The Freshness of Home-Grown

If you had told me a few years ago that I would be living in the country, staring at cows in my back pasture and feeding them on brisk winter mornings, all the while eating fresh eggs and drinking fresh milk right off of my friends ranch, I would have told you you were crazy. Undeniably crazy! You have to be mad, crazy! You know, the kind? You're so crazy you aren't even making any sense kind of crazy!   But, that's exactly what I'm doing.

I didn't have any trouble eating fresh eggs, but I will admit it took me a week to drink the fresh milk.  After the first sip, I stood there waiting with abaited breath for the extreme after-taste I was sure would come.  But no.  Nothing.  Just milk.  It was milk.  ;o)   Tasty and free of processing...Ah, yes, I now LOVE fresh milk!

That is my life today. A rather peaceful existence, if I may say so myself. No street lights or city noise. No bothersome neighbors playing their music too loud. Just the quiet. A pleasantness most days that I'm now grateful and feel very blessed to have.  The morning treks out to feel the cows (we only have two - using the plural "cows" makes it sound like we have a pasture full - LOL), is an interesting one.  C.'s bigger now and likes to help.  Last winter/spring we used the wheel barrow to haul the feed and hay.  Most days it hauled C. too as he liked to ride and not get his feet wet in the dewy grass.  This time around, well, we have an alternative approach.

Here are our "Girls."  I'd like to mention they are not the most friendly of cows. 
They have made it their life goal to be skittish and stay as far away from us as possible.
Unless of course they are hungry, like this morning, and came close
because they wanted to eat.

While C. is an amazing helper, he still has a few things against him. 
It won't be long and he'll be tossing it over the fence on his own. 
But for now, I give him a lift...

Here C. showed me how his Uncle H. likes to chew on hay...

Transitioning to the country life wasn't easy for me...but in hindsidht I would say it was well worth it!  Now? I wouldn't trade my country life for anything. Just driving through a residential area gives me anxiety.  And the Harbor Bridge, crossing from Portland to Corpus - Ay yay ya....Can I find another way around please???   A day in the city leaves me feeling anxious and so ready to get home to the quiet of my street where my biggest worry is staring down the random coyote who finds joy in adding excitement to my day or caring for my neighbors miniature horses who have escaped from their pen.

All this goodness comes from the Lord.  He has blessed us with this homestead.  We should remember Him and that all we have is from Him in each and every thing we do.  Not only should we remember this for ourselves, but we need to raise our children to know this as well.  What better place to do this that in the peaceful existence of our country life.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.  These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.  Impress them on your children.  talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.  Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.  Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.  Deuteronomy 6:5-9

Yes, the country life - that IS THE ONLY life to lead!   

Midnight Mommy Moments

When you become a mommy, you quickly discover your nights are no longer own.  No more sleeping through or sleeping in.  They have a new owner who just so happens to be the little one you've brought into the world. 

This mommy is 44 years old.  My children are C, 29, D. 25, A. 21, R. 15, and C. is 5.  Add to that mix a few grandchildren I've had the pleasure of caring for over the years and you can see I've been getting up at night with someone for, oh, over twenty-five years now...

Of course, midnight mommy moments aren't as often as they used to be, but they still occur.  Instead of feedings, the crankies, and diaper changes we have potty breaks and coughing attacks.   The potty breaks are down to about 2-3 time a week now and the coughing attacks come and go with the seasons and weather.

Last night we had a coughing attack.  It was a while past midnight though...oh, about 1 am.  I lay there for a few minutes trying to determine if this is a random cough or one that is not going away any time soon.  Ah, yes....this guy is hanging around.  So, I get out my arsenal of coughing products.  First comes the "Vital Vapor Balm" from Little Moon Essentials, an all-natural rub that works amazing wonders for one who is suffering from a cough.   I give C. a good rub down on his back, tummy and feet, then slip on a pair of socks and we crawl back in bed as this usually does the trick...But, five minutes into the waiting the cough is increasing.  So, back to the cabinet to retrieve my "Childrens Chestal Honey" Homeopathic Cough Syrup and my "Wellness Herbal Kids" that I picked up from MaxLife.  One half a dropper of Wellness in the cough syrup and we're good to go. 

