Down On The Farm

A Good Report

2012-02-09T16:20:00.000-06:00

Thank you, thank you, thank you for praying for little Thomas. He was in surgery on Wednesday for ten hours. The doctors replaced a heart valve, repaired an artery, and put in a pacemaker. The doctors are saying the surgery went well and today, nearly 24 hours post surgery, Thomas' vital signs are very good, and the doctors are beginning to wean him off some of the medication.

He is still in critical condition, and has a long road ahead of him. But, I am believing that he has the worst behind him.

Thanks also for your prayers for my cousin, Chris. I just learned that Chris will be having surgery on February 22nd, and I would appreciate your continued prayers for him.

Isn't God good? So many people are praying, and sometimes they don't even personally know the person they are praying for, and God hears all those prayers. And He answers. So thank you again for all your prayers. Feel free to comment on any of my posts to leave a prayer request, and I promise I will boldly approach the throne and lift your needs before our Lord. He is good, all the time!!!

Prayers Requested

2012-02-07T11:47:00.000-06:00

Boy, it sure seems like lately I have asked my blogging friends to agree with me in prayer on a lot of things. Aren't you thankful that the amazing God we serve is never too busy to hear our prayers? Thank you Lord.

Today I have two prayer requests for you. The first is for the little boy, Thomas, that I have requested prayers for before. You may recall that Thomas was born with a heart defect, and he has had multiple surgeries in his short life (he will be two years old next week). Well, Thomas had to have a heart procedure last week, and it did not go well. So tomorrow the doctors are going to operate on Thomas and put an artificial valve in his heart. This surgery has only been performed five times on someone as young as Thomas. The doctors estimate that the surgery will take 10-12 hours. So if you would, please be praying for Thomas tomorrow and for his parents. I cannot imagine the fear and worry they must be feeling.

I would also request prayer for a cousin of mine name Chris. Chris is in his mid-30s, is married and has two small childen. He has battled Crohns disease for many years, again, having multiple surgeries. Chris is in need of yet another surgery to attempt to repair a "pouch" that the doctors created to avoid his having to have his colon removed. Unfortunately, his body is full of infection, and the doctors cannot operate until the infection is under control.

My friends I would ask that you agree with me in prayer for healing for Thomas and for Chris. They are, in completely different ways, both very, very ill. But I know that God is in control. And I know that His Word tell us in James 5:16 that "The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." That tells me that when we who are made righteous by the blood of Jesus Christ pray, that God hears us. That our prayers make a difference. Today I am asking God to heal these two, and I ask, as Jesus did, for God's perfect will.

I appreciate your agreeing with me in prayer. God bless you.

Really???

2012-02-06T09:30:00.000-06:00

Really?? I mean, it's still just February. Spring is a long way off, but by my back steps those little green shoots are coming up out of the ground and growing every day. I can't believe Easter Lilies are starting to grow. I am afraid they are going to FREEZE and then I won't have any Easter Lilies when Easter really does roll around.

We are still having a VERY mild winter here in Central Missouri. Chance of some rain mixed with snow for tomorrow night, but for Missouri in February that is NOT a big deal.

We have been so blessed with this mild, mild weather. Thinking (and hoping) that maybe that old groundhog was WRONG!!!!!

Hope you are having FANTASTIC weather in your neck of the woods!!!!!

Awesome Weather

2012-01-31T09:29:00.000-06:00

Missouri is known for having wild weather. We have really really cold winters. We have really really hot summers. We have hail and thunder and lightning. Sometimes we have thundersnow. We have dust and mud and dust and mud. I mean, if you don't like the weather in Missouri, just wait a few hours and it will change.

Well I can tell you that right now, on January 31st, I don't want this Missouri weather to change. Yesterday it was 65 degrees. Yes, I said 65 degrees. This morning it was already 54 degrees by 6:00 a.m. and it is supposed to be near 65 degrees again today. The forecast for the next 7 days calls for highs mostly in the 50s and lows in the 30s. Folks, that ain't BAD for Missouri in January in February!

So today I am thanking the Lord for the awesome weather. And enjoying every second of it! What's the weather in your neck of the woods?

Let Us Fix Our Eyes On Jesus!!!!

2012-01-25T09:02:00.000-06:00

Asking For Your Prayers

2012-01-24T10:41:00.000-06:00

My friends, I ask today that you would pray for healing for two men. The first is the father of a very good friend of mine who suffered a mini stroke at church Sunday morning. He is in the hospital, and they are still running tests. He is a Godly man, and we are trusting the Lord for complete healing.

The second is for a man my husband went to school with who has been diagnosed with cancer. The cancer is in his plasma and bone marrow. It is not cureable, but they are hopeful that it is treatable. He has a tumor in one arm, and the doctors have said he may lose that arm. He starts radiation and chemotherapy tomorrow. I would ask that in addition to praying for his healing, that first and foremost you would pray for his salvation. I am concerned that he does not know Jesus as his Lord and Savior.

I thank you for your prayers today, and ask that God would bless each and every one of you.

Keep Calm

2012-01-18T11:05:00.000-06:00

You might have noticed over on the left side of my blog it says "Keep Calm and Cast On" referring to my new knitting habit, I mean hobby. Last week in a post I used a picture that said "Keep Calm There Will Be a Snow Day Soon." If you look over the internet, there are loads and loads of "Keep Calm" sayings out there. But do you ever feel like keeping calm is difficult?

Most days, I don't feel like my life is very calm. I get up every morning in a mad rush to get ready, drive 30 minutes to work, work all day, drive 30 minutes home. Then fix supper, do laundry, clean house, clean up after supper, try to spend time with my husband and kids and hear all about their day. Lots of nights we have a ballgame, or church. I'm always trying to remember birthdays of my friends and family and send out cards. I also send out cards regularly to a couple of widowed great aunts of mine. I do the grocery shopping and clothes shopping. I schedule hair cuts, doctors appointments, dentist appointments, etc. I pay all the bills. Take care of all the stuff for our income taxes.

I mean really? Does any of that sound calm to you?

It is so easy for us to get caught up in our daily lives. Caught up in all the stuff that has to get done. And sometimes I find myself so busy doing what I have to, that I forget sometimes to give God the time He deserves in my life. The busier I get the less time I have to pray. The more hectic things are, the less time I have to just sit and listen for His voice. When really, what I need to remind myself is that the crazier my life is, the more I need Him. The more I need His peace, His calmness.

True peace doesn't come from yoga or meditation. It doesn't come from a bubble bath. It doesn't come in a good night's sleep, or in "comfort food." True peace comes from the Holy Spirit. Jesus called the Holy Spirit the Comforter. And in the midst of the chaos that life brings, we need His peace.

So today, I am praying for God to send me His peace, and to remind me to seek His face daily. Because I need Him daily. I need His peace. Peace allows me to stand in the midst of the storm with a smile on my face and calmness in my heart, because I know that HE is in control. And I know that He is with me. Thank you Lord.

Burberry London

2012-01-16T09:45:00.000-06:00

I have something I am LOVING and wanted to share it with you. My sister got me this for Christmas, and it is out of this world. My new perfume . . . BURBERRY LONDON!!!!!

I wish we all had smell screens, so that when you read this post you could smell the scent of this perfume. I absolutely LOVE IT!! I think I already said I love it, but I do.

It smells very classy and elegant. But not stuffy.

And just a hint when it comes to buying more expensive perfumes . . . TJ MAXX and MARSHALLS! I never buy perfume in department stores. Too expensive!

And on top of how great it smells, I love the look of it! Let me know what perfumes you like!

Snow Day!!!

2012-01-12T09:14:00.001-06:00

Snow day today here in Central Missouri. At least a snow day for school kids. But no snow day for us workers. We just leave the house early, drive slowly and carefully, and pray we make it to work safely.

It's pretty darn cold here too. Sixteen degrees this morning, with wind chills around 5 degrees. Yesterday it was 57 degrees. Supposed to be back in the 40s on Saturday.

Yes, I live in Missouri. Land of CRAZY WEATHER!

A Great Low Carb Recipe

2012-01-11T11:37:00.000-06:00

I don't know that I have shared with you, but my preferred method of weight loss is "low carb." Actually "preferred" probably isn't accurate. "Required" is the better word. I love bread. I love pasta. I love sweets. And nobody who likes all those things "prefers" low carb. However, and I know there are lots of folks who would disagree, low carb works for me. And one of the things I am focusing on for this new year is to lose some weight and to be in better shape.

For anyone who has done low carb dieting before, you know that it can be monotonous. Because, honestly, there are lots and lots of foods out there that you just can't consume on a regular basis.

So, I've been searching for some good low carb recipes and I found a great one. Now the original recipe isn't low carb at all. The original recipe can be found HERE and can I just say that if I weren't trying to follow a low carb diet, I would be ALL OVER THIS RECIPE EXACTLY AS IT IS WRITTEN. I mean it just LOOKS delicious.

However, when you are trying to eat low carb, you can't exactly have a baguette. So, I decided to try the recipe baked in muffin tins instead of baking the egg mixture in a baguette.

I must admit that I tweaked the recipe by necessity. I have no pancetta in my refrigerator. And I have no gruyere cheese in my refrigerator. I live in Central Missouri. So, I substituted country ham for the pancetta and I substituted shredded cheddar cheese for the gruyere and you know what? It tasted delicious anyway! I do think the gruyere cheese would give it a totally different flavor, and next time I go to the grocery store I will pick some up and make the egg muffins again.

5 eggs

1/3 cup heavy cream

4 ounces cooked country ham

4 ounces shredded cheddar

2 green onions

salt and pepper to taste

Mix well and pour into greased muffin tins.

Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.

Don't they look delicious? I'm sorry, but the picture doesn't do them justice. Hey, it was late, it was after dark and I just couldn't get a good shot of them.

Give the recipe a try. I know you will love them. And for you bread eaters out there, enjoy that baguette!

Cast On!!!!

2012-01-09T10:56:00.003-06:00

The phrase "cast on" meant nothing to me until last week. To me, "casting" is something you do with a rod and reel when you are fishing. And while that's true, "cast on" has now taken on a new meaning to me. I am learning to knit.

Yes, it's true. In my vast spare time (yah, right), I have taken on a hobby ~~ knitting ~~ and I must say I love it! A wonderful friend helped me get started on Saturday, and on Sunday I finished my first scarf. Here it is! Ta Da!!!!!

For those of you non-knitters out there, "cast on" is what you do when you start your first row of stitches. I can tell you that knitting is not difficult at all, and the scarf actually went very quickly. I am now working on knitting a cotton dishcloth, and hope to start a scarf for my mom soon. The dishcloth is going much slower than my scarf, as there are lots of tiny stitches but, again, it is not difficult and I will love wiping off my kitchen counter with MY VERY OWN DISHCLOTH!

I like doing things that give me a sense of accomplishment, a feeling of "I made that." I know that's one reason why I enjoy canning so much. I love looking at all the jars and knowing that I accomplished something. Jars of apple butter and peach jam just seem to look prettier and taste better when I know I made them.

I will keep you posted (no pun intended) on my knitting endeavor. I think it is very relaxing, and a much better way to spend my time than in front of the television. And if any of you out there are knitters, I would love it if you would share your knitting projects and helpful hints with me! I'm just getting started, so I'm sticking to scarves and dishclothes for now. But eventually, I would love to make some cute fingerless mittens, caps, and a pair of nice warm socks!

So if you've ever thought about knitting, I would encourage you to pick up some knitting needles, get some yarn, and CAST ON!!!! It is a great hobby!!!!

What's On My Mind ~~ An Abundant Life

2012-01-05T05:00:00.000-06:00

I try not to make New Year's Resolutions. I've made them before, and they usually didn't last very long. Guess I wasn't very "resolved" huh?

So this year I'm thinking about some changes I would like to make in my life. I have a new resolve to live every single day to thefullest. To not just plod through every day life, but to relish it. To tell all those I love just how MUCH I love them. Tospend MORE time doing what I want to do, and LESS time doing what I DON’T wantto do. To try to look for, and enjoy, the simple things in life. To be nice and smile at everyone I meet. To findsomething beautiful in each day. To look for random acts of kindness I can do,something simple that can make someone’s day, even if it’s just smiling at them. Or paying for the order for the car behind me in the drivethru. To spend less time vegging out in front of the TV, andmore time reading the Bible. To make meal times more special at our house. To put a little extra effort into setting the table so it is pretty. Trying harder to make my house a warm,inviting home, a place my family WANTS to be.

I want to be more thankful to God for what I have, and give less thought to what I'd like to have. To seek God's will not only in the big decisions of my life, but in the every day things. My heart's desire is for people to see Him in me.

So there you have it. The things I am striving for. Not just in 2012, but for the rest of my life. And while it looks like a simple list ~~ it isn't. I will be praying for God to strengthen me and encourage me as I endeavor to live life better with His help.

In John 10:10 Jesus says "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."

I personally do not believe that an "abundant life" means money and possessions. I know people who have lots of "stuff" and their lives are far from abundant.

I believe that an abundant life means a life lived with peace and joy that only He can provide. A life that brings glory and honor to God is an abundant life. No matter what life throws at us, if our lives are built around Him, then we cannot be shaken. We can have peace and joy in the midst of horrible events. But only if we seek Him first.

"Lord, help me today and every day to seek You first. To seek Your will, and to be obedient to Your will. Forgive me for all the times that I fail miserably. Strengthen me and encourage me to be Your hands and feet. Help me to not grow weary in doing good. I love you Lord, and I want Your abundant life, full of peace. In Jesus name I ask, and I thank you. Amen"

Lang Calendars = Great Customer Service!!!!

2012-01-03T10:51:00.000-06:00

I don't know about you, but I really like Lang. If you aren't familiar with Lang, they sell calendars, planners, address books, and lots of other neat items. Their items are really beautiful, and of great quality. I like the look of their wall calendars, and their pocket planners really hold up well in my purse. Yes, I'm one of THOSE people who still carry a paper calendar.

While Lang calendars aren't outrageously expensive, I'm all for saving money when I can, so I wait to order my items when they are on sale. And Lang, like most companies, runs lots of year end sales and specials.

Late last week I got an e-mail from Lang advertising up to 60% off some of their items. Well, what's a girl to do? I mean, 60% off??? I'm all over 60% off!!!!

So, I got on their website and placed an order. I ordered THIS wall calendar:

And I ordered this pocket address book:

I can't wait to get these items. I am blessed to really enjoy simple things. And there isn't anything more simple than a really cute wall calendar, and a really cute address book. These are things I use, or look at every single day. The wall calendar was on sale for $6.40, and the pocket address book was on sale for $4.95. Ladies, you can't go to Wal-Mart and find a cuter wall calendar or pocket address book for anywhere near what I spent on this order. And trust me when I say the quality is much, much better. So for $11.35 (plus $7 shipping), I am getting a really beautiful calendar and a new address book (mine is seriously falling apart).

This morning as I was getting ready for work, I remembered that it is now 2012 (DUH!) and I hadn't ordered a new pocket size planner for my purse. I should have ordered one when I placed my order yesterday with Lang, but I completely forgot. So I took a chance, got on the Lang website, and did a "live chat" (isn't technology wonderful?) with a customer service representative. I explained to the very nice lady that I had placed an order yesterday, but had forgotten to include a pocket planner and asked if it was too late for them to add that planner to my order so I didn't have to pay separate shipping for one item. I am very pleased to say that the very nice lady told me that if I would place an order and then let her know the order number, she would remove the shipping fee from the order and I would only have to pay for the item. So, I promptly ordered this gorgeous pocket planner for $3.20 and I didn't have to pay extra for the shipping:

Can I just say that I am even more impressed with Lang. They didn't HAVE to give me free shipping. It was my own fault that I didn't order the pocket planner with the other items. But, I am happy to report that GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE is still alive and well at Lang! So, if you need a new wall calendar, address book, or planner I encourage you to visit Lang and check out what they have. The e-mail I received last week said the sale ends January 4, 2012. That's TOMORROW! So head on over to Lang and check out their great specials. And if you need it, I'm sure they'll extend their GREAT customer service to you as well!

This is NOT a paid advertisement for Lang. Lang has no idea who I am (other than the nice lady I "chatted" with this morning). I'm just sharing my great experience with Lang, with you. I like to support nice companies, and Lang is a NICE COMPANY! Let me know what you find at Lang that you love!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

2012-01-01T18:38:00.001-06:00

Wishing all a VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! 2011 was a fantastic year. I can't wait to see what God has in store for me and my family in 2012!

Praying for an awesome year for EVERYONE!!!!!

Luke Chapter 2

2011-12-23T08:46:00.000-06:00

And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.

Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
“ Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

Sad News

2011-12-21T21:30:00.001-06:00

It is with a heavy heart that I tell you that Ryan, the young man from our town I had asked for prayer for, has passed away. Please pray for his parents, his wife, his sister, and their extended family.

I know that even though God did not answer our prayers in the way that we had hoped, God did not ignore our prayers. He just had a different plan.

Please lift this family in prayer. Thanks to each of you for praying. God bless you.

Immediate Prayers Needed

2011-12-21T09:44:00.003-06:00

I have just become aware of a young man in our community who needs prayer immediately. He is a "local boy" and those of you who live in small towns know what I mean. His parents and grandparents have been in our community for as long as I can remember, he graduated from the local high school about 10 years ago, and everybody in town knows this young man. Yesterday afternoon he collapsed at his home, and was rushed to University Hospital in Columbia with a brain aneurysm. The doctors have operated, but evidently there was a lot of blood loss and a lot of damage to his brain.

