There is love...and of course prolapses...

31 years ago this morning I was up bright and early going for a morning run...I know you all say she actually RAN!    I fixed breakfast for my family...and then headed to Colorado Springs to marry one Timothy Paul Pfeiff...

Flash forward 31 years and I am laying in bed next to this same Timothy Paul...and thinking I need to get up because the vet is going to be coming...and the shepherd who is healing from knee surgery says 31 years ago were you running like the wind...and I say well probably not the wind...but I was getting up to be married to the love of my life instead of facing a prolapse.   For those of you that do not know what a prolapse is...this would be the time that you should be thankful for things you do not know or have not seen...

I would be lying if I said that these type of things do not bother me...and I did feel not quite so bad when Doc Root when working on it said...after all these years...I still hate maggots...okay hope you are not eating or something...but as of late it seems this whole event has been one of those facing my fears...I think I have dealt with probably most things that I have always thought I can't stand...vomit, poop, septic problems, and then this morning a little dead lamb I had worked with last night...yes he was "dead right there" DRT...a whole other story that my favorite son-in-law, daughter, and lawnmower have given us...and then of course prolapse...even though Doc Root did all of the dirty work!

The Shepherd tells me this morning after I helped get him around...if you had known then what you know now...but I told him I wouldn't have changed...we have been blessed...it hasn't been all roses...but there is something of having someone in your corner...perhaps we are opposites...he clearly being a much better shepherd than I could ever be...how so many things that I think are a bigger thing...are ones that he just takes in stride...I had put he wasn't a patient patient...and what I think of in not being patient is in how he just wants to be doing stuff...not so much as me taking care of him...he actually is very thankful and patient when putting up with my lack of nursing abilities...

And so while doing chores I thought about how we were spending our anniversary and our wedding song The Wedding Song came to my mind...as I sang it while feeding sheep...hauling off a dead baby...I thought THERE IS LOVE...that is what gets us through these days...and I can still hear Rick Nunley playing his acoustic guitar and singing...The Wedding Song...There is Love...by Peter Paul and Mary...

THERE IS LOVE (Paul Stookey)

- Wedding Song -

He is now to be among you at the calling of your hearts.
Rest assured this troubadour is acting on His part.
The union of your spirits here has caused Him to remain,
for whenever two or more of you are gathered in His name,
There is love. There is love.

Oh, a man shall leave his mother, and a woman leave her home.
They will travel on to where the two will be as one.
As it was in the beginning, is now until the end,
woman draws her life from man
and gives it back again and there is love.
Oh, there's love.

Well then what's to be the reason for becoming man and wife?
Is it love that brings you here or love that brings you life?
For is loving is the answer then who's the giving for?
Do you believe in something that you've never seen before?
Oh, there's love. There is love.

He is now to be among you at the calling of your hearts.
Rest assured this troubadour is acting on His part.
The union of your spirits here has caused Him to remain
for whenever two or more of you are gathered in His name
there is love. Oh, there is love.

We have been blessed and I have felt the Lord with us throughout this whole 31 years...and I am thankful for my friend...my shepherd...for our family...and for better for worse...we took our vows...and I give thanks for our life and yes there is love...

And I find a pic of that young couple...starting out...and then I put in one of the Shepherd...and I have to say I love him more now than I loved him then...and so glad we are on this bike ride together...

Ahhh shepherd....hang in there...this too shall pass!  HAPPY VERSARY!!


lyp

Happy Birthday Blog to my favorite daughter...

So I had thought being the shepherds nurse I would have all kinds of blogs up and going...so now I just have a bunch started...and nothing finished....go figure...I know so out of character...But I decide to work on this one first...My daughter Heather turns 29 today...and it seems only yesterday yet a lifetime ago...I remember a beautiful little perfect purple baby girl...and the joy in my heart...and I didn't think I could love anything more...of her dad looking at her with a tear in his eye and saying he would have to some day give her away...and perhaps then he knew something of giving her away that he didn't even know...