Not more than two years ago I was not one to use Homeopathic anything. But, as I learn more and more about the chemicals and parabens in all the products we use and how they affect our bodies....I'm all for trying safe alternatives.  And if they work, I'm even happier.

Did this work?  Yes, it did.  The cough quieted and not another peep was heard until it was time to roll out of bed this morning.

Ah, yes, midnight mommy moments...You never think you will miss them until you realize they are disappearing before your very eyes...

What? Ladybugs!

It's that time of year again...the attack of the killer ladybugs, ah, no, not really.  That's pretty extreme, isn't it?  Hee hee!  But we do get swarmed by ladybugs this time of year - - nearly every year.  Caleb discovered the first of the darling little critters before church last Sunday.  As usual, she has taken up residence in our bedroom, the typical location of choice.

It's a mystery to me why this happens every year.   While some people might find themselves with a case of the willies at the discovery of these little boys and girls on their bedroom ceiling, I'm really not bothered by it.  It's a phenomenon I prefer to enjoy rather than allow to disgust me.  I admire every ladybug I see outside and the thought of pulling out the vacuum cleaner to rid myself of the problem (as was one suggestion from someone I shared this story with), is really not something I want to do. 

By the next day we had two.  We'll see how many venture indoors this year.  I have pictures from previous years of the spots on my bedroom ceiling.  Counting was impossible as I lost track of which one's were which by the time I got to fifty!  I'll share one of those if this year's numbers don't measure up.

Many go out the way they came in and eventually they disappear one by one.   A few random one's do have to be vacuumed up as they just don't survive their trip into our home. 

Out of curiosity, I googled "ladybugs in the home" and came up with lots of links.  From the good ones on how beneficial they are for your garden, to the bad where folks are describing major infestations of ladybugs and how to get rid of them.  If you're curious yourself, read here, Lady Bug Control.  After looking at that page, I'm guessing I should be grateful we've had roughly 50 and that they disappear on their own.  These little critters that cause curiosity in our home can cause quite a bit of trouble if the situation gets out of hand.

For now we'll enjoy the mystery and pray it never becomes a problem...

Mother of the Bride, Me?

When I brought my baby girl home from the hospital, as her mother, one of the last things I thought about was her wedding day.  My first concerns and worries were what to feed her so she wouldn't throw up every bit of her bottle on me and what to wash her clothes in because her sweet peaches and cream skin was broken out in a rash from the Tide I had used.  Our various trips to the ER brought about a different sort of worry - the scarier sort.  How was the ER doctor really going to remove the tiniest magnet toy she'd shoved up her nose, to another ER doctor chuckling at telling me not to worry about the Easter candy she ate -- foil wrapper and all!!.  Oh, how about that time I had to give her the Heimlech maneuver to remove the 1/2 of an Easter egg she choked on as I laid on the couch recovering from surgery after my appendix ruptured.  Lastly, we cannot forget the ambulance ride she and I took to Driscoll Children's Hospital.  [head shake]  These were the types of worries that were foremost and present in my life.   

It wasn't all about worries though.  The smiles along the way were worth millions.  The doll house that sat on the front porch with all the windows taped tightly shut and filled to capacity with rollie pollies was undeniably a favorite.  There is no forgetting her wild mass of curls blowing in the wind as she raced by on her bicycle, nor watching her swing as high as her petite little self could muster on her swing set in the back yard! 

Realistically, her wedding day never crossed my mind until the first time my baby girl came home from school talking about her first crush.  At that point, I found myself secretly praying, "Please Lord, don't let her marry this one!"

Six months later, "Oh, Lord, I know I'm being rather picky here, but, please, not this one either.  Okay?  You agree?  Don't You, Lord?"

Then one day, the ring is on the finger, talk has turned to wedding details, and the reality is my daughter is going to be a bride and a wife.  There is this something growing in the pit of my stomach as I begin to realize life is soon to make a major shift.  

Mom's worry.  That's what we do best.  But now the worry takes on a more serious side.  Before I was a Christian I worried a lot.  I was a good worrier.  I have MASTERED the task I tell ya!  But, as a Christian mom I've learned to turn to God, to lean on Him, to lay my worries at His feet. 

I pray for wisdom to say and do the right things.  To be courageous and find joy!

