An Interuption To My Day?

Today I had one of those experiences.

You know, I had a plan and something got in the way.

I tried to print a picture for Sarah this morning. I printed one picture, but was not able to print the next one. I have had several issues with my printer lately, but this was a new one. “Cartridge Error,” it said, as if it was only logical. The poor thing didn’t even know what to tell me was wrong with it. It said, “See user guide”

After digging here and there, I finally found the manual.

I looked up the error.

The manual didn’t know what was wrong. It said to check the manufacturer’s website or call customer service. This was an advanced error.

So, still trying to do something else and a bit disgruntled that I was going on a hunt for a solution to an “advanced error” I logged on to the website of the manufacturer. I searched this way for the answer, that way for the answer.

Nothing.

The website didn’t know what was wrong, either.

Finally, I called to speak with a human.

After going through menu prompts, I got to a human. He asked me info about my issue, then offered to sell me more print cartridges, (at a better price, of course), before transferring me to a technician who would help me.

No, thank you. I am having a cartridge error. I think I will wait to see if it can be resolved before I buy more cartridges…

After I was transferred, the technician took info that I had already given…

We worked through a series of steps to try to resolve the issue…

As I was trying pulling my cartridge in and out, unplugging my printer, etc, the technician made polite comments about things unrelated to the printer issue. I asked where he was located. He was in India, he said. He commented that although my address said TX, I didn’t sound like a Texan.

At one point, I decided to tell him that I had 3 kids and was pregnant with my 4^th. I then told him about how I had been diagnosed with cancer and how I am now healed.

My technician friend was getting a bit excited at this point.

I am not sure, but it really seemed to me that he was a believer. He said that he would pray for a safe delivery for me in Nov.

I also told him about the fire and how we are now living in the house that God saved in the fire.

He was very encouraged, it seemed like. He could see how God was taking care of us.

I got off the phone having gained a friend on the other side of the world.

Thanks to my printer throwing a fit today.

Oh, yeah. The printer.

It still isn’t working. They are going to send me a free cartridge and see if that resolves the issue.

It is going to be inconvenient having the printer down. But somehow, I don’t really care that much.

Because of my stupid printer, or stupid cartridge, whichever is to blame, I made a connection with, I am assuming, a brother in Christ on the other side of the world. I was encouraged and I hope he was. I have a prayer request from a brother in Christ to pray over.

I think I can handle a messed up printer and plan.

Cat Momma...

There has been some concern expressed that this pregnant momma will not be able to see over her belly and will trip on her new rug.

I would like to lay all such fears to rest with one question.

Have you ever seen a pregnant cat trip and fall?

I never have.

This momma is like a cat.

I may moan and groan in the bed like a cow, waddle like a duck, and even resemble a hippo in appearance.

But, when it comes to balance, I think I can be compared to the cat.

Just thought I would ease the concerns out there. ;-)

First Rug!

Okay, I am admitting right up front that this is a weird way to be nesting, but here I am. I have the rug bug.

I started this rug yesterday afternoon and this morning got it finished.

Well, almost.

As I was putting the edge on it, I ran out of jute!  So, as you can see, the right edge looks a bit rough. Otherwise, I am so pleased with it. It worked up quickly, (I just crocheted it), and it seems like it is going to wear well.

Anyone have a scrap of heavy jute lying around…?

If You Want To Do Something...

…about the bailout package being rammed down our throats, follow this link.

http://www.daveramsey.com/etc/fed_bailout/

Like Dave says, first, PRAY for those that have gotten us in this mess.

If you agree with the plan that is laid out, send it to your Senator’s and Representatives.

I don’t know if Washington will listen to us or not, but isn’t it worth a shot?

“By the People, for the People…”

Resisting The Devil...

I very much appreciated this post, again from Jess.

http://makinghome.blogspot.com/2008/09/sex-spiritual-warfare.html

I have never heard anyone bring out this point on this issue. I agree very much with the thoughts of Jess and pastor Mark Driscoll. I’d love to hear your thoughts after you read the article…

Post 100!

Wow. This is my 100th post! Okay, so 100 posts is not that many for a little over 3 years. But I have stuck with this blog and am very glad that I have done so.

I hope to do better at posting more frequently with the next 100 posts…

BTW, thank you for reading!

Okay, So I Am Not Superwoman.

I failed. I didn’t get anything except the dishwasher run and supper made yesterday.

I did get some baby-building done, but what about that multi-tasking thing?!

I did do a few other misc. things, like got David registered for the conference coming up, took a LONG nap and things like that. But I wanted to do more. Oh, well. Here I am. I am hoping to do some today.

Pray for me when you read this? J

Spots? What Spots?

I am pleased to report that I am no longer the lady with the spotted belly. J The spots have been fading for the last few days and my skin is almost back to it’s pre-spotty state! So, sorry, I can no longer post any spotted belly faces.

Sorry to disappoint everyone…

 

 

Onto The Front Half...

I have conquered the back half of my house and am hoping to conquer the front half today. Or maybe half of the front half… J

I have quite a list to get done, but am going to give it a shot.

I am superwoman. Why wouldn’t I be able to do it?

 

 

America, Land of Freedom..

I got this update from the Free Market Foundation today.

