Early Christmas present...

Yesterday afternoon my sister, LeAnn and I drove half way to Tulsa to take her girls to meet Libby, Cari, and Calloway so they could spend the night and then go Christmas shopping today, and we'll go back later today and meet them again. No big deal right, yea well, once everyone gets there, Cari and Libby get out, come over to me (mind you it is 19 degrees and the wind blowing from the north pole), my window is down, and Libby starts in with this story of how she is having a hard time getting one of my Christmas presents wrapped. I'm thinking just put it in a bag and let it be, no big deal. SO I tell her this, and she's like, "well it's not that easy, and about that time up over the door pops this little head! She and Wyatt decided I needed this little 2 pound teacup chihuahua puppy. She is so cute, I fell in love at first sight. Well needless to say it was all crazy after that. What we thought was just a routine trip to meet, drop off kids, and leave, was definitely not routine! So I planned to continue driving and let LeAnn hold the puppy, but she thought it would be best for her to drive and me start "bonding" with my new baby. Now before I continue, you have to understand that Susan, the baby sister is tall like me, but LeAnn is "petite". The girls are loaded up and ready to leave, waiting to figure out what we are doing, and then when I get out, go around, and LeAnn gets in the driver's side they realize some of what is going on, then the funny part, remember I am all legs 36", and so LeAnn is trying to find the pedals, well they were probable 12" in front of her, so she made this comment to the effect of them being in another state or something and we busted up laughing, the girls are wondering what is so funny, and as they see her scoot her seat forward they realize and we all have a good laugh. So finally she gets adjusted and we head home. Well except for one minor detail, Libby forgot the puppy's food, and the way we were going home didn't have a PetSmart store anywhere around. So another glitch in the traveling plans, we have to come back to Fayetteville so we can get puppy food. I drop her off and get home just in time for a bathroom break and a snack and I'm out the door to church. LeAnn decided on the way home that only in this family do simple plans turn crazy! LeAnn later informed my girls that there were to be no more 4 legged critters to be aboard in today's travels. I do have to say it made for an entertaining afternoon and when I got home Jim came out to help unload the Honda, well he got a "little" surprise! But I think he likes her, regardless of what he might say. So I want to introduce you to Sassy Ann Sargent. Not the best picture, but maybe more later.

Almost ready for Christmas

It seems like the past few weeks have been so hectic and I still haven't got everything done. I am so excited about Christmas this year. I know Calloway will probably not really get into it until next year, but I had to give it my best shot. I have really enjoyed decorating the house this year, although it has taken longer than normal since my health doesn't cooperate as well. You may not know it, but I am just a big kid at heart. I don't believe in Santa Clause (unless you agree it is Jesus Christ), but I definitely believe in the Spirit of giving and cheer that comes with it. My only sadness about the holiday is that everyone on earth doesn't have Jesus in their hearts, enough clothes to keep them warm, food in their belly's, a nice warm place to sleep, and family to share it with. I am truly blessed beyond measure. The only thing I want for Christmas this year is to be together with my kids (I know they are grown, but they will always be my kids), all 4 of them, 2 by birth, 2 by marriage, and then the GRAND one! Boy, has shopping this year brought back memories. Trying to limit myself in buying for Calloway, well that's almost impossible when you are at the store and things just keep jumping in the buggy, or falling of the racks onto my arm!!! I don't know if anyone else has this problem, please tell me I am not the only one. I love to give and would be just as poor if I "were" a millionaire. Win the lottery, sure, then I could buy for more kids. It is at these times when I feel guilty for some of my blessings, when I see others so in need. I am so thankful that God has given me a sensitive heart and a gift of mercy. I know some of you bloggers made a "thanksgiving" list last month, they were great, and you could see the thought that went into them. It is at this time of year when I think of all of the gifts God has given to us, and so many of them undeserving. That's why He is God. How often do we thank him for sight, hearing, feeling, breathing on our own, walking, talking (yep that's me), being able to go somewhere alone and not be afraid, having someone with skin on who truly loves us, just to name a few. So many of these we take for granted, and there are people out there who live daily lacking in one or more of these areas. I think of a comment Becke made on her blog about her sister, (Kiley passed away earlier this year and was an organ donor, she gave the gift of sight to someone) Becke said, "I wonder if they see Jesus the way you did?", what an awesome testimony and legacy to leave behind for others. Next to loving unconditionally, I think our legacy is one of the most important things that is a work in progress, and one we should never forget. My prayer and wish for you this CHRISTmust season is many happy moments, much love, joy running over, and the peace that passes all understanding. God bless you and Merry Christmas and a Joyous New Year!
(The last 2 pictures are: my big Christmon tree-decorated with little banners with the names of Jesus on them, and Calloway's Christmas bedding.)