But some may think I am prejudice and if I am...so be it...but I think I have one of the most amazing daughters!    She reminds me in different ways of my mom with a little bit of this and than thrown in making her her very own unique person!   I watch her as a mama...as a professional...as a friend...and I am so proud of her!!  

I have watched how she has handled the last year plus and just watch her...and say thank goodness she didn't take too much after her mom...I laugh with a tear at the picture she shared today...IZZY'S FIRST FISH!!   I love that Izzy is wearing a princess t-shirt and blue nail polish...but wearing her cammo pants and holding the fish...and preferring that no one brush her hair and if they did...one wouldn't be able to tell...but I laugh and think her dad would be loving that his baby girl celebrated mom's birthday by fishing!!  

As we couldn't be with Heather on her birthday we had a party on Sunday...well it started out because Alex was going to help Lance get "shepherd stuff" done.    I had thought Heather and Izzy were coming for the day...so thought we could do birthday too...So thanks Lance, Alex, and Brendon...for working on the well.  Sure glad it didn't quit on my watch!!  

Anyway got a pic with a cake made by cousin Keri...and I had a 2 and a 9...to which Izzy thought was edible and took a bite off the end...did I say I love th at girl...actually love these two girls...blowing out the candles...and I can hear Isabel in a loud voice singing to her mom as she rocked her HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MOMMMMMMMMA...

I have had this going off and on all day...but hey I have until 11:39...I am not sure I will make that tonight...So I say Happy Birthday Heather...Thank you for being the Great daughter that you are...I hope you had a good birthday dinner with the "boys"...God bless you and keep you!!

lyaaa

The Wall...Wish he were here...

So another day has passed...but I am now home from our trip to "D.C." (as one little Firecracker called it)...and so I pick up where I have been adding to this...got home about 3:00 a.m. this morning as Heather and Lance got to see Eric Church to finish off their crazy week...so I got to hang out in Limon hanging with one of my favoritest persons...will just leave it from yesterday and last night...and then will hopefully finish one of these up...so many thoughts and memories swirling in this head...and please keep in mind I am lacking sleep...which could make my bike rides...a little more...

And I sit here in Lance's house as he has music playing while he is napping in the other room...as is Izzy and her mama in another...trying to rest up from the last week...month...year...but is funny as George is singing I ain't here for a long time...when I am gone put it in stone that he left nothing behind...I ain't here for a long time...I'm here for a good time...funny as I am getting ready to maybe put some thoughts of the last week (I think it was a week) in Washington D.C. where Jay Sheridan was honored...

Hard to put where to begin and I had thought I might go day by day...but those who know me know I am more chronic than chronological...so perhaps I will just share stories...as they come to me...or things that stood out the most...so of course I go to the "Wall"...this may have been one of the most touching pictures as Isabel's hand on her mama's...as she wanted to do it...you can see Jay W. Sheridan on there...I think of Izzy and last night asking her mom as we watched Lion King...where is Simba's Daddy?    To which her mom softly said something that his daddy had died.  To which was a Why?   Again...Where is his daddy?   And she said with my daddy...understands so much more than it seems a little one should have to...but her mama is so good with her and this one just says to me how much their hands are there for each other...going through it together...

And so I took a break in writing and one little Firecracker and I made our way from Windsor to Limon...yes mama and Uncle LaLa were finishing off the week with a concert...and so I just finished rocking an Izzy in my arms...but thought she would be more comfortable laying down...but how I love playing with her...talking with her...and just holding her as she sleeps...She fell asleep singing our song we wrote for "Uncle Jacob" (sorry Jake)...and the red and blues...perhaps will share it another time...

So I go back to pics from the "Wall" at the Police Memorial in Washington D.C. we took turns in trying to get a copy off of the wall...we used a special blue pencil but was having a harder time...I think that a pencil or a blue crayon worked better...but Miss Isabel loved trying and so she took extra turns...finally Heather got a chance to do one on her own...

Heather...

There is a song that has been out for a while and I had thought I would put it on the Colorado Memorial and then they sang it at the National Memorial...It is Miranda Lambert's "Over You"...and I think of Heather when this song comes on but the part that hit me during this was the line, "It really sinks in Ya know when I see you in stone"...

