Jun 24 thoughts

Greetings all!

I am working on a couple of things, but I'm not ready to speak on them yet. As soon as I locked down the details of them, I will share. I just wanted to drop by real quick to ask everyone who reads this to hold this family in your thoughts and/or prayers.

His name is Chris Welch. He was a kid that was in the Youth Church I used to be a part of in San Diego. He and his gorgeous family are leaving the Afganistan. He serves proudly in uniform for our country. I am always reminded of these "kids" that are being shipped out day after day and those that serve us here. My heart is constantly touched! Regardless of your politics, I believe these families deserve our kindest thoughts!

As we approach the 4th of July, let's not forget those that have gone before us and continue to go every day....
it is because of their service that we are afforded this precious thing called Freedom.

Chris, you, your wife, kids, parents, siblings and loved ones are in my prayers everyday. Thank you!

Checkin in

Greetings all! It is Tuesday and it has been a while since I have sat down and really written anything with substance....

uh...this entry won't be different! LOL!

Things have been crazy trying to get the animals situated. Bruto is making it home. The other day, when we were out feeding him, there were some terrible storms and he was grouchy as could be. He usually takes the apples, carrots or feed out of my hand softly...not this time! He totally nipped at me a couple of times...BUT...I don't blame him! If I was having to stand out in those storms, I'd probably be pretty grouchy too!

The sheep are growing huge and they are so cute! When we are walking in the pasture they follow us around like little children....they sure are neat to have around. Turtles are multiplying, I think! I saw 5 of them the other day.....I have only put 4 in the pond, so not sure where that other little guy came from. Next project:: BATS! They keep away mosquitos and since the lake is just around the corner, if I put a bat house out, they should make a nice home for themselves with all the mosquitos they can eat!!! (o= I just need a name for him.....

Last night I couldn't sleep...I kept having dreams about the wedding. It was actually quite comical....at one point, my Pappy was trying to get me to get ready to go and I was like, "no! I need to blog"...LOL! (Maybe that is why I am blogging before I do anything today!) Wedding plans are moving forward nicely...simple and to the point! I am thrilled there are so many of my friends coming in from out of town! Wow! OH! Bruto is going to be a part of the wedding...I just have to find a bow tie that will get around his big ol neck! I am thinking I MAY have to make one....so we'll see!

Speaking of "making", I am officially signed up for my first round of sewing lessons! YAY! They are once a week and I am thrilled! Now, maybe I can make some cute dresses...I see them all the time, but I refuse to drop the crazy cash they want for them when I know how simple they are to make! SO....sewing it is! (o=

Well, like I said, no real agenda today....now weird thoughts...just a quick update! Things have just been really busy! This weekend we head to San Antonio to meet the fam for a little get-a-way...Terry and I are counting down the days!! We are looking forward to getting to spend a little more time with my family, since we don't see them much. It should be good....good and HOT! In the triple digits already is what I am hearing....ugh!

Hope this reaches everyone well!

Just hit me....

I have had a super busy day and just right now, I had a moment to stop...and it hit me...

I am to be a wife.

WOW! I am so thrilled!! Nothing makes my heart gladder!!!!!!

*she smiles*

The turning back of America...it's a good thing!

Lately I have been reading about different things Americans are doing to try and get extra income, save more money and overall, be more resourceful. I got to thinking that I feel like it is the turning back of America and I believe it is a good thing.

Walk with me, will you?

:: Multi-family yard sales
I have seen more and more signs for yard sales that run from Thurs- Sun. They aren't just one yard sale, but a group of families, a neighborhood block or even a community that is putting this event together. I live in a small town, so as I drive by, I see the moms, dads, kids, tios, tias and everyone else setting up tables, putting clothes on racks and pricing their items. They are all up early with the expectation of not only making some money but getting rid of this stuff.

:: Fresh produce
I drive on and on the corner I see a couple setting out baskets that have fresh melons, corn, apples and other yummy produce. Right beside them sits the nicely tended fields in which this produced was birthed.

:: Free-cycle
If you have never free-cycled, I would encourage you to do so! It is a community of people that don't want stuff thrown in the landfill and figure my junk can be someone's treasure. It is all free! you give stuff away and get stuff. The great thing is that if you have stuff you have to get rid of, post an ad and whoever wants it comes to pick it up. Just leave it on the porch and they get it. And it isn't only junk....all kinds of stuff from TV's, pillows, plants, and dishes....you name it. People post WANTED ad for things they want. I have seen moms post a wanted ad for a bike for their kid's birthday because they can't afford it and a few days later, it shows that they got one!

I could go on and on about the way things are moving closer to what it used to be. I look around and I feel America is getting back to the basics of things. Ya, part of it may be is that I now live in a small town, but I see it everywhere I go. Instead of going out to eat, people gathering in homes and pot lucking just to enjoy each other's genuine company and not the meet at a crowded public place, have dinner, smile, share a few laughs and not see them till later the next year. I don't know...it just feels like the days that used to be are very much around me and I think it is a good thing.

This economic time is a difficult one. But I think it has truly caused us to get back to the basics. So despite the fact that we may be "loosing out" on a lot of material things, I think we are winning in what really matters! We just need to open our eyes and take notice.

...just my three cents this morning!

Have a great one!

Welcome Home to Bruto, Cowboy Church, and in general...

WOW!! I have always wanted a donkey....Well, I have always wanted lots of animals, but this was one on the top of my list. On Sunday, a trailer pulled into the pasture and out came the most perfect little donkey! He looks like the donkey from Shrek and as Albert said, is truly a "noble steed". I am thrilled.

His name is Bruto and he was owned by a Spanish woman and speaks Spanish....he loves carrots and apples and has been fairly good with the sheep so far. I see him out in the pasture with the kids and I can not believe it. I can not believe he is here. I can not believe I am here. I am in awe that this is my life and I am grateful. I have attached some pics of the new member below.

This weekend was pretty slow paced...I loved it! It has been a long time since there was nothing to do, so it was nice! On Sunday, Terry and I went to the grand opening of the arena at our church. We attend a Cowboy church and I love it. For those of you who aren't familiar with what a Cowboy Church is, it is a regular church, but they cater more to people in the country. It is not un-common to see people in jeans, worn out boots and hats in church. For "fun", we have pot lucks and hang out at the arena and have "play days" where people bring their horses and have a mini-rodeo. The sound of the old, country, gospel hyymms from the incredible voices of Barbara Mandrel and the likes can consistently be heard. It is great...I love it. Just down home, all American, hard-working people....

They had "stick horse races" for the little tiny kids. It was so neat to see them on their little horses, running with all they have in them! I put a couple of pic's up also. And then there was little Kadie. The tiny blondie in the photo's below. She was on this huge horse and let me tell you, she could take barrels like it is nobody's business! It was pretty amazing to see her handle this huge animal!! I hope to one day have a little girl as strong and full of courage...

I am back at work today and all is well in the world. Wedding plans are moving forward and I am excited. I am to be a wife. This truly makes my heart glad....above all else....I am grateful!