Life in the Fast Lane...

I don't know if the clocks are ticking faster or if I am missing out on some fun-you know they say time flies when you are having fun, anyway time is going somewhere. I can't believe Thanksgiving is less than a week away and Christmas just around the corner. No matter the day, it seems that mine stay way too busy. I feel many days that I am on a roller coaster and can't get off. It's already Saturday night and this time last week we had just gotten home from visiting Cari, Mark, and Calloway. Notice Cari's name is first on the list, well there is a funny story behind that (I'll try to keep as short as I can), so bear with me as I share. After we were there in October I looked at the calendar and realized it would be 11 weeks before they would be home for Christmas (they are going to Alabama for Thanksgiving), and so upon mentioning this to Jim, he said "well we might have to figure out a weekend when we can run back down there." Of course we all know why.... to see Calloway! Anyway, so I talk to Cari and she said whenever, just let her know. So I mention the 15th, Jim says, "Oh, I think I'm on duty (at work) that week, what about the 8th?" I said well, that's only 4 weeks, and then it would be 7 before we got to see Calloway, she might be walking by then. I asked if he could trade weekends, he didn't know. In the meantime I had asked Cari, and she said the 15th was fine. So, a few days later I am on the phone with her, find out they have a choir retreat that morning, but we could babysit if we want to---da!!!, anyway so I tell her about duty, etc., and Jim walks over and says, "Oh, I've already traded duty weeks and I'm going to take off at noon so it won't be so late when we get down there." That way "I" could see "Cari" more, since she would be gone Saturday morning!! Yea, right! I'm not completely crazy! Then a few days later he asks me what time I wanted to leave, would 10 am be ok? I'm confused, how can he take off work at noon and us leave at 10? I said, "I thought you were taking off at noon", well, he decided he could take off ALL day, go deer hunting early and then us leave by 10, so we could be to Cari's about the time "she" got home from school! I said sounds good to me. Well as anyone should be able to see, it wasn't so much that we needed to get down there that early for "me to spend more time with Cari", but for you know who to see Calloway more! He just thinks he's got people fooled. But, truly I am so glad she has him wrapped around her "hand", they are so cute together. I think he now realizes how fast they grow up and he doesn't want to miss it so much. He was always busy when our girls grew up, and didn't have a lot of extra time to spend with them. He was a good dad, and he's making a great Poppy! They say grandkids changes things and she has him. I can't believe she's almost a year old. I guess that's Life in the Fast Lane...

Fall and Hunting Season

Fall time to most people means pumpkins, leaves changing colors, and cooler weather. Around here, these still hold true, but to some, one even greater-that's DEER hunting! My husband loves to hunt, he just doesn't have much spare time to be able to hunt. With living on the farm we get to see deer all year round. I can't tell you how many we have out here, they are all over the place, but it seems when hunting season starts they all are the best at playing hide-n-go-seek. It is really enjoyable in the spring when I ride with Jim to check on the cows and we get to see the little fawns running and playing. And then to be able to look out the kitchen window or on the front lawn and see them eating and playing is a real joy as well. They are so beautiful and full of energy. Well I write all of this to say Jim has been blessed this morning with an 8 point buck. He was so excited when he came to the house, although he said the "big" one got away. Apparently he shot this one and killed it and not 30 seconds later he could see a bigger one in the woods and shot twice but missed because it was moving. But he is thankful he got this one. Now we can have fresh deer meat to eat. I know what the kids will want when they come home at Thanksgiving! I will try to post a couple of pictures. Have a fabulous fall!