I am asking each one of you to pray as you would want others to pray if this were your son. I know that our God is a Healer. His Word says that the prayer of faith SHALL heal the sick. I want you to stop what you are doing, right now, and pray for Ryan, for his wife, and for his parents. I cannot imagine what this family must be going through right now. They need comfort. They need the Comforter, the Holy Spirit. And Ryan needs a touch from the Great Physician. I ask you to pray for Ryan right now, and as the Lord brings him to your mind over the next few days.

Thank you for your prayers.

The Night Before Christmas

2011-12-14T16:58:00.001-06:00

I want to share with you my absolute favorite Christmas song. Now don't get me wrong. I love the old hymns. Silent Night. Joy to the World. Beautiful Star of Bethlehem. Those are classics and they are beautiful Christmas songs. But this song, by Brandon Heath, gives a different perspective to The Night Before Christmas. This song always brings a tear to my eye when I think of that night so long ago and what it meant for me, what it meant for everyone on earth.

I hope you enjoy this song as much as I do. And I hope it warms your heart when you remember how that night before Christmas changed the world. Because a Savior was born. My Savior.

Stationery card

2011-12-13T15:44:00.001-06:00

Flurry Of Snowflakes Holiday Card

Create photo holiday cards this Christmas season.

View the entire collection of cards.

Christmas Card WINNERS!!!!!

2011-12-09T09:07:00.001-06:00

Good day to you! I hope your days are Merry and Bright, and that you are basking in this wonderful holiday season. It is going by much too fast for me, but these next two weeks I hope to truly enjoy the wonder of the season. I'm going to turn up the Christmas music. Have lots of holiday goodies on hand, and remember to thank God for sending His Son Jesus to die for us, so that we might live.

Thanks to everyone who entered the giveaway. I am pleased to announce that the winners of TWENTY-FIVE FREE SHUTTERFLY CHRISTMAS CARDS are Mary of Merry Yon (my blogging buddy from Oklahoma) and Tanya of The Sweet Seasons (my blogging buddy from Kansas). I hope you enjoy the Christmas cards, and I would love to see what you chose.

Have a blessed day!!!!! And again, a great big THANK YOU to Shutterfly for sponsoring this giveaway! Their cards really are gorgeous! You can check it out at SHUTTERFLY!!!!!

A Christmas Card Giveaway!!!!!

2011-12-05T09:15:00.002-06:00

There are just EIGHTEEN more days until Christmas!!! I can't believe it. I actually plugged our outdoor lights in yesterday. Yeah me!!!! I went out to the "entrance" of our farm, (that makes it sound kind of fancy, but really, it isn't), took down the Thanksgiving decorations, and put up some artificial greenery and a couple of wreaths. I actually decorated our fireplace mantle. I had to, because a friend of mine was coming to take family pictures for our Christmas cards yesterday! We did some outside pictures, and some inside pictures, 'cause it was COLD here yesterday. Actually, it's cold here today too! But, I digress!

You might remember that last year I was selected by Shutterfly to receive 50 free Christmas cards. They were absolutely AWESOME! The picture above is our 2010 Christmas cards. I loved them, and had planned to order my cards through Shutterfly again this year when, lo and behold, I was offered 50 free Christmas cards from Shutterfly again this year. And the great thing is, they gave me a couple of "coupons" for 25 free Christmas cards to offer to my blogging friends! Aren't you excited ? ? ? ! ! !

So, here's the deal. To enter the giveaway for 25 free Christmas cards from Shutterfly just leave me a comment and describe your favorite Christmas memory. Or, you can share what your ultimate Christmas would be. Or, you can just say "Merry Christmas!" Your choice. If you want to share the news about my giveaway on your blog, that would awesome, but you don't have to. Just leave one comment between now and Thursday evening. Two winners will be selected at random Thursday evening, and the winners will be announced on Friday. That will still give you PLENTY of time to order your FREE Christmas cards from Shutterfly.

This giveaway is generously provided by Shutterfly. I received 50 free Christmas cards from Shutterfly this year, but I can say without hesitation that their Christmas cards are the nicest I've seen, and I would order my Christmas cards from there anyway, whether they gave me any free cards or not. That's my story and I'm stickin' to it!!!

Good luck . . . and MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas??

2011-11-30T10:04:00.000-06:00

THIS IS NOT MY TREE!!!!!!!!!!

I love that song. I know, I know, you're humming it in your mind right now aren't you??

And I love Christmas time. It IS the most wonderful time of the year. But I have to admit that, at my house, it really doesn't look ANYTHING like Christmas.

I don't have my Christmas tree put up yet. I don't have any decorations put out at all. I have to be honest and tell you that we left our outdoor lights up last year, but I haven't found the really long extension cord I need to plug them in so, no outdoor lights yet.

I actually have purchased some Christmas presents. HOORAY!!! But, I don't have anything wrapped.

So in that sea of beautifully decorated houses, and gorgeously wrapped gifts we see every day in magazines and on blogs, let me be a little bit of reality for those of you who, like me, may not have everything all together.

I know we know this in our head, but may I remind your heart, Christmas is about Jesus. Yes, we decorate our houses and we cook lots of yummy food and we buy presents and we try to make this the perfect time of year. But in the midst of all that work, please pause to remember, there was no tree in the stable where He was born. The only light was the star shining above Bethlehem. There was no feast to honor Him at His birth. But the angels sang, and spoke those words about the only birth that brought hope to the world "Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people . . . "

That is what Christmas is all about. So chill out about the tree, and the presents, and the lights, and the food, and remember that Jesus IS the reason for the season!

Thankful Thanksgiving!!!!!

2011-11-23T08:31:00.000-06:00

Today millions of people (including myself) are preparing for a big Thanksgiving meal on Thursday. They are going to the grocery store, cleaning the house, and cooking like crazy. They are stressing out over the turkey, it has to look beautifully browned. Agonizing over the gravy ~~ can't have any lumps! Deciding on which dressing to serve. Do they use the good dishes? Sure hope the weather cooperates!

But in the midst of all that work and worry, we need to remember that as Christians, we should be celebrating Thanksgiving as a true day of giving thanks. If you have a warm house, you are blessed. If you have food, you are blessed. If you aren't in the hospital, you are blessed. And if you have a wonderful family to share the day with, as I do, then man oh man you are DOUBLY BLESSED.

I know I have so much to be thankful for. And as I prepare for a big family Thanksgiving, with turkey and dressing and mashed potatoes and gravy and more food than I can possibly describe, I stop and say thank you to the God who saved me. Who loves me. Who protects me. And who sends every good and perfect gift. I am so blessed!

Happy Thanksgiving!

And The Cast is OFF!!!!!

2011-11-21T11:33:00.000-06:00

So happy to report that Cole's foot is MUCH MUCH BETTER! In fact, the doctor removed the cast and sent us home with a walking boot. Cole has to wear this for two weeks, and then will complete two weeks of physical therapy, then we go back to the doctor. I would expect at that time Cole will be released and everything will go back to normal!

The doctor was very pleased with how the swelling had gone down, and how the pain was almost all gone. He said he expects a COMPLETE RECOVERY!

Thanks so much to each and every one of you for your prayers! I know that they made a difference. You all are so sweet, and I am so blessed to know each of you! Thank you again!

Back to the Doctor Today

2011-11-17T08:40:00.000-06:00

This afternoon , I will be taking Cole back to the orthopedic doctor. They will cut the cast off and then re-evaluate. Hopefully, the swelling has gone down and he is able to put some weight on it. If that is the case, then they will leave the cast off and send him home with a walking boot. No more showers with a garbage bag wrapped around his leg! If it is not better, well, they will put another cast on it.

Please agree with me in prayer for complete healing of this foot. I know our God is awesome. I know He heals. I know He saves.

I thank you for your continued prayer, and I will let you know what we find out! Blessings to each and every one of you!

An Update On Cole's Foot

2011-11-09T15:50:00.000-06:00

Thank you so much for all your prayers for Cole and his injured foot. We went to an orthopedic group last week and the doctor said he was amazed at how much swelling and pain Cole was still feeling, when the MRI and xrays didn't show any tendon or ligament damage. He actually put Cole in a hard cast (yes, he's still on crutches) and told him to come back in two weeks. At that time they will take the cast off and look at his foot again. The doctor thinks by then the swelling will be down considerably, and so will his pain. Assuming the foot is better they will probably put him in a walking cast for a couple more weeks. That is what we are praying for!! He is REALLY tired of crutches!

Please keep praying for complete healing of Cole's foot. I'll let you know what the doctor says next week. And thanks again for your prayers!

It Was A Dark And Stormy . . . Morning????

2011-11-03T08:21:00.000-05:00

Wow! What a difference a few hours makes. Last night I was sitting at a football game (the first postseason game for our local high school team since 1993!) and it was beautiful. 68 degrees and a nice warm breeze blowing. We lost the football game, but the evening was incredible. Filled with the sounds of the bands playing, the crowd cheering, and the smell of popcorn and hot dogs. Good friends and a great evening. It was perfect.

And then we headed home from the game. And then it started raining. And the wind began to howl. All night long it rained and the wind beat raindrops against the window right next to our bed. And this morning, it is 37 degrees. And the rain is still falling. And the wind is still howling. And that mean old Mr. Weatherman even said we MIGHT get a few snowflakes this afternoon before this little squall moves through. YUCK. I hope you are WRONG Mr. Weatherman. I want yesterday back!

Can You Believe It Is November?????

2011-11-01T16:06:00.000-05:00

Today I am writing 11-1-11. November 1, 2011. I really can't believe it is November. And the weather doesn't know it's November either. Today it is supposed to be 75 degrees. And that's WARM for Missouri in November. But tomorrow, well, tomorrow November will arrive. Rain will start tomorrow afternoon (rain that we desperately need I might add), and the temperatures will begin to PLUMMET down to the 40s by tomorrow night. And then on Thursday, it is supposed to rain and only be in the 50s. Now THAT is normal November weather for our neck of the woods.

I wish I could send some of this rain down to all my friends in Oklahoma and Texas. They need the rain more than we do, and we need rain.

So are you ready for November? Are you ready for the time change this weekend (I'm NOT!)? Have you started Christmas shopping yet, or are you like me, haven't really even THOUGHT about it! We better get ready, 'cause the most wonderful time of the year is almost upon us!! I'd love to hear your thoughts on the arrival of November!

Pumpkins

2011-10-31T09:18:00.000-05:00

I have been very TARDY in decorating for fall this year. I can't really explain it. I don't know that I am any busier this year than last, it just seems like I haven't been on top of things and getting things decorated like I usually do. I mean, it's not like I do a LOT of outdoor fall decorating, but, I usually do something! If I wait much longer it won't be fall anymore, so I figured I had to get busy soon!

So, last weekend I bought 4 pretty good sized bright orange pumpkins, and I asked my husband to bring some straw bales up to our fence at the front gate so I could do some decorating. I dropped the pumpkins off up by the gate last weekend on my way home from the store, and they've sat there ever since. It took a couple of days for the husband to get the straw bales up to the gate so finally, yesterday, I stacked the bales up and placed the 4 pumpkins on the straw. Now mind you I don't have any mums or anything up there yet. This is a work in progress people. But at least I felt like I had done something.

This morning, as usual, I head out at 4:50 a.m. to go into town for my morning walk, and lo and behold, one of my pumpkins was missing. I stopped and backed up so I could get a good look in the headlights and, sure enough, where there had been 4 pumpkins, now there were 3.

Now I ask you, why would someone steal a pumpkin? And, if you were going to steal a pumpkin, why wouldn't you steal ALL of them?

These are things that make me say hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm???????

Our God Is Awesome!!!!!

2011-10-28T09:27:00.000-05:00

Thank you to each person who prayed for our son. I am always amazed at the Godly people our Lord has placed into my life. I am so happy to report that we have received the results from the MRI and there is NO tendon damage, NO ligament damage, NO ankle damage. NOTHING THAT REQUIRES SURGERY! I am just praising our Lord because I know this is an answer to prayer. Even our doctor was amazed at the MRI results. He said he was certain Cole had tendon and ligament damage, and that he would require surgery to put in pins and plates to repair the foot. Cole does have what the doctor called "microfractures" throughout his foot. The doctor described it as hitting a windshield with a hammer. The windshield doesn't break, but there are tiny cracks everywhere. He said the treatment for these microfractures is immobilization, and time. So, we have an appointment with an orthopedic group next week, and he said they would probably put him in a cast or a boot for 6 weeks to allow the foot to heal.

Again, I am so excited and so thankful to the Lord for hearing our prayers and for answering them. And, I am praying for each one of you. That the Lord will bless you for every prayer you lifted to heaven for Cole. You are an awesome group of friends, and I am humbled to be a part of your lives.

I will keep you updated over the coming weeks as to how Cole is doing, and I am expecting to report nothing less than a complete recovery.

So to you, my blogging friends, I say again ~~ thank you, thank you, thank you. May God bless you in a mighty, mighty way.

Needing Your Prayers Today

2011-10-26T08:35:00.000-05:00

My dear friends. Today, I ask for your prayers. A week ago Sunday our son hurt his foot on the 4-wheeler. We took him to the ER and they x-rayed it but it showed nothing broken. So they sent him home with crutches and told him it should be better in a week or so. The foot is no better. Still very swollen and very bruised and very sore. Yesterday we took him to our doctor and he said the foot is beginning to be infected due to all the bruising. He put Cole on an antibiotic, and said if it wasn't better by today, he would have to give him something stronger. He is also sending us for an MRI this afternoon. I wish I could say I thought his foot looked better this morning, but it doesn't. Cole is miserable. He is so tired of his foot being swollen and hurting constantly. And I am worried about the infection.

So today, please if you would lift my son in prayer today for complete healing in Jesus name. And while I am asking for prayers, please pray for my sister, Rhonda. She cut her foot early this morning on a half opened can of dog food and went to the ER and got 10 stitches.

I thank each one of you in advance for praying. The Bible tells us in Matthew 18:19 “Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven." I am standing on that this morning as we lift Cole and Rhonda before the Great Physician! Thank you for your prayers, and may the Lord bless you and your families today!

Christmas Cards Already ? ? ? ? ? ?

2011-10-25T13:57:00.000-05:00

I know what you're thinking. It CAN'T be time to think about Christmas cards yet. Why, it's still October for cryin' out loud! Well, may I remind you that if you send out your Christmas cards the first week of December, then you have only 5 weeks to get those family pictures taken, cards ordered, and addressed, and stamped and mailed! REALLY -- ONLY 5 WEEKS!!!!

You may recall that last year I blogged about my TERRIFIC experience with SHUTTERFLY. Shutterfly is an on-line company that allows you to store your digital photos, and they also offer prints, photo books, mugs, and, you guessed it CHRISTMAS CARDS! Last year I was so blessed to receive free Christmas Cards from Shutterfly and I can tell you they are the NICEST photo Christmas cards I have ever sent out. So many people asked me where I had purchased my Christmas cards last year, that I had already decided that Shutterfly would be my choice for my Christmas cards for this year.

Well, Shutterfly has once again offered a tremendous opportunity for me to once again receive free Christmas cards from them. I AM SO EXCITED.

Now my wonderful readers, in the spirit of full disclosure, I must make you aware that Shutterfly is providing me with 50 free Christmas cards this year. I can also tell you that under no circumstance would I tell you I liked something that I didn't. Under no circumstance would I recommend something to you that I wouldn't pay for myself. If I don't have my integrity, I don't have anything. So you can trust me when I say these Shutterfly Christmas cards are so much nicer than the Christmas cards I had been purchasing through Wal-Mart. You can trust me when I say I would have ordered my Christmas cards from Shutterfly even if they hadn't provided me with free cards.

Click on www.shutterfly.com and you will see what I mean. They have religious cards, traditional cards, and funny cards. They have formal cards and flashy cards. You name it, they offer it. I haven't decided which cards I am going to use this year . . . I LOVE THEM ALL!!

Click on the links below to look at all the really NEAT things Shutterfly has to offer:

· holiday cards http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/holiday-cards

· Christmas cards http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-cards

· greeting cards http://www.shutterfly.com/greetings/index.jsp

· Christmas photo cards http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery

· calendars to http://www.shutterfly.com/calendars

· photo gifts http://www.shutterfly.com/photo-gifts

Are you a blogger? Want a chance at 25 free cards this holiday season? Register here: http://goo.gl/DDw7Q

So, get yourself to Shutterfly.com and browse their HUGE selection of Christmas cards, calendars and other exciting things they have to offer. You'll be glad you did!

F-R-O-S-T!!!!

2011-10-21T09:48:00.001-05:00

Brrrrrrrr!!! We had our first frost this morning. I hate to say it, but everything looked so pretty with the frost on the grass and steam rising from the pond in front of our house. It really was beautiful.

It is supposed to warm up, and we are expecting another beautiful fall weekend. So the frost this morning was just a hint of the cold weather to come.

Fall is my favorite time of year, and frost is a part of fall so I won't complain. I plan to soak up every precious moment of this upcoming weekend and be thankful to God that He gave us four seasons to enjoy!

Blessings to you all my friends!

We Have a WINNER !!!!!

2011-10-14T08:40:00.000-05:00

Thank you, thank you, thank you ladies for participating in my giveaway. Isn't it a blessing to know that we can get excited over measuring spoons?? Our Lord is so good for allowing us to be entertained by the simple things in life.