Judge Rules in Favor of Vietnamese Baptist Church

Plano Church Can Now Hold Services in New Building

PLANO, Texas – Judge Greg Brewer today ruled in favor of the Plano Vietnamese Baptist Church (PVBC) in their case against the City of Plano, Texas, which has been enforcing an unconstitutional ordinance against small churches.  PVBC recently purchased a building in Plano but was barred from using it because the plot of land is too small to meet the two acre requirement in the existing zoning regulations. 

 “I’m walking on air,” said Thomas Le, pastor of PVBC, who, with his family, traveled to the United States as a boy to escape the Communism and religious hostility of Vietnam.

With today’s ruling, PVBC will now be allowed to use their worship in their new building, beginning next Sunday. 

 Jeff Mateer, lead counsel for PVBC, said, “I’m thankful we had a good judge that followed the law and gave these people the religious freedom the have traveled so far to find.”

 Many PVBC members fled religious persecution under a Communist regime in Vietnam, traveling to America in the 1980s and 1990s.  Pastor Le started PVBC in 2003 with a handful of individuals, and after the church grew to 50 members, began to look for a building of their own.  The property Pastor Le found on Avenue G in Plano had been a church, but was converted to a daycare, and was sitting unoccupied.

 Pastor Le and members of PVBC followed the proper procedures to purchase the property, and many of the members drew from their own life savings.  They then petitioned the City of Plano’s Board of Adjustment to make an exception to a two-acre-minimum site requirement, as the Board had done for other churches in the past.  Despite staff’s recommendation for approval, the Board denied Pastor Le’s request, which was overturned by Judge Brewer today.

 “This is the kind of thing that makes you proud to be an American,” said Kelly Shackelford, chief counsel of Liberty Legal Institute and co-counsel in the case.  “Judge Brewer did the right thing and the church is thrilled that they will be able to hold services in their new building immediately.”

 

Excuse Me?

I would like to bring attention to this blog post by Jess that I thought hit on some very true points regarding birth control.

I do not consider our family large by any stretch, but have definitely dealt with comments that are derogatory about having kids. Everything from, “You need to figure out what makes that happen…” to, “Oh, now you have a nice LITTLE family!”

Jess did not touch on this, but I have a bit of a peeve right now. I personally have dealt with it some, but also just see it in the lives of friends and family around me.

What business is it of everyone else in the world how many children we have or don’t have? I am increasingly aware of how NOSY everyone is. If you have kids, everyone has an opinion. If you don’t have kids, everyone has an opinion. And family seems to be a main source of the opinions in many, although not all, situations. “Oh, they are too young to have kids.” “Oh, I wouldn’t stack a baby on right now.” “I don’t even want to hear about any grandkids for 10 years.” Or the flip side. “So, are you pregnant YET?” “I keep trying to tell my son/daughter that I am wanting grandkids and I am getting tired of waiting.” (On this side of things, who knows what is going on? Maybe they ARE trying and for whatever reason haven’t been able to conceive yet. In this case such comments and pressure would be very painful…)

As far as I know, it is still a pretty private business getting pregnant. So, why is it okay to peek around the corner and try to direct the outcome of a couple’s intimacy?

What is that saying? Oh, yeah.

Mind your own business.

That one should cover it.

 

Charge!

Today I got some things done, in spite of swollen feet and a belly in the way! (I rested my feet…see,… I have them propped up right now.)

First, I attacked my bedroom. It was still clean really but the floor needed sweeping and a few things put in order. Then I swept the girl’s room and then Jakin’s room. THEN, I plunged in on the hall. Yeah, the one that was piled with stuff that I had thrown out of my room when I cleaned it up before, along with other misc. items. So, the back half of my house looks great right now. I am happy for now. I got some other misc. things done as well this morning…

Now if I could borrow a snow shovel from someone for the front half of my house…

BTW, I have some awesome helpers. They can make some awesome messes, but when it is time to clean up, I have a crew that can get in and get it done. I feel very blessed. And hopeful. With a new baby on the way, having big helpers can be very encouraging to think about! Thanks, guys!

PUPPPS...

I went to see my midwife yesterday for a full check up and all. Baby is doing great! She thinks, and I agree, that this looks like PUPPPS, minus the itch! Okay, I am not going to do any complaining or arguing here. No itch with this thing is just fine with me!!!( I do have bumps on my ankles now as well.) I am praying for all the symptoms to leave… itch or no itch!

The strange thing with this is that it usually associated with first pregnancies. But, hey, when have I ever been accused of being normal… I have thought about it though, and one theory is that this is the first pregnancy after my battle with cancer. Things are probably different in a lot of ways. Which ever or why isn’t really that important to me, but I did think it was interesting. I have definitely felt like this is like my first pregnancy… J

So, what do you think? Should I make a face on my belly? I could have a cool belly pic with acne…

More Belly News...

I saw my midwife last night and she said that nothing about this seemed serious to her. The fact that there is no itch is a pretty good indicator that there is nothing seriously wrong. But… I was wanting to take belly pics sans spots!!! I am to the point now that I could make some good ones, but not with spots all over!!! There is just nothing that sweet about a spotted belly! :)

So, here I am. Pregnant, getting kicked and pounded, my back hurts, I can’t breathe right, heartburn, two more months of this to go….and spotted. I think it is time for me to get the sympathy I deserve! :-)

Belly Spots?