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.   Do everything in love.  1 Corinthians 16:13-14

I love my little girl more than life itself.  Am I ready for her to be married?  I'm not so sure about that, but what I do know is that I have done my best to raise her right, to be the independent Christian woman I know she can be.  I pray her life is filled with many blessings and that the trials and tribulations we know she will endure will be few and far between.

Me?  Mother of the bride?  Yes, I am!   I still find it hard to believe that I can give myself this title...But, yes, it is definitely so!



What I've Learned About Asking the Lord for Patience....

I've learned from a five-year-old....

Mom: Do you want to go see Santa today, with Aunt Stephanie and Sami?
C: NO! NO! NO!
Mom: Sometimes mom likes to spend time with Aunt Steph & Sami. Mom's like to spend time with other moms.
C: (no sympathy) NO! I wanna stay home.
Mom:  We can go see Santa, have lunch with your old school friends, then go see Tangled?
C:  NO!   I just want to see Tangled and come home.
Mom:  (Fears she has raised a loner.)

Long, drawn-out, back and forth conversation about Santa, lunch, and Tangled. Not going to be the mom forcing her kid on Santa's lap. But I thought it would be a fun little outing.

Five minutes of quiet and sulking.  By both of us, I think.  I really wanted to see Santa!

C:  I'm sorry.
Mom:  What are you sorry for?
C:  That I don't want a picture with Santa.
Mom:  That's okay.  Thanks for saying sorry.

Fifteen-minute break.

C: I want eggs and bacon for breakfast.
Mom: I don't have bacon, I have sausage.
C: Okay. I want the sausage in the eggs.
Mom: Okay.  I can do that.

Five minutes later....

C: Where are my eggs?
Mom: It takes a few minutes Caleb. They'll be ready soon. Is that how you should ask?
C:  Sorry.

Ten minutes later.....eggs are mixed, about to go into the pan. Sausage is 75% done.

C: I changed my mind.
Mom: (I'm thinking about Santa? Do we still have time yet to get there to meet the group?)   What did you change your mind about?
C: I want a cereal bar for breakfast.
Mom:  No.  We're not doing that.  The eggs and sausage are about ready.  You can't change your mind now.
C:  Runs off to the bathroom crying.
Mom:  Caleb, stop crying over breakfast.
C:  Comes back and tosses a dirty sock at my feet.
Mom:  What is this?  Why did you toss that at me?
C:  (Comes to pick it up.)  Because I'm tired.
Mom:  Please go put it away...
C:  (Sluggishly bends over, picks up sock and puts it away.)

Welcome to my morning......

A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly.  Proverbs 14:29

Was it worth arguing over eggs & sausage and a dirty sock?  No.  I did find within myself some patience and used it.  For those that would like to know the end of the story.  I uttered not another word.  I made his plate with eggs, mixed with sausage and one sausage patty cut up on the side.   A dollop of ketchup and a glass of orange juice.    I set it at the table, all the while telling myself to not say anything more.

Before I knew it...his plate was emtpy.  Five minutes later he wanted a cereal bar.  And then another.  I'm glad we didn't argue because it seems he really was very hungry today.  He ate the eggs and two cereal bars without wasting anything. 

Life is good once again!

What A Realization!

I found myself pulled into yet another season of The Biggest Loser.  I haven't minded this one so much as it hasn't been too cutthroat, and I hate it when the players get over the top crazy in their "game play." 

I watched the show when I was heavier and now that I've lost 37 lbs, I find myself still watching it.  Maybe it's because I haven't gotten to my goal weight just yet and it is somewhat inspirational, albeit not realistic for most of us.  Tonight I came to a major realization.  My Caleb Lynn weighs approximately 40 lbs, give or take 1/2 a pound on any given day.  When I pick him up I can barely lift him anymore.  It occurred to me as I watched the show this evening that I used to carry that much around with me EVERY day only it was spread out all over me.   I have this vision of wrapping Caleb around my mid-section and walking around with him.  Without much coordiantion I might add.

I didn't get to my heaviest weight by overeating.  I happened to have a health issue that caused me to gain 30 lbs in a very short amount of time.  Already being somewhat overweight, that sure didn't help.  The steroids that helped to make me well, worked vehemently against my weight.  What took 3-4 weeks to put on has taken me nearly three years to get rid of - - with off an on dieting.