Trip to Texas, to see our girl...

Jim and I left Thursday afternoon and drove(We made it in less than 6 hours-I think Poppy wanted to see his girl more than he would tell!)to Fort Worth to see Cari, Mark, and Calloway. Actually it was more to see Calloway than anything. Even though Cari thinks we came so I could help her with a garage sale and Poppy (Jim) could babysit. On Friday we sat up for the sale, and then just hung out. We went out to dinner at Logan's before Mark had to sing at a recital. So we got to spend the evening with the girls! Saturday we started early, I think before most folks were out of bed, with the sale. We weren't very busy, but did manage to get rid of some stuff and make a little extra money. Poppy had a great time babysitting, playing with Calloway and taking her for walks to look for birds. She is so cute, crawling and trying to talk. Sad thing is she is growing up too fast and is just tooooooo far away. It is so much fun watching her learn new things and how important the simple things really are to us. Saturday night Mark and Cari had tickets to go see a Gymnastics meet in Dallas, so Poppy and I got to babysit. Yippee!!! Poppy let me have her most of the time since he'd had her on Friday and most of Saturday. Although Saturday morning for some reason I got to change the bad poopy diaper! That's alright, this ole gal aint forgot how and didn't mind one bit. I love my girl. The only problem is the weekend was too short, or either someone ran the clocks (and sun) around too fast. But in all, I am thankful I was able to make the trip and we had a good time. Gotta love the family when ya can! The pictures below are: The first two are after Calloway had been crawling around in the garage and got her legs dirty, Cari was washing them off in the sink and she would squeal, she loved it! Next, she got my cell phone and thought she had done something big. Then me giving her some snack crackers, and lastly her and Poppy.

Dear friend, gone home...

It seems time is slipping by ever so fast these days. One week ago today a dear friend, Linda unexpectedly went home to be with the Lord at the young age of 55. She was such a unique person, always wearing a smile and could make you laugh at the simplest of things. She was a carefree spirit. I met her in December of 1996 (when we lived in Owasso, Ok.) at McDonald's during their 101 Dalmation Toy Campaign. The girls and I were determined to get all 101,(without eating that many Happy Meals) and we did, with Linda's help! We got a rough start because she wouldn't trade a dog with me, little did I know this trading thing was a big deal! You made sure you got the better end of the trade, boy did I learn fast. She was my partner in crime when it came to collecting Happy Meal Toys. Just ask my girls. That was the beginning of my nearly 8 years of toy collecting. At one time I had over 2500 toys. We even did toy shows together, some of the funnest times in my life. I still have most of my toys, they are in bins in the garage (along with beanie babies, yes I know). I hope someday to be able to display them. I didn't collect from just McDonald's, no, I got them from everywhere, I even have all the Taco Bell talking chiwhaha dogs. I am still just a big kid at heart and I aint never gonna grow up!

Linda was the type of person who would give you the shirt off her back, and never ask for anything in return. She loved animals and fishing. Loved being outdoors and could do trim work on building a house as good as her husband, Larry. You hand her a nail gun and she was ready to go. I am ashamed to admit it has been years since I've seen her. Many times when I would go to Tulsa, I would think of calling her, but she had moved and lived an hour away and seldom did I have enough time to go visit, maybe I should say (sadly) that I didn't make time. I talked to her some, but one of those friendships, too long taken for granted.

