In Remembrance

Lately I haven't the time out of my busy schedule to blog, but tonight I am making the point to.

I want to take a moment and dedicate this blog to several people in my life and you know who you are.

The recent loss of a magnificent woman Mrs. Orr, has saddened my heart tremendously.

I remember the last time I hugged her like it was yesterday.  Mr. & Mrs. Orr were officially moving to Houston to be closer to their daughter and that was really rough for them.  The moving truck was at the house and everyone was working hard to load everything for the long move to Houston.  Fred and I stopped in to say goodbye.  I knew at the time, chances were I wouldn't have the opportunity to see them again.  As I hugged and hugged her tightly that day it was hard to bring myself to walk out the front door to leave.  I managed to keep the tears from flowing until I approached the front doorway and had to force myself to continue walking through it.  Being pregnant at the time didn't help my emotions either.

Months before the move took place, Fred and I had discussed the option of buying the house to raise our family.  It was the perfect location, right down the street from my parents, close to town and work... everything seemed so right but at the same time it was sad too.  They had to leave their dog Spike behind and we took care of him until he passed away just a week after I brought Kayla home from the hospital.  I was devastated to find Spike and truly believe he was heartbroken after they moved away.  Even though we loved and took care of him, I'm sure for him it just wasn't the same without them around.

Mrs. Orr was more than just my best friend Kat's grandma, the neighbor down the street, a wonderful teacher, a great piano player... she was like another mom.  She always treated Kat like she was her child, not her grandchild and she was always so proud to talk about her every chance she got.  You could just see her face light up every time.  She loved all her kids so much and anytime you were around her you could just feel it.  Just being in her presence, with all the warmth she radiated, made you want to strive to be a better person yourself.  I believe she had that affect on everyone around her.

I will always cherish the times that I would call upon her for help with homework that I didn't understand and she was always more than willing to teach me.  Even though I never had her as a teacher in a school environment, she was the best teacher I've ever had.

It was because of her that Kat and I started hanging out together around the age of eight.  Of course our friendship developed into not only best friends, but family as we still remain today.  I can still hear Mrs. Orr telling me on so many occasions how glad she was that Kat and I had remained so close through the years, even though we lived far apart growing up.  Kat and I always looked forward to the end of the school year because she would spend the summer with her grandparents and we would get to see each other.  When we were young girls, we couldn't call each other on the phone because it was long distance and would cost extra money, so from time to time we would mail each other letters.  Her grandma always took us to the mall to shop and she would do her shopping and we would go roam the mall and meet her back at a certain time and she would always be patiently waiting for us in a chair just outside of Sears.

On September 8th, Mr. and Mrs. Orr celebrated 71 years of marriage.  How amazing is that?  Again that is something to look up to and truly appreciate all the love, work and rough roads it sometimes takes to get there.  I always thought it was so cute how you could just look at them and know how much they loved each other by the way they acted towards each other.  I can only hope and pray that someday my marriage can be that strong too.

With regret I won't be able to attend Mrs. Orr's funeral on Monday, because it is in Houston.  If I had the extra money to fly out there, I would do it in a heartbeat.  If I had the extra money to make the road trip, I would do that too.  Unfortunately neither of these are options though.

Even though I'm unable to physically attend the services, I know in my heart she knows how much I love her and will always hold close all the memories we've made through the years.

For my best friend Kat, please know that I will be with you on your 10 hour journey in the morning as well as your return back home.  You know for sure someone else will be watching over you too, and we both know she will most definitely ensure your safe travel!  You will be in my thoughts and prayers as always and if you need anything, you know I'm here.  I love you.

Mrs. Orr, you were an angel here on earth and now you're an angel in Heaven.  I love you forever and always.

10 Tips for Relationship Bliss

I read this on a website & thought it was good, so I decided to put it in my blog.  I know that relationship/marriage can be hard sometimes... & as my mom & grandma always told me, it's a day to day job that you have to work at together to make it work long term.  My grandpa always told me to never give up & the most important part of a marriage is to remember to love each other... each & every day as if it were your last.  He was a very wise man.  My grandparents must have done something right to have been together 73 years before he passed.