After watching tonights episode, I pray that I will never need to take steroids again...I like my "new" self and have hopefully said good riddance to the overweight one!

Have a blessed evening!

It's Not About Me

I saw these words twice in the last couple of days, "It's Not About Me."  They seemed appropriate for the title of this post.

When I was a child, and even into my teenage years, Christmas was a time to look forward to.  A time for surprises and fun with family.  Parties with friends and giving.  As a kid I was no different than any other and loved to receive that special something for Christmas.  My most memorable Christmas was the Christmas of 1977. 

Let's take a short step back first.  The previous school year, when I was in the 5th grade, I discovered the flute.  I remember watching a girl in my class play her flute and "show off" in front of all of us.  My heart was smitten.  I knew immediately that I wanted to play that beautiful, silver instrument.  I ran home after school and anxiously waited for my parents to get home from work.  I told them about this amazing instrument I'd discovered. I begged and begged to be able to play that instrument.  Of course, I never realized what a hardship it would be for them to buy one.  I was pretty oblivious to those kinds of matters.  They finally told me that I could try it when the new school year started.  In part, I'm sure they wanted to see if I were still interested in the flute six months later.

In 6th grade I joined the band.  My mom took me to the music store and we rented a flute.  My parents were smart people and figured I'd be excited about it for a while and that my interest would eventually wane.  So, renting was a good place to start.  But for me it did not wane.   I think my parents knew that pretty quickly as I'm sure their ears suffered enormous torture at the amount of practice I put them through. 

That year Christmas was special because my parents wrapped up the receipt showing they had purchased my flute for me.  It was in the smallest box, wrapped in a bigger box, then a bigger box, then a bigger box.....Well, you get the idea.  The final box was almost as tall as I was.  A humorous catch to their surprise? They told me it was a present for my brother and asked if they could hide it in MY bedroom closet.  So, I looked at that gift for over a month as I picked out my clothes for school, never guessing it was actually for me.

The warmth I felt in my heart the Christmas morning when I realized what my parents had done for me was so strong.  The buying my flute part, not the tricking me with the package (although that was pretty funny, too).  ;o)   I was thrilled, more than I could ever remember having felt before.  I was thrilled to the point that here I am,  33 years later, remembering that Christmas moment like it was yesterday.

I'm the lucky one.  I have a childhood memory that I carry in my heart from year to year.  But not every child has a memory like this one.  I sure don't know any of the statistics, but I have met some of the children who are in this place I am fortunate enough to never have been in.  The place of not expecting much.  The place where you aren't going to get that big thrill from your mom and dad for Christmas.  The kids I'm referring to are in a different place altogether.  They are at the South Texas Children's Home.  As a sponsor to STCH through my church, we don't know every story about why each child is there.  But, what we are adult enough to realize is that a child at STCH is there because their home life is not a good one.

For three years now our church has sponsored a cottage at STCH.  This year we were blessed enough to sponsor two cottages.  Why do we do this?  Well, according to scripture, what does God tell us to do?

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this:  to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.  James 1:27

As Christians it is our obligation to make a difference.  When you look at the big picture it's somewhat overwhelming and in some situations pretty heart-wrenching.   The commitment and devotion the "Mom's and Pop's" (the cottage house parents) have for the kids who stay with them is incredible.  Can we all be a Mom and Pop at STCH?  No.  That is a ministry in which one would receive a call from God Himself.  For this reason, I wonder what can I do to make a difference?  What can I do to give to others?  What can my family do together so my kids can learn how fortunate they really are?  How can we take out the selfish part of Christmas and find a way to bless others?  Could I have made a difference going to STCH by myself?  Maybe.  But, when you gather together as our church family did -- a definite difference can be made and hopefully felt.   Can our small talk and gift make up for the family these kids have lost?  When looking at their big picture, probably not.  But, if thirty three years from now, just ONE of them remembers the Christmas that this loud bunch of church folks barged into their world for a few hours bringing pizza and presents, it becomes worth every moment of the effort it took to get there. 

We went there praying to bless others yet we left there being blessed in a way you would never understand unless you'd been there yourself or had experienced something like it.

One of my best friends NH said it perfectly  - "going to STCH every year is my favorite part of Christmas."

Without a doubt, it is mine as well.