Our Anniversary

Well, many of you may remember the post I wrote about our anniversary weekend last year (click here and here for those posts-there were 2 of them). I really didn't think we could afford the trip this year with the recession and all. In fact, I KNEW we couldn't. Hubby asked about it, and I told him how much it was and that there just was no way. AND that was okay, because not every anniversary can be stellar, right? I'm just fine with a candle-lit dinner at home. WELL, dh(dear hubby) went behind my back and sold some stock we had (that was about to drop anyway) and made just enough to surprise me with the weekend to the cabin in the woods. We SO love it there. It's peaceful and lovely and simply a haven. It was just what we needed, an escape from the stress of the faltering economy and the pressures of everyday life. We are simple people, and we love nature. To be out and surrounded by it, like you've left the world behind, is simply divine. It's really not an expensive trip as there is a kitchen in each cabin and they stock with fresh farm eggs and all the major condiments, bottled water, chips, and a box of chocolates to boot. We simply pack what food we need from our own kitchen and take it with us. It's about a couple sacks full and some items in the ice chest (they have all the dishes, pots, pans, utensils, you name it...plus all appliances including mini fridge/freezer). I could go there every year and be happy.

We stayed in a different cabin this year because the one we had last year was booked. It was just as nice and peaceful. If I could go live there, I would! The name of the place is Domestic Tranquility and that says it all. I don't think they could have come up with a better name. The family is one that homeschools and are a big part of Benton County 4-H (they are in the Homespun group). It's just amazing and I cannot recommend it highly enough!!!

So here are some pics....

Pine Wood Log Cabin
(that's Jason at the grill)

The 2 of us.
Well, that's the thing about being alone...there's no one to take pics of the both of you! LOL

I love the 'Happy Anniversary' sign!

The front door from the inside. This cabin had 3 (or 4?) stained glass windows that were absolutely breathtaking!

Door to the bathroom

The bathroom

The jacuzzi. Ahhhh.....LOVED IT!!!

The attention to detail given to these cabins leaves nothing to want for!!! It's so amazing the tender love and care that this family puts into every single minute detail. I admire them greatly.
My pictures can scarce do the place justice. Click on the link to their website where you can see more/better pics and get details about their place. They provide an amazing history for each cabin, how it was built, where the wood, etc., came from....simply wonderful!

Stay tuned for another post with pics of the things we saw and places we went. :0)

For the Coffee Lovers

Okay...so I have tons to post about, and yet haven't found the time. BUT, I wanted to throw this out there for all you coffee lovers, money saving people, or those who KNOW coffee lovers/drinkers..... ENJOY!

She's so pretty!

This is the daughter of some very dear friends of ours. She is, in fact, also a dear friend, although only 17. :) She was one of the homecoming maids for Gentry Homecoming this year and asked me to do her make-up. I was honored....and scared to death!!! LOL It all turned out okay...especially considering the fact that I didn't see her dress until later that afternoon AFTER I had done her make-up! ;0)

This is a sunrise I had taken a pic of and it just seemed to go with her dress! :)

Just had to get one more of Frodo in here. He slept like this on the back of the couch for quite some time...even after I took the pic. In a little while we heard a "cathunk" and looked over and he had fallen to the floor! He was okay...just a rude awakening I suppose! LOL

Frodo

Look at him go! He walks around like this without holding onto something with his front paws also, but it's hard for me to catch on camera. He always decides to just come play with the camera instead! LOL!

Okay...so I know you might not want to see pics of my dog. I know this blog is supposed to be about my family and what we are up to. Well....Frodo is family, now, too! Besides, I just couldn't help but post some pics of the cute lil buggar!

He sure does love apples!!! :)

Deals for Oct. 7 (sorry I'm behind on posts)

This was done in 3 separate purchases. It was a few weeks ago and I'm not even going to try to break it down into those purchases, because I would confuse not only myself, but all of you as well! LOL Purchase date was Oct. 7 and after rebates, RR, wags coupons, and manufacturer coupons, I was out of pocket....
$7.28

At WM, with many coupons thanks to moneysavingmom.com, the total for all of these products (listed below) came up to $33.21.
I paid $5.23.