But we all feel this pain...and miss him...I was rocking Izzy tonight and we were singing songs...we sometimes make up songs...I had given her copies of the picture of her and her daddy and as we sometimes do...and make up songs...we were looking at the picture and she was just holding on to it and I said should we make up a song for Izzy and Daddy and she said how bout the one..."Daddy in Heaven.  Daddy in Heaven.  Daddy in Heaven". (there was another part in here that I am not certain of...something of wanting to be with him) but she ends it with...Wish he were here."    I am not sure where that song came from but she sang it as one she had sung before...

So we sang that song...and then she wanted to sing the Joy song we had learned where I sing Joy Joy Joy down in my heart and she shouts out WHERE!  I said do you have Joy in your heart and she didn't miss a beat and said, "no my heart hurt."   I wonder sometimes where what she says comes from...but it brought tears to my eyes and she said what's the matter Ahma?   I told her it made Ahma sad that her heart hurt.   And she said it no hurt Ahma...such a precious little girl...

The picture above we put in a frame and placed at the wall...Yes that is Amy's puppy...we talked about the puppy and I told her that they gave it back to Amy...she said How tum?   I said well Daddy working and Mommy working and just with playing with Izzy was too busy for a puppy...but I told her I bet Daddy has a puppy in  Heaven...We talked of Jesus...of maybe Daddy fishing...that he was with Ahma's Mom and Dad...and Grammy's Mom and Dad and Grandad's Mom and Dad.   I told her because of Jesus' love we get to see them again someday...she smiled...

Izzy giving Mom her picture...I love Dad...Best of the Best

We also put one of the t-shirts that Shelley made from us from Designs N' Stitches in Fowler, Colorado...thanks for all you put into them Shelley... go to https://www.facebook.com/DesignsnStitches check them out...

So this picture shows somewhat of what the front of the t-shirt was but Izzy was given a stick on badge...yes she knows where the badge goes so that's where she put it!!!

In taking the 4ever in our hearts...Jay was Limon 4 for some who might not know...and I looked at this collage and thought most of these pics are not of him in his uniform...but pictures that make me smile and yes miss him and wish he was here...and how I would have much rather missed the whole D.C. experience and just had more time with him...but wasn't my call and so I think of how he has been honored...how he made us laugh...wondered what he would have thought of all of this...

More pics at the wall...Izzy and the lions...some of us copying Jay's name...

Oppy (aka Tim)

Ahma and Izzy...Ahma and Izzy...Ahma Ahma Ahma and Izzy Izzy Izzy

Tyler Yowell...Izzy's "boyfriend"

Izzy with her Uncle LaLa...she picking up leaves and he taking it all in...

Perhaps I will write more later...on other memories...and I am sure most of you know MORE PICTURES...but for now I stop and give thanks for my favorite son-in-law...and like your Peanut...wish he were here...



lyp



MEMORIAL...Colorado Law Enforcement...

Love this song and just put it in so you could listen while looking...

I sit here and then early morn...thinking about the time ahead and decide I need to finish up these I have started...not sure where the times goes...so I pick up where I left off...

And I know I should be thinking of packing of getting things finished...but I am distracted...looking at pictures from the Colorado Law Enforcement Memorial we attended on May 4, 2012.   My Favorite Son-in law, Jay Sheridan, was honored in having his name engraved on the wall joining too many others who have lost their lives in the line of duty...of course you know I took several pictures so perhaps this will mostly be of just pics...A special thank you and appreciation for all of those who came and shared with us...of the C.O.P.S. organization for all they do.   And the countless officers who came and honored a fallen brother.   (I will try and do a part 2 and share my story...and more pics).

Heather and the Chief...a special bond

My kids...

Tim and Maryann...I smile at Maryann holding her rose and carrying the purse from Jay. 
Shane looking on as well...

Great Grandpa and Great Grandma Pfeiff with Tim looking at the wall...
Izzy needed to go over in the grass during the ceremony...