Last night I noticed these spots on my belly. I wasn’t sure what it was, but thought maybe they had something to do with the tummy panel on my pants. Well, they are still there this morning. They don’t itch or anything, but I don’t get it. What are they? Anyone want to take a guess?

Files Camping Trip...

This week we camped at Brownwood State Park, which is only about 30 miles away. It was so pretty. The sites were nice, things were pretty clean and the scenery was peaceful. We enjoyed the walking trails as well.

Oh, and the food was awesome! David cooked over the fire and we had plenty to eat. As well as a lot of fun! :-)
Sarah decided that she needed to take care of me while we were on the trail. It was so sweet. She said, “Now, you follow me, Mommy, so you don’t fall down.” She then went ahead on the trail and moved briars out of the way and warned me about the bridge we crossed. It was so sweet and cute! I felt very loved! :-)
We ended our time with some swimming. The kids will tell you that they learned to swim. :-)They had a great time, until they got out of the water and the wind hit them! But they all said that they liked the swimming the best!

I was happy. It got down to the mid-40's while we were there. I got cold!!! Yay for me!!! I loved it! :-) The fire felt so good... I forgot the hot chocolate, so I just had to imagine that I was drinking it!

BTW, this is a dolphin. But, of course, you knew that. :)

More Baby Stuff...

I have had some questions about the things we need this time around. So, I put together a few baby registries online to give anyone who wants to know an idea of what we need/like. (I did a few since not every place had the things I was interested in...)

Wal-Mart

Target

BabysRus

Amazon.com (This one has the most on it right now....)

Baby Stuff...

Yup, a new post!

I have been busy getting ready for baby, among other things! I am learning all I can about different topics, including,

Infant Potty Training (also known as IPT, EC, etc. This is practiced in different parts of the world with huge success and is a growing movement in the US.)

Babywearing (Another worldwide practice that goes along with natural parenting…)

ETC, ETC……

Here are a few links to interesting sites that I have been on lately….

The Baby Wearer

The Momatoto Project

Tribal Baby

Infant Potty Training

The EC Store

The Sling Station

I have had a lot of fun learning and planning. I am hoping to keep things more simple this time around as well as save time and money. :)

I am in true nesting mode now...

I think I am recognizing the symtoms....

• My bedroom is clean for the first time in several months... (Like, clean for real....)
• My desk is clean for the first time all year, I think.....
• I cleaned the kid's rooms up...
• Every thought and most conversations turn at some point to getting ready for baby, how we are going to do this or that when we have the baby....
• I am getting things done so far ahead I am beginning to scare myself....

If anyone thinks that I have misdiagnosed the symptoms, let me know! :)

Good News!

Praise the Lord! We had 2" of rain last night. We were really needed some to swell the peaches. They will ripen now. Next week we could have peaches. This looks like it could be our best crop yet.

I have shared with most, but have not posted online, but......we are expecting our 4th baby in Nov! We are very excited. David and I are acting like kids about to have our first one and the kids....well, they are just thrilled. My belly is now a point of observation. "Oh, mommy," I hear, "Your belly is getting BIG!" I am only about 4 months along, so it is not that big, but progress is progress to them!

I have been feeling good and getting a lot done. This is the time during pregnancy that I esp like. I don't feel yucky, my belly is not in the way too much yet and I have a drive to get things ready. Later I might be tired more, but right now, lemme at 'em. :-)

I am so hungry for information. I have had 3 babies already, but with this one I have a desire to read every pregnancy type book that I can get my hands on. I guess you never stop learning. I sure don't want to.

No promises, but I will try to post again soon. :-)

Okay, So I Haven't Been Blogging....

Hello, anyone reading. Here I am. Back in blogland.

I think about blogging. I plan posts. But I just haven't come to blogland to blog.

But here I am so......

First to post an update on the CTBHHM books....

I still have some available. BTW, if the shipping seems high in the paypal cart.... I will refund anything that is not used in actual shipping of the book.

I am so happy that spring is here. I am enjoying the beautiful foliage that is on the trees now and the green grass that is working to take over the pasture.

We are enjoying goat milk now. Not much since we are still feeding baby goats, but some are weaning now and that will help give the people more milk!

We now have a porch on the house. I will try to post some pics soon. The roof is all the way across the front and decking the length of the living room. It is very plesant to sit on. Now we are waiting to be able to do the west side and east side. Getting the roof done is the biggest priority as that will provide the shade.

Was It Worth It?

Well, I am on the other side of my trip to Denton now. I battled a bladder/kidney infection right before I left. I cleaned the Suburban on the inside throughly.... which was very satisfying... I left the kids with David, (or...was it David with the kids.... :-) ), and headed out. It was a lot of work to get ready, it took time out of David's productivity, cost money.... So, was it worth it? Did it really go as well as I had hoped? Absolutely. It was well worth and way beyond all the effort that went into me going. I had a blast, but more than that, it was real. Real bible teaching, in-your-face bible teaching, exhortation that I needed to hear. (All humbly yet boldly put forth.) Every part of the conference was timely for me. There was not one moment that I wondered if I should have come, or was this really for me. I never even had a moment where I kind of turned my ears off because the speaker was getting into some foolish jesting about things that are not to be jested about or expressing less than ideal attitudes about husbands, etc. I don't know if those reading know me that well, but that is very rare for me. I am a pretty thick-skinned person most of the time, and am pretty good at spitting out bones in messages and getting the meat. But I usually find myself spitting bones a lot! It was rather nice to be able to just enjoy the fare set before me and not have to examine and pick off trash before eating. :-) It was rather refreshing! I had a great time of refreshing and have come home with new resolve and vision. I was also just greatly encouraged that what I am doing here at home is important and valuable.

