Thanksgiving

On Thanksgiving I always think of the hymn which is actually a Psalms "For the beauty of the earth, for the glory of the skies. For the love which from our birth, over and around us lies. Lord of all to Thee we raise, this our hymn of grateful praise." In the movie Little Women they sing that song at the wedding! So then I think of that too! I am so ADD about stuff like that.

I've not been blogging a lot at all over these past months. Its really a little silly when I think about why I haven't. Mainly, its because most of what's been happening in my mind and life really isn't very funny and I don't like negative or serious stuff. I was hoping to keep that away from my blogging world. But it has come with some challenges. But before I can give thanks for the countless blessings in my life there is part of that Psalms that I want to focus. "For the love which from our birth, over and around us lies."

It's that Love from my very birth, and in God's Word it says in the womb too, the Love that OVER and AROUND me lies, that I can admit to the yuck and praise Him too without being one of those "negative about everything" people. Sometimes I look at people's facebook updates and wonder if they ever see any good in their life. (More like, will they choose to see any good). Then I think about my cousin who is dying of Pancreatic cancer. Let me clarify that. Her physical body is but her heart isn't. Her heart is getting ready to physically be with my Lord, now her Lord! It is so sad to know that we won't see her again for awhile. So incredibly sad that she's had to endure so much in just a short time. Those are questions that I don't think will be answered here. All I can say to them is that Adam and Eve sinned and this world is not what God wanted it to be. But I know in the sadness there is such a huge joy to know that she will be healed. Fully, wholly, and completely, without ever having to endure another earthly battle! That even though we didn't receive the healing that we had planned, a greater one will occur. With our healing, we have to stay here and endure more of this crazy world. With her healing, she gets to live in peace literally forever. For that, I am so thankful.

Now while I'm not ready to leave the world and experience that healing to be completely honest, I am so glad to know that it is there. The Love which has always been there for me, is still over and around me. These past three months have been a mix of emotions. God sent an anonymous giver to heal our son, and myself, of our household allergies. Neither of us experienced ANY indoor allergy problems this fall! (Or outdoor actually!) Healing came in the form of an envelope on my keyboard. Healing from allergies and the opportunity to have my dad at my house for 3 weeks!!

Then I sit and listen to Clayton read chapter books and say things like, "Mom, I am vacuuming the church because Jesus told me too," or I watch him play basketball, or I smell Richard's mud boots and praise God that his dreams are coming true and after 15+ years he sees hope that he won't have to go to a job he hates every day. (Which he NEVER complains about. He says "Its just what I have to do.") And how in spite of 2 pay cuts it still works out every month with some sacrifices that really end up not seeming like sacrifices. I also got to see my sister-cousins because of a "non-anonymous to me" giver :) and re-connected with a sister-cousin. It was a bucket list trip--just kidding sister-cousins!!!! :)
All of these wonderful blessings, and so much more, is the proof of the Love over and around me. Its because of God's great love through these things that even though its been challenging for me physically for the first time in many years, I can cry about it and smile at the same time.

I'm not ignoring the challenge. I've heard all kinds of lies in my head during the emotionally and physically "weak" time. All of which I've heard before. "You are too weak to get anything done. Why did you have to drop that 10th thing today! You are not who you were, and you are who you were :)". All of those things that I haven't heard in years seem to try their best to creep into my head and now I just fight to keep them out of my heart by the strength of the Love of the Holy Spirit over and around me and in me! I recognize them, I grieve over those times in my life, sometimes I ask for prayer from others, and sometimes I just sit with my Best Friend and say get me through it. And each time, that Love reminds me of the things above and so many other blessings!

So here is what I am thankful for, "for the Love, which from my birth, over and around me lies."
Happy Thanksgiving! I love you all deeply and I pray so many blessings from that Love to you too!