I have enjoyed using my new spoons and I know the winner will enjoy using them too.

So now, after putting all the names in a hat, praying for the Lord to pick who He wants to bless with these awesome new spoons, I drew out one name, and the winner is . . . ASHLEY!!!

Ashley, I will be e-mailing you for your mailing address. I really hope you enjoy using these spoons as much as I have enjoyed this giveaway. Once again, thanks to each one of you for reading Down On The Farm! I hope it makes you smile. Blessings to you ALL!!!!

Last Day For My Giveaway!!!!!

2011-10-13T08:35:00.000-05:00

Just reminding you that today at 5:00 p.m. is the cutoff for my giveaway. What? You don't know anything about my giveaway? Well, I am giving away a gorgeous set of Ganz cross measuring spoons! So, click HERE and leave a comment and you will be entered to win these spoons. Leaving a comment on THIS POST will NOT enter you to win the measuring spoons, so click on the link to be returned to the original post about the spoons! I will be announcing the winner tomorrow!

Oh, and one more thing. GO CARDINALS!!!!!!!!!!!!

Twenty-Six

2011-10-12T09:46:00.000-05:00

Today, my sweet husband and I have been married twenty-six years.

We have had easy days, and hard days.

We have had good days, and some not so good days.

We have had days with plenty of money to spend, and days with no money to spend.

We have thankfully had many more days of health, than sickness.

We have received two of the greatest blessings we could ever have asked for in our children.

I cannot imagine my life without my husband. He is a blessing to me. And I pray that we have many, many, many, many more years of health and happiness together!

CROSS MEASURING SPOON GIVEAWAY!!!!!

2011-10-10T11:09:00.001-05:00

For those of you who follow the Pioneer Woman's blog, and who doesn't follow her blog these days, these measuring spoons may look familiar! I've had my eye on these babies for quite awhile.

So recently I splurged and bought myself the new Ganz cross measuring spoons. If you could see my old, blah, ugly, white plastic measuring spoons that I have had since I got married, you would know how much I appreciate these beautiful, shiny, new measuring spoons. And when I splurged and bought some for myself, I REALLY splurged and bought some for YOU. At least for ONE of you! Check out these gorgeous measuring spoons!!!

And you'll have to trust me when I say the pictures do NOT do these spoons justice. They are just beautiful. And I love the message of faith, love, hope and joy on these spoons. What a precious reminder of our blessed hope in the Lord Jesus! I used them over the weekend while I was doing some cooking and I love them.

So, you know the drill. If you are a follower of Down On The Farm, leave me a comment and you are entered. If you post on your blog about my giveaway, again, leave me a comment telling me so, and that's another entry. Please leave your blog address, or your e-mail address, in the comment so I can contact the winner. No entries after 5:00 p.m on Thursday. Thursday evening I'll randomly pull a name out of the hat and Friday morning I will announce the winner. Then, I'll mail the lucky winner their new set of BEAUTIFUL Ganz cross measuring spoons! Good luck to all!!!!!

My Spaghetti Sauce

2011-10-07T09:30:00.000-05:00

One of our "go to" meals is spaghetti. We love it, seriously, and we eat a lot of spaghetti. Spaghetti is pure comfort food, and if you've always used spaghetti sauce from a jar, let me tell you how EASY, and inexpensive, it is to make it yourself. Don't be afraid. You can do it!! Come on, I'll show you!

I'm pretty sure you know how to get to this part. Fry up 2 pounds of ground beef, and boil your spaghetti noodles according to package directions.

Fry your hamburger until it is no longer pink. This wasn't quite done. Then boil your noodles until al dente. And just in case your mama never told you, splash a little bit of olive oil into the water before adding the noodles. Helps to keep them from sticking together.

Once your hamburger and the noodles are done, add two cans of tomato sauce to the hamburger. I use Always Save or Best Choice brands. I've used the more expensive brands but really, I can't find ONE IOTA of difference. So save yourself some money and buy the store brand!

Once the tomato sauce and the hamburger are mixed together, you have a blank canvas to create your own spaghetti sauce. You can make it your own. Hot and spicy, mild, sweet. Whatever you like. Here's what I use:

Minced garlic, garlic powder (we really like garlic), oregano, Lawry's Seasoned Salt, and, the secret ingredient that makes my spaghetti sauce out-of-this-world-delicious, brown sugar. That's right. The brown sugar mellows out the sharp tomato taste. And the sweet brown sugar and the tangy garlic and oregano, mmmm, mmmm, MMMM! YUM!! Trust me on this one.

Now I know you want to know measurements. Because when someone tells me how to make something, I always want measurements. But I don't measure anything when I make my spaghetti sauce. I just start shaking things in, and then tasting. When it comes to adding the brown sugar, I would start with one tablespoon and then add to taste. I probably put in at least two tablespoons, but we like our spaghetti with a pretty strong hint of sweetness behind all that garlic goodness.

Doesn't that look DELICIOUS!!! So, the next time you're looking for something quick and easy to fix for supper, make homemade spaghetti! It's fast, it's easy, and it really is DELICIOUS!

Much Better

2011-09-26T10:22:00.000-05:00

Thank you so much to each and every one of you who prayed for me these past few days. I am happy to report that my neck is feeling MUCH MUCH better. I still have a little "twinge" once in awhile, but for the most part the pain is GONE.

Isn't it amazing that the God who created the universe still hears the prayers of His children? And that His mighty hand still reaches down and touches us with His healing power? I am so blessed!

Prayers For Healing Please

2011-09-22T15:34:00.000-05:00

Girls, I have a prayer request . . . for myself. Last week I woke up one morning with a horrible "crick" in my neck on the right side. It was pain-ful. After a couple of days it went away, so I didn't think much about it. Day before yesterday it hit me again. I've tried heat. I've tried massaging my neck. I've tried moving my head slowly from side to side to try to gently stretch the muscles. But just when I think its feeling better, it hits me again.

I have no other symptoms. No cold, no fever, no headache, nothing but a really, really, really sore neck. If I move it the wrong way, well, oh my, the pain is sharp.

So, would you please begin to pray for my neck? I know that God is a healer, and while most of the time I think of "healing" to mean healing for cancer, or healing from an accident, I KNOW that God is more than able to heal this old stiff neck of mine. So would you please agree with me right now for healing, in Jesus name.

Thank you gals so much for praying! I don't know what I would do without my bloggin' buddies! I love each and every one of you, and I want you to know that pray for you too!

Fresh Anointing Power

2011-09-14T09:48:00.001-05:00

Following is a copy of a old devotion by David Wilkerson, who passed away last spring. If you are feeling down in your spirit. If you are wondering why this trial just won't pass. If you are sick and tired of the enemy wreaking havoc in your life, then YOU need to read THIS:

FRESH ANOINTING POWER by David Wilkerson

God allows your trial because He wants to make you “devil-proof”! That does not mean you will not be attacked again but you will be trained to stand! It is all part of His preparing you for greater service, greater anointing and expanded usefulness in His kingdom. Furthermore, the Lord is trying to strengthen you against the devil’s wiles. He is raising up a body of believers who have faced the devil, who have been strengthened against him, and who know his devices and are not afraid of him! God is saying, “Once you understand why you are going through this, you will have taken back all the ground you lost. You will be in control again—by the power of the Holy Spirit!” Once Elijah’s trial was over (see 1 Kings 19) he would never run again. He now had a sense of direction and he was reassured in his spirit. You see, God was about to send him to nations to raise up kings, leaders and prophets! God told Elijah: “Go, return on your way...anoint Hazael as king over Syria...anoint Jehu...as king over Israel. And Elisha...you shall anoint as prophet in your place” (1 Kings 19:15-16). Elijah had been given fresh anointing power. He was in control again! “So he departed from there” (verse 19). Elijah came out of the cave to do God’s will! He did not have to shed a river of tears. No, he simply had heard the Word of the Lord! Beloved, the only hold the devil can have on you is fear. And you must shake it off in faith! You have to say, “I am not going down. God is going to give me a fresh anointing from heaven—He is going to use me!” Do you believe that God is not finished with you—that He is teaching and training you for better things? He wants to speak to you in your cave of despondency. He wants to tell you what to do and where to go—and He wants to bring you out! So get up out of your despair and shake off the bondage of fear and depression! Depart from your cave. You will discover that the moment you get up and walk out, the anointing will flow!

I don't know about YOU, but I needed to be reminded of this today. I need to be reminded of just who I am IN CHRIST! I needed to be reminded that the enemy has NO authority over me and my family. We need to speak those things which be NOT as though they are, and give the devil his marching orders in Jesus name. We have no power over the devil on our own. But thank God, Jesus left us all the power we need. At the name of Jesus every knee must bow, and the enemy must flee! So today, pray for that fresh anointing power to fall in your life and in your home. God has a plan for you. A good plan. Do not let the enemy steal that from you.

Praise the Lord!!!

I'm Back!!!!!

2011-09-07T09:18:00.000-05:00

Wow! I can't believe our week in Mexico is over and we are back to real life. To say we had a BALL would be an understatement. The weather was beautiful (except for our last day at sea when Tropical Depression Lee decided to make an appearance).

I am so thankful that my two sisters and I got to spend an entire week together. We have never done that before, and we have all agreed that we need to spend time together MUCH more often.

If you've never been on a cruise, I highly recommend it. It is extremely relaxing, and the beach in Cozumel, Mexico is beautiful.

Thank you to everyone who prayed for us while we were gone, and thanks to God for keeping His hand upon us.

Four Years Ago Today

2011-08-25T09:37:00.000-05:00

Four years ago today a family in our little town was involved in a car accident. It was a Friday night, and they had been to "open house" at school. Their 11 year old daughter was excited to begin 6th grade. So she brought her school supplies to put in her locker and came to meet her teacher and see all of her friends before school started on Monday.

We didn't see them that night. Although our daughter, Alex was the same age, we didn't go to open house, and instead went to the local football "jamboree," a kind of pre-season football scrimmage. Our son Cole was a freshman, and on the football team, so we went to the jamboree instead. I remember that night so well. It POURED and I mean POURED down rain. We sat in the stands watching the kids play and just got soaking wet.

As we headed back home after the game, and back into town to pick up Cole from the team bus, we came upon an accident scene like nothing I have seen before. More highway patrol cars than you can imagine. Lights everywhere. And just off the edge of the road a dark pickup truck that had obviously been involved in a horrible accident, and bob-tailed semi-truck off the road as well. We drove by and I remember saying a prayer for those involved and then we headed home. Within an hour my telephone was ringing. The owners of the dark pickup truck were a family in Eldon. The mom a local girl from our little town. The dad a highway patrolman. Their daughter, a friend of my daughter. She had been to my house many times, and Alex to her house. Their son, a few years younger.

I will spare you the details, but the little girl never regained consciousness. The rest of the family sustained minor injuries, the brother, a broken collar bone, but the daughter, well, the impact of the accident was on her side of the truck.

Today, my daughter and all of her friends are wearing pink in honor of the little girl. Pink was her favorite color. I ask for each of you to lift this family before the Lord today and ask Him to strengthen them, and encourage them. It has been a difficult road for them as we can only imagine. They have a new blessing in their family, another son. But I know that the memory of their daughter never leaves their mind, and the memory of that rainy night four years ago.

Today I am praying for them, and for all of the girls in that group of friends who are remembering their friend today. And tonight, I will hold my daughter, and son, a little bit tighter, and give them both an extra hug as they head off to bed. And I will thank God for my blessings. Please remember this family in your prayers today.

Head to Veranda Interiors For a Giveaway

2011-08-24T08:38:00.001-05:00

My blogging friend Melissa at Veranda Interiors is having a cool giveaway! If you've never visited Melissa's blog, you are in for a REAL TREAT! She lives "up North" in Canada, and she and her husband have just built a gorgeous new home. Actually, they build LOTS of new homes as she and her husband are builder/developers. Her new home is absolutely stunning and she will be posting more pictures soon. So head on over to Veranda Interiors for a chance to win. You'll be so glad you did!

Tuesday Things

2011-08-23T09:05:00.000-05:00

Wow, this past week has been BU-SY!!!! I know you all are in the same boat. Summer winding down, school starting back up. It's a crazy time of the year!

My daughter Alex started her sophomore year of high school last Thursday. Many of her friends have already turned 16 and are driving to school. YIKES!!! I know Alex is COUNTING THE DAYS until her birthday, but this mama is glad that we have a few more months before this happens at our house. I know it will be fine, I just need a little more time to adjust (I KNOW you all know what I mean!).

Cole started college yesterday. Wait a minute, and I'll repeat that, 'cause I can't believe it myself. "Cole started college yesterday." Wow. I am the mother of a college student. I can't believe it. Where have the years gone? I remember his first day of Montessori School. His first day of kindergarten. His first day of high school. The first day of his senior year. And now, his first day of college has passed. Time marches on.

A couple of weeks ago I hinted to you about a trip I am taking. Well, the trip is almost here and I'm so excited I can hardly stand it. I am leaving this weekend and taking a trip with my two beautiful sisters. And, wait for it, wait for it, WE ARE GOING ON A CRUISE TO MEXICO! Can you believe it?? We have never gone anywhere, just the three of us. A couple of times we've gotten together for an afternoon to do some Christmas shopping but we have never taken time to do something together, just the three of us. I would have loved for our parents to come with us. And while my dad would love it, my mom is terrified of the water, and couldn't bring herself to cruise so, unfortunately, they aren't coming. I am disappointed. I would have LOVED that time, just the five of us, like it used to be, but that's O.K. I could NOT enjoy myself knowing my mother was terrified, so we will take tons of pictures and tell her all about it.

We leave out of Galveston, Texas on Monday, on a Carnival Cruise. I promise to post pictures when I return and share a little about our trip so those of you who have never cruised before can see if it is something you would be interested in doing. We took our kids on a cruise nearly 6 years ago. In fact, we are sailing on the same cruise ship, but stopping in one different port. Obviously, I loved the cruise or I wouldn't be going again. And, cruising is probably the most inexpensive vacation you can take. Seriously. The three of us are staying in an ocean view room, all meals included, for $388 per person. Yes, you read that right. $388 apiece. For the room, all the delicious food you can eat, and a trip to the white sandy beaches of Mexico.

I would appreciate your prayers for us as we prepare for our trip. For great weather, and for smooth sailing (NO TROPICAL STORMS OR HURRICANES PLEASE :))!!! And most particularly I am asking our Lord to bless this sister time, that we will come back rested and refreshed, and even more thankful to the Lord that he sent the three of us to be sisters. I am so blessed!

Books Are Expensive!!!

2011-08-16T12:52:00.000-05:00

Cole starts college on Monday. I can't begin to express all of the emotions tied up in that phrase. Pride, excitement, sadness. But enough about that for now. I might get a little teary eyed.

Cole went to the campus book store to purchase his books yesterday. He bought three used books and one new book. I know, a new book, but, the new book isn't available as a used book, it's BRAND NEW, so he had no choice. But the new book wasn't the most expensive book. The most expensive book he purchased, which was used, was $117. A book on Chemistry. It's paperback.

The total for all four books . . . $403.00. Isn't that ridiculous? I mean, really, its paper. $403.00. They don't LOOK like they cost $403.00, do they?

Thank heavens for a scholarship that provides a $500 book allowance!

Relief

2011-08-12T09:21:00.000-05:00

We have finally gotten some RELIEF from the heat here in Missouri. It is still warm of course (hey, it's still August in Missouri), but no longer BRUTALLY HOT. Early last week we had high temperatures well over 100. By the end of the week, it had cooled down and we had actually gotten some rain. Rain. I had to remind myself what rain looked like and felt like, but we got it. And we needed it desperately. It has been so dry that we aren't out of the woods yet. But at least we are beginning to feel that the worse is over.

And just like we need relief from extreme weather, sometimes we need relief from situations in our lives. Thank God that HE promised in Matthew 11:28-30; "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

Does this mean that by putting your trust in the Lord you won't have problems. I really wish it did, but it doesn't. Even Jesus said in John 16:33: "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."

We have good days and bad days. Honestly, we have great days and then really HORRIBLE days. And sometimes we just have days where they all run together and you just feel tired and worn out. You feel like you're doing all you can do, and it isn't enough. Listen to me. When you feel like that RUN TO JESUS! Run to Him. He is the only one who can send that sweet relief, His Holy Spirit.

Sometimes it isn't the "big" things that get us down, although we all know those big things aren't fun. But many times, in my own life, sometimes I just need reassurance that it's all O.K. That He is in control of my life. And He is . . . IF I LET HIM and that can be tough. Really tough.

Trust in the Lord. And really trusting Him means DON'T WORRY. It means praying for rain, and trusting that HE will send it in His time. That can be tough too.

So today, I am thankful to the Lord for some relief from this extreme summer, and I am thankful for relief for my soul. He never fails. Thank you Jesus.

Rain Is A Good Thing

2011-08-04T08:37:00.000-05:00

This morning it rained at my house. Not a storm, not a downpour. But a nice soft rain.

I am so thankful to our Heavenly Father for every drop of rain that falls from the sky. And for it being a little bit cooler. We have been so hot and dry here, it has been miserable. We need a lot more rain, and for it to cool down significantly. But, today, I am thankful for rain. Thank you Jesus for this rain!!!!!

What . . . .

2011-08-02T08:41:00.000-05:00

What I've been doing . . .