Purina Dog Food $4.96
-$4/1 coupon=$0.96
Purina Cat Food $4.33
$4/1 coupon= $0.33
Ronzoni Smart Taste Macaroni,
Ronzoni Spaghetti 2/$3.00
I had 2 $1/1 coupons= $0.50 each
EZMac Cup on sale for $0.75/each
I had 2 $1/2 coupons making them $0.25/each
KY $2.64
coupon $3.00/1
overage of $0.36
4 pkg. diff. varieties of Valley Fresh Steamers, $1.23 each
4 $1/1 coupons, making them $0.23 each
Yeash $3.92
coupon for $0.40/1 making it $3.52 (I know, not a great deal, but I needed it)
Clean and Clear Facial Cleansing Pads $5.44
coupon $5/1, making it $0.44.
Kotex Liners $0.97/1
coupon $1/1
overage of $0.03

I'm learning, I'm learning....
Now...if I could just make all the meals out of this and this only! :)

Mr. Gimped Redneck

I just wanted to make note of the addition I made to my bloggy friends list. The publisher behind The Gimped Redneck is a good friend, and a very intelligent author. He has many different blogs, this is just my personal favorite. Feel free to pop on over there. He is politically minded and motivated at the moment, but not in some of the hateful accusatory ways you see in the media. He's not looking for a fight, just expressing opinions (that I share most of). It just makes for very interesting, often informing, reading. Just some FYI!!! :0) Enjoy!

Jerri

A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes.....

Ring a bell? Think Disney's Cinderella, LOL!

When one door closes, another opens....we use this to reassure ourselves time and again that all will right itself eventually.
Last week was a rough week with pets. I took in a kitten to help out a friend...a kitten that had been born, then deserted immediately by it's mother. I nursed it for 3 days....even wiping it's bottom with a wet paper towel to make it potty. (Did you know you HAVE to do that or it will die? EW!)
It passed on anyway after 3 days.
Then we lost our Blue Heeler, Zeke. We have come to the conclusion that he was run over. Why do people not stop??? It would be so much better if they told us when it happened...if they showed ANY sign of remorse. He lived through it, only to die the next day due to internal injuries.

And then.....
I haven't told many people this....it's too silly to even mention in casual conversation, but I've ALWAYS wanted a Maltese puppy. They are so cuddly and fun. AND THEY DON"T SHED!!! (good for those of us with allergies!) They are VERY intelligent and just an overall very good choice for a house/lap dog. One problem....they run from $500-$700. YIKES!!! I stopped pricing them about 5 years ago when it became apparent that I would never find one I could afford. I could never and would never pay that for a dog. (Well, who's to say what I WOULD or WOULD NOT do if I had that kind of money to just throw around....I may never know, LOL!)
God knows our hearts and our desires, though....even the silly ones. :0)
I get several daily digests in my email from different homeschooling groups that I belong to. On one there came a post about a Maltese puppy for sale. I immediately jumped on the post and saw that it said "make an offer" and so I did. I made a very meager offer of about 1/10 of what the dog was worth (I had a little birthday money)...but offered a loving home as well. I didn't get my hopes up, LOL. After sending the email, I noticed that there was a website mentioned where you could see pics of the pup, so I looked it up. When I saw the pics I looked and looked. Only when I looked again a little later did I see the side note that said something along the lines of "Price Reduced $400 OBO." ZOINKS! I was embarrassed that I had even sent my meager offer, sure that the owner/dealer would get a good laugh, though! I would never have sent it if I had seen the note first. I NEVER expected to hear back from these people. However, the next day (or day after that one, not sure) I received a phone call. The puppy was mine to come pick up. Say WHAT?! Yep....mine. I couldn't believe it and tried not to get my hopes up. We were on our way to see Fireproof and go out to dinner with our Sunday School class when I got the call, so I made arrangements to pick up the pup the next afternoon (Sunday). All the way there I was just hoping and praying this man would not suddenly change his mind and break my heart. When I got there, the family was SO nice. The man said that God works in mysterious ways. Yes, He most certainly does. My daughters have made comments this week on how great it is to see how much God loves us and cares about our needs...and our wants. Even the silly ones.

