Christmas in Heaven

I did not hear about the shooting in Connecticut until later Friday night/early Saturday morning when I got on FB and saw that everyone was talking about it. I asked Momma about it and she told me. I was so sad! I have a huge place in my heart for kids (even though they do drive me crazy sometimes)! It broke my heart that someone so heartless would do that to innocent children! I cried! My hat goes off to all the first responders and to the brave teachers who risked their lives (and died) to save the kids! Anyway, this song by Scotty McCreery as been stuck in my head constantly since the shooting. It's a absolutely beautiful song! Here it is:

December hasn't changed  

This town looks the same  

They still light that tree in the city square 

There's red, white, and green shining everywhere 

And I wish you were here  

And I wonder.....

.
Is the snow falling down on the streets of gold  

Are the mansions all covered in white  

Are you singing with angels silent night 

 I wonder..... what Christmas in Heaven is like

 
There's a little manger scene 

Down on Third and Main  

I must've walked right by it a thousand times  

But I see it now in a different light 

'Cause I know you are there 

And I wonder......

 
Are you kneeling with shepherds before Him now 

Can you reach out and touch His face  

Are you part of that glorious holy night 

 I wonder..... What Christmas in Heaven is like

 
Is the snow falling down on the streets of gold 

Are the mansions all covered in white 

Are you singing with angels silent night  

Oh I wonder.... What Christmas in Heaven is like

Lord, please be with the families of the children who were killed! Be with the teachers who remain and block all flashbacks and terrors from their mind! Also, please be with the children who remain! Bring them all peace and comfort this Christmas season!  Please be with them, Father. In your name I pray, A-men

 

Christmases Past/Present aka Christmas On the Farm

When I was growing up, we had a very huge Christmas. Well, it was huge to a little kid. Just the 5 of us (Daddy, Momma, my sister, my brother and me!) We had a great time. Family would come over and bring their gifts . Below is a couple of pictures:

 Christmas 1989. I loved that little bear (sitting in a chair). His name is Teddy Ruxpin. 

He was so fun to play with. You'd stick a cassette tape in his back and he would move his mouth to the words! It was so cool to a little kid! I had fun sticking my fingers in his mouth so that he could "chew" them but, he eventually tore up from me doing that so much!

Getting the family Christmas Tree. I had so much fun! I loved it.

Snow in 1989!! The first snow that I remember!!! OK, so, it was a dusting but, a little of the white stuff fell ..... You know, I think that my Daddy looks rather dashing in a beard .....  don't you? :) Just sayin' ;)

~ Now to the blog post ~

*** I realize some might not understand this next part. I guess you just had to grow up with 2 way radios ..... ***

LOL!! I remember calling my Uncle on our 2 way radio (Yes, way before Southern Linc's and beep beep phones (even cell phones were popular) See, we (the house) were "base" and my Uncle was "Unit 2" and I remember getting the two mixed up all the time. I would always say (never failed): "Unit base to 2, come in Uncle Dale! I would do the same thing to Daddy but, he was "Unit 1". I would then ask my Uncle if there was going to be a hayride that Christmas. I really enjoyed the hayride!


Another funny story: My cousin Jake was the umpire at the softball game I was playing (I was not good at it). I did not know before hand and apparently, if I told anyone, they'd have to get a new umpire so, I did not tell a soul! Anyway, every time I went up to bat, he'd talk to me. It was very annoying! I mean, come on ..... I thought that David would help me not hurt me ..... Oh well! We all laugh about it now!

Wow, I chased a rabbit there. ANYWAY .....

Christmas has changed for my family as each one of my siblings have moved away. I don't get to see my sister as much as I did in the past. She used to go to school in a town not far from here and she would come home on the holidays of course but, it was not lik having her 24/7. I mean, not that I remember much of that cause she was 9 when I was born so, I don't think that she had much to do with me (that is just my opinion and does not mean it was true. I just may not be remembering right). I miss seeing my sister at Christmas time!

When my brother and his wife lived in Texas, I didn't get to see them much cause with his job (working at UPS) he only had Christmas day off so, we didn't get to see him as much. I think that he might have come home one Thanksgiving One other Thanksgiving, we met them at my sisters house in N.C. because they flew in from Texas

Then, however, it's dwindle down to just me. I was lonely with no one here but, Daddy, Momma and myself (and occasionally Grandma). It was like, Christmas was just another day. There were presents to be sure but, not as many as there used to be. It would get depressing!Even watching all the Christmas movies that I have did not help! It does not have to be like that and it should NOT be like that! You need to be around family during Christmas time! LOTS of family!!!