Win A Free Book!!!

Click on the link below to be entered to win a free book!
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Hi, Ho, Hi, Ho, It's Off To Denton I Go...

Okay, maybe the guys who made the "Hi, Ho" song famous were not excited,.... but I am. :-) Tomorrow I leave with several ladies from our church for Denton to a Revive Our Hearts Conference. Am I excited? Yes, I am!

Nancy Leigh DeMoss will be the speaker, someone I highly respect and look up to. I am looking forward to hearing what she has to say this weekend.

Wow, the moon is so pretty tonight. I would love to try to photograph it. But, without a tripod it turns out a bit shaky. (Lets see,.....find Prayer list......add.....tripod.) Anyway, I think that it would make a really good picture tonight. I might try it anyway, we'll see. I still have some laundry to fold before I leave for the conference. (Did I mention that I am excited about that?)

Organizing...

I have made some big strides in organizing in the past few months. As you can see from the pictures posted, there have been some interesting projects going on. :-)

In August I set up: a new filing system, (The pic on the left is the works-in-progress picture and the one on the left is the result.), a new bin system, (an idea I borrowed and modified from my friend, Molly that has a bin for everyone in the family, and I added catagories like, give away, sell, give back, etc.),

and a new, well, modified laundry system. While all the projects mentioned above are wonderful and are working well, I think the one that has made the most difference and is the most pleasant to use is the bathroom cupboard. My only regret is that I didn’t take a before picture of that cupboard. It was hideous and the difference is striking.

I also did a bit of decorating. The wall behind our woodstove is much improved! It was hard to get at an angle to take the picture that the pipe wasn't in the way. :-( But maybe it gives the idea.

I am working to stay on top of things better. I feel like I’m stepping up to the next level in this home management course that the Lord is taking me through. :-) Oh, I am far from perfect and not even totally satisfied with things, but I can see progress and that spurs me on. :-) I am determined to win.

Happenings in a Quick Nutshell...

Hello again!

Once again I have pulled out my trusty, “I haven’t posted in a while” template! Oh, well! :-)

Much has happened at our place since I last wrote. A new shop has been built for David, we are in the process of building porches, I have my dishwasher installed, we have been to my youngest sisters’ wedding in OK, I've made more advances in managing my home, started learning Spanish, got my ears pierced, etc, etc.

While things have been going on in the above mentioned areas, much has been going on in me, too. I have felt a call to pray more and a growing in listening as the Spirit prompts me to pray.

We are now hosting a cell group in our home. It has been enjoyable. Right now we are not studying anything in particular, but are just enjoying each others' company and fellowship. This week we did some activities with the kids. The guys made toolboxes with the boys and the girls made cornsnakes with the ladies. (An altered version of bean bags. We used old kid socks and since I didn’t have many beans, we used corn to stuff them. They ended up being long and skinny, like a snake, so I called them cornsnakes!)

Hope things are well with all reading this post. God bless you and yours.

Virginia Tech

I have been grieving over the Virginia Tech shooting. I grieve for the families and the kids, but I am also just really sad for the killer. He needed Jesus. He was in such pain and turmoil. Bitterness, anger and despair just destroyed him. Jesus was the answer. Not a bandaid but the solution.
I have not heard much about his family yet, but I am praying for them also.
If any of the families and friends of the victims run across this page, please know that I am praying for you, too. Jesus is the answer for you, too. Bitterness destroyed Cho Seung-Hui and he destroyed others. Don't let it destroy you. Give the pain and bitterness to Jesus who will set you free. He endured pain and injustice. He experienced the pain of abuse that was totally undeserved or justified. Yet He died for those who abused Him. He laid down His right to require payment and made the payment Himself. He extended forgiveness to us and experienced total freedom from bitterness. He can give that same freedom to us when we come to Him.

Houston

I had a good trip to Houston the 4th and the 5th. I did all my tests on the 4th and then saw my dr. the 5th. All the tests came back good! It was what I expected, but it was still good to hear. My Dr. was also very encouraging. She said that they were anticipating me to stay cancer free, esp. because of how the cancer had responded to the treatment, and had not returned for a year. They were also thinking that one of the proteins that were present with the cancer was going to help with staying free. They will continue to watch me closely, I go back in 4 months, but she said that they don’t expect me to have a relapse.

As you might imagine, I am encouraged and excited by that report! Thank you all for praying for me and please do continue! And join me in blessing and praising the name of our God for the great things He has done!

Farm Kids

We are still enjoying our goat kids! Keilah is living the book, “Hedi,” and just having a wonderful time with her ‘herd.’ She watches them carefully, counting often during the day to make sure that they are all accounted for. I laugh continually at their antics. Earlier was a typical example. (Note the goat on the swing!)