Well, I've been working, and I've been canning and freezing. We've done green beans, we've done corn, and last night we canned 16 pints of salsa. Our second crop of corn is growing, so hopefully we will be freezing more corn. We are planting our "fall" green beans this week, so hopefully we will be canning more green beans in a couple of months. Our tomatoes are ripening every day, so we will be canning more salsa later this week. Can I just say that my hands smell like onions and green peppers and garlic! I will also be making some peach jam, and down the road, some delicious apple butter. I've also been watching our daughter play summer volleyball . . . in an un-airconditioned gym.

What I'm tired of . . .

The HEAT! Today is supposed to be our hottest day so far with an actual temperature of 106 and a heat index around 115. We are so dry here. In desperate need of a cool down, and we MUST have some rain. Our pastures are drying up very quickly. I haven't mowed the yard in weeks which isn't that big of a deal. But, if my yard isn't growing, that means the grass in the pastures isn't growing either. Which isn't good when you raise cattle.

What I'm praying for . . .

For our country today, and our leaders, that they will use common sense and good judgment in all of their decisions. I am praying (as always) for my family. For protection and for health and most of all for their hearts to ALWAYS seek the Lord and His will in their life. I am praying for a friend's husband who has cancer and isn't doing very well. I am praying for rain for all of those who need it.

What I'm looking forward to . . .

A trip that I am taking with my two sweet sisters later this month. We have never gone anywhere, just the three of us. So we decided it was time. We all three need a break, and we are going to be gone for a WEEK the end of August/first part of September. I'll be sharing more details later in the month, but I will tell you this . . . I had to get a passport!!

What I am thankful for today . . .

For salvation first and foremost. For my wonderful family. For my health and the health of all those I love. For my job. For air conditioning, and a refrigerator full of food. I am so very blessed.

Fair Time

2011-07-25T11:14:00.000-05:00

I don't know about where YOU are, but here in Missouri it is brutally hot, and has been for a couple of weeks. Bad news is, there really is no relief in sight. Regular followers know that I am not a summertime person. Don't get me wrong, I don't want it to be 10 below zero, but when its above 85 degrees, well, I don't like it. Fall is my favorite season. And that's about the only thing that keeps me going during the summer, knowing that fall is truly just around the corner. Pumpkins, crisp days, no humidity, sweaters. Please fall, HURRY UP!!!!!!!! I'm melting . . . . . !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In Missouri, hot weather also means "Fair Time!" This past week my kids showed their steers at the Miller County Fair. Yes it was hot sitting on the bleachers in the sun, but I don't miss one minute of anything my kids are doing . . . even showing steers on the hottest day of the year! I was so proud!!!

In addition to showing steers, Cole entered the flat bed trailer he built in FFA ag mechanics and HE WAS NAMED GRAND CHAMPION!!!!

It was a great week for our family. Something we all do together, which I think is so important for families these days. Keeping the kids involved in our farming operation, and having fun while we do it is our goal and so far it seems to be working!

Now, if we could just get some cooler temperatures! Have a blessed day!

We Can

2011-07-13T09:52:00.000-05:00

And when I say "we can." I'm not being encouraging, or inspirational. I mean literally, WE CAN. WE CAN GREEN BEANS!!!

Ya pick 'em, ya wash 'em, and wash 'em, and wash'em, and then ya snap 'em, and then ya wash 'em again, and again. Ya put 'em in the quart jars, ya put 'em in the canner. And then ya pressure cook the heck out of them for 25 minutes at 10 pounds pressure. And out come THE MOST DELICIOUS GREEN BEANS YOU HAVE EVER EATEN.

We've canned 25 quarts so far. At least 75 more quarts to go. But some of them we will do in the fall. When it is a little bit COOLER!! It is HOT in Missouri in July!

In case you are wondering, yes, this is a lot of work. It is miserable picking beans when it is 100 degrees. You're sweaty, you're itchy, you're miserable. But, when you sit down to delicious home canned green beans cooked with bacon and onion. Yum, yum, yum. Worth every minute!

No More Drip, Drip, Drip

2011-07-08T09:30:00.000-05:00

Our kitchen faucet has been dripping for quite a while. Think months of dripping. At first it was no big deal. I just had to move the handle a little bit and it would stop dripping. We live out in the country, water is free, so fixing a drip really wasn't a priority. Over the last couple of months, the dripping has been getting worse, and it is harder and harder to move the handle to find a spot where it won't drip. But still, I've got bigger fish to fry than a dripping faucet, so I ignored it, and just kept moving the handle to find a spot where it doesn't drip.

Here is the old, dripping faucet.

Looks harmless enough doesn't it??? Well, there's more.

This week I got home from work and opened up the cabinets under the sink to get something, and there was water everywhere. My dripping faucet that hadn't been a big deal, suddenly became a HUGE DEAL. The drip, drip didn't bother me. Water under the sink, now THAT got my attention.

So, I did what anyone would do. I, got a brand new faucet.

Check out that bad boy. The sprayer is a pull-down style. I've never had one of those before, so I'll have to let you know what I think. It is an AquaSource brand, got it at Lowe's for $98. And the best thing of all . . . no more drip drip drip. No more water under the sink. Life is good.

Oh, and stay tuned for some "canning" pictures over the weekend. Our garden is coming right along, and tonight, we can green beans!

$4.05 A Gallon And I Don't Mean Gas!!!!!

2011-07-05T09:50:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I went to the grocery store and bought this:

When I got to the checkout, I saw this:

$4.05.

Can somebody please tell me when the price of milk jumped so high? I mean, I know the price of EVERYTHING seems to be skyrocketing these days. But come on? $4.05 for a gallon of milk????

Ta Da!!! My Bathroom!!!

2011-06-23T19:52:00.000-05:00

Finally!! Pictures of my bathroom!! As you know, I've been remodeling my bathroom here at Down On The Farm. If you don't remember the "before" you can check out the slice of 1968 awesomeness HERE. The difference is incredible. Where there was one sink ~~ now there are TWO! Where there was just a bathtub too shallow to use ~~ there is a SHOWER! Where there was one ugly flat mirror, now there are these two lovely espresso framed mirrors. I love it. Ta Da!!

To truly appreciate the AFTER you have to have seen the BEFORE! The bathroom looks completely different.

This long countertop (eight feet long!) had one sink in the middle, and one plain mirror on the wall. We got a new countertop with two sinks. And the bathtub, well, it is a five foot bathtub and it only holds water about six inches deep. There was no shower at all, and a window over the tub.

We kept the blue tub. I know, I know, I didn't want to. But, it is cast iron and would have had to have been sawed into pieces to remove it. We remodeled on a budget, working with what we had, so the tub stayed. We also kept the 1968 white tile. Not what I truly wanted but, again, the most inexpensive way to work with what we had. The window had to go. And it was replaced with a glass block "window." Honestly, I love it! It lets in light, while maintaining complete privacy and, I think it looks pretty COOL!

And, as an added bonus, I know have four receptacles instead of just two. They moved the receptacles and centered them between the two mirrors. So now, I can have the blow dryer, curling iron, and my electric toothbrush all plugged in at once. I'm in heaven!!!

I also promised to give you the skinny on the cost of our remodel. To recap, we kept the old vanity, and bought a new cultured marble countertop. We kept the old tub and the old tile, we just plumbed a shower over the bathtub and replaced the old window with a glass block one. The new cultured marble countertop was $625.00 installed. It isn't granite, or marble, jor quartz, just good old "builder's marble" but I think it looks AWESOME! I went with a granite "look" which cost me a little bit more, but it was definitely worth it. I priced a new vanity and it was going to be about $800.00. So, I decided the keep the old vanity and down the road I will try to find some new pulls for the drawers and doors. We also had to buy two new faucets. I went with oil rubbed bronze (LOVE THEM) and they were at Lowe's, $90.00 each. PVC plumbing for the sink drains again came from Lowe's and was about $80.00. I also bought two new mirrors at Lowe's, and they were $30 each. Beautiful!

We hired someone to run the new plumbing for the shower, take out the old window and install the new glass block window. He tiled up around the new shower and new window. He purchased all of the tile and grout. He purchased all the plumbing pipe and the fixtures, and he purchased the glass block window. He also repainted the room and moved the electrical. His cost, labor and materials, was $1,400.00. The gallon of paint was $30.00. I know, I thought $30 for a gallon of paint was high too, but I used a paint color from the house of a friend and no place else would match it. Sooo, I had to go to Sherwin Williams, and the cheapest paint they had was $30 a gallon. But, I will say I LOVE the color. It looks so much more updated and gives the room a fresh look. That makes a total of about $2,350.00 to remodel the bathroom. Could I have spent more, absolutely! But I tried to get the most bang for my buck and I believe I did.

I truly wish you could see the difference in the room. It is so much more functional, and looks SOOOO much nicer. I wish I'd done it years ago. So, for those of you living in old ranch style houses . . . take heart! A new bathroom is well within your reach! Keep what you can, and spend on what will REALLY make a difference to you!

Summertime

2011-06-14T12:43:00.000-05:00

Summertime in Missouri is HOT. HOT and HUMID. And at Down On The Farm, summertime means garden time. Our garden got a bit of a late start because it was so cold and damp, but it's doing great now. These are green beans. We LOVE 'em. We'll probably can 150 quarts of green beans this year. Have I mentioned we eat a lot of green beans?

And since the cows get hungry too, we bale lots and lots of these babies.

YUM! At least I think that's what these cows are thinking as they look across the fence at the hay bales. Doesn't that cow looking straight at you seem to be saying YUM??

And then there are THESE guys. They don't get out much. Actually, they don't get out at all. Until they head to the processing plant.

It is so pretty this time of year.

And you remember that fire pit we made last summer? Well, here it is. We have spent many evenings sitting around that fire pit. And I've eaten several steaks grilled on that fire pit. And just in case you're wondering . . . NO, we do NOT burn the wood on top of the grate. I just stacked the wood on top of the grate so I could mow the yard.

How about that corn? Doesn't that look YUMMY!!!! Later this year we're gonna grill some ears of corn over our fire pit. After we freeze many, many, quarts of corn. We ran out of corn this year. We eat a lot of corn. So we must freeze MORE CORN. In fact, we planted three more rows of corn after I took this picture.

And these tomato plants. WOW! That is fresh salsa waitin' to happen people!!!!

Corn. Yum.

Yes, life is busy, but good here at Down On The Farm! Thank you Lord for your many blessings!

Waiting . . . . . . . .

2011-06-09T12:47:00.000-05:00

The bathroom remodel has begun. But it sure is moving slowly. I am pleased to report that the new countertop is in and, I absolutely LOVE IT! I mean, going from one sink to two sinks has been heaven on earth. And it looks SO MUCH BETTER than the old 1968 white formica flecked with gold countertop we replaced.

The walls have been painted and again, I LOVE IT! It is a darker color, but I am loving dark. It looks very sharp, and just "feels" good if you know what I mean. I am considering painting all of my interior walls this color.

The shower, well, we're still waiting on the glass block window. It was supposed to have been in a couple of days ago, but we're still waiting.

I'll try to snap some pictures tonight and give you an idea of our progress. Meanwhile, we're WAITING on that glass block window!

Bathroom Before . . . and During

2011-06-02T13:28:00.000-05:00

I live in a 1968 ranch style home. To say the least, it is NOT on the cutting edge of architectural design (i.e. BORING!) I mean, can you say "shoe box with rooms" :)!!! Our house has two bathrooms. Only one of those bathrooms has a shower. Why would you put in a bathtub (and a small bathtub at that) and not make it a shower? And furthermore, why would you put a window over the bathtub? And, one more burning question, why would you have a vanity with an 8 foot countertop, and only put one sink in the countertop??? These are things I have pondered over the past 13 years we have lived in this house.

BUT THE BIGGEST QUESTION OF ALL IS -- WHY HAVE I WAITED 13 YEARS BEFORE DOING SOMETHING ABOUT THIS BATHROOM?????????????????

So, I'm not waiting any longer. I am remodeling that bathroom!!! Here are a couple of pictures of the "before" of this bathroom. Now to clarify, we don't have a master bathroom in our house (built in 1968, remember?) One bathroom is off the laundry room (that room needs a remodel too, but hey, one thing at a time). The bathroom off the laundry room has a shower. All four of us take a shower in that bathroom every day. That is also the bathroom that the "men" in our house use to get ready in. It doesn't have an electrical plug in. Men don't need plug-ins. The other bathroom is off of the hallway that leads to the bedrooms. This is the "girls" bathroom. It has a plug-in. Girls need plug-ins. This "hall" bath is the bathroom that is getting a much needed facelift. Sorry, back to the "before" pictures that I took last week.

Here is one more shot of the 1968 formica countertop. It is white flecked with gold. Loooooovely.

I'm sorry the first two pictures aren't so great. They were taken with a phone, since the camera battery was dead. Hey, I'm just being honest. We refer to this bathroom as the "bowling alley." It is about 13 feet long and 5 feet wide. But you can see what I mean about the bathtub at the end of the room, and the window over it. And you can see the LOOONNNGGG countertop with one sink in the middle.

So here's what is going to happen. I am getting a new countertop with two sinks! It is cultured marble, but looks like granite (saving money!). I also bought two new faucets. I LOVE THEM. They are oil rubbed bronze. I can't WAIT to get this new countertop in. We are going to feel like we are on vacation. No more pushing each other aside to spit while brushing our teeth!!! This countertop should be installed over the weekend. Our friend, the cabinet guy who ordered the new countertop, is going to put it in for us. His cabinet shop is about 1/4 mile down the road from our house. I've known him, and his wife, forEVER. Isn't small town America great?

I am also putting a shower in where the bathtub is. I use the word "I" loosely here, as "I" am not putting ANYTHING in. But the guy we have HIRED is actually putting a shower in for us. We are keeping the blue tub. I really wanted to take it out. It is NOT pretty. But it is cast iron, and would have to be sawed into pieces to be removed, so, I'm living with it (i.e. saving money :))!!! We are taking out the window that is above the tub and putting in a glass block window. It had to be ordered, and probably won't be here until next week. We are going to use the same white tile that is currently in the bathroom and tile up and around the plumbing for the new shower and around the new glass block window. The glass block will still let in light, but allow for privacy. Here is a look at the "during" part of the shower remodel.

As you can see, the old window is still above the bathtub. But, the rough plumbing for the new shower is in. Once the glass block window is installed, the tile will be installed up higher around the glass block, and the fixtures for the new shower can be installed. I did not buy oil rubbed bronze fixtures for the shower. They were much more expensive, and will be hidden behind a shower curtain so, once again, I saved a little money and just went with chrome. We are also painting the bathroom a different color. (Again, I'm using the royal "we," as nobody in my house is applying paint to the walls of this bathroom.)

I am pretty excited about this remodeling project. It is a small project as remodels go, but to us it is a big deal. I'll keep posting pictures along the way and, when it is finished, I'll unveil the "NEW" bathroom.

Also, just in case you are interested, I'm gonna share the breakdown of the cost with you when we are finished. I can tell you that we are definitely remodeling on a budget. We tried to get the most "bang for the buck" if you know what I mean. And I definitely made decisions based on what would be the least expensive way to accomplish our end result . . . and that is to make the bathroom more useable, and hopefully, look a whole lot better! Stay tuned!

The First Century Church

2011-05-24T09:02:00.000-05:00

First of all, I want to thank everyone who prayed for my mother-in-law. She had surgery yesterday, and all went well. Hopefully she will get to come home today. Thanks again for your prayers. They are appreciated more than you know.

I wanted to share with you what our pastor preached on this past Sunday morning. He read the account in the Book of Acts, the third chapter. You know the story. Peter and John were headed into the temple, and were stopped by a lame man begging for money. Peter and John looked at him, and Peter said "silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk." Then he took him by the hand, lifted him up, and immediately the man was healed.

Our pastor asked a question that really got me to thinking. "What would two modern day preachers, walking by a person in a wheelchair begging for money do?" He suggested that they would probably come back to church and form a committee to research beggars in the community. He also suggested that they might be really concerned with this man's comfort while begging, and hold a fundraiser to raise money for an umbrella to shade the man while he is sitting there asking for money. The church might even have made a donation to him. But how many preachers would have stopped what they were doing, walked right up to him, prayed for him, and then taken him by the hand and lifted him up out of the wheelchair FULLY EXPECTING him to walk??

You know what, I think our preacher was right. I think most of us would have the same thought. Either give him some money, or, try to ignore him and keep on walking. I've done it. But I have NEVER walked up to a lame person and said "you don't need money, you need Jesus."

So why have things changed in 2,000 years? The disciples didn't go around holding meetings to decide what to do. They went about being the hands and feet of Jesus. They preached, they served, they prayed. They were ridiculed, they were threatened, but still, they did what Jesus would have done. No matter what the cost.

Jesus is still the same Jesus today as He was in the first century. He still loves, He still saves, He still heals. But, I think the church today is a far cry from what the first century church was. Am I willing to do what Jesus would have done no matter the cost? Do I keep myself so close to the Lord that my Spirit is ready to hear His still small voice, and is my faith strong enough to act upon it? If He told me to go and pray instead of dig in my wallet would I do it? Could I do it?

This is what is on my heart today.

A Prayer Request

2011-05-21T09:28:00.000-05:00

Boy I would sure love it if all my blogging friends would be in prayer for my mother-in-law. She fell Friday evening and has fractured her shoulder. Unfortunately, it is a very bad break. She is in the hospital now, and the specialist is planning to operate on Monday.