Even though I didn't keep in touch very well over recent years, I am blessed to be able to say that I was able to lead her to the Lord about 11 years ago when we lived in Owasso, OK. She started coming to Rejoice FWB and Larry would come with her sometimes. I was there for her when her brother was murdered. She wasn't the smartest cookie in the jar, but I will tell you this, she never stopped investigating his murder until SHE found the weapon and who did it! Sad thing was, the town where it happened had a big drug ring and the local authories were involved, so they shut her down real quick. It was hard trying to get her to trust God and wait for Him to pass judgement. Her life had been threatened and yet she never wavered. So strong, and yet some stupid infection got the best of her. Life just doesn't seem fair sometimes. I drove to Oklahoma Monday, then on to the funeral home to see her. As I stood there, regret flooded over me for not calling her two weeks ago while I was dogsitting for Libby and Wyatt. I had time then, before the wedding I had thought about trying to connect with her, but for some reason she never came to mind. Jim said I probably wouldn't have been able to go see her anyway, since my immune system is so low. But right now, in my heart that doesn't help any! This has been such a year of grief and loss, but I keep telling myself I WILL see them all heaven again one day. That's the hope I have for now, and I can only imagine what close family members are going through. My prayers have been going up for 11 families so far this year. That's just the people I know, and Praise God everyone of them were Christians!!!

I'm sorry to end so gloomy, but I guess the one thing that I have been reminded of too many times lately is never take things-time and people for granted. You may never see them alive again. Love like you never have loved and don't be too stubborn to say you are sorry. Grudges and anger have no time or place here, or at least they shouldn't. Take care my precious friends, and know that even if you don't hear from me often you are in my thought and prayers.

Explanation of pictures below...I'm still learnin'

Please be patient with me, I'm still trying to figure this whole blogging thing out.
Below are a few pictures from the wedding. I am having a hard time controlling myself because I have so many I want to post, but I am trying to be a good momma and let the bride display them. Although she doesn't have a blog, she may have to get with the program.

List of pictures: All the granddaughters and great granddaughters on my side-Sophia, Brianna, Libby, Lauren (Brianna's little sister), Calloway, and Cari. My side of the family. The three of us. Poppy and Calloway (you see who has her!). Me and my lovely girls. Cari and Libby, what a blessing they are. And last but not least (even if she is sideways)-our precious Calloway, isn't she cute...(I made her dress).

Some wedding pictures

Memories-from salon to studio...

These pictures are from when Libby and I were rearended two weeks before the wedding. The first one is the nice gentleman who couldn't stop and the second one is the police officer who came. My pastor is always telling us to find something positive about whatever happens. So we got proof for this memory! lol!

Finally, time for a break, the wedding is over!

I know most of you connected to my blog know that I have been very busy with getting things ready for the wedding. Life has really been a roller coaster lately. Today has been the first day I've had a blank spot on my calendar in months! The wedding turned out great and the bride was beautiful, if I do say so myself. Of course many folks say she gets her good looks from her mother! lol! The bridesmaids looked very stunning in their dresses and the groomsmen looked very sharp in their tuxes with hot pink vests and ties-I know they all loved that color! And Julie and Austin the flower girl and ring bearer were adorable. The wedding was very nice and formal, then the reception was fun and different. As far as I know it was all Libby wanted it to be, except some people weren't able to make the drive, or schedule conflicts, and she missed them not being there. There should be some more wedding pictures available after I get home on Saturday. I will try to upload some to facebook on Sunday. Hopefully the official photographer will have his online by the end of next week.

Even with all the pain caused from the accident 2 weeks before the wedding, I had so much fun sewing on Julie and Calloway's dresses and making all the airplane stuff for the wedding. This is like me in my element. Who knows what I would have come up with if I would have had a little more time and felt better. With getting to stay in the area this week I have gotten to see people at church and then with some visiting, that came to the wedding and it is fun to hear their thoughts on all the fun extras we did. Like the ice airplane floating in the punch. My mom and I made the mints in shapes of shoes, airplanes and polka dots, and the "Thank you" favors of chocolate and peanut butter airplanes for everyone to enjoy. Then as Libby and Wyatt were leaving they were bombarded with an array of small foam jet airplanes flying from all directions and altitudes!!! One even landed in her hair, thanks to pilot-Cari Burnett. Even the adults were getting into the airplane throwing... It was so much fun seeing everyone enjoy themselves and being kids again. Truly a time to remember. I will try to get some pictures of these things uploaded when I get home.