Unexpected Part 2

I got two coupons in the mail from CVS a month ago saying if I transferred or brought in a new prescription I would get a $25 gift card for each one. So I welcomed myself to CVS and came out with $50 worth of gift cards! Thinking I would save them for Christmas or other necessities I have been holding tightly to them.
Then Operation Christmas Child came up on the screen of our church and that was all it took for me to know that I needed to spend those cards on items for one boy and one girl. Of course it wasn't as easy as it sounds. All of you know I am not a girly girl but CVS had this big red bag that I thought I would buy with my gift card, wrap it up, and put "To Leslie From Santa" on it for Christmas. AND since things have been so tight this year I was really more concerned about saving them for things like toothpaste, shampoo, soap, all of those things that we need just in case Richard took a third pay cut. But I decided to use them for the kids and had a blast doing it!!!! It was so much fun getting items they both would need and then fun stuff like a My Little Pony and other little toys! (And mercy sakes, if God can give me free flooring through the entire house than surely he can handle those few little items we MIGHT need! Forgive me for forgetting so quickly Lord.)
Here's the unexpected part. When I came out of the store I was reading my receipt and at the bottom was ANOTHER coupon for a $25 gift card for a new or transferred prescription. Since I hadn't needed to fill my others which were at Wal-Greens I happily moved one of them today! $4 prescription for $25 gift card. Now I'm going to use it to buy some stuff for an outreach we are doing at our church. God is so cool! And who says that satan is the only one who can be doing things behind our backs without us seeing them! HA HA!

Unexpected Part 1

Some of you know don't know the story of an unexpected gift we received so I thought I would share it in hopes that God would encourage you through it and get all the glory for it!
We were given an anonymous gift a few weeks ago which was an envelope filled with cash. The amazing part is that we had already committed to getting floors put in our *Mobile Mansion in order to avoid giving Clayton allergy shots. We decided to trust God that we would be able to do it without us having to get a loan. (We haven't used a credit card or received a loan in almost 4 years). And when I received the cash, I don't think anyone knew about us praying for the money but of course it was enough to cover the floors!
God is the Healer and Provider of all things. In spite of Richard getting two pay cuts, God didn't get one or give us one and He is just as faithful today as He was yesterday.
Expect the unexpected and He will be faithful to surprise you!
I'll share a few more Unexpected stories on here this week. They may not be what you expect ;) oooooooooo
*(Mobile Mansion is a Krenaism. Look for your copy in stores soon!)

PLAAAAAAAAY BALL!

Exciting news for Clayton!!!! Last year a friend got us tickets to our local Minor League Baseball team, the Greensboro Grasshoppers! He had so much fun! We were obviously nervous about it because of the crowd and noise but it is a huge family oriented game. He even got to be on "TV" doing the YMCA and waving! I fought off crying a couple of times just watching him smile and laugh. He would scream "plaaaaaay ball"! It was hilarious!

Well, this year we got tickets again and guess who gets to throw the first pitch of the game?????? CLAYTON!!!! I'm not sure who's happier, Clayton or Richard! My boy, throwing the first pitch at a baseball game!!!!!!!! Poo on those who think recovery is not possible! God just wants us to be the very best that HE created us to be! And I think this is pretty good!

RANDOM FUNNY-NESS! READ WITH CAUTION-NO CHILDREN PLEASE

FIRST-I like spelling it FUNNY-NESS!
*The spellcheck on my email system tries to change the word "gonna" to "g-o-n-a-d" in all of my emails. (You figure out the word! I couldn't even spell it all out without feeling weird!)
*On the side of Monistat cream for a yeast infection it says, "Apply liberally" (That's not a problem). "Do not scratch." (That's a problem! If you were honest you would say how hard that is when you need the cream!!!!)
*I sent an email one time talking about eating squid. My spellcheck changed one word from tentacles to testicles.
*I tried to get my friend's attention one time by tapping his leg. He wouldn't acknowledge me. Maybe because he is paralyzed from the waste down!!!! I'm an idiot!! I forgot! He would probably see that as a compliment though! What a nice guy!