David took the tractor and trailer to the pasture to do some work on the fences. Two of the kids decided to follow him, bouncing along beside the trailer. When he would stop for a moment to open a gate or some such thing, they would jump onto the trailer. After bouncing around all over that, they would hop off as it started moving again and bound along beside it. It was hilarious to watch, although I knew that it was difficult for David. :-) He finally had to stop, get off, catch the little imps and put them back on the house side of the fence. They stood there a minute and watched him leave. Then they threw their heads up in the air, turned and bounded for the house. (Note: The picture shown was taken later when David was just moving the trailer. For some reason it is very popular with all kinds of kids. :-) Believe it or not, most of the goats shown rode the trailer all the way until David stopped to unload some of his pile. That turned into another adventure!)

I did have someone comment on the pictures of the goats in the house. :-) The question was asked how we keep them out now that they have been in.

Well, we have to race them to the door and stick a foot out to keep them from coming in. :-P Sometimes we lose and they get in before us or along with us. Getting them back out is not too hard. The house is not that interesting anyway now that they are a bit bigger!

I’m dreaming… of a …White, ……Easter……?!

These pictures are not from Christmas! These were pictures I took the Saturday before Easter. We had snow mixed with sleet dumped on us all day Saturday. I called my brother in Oklahoma, and was surprised that they didn’t get anything but a few flurries. Jakin was so excited. He kept asking, “Is it Christmas again?!” :-)

The kids didn't mind another chance to play in the snow! Really, I simply couldn't keep them in. :-)

We were blessed and excited to receive some much needed rain recently. It was not, however, without some excitement that bordered on the scary side. :-)

A large storm system moved across our area bringing rain and hail. Some areas had bigger hail than others did. We received some hail that was from large pea to marble size. The hail did affect the orchard- how much it was affected is still hard to tell. There was a small tornado that touched down at Carbon, but from what I have heard, it was out in a field and did no harm. Looking at the sky, we knew that we should be near the storm cellar, so we went to Ma and Pa’s. These top 2 pictures you see are what I took on our way over.

Later that day we delivered some food to a family in Gorman. There was another system watering the earth when we left to go. We got out of it driving to Gorman, but hit it again on the way back. It was a slow moving storm. We got a lot of runoff from both systems. The creek was running when we got home, and our tanks were full. That was really good to see!

Always Obey...

I was visiting with some friends the other day and one friend told this hilarious story about how he learned what sarcasm was. Or I found it to be hilarious anyway. :-)

As a kid he was handling some eggs in the kitchen for some reason and as often happens with kids and eggs, one fell onto the floor and broke. His mom sarcastically remarked, “Why don’t you just step on it?”

He was confused. Why would you step on an egg and make it into a bigger mess? Maybe it was a great cleaning secret? Still confused, but thinking that she must have a reason for telling him to do such a strange thing, he obligingly stomped the egg.

Imagine his surprise when he found himself in trouble, for obeying! She thought he was being a smart alec!

More Goat News

Our baby goats are more fun everyday. Yesterday we had some excitement. :-) When I came in, a kid came in also. The people kids really like the goat kids coming in the house. Keilah just called them all in, all eight of them. How could I say no? Next thing I knew, the whole bunch were in the kitchen, on the couch, in the bedrooms, eating plants, and bouncing in and out of the rocking chair. Jakin was just waking up from his nap. As he was lying there sleepily, he was pleased to have Blanc, the white buck, leap onto his bed. I poked my head in his room to find him grinning from ear to ear at the goat on his bed. Pretty soon people kids and goat kids were running around the house like wild animals. At one point, Keilah had a group of goats in her bedroom. The six does seemed to enjoy playing with her dollhouse. They surveyed the mess and tried to help clean up, but lacked the ability to do much about it.

I did find out how quickly goats can make a big mess- or rather, I almost did.

I was working at the sink in the kitchen. Blanc reared up to see if I was getting his milk. As he was on the way back down, his front leg opened one of the cabinet doors. Since it was open, he poked his head in, just to see. All he really did was sniff. As I was bending to remove his inquiring nose, he accidentally brushed his nose on the lid to my mixer. As it came crashing out of the door, so did a bread pan. I am not quite sure how he managed to bump it, and I don’t think he was either. :-) As I put everything back and shut the door, I just had to grin about the whole thing. If this is how fast and totally unintentionally a baby goat can cause trouble, no wonder grown goats get into trouble. :-)

Raw Milk

I was very interested to find the following information on a friend’s blog.

Posted on Time.com...

"Richard Hebron, 41, was driving along an anonymous
stretch of highway near Ann Arbor, Mich., last October when state cops pulled
him over, ordered him to put his hands on the hood of his mud-splattered truck
and seized its contents: 453 gal. of milk.
Yes, milk. Raw, unpasteurized
milk. To supply a small but growing market among health-conscious city and
suburban dwellers for milk taken straight from the udder, Hebron was dealing the
stuff on behalf of a farming cooperative he runs in southwestern Michigan. An
undercover agricultural investigator had infiltrated the co-op as part of a
sting operation that resulted in the seizure of $7,000 worth of fresh-food
items, including 35 lbs. of raw butter, 29 qt. of cream and all those gallons of
the suspicious white liquid. Although Hebron's home office was searched and his
computer seized, no charges have been filed. "When they tested the milk, they
couldn't find any problems with it," says Hebron. "It seems like they're just
looking for some way to shut us down." "

More from the article....