Libby and I have some great friends (and family) who helped with decorating and stayed to help clean up. We were out of the church by 9:30. Weddings are a lot of work (and money$$$), but when I get all done, I'm really a little sad because its over! Sounds crazy doesn't it? No more weddings for me, but that's okay. I am very happy for both my girls, I believe they have found their soul-mates and I trust God to richly bless their lives. I pray their love grows deeper and stronger with each passing day and that God is always the center of all they plan to do.

Oh, Oh, detail, can't forget this one-I ALWAYS cry at weddings, well normally-----anyway, don't ask me why, I have no clue. I made it through Cari's without crying, but honestly didn't know if I would with Libby's, cause she's my baby, the last one you know, some of you know, well no you probably don't because most all you bloggers out there have small children and the only thing you cry over is spilt milk....not really, oh, where was I, sorry, sidetracked, anyway, I almost teared up when she started down the aisle, then I said self, you can't do that and I made it without crying!!!!!!!!!! I am so proud of myself. Now that doesn't mean that at the next one I won't shed a tear, because I probably will. But my goal was to not cry and I made it.

If you are reading this, thanks for sharing your hearts with us and for all the encouragement you bring to me. I may not have time to always make a post, but sometimes I do take a few minutes to read yours to lift my spirits or brighten my day, so for that I say thank you blogging friends.

A long month, but still here...

The last month has been so crazy, I have been sick two of those weeks, gone to Tulsa to work on wedding stuff one week and gone to Ft. Worth to see Calloway (Cari and Mark too)! There have been days when I have felt like reading your blogs, but not posting. I thank God for blogging friends who love posting. You have been such an encouragement to me these past few weeks. Some of your words made me laugh and some made me cry, either way they have been medicine to my soul. The spiritual thoughts you share are truly an inspiration to me. I know some of you are going through very hard times and to see you smile through your words, gives me hope and joy to keep prodding forward when I don't feel strong enough on my own. These past few months my health and weight loss (28 lbs. in all) have been such a struggle for me. I know God is in control and He knows all things, but at times that still doesn't keep me from wondering what on earth is He doing? I am trusting God for X # of pounds before the wedding, and the first week I gained 2 and the next week lost one... but it IS coming!!! I know you are probably thinking who in their right mind asks God to help them gain weight, well this little skinny woman in the boonies of Northwest Arkansas does. When I gain it all back there will be a testimony and I am already excited when thinking about sharing it. God is such a miracle working God! So many times we ask for something and then miss it because we are either too busy, or we watch with "our" vision and don't see it. God promises us that he wants to pour out blessings from heaven. How many have we missed? It makes me sad to think of all I could have had if only I would have done.....whatever..... I am so thankful for His mercy and grace! I am blessed to be His child and to know he loves me unconditionally. And to think that those of you that I know who are reading this are my sisters in the Lord just thrills my soul. I was an only child until I was almost 14, and I remember being so lonely and wanting someone to play with, or talk to sometimes. And now God has blessed me with email friends, facebook friends, and blogger friends, WOW! I know we may never speak face to face, or on the phone, but being able to connect with you through this wonder called cyberspace is so great! Reading about you, seeing pictures of events in your life, sending and getting prayer requests-what an honor to be able to pray for someone, these are things I feel that are truly gifts. You never know how your life affects someone. Just remember that you are so appreciated and loved. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart for being there. God bless you!

4F's-Family, Fourth, Freedom, & Fireworks!