And I get some of family at wall but I also capture some good friends...that touched me as well...

Another of my kids...Tyler Yowell...

Micheal Yowell...

And of course...in my "collection" Jake...and this one makes me think of how Jake does stand watch...have a story of him...but perhaps another place...

The Limon P.D. and Lincoln County Sheriff's office...

Limon P.D.

Lincoln County Sheriff's office

I include another one taken my Corrine Lengel...that turned out better than the ones I had got...you know when you got the "big lens". 

I add another that was shared by Jeff Rylant...I love your pics Jeff...

These two from Lisa...are touching...That speak more than any words I could ever say...those that know this little blue painted thumb...belonging to one little Isabel...holding on to her daddy...and then she captured the one dove of the doves released perfectly thank you for sharing with me...

So I came upon this scripture this week and it keeps popping up...it seems that this is one that I have pondered this past week...this last year...and I think of it being National Police Week...of the questions that I ponder...and so I include...

"AND WHY DID HE MURDER HIM?   Because his works were evil and his brother's righteous.   Do not marvel, my brethren if the world hates you.  We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren.  He who does not love his brother abides in death.  Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murder has eternal life abiding in him.  1 John 3:12-13

And then it came to 1 John 3:16
 By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us.  And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 

 So we remember...those who have laid down their lives...a nice tribute and thank you to all...

lyp

Birthday BLOG...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ETHAN and GEORGIE

OKAY so I missed it by a few minutes...SHOOT ME!!   One of you is just out of high school the other retired...

Ethan...my favorite blood nephew!!   Okay inside joke but I love this guy...one of my special people and I hope he had a great birthday...I did get another pic...hats included...perhaps I'll include it as well...but first I will put in one of my favorites of him...

Ethan Then...

And tonight I got a pic of the Lance's having cake...and how I wish I lived closer and could just run over and give hugs...and enjoy.    Hard to believe Ethan is getting soooooo old!!!   So I got sent this pic and decided to play with it though Josh is making a pretty crazy face!    And of course my niece Bethany...and I am thinking I know this buddy...but I don't want to misidentify so I will just say Ethan's Friend...

So I put Ethan and Company in plastic wrap...

And so I can't find a picture readily for George...one of my fellow "outlaws"...but I hope that you had a great Birthday as you enter this new season!  That's what you get for always being the one taking pictures...

Happy Birthday to both of you and love you lots!

lyaaa

Ohhh TaWanda...or is she...

Those who know me know I have to deal with focusing...and so it could be an occupational handicap that I have several windows in my office that give me a view of a lilac bush...the yard...the highway...but then again...I believe it adds to my sunny outlook!  Hush all you who know better...
As of late I have been somewhat distracted by the birds out my window.   Last year in the lilac bush was two doves that built their nest who I kept watch on and named them Bob and Alice.  And I now have others who like to keep track of Bob and Alice as well.  So the other day I had mentioned that the Robins (I was not sure their names) had kicked the Doves out of the Lilac neighborhood and sent them packing to Elm Street.   But I seen the Doves today and old Bob and Alice seem happy!    But that's how Dove's are...they are content wherever they are...just don't bother them and let them do their own thing....well will talk more about that later...

However, back to the other day...(are you getting dizzy!) I heard a noise out my window...yes it has been nice weather to have the window in the office open...even though it does add to my distraction...but it was quite the ruckus so I hop up and look out the window well there is Ms. Robin (although I am not confident that it is Mrs.OR Mr.--I will post a pic in hopes some will tell me).   Anyway the way she was going after the black bird who was clearly on her turf...as I had said before...I don't think I will repeat here what she might have been saying.   But whatever took place...the blackbird left...note to blackbirds...you don't mess with mama!

With that my curiosity was aroused....after all I now have a perfect shot out my office window and so I decide I will sneak out and capture a shot...well I snuck up all the while being watched closely as she sat very still on her beautifully designed nest.   I kept clicking and clicking in hopes of getting a very cool shot...perhaps if I had Jeff's big zoom...just kidding my zoom did fine...or I think so...can you see her?