Please pray for complete healing of that shoulder. Agree with me for God to guide the hands of the doctor, and nurses, all who will come in contact with my mother-in-law. We are praying for comfort and for rest for her pre-surgery, and a total recover post-surgery.

Thanks to each one of you! May God bless you tremendously!

The Graduate

2011-05-16T09:37:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I attended a high school graduation . . . for my son, Cole. It was a day we had known was coming for 18 years. A day we had planned for for months. We had ordered invitations, had senior pictures taken, made plans for a big graduation party. And still, as I stood there watching him walk in to the traditional Pomp & Circumstance, it was almost like a dream. He can't be eighteen years old. He can't be graduating from high school. My little boy. But there he was, in his maroon cap and gown, with the National Honor Society sash, and Honors Diploma gold rope braid hanging down. He looked so handsome, smiling, so excited. And while I was proud beyond belief, of course there was sadness too. Excitement for him and his accomplishments, and sad because I know that adulthood brings responsibilities. Responsibilities that his dad and I have carried for him for 18 years that now, he will begin to carry.

It's not like anything really is changing immediately for him. He still went to school today . . . to work on the flat bed trailer he is finishing in Ag class. He got a nearly FULL scholarship to a local university, and will be living at home and driving to school come August. But still, he has stepped into a new phase of life. I don't know that he fully realizes it yet, but he has. Thankfully, I still have a few more years to prepare myself for the day when he REALLY is on his own. A few more years to influence him. A few more years of having him all to myself.

I am so proud.

Farminig On Faith Giveaway!!!

2011-05-06T09:02:00.000-05:00

My sweet friend Carrie over at Farming On Faith is having a giveaway. If you are a regular follower of Carrie, (and if you aren't then WHY aren't you?? ), you know that Carrie loves all things Amish. I must admit that I hadn't read any Amish books until recenly, and I'll tell you I am hooked. The stories are so interesting. The lifestyle of the Amish reminds me of a simpler time. And these days with life so hectic, who doesn't long for SIMPLE?

HERE is the link to Carrie's giveaway post. So head on over and enter for a chance to win the book "Paradise Valley" by Dale Cramer. I KNOW you will LOVE IT!

And I sure hope y'all have a blessed day today! Our God is SO GOOD!

Wednesday Thoughts

2011-05-04T09:35:00.000-05:00

What a beautiful day we are going to have today. The sun is shining here. It's a little bit chilly. Really chilly for the 4th of May in Missouri, but at least it isn't raining.

I got up this morning and went into town to walk my usual three miles, and as I was walking around the track I pondered just how very blessed most of us are. Oh, I know there are people today enduring terrible situations. Sickness, death, problems with children, or spouses, or parents. And for those people I said a prayer. But for most of us, myself included, life is just pretty good.

I have a house to live in, and bed to sleep on. I have a family who loves me, and I love them. I have a refrigerator full of food. I have a car to take me where I need to go. I have a job to go to. And most of all, I know the Savior, Jesus Christ. He is with me every step of this wonderful life of mine. He strengthens me for the hard times, and gives me His joy. He encourages me when I get discouraged and want to just throw in the towel. He comforts me when my heart is broken. He loves me in spite of all my faults and failures.

I came back home from walking and started a load of laundry. Thank you God for electricity, and for my washer and dryer. And thank you for all those people who live in my house that I get to do laundry for. I put on a big old crock pot full of Taco Soup. Thank you God for food, and for a loving family to have dinner with tonight. I got ready to go to work. Thank you God for clothes to wear, and for a car to get me to work, and for a job that you have blessed me with. And thank you so much Lord for all the awesome people you have brought into my life through Down On The Farm. I have "met" so many people that have blessed me, and I hope I have been allowed to bless them just a little bit.

Today, please look around you at all you have to be thankful for. And actually tell our amazing God how much you appreciate Him and all He has blessed you with. And, if you are going through a difficult time, turn that situation over to Jesus. He is bigger than anything in your life. And He loves you.

Senior Prom

2011-05-02T10:13:00.000-05:00

Saturday night was Cole's Senior Prom. Prom was held at the Lodge of the Four Seasons at Lake Ozark. I want to show you some pictures of the most gorgeous looking couple at the prom -- my son and his girlfriend, Megan.

If you think I am bragging, you are right. My pride in my children knows no bounds.

Beautiful couple. Blessed mama. 'Nuf said.

MISSING FOLLOWERS ? ? ? ? ? ? ?

2011-04-29T14:06:00.001-05:00

Does anyone know why my "followers" don't show up on my sidebar anymore? I haven't changed anything or done anything, but they've been missing for quite awhile. Any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated! I love my followers and I miss them :)!

UPDATE! Now here is something really strange. One of my AWESOME FOLLOWERS commented that she can see my followers so I clicked on the link to my blog from her blog and I could see them too. The difference is, my blog opened in Mozilla Firefox and I typically use Internet Explorer. So, if you use Internet Explorer, please let me know if you can see my followers. Veeerrrrry inteeeereesting!

Area VIII Winner

2011-04-26T08:42:00.000-05:00

Last week was the Missouri State FFA Convention in Columbia. If you ever get a chance to go to an FFA convention, trust me, it's an experience. You will see more blue corduroy than you can imagine. And lots of kids with smiling faces. FFA kids are happy kids.

Cole was the Area VIII Winner in Beef Production. That means he was one of the top 16 in the State of Missouri in this particular "contest." FFA is all about contests. Some kids are on teams for their "contest", and some kids enter "contests" individually.

Eldon's Parliamentary Procedure Team won first place AGAIN! This is the team Cole was on last year that took first at State and FIRST IN NATIONALS!!! And, Eldon's Ag Sales Team won first place at State! WAY TO GO ELDON FFA!!!!!

Cole was announced on stage for winning Area VIII Beef Production.

I wish these pictures were better, but it was dark inside the Hearnes Center, and it is HARD to take pictures in the dark. Several kids from Eldon were Area winners. Again, I am so proud of Eldon FFA.

Since Cole is a senior, this will be his last Missouri FFA Convention. In a year and a half he will be on stage at National Convention accepting his American Degree. WOW!! Yes, we will be there, and I'll be taking pictures. I hope you never get tired of seeing pictures of my kids :)!

It's Suppertime!!

2011-04-22T09:45:00.001-05:00

Do you ever wonder what people have for supper? I do. I see people on TV eat salads for supper, with no meat. Or they have smoked salmon, or tuna sandwiches. I hear my friends talk about eating lots of Hamburger Helper. And I have a few very lucky friends who say "my husband does all the cooking." Uh, my husband doesn't cook. He grills, but he doesn't cook. He doesn't clean up either. But that's another post!

So, here is what WE had for supper last night. Fried pork loin chops, green beans and roasted potatoes. It was delicious.

My family loves my roasted potatoes. They are incredibly easy to make, and delicious, if I do say so myself. Start by preheating your oven to 425, and spraying your baking dish with "Pam" or, if you're like me, use Great Value. I'm all about saving money. I usually make this in a 9 x 13 pan. But, Cole wasn't home last night, and I'm low-carbing it (again) so I made a smaller size than usual. I didn't take pictures of my peeling and slicing the potatoes. Just peel 'em, cut 'em in bite sized pieces and throw 'em in the pan. You know you can do it!!

Next, take about 1/2 an onion (I use a whole onion when I make the 9x13 size), chop it in small pieces, and put it in with the potatoes.

Drizzle this with olive oil. Now I've never measured it, but I'm guessing I used about 1/4 cup in this size pan. I probably use close to 1/2 cup of olive oil when I use a 9x13. Then I took 1/2 stick of butter, cut it in small pieces, and put it in. Again, I use one stick of butter when I make this 9 x 13 size. Salt and pepper to taste. I like Kosher salt. I just think the bigger flakes of salt stick to the potatoes and really give it a good salty flavor. But it's a free country, so you can use whatever salt you like.

Bake these for one hour at 425 and honestly, you won't believe how delicious they are. They will be a little bit crispy on the edges, and soft and tasty on the inside. Be sure to use plenty of salt and pepper, and butter, and olive oil!!! YUM!!!

We also had green beans. We eat a lot of green beans at our house. Home canned green beans. They are, without a doubt, the best. I don't like store bought green beans. I can eat 'em, but I don't like 'em. That's why we grow a garden and spend hours and hours canning green beans. So we can have home canned green beans for supper. Here's how we like 'em.

Take three slices of bacon, slice into small pieces, and put in a pan.

Then take about 1/2 of an onion, chop it up, and add it to the bacon, and fry for, oh, I don't know, 3 or 4 minutes.

Then add a can of these babies. Or if you don't have these, I GUESS you can use store bought green beans. And I'll feel sorry for you. But sprinkle Lawry's seasoning salt on them, whichever you use.

Now, the thing with home canned green beans, you don't just heat them up, you have to cook them. I cook mine about 30 minutes and boy are they delicious. Seriously. I hated green beans when I was a kid. Hated them. But my mom never made them like this :)!

And for the MEAT of the meal, I fried up some boneless pork loin chops. Nothing hard here. I just sprinkle them with salt and pepper, and dredge them in flour.

Then fry them up until they're nice and crispy and golden brown.

Folks, it doesn't get any better than this. To quote a famous tv chef, YUM-O!!!!!!! Our meal was total comfort food. It was delicious, it was filling, and it was healthy. Uh, about that healthy part???? I guess two outa three ain't bad (name the band that sang that song!)

So, next time you're wondering what to fix for dinner, here's an idea for ya! I promise, you will LOVE IT!!!

Too Busy

2011-04-19T09:02:00.000-05:00

Do you ever feel like you have way too much to do? Way too much going on? I know, I know, you're all rolling your eyes and saying "welcome to my world!" These past few months it just seems like every single moment of my time is spoken for. Cole is running track. They have two meets a week, typically Tuesdays and Thursdays. And of course, I'm one of those moms who hates to miss anything my kids are doing so, with a couple of exceptions, I have been at his track meets. In fact, my legs are peeling from a massive sunburn I got a week and a half ago at a track meet. Aren't you glad I shared that with you??? Alex has been playing club volleyball. We spent a couple Saturdays ago in St. Louis at an all day tournament. We spent last weekend in Lee's Summit at an all day tournament. And this Saturday we are going BACK to St. Louis for, you guessed it, another all day tournament.

Cole graduates from high school in three and a half weeks. Sometime this week I have GOT to get his graduation announcements addressed and mailed. I've got to put together pictures for a slide show. I don't know if I'm dragging my feet on this because I just have so much going on I don't have time to really get focused on it, or if every time I think of him graduating from high school it takes my breath away, so I try to put it off, by putting off all the things that go with it.

Regular followers will know that I haven't been posting much lately. Hardly any at all. I've taken on more responsibility at work lately, and this is the busiest time of the year. And we've taken on a new client which, again, means more work for me. I work late once in awhile, and I've had to come in a Saturday or two just to keep my head above water.

I AM NOT COMPLAINING!!! I am so thankful to have a job. I am so thankful to have kids who are involved, and want me involved in their lives. But sometimes, don't you just wish you could slow things down a little?

So, in case you were wondering, this is what has been going on in my life. And things are going to slow down a little bit for me. As I said, this is Alex's last week of volleyball, so after this Saturday, I'll be back to having two weekend days instead of just one. Cole has three more weeks of school, which means three more weeks of track and then I won't be spending two nights a week at a track meet. Both of these are bittersweet. I love watching my kids do anything, and while Alex has three more years to play high school volleyball, Cole will start college in the fall and he won't be involved in athletics. That will be a huge change for us. Cole has been playing on a sports team since he was in second grade. I can't COUNT the HOURS I've spent sitting on a bleacher watching him play something, and I wouldn't trade those hours for the world. Memories I will cherish for the rest of my life.

I'm hoping to be able to spend a little more time blogging. I enjoy it so much. Just throwing my random thoughts out there and hoping somebody will identify with something I've said. That it will make someone smile in the middle of a busy day. That is my idea of a good blog post.

So, thanks for thinking of me everybody. And thanks for sticking around. I promise to blog a little more regularly in the future. Hope things in your world are wonderful! Blessings to you all my blogging friends!

$3.79 PER GALLON

2011-04-13T09:07:00.000-05:00

$3.79 is the price for one gallon of gasoline in Jefferson City. $3.79. In my opinion, this is absolutely ridiculous. There is no shortage of oil. There is no reason for gasoline prices to be this high, except for greed on the part of the oil companies.

I know there isn't anything we can do about it. We have to buy it. But, I just had to give my opinion. Thanks for listening.

How Beautiful Heaven Must Be

2011-03-31T15:49:00.000-05:00

That's the title of a great old hymn. If you were raised up in church, like me, you can hear that tune running through your mind right now. "How Beautiful Heaven Must Be." And it's true. The Biblical descriptions of heaven are amazing. They are breathtaking. But sometimes heaven seems so far away, and we forget what we have waiting for us.

I told you that a few weekends ago I went to Las Vegas. One of the most beautiful places in Las Vegas, to me, is the Bellagio. And, in particular, the conservatory at the Bellagio. Really, isn't this just stunning?

Trust me, the pictures don't do it justice. It is magically beautiful. Everywhere you look it is just amazing. Beyond description.

Don't you think that if God gave someone the vision to create the conservatory at the Bellagio, and all of the other beautiful places on Earth, that He has something even BETTER in store for His children? The Scriptures say in I Corinthians 2:9 "But as it is written, eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him."

John tells us in 14:2: "In my Father's house are many mansions." And in Revelation, John describes a heaven that is beyond anything we can even comprehend. A throne surrounded by a rainbow. A sea of glass, like crystal.

So the next time you are feeling overwhelmed by your everyday life, remember what a promise we have waiting for us. Remember what a reward awaits those who do not grow weary. A lifetime spent with Jesus. No more death, no more tears, no more sickness. He will make everything new. How Beautiful Heaven Must Be!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Family Weekend

2011-03-24T09:41:00.001-05:00

A couple of weekends ago, I made a quick trip with my parents and one of my beautiful sisters to, wait for it, Las Vegas. I know, I know, you're thinking "Vegas isn't a family trip." But, when you have a big part of your family that LIVES in Vegas, then Vegas becomes a family destination.

We celebrated my dad's 69th birthday (HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!!) and my beautiful cousin Linda's 64th birthday (HAPPY BIRTHDAY LINDA!!!) and I can tell you that we had an absolutely WONDERFUL TIME. Linda was so gracious to let us stay with her and her sweetie pie of a husband, Jimmie. And to top it all off she hosted a huge family dinner on Sunday afternoon. Don't I have a great family???

This is my beautiful mother, my beautiful sister, Renda, and my beautiful cousin, Linda. Beauty obviously runs in our family.

Here is my dad, my sister Renda, and my mom! The weather was absolutely GORGEOUS! It was springtime in Vegas.

If our family is involved, you know there's going to be food. Lots and lots of delicious food. The lady front and center is my beautiful cousin Loretta! She came in for the weekend all the way from Alameda, California to be with us! Thank you Loretta!!!

This is my mom, and my Great Aunt Leda! She's 88 years old. My Aunt Leda, NOT MY MOM! Sorry mom, just wanted to clarify that!

More family and more food. Told you we had a great time!! And isn't Linda's house just GORGEOUS???!!

What a neat trip we had. I am so thankful for the opportunity to get to go and I thank my parents, and my sister Renda, for including me on the trip. I wouldn't have missed it for the world!!! Families are such a blessing. I know mine is a blessing to me!

Enough Already!!!!!

2011-03-15T13:59:00.000-05:00

Here in Missouri, we have had the worst winter I can remember in years. Decades. We have had bitterly cold temperatures. We have had snow and I mean TONS of snow (remember our February 1st blizzard?)

I, for one, was HOPING that we had the worst of winter behind us. I mean, I know that it's not really spring yet. But surely we've suffered enough????

I guess old man winter disagreed with me -- take a look at this!!!

This was Monday afternoon here at Down On The Farm. We probably have 5 inches of snow. A heavy, wet snow. It is melting like crazy today, which is fine with me and just about everybody else.

Spring. I love you. I need you to show up DESPERATELY! And please, NO MORE SNOW!!!!!

You Loved Me Anyway

2011-03-10T06:00:00.001-06:00

Earlier this week I was running errands on my lunch hour. And when I'm in my car I have my radio dial (well there's really not a dial anymore, but you know what I mean) set to SpiritFM, our local Christian radio station. As I was driving, a song came on by Sidewalk Prophets called "You Loved Me Anyway." As I listened to the words of this song, tears began streaming down my face. The words broke my heart for all the times I've disappointed my Savior. For all the times I've not been obedient. But thank God He loves me anyway. In spite of all my failures. In spite of all my sins. He loves me. And He loves you.

Have you ever really thought about that? The God of the universe loves me and you. He loves us so much, that HE sent HIS SON to die so that we might live. So that we can be forgiven, and one day spend eternity with Him in a place He has created for us called heaven. And as Jesus hung on that cross, He knew every sin I would ever commit but His love for me was so strong that He endured the cross for my sins. For your sins.

Here is the video for "You Loved Me Anyway." Please take just a few minutes, turn up your speakers, and let yourself be reminded how very much Jesus loves you. And let this song challenge you, as it has challenged me, to daily live my life in a way that pleases Him. That makes Him proud. A life that honors Him and all He has done for me.

Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Catching Up

2011-03-08T09:52:00.000-06:00

If you are a regular follower of Down On The Farm, you've probably noticed that I haven't been blogging much lately. Not to worry, we are all FINE. And it's not for lack of "want to." I love blogging. Even if not one person ever reads anything I type, I enjoy it. I enjoy the thought I put into what I write about. I enjoy the pictures I post. But it seems I have just been so busy! My days and weeks just absolutely fly by. I know you all know the feeling.

So, today, you're gonna get a random post, and I'm gonna update you on a little bit of what has gone on the last month or so.

Both of my kids have had birthdays in the last month. Alex turned 15, and now has her Learner's Permit to drive. In Missouri, kids can drive, with a parent or legal guardian, when they turn 15 if they pass a written exam. So Alex has been doing some driving. I must admit she's been driving tractors and trucks around the farm for quite a long time. But, as she is learning, driving a car, on a road, surrounded by other cars is different. She has been doing great, and I'm really, really proud of her driving ability.

Cole turned 18 this weekend. Un-believable. No way can my baby boy be 18. He is now registered to vote, and sometime in the next few weeks will have to register with Selective Service. He is just a little over two months away from graduating from high school. He is filling out scholarship applications like crazy. My little boy, is a young man and again, I am so very proud of him. I am a blessed mama!!!
We took the kids out to dinner last night to celebrate their birthdays. We went to one of their favorite restaurants . . . Red Lobster. It was so nice to be together, just the four of us.

National FFA Week was in February, and our kids both drove tractors to school one day. Isn't small-town America wonderful ? ? ? ?

This is Cole in front of our New Holland TS115A.

And here is Alex and one of her friends on our John Deere 2555.

DriveYour Tractor To School Day is one of the most POPULAR days at our high school. The kids love it. And I think my husband enjoys helping the kids get the tractors cleaned up and ready to go. We USE our tractors, and most of the time they are either muddy or dusty! Lately they've been very muddy! But its nice to have them all spiffed up that one day per year.

The snow from the blizzard is all gone, and we've had quite a bit of rain so it really is still pretty damp around here. And while it's not spring yet, the grass is TRYING to turn green. I took these pictures of our farm this past weekend. If you look closely you can see the grass is beginning to turn green.

We are trying some new cattle feed here at Down On The Farm. Actually, it isn't anything new, but it's new to us ... wet distillers grain. From what I'm told, this is the leftover corn by-product from ethanol plants. It has a funky smell, and is the consistency of mealy peanut butter. I can tell you that the cows really like it.

With the price of gasoline and diesel skyrocketing ($3.24 for regular and $3.64 for diesel), my husband is going to try his hand at making his own diesel fuel. I'll post more on this later, but here is the used vegetable oil he will be mixing with some other chemicals in order to turn it into fuel he can burn in his diesel pickup and in other diesel trucks and tractors on the farm. We are all about saving money any way we can. And recycling doesn't hurt either.

Sorry for the randomness of this post today. I told you there would be a little bit of this and a little bit of that. But hey, that's how my life goes!!!

Do You Still Believe?

2011-02-28T13:53:00.000-06:00

I receive several daily devotionals by e-mail. I love having a few words of encouragement pop up on my computer screen in the mornings. Gets my day off to a great start. A few weeks ago, I received a devotional from David Wilkerson entitled "Do You Still Believe."

“Do you believe I still love you unconditionally—that you are right now being led by the Holy Spirit—that every tear you shed I bottle—that you are right now in this place, in this very hour, in the perfect will of God?

“Do you believe all things still work together for good to them that love Me—that I hear your prayers, even when you have no audible words to express them, when all seems dark and you are overwhelmed—when fear lays hold on your mind and soul—when it seems I have shut the heavens to you?

“Do you still believe I feed all living things: the fish of the sea, the cattle, the fowls, all creeping things? Do you still believe I count every hair on your head—that I take note of every fallen bird on the face of the earth? Do you truly believe that?

“Do you still believe—when death comes to your loved ones? Do you still believe what you have testified, that I give comfort and strength to face even the grave?

“Do you still believe I love you—I forgive you all your past sins, your present sins—and I will forgive all future sins if you rest and trust me? Do you believe I understand when Satan sends his messengers against you to implant lies, doubts, blasphemies, fears, despair?

“Do you still believe you are in the palm of my hand—that you are more precious than gold to your Savior—that eternal life is your future—that there is no power that can pluck you out of my hand—that I still am touched by every infirmity and affliction you endure? Do you still believe these things are true?”

Do I believe these things? Of course I do. I know they are true. I know it in my head. But do I BELIEVE it with every ounce of me? Well, that, my friends, is a good question.

It is EASY to tell other people these things are true, I'm very good at it. I know all the "good" Bible verses. All the promises. All the "we are more than conquerors." All the "there is therefore now no condemnation." Every one of the "I'll never leave you nor forsake you" verses. And people need to be reminded of those when they are hurting. Those verses are good, and those verses are true and I believe every word of them, when I am telling them to someone else. But do I truly live like I believe those words apply to me?

Sometimes we speak so casually about what we believe. But do we LIVE like we believe it? I wish I could tell you that I always live like I believe, but to be completely real, I don't. I am GREAT at talking to others. I always know what to say, but sometimes, in my own life, I have doubts. I have fears. I wonder.

What if, from now on, we truly took every word of scripture at face value. What if every morning I reminded myself that I am a child of the King. That I know He is alive, and that His power lives in me. I believe that when I put everything in His hands, that He works everything out according to His perfect will, not my perfect will. That no matter what I see, think or feel, I will trust Him. Not the power of positive thinking, not name it and claim it, but a belief in a God who calls himself "I AM." Believing that a God who is big enough to speak the universe into existence is big enough to handle anything that comes my way. Believing that just because everything in my life isn't perfect, that it doesn't mean He isn't in control. Committing to serving Him every day of my life because HE IS WORTHY.

Habakkuk 3:17-18 says:

"Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls—Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation."

Repeat THAT to someone who is hurting, and see what kind of response you get. But that, my friends, is where I believe God wants us to be. Not just serving Him and praising Him when the times are good, but serving Him because of who He is, not because of what He can do for us. He already did more than we can ever repay. God sent His Son, Jesus, to die for each one of us. While we were yet sinners. Before we loved Him, He loved us. Is that enough for you? Is that enough to make you say "Yes, I still believe."

If it doesn't, I think it should.

Courtwarming Princess

2011-02-14T13:14:00.001-06:00

No, I am NOT here to announce that Cole was crowned Courtwarming King! Cole can't even be nominated for King, since he's already been named Homecoming King and FFA Barnwarming King! So relax. I am not here to brag on Cole. I am, however, here to brag on Alex. Isn't she just beautiful???

Alex was selected by her classmates to be one of two freshman girls to serve as "Courtwarming Princess" to the senior girls chosen as Courtwarming Queen Candidates.

Truly, she is absolutely gorgeous. I mean, I know I'm her mom and all, but she just looked so beautiful standing there in her pretty dress. I was so proud I was just about to bust! But can you blame me???

And, my husband cleaned up pretty good too, don't you think ? ? ?

Yes, that is my husband in a suit. No, he doesn't own a suit. Yes, he borrowed it. Isn't he handsome???

It was a GREAT evening. And to top it all off, we won the basketball game!

So thank you for letting me brag on my precious daughter and my handsome husband! I am so very proud of them both!

Baby Calf

2011-02-05T06:00:00.010-06:00

As you probably know from reading Down On The Farm, we are farmers. At least my husband is a farmer. Me, I work in town. In an office. My husband LOVES farming. If he won the lottery he would still farm. He would just own more land and more cows. Me, I'd retire, but not him. A farmer is who he IS, not just what he does. And one thing he loves more than anything is bringing new babies into the world. Not our babies of course. I mean, he's a good cow doctor, but, come on. Sorry, this has nothing to do with our new baby calf.

Thursday evening my husband went outside to check on a heifer that was working on having a baby. For those of you non-farmers, a heifer is a cow that hasn't had a baby yet. And there are also first-calf heifers, that have had one baby. Once you have had two babies, you're a cow. That is if you actually ARE a cow. Never mind.

So I decided to go brave the cold to take some pictures of the blessed event, and to show all my blogging buddies the miracle of birth, bovine style.

WARNING! IF PICTURES OF LITTLE CALF HOOVES STICKING OUT OF A MAMA COW BOTHER YOU, DO NOT LOOK AT THIS PICTURE.

SERIOUSLY, DON'T LOOK IF YOU ARE OFFENDED BY COW BIRTH!!!!!

Yes, those are the front hooves of a baby calf sticking out of the mama cow. This cow had been pushing for a couple of hours and making no progress so, in steps my husband, the wanna-be veterinarian. Now I wish I could show you pictures of my husband, CEO of Down On The Farm, actually pulling the calf. This involves a contraption with a very technical name -- a "calf puller." Unfortunately, I don't have pictures of this because I had to put the camera down and "assist" him. Which means, he puts a rope around the cow, and I hold the rope so he can get behind the cow and pull the calf. By this time the cow is fighting against the rope so hard that she is laying down. The calf puller fits up against the cows hips for leverage. Then he attaches a small chain to each of the front legs of the baby calf. Then hooks the chain to the puller. (This would be SO MUCH EASIER for you to picture if I had a picture. Next time I'll make somebody ELSE be the assistant so I can take pictures!!!) Anyway. After hooking the chains to the baby calf's legs, and the chains to the puller, you begin to "crank" the puller, which pulls first one leg then the other, slowly working the calf out of the mother. I say slowly when, in real life, my husband is cranking about as fast as he can. The actual process once the cranking begins usually takes less than a minute. The calf inches forward a little at a time until it all slips out in one wet, slimy, steaming heap onto the hay.

Now, again, I wish I could show you a picture of this little blessing. But, it was so dark that the pictures I took, didn't take. So you'll have to trust me when I tell you the calf was born alive and well. My husband takes the rope off the cow, takes the chains off the calf's legs, and the mama cow rushes over to begin licking the calf to dry it. And as hard as it is to believe, after all that, within 10 minutes or so the calf shakily stands up, wobbles over to the mama, and begins to nurse. Baby calves need that colostrum, that first milk from their mama. And, especially in this brutally cold weather, they MUST be licked dry by their mama. Otherwise, they won't make it. Baby calves are just SO darn cute!

Mid week we had a cow have twins, right in the midst of the blizzard. Now you may think twins are good -- two babies born equals two babies to sell at weaning time. Not so. Cows don't handle twins very well. It is a rare cow who will let twins nurse. For some reason the cow takes a liking to one calf, and will try to push the other calf away. That is what happened with this cow, so, THAT baby calf is living in my basement. The mama cow didn't even lick it dry so . . . . . . . my husband and the kids loaded the wet calf in the truck, brought it into our basement and rubbed it down with towels then blew it dry with the blow dryer. My husband mixed powdered colostrum and warm water (kind of like powdered baby formula) and has been feeding this baby for a couple of days.

And just so I don't mislead anyone about the realities of living on a farm, I have to tell you what happened on Friday. We had two baby calves born on Friday. Neither one of them made it. It was near zero Friday morning. Bitterly cold. These mamas didn't have their babies in the shed. They had their babies outside in the pasture. We are HOPING that one of these mamas will "adopt" our orphan twin calf. Sometimes they do, and sometimes they don't. We'll just have to wait and see what happens.

So there. I've shared with you just a glimpse of life here at Down On The Farm. Some folks think farm life is "romantic." I say living on a farm is very hard work. Just like anything you do, it has good days, and it has bad days. My husband works all the time. He works days, he works nights, he works weekends and holidays. He works when its blazing hot, and when its bitterly cold. The animals don't take breaks, and neither does he. Baby calves grow into steers and heifers, and selling those animals is our livelihood. So he takes the birth and survival of our baby calves very seriously. Sometimes baby calves are born on nice spring afternoons. And sometimes they are born on very COLD SNOWY Thursday evenings just about suppertime.

Next time I hope my pictures turn out a little better and, yes, there will be a next time! I hope I don't have to be the assistant again. I just want to be the photographer!!!!! And I don't want to lose any more baby calves.

Blizzard Pictures

2011-02-04T10:56:00.000-06:00

Here are pictures I took around my house on Tuesday, February 1, the day the BLIZZARD hit. Since then we have FINALLY managed to get our road cleared out and I went back to work yesterday. Still no school. Very cold here, so the snow isn't melting at all. Thank you all for your continued prayers for our livestock.

This picture was taken looking South. This lot is where we plant our garden. Nothing growing now but snow drifts.

This is the snow drift at the back of our house. The storm wasn't over yet, and this drift just kept getting higher and higher. Wound up being nearly five feet tall!

This was taken looking from my house Southeast toward one of our turkey barns. The snow was coming down so hard, you can't even tell there is another turkey barn behind this one.

This is a picture of the snow drifting around our brooder barn (the barn with the baby turkeys in it). You can't tell just how tall the drifts are, or how long the icicles are hanging from the roof.

This is Cole and Alex outside posing beside some of the snow drifts. Unbelievable.

I could bore you with many more pictures, but I won't. Believe me when I say this is one of the biggest snow falls Central Missouri has ever had . . . and we have more snow forecast for next week. Hope you all are safe and warm!

Come back tomorrow for a few pictures of a new baby calf born Thursday night to one of our heifers. My husband delivered the baby and I helped . . . a little.

Digging Out

2011-02-03T12:34:00.000-06:00

Well, as often as the weather man is WRONG about our forecast, he sure was RIGHT about this one. At our house, we got about 20" of snow. Seriously. I have lived here my entire life, and I can count on one hand the number of times we've gotten a snow this deep.

I have drifts at my back door that are nearly 5 feet deep. I missed work on Tuesday AND Wednesday. I couldn't get out of my driveway. My husband's diesel pickup wouldn't start this morning. Thank heavens the block heater on the tractor was plugged in!

Thank you to each one of you who prayed. So far, all four of our turkey barns are still standing. And we haven't lost a baby calf, or a cow for that matter. Our power stayed on the entire time. God is so good!

I have LOTS of pictures of the storm, but, and I'm just keepin' it real here, I can't find the cable to hook my camera to the computer, so you'll have to wait. But I PROMISE I will post pictures. Ya gotta see it to believe it!!!!

It is cold here. Bitterly cold. About -4 degrees at my house, and that's Fahrenheit for my overseas buddies.
I sure hope that Groundhog is right, 'cause I heard he DIDN'T see his shadow, which means spring is right around the corner!

I hope all of you survived the blizzard, and that things are getting back to normal around your house. Hang in there, spring is on the way!

Missouri Blizzard

2011-02-01T06:55:00.000-06:00

Well the snow has started. At least we aren't getting ice. The ground is covered here. I would say we have less than an inch of snow right now, and it is snowing pretty hard. It's still dark outside so I can't take a picture yet, but I will try to post pictures as the day goes by. I am not going to work, and I can tell you that in 17 years of driving to Jefferson City to work I have missed two days because of snow, and both of those days were when I was 8 months pregnant with my daughter and we had over a foot of snow. So for me not to be heading to work right now tells you just how bad I believe this storm is going to be. They've already cancelled school, so my kids are sound asleep.

We will be fine. I am praying that our power doesn't go out. I mean, the power going out at our house is inconvenient, but manageable. We have two fireplaces so we won't freeze to death. But I worry about our animals. We have baby turkeys in our brooder barn, and we have heifers starting to calve. We already had one baby calf brought into the "nursery," which means my husband and kids had it in our basement rubbing it down with towels and drying it off with the blow dryer. Yes, that's farm life. I would appreciate your prayers for our turkey barns. They are not built to withstand extreme slow loads, and our barns are old. If we truly get 12-15" like they are saying, well, I know people who had barns collapse under less snow than that. But I put all in the Father's hands. I trust Him to perfect all that concerns me. So while I pray that our barns don't collapse, I ask foremost for His will. He knows best. Please agree with me in prayer for our Lord to watch over and protect us, and not just me and my family, but everybody affected by this snow. It is just beginning to get light outside and the snow is coming down.

Stay warm my friends, and be safe! This is the day that the Lord has made, and I will rejoice and be glad in it.

Forecast

2011-01-31T09:37:00.001-06:00

Considering my last post was entitled "Heatwave" I feel just a little bit silly sharing with you tomorrow's forecast for here in Central Missouri. Yes, it did get up into the 50s at the end of last week. Yes, I did wash my car -- not that you can even tell it now, but that's another story. I can tell you this . . . it is no longer 50 degrees. Yes, the weather here in Missouri is consistent - - CONSISTENTLY CHANGING!!!!

Freezing rain will be my friend driving into work this morning. And this, well, this is what the forecast is for tomorrow:

"Details for Tuesday, February 01

A wintry mix in the morning, becoming all snow and windy in the afternoon. Snow may be heavy at times. Cold. High 26F. Winds NNE at 20 to 30 mph. 10 to 15 inches of snow expected.

Evening: Occasional snow showers. Quite windy. Low 14F. Winds NNW at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of snow 70%. Significant snow accumulation possible."
Yes, you read that correctly -- 10 TO 15 INCHES OF SNOW EXPECTED. I'd definitely call that SIGNIFICANT.

I could count on one hand the number of times Central Missouri has gotten 10 to 15 inches of snow. I am heading to work today, despite the freezing, 'cause I'm pretty sure I WON'T be able to make it to work tomorrow. I drive a car after all, not a snow plow

My husband will be feeding LOTS of hay to our cows, and keeping an eye on our heifers, who have decided that this would be a good time to start having calves. We've already had a few baby calves starting last week, and usually a big storm really gets the babies coming. Something about the dropping barometric pressure ? ? ? ?