10 Tips for Relationship Bliss

1.  Celebrate the small stuff.
"It's not enough that your partner knows that you take pride in his or her accomplishments. You have to show it. Making a fuss over the small, good things that happen everyday can boost the health of your marriage."

2.  Learn how to fight productively.
The key to fighting productively is to recognize when a disagreement is going in the wrong direction and to take steps to calm things down and repair rifts."

3.  Silence is not golden.
"By staying quiet and avoiding conflict when things bothered them, they had missed important opportunities to cultivate and grow their relationship."

4.  Don't put negative thoughts into the universe.
"Men and women who had pondered thoughts of divorce in 1980 were nine times more likely to have gotten divorced by the end of the study."

5.  Plan together.
"Couples who planned a baby's arrival or who were equally joyous at becoming parents were far more likely to maintain their marital happiness or even enjoy an increase after the baby was born."

6.  Maintain a circle of friends and support.
"Strong friendships outside the marriage can take the pressure off your relationship, help you work things out away from your spouse, and ultimately protect your marriage from unnecessary stress and discord."

7.  Overcompensate for mistakes.
"Do marriage math. Even when you make a mistake, tell yourself that you're going to do at least five positive things for your spouse to make up for it, and then do them. And don't wait until you bicker to turn on the charm. Nice gestures and comments go far in a marriage, they are easy to do, and they will help insulate your marriage from being damaged by the inevitable bad days."

8.  Set the marriage bar high.
"Husbands and wives who hold their partners to a reasonably high standard have better marriages. If you expect a better, more satisfying relationship, you improve your chances of having one."

9.  Give it a break.
"Sometimes, improving your marriage means giving it a break. Increasing your connections with family, friends and society is good for your marriage."

10.  Be aware of your body language.
"Eye rolling is a painfully obvious sign of contempt, and it's a powerful predictor that your relationship is in serious trouble."

Makin' Plans

I love Miranda Lambert & I really like this song... so I thought I would share.  It's one of my favorite ones off her album Revolution.

Makin' Plans

If I ever left this town
I’d never settle down
I’d just be wandering around
If I ever left this town

If I wasn’t by your side
I’d never be satisfied
Nothin’ would feel just right
If I wasn’t by your side

‘Cause I’m not easy to understand
But you know me like the back of your hand
I’m your girl and you’re my man
And we’re makin’ plans

We can go on and on
Won’t ever feel too long
I’ll always call you home
And we’ll go on and on

‘Cause I know you like the back of my hand
Got a heart of gold and a piece of land
I’m your girl and you’re my man
And we’re makin’ plans

Kia Soul Hamster Commercial

I've been rolling in the floor ever since I first saw this commercial so just in case someone out there hasn't already seen it... check it out...

I Pray For You

The other day while driving to work I heard this song on the radio.  At first I thought it was a religous country song because it started out like that, but when the chorus came, I almost wrecked I was laughing so hard.

This is funny... I just had to share the lyrics.

I Pray For You
by Jaron and The Long Road to Love

I havent been to church since I don’t remember when
Things were goin’ great ‘til they fell apart again
So I listened to the preacher as he told me what to do
He said you can’t go hatin’ others who have done wrong to you
Sometimes we get angry, but we must not condemn
Let the good Lord do His job and you just pray for them

I pray your brakes go out runnin’ down a hill
I pray a flowerpot falls from a window sill and knocks you in the head like I’d like to
I pray your birthday comes and nobody calls
I pray you’re flyin’ high when your engine stalls
I pray all your dreams never come true
Just know whereever you are honey, I pray for you

I’m really glad I found my way to church
‘Cause I’m already feelin’ better and I thank God for the words
Yeah I’m goin’ take the high road
And do what the preacher told me to do
You keep messin’ up and I’ll keep prayin’ for you