Since my brother and his wife have moved back home, I look forward to having Christmas with them again! His sweet little son especially! Oh, I just love him!!! Oh, and his wife too! :D We are to have a Christmas like the Christmas we used to have ..... well kinda. My sister and her family wont be here so, it wont be the same but, it will be like our Christmases of old no less.

"They say, the older you get, the faster it goes" ~ Daddy

A Note of Thankfulness!

A Thanksgiving Thank You

From The Miller Family to yours!! 

I have begun this letter in my mind and on paper hundreds of time but I guess it is fitting that I have never been able to find the words till TONIGHT. One year ago the meaning of Thanksgiving complete changed for my family and me. One year ago tonight Mary Beth had been in surgery for 5 hours at this point and was in the operating room for another 7 hours. We could have never imagined how much our lives would have changed in just a year. I never thought a year ago that it was the last time I would ever hear my precious daughter tell me she loves me or the last time I would ever hear her call me Daddy. Wow, how things change in just a year. 

On August 18, 2011 my daughter went back into congestive heart failure and had to be flown to UAB once again. From that point Mary Beth and her mom had to live in the hospital fulltime until she received her GIFT of a new heart. We were praying that even thought a family would be experiencing the worst tragedy of their lives by losing their child that they would love us enough to share a part of their child with us to give Mary Beth a chance at life. Wow, how things have change in just a year.
This day began a year ago with Stacee calling me having bad day. She was crying and asking me if I thought we would get a heart and I did something I have never done in our marriage. I lied. I promised her we were getting a heart before this month was over and that everything would be ok. I did not believe what I was telling her because I thought our time with Mary Beth was almost over. At this point I had lost my faith. After we hung up I pulled my car over into a rest stop and sat there crying. Mary Beth was getting so weak, so weak to the point that she never wanted to get out of bad. I cannot begin to understand how bad Mary Beth was feeling or understand why she was becoming so very emotional. One of her Doctors had told me that was not uncommon in people who were losing their fight and he told me that we had to find her a new heart SOON. Then at 10:14am I received a phone call from Stacee, when I saw her name on my caller ID my just heart sank, because I was sure of what she was about to tell me but what she told me surprised me just the same. She asked what I was doing and could I leave work, when I asked why she said the news that we and all of you had been praying so many months for. Mary Beth was going to receive her GIFT. Wow, how things have change in just a year.

Mary Beth received her GIFT of a new heart, she received her chance at a life but God had a different plan for our family. As most everyone knows Mary Beth received a brain injury while in surgery. So we went from a little girl that could walk, use an ipad, feed herself and talk to the point where she could say the word cardiologist and knew what it meant. Now we have a little girl that can no longer do any of those things and as some of you know her Doctors are telling us that they no longer believe she will ever recover from her injuries. We don’t believe that! God has plan for her and our family and as we have always said “As long as she Fights, We Fight!”

The Father has given Mary Beth a heart that is stronger than anything we could have hoped for and her Donor, Hanaleigh Suttles, every day is giving her the strength to fight through this injury. I as tell everyone Hana and Mary Beth are HEART SISTERS! We Love You Hana!

So what are you thankful for this year? We are thankful to everyone in the Wiregrass area for their cards, donations and most of all YOUR PRAYERS! Stacee and I have humbled by everyone from our HOMETOWN and what they have done for us. When we moved up here we had no church family, no family, just a few friends and without each of you that have shared your hearts with us we would have never been able to survive this. There have been so many people that have shared themselves with us during this last year that if I tried to mention everyone by name I am sure I would miss someone. SO THANK YOU FROM OUR FAMILY! We love each of you and you have given us one more reason to be proud to be from the Wiregrass. We are thankful to our Donor family who loved us while they were going through the worst time in their lives. On 11/20/11 they lost 6 of their family members but through that tragedy they changed 17 people’s lives and gave them a second chance at life.

So what are you thankful for this year? We are thankful that we have our family together, We are thankful for our friends from “back home”, We are thankful for our new friends in Birmingham that have been praying for us, We are thankful for the chance to fight, We are thankful to Mary Beth’s “New” family in Pleasant Garden, NC, We are thankful that people have taken the time to pray for our little girl, but most of all WE ARE THANKFUL TO THE FATHER FOR WALKING WITH US ON THIS JOURNEY!