"What raw milk fans most resent is stepped-up
efforts to crack down on a personal choice that wasn't doing anyone else any
harm. "There are 65,000 child-porn websites," asks indignant co-op member Nancy
Sanders, a pediatric nurse and mother of five from Des Plaines, Ill. "Why
doesn't the government go after those?""

Read the rest of the article here.

Thanks Crystal and Bessie for posting this!

David and I were discussing this issue. We wondered why there couldn’t just be a label put on raw milk similar to the Surgeon General’s warning on tobacco and alcohol. People are allowed to consume these products that are proven health risks. Why couldn’t they decide to “risk” raw milk?

Blog Writing

I am going to try to be more regular in writing in my blog. I am not able to write every day at this point, but I am scheduling it in to write once a week. That worked well last week and this week. So, check in once a week or so, I plan to have something new each Thursday. :-)
Have a blessed week and may the Lord bless you and direct your path today!

Created to be His Help Meet

I have been reading “Created to be His Help Meet” by Debi Pearl again. I am going slower this time and taking more time to do the studying part of the book. She now has a journal/scrapbook that goes with the book. It is very encouraging and enlightening. I again would highly recommend this book to any married woman or those who plan to become married soon. You can find a copy of Debi’s book here (click on "Biblical Womanhood" on the left side of the page) or from the Pearls here. I have a hard time keeping a copy for myself, I am always giving my books away! :-)

One more note on the Pearls. You can sign up at their website to receive a free newsletter bi-monthly. It is full of encouraging and helpful articles on a wide variety of topics. Anyone with children and a heart to listen to wise counsel will enjoy their publication.

Carrot Pizza?!

n Last night we had pizza for supper. Whole wheat pizza with cheese, greens and, (this may sound weird but it was good), shredded carrots. I have been making it with onions too, but I was out of onions. It is really easy and delicious. Crust, sauce and toppings with no pans to clean up! Better than a one dish meal! :-)

To make it even simpler, last night I used one of my frozen crusts. Homemade frozen crust, I should say. :-) Last time I made pizza crust, I made a double batch and froze 2 crusts. It was so easy to pull the crust out of the freezer a few hours ahead of time and then prepare the toppings.

Now, some may be thinking, “Whole wheat? I’ve tried that and didn’t like it.” So have I. But I have found a type of wheat that makes great baked goods and tastes wonderful. It is called ‘Prairie Gold.’ It comes from Wheat Montana Farms. It is a white wheat that is high in protein. It does very well it just about anything. I have used it in bread, rolls, biscuits, pancakes, muffins, etc. I have marveled at how it makes whole wheat bread. I have had to wonder, is this really 100% whole wheat bread?! I know it is since I made it myself, but it just seems to good to be whole wheat.

MDA

I am scheduled to go to MDA again in April. This time I was able to move my appointments closer together to each other. I will have my tests done the 4th and then see my doctor on the 5th. That will be much easier! I am planning to go down by myself again, but will only have to spend one night in Houston, compared to 3 nights. That will be much easier! I have purchased tickets to fly down and back, so that will cut my travel time down even more.

BTW, health wise I feel like I am doing really well. I have plenty of energy and have a fine crop of hair now. :-) LOL! I have noticed some effects of the chemo, but they seem to be fading as time passes. I just praise the Lord for His kindness and mercy to me.

I would appreciate prayer for the test results and for my trip. And thank you all for your prayers. Without prayer I would not be here today.

Farm Life

More Babies
This has been an interesting and fun week! Our goats now have had 8 kids. We have two sets of twins, one set of triplets, and one only child. They are just the cutest. We are bottle-feeding them all. I carry 8 bottles of milk out 3 times a day. It is a big circus trying to get everyone fed. I’m sure it looks ridiculous! :-) So far, we have Cappuccino and Blanc, Joan, Jill, and Josie, Mystery, and Phlox and her brother. (He is waiting on his name!) Amazingly, we have 6 does and 2 bucks. :-)

Milk
We have milk running out our ears now! We are getting about 4 gallons of milk a day now. One of our goats is giving almost 2 gallons a day. We should have plenty of milk now! I am looking forward to cheese, mostly soft cheese, kefir, and goat butter.

Spring!
The weather has been so nice here lately! Spring is finally here and we are happy to see it. The oak trees are tassling out and putting leaves on. The butterflies are flittering everywhere. The grass is greening up and fruit trees are blooming. The kids are overjoyed that they can forget their coats and shoes and just head out the door. I am really enjoying all of this. Ijust love my life here on the farm!

Babies!

Hello! I am still here, I just have not been blogging!

Goaties!
The latest news on the farm has been the addition of new baby goats! Our "ladies" are having kids, the cutest babies in Texas! We had twins born on March 8. This morning I got out of the shower and kept hearing a kid close to the house and I knew that it didn't sound like on of the kids we already had. Sure enough, we had a new little doe this morning.