WE DON'T WANT YOUR COUCH!

OK, this is too funny!!! I called a certain nameless organization yesterday to pick up one of our 2 couches. (I will tell you it was NOT the veterans group). I spent yesterday cleaning the couch, a whole hour.
Now I will admit that the couch is about 20 years old but I'm telling you it is not that bad! It sits low, but if I didn't have any furniture, I would think it was great! So they came today to get the couch and I could tell that one of the two people who came was ill as a hornet about something. So he walks in my house and looks at the couch and says "sorry, we can't take it because it is too old. Have a nice day." The other guy looked like a deer caught in headlights!
What in the world!!!!!! Its funny to me b/c there are so many people out there without anything! And these are the people who are supposed to be helping that group of people? Now what do I do with it? How silly have we become that we would rather have nothing than a 20 year old couch? And I sit here and look around at all the stuff I have been blessed with and can't even give it away.
OH well, I guess God has other plans for my old couch. Poor couch! It can't help that its been spit up on, had drinks spilled on it, had food spilled on it, and numerous amounts of sweat and dirt from the cowboy who lives in my house. Its not the couch's fault at all. And sometimes people can change from a cream color to light brown after a few years in the tanning bed right?:)
At least its now all clean from all of my scrubbing. (Brown to light brown is really good right?:))

HELP! I've been inspired by Miley Cyrus

Miley Cyrus has a new song out called The Climb (I think:)). I was just listening to it and it actually really inspired me by its truth! I am copying a link to the lyrics at the bottom just so you can take a look.
Here is what I felt the Lord saying to me through the song. No matter whether we want a mountain to climb or not, they are always going to be there. We can choose to sit at the bottom, dream, and listen to the lie that says we don't have the power to get to the top, OR we choose to take the first step toward the top. When we choose to move, we then realize that the climb to the top becomes more amazing then the actual mountain itself! The climb is what changes us. It makes us stronger and weaker.
Explain: Stronger, because we realize that it is possible to move! It increases our self esteem and self confidence. When we get to the top we suddenly feel empowered to look at "the lies" and say SHUT UP when we face the next mountain! (Don't tell Clayton I said that word!)
Weaker, because we realize that in order to get to the top we have to be willing to recognize our weaknesses and use the equipment necessary to get to the top. Shoes, depending on the mountain, with spikes to dig into the snow, or just traction to grip into the rock. A rope to wrap around you when you slip. A pair of gloves to protect you as you reach out. A helmet to keep you from damaging what makes your heart beat just in case you bump your head. And this is not just any old equipment. This has to be the best equipment to support you, not bring you back down.
Life is so full of mountains. We can choose to stare at them from the bottom. Or, we can choose to take the first step and gain confidence. Then we can continue to climb and allow others to help us. Friends who will help us stay on the right path, whether painful or not. Friends to hold onto us when we just need to rest after a fall. Friends who will protect us as we reach out to grab hold of the things we want. Friends who are willing to help us protect our hearts. The best friends!
After my last miscarriage I seriously did not think I could make it. Actually, I knew I couldn't make it over that mountain on my own. My first step was just saying HELP, I'VE FALLEN AND I CAN'T GET UP! (I can only be serious for so long!)
That mountain of grief was way too big for me to climb on my own. But with the right equipment, my family and my friends, I was able to get to the top. I will always have days of sadness and wishing! But it will be while I look out at the beautiful view from the top, not the scary view from the bottom.
So no matter what mountain you are staring at today, it really is worth the climb! Just don't climb it alone! And make sure you have the BEST equipment! I love you all very much!
http://www.elyrics.net/read/m/miley-cyrus-lyrics/the-climb-lyrics.html

WHAT IS HAPPENING?

My husband took a fast shower so he could watch Dancing with the Stars. He is now in there saying he is tempted to actually call in and vote.
And I got a picture of our new calf through a text message.
What is happening to us???????????????? Are the roles reversing here?????????????
I have nothing else to say about that!

