9-1-1 Friends

I remember one time our pastor did a series of sermons on 9-1-1 friends, and how important it is to BE one, as well as to HAVE at least one.  You know what I'm talking about...911 Friends ....These are the people you can call at anytime for any reason they are there for you. 

I am so blessed and feel so fortunate to have several 911 Friends.  And right now?  I am calling on them, and they are there.  No, I take that back.  I didn't even have to call on them!  They were just there.

Remember when I said life was overwhelming and just plain HARD right now?  Well, since then, it's become even harder.  My youngest son has been having ongoing health problems.  He has severe stomach aches every time he eats.  As a result, he doesn't eat much, and has lost weight.  All the doctors can tell me is that he has a 'non-specific autoimmune condition' and they're not sure if he'll get better, and they're not sure of a treatment.  In the meantime?  I have a sick little boy that I don't know how to help.

My husband is also facing surgery next week.  He will be in the hospital at least one, probably two days.  This is where my 9-1-1 friends come in!  I have friends who have graciously offered to take my kids for me so that I can be with my husband.  I have friends who have offered to come by the waiting room and be with me so I'm not all by myself.  I have friends that have offered to make us meals while my husband recovers so we have one less thing to worry about.

I am humbled.  I am THANKFUL.  And, I am so blessed.  To all my 9-1-1 friends (and you know who you are!) I say THANK YOU.  I consider all of you, not only friends, but my family.  And I want to say that I am there for YOU whenever you need a 9-1-1 Friend.  I'm there for YOU.

Reason #5857 Why I Love Living in the Country...

I was watching Cole today.  He was walking back and forth outside carrying sticks...

(Side note: Look at the pigs on the left. Every time Cole is outside they watch him.  Because he usually gives them a nice handful of grass, or a scoop of grain, or SOME treat!)

Anyway, so I asked Cole what he was up to.  He told me he was getting his castle ready. 

Castle?

I kept watching him... 

Turns out his 'castle' was the top of this apple tree:

Ha ha!  We may not have the fanciest house in the world.  And we may not live in a neighborhood full of kids to play with, but our kids love playing outside and making up fun games like this.  THIS is what childhood is all about!  THIS makes me happy.

Today I Will Make a Difference

by Max Lucado

Today I will make a difference. I will begin by controlling my thoughts. A person is the product of his thoughts. I want to be happy and hopeful. Therefore, I will have thoughts that are happy and hopeful. I refuse to be victimized by my circumstances. I will not let petty inconveniences such as stoplights, long lines, and traffic jams be my masters. I will avoid negativism and gossip. Optimism will be my companion, and victory will be my hallmark. Today I will make a difference.

I will be grateful for the twenty-four hours that are before me. Time is a precious commodity. I refuse to allow what little time I have to be contaminated by self-pity, anxiety, or boredom. I will face this day with the joy of a child and the courage of a giant. I will drink each minute as though it is my last. When tomorrow comes, today will be gone forever. While it is here, I will use it for loving and giving. Today I will make a difference.

I will not let past failures haunt me. Even though my life is scarred with mistakes, I refuse to rummage through my trash heap of failures. I will admit them. I will correct them. I will press on. Victoriously. No failure is fatal. It’s OK to stumble… I will get up. It’s OK to fail… I will rise again. Today I will make a difference.

I will spend time with those I love. My spouse, my children, my family. A man can own the world but be poor for the lack of love. A man can own nothing and yet be wealthy in relationships. Today I will spend at least five minutes with the significant people in my world. Five quality minutes of talking or hugging or thanking or listening. Five undiluted minutes with my mate, children, and friends.

Today I will make a difference.

From Shaped by God
© Tyndale House Publishers, 2002

I never said my job wasn't entertaining...

Just got this call at work:

Him:  "Yeah, is Bridget Smith there?"

Me:  "I'm sorry.  There's no one here by that name."

Him:  "Is she not there today?"

Me:  "No.  I mean there is no one that works here by that name."

Him:  "Well, it's important that I speak to her."

Me:  "...."

Him:  "Do you know where I'd find her this time of day?"

Me: "Ok...I have no idea who Bridget Smith is.  She does not work here.  I've never heard of her."

Him:  "Well, hmmmm.  I really need to speak to her.  Should I try her at her home number?"

Me:  Okay.  This guy just doesn't get it... "Yes.  Definitely.  You should try her at her home number."

Him:  "Will do.  Go ahead."

Me:  "Go ahead?"

Him:  "I'm ready for that number..."

Me:  "Sir?  I don't have her home number.  I DON'T KNOW WHO BRIDGET SMITH IS."

Him:  "Well, do you have ANY clue how to get ahold of her?"

Me:  "NO.  NO, I DO NOT."

Him:  "Ok.  Thanks for your help."

Me:  "Any time."

Cornish Cross Chicks Are Here!

Look!!

Awwwww....Aren't they cuuuuute?!

50 of these little guys arrived at our place yesterday. We're expecting 50 more in a few weeks, and 50 more a little later, along with some turkeys! Surprisingly, in only 8-10 weeks, these guys will be ready for the freezer. (These only get 4 to 6 pounds. Think Cornish Game Hens like you find in the store.)

So, just like the pigs, we are offering fresh, pastured, natural chickens (and turkeys!) to our friends and family. They are available on a first come-first served basis. If you're interested, email me!

We will be free-ranging these guys in our pasture. And of course, we will only be using organic, non-medicated hormone-free feed.

Be prepared to arrive late afternoon/early evening at our house with an ice chest (with ice) on butcher day. We're estimating butchering in early August, again in mid-August, and again in early October. For the turkeys, we're butchering on November 22nd (the Sunday before Thanksgiving.) We're expecting 13 white turkeys with an estimated weight of 20-30 lbs. They can be held in an ice bath just above freezing until Thanksgiving.

You would need to be prepared to package and freeze them at your house. Seems crazy but it is a state requirement. We will have them chilled to about 38 degrees in an ice bath, butchered, plucked, clean, and ready for transport. Because of the rising cost of feed, we are charging for the cost of raising them. We don’t yet know what that will be. We're not interested in making money, just in recovering our costs.

Interested? Lemme knoooooow!