Meet Frodo...(at least I THINK that's what I'm naming him!)...
Or Grizzly? (because he THINKS he's a grizzly bear)

(Roo took this pic....she tried really hard! (o: )
Or Bouncer, because when he gets really excited he bounces more than runs.

Or Peedie (Scottish for small/little) He makes Snickers look like a giant! :0D

Or Rascal....self explanatory! Ha, ha, ha!

By the way, "Frodo" came from the movie, Lord of the Rings. For those of you who haven't seen the movie or read the books, Frodo is a hobbit, which is defined as a "smallish being with hairy feet." That fits this dog pretty well, LOL! The only problem is it sounds like "No, No!" and I don't want him to be confused. ???

Let me know what you think!

Thanks and have a great night!!!

P.S.
Frodo lays in my lap, sleeping mostly, or trying to "type" while I'm blogging...it's so cute! He says goodnight, too! :0)

The Ballerina Turns 13

Oh my! 13....I'm feeling old, now!

This is the gang that rang in the celebration of the ballerina's 13th birthday.
Let me explain, LOL!
She wanted to have an 80's theme party at Roller City (a skating rink). So....it's her birthday and that's what we did! The girls loved it. All but one dressed up (and I don't blame her!).
They had an absolute BLAST!

Junior tries to remember how to stand on these wheels...she never really did well...finally gave up and went in sock feet, LOL!

K skates her booty off ALL night!

Worn out, she collapses on the wall in front of where I'm taking pictures. She's so happy! :0)

I absolutely LOVE this pic! This SO could have been my own birthday. It was like walking back in time. I don't think I really miss the 80's, though...mismatched clothes, teased BIG hair....blue eye shadow galore....LOL!

Nope...they weren't even playing "Locomotion"....they just did it!

Believe it or not, these pics have a story behind them. When we arrived at the skating rink, the moment the girls stepped out of the van there were kids hanging out who yelled "Freaks!" So nasty! Funny thing was....THEY were wearing tutus, tiaras, and sucking flashing pacifiers. Who are THEY to call my 80's girls freaks?!!! By the way....the tutus are on BOYS! Boys with green hair and make-up like the band KISS. CRAZY! I grabbed this pic later on when we were inside. I was sitting taking pics of the girls skating by and just managed to turn and get these guys. Thought you could use a good laugh!!! :0)

13 Candles.....

Her cupcake cake is upside down in this pic....it was a big flower.
Ya know...it's not that bad.....yet. LOL 13, that is. I'm so proud of the young woman of God that she is becoming. She has a genuine passion for loving others and lifting them up. She's so kind (except to her sisters sometimes, LOL!). She's growing up, and while that is sad, I couldn't be happier about who she's becoming. I feel so blessed to be able to be part of this....to watch her blossom and bloom. Let's just hope this lasts after "Charlie" comes!!! ;0P

Latest Deals and Sad News

I had to go to town on Tuesday, so I stopped by Walgreens again with 2 Visine coupons for $2 off each in hand. I used those with the $2 off in the Easy Saver booklet and got them for free.

While I was waiting for my 2 older girls to be done at the orthodontist today I walked over to Target and picked up 2 trial size bottles of Tylenol, free after my $1/1 coupons. I also bought 3 boxes of Electrosol Gel Pacs. They are normally $3.69 (at Target) and I had 3 $2.25/1 coupons. That made them $1.44 each, which is extremely cheap when that is all I can use. We have CRAZY hard water around here.