Family-As I think back to the memories of so many years of celebrating this holiday, I am reminded of how time flies. The first 15 years or so of the girls lives we lived out of town and would normally come home to see family on the 4th. Now that the girls are grown, live out of state, and we live by the family, things just don't seem "normal". It was a big adjustment on holidays and vacation times after we moved back home. It seemed at Thanksgiving and Christmas especially that something was missing. The girls and I decided it was the getting ready-planning, packing, and traveling that always went into making those holidays what they were for us. We weren't use to being able to sleep in our beds, in our house on Christmas Eve, and waking up to see what special things we might find. We truly didn't know what it was like to NOT be at Grandma's house during the main holidays. Our families never seemed to understand how hard it was at times with the girls growing up that we wanted to have those special times at OUR house. In some ways I feel like I have let my girls down by not having our own little family traditions at our house for the holidays. No legacy of those memories to leave behind. But in all of that I knew then that we needed to visit our family as much as possible so the girls would know their grandparents and vise versa. So I guess in some way maybe there is a legacy, one of making family a priority. So many don't seem to do that today! I believe Romans 8:28 with all my being-"I know that ALL things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purposes." As I stated in an earlier post it made our family who we are today. It taught my girls what it was to travel (plan ahead for bathroom stops!), how to pack, how important family is, and what it really means to miss someone. My sisters are 14 and 15 1/2 years younger than I am, and after I married and moved away I missed them terribly. They were like my first children (God allowed them in my life to prepare me to be a mother in a strange town with no family) and missing seeing them grow up was hard. I wanted to be there for them like a big sister is suppose to be. I am so thankful that we all live close to each other now and can share our lives as often as we want. It still isn't the same without the girls home, but I am thankful and glad for them that they are doing what they want and are happy. As I get older and in recent months have lost so many loved ones, it reaffirms how important it is to spend as much time with those you love as you can. I love my family so much and am so blessed to have them.

Fourth-It always reminds me of red, white, and blue, (Blue use to be my favorite color, now it's pink, and red comes in second.) the flag-and what it represents to our country. How thankful I am that I live in the United States of America. In our world today I wonder where we are headed, but I still wouldn't want to live anywhere else.

Freedom-WOW! So much I could say here. Do we even come close to understanding the value of that word? Probably not, unless we have actually fought for it and risked our lives. I believe that next to salvation through Jesus Christ, the next greatest thing is freedom. And we take it so for granted. What do you think of when you hear that word? Free from jail, free to do as you please, free to worship anytime, anywhere we want, or do we just blow it off? I think America is fastly becoming a non-freedom country. If we Christians don't start taking a stand, praying more earnestly, growing in Christ, etc., we will not be free much longer. I think of all the aborted babies-where was their freedom, what about those murdered-their's was taken away,and if we don't prepare ours will be too. I don't mean to bring gloom on this holiday, I just think we need to be more appreciative of what we have and also plan better for the future.

Fireworks-I think of bright, colored, bursting balls of something erupting in the nighttime sky. Some so noisy it makes me plug my ears and they are still too loud (maybe that's a sign of getting older). I remember as a child my favorite thing was a sparkler, of course that's the only thing I was allowed to even get close to. We lived on a little country road, my grand parents lived right across from us and their front yard was edged with this green hedge. I remember my dad, uncle, and cousins having bottle rocket wars across the road and hiding behind the hedge. Everyone would bring their fireworks, sort them out for show and then the fire would fly! It was so much fun! We would end the night with homemade ice cream-my favorite! Oh, how at times I wish we could go back to those times, but I know it just wouldn't be the same. So now I may sit on my front deck and see what I can see of the neighbors show. But I still don't miss the noise!

I hope you all have had a wonderful day whatever it is that you've done. And may each of your coming days be filled with family, fun, and "fireworks"!

Life on the farm...Jim is finally getting to put up hay!