CRUISE CONTROL

OK, I will warn you that this entry will be a whining and complaining entry.
There are lots of things that irk me when driving. One of those things is Cruise Control. I'm not irked by using cruise control, I am irked when people don't use cruise control.
Yesterday I drove home Virginia and there was this van going in front of me sometimes, and behind me sometimes. It is so annoying to be set on a certain speed, (yes I was only 9 mph over the limit!), and then have someone get in front of you to slow you down. Now I'm not talking about a one time thing. I'm talking about the whole way down HWY 29!
Not only that, but the passenger had her feet on the dashboard. Yuck! So every time I looked in my mirror all I saw were feet!
After a few miles I then began to get paranoid because I never actually saw the driver. Maybe they were following me! Maybe they were just trying to see if I was all alone every time they would ride beside me! Maybe they were a group of cannibals and the feet were actually detached from legs like trophies and were sitting on the dashboard! Maybe------------maybe I will never eat so much again that I start getting paranoid driving home. But those pork ribs were so good! Oh no, am I sure they were PORK RIBS?!
I think I need some coffee! (or maybe TUMS)

A SUCSESSFUL WEEKEND FOR A COWBOY'S WIFE

First, did I spell that right?
OK, here we go!
1. I sang the National Anthem 2 times on a cat walk 20-30 ft in the air without falling.
2. I sang the National Anthem 3 times without messing up the words.
3. When I sang I made sure to sing it like it was written! Cowboys, and cowgirls, are very traditional.
4. I met a man in the crowd who's son and daughter-in-law also owned a bull stock company and schmoozed.
5. When I met the man above, I acted like I knew what I was talking about when we talked "bull" and he believed me!
6. I wore my East Coast Cattle Co. shirt with my name on it.
7. I wore it proudly!
8. At the Sunday event I yelled for our bull calf Mad Max when he did good in the competition. He one 3rd place!
9. I was only a little embarrassed by #8 since we were in a huge echoing indoor arena with pretty much complete quiet since there were only about 30 spectators and no announcer or music.
10. I also proudly clapped and yelled for our big bull, respectfully named Mississippi, when he bucked his guy off!
10. I agreed that we got robbed on Mississippi's score:(

BLOGGING

OK, my husband has actually been fussing at me for not taking the time to blog! Can you believe that? He has been listening to me babble for 14 years and still wants me to say more! Maybe its because there is no sound with this! HMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM
Anyway, not quite sure what to blog about. I will say its been a couple of crazy weeks. On Valentine's weekend we went to a rodeo in Raleigh. Just the two of us. It was much different then what we usually go to. I am usually working at the souvenir stand but this was with a different rodeo company so I actually got to sit and watch the rodeo! And I got to hold our friends, Devin and Hannah's, 11 week old cowboy! Brett MacKay Long! Doesn't Brett MacKay sound like a bull rider's name? Just like his Daddy!
I did get to sing the National Anthem all weekend---3 times! I don't count the one time when the mic didn't work and I had to start over. It didn't bother me though. What bothered me about it was the fact that I was about 20-30 ft in the air, standing on a cat walk, in the dark, spotlight only, while it was swaying because of the bulls underneath. I wasn't scared of falling, I just wanted to make sure I fell right on the back of a bull and not right under one! Wouldn't that have been cool? I could jump on the back of one and ride out singing! I would be singing alright, but not the National Anthem. Maybe it would be something like Welcome to the Jungle or an ACDC song about a highway to somewhere I don't want to go!
I did meet a really nice older gentleman while sitting in the crowd. Believe it or not, I am always scared to death to meet new people! I do good in a group but when it comes to one on one I am terrible! But I have a precious friend who has been coaching me over the past couple of years on how to have real conversations in a few minutes. So I was determined to be friendly. And it was great! He talked about politics and because I am pretty traditional in this area he said his faith in the next generation was renewed! (Next generation! Poor guy's site must have been bad, I am definitely not the next generation. I think I am two before the next generation. OK three!!)
Anyway-it was a lot of fun! As you will see in the blog above, it was a successful weekend in the life of a Cowboy's wife!