So, to all my Missouri blogging buddies, BE SAFE out there. Drive carefully if you have to get out, and if you don't HAVE to get out, well, don't. Stock up on bread and milk and eggs, and flashlights :0! Prayers for safe travels, and a big hug to each one of you. Here's hoping and praying that the power stays on!!!

Heatwave

2011-01-27T08:30:00.000-06:00

"We're havin' a heatwave, a tropical heatwave!" If you grew up watching Archie Bunker you can just hear Edith singing, and I use the word "singing" very loosely, those words. But that's what's coming here to Down On The Farm. We had a big snow last week, and most of that snow is still on the ground or pushed into piles. But today we are expecting temperatures in the 40s and tomorrow, they are saying it will be over 50 degrees!!! Wow! My car is whispering to me "wash me," "WASH me," "WASH ME!"

By the end of January I'm pretty tired of winter, and we still have quite a bit of winter to go around these parts. So here's hoping you will get a little break in winter just like we are. Hard to believe that January is almost over.

Many Thanks

2011-01-24T08:55:00.000-06:00

To everyone who left a comment, called me, texted me, came to the visitation or funeral, or said a prayer for me and my family last week, I would like to say a HUGE thank you. Last week was a tough week. But I was reminded what amazing friends I have and what an amazing family I have. And, how awesome God is. He has comforted me and my family beyond anything we could have hoped for. Knowing I will see my Grandma again is a blessing beyond words.

I would appreciate it if you would keep my mom in your prayers as the days and weeks go by. She is doing great, but, I know it is hard for her to accept that her mother is gone.

To each one of you I again say thank you, and I am asking our Lord to pour out His blessings upon you. God is so good!!! Love you my friends!

A Grandma Remembered

2011-01-18T08:57:00.002-06:00

Flossie Ellen Barton Hall

October 11, 1913 to January 17, 2011

Yesterday, my Grandma Flo went home to be with her Savior. Our hearts are broken, but joyous, because we know she is walking streets of gold. She has gazed upon the crystal sea. She has heard the angels singing. And she has seen the face of Jesus.

My Grandma was born near Hoecker, Missouri, the youngest of 10 children. Her parents were Andrew and Amyee Barnhart Barton. In 1934 she married my Grandpa, James Howard Hall. She gave birth to eight children (six girls and two boys), my mom being the third oldest. She has 17 grandchildren. Two of those grandchildren met her in heaven yesterday, as did my Grandpa. My Grandma has 35 great-grandchildren. And my Grandma has 11 great-great grandchildren.

My Grandma Flo loved to garden, and she loved flowers. She was a wonderful cook. She could make chicken-n-dumplings like you've never had in your life. My childhood memories of being at their house always involved a huge family meal. At Christmas time there was always a tree surrounded by mounds of presents. Even with a big family, there was always a gift for everyone.

I could tell you stories of my Grandma all day long. Good stories, funny stories. I have memories to last a lifetime. She was am amazing woman and I loved her with all my heart. And while my heart is broken, and I will miss her terribly, she would have wanted us to let her go. And her heart's desire would be to see each one of her family in heaven. If she could say one thing to us, she would say "promise me you will meet me in heaven." So that is my gift to you Grandma. My promise to meet you in heaven one day. When you see me, come a runnin'. 'Cause I'll be running to you.

Taco Soup Recipe

2011-01-17T06:00:00.002-06:00

One of my family's favorite meals is Taco Soup. This is truly comfort food to the max. It is very easy to make. One of those throw-it-in-the-crockpot-and-forget-it kind of meals that you will look FORWARD to coming home to. And your family will look forward to eating. Here's what you need:

2 pounds ground beef

1 package taco seasoning mix (or 3 T homemade mix)

1 16 oz can dark red kidney beans

1 16 oz can light red kidney beans

1 can cream style corn

1 can whole kernel corn

1 24 oz can crushed tomatoes

1 envelope ranch-style dressing mix

The instructions - well, it's pretty simple. Brown your ground beef, then put it, and the other ingredients in your crock pot and stir it well. You can let this cook all day on low, and when you get home, it's perfect. I serve this in bowls over tortilla chips with cheddar cheese sprinkled over the top. Of course, this works perfectly well on the stove top too. But the longer this soup cooks, the better it tastes. It is also great warmed up the next day.

And this recipe is very flexible. If you are serving a big crowd, add a couple more cans of beans, or corn. I haven't made chili in a long time. My family much prefers taco soup. So, if you're looking for a great wintertime supper, this is it. Your family will love it!!!

Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix

2011-01-12T09:06:00.001-06:00

Isn't it frustrating when you get ready to cook something, and you don't have all of the ingredients? Maybe that doesn't happen to you. But it sure does happen to me. And, while I don't live 20 miles from the nearest town, I don't live IN TOWN, and I don't like having to go back to town once I get home from work.

Something that I tend to run out of a lot are those little seasoning packets and mixes. Especially taco seasoning. My family loves tacos, and taco soup. I make lots of things that call for one packet of "taco seasoning mix" and it seems I either have 5 of them in my pantry, or I have NONE. It's hard to justify driving nearly 10 miles one way to the grocery store for that little packet of taco seasoning. Soooooooo, I have decided to take control of my life by making my own. Well, it's not actually taking control of my WHOLE LIFE, just one little aspect of it. But a very ANNOYING aspect of it. Have I mentioned I don't like going back into town after I get home ? ? ? ?

I searched online and found several recipes for homemade taco seasoning. Some were fairly elaborate. Some called for items I didn't have. But, I finally found a couple of recipes that sounded pretty good. And it turns out I had all of the ingredients. Here is the basic recipe that I used:

1 T chili powder

3/4 t garlic powder

3/4 t onion powder

3/4 t red pepper (crushed or flaked)

3/4 t oregano

3/4 t paprika

1 1/2 T cumin

1 T salt

1 T black pepper

I tripled the recipe and put it in a small glass container. I used what I had in my pantry. These spices are store brand -- NOT the expensive brand Like I said, I used what was on hand. And I wish you could SMELL this mixture. It smells DELICIOUS. Very spicy, but not overpowering. Based on what I've found online, you would use 3 Tablespoons of this mixture to equal one envelope of store bought seasoning.

I must tell you that I have not actually USED this taco seasoning mix yet, but I will. One of our favorite recipes is taco soup. And it seems whenever I want to make taco soup I NEVER have a packet of taco seasoning mix. That shouldn't happen again with my handy, dandy homemade taco seasoning mix.

It took all of five minutes to mix this up. And while I haven't really figured the cost difference, I can tell you this. Most of the seasonings I have are $1.19 for about 3.5 ounces. And I know those little envelopes average 79 to 89 cents each, for only three tablespoons. So I can ASSURE you, it is much cheaper to make your own.

I'll let you know what my family thinks about my newest time and money saving adventure. I'll be making taco soup over the weekend and I'll share my recipe AND my honest opinion of my homemade mix. 'Cause hey, if it doesn't taste good, then I haven't helped myself or you!!!

If you have a favorite homemade "mix" recipe . . . please share it with us.

Half Right

2011-01-11T09:00:00.000-06:00

Well, the weather man's forecast was HALF RIGHT. Instead of the six inches of snow they were calling for, we got about 3". Three inches is a typical Mid-Missouri wintertime snow fall. But it was enough snow to close school early yesterday, and to cancel school for today. The temperature this morning was 16 degrees.

Now don't get me wrong. I am NOT disappointed that we didn't get the big snow they were calling for. It's all husband can do to keep up with feeding hay to the cows and keeping our long driveway graded. I just wish the weather people would be a little more accurate in their forecasting. Because a lot of people take that forecast seriously. The weather affects our daily lives, and we depend on accurate forecasting.

So bundle up and stay warm!!!!

The Snow It Is A Comin'

2011-01-10T08:55:00.000-06:00

Brrrr!! Woke up this morning to a pretty good dusting of snow. And it's cold. Temperatures in the low 20's and by mid-week we will have lows in the single digits and wind chills below zero. The forecast is for snowfall this afternoon and evening and overnight. The weather people are saying we could get four to six inches of snow before it's all over. Now I'm from Missouri. Lived here all my life. And in the last 20 years I could count on my fingers the number of times we've gotten six inches of snow. So, let's see how the forecasters do. I'll let you know tomorrow just how much snow we actually wind up with. So far nothing is falling from the sky. How do the weather forecasters do in your neck of the woods? Are they fairly accurate? Or are do they usually miss the mark?

Stay warm everybody. And if you don't mind, I'd sure appreciate a prayer for my dear Grandma Flo. She is 97 years old, in a nursing home, and not doing well. My mother is with her right now and will be spending the day there. Please pray for strength for my mother. I can't imagine how hard this must be for her. Thanks, and God bless you all!

Decisions Decisions

2011-01-05T06:00:00.006-06:00

Cole and I spent the entire evening working on college scholarship applications. How exhausting. Trying to make yourself sound like you deserve a scholarship, without sounding like you are bragging, is tough!

Cole has the option to use his A+ Schools eligibility, and he can attend a community college in Missouri with his tuition paid in full.  We would have to pay room and board and books. However, there is a community college about 20 minutes from our house. So if he chooses that route, which right now seems to be his first choice, he can live at home and go to college for free for one year, then transfer to a four-year school to finish his bachelor's degree. Cole took a lot of dual credit classes his junior and senior years, so he will graduate with 30 hours of college credit and will be able to finish his Associate's Degree in one year, saving his grateful parents THOUSANDS of dollars, and saving himself one year of college.

Cole is also applying for a scholarship to another University in our area.  This particular University actually offers several scholarships for which Cole is eligible. So he will apply and then see what happens. Some of the scholarships are good enough that he would forego his A+ eligibility and attend directly out of high school.

Where Cole will attend college is such a big, life-altering decision. So many things to think about.  Many of Cole's classmates are headed off to Mizzou -- the University of Missouri-Columbia.   Mizzou is a great school. But it is also a HUGE school compared to Cole's senior class if 147. And it is an EXPENSIVE school. All of the brochures he has received from Mizzou estimated in-state tuition and room and board at $23,000 per year. Yes, I said TWENTY-THREE THOUSAND DOLLARS PER YEAR!!!

This mama is VERY thankful that her son is happy to live at home another year and go to community college for FREE!

I would ask for your prayers as Cole enters this exciting time in his life. Above all else we want God's will in where he will go to college, and what degree he will pursue. And of course, scholarships would be good too. Very, very good.

And pray for me, because the thought of him graduating from high school in May is enough to make me cry right now. Of course we are proud of his accomplishments. But, for those of you who have children who have graduated, you KNOW what I mean. And if your children are still young, well, one day you will understand all of the emotions involved in watching your baby grow up.

Thanks to each of you for your prayers. They mean so very much! I just love my blogging buddies!! And please know that I pray for each of you too!

A New Year and a Birthday Wish for My Mother

2011-01-03T06:00:00.001-06:00

Well, like it or not, the holidays are officially OVER! Thanksgiving, done. Christmas, behind us. New Year's Day, yep, it's past. Today is January 3rd. Of course it's not JUST January 3rd, it is my mother's birthday. Happy Birthday Mom!!!! I sure do love you and I pray for many many more birthdays for you!!!!!!!!!

Here in Missouri it is cold. Winter is truly here. The days are still short, the grass is brown, and spring is a long way away. This is the time of year that a lot of people really dread. That period of time after the holidays and before warm weather arrives. And for many people, it can be a sad, dreary time. A time of discouragement.

I want to encourage each one of you to not let this time of year overwhelm you. Because just like the holidays can bring pressure and stress, this time of year can bring its own set of emotions. God made every season. He made winter and He made the snow. He even directed the days to be shorter. So, instead of wishing these days away, use this time after the pressure of the holidays, and before those spring activities, to focus on God's will for your life this year. Last year is past. It is over. You can't go back. But this year lies before each one of us.

So today, as we experience the beginning of a new year, give God an opportunity to do a new thing in your life. Don't just SAY you're going to read the Bible more, or pray more. Make a PLAN to do those things and then stick to it. Set aside time each day to meditate on God's word. And don't just read the Bible and pray, but be obedient to His will. Don't just be a "hearer" of the Word, but a "doer" of the Word (James 1:22). You can't just KNOW what you need to do, you have to DO IT. Because NOT doing what you know you should be doing, is sin. ( James 4:17)

God has so much MORE for each one of us who want more of Him. But, in order to get more from Him, He wants more from us. As a matter of fact, He wants ALL of us. He wants our whole heart. Our whole soul. And in return, we get His love, His mercy, His peace.

He sure does love you and me. And that should make us smile even on a cold, dark day in January.

"This is the day that the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24 So today, rejoice!

Intimidated

2010-12-29T06:00:00.005-06:00

Do you ever get intimidated? If someone asked me that question, at first glance, I would say no. I'm pretty secure in who I am.  I'm self-assured, self-confident.  But, if I'm honest, I would have to admit that I can become intimidated by others very easily. Especially this time of year. Christmastime -- the season of perfection.

The past few weeks I have been visiting blogs I follow regularly, and some new blogs I've discovered, and as I read posts about preparing for Christmas and celebrating Christmas, I am in awe of what some of these women can accomplish. I scroll down through pictures of houses that look like they came from the pages of a magazine. And that was BEFORE they put up their Christmas tree(s). I see Christmas decorations that look absolutely stunning. I look at pictures of tablescapes and I read menus that are incredible. Christmas cookies that look like they were purchased in the finest bakery. Presents that look like they were all wrapped at a department store. And I think to myself, "wow, I wish my life was like that."

My house is not beautiful. It is a very plain 1968 ranch style house that, if I'm honest with myself I have to admit that I put very little effort into when it comes to "decor." Christmas decorations, I'm gonna go WAY out on a limb and admit to you that I didn't even put up a tree this year (GASP). Are you still with me?? My old one was really old so I got rid of it last year thinking I would buy a new one before this Christmas . . . and never got around to it. We left our outside Christmas lights up last year (all year long), so all we had to do was plug them in.  Does that count?

I didn't even bake Christmas cookies this year, and the only presents I wrapped were presents for family members who do NOT live in my house. My kids wanted clothes for Christmas, and said it was ridiculous for me to wrap them up just so they could open them Christmas morning . . . especially since they were with me when I bought all the clothes.   No Christmas morning anticipation here.

But now that I've told you all that, I have to say that we had one of the BEST Christmases ever. I had my family over for dinner Christmas Eve after candlelight communion at church. It was beautiful. And Christmas Day, BP and I and the kids, and both my sisters and their families were all together at my mom and dad's house. We ate, we laughed, we watched some old VCR tapes of when our kids were small. And we enjoyed being together. It was wonderful.

Ladies if you have EVER read or seen anything on my blog that intimidated you, PLEASE shrug that emotion right off your back and accept my apologies. I share my plain old ordinary wonderful life on this blog. My house gets dirty. My husband walks through the kitchen with mud/manure on his boots (now remember, I live on a real FARM). Sometimes I don't cook, and we eat Casey's pizza for supper. My laundry isn't always caught up. My shower, well, let's not even DISCUSS the state of my shower. Social Services might show up to take my children!

And you know what? I'm guessing that all of those blogs that I can be so intimidated by, well, I bet the house doesn't always look perfect either. I'm guessing they eat frozen pizza for dinner on occasion. I'm certain their laundry piles up. And I don't say that sarcastically, or to be disrepectful to those bloggers. I say that so that we can ALL just be real and know that none of us are perfect. We're all just doing the best we can with what we have. And if those blogging ladies were here guest posting on Down On The Farm I know they would say the exact same thing. Some of us are better at this or that, sometimes we can really outdo ourselves for a special occasion, but none of us, and I MEAN NONE OF US can do it all.   When we are working really hard on one thing, we are letting something else go. And when you work outside the home, like I do, we have to let a LOT of "something else" go 'cause there are only so many hours in the day.

So ladies, while we're reading those blogs that show beautiful homes and amazing recipes, please keep it in perspective, and don't be intimidated.   Don't let your head be turned by a life that God did not call you to. Looking at pretty houses is very enjoyable to me. But coveting something I don't have is sin. I love to eat, and I'm always looking for new recipes. But being stressed out and snapping at my children while cooking a "gourmet meal" that is supposedly for them, well, I don't think that's God's definition of a Proverbs 31 mom.  Now don't get all legalistic and misunderstand me. I believe that keeping our homes clean and neat and organized and looking pretty is a very good thing. I believe that trying to prepare meals our family will enjoy is great. But like almost everything else we spend time on, these activities must be kept in perspective. Scrubbing your floor for the third time today does not earn you "heaven" points.  A meal of bologna sandwiches served with love is better than a four-course dinner your family can't even enjoy because all you do is remind them how hard you worked.

I'm not big on New Year's resolutions, so I'm not making one. But I do believe that every new year is a chance for us to step back and take a look into our hearts and make changes in our lives. And one thing I'm going to work on for 2011 is focusing on making the absolute most of where God has put ME. To be the best wife and mom I can be. To let things go that don't matter, so that I can spend more time on the things that do. To enjoy every single SECOND with my husband and with my kids. The years go by so quickly.