That is when she got her name...well if it was she...as she flew out of the nest as if she were on a mission and flew across the drive and began to cuss me out!  Yes I think it was some fowl language being used!   She was letting me have it...I realize that it was because she was distracting me from the nest and she was willing to do whatever she could to distract me...and so I appeased her and stepped away from the nest and took her picture chewing me out...

And so I go for the test...is this a male or female...I give you a closeup...I chose to call this a her...but to be honest I am not sure how you tell and so I look forward to learning and so if I do then the whole name thing could be a little off...and so I explain the name...

So I might just contradict the sunny position comment..there may be some who choose to judge me...but deep down you know there are times we all got a you know what...oh ya I go on with my story....I had a day I am sure it was just one day...a year or so back don't even recall when...but I had had a day that I probably wasn't as patient with others as I should be...on the crabby side...I blame it on what I call that others have what I call "bitch bait"...I have her tucked deep inside...and they drag her out...really I am getting better at keeping her hid and with God's help maybe someday she will be completely gone...but I like to think she doesn't come near as often and if she does I am strongly reminded that she should move on...but on this particular day...actually the day after I come in the office and tell Mary that I am better...that I have left that you know what at home.  I left her laying on the couch in her sweats watching movies!!   So at that time I named my "inner bitch" Tawanda!   Okay it is out there...not really something to be proud of...but it is what it is...And I work hard at keeping her locked in the basement!  Or perhaps now I'll just give her to the birds!!
But now perhaps you get why I have named Ms. Robin--Tawanda...that is if she in fact is a she...I read that the female robin sets on the nest for the most part but the male. gives her a break from time to time so she can go fly around...find her own food....do her own thing...probably good to note here to others that can in fact offer a break so a mama or daddy can fly...you might just offer it up...and so I think of a name for the Mister...an easy going guy that puts up with a crazy female who flies off the nest...NO I AM NOT NAMING HIM TIM!!!   Though it would probably fit!    As he has to do that on quite a regular basis...but I go with...hmmm I struggle with a name and the name Jasper just keeps popping up...Jasper and Tawanda...(Those of you who have watched Fried Green Tomatoes might be feeling a need to pull out the old VHS and be reminded of Tawanda...younger and faster...older and more insurance...not sure on the whole Jasper thing...oh well I get off the subject...)

So I had written part of this earlier in the week and then night before last...the birds were crazy and my thoughts of the easy going dove's might have changed a tench...I don't know if Alice was just having a bad day or what because she was on my sidewalk and with the window open I could hear her ranting...perhaps mad because she had to move...but the tone...was not a joyful one.   And so it makes me think of these birds and myself and how I can have so much and yet I don't stop and give thanks and sing in that voice God has given but I choose to harp about something that I may not even have control over...

And so I am reminded as one of these guys...I say they are sparrows (and the pictures I was going to put in here are missing)...but remember my bird watching is more of the actual birds...they have names not what type of dove IT IS BOB AND ALICE...but I see the scripture that I came across this morning..."DO NOT WORRY" it says there in Matthew 6:25 - 27 and I laugh as I go to just pull it up so I can copy it...and I find this...so I of course have to share...

But I also had spoke of these guys that were out my kitchen window...I had a hard time catching a picture of them out my window...but then one morning as I was looking at pictures on my bird cage...praying for special ones....they came and just stayed a bit...and for some reason the picture is gone...so I put up the song that just makes me think of them...besides I'll Fly Away of course....and though I go through many versions...this one by Jessie Colter (yes she was Waylon's wife)...makes me think of days passed...my Mom, Grandma Bessie, and Aunt Betty singing...and the piano reminds me of the Holman sisters...especially Helen...so I leave with this..."I SING BECAUSE I'M HAPPY...I SING BECAUSE I'M FREE..."

Do not worry...He is with you...I think of tomorrow...do not worry about tomorrow as we go to honor "Jay Bird"...and I think that he is singing away...perhaps his own rendition of Roxanne...but I'll bet he is singing...

lyp