We are bottle feeding them so that they will be easier to wean. This does mean more work now, though. :-) Now they all think we are their mothers. "Maaa, maaa, maaa," we hear as soon a we get near them.

As you might imagine, our people kids love the goat kids. :-) They enjoy feeding and playing with them. There are limits, however.

After the first kids were born, we all out in the pen feeding and petting them. I was explaining to one of the goat kids that I didn't mind being it's mother, too. Jakin just frowned and me and made a negative sound. The goat was close to me and I was petting it. Next thing I knew, Jakin was in my lap, and wanting me to agree that I was his mama, not the goat's mama. :-) It was hilarious, but not to Jakin. :-)

Home, Happy and Busy

Hello all! I finally scheduled at time to post an update in blogland. :-)

MDA
As expected, the results of all my tests came back good. That was good news to hear, although I did expect it. My stay in Houston was, however, a bit long to me. I didn't like being away from David and the kids that long. They made it, but didn't really like it either. I am hoping to find a way to shorten the time I have to be down there.

My doctor told me that I need to come back again in 3 months one more time, and then I will need to come every 4 months for the next year.

I will post again later!

Happy New Year!

Hello everyone and a happy and blessed 2007 to you all.
I know, there is a lot to catch up on on here. I will just type as much as I can right now.

MDA
I am at MDA again for testing. So far I have done my PET scan and lab work. I am waiting to get my drink for the CT scan. I haven't decided what flavors to get. None of them are good. They are all white and about the constistancy of thick paint. They have flavors that try to make your tongue think that what you are swallowing is food. "Try" is the word. Berry, orange, banana, and apple are the flavors. All are horrible. I have started a good joke with them, though. I start by asking the nurse for the chocolate flavor. There are varying responses to my request. Some laugh and assure me there is no such flavor. Some nearly bark out the flavors that are availible. All are fun to harras. But the best is yet to come. I then head to the waiting room to begin the process of trying to get down as much of the first glass as possible. I sit down with a self-satisfied smile among other drinkers. As is the normal custom, I am asked by someone in the group what flavor I chose. (Keep in mind that none are satisfied with their choice and are wishing they could trade after the first sip.) After I smile and act very pleased I answer loud enough for several to hear.

"I got chocolate!" :-)

Some laugh right away, some think I may be serious. The best time to give out this information is when a nurse is present, handing a refill to a patient that has had plenty of the discusting drink. It is awful, I guess, but it is so much fun. The poor nurse has to beat a hasty retreat after all the other patients harass her with requests for the non-exisistent chocolate flavor.

It is no fun to drink that stuff, much less go through the test. I figure the best thing I can do is laugh about it, and help someone else laugh, too. I have seen that the way people handle things can really help other people to handle their trials better. Even if it is just a few cups of bariurm.

Merry Christmas!
We had a good Christmas season. A bit busy but peaceful. We had a good time at Ma and Pa's on Christmas Day- along with Cathy, Richard and Rachel,-eating, opening presents and playing games. It was so good to be in our new house for Christmas.

We had a good visit with Emily, Patrick, Emmett and Joshua after Christmas. Lots of silly stuff, lots of fun stuff. We made butter, cooked pancakes, played with make-up, played Balderdash and the Files card game, laughed and goofed around, had a big slumber party, and ended it all with a big pillow fight in the living room. Fun? Oh, Yeah! :-) Love you guys!

Not Enough To Do?!

Today I am working to get ready for a fall festival at church tonight, (I am helping with the food), helping a friend dress chicken's tomorrow, and Keilah's birthday Thursday. Not much to do really to get ready. Just clean the house, make beans and cornbread, make tortilla's for breakfast tomorrow so it can be on the go, clean the house some more, decorate for Keilah's birthday, get a few more things for gifts, wrap gifts, make cake and decorate, make more tortillas for birthday supper along with beans and rice and/or cornbread, make favor bags, and stuff like that. Oh, I guess laundry and baths will happen somewhere in there along with regular meals. Maybe I won't be too busy. :-)

Good morning!
Today is windy and cool, and thankfully we have a woodstove and a warm house. I think about how nice it is to have a house in weather like this. Most of us take that as a normal fact, but some people don't have the privilige or luxury of having a place that is warm and dry. I am thankful for my warm bed and dry house to take care of my family in.

Today is my big cleaning day. Today I get to go through the house cleaning everything up. And today I am going shopping. Online, that is. And I'm planning to get my coop order together.

Keilah's birthday is coming up soon. She will be 5. Wow. It seems like just a short time ago she was a baby. Now she is half way to 10.

Well, on to the other items of the day!

Brrr!

We have been a bit chilly down here the last few days. Today the highs are supposed to be about 70 degrees. This morning it was in the 30's. Brrrr!

Nell is recovering from surgery well. She is no longer using a walker and and seems to do really well walking around. Her therapy is going well also. We are happy to see that she is doing so well.