So as your family prepares to celebrate Thanksgiving remember this, We are praying for each of you and are forever in your debt for everything the Wiregrass has done for us. And remember this, “Wow, How things can change in just a year.”
 

Mark Miller
Dad to Mary Beth, 7
34 weeker, 3.6 pounds
Tricuspid Atresia with a Hypoplastic Right Ventricle, Un-repairable AV Canal, VSD, Dual SVC’s, Interrupted IVC, Malrotation of her liver and spleen, Tricuspid Left Valve and Chromosome Deletions
6 Open Heart Surgeries, 283 medical procedures
Transplant with her Heart Sister 11/23/11

Mary Beth Miller

NOTE: I don't know much about what I'm talking about. I'm not a nurse so, I don't know all the medical terms!

This little girl is so resilient (sp). She is a fighter! She is awesome. She is an angel and she would not be here today (I don't think) had it not been for a little "heart sister" named Hannah. She was born a preemie and had to stay in UAB for a long time. I don't know how much she weighed but, I do know that she was a preemie. She has a heart defect. I think that it is called Chorea. She was on a heart machine for so long that ..... I guess that it caused brain injury. She can't speak walk or eat on her own. Anyway, she was in Atlanta for a MRI and she was rushed to the hospital in Atlanta (CHOA).

I spoke to Mary Beth once. I called to talk to her Mom to see how MB was doing and I spoke with Mary Beth! Oh, what I would give to hear her again!!! I know that her parents would just love to hear their daughters voice again! Please folks, don't take your children's voices for granted. You never know when they will be taken away! Give your children hugs and don't pass up a chance to hear your children say "I love you, Daddy/Momma"!!

Oh blog, I have missed thee!!

I know that it has been a while since I wrote to you but, please give me a break. It's been "Harvest Time", I've been hauling peanuts to "My Town", I've had fun driving my "International Harvester" (CHEVY truck)!! I've had as much as 15 cars lined up behind me like a big parade hauling peanuts though! I'm a "Farm Girl" and also a "Farmer's Daughter". I love "Georgia Peaches". "Daddy's Hands" are like leather but, they are nice to hold! 


(All the words in "" marks are all country songs. ALSO: I don't condone the words in "Farm Girl" but, I hope that you get the point!)

*sigh*

Anyway, the peanuts will be done as soon as we finish up 20 acres. We still have cotton to go but, I wont be needed as much (maybe.