I pray your tire blows out at 110
I pray you pass out drunk with your best friend and wake up with his and her tattoos

I pray your brakes go out runnin’ down a hill
I pray a flowerpot falls from a window sill and knocks you in the head like I’d like to
I pray your birthday comes and nobody calls
I pray you’re flyin’ high when your engine stalls
I pray all your dreams never come true
Just know whereever you are, near or far, in your house or in your car,
wherever you are honey, I pray for you.
I pray for you

I’m Just a Farmer, Plain and Simple

I read this poem on someone else's blog & I really liked it, so I thought I would share.

I’m Just a Farmer, Plain and Simple
By Bobby Collier Adapted by Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation

I’m just a farmer, plain and simple.
Not of royal birth, but rather a worker of the earth.
I know not of riches, but rather of patches on my britches

I’m just a farmer, plain and simple.
I know of drought and rain, of pleasure and pain.
I know the good, the bad, the happy and the sad.

I’m a man of emotions
A man who loves this land and the beauty of its sand.
I’m just a farmer, plain and simple.

I know the spring’s fresh flow and autumn’s golden glow.
Of a new born calf’s hesitation and an eagle’s destination.
I’m just a farmer, plain and simple.

I know of tall pines and long waiting lines.
I know the warmth of campfires and the agony of flat tires.
I’m just a farmer, plain and simple.

I’m a man who loves his job
And the life that I live.
I’m just a farmer, plain and simple

And I’m a reaper of harvest
I’m the sower of seeds and I’m the tender of stock.
I’m just a farmer, plain and simple.

I know of planting corn and bailing hay and animals going astray.
I live in a complex world, but my faith guides me.
I’m just a farmer, plain and simple.

I am a man who works with God. I cannot succeed without his help.
For you see, I’m just a farmer, plain and simple

married men

This is something I read on another blog, coming from a marraige seminar that a married man wrote & handed out to other married men at the seminar.  I read it & thought it was perfect, so I wanted to share with everyone else too.

• LOVE your wife…with actions and words
• Be the head…not the tail! (or the butt)
• Tell her she’s beautiful
• Listen better….turn off the TV or gaming system
• Write love notes
• Bring small gifts…it really is the thought that counts
• Give her longer kisses…not just the peck on your way out the door
• Leave work at work
• Continue to pursue her…even though you’ve already caught her
• Hold her hand
• E-mail and text her
• Take her on surprise dates
• Take care of the cars
• Finish those home repair projects (or hire someone to finish them)
• Give her lots of cuddle time
• Be her best friend
• Tell her you love her often….and tell her why
• Share your dreams with her: Family Vision

These are definitely things that would make my heart melt.  Just the simplest of things mean the most.

random thoughts for the day

The one who takes your hand, but touches your heart is a true friend.

We seldom think of what we have, but always think of what we miss.

Don't cry because it's over now, laugh because it happened.

The more precisely you plan, the harder destiny will hit you.

What happens, happens for a reason.

Don't make an effort because the best things happen, when you least expect them.

The greatest events aren't the loudest, but the most quiet hours.

The most difficult lesson to learn is:  Which bridge in life to use or which one to break off.

Everybody sees how you seem, however, only some know who you are.

He who would like to have something he never had, will have to do something well, that he hasn't done yet.

Perhaps God would want you to become acquainted with many different people in the course of your life, so that when you meet the right ones, you can appreciate and be greatful for them.

Plan for tomorrow but live for today.

Love doesn't require two people to look at each other, but that they look together in the same direction.

Life is drawing without an eraser.

The Silent Partner

The Silent Partner
by Baxter Black

Her name’s on the note at the PCA, boys,
Though she might have questioned the loan
She signed her John Henry ‘neath yours on the line
And she will ‘til the kids are all grown.