History
I've been listening to a song that is popular on the radio right now by Matthew West called, "History." I love this song. God has been using it to minister to me lately. Here are the lyrics. (click on links above to see more about Matthew West)

" It's been a bad day

You've been looking back

And all you can see is everything you wish you could take back

All your mistakes

A world of regrets

All of those moments you would rather forget

I know it's hard to believe

Let me refresh your memory

Yesterday is history

And history is miles away

So, leave it all behind you

But let it always remind you of the day

The day that love made history

You know you can't stay right where you fell

The hardest part is forgiving yourself

But let's take a walk into today

And don't let your past get in the way
Would you believe that you are history in the making,

in the making?
Every choice that you are making

Every step that you are taking

Every chain that you are breaking

History is in the making

Every word that you are saying

Every prayer that you are praying

Every chain that you are breaking

History is in the making

History is in the making

History is in the making "

© 2005 Word Music, LLCANesties Music Publishing, admin, by Word Music, LLC (ASCAP) All rights reserved. Used by permission. International copyright secured.

This song has been ministering to me as I work each day. Every day bring victories and failures. Pressing on and looking ahead instead of behind is something that I am trying to learn to keep in mind.

BTW, if you go to www.matthewwest.com you can listen to some of his music while you look around. That is, if you don't have dial-up. With dial-up it sounds like he is singing and then drinking some milk, then turning to sing some more, then drinking more milk. That is what Keilah thinks it sounds like anyway. :-)

Have a blessed day!

Update On David's Mom

Just a quick update, Nell's surgery went well. She is supposed to be able to come home from the hospital tomorrow. She is sore but doing well with the therapy.

More later!

Shooting Amish Girls?!!!

Shocking

This is a shocking story. And there is another version here. Esp since it is very close to where some our Amish friends live. We will be trying to get in touch with them soon. Please be in prayer for all the Amish. And for protection for the schools in our country.

Globe,..Well,... State Trotting and Other News

Hello all! Here I am again and look, it hasn't been 2 months since my last post! Aren't you proud of me? :-)

I guess you have noticed my new look. I plan to do more updating in the near future also.

We are about to head for Arkansas to pick up some strawberry plants. 100-200 actually. The plan is to go them through the winter and then have strawberries in the spring. Lord willing that is what we intend to do. We are still in the planning stages of the trip and so don't know the exact dates yet. But we are thinking about seeing some other folks along the way. (BTW, I failed to mention that we are going to David's uncle's to get the plants.)

Prayer needed for Nell

Please be in prayer for David's mom. She is going to have knee replacement surgery on the 10th of this month. While she is glad to be doing the surgery and getting the knee issue resolved, she is not looking forward to the down time afterwards.

Everything The 10th

I guess everything will be happening the 10th. We will have baby chickens hatching the 10th, the co-op order will come in the 10th, Nell's surgery is the 10th,...and there is something else that I forgot.

Prayer For Me

I would also covet everyone's prayers. I am in the process of getting our house, life, family, etc on a schedule. However, I am not very proficient in this area and am having to learn from the ground up how all this works. Please pray for me. And if any of you have good tips or advise in any area you can think of, please leave me a comment. For you elder readers, would you consider thinking back to when your kids were young and telling me how you ran your day, or how you wish you would have, or anything that you would like to have been told at that time? I would highly value anything anyone would have to say!

God bless you all and have a wonderful day.

Finished!

Just to let everyone know, I now have nothing in my body, that I know of, that is not just me. The medi-port is offically gone. All that is left is a large bruise and some stitches. I am still a bit sore, but that is quickly fading away.

As you might imagine, it is a relief to finally have that thing removed.

The surgery went well and I did pretty good afterwards. (I said, "pretty good" because I did have some nausea afterwards) Thank you all for your prayers.

I'll post again later!

The End of the Year

Last year about this time I underwent surgery to have a medi-port put in so that I could start chemo. Tommorrow it comes out. Sept 22, 2005 it was put in place and I had big battle ahead of me. Tommorrow, Sept 21, 2006 I will have it removed and expect to have a good year next year.

So much has happened in the time that I did that surgery. I have been a lot of places, learned a lot of things, met a lot of people. I am a different person.

If you are reading this before 8:00 am Central Time, please pray for me. This will be an "easy" procedure compared to the placement but it is still a surgery.

Yes, This is a New Post! :-)

Once again it has been a woefully long time since I updated everyone here. I am sorry. So much happens and it is so hard to get it all written! :-) I will give a quick overview of the last few months.

As posted before, we are in our new house and oh, are we enjoying that! The house is not completed yet, but we have what we need each day and that is all we need at the moment. The space is so nice. We can actually spread out a bit. I have been working on getting it organized and I think that is going well. :-) I love my big kitchen and new appliances. Right now I am still using the original cabinets but David is planning to add new ones and update the old ones soon. But I am happy, I have more space than I did in the other house and I definitely have more space than in the trailer. :-) So, all is well!

I did enjoy getting my cupboards painted last week. I did a black and white scheme. I did the inside of the cupboards white, and the drawers and doors white. All the facings I painted black. I will post a picture when I get home and take one.

Right now we are in Galveston. I went in yesterday for tests and will find out Friday what the results are. I know that everything is okay and am not worried about it.

It sure does feel good to be able to be back in the swing of things. I am reminded being down here just how bad I felt and what how far God has brought me. I am just so thankful.


Here is a picture that Keilah took of me. I have my hat on, but maybe it will give those who haven't seen me in a while an idea of what I look like these days. :-)

I will try to post more often, but that has been said before......