Zeke, our blue heeler, died today. He was fine last night when I closed up the house to go to bed. This morning Roo, curious cat that she is, wondered why he hadn't come out from under the porch like he normally does to eat his "breakfast" if you will. She started freaking out, yelling "There are worms going in and out of his neck!" Yeah. Say what? So I went to check it out. He wouldn't move. BUT his chest was going up and down, so he was still breathing. I went and got DH out of bed and we checked him out. His eyes were dilated and we thought he was breathing his last. He still wouldn't get up. His front right leg appeared to be broken and he couldn't seem to maneuver his back side at all. I got him some water. He lapped it up like crazy, so there was hope, right? I watched him for a while. DH said there was no point in taking him to the vet. He would either get better throughout the day or he would pass. An hour later I went to check on him and he had moved!!! I was so excited! The kids were excited and hopeful. We gave him more water and he lapped that up. We had to leave for our appointments today, so we said a prayer. When we got home he had passed on. So heartbreaking. It seems no matter how many pets/animals we lose on the farm, each one hurts. Each are very missed.

So tonight, we say goodbye to Zeke. There just has to be an animal heaven for timid, loving dogs like him.

The Grocery Game Part II

Made a last minute run to Walgreen's yesterday to snag some of their expiring deals.
Fruictise Shampoo and Conditioners 3/$10.00
I bought 6=$20.00
6 $1/1 coupons=$14.00
$10.00 cash rebate= $4.00
total cost for me: $4.00

Colgate Toothpaste: $2.99
I bought 2
$2.00 off each with in-ad coupon= $1.98
I had 2 $0.75 off each coupons (couldn't find the $1.00 off each coupons that I thought I had)
total cost for me: $0.48 for 2 tubes of toothpaste

Visine: $3.99 each
I bought 3 (DH uses them a lot)
Easy Saver Coupon Book had $2.00 off each=$1.99 each
I had 3 $1.00 off each coupons= $0.99 each
total cost for me: $2.97 for 3 bottles.

Total ending cost before coupons and rebates: $37.95
Total cost after coupons and rebates: $7.45

I'm proud of my savings, but a little disappointed because if I would have had the correct coupons my total would have been $2.97. This is still a great deal, though, and will keep us stocked up on shampoo/conditioner, toothpaste, and visine for a while. (I have 3 girls with long hair...we go through the shampoo/conditioner around here! LOL)

Since I was in town we went ahead and stopped back by WM because I had printed off some online coupons for Johnson's products. I got 4 more Johnson's Bath Buddies Soaps for free plus overage (including discount) of $0.48. They bought me a candy bar. :0)
Now...off to look over the ads for this week....although this is not my grocery week, so it has to be freebies or nearly freebies. Have fun and good luck with your deals this week! Feel free to post in the comments any good deals you come across and want to share with the rest of us!

Bye, Bye Kitty

Well, the kitty didn't make it. At least we had 3 fun days of cuddling. I'm not sure why he didn't make it, other than nature itself. Like I mentioned in another post, sometimes you can do everything right and follow all the rules, but things don't go the way we think they "ought to." I found myself questioning everything I had done in the 72 hours we had him. Did I feed him too much? Did I medicate him too much? Did he get too hot with the heating pad (therefore literally cooking him)? The questions are as endless as the possible answers. In the end, to have some closure, I had to apologize to God and ask His forgiveness for not being a good replacement for this baby's mother. You know what I realized? God created each creature in it's kind to be cared for in a certain way. Sometimes those creatures go against God's design...they, like us, have a choice to ignore their natural instincts. I had done the best I could, but would never be the nurturer that this kitty needed or that God had created to take care of it.
This led to another thought process of, "How many times have I gone against God's natural plan for me?" Wow...hard to answer this side of heaven....scary to think of how high that number might actually be. I hope and pray and seek God's will each day, asking that He keep me in line, but how often has my knee-jerk reaction been to make a decision based on my feelings or what I know? Far too many, I'm afraid. I'm so thankful that He stays so close by my side.

I had a birthday recently and realized that wisdom really does come with age. Maybe not "worldly" wisdom, but definitely God-ly wisdom. This is not to imply that I am wise, but definitely wiser than I was 10 years ago. Wow...that person existed in reality? Hard to believe, looking back. I'm so glad and thankful that God has drawn me and continues to draw me ever closer to Him. May we all follow His natural design for our lives.