Most of you know that we live on a farm. I don't think Jim ever thought he would actually get me to move to the farm, I like city life. There is 460 acres in all, (if you could see it from the air it would resemble the shape of a U), some pasture land, some woods, and then of course you have to have the hayfields to provide feed for the cows in the winter, oh, and I can't forget we have four homes on the property as well. His parents live on the original part (280 acres) in a rock house that is over 100 years old, and his nephew, Johnny (he's on the orange tractor/new rake) lives up the hill behind them in a mobile home. We live in a large double wide (use to be Tom & Debria's) on a little hill amidst many trees on what was Jim's Grandpa Sargent's place (180 acres), that he and his brothers bought 25 years ago. Tom, Jim's brother and his wife Debria, live (well actually they live in Camden now), but when they come home they have a double wide down by the road.

Life is never dull living on the farm. During the winter Jim comes home, changes clothes and heads out on the big tractor with 2 big haybales to feed the cows. Depending on where the cows are he may have to make another trip to feed the rest. Baby calves start arriving some time around the first of March, (or so that's the plan). This is fun to see the little things stand on their wobbly legs for the first time and then run and play. It's not so fun when they have a hard time being born, or it's too cold for the newborns and we have to bring them to the house. I think I had 6 different ones this spring to care for overnight-believe me, babies are easier and a lot lighter, the bottles are not as big either!!! I think my girls couldn't believe their daddy actually talked me into having a bovine nursery. Jim's mom normally does it, but she was sick alot this spring. I have some pictures, I may have to share one . We only lost one of our BICU patients-he went through too long of a labor and we never could get him to eat, better off that he didn't suffer. I had names for all of them, and I just can't figure out why Jim hasn't kept up with them for me, after all he only has around 100 calves! Then in the spring there is always the vaccinating, tagging, dehorning, worming, notching babies ears(our personal marking), etc. If I am able to help I get the easy job, doing the paperwork. The last order of the day is separating out the ones with babies and putting them over the hill to their pasture, and keeping the others on this side so we can watch them. Needless to say at the end of the day, by looking and smelling, there is no doubt where we all have been. Then hopefully some time in May or the first of June (it's very late this year-so much rain) it's time to put up hay. This year the guys got a new rake. Debria and I tease the guys about them buying a new toy-after all we know that the only difference between men and boys is the size and price of their toys! We have to keep an eye on them or they try to buy a new toy every year. They like to get an early cutting of hay and another one around August, so that we have enough for the winter. It takes around 500 bales to make it through a long winter. Then there's always brushhogging the weeds in the pastureland, working on fence, chasing cows when they get out-no, they don't always mind! And to think they do all of this as a hobby and a pasttime!!!!! Go figure-it seems like work to me, but I am so thankful that Jim has something he loves doing at the end of the day when his job is so stressful. And retirement will be down on the farm in the boondocks as my friend Paula says! I hope this hasn't been too boring for you, but I am always telling about me and felt it only fair to share some of Jim's love of life as well. The part of the farm that we live on was homesteaded by some long ago ancestor of his, so it has much meaning to us. And note for you history people, the original house his dad grew up in was used as a hospital during the Civil War-I think?!

29th Anniversary Celebration-I think!

Another anniversary! We wanted to go out to eat to celebrate, but choosing a restaurant was a little difficult. Jim and I have started a new health regiment, in hopes of feeling better and living healthier and longer,(why should the kids get all the inheritance) so our diet is very limited. We chose Ruby Tuesday's (I would meet him there after work-how romantic) knowing we could eat grilled steak, steamed broccoli, and some of the mashed potatoes. It was really good. You know you've been married a while when you each sit on your own side of the "2 person bench", although Jim did come over to my side for a picture. So after dinner we went to Wal-Mart and got me some gas, he stayed to have 2 new tires put on his car. It took longer than expected, so he got home after 9. I watched the Bachelorette! Now does that sound like a night of celebration or what?!? Boy, how time seems to fly as you get older. I remember our wedding day, it started out a little rainy, but quit thank goodness, as we had to get the cake (made by my aunt, not some fancy bakery) to the church. I was scared to death(to this day I don't know why)! We looked so fine...me in my wedding dress I ordered from J C Penney's for $80, (from money I got for my birthday), a veil I borrowed from my cousin-something borrowed, and Jim in his light blue suit and platform shoes!!! I'm sure you can picture it! I'll spare you the majority of the details. We got married at 2 in the afternoon, then we drove to Rogers (seemed like to California back then, well it's not been that many years,) and ate supper at the Hi-De-Ho, now doesn't that sound inviting? It was quite the greasy spoon! Then we spent the night at the Holiday Inn! We didn't know about places like Cancun, The Bahamas, etc., not that we could have afforded it anyway! The next morning we ate an early lunch at Western Sizzlin', Jim calls it Skinny Moo Cow, then we went by the hospital to see his Grandpa, then on to my parents. Now that's what you call a HONEYMOON, 29 years ago at least!