MERCY SAKES ALIVE I AM CRYIN

OK, I just updated my blog and then went to check a friend's blog. It is the coolest video of their little girl who was born prematurely. I promise it will make you cry in a good way. So go watch it, and then come back to me and read the TOP 10 REASONS WHY I AM A COUNTRY GIRL!
www.reaganoliviawinslow.blogspot.com

TOP 10 REASONS WHY I AM A COUNTRY GIRL

1. I had my husband buy my anniversary present at the Tractor Supply Store-A Wrangler Blue Jean Purse.
2. I have to take my pocket knife out of my purse before entering the coliseum, (and mine is better than Richard's).
3. The handle on my toilet is broken so I took the top off and just use the chain to flush.
4. I LOVE my Pookie in Wranglers and boots!
5. I know way too much about bulls, cows, and the AI process. (You really don't want to ask)
6. My favorite jeans are Wranglers and Cruel Girl and yes they come up to my belly button.
7. I feel sorry for the bull when the rider makes the 8 seconds.
8. I go to the Tractor Supply store once a week. OK, I love the Tractor Supply store.
9. I got my first gun in the third grade-a shot gun. What other kind do you need?
10.I have a picture of my favorite bull we own on my frig., right beside my child. (He is also the meanest and his name is Mississippi! AARRGG)
Here's an extra one---I have a "boot basket" beside my back door instead of a "shoe basket".

WHERE'S THE PAPER

At the end of my previous blog I promised to write about something weird next time. I don't know if this is particularly weird more than it is confusing.
I went to Wal-Mart today for my two week grocery shopping. Yes, I am one of those OCD people who make out a meal list, blah, blah, blah. It saves time and money. GO DAVE RAMSEY! (Sorry, I got lost again!)
ANYWAY-When I first entered the store of course I had to head straight to the restroom. It is a ritual with us females to have to go to the restroom as soon as we enter Wal-Mart. It makes no difference if we go right before we leave our house. We still have to go upon entering. I don't even think it would make a difference if we went out in the parking lot! (NO, I have never done that!!!! Or at least not since I was at "The Slab". Don't ask!)
ANYWAY-AGAIN--I went to the restroom and found something odd. The large toilet paper holders were ALL empty. So I think, no problem because I know that halfway through my grocery list I will be at the back of the store where the other restrooms are located. (Yes, I write my list according to how the store is laid out. I told you I was OCD!)
ANYWAY-AGAIN--AGAIN---I finally made it halfway through my list and reached the other set of restrooms. I go in and what do I find? NO TOILET PAPER!!!!!!!! WHAT? At this point I am about to die! I could have done what any true southern girl who lived in the back woods would do. I could have gone and (ask the men and children to leave the computer), drip dry. But I decided to hold it instead.
So I go out AGAIN and start on the other half of my list. And guess what was next on the list---TOILET PAPER!!!! What in the world! I'm thinking, I am in Wal-Mart which carries 200 varieties of toilet paper. You can buy 1 ply, 2 ply, or 3 ply. They come with all kinds of cool patters like lines and flowers. You can even get them in double, triple, or mega rolls!
So believe me girls, and boys, I know exactly what I will do next time I go to the first restroom and find no toilet paper. I will start shopping at the opposite end of the store first!