The Grocery Game

$$$$SAVINGS$$$$

This post is for those of you (us) who play the grocery game. I've been watching another blog or two do this for some time, but have never posted any of my "great finds" simply because I do 2 weeks worth of shopping at a time and it becomes difficult to know how much you are actually saving. I "ad match" a LOT of stuff, use tons of coupons (only for products I already use/need or if it makes it basically free), and receive the employee discount at our WM. (10% off non grocery items, produce, and "junk" food items (candy, gum, etc.---although I try not to buy this stuff).
The receipts don't show the price difference when you ad match, they only show what you are paying for it with the match. I do know that I spend roughly what most of my friends spend for 1 week, but I only spend it every 2 weeks. We also have a garden and that helps.
Anyway...this post is about my trip to a small local grocery store called Sav-Mart (not sure they are a national chain).
Here's the booty:1 gallon Whole Milk (the only milk my dh will drink): $2.99 gal
4lb bag of generic sugar: $1.97
3 1lb. 10.5 oz cans of Hunts Spaghetti Sauce: $0.88/each total: $2.64
5 Ramen Noodles: $0.10/ each total: $0.50
2 rolls Generic Paper Towels: $0.50/each total $1.00
2 pkg. Bar S Jumbo Franks, 1lb, $0.78/each total: $1.56
2 1lb. rolls Carolina Pride Pork Sausage: $0.78/each total: $1.60
5lb. Russet Potatoes: $1.69
4 packages boneless skinless chicken breasts @ $1.48/lb, various weights totaling 6.67lb for $9.88 (usually pay $7 for 2.5 lb. frozen store brand bag).
I don't know what the total savings were, exactly, but the total before tax was : $23.79

My next stop was a local bakery discount store of sorts- McKee Company Store (the make Little Debbies, Sunbelt items, etc.) I purchased a loaf of Ozark Hearth Wheatberry bread for $1.39, a package of 6 Whole Wheat Ozark Hearth Sub Rolls for $0.79, a box of Swiss Cake rolls for $0.50, a box of German Chocolate Cookies for $0.50, and a package of Spice Cakes for $0.50. My total was $4.07 before taxes.This was from my big trip to WM with some coupons and tips courtesy of moneysavingmom.com
3 Johnson's Buddie's Soaps normally $0.97/each, used $3.00 off 3 from coupon insert in 9/14 paper
1 package Kotex Pads normally $1.00, used $1 off any 1 Kotex product from moneysavingmom.com

Now...those of you who know that I've had a hysterectomy might wonder at the pads. I will remind you that I have 3 daughters, one of which is turning 13 on Friday (yikes!). :0)After the coupons and discount, WM paid ME $0.48 to take these items off their hands! Anytime, anytime....no problem! ;o)

Butterflies and Kitty Cats

Butterflies: God's most beautiful creation?

I've always thought so. God has been revealing Himself to me in new and wonderful, unexpected ways recently. Just noticing the beauty that surrounds me is one of them. I walked out on my porch and noticed these two amazingly beautiful creatures fluttering around my Cannes. After watching for a bit I called for the girls to come see. While we were watching them, they seemed to disappear for a moment, then reappear and fly right up in front of us so we could get a better look. It was an awe inspiring moment for us all and we all proclaimed how "cool" God is and thoughtful to bless us with just such an opportunity. Honestly, I've never seen butterflies this color. It was just too wonderful, so I , of course, had to go grab my camera and get some pics. Meet our blessings....

In my devotions this morning, my "assigned reading" was Psalm 37. It spoke to me, so close to my heart....reassuring to say the least. I was also reminded how God deals with each of us differently, but with no less love than another. The same passage of scripture can mean two completely different things to different people, yet minister to them each right where they are at that very moment. Yes, God IS amazing.