Nobody’s counted the pickups she’s pulled
Or measured the miles she’s put on the rake
Kept track of the pancakes or lunches she’s packed
Or the number of times she lay there awake

Praying her prayers for the man in her bed.
God only knows, ‘cause He’s keepin’ track.
She’s buildin’ up interest somewhere down the line
To use in a trade on your first cardiac.

She puts up with cows she knows you should cull
Scourin’ calves on the livin’ room floor,
Tracks in the bathroom and mud on the sheets,
Flies in the kitchen from broken screen doors.

She patiently listens to stories you tell
Recounting the skill of your blue heeler mate.
She wishes, herself, if that dog was so smart
You could teach that pot licker to open a gate!

She offers opinions that seldom sink in
‘Til time, oft’ as not, proves she was right.
But it’s damn hard to figger how she could’a known?
You’re not the only one who worries at night.

She’s old as the mountain and young as the spring
timeless in labor and wisdom and love.
Of all of God’s creatures that man gets to share
The wife of a cowman was sent from above.

So lay there tonight when you go to bed.
Remember your partner, she’s tried and she’s true.
You’re lucky, my man, to have such a friend
Take care of her, ‘cause she takes care of you.

march madness

Oh Maxine, how true it is.

Today is a good day, let me think only of positive things for today.

#1 - I woke up next to my sweetheart.

#2 - my bff Kat's birthday is today & she's an old woman.  ha ha
    Just kidding Kat you know I love ya.  Happy birthday Kat!

#3 - we had 2 new baby calves yesterday (a boy & a girl)
    Don't worry I'll post pics soon, they are precious!

#4 - baby Gunner was born on Friday (a week early surprise).
    Congrats & thankfully everyone is healthy, well & home.

#5 - got some really good news on Friday.
    I don't wanna jinx it, so I'll wait to blog about my exciting news!

#6 - the weather was nice this weekend & I'm hoping it continues.

#7 - today is a new day & the beginning of a new week.

There's my list of happy things for me to think about for today.

come back daylight

Maxine says it perfect - I totally feel that way somedays.

It sucks when you get off work at 5pm & it's already starting to get dark outside.  Makes me feel like I've wasted the day for some reason.

I'm so glad that time of year is ending now.

My favorite time of year is when it stays light outside til like 9pm at night.  That's great because then you can get more done outside if you want instead of trying to hurry & beat the sunset.

With this crappy weather & it getting dark so early in the evenings, you feel like you're hibernating for months at a time.  Don't get me wrong, I would like to hibernate during the colder weather, because I hate to be cold... but... the cold weather shouldn't last this long.

After being cooped up for a certain amount of time, I start to drive myself absolutely nutts being inside all the time.

Hurry up summer time & warmer weather, I miss you.

education & weight

With time, women gain weight because we accumulate so much information and wisdom in our heads that when there is no more room, it distributes out to the rest of our bodies.

So we aren't heavy, we are enormously cultured, educated and happy.

Beginning today, when I look at myself in the mirror I will think,
Good grief, look how smart I am!

learn, live, look

Oh I love Snoopy... great words to live by each & every day!

Although sometimes it's easier said then done.

Maxine must know where I live

How did Maxine get into my house?  She had to have been there because she nailed this one perfectly.

The first winter we lived here in our 487 sq ft mansion, we had un-wanted roommates move in... The Mice Family.  I argued & pleaded for them to move out immediately, but unfortunately they refused & decided to put up a fight instead.  I declared WAR & began coming up with an action plan to force them out.  Dead or alive, I was bound & determined they would be gone.

I will spare everyone the details but lets just say, it was a total blood bath somedays, but in the end... we were victorious in our WAR against The Mice Family.

being happy

"Being happy doesn't mean that everything is perfect.  It means that you've decided to look beyond the imperfections"

2 seasons

I love Maxine... she hit the nail right on the head with this one.

For those who have allergies know how miserable it can be.  Unfortunately I've had allergies my entire life & I have to say I wouldn't wish it upon anyone!  It limits you to so many things in life that you wish you could do but because of allergies... you can't do.

