And I include Maddy's post as it is wise beyond her years...and I smile thinking of how Jay had a soft spot for Madison when she would be doing fund raisers or whatever and how Jay would want to help Maddy...and here is the bond now between her and his daughter...this thing about love...just keeps on going don't it...So I share her words and remember how they inspired me as well...

"Well today is the day...the day we've all been dreading. It's been a year today and I think to myself has it really been that long? It can't be. It still feels like it was just yesterday. I remember every part so vividly. I think about you everyday and hope that you hear the other side of these one side conversations. I'm going to try my hardest not to be sad today because today is the day that we honor you and all you've done. I'm going to be proud to say that I've known you. Today is your special day...Full of honor and respect. We miss ya Jay-Bird."

How these words just were very inspiring to me...and so then when in this group of songs that yes I wrote down as I made the journey to Limon came along...I wrote them down...but the next song...one of my favorites seem to also add to the theme...of the not feeling sorry for yourself...as it was a beautiful day out... and I have to say this video where the picture sticks bothered me...but after thought...though this not be a picture I would choose...that sometimes we do focus more on the darkness and do not stop and see all the other things that it is great to be alive...

So then I just decided to enjoy this ride and like I said there is several songs as a trip to Limon takes a little time...the next song on was Working Man by Rush...and I think it just made me think of Jay and how much he loved his job...granted Police Work is a different type of work...but then again...and just have liked this song as well...and though this particular video I stuck in is of these guys not from when they were in the old days...I thought the drums were pretty cool... Working Man by Rush and though this one shows a little of my rocker roots...I shared some of these musical tastes with Jay and so I just cranked it up and drove...

And as the whole juke box theme continued I hit the flick again and there was Family Man...I remember this song playing alot after we lost Jay... and I think how he was a working man but his family was always important to him.   That was one of the things I remember first on thinking of Jay was how his parents and siblings were important to him...and in seeing that I knew that his wife and children would also be...and on came Kenny singing Reality...and this one I guess just made me think how we take for granted that sometimes these "realities" are actually those dreams we think back on...

So I was writing songs down as I went and so the next one I am not sure on...Open the Sky...is what I wrote down and I had put a question mark of Matthew West....and now I have no recollection of what the song was so I move on the KU...that would be Kerry Underwood...and her song He is Good...I guess it is called Mama's song maybe but the part that gets me was talking of when her little girl grows up...I'll only want what's best for her...and I think that is what we always want for our kids.  And though I would have wrote a different ending...I realize how Jay made Heather happy and no one can deny in looking at one sweet little Firecracker...they were a great couple.   But I have been reminded lately of the fact that Isabel has been loved by her daddy and those around her more in her few short years than some spend a lifetime looking for.

I continue on flicking as that is what I do but it was as though each song I would land on was just like a soundtrack maybe...and this next one was from my childhood and just hit me on the darker side...as Queen sang Bohemian Rhapsody...and I did have tears...Bohemian Rhapsody and it just was strange how the words all seemed to hit me.

But as with all my bike rides I changed course...and hit on Low Rider...this one always makes me think of Heather in high school...and it's just one of those songs that really is a driving song...Low Rider by War

Again I wonder what I have wrote down...I did mark that I could read that two planes were flying low...but not sure what else was wrote there so I decipher Rihanna We found Love...and I think of love found...We found love and it continues on that...as a song I hadn't heard by Fee...Everything Falls

I start to wonder what mile marker I was at by then...as I had filled up one side of my envelope and I realize that this is my own "road trip" and to many they will just wonder...And Bob Marley sang...and then it changed to With every Breath I will praise the Lord..and to that goes to Evanescence...Bring me to life...and the words, "wake me up inside" seems to stick with me.   I then went to Fame by David Bowie...Face Down...and then I hear Kelly Clarkson and I think she sounds like Pink...but she sings...What doesn't kill you makes you stronger...and while the entire words of these songs I do not take in but just parts and I wonder if we will be stronger...

And I see Brick House and then many others that I can't decipher...and then Bob Marley Lively Up Yourself...that just has a little that I think...yes Lively Up Yourself...Lively Up Yourself and there is another I am not sure and it comes on the television as I am writing so I add in FINE BY ME...and I think that it would surely would have thought how it would have been more than fine that he would never leave...

And then comes on All for You by Sister Hazel here are they the same as Blues Traveler????   But the point is this song just makes you smile and it makes me think of all of us...what is it we see in the other but there is definitely something...and though I could go on...I leave it at this song...and I will quit and not tell you more of how the soundtrack continued...because I realize not everyone shares my thinking that some of us have a soundtrack to go with our lives...and I am thankful that this music changed my mindset from the day...

I think of Jesus Calling devotional and how it talks of singing but it also says a "cacophony of chaos" and it says "Learn to take mini breaks from the world, finding a place to be still in My Presence and listen to My voice.  And I wonder if that is what this writing might be is a cacophony of chaos and I think of the verse that went with it:

Zephaniah 3:17

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁷ The LORD your God is with you,
the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
but will rejoice over you with singing.”

So it is late and I have another funeral to go to tomorrow or I guess it is today.  I think of the Goin family and hope that they have a day of peace.

And as I go to finish this I have included a song in here that seems like it should be added in as the final song...and I remember why it was included because as I was writing a lot of this...this song had played and it just seemed to be a fitting end to this writing...that I have a prayer that those I love will all get to where we're going...

And though IT happens...It is a great day to be alive...thanks for "riding" along...I have spent much time thinking and talking about Jay...but he was worth thinking and talking about and so now I move on and would like to think more of how he lived...but it all makes up this person called Jay Sheridan.  We love you and miss you!

God Bless.

lyp

http://www.odmp.org/officer/reflections/20775-police-officer-jay-william-sheridan