Now...kitty cats. This blessed little life was given to me to try to nurse to health. It's mother, for whatever reason, never had even the slightest instinct to care for it. Yet here he is....now just over 24 hours old. The girls named him Boots b/c right now he has white feet, a white belly and under his chin. I hope he makes it, but I'm also reminded that sometimes we can do everything right, follow all the "rules" for care, and still, it just might not thrive. I'm trying to prepare my girls for this, but they can't see past the excitement of it all just yet.

I needed to weigh him to see how much he was SUPPOSED to be eating....he was a little small for the bathroom scale, so I found the next best thing. :0) Please ignore the messy kitchen in the background.

He only weighs 2 ounces!!!

I never thought I would experience the feeling of such a helpless little thing being so entirely dependent on me for it's life again.

The girls are learning a lot through this experience as well. The butterflies are our nature science project for the week, too. I love homeschooling! ;o)

Have a great Friday all!

Sunshine and SONshine

Psalm 5:11
"But let all those that take refuge in thee rejoice,
Let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them:
Let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee."

Isn't it nice to start out with God's Holy Word? It's how I start my day, so why not start my blog with it? Hopefully it will be just what someone needed to hear (read) to make their day a little brighter and remind them that God is our refuge.

Anyway... I recently (before the fair) got to meet my newest niece...isn't she beautiful???

Jaslyn certainly is fond of her. She wasn't willing to give her up! LOL

This one really gets me. This is my baby, holding a baby. My baby will be 13 in 10 short days. Where did the years go? I remember when she looked so much like this little one...wasn't that just the other day???

And Roo, of course, who loves babies as well. I remember when I had Junior, she would rush right in from school, wash her hands, then climb up on the couch with the boppy and stretch out her arms. She would hold her for hours (or as long as I let her).

Hmmm. I didn't really want to post this pic b/c I don't look so great (and daughter took the pic), but I sure do love my little niece! :0)

This is niece #1...she does NOT stand still long enough to get a good pic. She doesn't like the camera, either. She turns away every time she sees it! LOL Lil' bugger! ;0)

I'm so glad that the last few days have produced much sunshine. My soul needed it. So did my family! We have enjoyed playing and reading outside every day. I love the changing of the seasons. When I was a child, I thought summer would forever be my favorite season because I love to swim. Now I don't know that I really have a favorite. I love spring when everything turns green and grows and blossoms, and I love summer for the gardens and water play and picnicking; I love fall for the beautiful autumn colors of the Ozarks and the welcome cooler temps after summer (except this year's summer was rather nice and mild). Winter. Well, I like to cuddle up by the fireplace with coffee or tea and a good book and I like to play in the snow. However, around here we have seemed to get just mostly cold temps the last few years....and ice...lots of ice. THAT I don't care for. Phooey on cold and ice. I don't like to be cold. I hope when I'm old that I can spend the winters either somewhere where it is TRULY winter with lots of snow, or on a beach in sunny Florida!!! LOL

So, what is your favorite season?

My Heart Condition

I posted recently about the family issues that have arisen. I found out this past week that my nephew was in ICU for a few days. His blood pressure dropped to 70/30. They are controlling it now with a drip, but also think he may have an infection in his heart. They can't do anything invasive right now b/c of his low white cell count.

"Under attack" doesn't begin to describe the status of my life right now. My dad was diagnosed with dementia July 3, a member of my husband's family was diagnosed with diabetes shortly thereafter. All of this with my "prodigal" mother began only a couple weeks ago (if that long). On my birthday some major drama entered my life....which has altered me forever. However, I know that the Lord has it in His hands. I've been reminded of Job in my prayer and weeping over these issues, but am thankful that my immediate family (dh and children) are all well. I am praying a wall of protection around them. Satan must be really scared. I was praying with another and going to make it a regular thing to meet and pray, but Satan attacked that, too.
My mom (step-mom, but mom for all intensive purposes) has injured her back to the point of spending 4 hours in the E.R. yesterday (Saturday).
No matter what, on Christ the SOLID Rock I stand!!! Amazingly, I have an inner peace that shocks even myself. In the midst of the storm, much like the hurricane many have experienced, there is a calm, strong, central Force....Christ our Savior and Lord. Without Him and His grace, I would be lost....I'm scared of where I would be without His loving and tender arms that have held me these past few days and weeks.