So if you, like me, ever get intimidated by others, take a deep breath and SHAKE IT OFF. Because no matter what your house looks like -- no matter what you're having for supper tonight, remember that "You are fearfully and wonderfully made." Psalm 139:14. And don't you forget it ladies, ya hear???!!!

Gas Prices They Are A Climbin'

2010-12-28T10:09:00.001-06:00

$2.85

That is the price of a gallon of unleaded gasoline in Central Missouri. Diesel is at $3.09 per gallon.

The reporters who keep saying there is no inflation, obviously aren't buying food and gasoline.

While I'm updating, I'm happy to share that we had a great time with our families over the weekend. We are so very blessed. It has warmed up a little bit here, with temperatures in the 30s. They are calling for rain the next few days, but they are also promising temperatures in the 50s! I think a nice warm rain sounds wonderful!

The kids are enjoying a week off from school. But we get baby turkeys tonight at 6 p.m. so they have been staying busy! Thanking the Lord for warmer temperatures, which definitely keeps our propane bill down. Propane is our biggest expense in raising turkeys. Those little birds have to be kept warm!

So, if you're one of the lucky ones with this week off, please enjoy it and enjoy spending time with your family. And, if you're like me and working every day this week, be thankful for being employed. There are many out there who would love to be working today, and can't find a job.

Hebrews 12: 1-2 "Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

Lord, help us to run this race called life for your glory. Help us to keep our eyes on You, our hearts focused on You. And help us to always be thankful to You in every situation. I love You, Jesus. And I ask all things in Your name. Amen!

The Night Before Christmas

2010-12-24T06:00:00.002-06:00

Tonight is the night before Christmas. But in the town of Bethlehem over two thousand years ago, it was just another night. A night that would change the world. Please take just a few minutes to watch this video and in your heart imagine that first "Night Before Christmas."

The Baby born that night was Jesus. A Baby born to be Savior of a lost world. He came so that you might live. He came to save you from an eternity spent in hell. He came because He loves you.

I am a child of the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. I am not perfect, I'm far from it. I was born a sinner, and I've made many, many mistakes. I've disappointed God more times than I can count. But praise the Lord I've been redeemed, I've been forgiven. I've been washed in the blood of the Spotless Lamb. The perfect sacrifice.

If you have never asked God to forgive you of your sins, never asked Him to be Lord of your life, please let today be the day of salvation. Don't put it off. Not one of us is guaranteed tomorrow. He is waiting for you. He loves you. Not accepting Him is rejecting Him. And unless you accept Him you can't spend eternity with Him in heaven.

If you do know Him, then take a moment to close your eyes and thank Him for all His blessings. No matter what may be going on in your life right this instant, if you belong to Him you are blessed and highly favored. You are more than a conqueror. Cast all your cares on Him, for He truly does care for you. Ask Him to open your heart for more of Him. Ask Him to help you decrease so that He can increase, so others will see Him in your life. Ask Him for His joy, which will strengthen you to withstand the attack of the enemy.

To anyone and everyone who reads Down On The Farm, I wish you the Merriest of Christmases. I pray for each one of you and for your families. I pray for health, I pray for safety, I pray for peace and harmony in your lives. I pray for your unsaved loved ones and ask that you pray for mine. I pray that God would pour out His Spirit upon you in a mighty way. I pray that you would be reminded daily how special you are to Him, reminded how much He loves you. I pray that He will make you a blessing to all those around you, and that His light will flow through you. And I pray that you will be blessed. I love each and every one of you. And if we never meet here on earth, I will be watching for each one of you when we walk those streets of gold!! Merry Christmas!

God With Us

2010-12-23T09:08:00.001-06:00

Matthew Chapter One

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. 20 But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.”

22 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,”which is translated, “God with us.”

24 Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, 25 and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name JESUS.

At Christmas time most people, and most pastors, read the "Christmas Story" from Luke Chapter Two. The story is beautiful. My favorite passage is Luke 2:10-11, "Behold I bring you good tidings of great joy that shall be to all people, for unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."

But Matthew gives us a different version. A more matter-of-fact version. And Matthew's version gives us two amazing passages.

The first is from Verse 21: And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.

The second is from Verse 23: Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,”which is translated, “God with us.”

Think of that. Jesus will save us from our sins, and He will be with us. He will do both, at the same time, forever. He doesn't just forgive us once. He forgives us every time we ask. And He doesn't just forgive us from afar. He forgives us while dwelling in us. How can I explain the fact that He lives in my heart? I can't. I can only tell you that He is there. Have I ever audibly heard His voice? No. But has He spoken to me? Oh yes, many times. Have I ever seen Him? No. But I trust in the inspired Word of God that says Immanuel, God with us.

So as I prepare for Christmas, I am so thankful to God for sending His Son, Jesus, to Bethlehem so long ago. A tiny Baby who left the glories of heaven for a humble home on earth. From the Son of The King, to the Son of a carpenter. Destined for a death He did not deserve, all because He loved us.

Hebrews 12:2 says "looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

Jesus knew why He was sent to earth. He knew He would be beaten, He knew He would be crucified, BUT HE KNEW HE WOULD REJOIN HIS FATHER IN HEAVEN. He endured the cross and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. And His desire is for every person to one day be in heaven with Him. Jesus has done His part, now it is up to us. Either we choose to accept Him, or we reject Him. Not choosing Him is the same as rejecting Him. Jesus said in John 14:6 “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."

Immanuel - God with us. Our Savior is with us. Thank You Lord that today You are with me. Thank You that You saved me. Thank You that You love me. I love You Jesus.

Bad News/Good News

2010-12-21T06:30:00.000-06:00

As the old saying goes "I've got bad news and I've got good news -- which do you want to hear first?" Me, I always want to hear the bad news first and get it over with. So here is the bad news.

Today is the first day of WINTER. Winter means cold weather, and most people dislike cold weather. I mean, seriously, how many people do you know who go NORTH for the winter? Uh, nobody!

Winter means cold temperatures. Winter means snow. Winter means cold and flu season. The first day of winter means that it's gonna be a loooong time until you will be mowing your lawn and wearing short sleeves. January and February and March can be long months here in Missouri. Long and cold. That's some bad news, huh??

Now if you recall, I said I had some good news too. So here it is! Along with being the first day of Winter, today is the shortest day of the year. Shortest as in the day with the least sunlight and the most darkness of all the days of the year. Now you may be saying to yourself "I thought she said she had some good news?" But, that IS good news!!! Think about it. After today, the days will start to get LOOOONGER. Every day the sun will come up a little bit earlier in the East, and the sun will set a little bit later in the West. After today, every day brings us one day closer to warm sunny skies.

So today give thanks to the Lord that He gave us seasons. Only He would have thought to make the days longer and shorter, a few minutes at a time. And to make seasons that change. Our God is an awesome God!!!!!

Psalm 19:1 "The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork."

The Gift That Saves The Day

2010-12-20T09:29:00.000-06:00

This Wednesday evening our church is having a blood drive. Many in our congregation, myself included, will be donating blood. The need for blood doesn't slow down just because the holidays are here. Blood is needed every single day. And, according to the American Red Cross, only about 3 in 100 Americans donate blood. The last time I donated blood I was a senior in high school. But Wednesday evening I will be rolling up my sleeve and donating blood.

What if I needed blood? What if my husband or one of my kids needed blood? My parents, my sisters, my nieces and nephews? Oh, how I would hope that somebody would take just a FEW MINUTES to donate blood.

So if you are wondering what you can do to "give back" this Christmas, I encourage you to donate blood. Check your local newspaper or go online. I am certain there is a blood drive near you.

In the words of the American Red Cross "The need is constant. The gratification is instant. Give blood."

Christmas Cards

2010-12-16T08:16:00.000-06:00

I mailed my Christmas cards on Monday. I LOVE CHRISTMAS CARDS!! I really do love getting them, and I love sending them. It's like sharing a little bit of me with my family and friends. And when I receive Christmas cards, it makes me feel like someone is sharing a little bit of their life with me. This is our 2010 Christmas card:

This year I ordered my Christmas cards from Shutterfly. I was fortunate to be a part of a promotion Shutterfly was having for bloggers. I blogged about Shutterfly and was given 50 free Christmas cards. I can honestly tell you that these are the prettiest Christmas cards I have ever sent. The quality of the card stock, the sharpness of the pictures. I love everything about them. I can't wait for my friends and family to open up that envelope and receive our Christmas card this year. I hope it makes them smile -- and the pictures of the really cute kids are good too!!!

In the past I've ordered Christmas cards from Wal-Mart. The cards from Shutterfly are much better quality. Much more "substantial" feeling. The cards I've ordered in the past from Wal-Mart seem flimsy compared to these. (And just so you know, I've already received the 50 free cards from Shutterfly. This review of their cards is completely voluntary on my part, and totally honest! So there).

Next year I will be ordering my Christmas cards from Shutterfly. If you need any type of cards I can say from personal experience that Shutterfly IS the way to go. From selection, to ease of uploading photos, to the quality of the finished product, you will not be disappointed.

Grandma Nellie

2010-12-15T06:00:00.001-06:00

My Grandma Nellie, my dad's mom, turned 97 this past weekend. Isn't she beautiful?

I am so blessed to have my both of my Grandmas. Both are 97. My Grandma Nellie lives with her daughter, my Aunt Ruby Dean. And all things considered she is doing wonderfully. We had a good visit this weekend. My Aunt had cake and ice cream and lots of family came by to with my Grandma Nellie a happy 97th birthday.

My Grandma Flo, my mother's mom, is now in a nursing home. This is the Grandma that was told she just had a couple of weeks to live . . . back in March! I guess the Lord isn't ready to take her home yet. I hate to say it, but she is failing. However, when I saw her at the nursing home just a couple of weeks ago, she called me by name as soon as I walked in the door, and she asked about my husband by name. That is a blessing to me. To know that she still recognizes me. Sometimes I wonder if she does, but on that day I knew.

Family is a blessing. I know there are times I have taken my family for granted, I'm sure we all have. But during this Christmas season make a special effort to let each person in your family know just how loved they are. You never know what tomorrow will bring. So don't wait. "I Love You" are the three most under used words in the English language.

Caragan is Cloggin' Again

2010-12-14T08:38:00.001-06:00

I miss school Christmas programs. Cole and Alex had programs every year. Christmas parties, field trips, all sorts of activities, and I was at every one of them. But I don't get to do that much anymore. My kids are in high school so no more programs or field trips for them. But last week my niece, Caragan, had her 6th grade Christmas program. It was great to see her and all the other kids excited about Christmas. I have to say I only knew one song they sang at the program -- a jazzed up version of Jingle Bells -- but I enjoyed it nonetheless because I was watching my beautiful niece. And I sat next to her handsome brother, Cade. He is a laugh a minute, and he never, repeat NEVER, sits still!!!

When you get a chance to go watch a family member do something, especially a younger family member, I hope you take the time to go. It means so much to them that you are there, and it is a memory you won't ever forget. Of course, I've had to miss things that my nieces and nephews have done. I've missed many, many things that my nephew who lives near St. Louis has done. But I really try to be at everything my niece and nephew that live around here do, at least everything I can attend. I want them to know how much they mean to me. How much I love them.

You will never regret time invested into the life of a child you love. So get on the phone and see what's going on with your family members. I'll bet they've got a Christmas program coming up very soon!!!

It Is Even A Vapor

2010-12-08T06:00:00.003-06:00

On Sunday, November 28th, one of the people I work with took a walk with his mother. It was Thanksgiving weekend, and they were doing what most of us did, spending time together with family. I remember that Sunday well. That same day I had my family to my house for our Thanksgiving dinner.

Last Tuesday, November 30th his mother suddenly became very ill and was admitted to the hospital. Within a day or two she was on life support. Yesterday they took her off of life support and she passed away.

I am certain my co-worker has remembered that Sunday afternoon walk with his mother many times today and he is wondering, as any of us would, how this happened.

We tell ourselves that these situations aren't supposed to happen. She was a relatively young woman. Very healthy. It was so sudden. So unexpected. And yet, we forget what the Bible tells us about life.

In James 4:14 we read this:  "[W]hereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away."

A vapor. Life is even a vapor. We read that, and yet, we don't live as if we believe it. I know I don't. Not really. Oh, I tell myself that anything can happen. I tell myself that accidents happen, but secretly I believe they only happen to the "other guy." People die young every day, but both my grandmothers are alive and in their late 90s. So really, I think other people die young, but not in my family. So why don't I believe it? I mean, we are surrounded by death. By tragedy. And yet we think it can't happen to us.

We need to each be living our lives as if today were our last day on earth, and I am typing these words to myself more than I am typing them to anyone who may be reading this today. I find myself trying to remember the last time I saw my mom?? I mean, I've talked to her on the phone in the last couple of days, and she sent me a text last night. But when was the last time I SAW her, and told her how much I love her. She only lives about 10 minutes away from me and yet, I just don't remember how many days it has been since I've seen her? Three days, four days? So much can change in such a short time.

When my kids left for school this morning, did I tell them I loved them?   Did I tell my husband I loved him before I left for work? I think I did, but I'm not 100% sure.   And if something would happen to me today I would want them to KNOW just how very much I loved them.

Remember today as you go about your routine of working, taking care of kids, preparing for Christmas, whatever you are doing, that life is even a vapor.   Here for a little time and then it vanishes.   Remember what is truly important. Remember what lasts. And please remember this family in your prayers.

Homemade Vanilla Extract

2010-12-06T10:50:00.002-06:00

Every year for Christmas I get all of the wonderful ladies I work with a Christmas gift. I can't spend too much per person since there are 9 ladies, but, I want to get them something nice. In the past I've bought them little Christmas plates, I've done candles, just a little something to show how much I enjoy working with them. Well, this year, I wanted to do something different. Something I'd never done for them. So, I decided to do a homemade gift.

I absolutely LOVE getting something that someone has made. I have made homemade items before and I know just how much love you put into something that you make for someone. So when someone gives me something that they made, well, it makes me feel pretty darn special. Special because I know they cared enough to give me something that they put so much time and effort into. Hey, making something homemade is hard work!

In doing some blog surfing I came across an amazing blog. It is called The Italian Dish and, if you visit, you will enjoy meeting Elaine and checking out her amazing recipes. She is a GREAT cook, and a photographer, so her blog looks beautiful! Turns out, she made homemade vanilla extract as party favors for her Christmas party last year and I thought the bottles looked so impressive, but were so easy to make, I knew I had to give it a go. For the exact details, please see Elaine's post, as she does such a beautiful job of giving you all the details for making this I won't begin to compete with her. I'll just show you pictures of MY homemade vanilla extract, and give you some tips I learned along the way.

First of all, I ordered the Boston bottles from Specialty Bottle just like Elaine did. I checked on ebay and some other sites but Specialty Bottle was the cheapest place I found. My sister and I went together on this little project so we ordered 30 bottles. That gave me bottles of vanilla extract for the ladies I work with, my sister bottles for the ladies she works with, a bottle for each of us and for our sweet baby sister, and a few extra for each of us to give to friends. I ordered the bourbon vanilla beans from Beanilla. Again, I checked locally but it was much less expensive to order the beans from Beanilla, and pay shipping, than it was to buy them at a local health food store. I ordered 25 beans. We split each bean down the middle from top to bottom, and then cut each of those in half, giving us four "pieces" per bean. That gave us three "pieces" to put in each jar. We then poured unflavored vodka into the bottles, put the lids on and let them set.

Elaine's recipe calls for the beans and vodka to steep about two months. We made our vanilla extract in October, so it has been not quite two months. About two weeks ago we were a little concerned that our vanilla extract didn't look quite dark enough, and didn't have a strong vanilla aroma. So I ordered 10 more vanilla beans, split them into four pieces and added one more piece to each bottle of vanilla (for a total of four pieces or one whole bean per bottle). That really has made a difference, and when I do this again, which I will, I will put four pieces into each bottle.

For the labels, again I followed Elaine's lead and ordered the lables from My Own Labels. It is a neat company with tons of really cute labels to choose from. After seeing how cute Elaine's bottles turned out I ordered the same labels she did and am very pleased with them. The labels we ordered had a minimum order of 24, and they come on sheets of 12 labels, so we ordered 36 labels. In hindsight, I wish we had ordered 36 bottles but, we will know for next time.

Aren't these just the cutest bottles you've ever seen???? Won't they make AWESOME gifts??? And real vanilla extract is SO MUCH BETTER than the "imitation vanilla" that you buy at the store. And if you try to buy real vanilla extract, well, the price will definitely make you think twice. Making your own is much less expensive.

Now, a few things I learned. Like I said, in the future I will order one bean (4 pieces) per bottle. The vanilla extract is richer with 4 pieces than it was with 3. As to the labels, while I am really impressed with them, they were a little pricey. And, with their limitations, my sister and I weren't able to personalize the labels as we had originally planned. In checking Elaine's blog this year, she has made vanilla extract again. She used the same bottles, but bought Epson self-adhesive sheets and made her own labels. Very cute! Next time I will make my own labels. MUCH less expensive, and more options!

So, if you are looking for an easy homemade gift idea, I would highly recommend making homemade vanilla extract. Honestly, it's not too late to make them for this year. The vanilla extract will need to steep for awhile, but I am certain anyone you give these to will be very impressed and would be willing to wait for homemade vanilla extract. And be sure to keep one for yourself. It smells DELICIOUS!!!!! I can't wait to use mine for baking!

Please share any homemade gifts ideas you have given, or received! We're all here to learn from each other, so please comment!!