TOKENS

Clayton has been going to a church near our house on Wednesday nights. Our church does not currently have a Wednesday night program for kids, which I am actually fine with, but we have been trying to work on Clayton's social skills with his peers and thought this would be a great opportunity.
The program is called AWANAS and it is basically like boy scouts except they memorize scripture and get tokens. He has only been going for about a month and the program started in the fall so you would think that he would be behind everyone else. But the great thing about this program is that all of the kids are encouraged to work at their own pace, not as a class, and each child is rewarded with something. So no child really can be left behind! (sorry, got political there for second and tried to make a joke but I am back now.)
Tonight, Clayton memorized his first scripture and came home so excited about his shiny new tokens! He also got a t-shirt which officially names him as a SPARK! Go CLAYTON!
Four years ago many "people" told us not to get too much hope up about how he will do in school. WHATEVER!!!! Wish they could see him now!
So tonight I will rest in the FACT that tokens are proof that "with God, all things really are possible"! And yes I've quoted that scripture before, and I am thankful that I will be able to quote it again tomorrow!
PS--forgive the serious tone of this writing. I am sure I will find some weird to write about tomorrow!

SNOW DAY DRIVING

Good Morning! It is snowing here today! So far we have about an inch or more. Our area of the county is always different from other parts in regards to how much snow we get. Here is how it works, if we get nothing than someone else gets a lot and if we get a lot then someone else gets nothing, which is the case today!
But there seems to be a misconception when it comes to driving in the snow here. I have noticed that most people think you have to have a four wheeled drive to live in our area because of the snow. But do we really get enough snow to justify buying a four wheeled drive? I am thinking that a four wheeled drive comes in handy when there is a lot of snow. But is 2-3 inches really considered a lot? My husband had to go into work today. He called when he got there and said our road was pretty heavy with snow and had not been scraped so he had to be careful. Now, I bet your thinking that we are thankful we have a four wheeled drive since the road was heavy with snow, but that is not the case.
Now don't misunderstand me. I am a country girl and would love nothing more than for someone to drive a 2009, four door, 4 wheeled, turbo, diesel, heavy duty, truck with a 5th wheel into my driveway and say "Congratulations, you've won!" But until that happens or until we move more north I am proud to say that while four wheeled drives are great, nothing drives better in this snow like an 80 something, 4 door, front wheel drive, gasoline powered, Honda accord! Besides, I thought four wheeled drive trucks were for playing in the mud?
Have a fun and safe Snow Day!

The Birds

Mercy sakes alive The Birds are at it again!!!! I know you've heard of the Bird Flu but have you ever heard of a Double Bird Strike? If you are like the rest of us in the real world you've probably never heard of Double Bird Strike until yesterday. So let's investigate.
Now my friend Amie knows very well that I do not like geese and has always hoped I would see them with a little more kindness, or at least dodge them when they are in the road. This email should bring my precious friend a little hope.
I am a HUGE animal lover of all kinds except for two species, geese and spiders. I don't like spiders because they can be small enough to climb in my nose or ear while I am asleep and big enough to bite my entire head off whether I am awake or asleep, (or at least in the movie Arachnophobia they did). But as for geese, yes they are beautiful, but they seem to not have been taught any manners in the "restroom" department. Now while I do not argue their lack of hygiene, I do not dare think they would actually be terrorist. A Double Bird Strike makes it sound like someone brainwashed these poor little yucky creatures into flying into a plane's engine in order to cayuse a tragedy. Who in the world comes up with these titles? And how in the world did "they" not think we would find this title a little funny? And if I were a goose I would be a little offended!
So while I am not the biggest fan of geese, I must defend this Double Bird Strike terrorist theory and say thank you to the geese for their part in allowing us to watch a miracle. Maybe they weren't terrorists at all. Maybe they were willing participates dedicated to allowing our God to be glorified in a major way.
Oh my goodness I can't believe I am saying this-GO GEESE!

Sunday at the Ball Park

It is Sunday evening and a very cool 46 degrees! But that does not keep the two most devoted baseball players I know inside. My Richard and Clayton are outside playing their own version of baseball. This is not amazing because it is cold and almost dark. It is amazing because Clayton is a picture of God's great faithfulness for recovery and healing from autism. To see him run, hit a ball, and try to catch it brings me to tears and praise! Maybe he's running in more of a figure eight than a diamond, but he is running and laughing and that is enough for me!

God, You are good. You are faithful. And You are bigger than autism! I love You so much!