I'm allergic to everything... and I mean EVERYTHING!  At least it seems that way, especially when I was growing up.

The older I've gotten, the better my allergies are, but certain things still completely wipe me out.

I just love Maxine though!  It always makes my day brighter when I open an email full of Mazine sayings just like this one.  This one fits me so I just had to share.

I hope someone else gets a laugh at it, just like I did.

myxer.com

I'm all about anything "free"... so I thought I would share a website I found a long time ago.

Here's the link:  http://www.myxer.com/

This is a website where you can dowload free ringtones & you can even upload music from your computer & create your own ringtones... which is just way to cool if you ask me!

There are also ringtones you can purchase also, if for some reason you can't find the free version on there.

I love not having to pay $2 - $3 everytime I want a new ringtone on my phone.
I would highly recommend this website to everyone!

things only a mother could teach

I got this in an email & I just loved it so I had to share...

My Mother taught me about ANTICIPATION: “Just wait until your father gets home”

My Mother taught me about RECEIVING: “You are going to get it when we get home”

My Mother taught me to MEET A CHALLENGE: “What were you thinking? Answer me when I am talking to you… Don’t talk back to me!”

My Mother taught me LOGIC: “Because I said so, that’s why.” & if you fall out of that tree and break your neck you’re not going to the store with me.

My Mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE: “If you don’t stop crossing your eyes, they are going to stick like that.

My Mother taught me to THINK AHEAD: “If you don’t pass your spelling test, you’ll never get a good job.

My Mother taught me HUMOR: “When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don’t come running to me.”

My Mother taught me about SEX: “How do you think you got here”

My Mother taught me how to BECOME AND ADULT: “If you don’t eat your vegetables, you’ll never grow up”

My Mother taught me about GENETICS: “You’re just like your father”

My Mother taught me about WISDOM OF AGE: “When you get to be my age, you will understand”

My Mother taught me about JUSTICE: “One day you’ll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you, and then you will see what its like.

My Mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL: “If you don’t straighten up, I’m going to knock you into the middle of next week.”

My Mother taught me FORESIGHT: “Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you are in an accident.”

My Mother taught me IRONY: “Keep crying and I will *give* you something to cry about”

My Mother taught me about STAMINA: “You’ll sit there until all that spinach is finished.”

My Mother taught me about WEATHER: “Your room looks like a damn tornado hit it.”

My Mother taught me about PHYSICS PROBLEMS: “If I yell because a meteor is coming towards you, would you listen then?”

My Mother taught me about HYPOCRISY: “Do as I say not as I do”

My Mother taught me THE CIRCLE OF LIFE: “I brought you into this world and I can take you out.”

My Mother taught me BEHAVIOUR MODIFICATION: “Stop acting like your father”

My Mother taught me about ENVY: “There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don’t have wonderful parents like you do!”

Take Care Of Yer Friends

Friend is a word that I don't throw around
Though it's used and abused, I still like the sound
I save it for people who've done right by me

Some of my friends drive big limousines
Own ranches and banks and visit with queens
And some of my friends are up to their neck
In overdue notes and can't write a check

They're singers or ropers or writers of prose
And others, God bless 'em, can't blow their own nose
I guess bein' friends don't have nothin' to do
With talent or money or knowin' who's who

It's a comfortable feelin' when you don't have to care
'Bout choosin' your words or bein' quite fair
'Cause friends'll just listen and let go on by
Those words you don't mean and not bat an eye

It makes a friend happy to see your success
They're proud of yer good side and forgive all the rest
And that ain't so easy, all of the time
Sometimes I get crazy and seem to go blind

Yer friend just might have to take you on home
Or remind you sometime that you're not alone
Or ever so gently pull you back to the ground
When you think you can fly with no one around

A hug or a shake, whichever seems right
Is the high point of givin', I'll tell ya tonight
All wordly riches and tributes of men
Can't hold a candle to the worth of a friend

- Baxter Black