My how time changes things, the world seems in such a rush these days, and where are they going in such a hurry? And simple-do people even know what that word means anymore? I am glad for most of life's luxury's but wonder if we haven't lost something in return. As we are in the middle of planning Libby and Wyatt's wedding, I think of how things are so different, and how it seems the world has made weddings into a competition of sorts. As Libby and I have been shopping for the dress, etc., I notice people being concerned more about what everyone else is going to think instead of what they want this day to be for them. I am so thankful that both of my girl's have and are planning for what "THEY" want for themselves, so people can see who they are, after all isn't it suppose to be all about the Bride and Groom! This is their day and I want it to be more than they've ever dreamed. So if your not busy on September 6th around 7 pm, drive on over to Owasso, OK and join us.

I am so thankful for a man who loves me unconditionally and has stood by me through some very hard times. He truly knows all about the "in sickness and in health" and has never wavered. God has truly blessed me and for a woman who is never at a loss for words, there is not enough space or time on this blog to tell you how wonderful he is. I pray for many more years together, and for my girls many years of joy and blessings as well.

Something new for year 30!

With all the bloggers out there, I decided today, our 29th Wedding Anniversary was a good day for me to start. It doesn't seem like it's been that long, but when you try to think back to all the places you've lived, been, and all the things you've done, it actually seems much longer. And to realize that our love has stood the test of time and trials for all these years, reminds me of a greater love that we get from our Heavenly Father. For without Him I know we would not be where we are today. I Praise Him for his goodness, and for all He has brought us through. He has blessed us with a beautiful family and a church where we are loved and can worship and serve him with freedom.

Our little country church means so much to me. Partly because it is where Jim and I met 32 years ago on the "back pew." Me on one end and he on the other. My dad was the Pastor at the time and his dad was a deacon (you know what they say about the preacher and deacons kids!!), well anyway, it didn't take long until the gap in the pew became no gap at all. And now look where we are, 29 years later, we have 2 beautiful, smart, talented, lovely daughters, Cari and Libby, one son-in-love, Mark ,one future son-in-love, Wyatt, and one precious granddaughter, Calloway. We have lived in Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and now back in Arkansas-the place we both grew up. What a circle our life has made. Leaving home and moving so far away was hard, but God used those years to bond Jim and I together and grow our individual faith in Him stronger. Without these years away we would not be the people he desired us to be today. I am so thankful for those years of learning to be totally dependent on each other and God, and the special people he put in our lives. We were always blessed with a wonderful church family and neighbors who were grandparents, aunts, uncles, and mentors for my whole family. I truly believe there is something to be said for those young couples who for whatever reason have to move away from their families. They get a double portion of God's family blessings. I thank God that with both of our girls living in other states that they have a church family who are there to support and meet their needs when we can't be. God is so good. Don't get me wrong, I GREATLY miss seeing them on a regular basis, and Calloway is growing up way too fast, but I know they are where God wants them to be at this time. This gives me peace. It also helps me realize that each moment I get to spend with them is precious and should be used to the max. It also reminds me of how fast time is flying by and who knows how much of that we have left?!

I hope I can be half as good at blogging as those of you out there. I will just do my best and hope that something I say can be an encouragement or bring a smile to you. I love people and it is my desire to show you that in what I say or do. I must go for now as my tummy is calling for food!