There are a couple of songs that the Lord has used to speak to me and soothe my aching heart. He has placed numerous scriptures on my heart reminding me that He's there, He cares, and He is still in control.

2 Tim 1: 7 "He has not given us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, a spirit of love, and soundness of mind."

John 16:33 "I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have oppression, but cheer up! I have overcome the world."

There's a song by Superchick, called "Crawl (Carry Me Through)" and I tried to find it to add to my playlist, but I guess it's not been made available. It is where my heart is at right now, so I thought I would share some of the lyrics....

"How long will this take? How much can I go through?
My heart, my soul aches, I don't know what to do.
I bend but don't break, and somehow I'll get through
'cause I have You....

And if I had to crawl, well You'd crawl too.
I stumble and I fall. Carry me through.
The wonder of it all is You see me through.

Oh, Lord, where are You? Do not forget me here.
I cry in silence. Can you not see my tears?
When all have left me and hope has disappeared
You find me here....

And when I have to crawl, well You crawl too
I stumble and I fall, carry me through.
The wonder of it all is You see me through.

When everything I was is lost, I have forgot but you have not
When I am lost, You have not lost me.
When everything I was is lost, I have forgot but you have not
When I am lost, You have not lost me
You have not lost me.

And if I had to crawl, well You'd crawl, too.
I stumble and I fall, carry me through.
The wonder of it all is You see me through....."

It's beautiful. For those of you with high speed, I found a piece of the song on youtube...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwq7FjMu4AA

Anyway...when I feel I'm being shredded to bits by the gnashing teeth of vicious wolves, I remember that God my Father and Friend is right beside me, and He knows the truth, and will make it known....in His time. Meanwhile, He rocks me and holds me and "sees me through".....

Job 3:24 "In place of my food I have grief, and cries of sorrow come from me like water..."

Psalm 59:16 "But I will make songs of your power, yes I will give cries of joy for your mercy in the morning; because you have been my strength and my high tower in the day of my trouble."

I have uploaded another song to my playlist called "Irene" by Toby Mac. There are many parts of it that have spoken to me in recent days as well.

"...you've got to reach up to touch rock bottom,
the powers that be keep you down trodden
daughter of Zion, I heard your prayer
just cast your cares and please beware of snakes,
they come in all shapes and sizes
tempt you, put scales on your eyelids
don't waste your sorrows, they give you strength tomorrow
Recovery's about to come soon
Keep your head up, don't you ever let up
The storm will pass; you'll be ready for the next one

Hey little girl with the pressures of the world on your shoulders,
don't say that it's over
I heard your prayers
just cast your cares and I'll be there
so don't you fear.....

....rest in Me and I'll give you strength...

....everything's gonna be alright......"


I feel the Lord drawing me close to Him and I know that He is growing me. I see now that I had become too dependent on "man" and was not taking my everyday troubles, issues, and thoughts to Him as I once did. I'm so glad that He has removed the scales from my eyelids that I may see and correct this. I never want to neglect my Lord. I'm trying to stay focused on the fact that He allows these trials as growing experiences and that He loves me. I know that He weeps when I weep, and he feels my pain.

Psalm 34:18 "The Lord is near to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."

Yes....He is and He does.....

I'm clinging to Him and I'll not ever let go. I hope and I pray that I'll never take my eyes off Him again, not for a second!

Benton County Fair 2008

Well, the fair came, we conquered, and now we are just plain pooped!

Junior and Roo did so well, and we are very proud of them!!!

Junior shows her goat who's boss!

Roo has always had "the touch" when it comes to animals. They are drawn to her like a horse to water.

Roo took 2nd in her weight category.

It was a VERY exciting week, albeit an exhausting one. The girls all entered many crafts and won several first place ribbons. These pics aren't very good, something about the lighting in that livestock building I guess....

Thanks to all who supported the girls by coming and visiting the shows and exhibits!!!