~ Love, ~
~ Kate ~

~~~~~ OK, now back to your regularly scheduled blog posts ~~~~~

10/31/12 ~ OY VEY, what a day! Hey, that rhymes ...... Red got out! What is it about fall?? I guess the kudzoo looks greener on the other side of the fence ....  One of our employees called me (yesterday) to tell me that he was out. Well, I had just pulled a trailer to the local co-op and I had picked a a empty when I got the call. So, I went to their house (the empty trailer still attached to the truck) and parked on the road and I went and they showed me where he was. Needless to say, when he saw me, he high tailed (or lazily tailed) it back to the pasture. He made a trail yesterday through the woods so, he followed it back around to the pasture and was back in as soon as I got the truck and trailer parked and went down there. After that, I was off the rest of the day.

11/1/12 ~ Anyway, I woke up at 6:58, to getting a text message from one of the neighbors saying that my horse was out and in there yard ..... again! I should point out that he got out yesterday too!!

 

This morning when I went to go get him, I took the gator (um, kinda like a ATV) to the neighbors house (yes, I know I'm repeating a little) and when I got in there, he was in the pasture but, the fence is down so, he could walk in or out! I tried to get him to follow the gator but, that did not work so, I had to leave the gator on the neighbors property and walk Red home (which was not far). I have 2 separate pastures (for lack of a better way to describe it) and one part is a field with grass in it (and also his food and water) then the rest is a pasture for grazing. I have Red in the field. I might work on horse fence this week end. Anyone wanna help with the fence??? We are not picking tomorrow ... taking a break.

Side note: This is one of those rare times when I wish that I had someone (a guy) that could help me with this sorta thing .....

I'm really hoping that y'all can understand this post! It's OK if y'all don't. I barely understand it myself!! Just remember .... please be lenient

A short note from a friend

A person who wrote me a letter said this to me and the person said it very beautifully. I really couldn't have said it better myself

"I thought about this a few days ago and I probably wont say it right as it was in my head but here it goes. There are 4 loves or 4 things to love when it comes to people: the mind, the heart, the soul, and the body. Friendship shares 2 of these loves in my opinion they are the mind and heart. And I love your mind and your heart. You are very smart even though you probably don't think so yourself. And your heart is very pure and kind. You probably see the good in almost everyone. The soul love comes through dating or courting. And Body love can only occur in marriage"

*la sigh* This person is so sweet! Yes, I'm vague for a reason ...... or am ?I?!? *is happy*

Sorry to burst anyone's bubble but, no, this is not my boyfriend. I don't have one. Will this be the one? I don't know but, I do know that I'm waiting on God! :D

Remembering Sept. 11, 2001 ~ A short post

Where was I on that date?

I was ..... homeschooling at hits point

My brother was on his way home from UPS (He was working the pre-load shift then) and he was listening to music and the news broke that something had crashed into the World Trade Center in New York. He called Mom and Mom came and got me (I had just gotten outta bed) and told me to come watch the TV in the kitchen. (I was still in my jammies! How cool is that??) . I had a history lesson that day. It was a history lesson that I will never forget. I was in the ... *thinks* ... 8th grade. News of the attacks broke in at every school. I was fixated to the tv. I was watching LIVE action/reaction. Not replays but, LIVE. It was horrible! I remember thinking to myself ..... how could anyone do this to AMERICA?? The greatest NATION and COUNTRY on earth?? I was so angry. I just remember sitting there in awe of the audacity (I guess that is the right word) of these people who would do this to (the) US. I can remember President Bush standing on the pile of rubble and him saying (paraphrasing): "I can hear you! Can you hear me??" Everyon was was cheering and he went on to say "Soon the whole world will be hearing you!!" Chanting started and everyone was chanting "USA!! USA!! USA!!" I stood in awe of AMERICA and what she stood for!! I have ALWAYS (unlike our current First Lady) been PROUD of my AMERICA!! I think we went to war soon after but, I'm not sure!!

Anyway, just watned to write down my memories of this day

MAY GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS!! MAY GOD BLESS OUR FAMILIES AND MAY GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!

This reminds me of a song .....

While the storm clouds gather far across the sea,
Let us swear allegiance to a land that's free,
Let us all be grateful for a land so fair,
As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer.

God Bless America,
Land that I love.
Stand beside her, and guide her
Thru the night with a light from above.
From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans, white with foam
God bless America, My home sweet home. 

She Let Herself Go

This is how I feel! Well, minus the ranch part ...... and all the other stuff :) But, the "letting herself go part" that is all me!!

He wondered how she'd take it when he said goodbye.
Thought she might do some cryin'... lose some sleep at night.
But he had no idea, when he hit the road,
That without him in her life, she'd let herself go.

Let herself go on a singles cruise,
To Vegas once, then to Honolulu.
Let herself go to New York City...
A week at the Spa; came back knocked-out pretty.
When he said he didn't love her no more,
She let herself go.

She poured her heart an' soul into their three-bedroom ranch.
Spent her days raisin' babies, ironin' his pants.
Came home one day from the grocery store and found his note,
And without him there to stop her, she let herself go.

Let herself go on her first blind-date...
Had the time of her life with some friends at the lake.
Let herself go, buy a brand new car,
Drove down to the beach he always said was too far.
Sand sure felt good between her toes...

She let herself go on a singles cruise,
To Vegas once, then to Honolulu.
Let herself go to New York City...
A week at the Spa; came back knocked-out pretty.
When he said he didn't love her no more,
She let herself go.

To Vegas once... Honolulu, New York City.
Came back knocked-out pretty.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I'm sorry my blog is messed up! I didn't do anything, I promise!! I'm working on getting it fixed!! If anyone knows how to fix it, please let me know!! Thanks!!!

In Christ Alone

A friend of mine posted a video to this song on facebook and it got me to thinking.  It could not have come at a better time for me in my life. My life has been nothing but an emotional roller coaster. Emotional on so many levels. From still not believing that my brother has a son (I just can't believe it) to actually realizing that he is finally home (I still can't believe this either)!! I honestly thought that it would be smooth sailing from here. It's not. A friend told me that "What does not kill you makes you stronger." To which I replied, "Well, if that is the case then I'm a lot stronger than I was 3 years ago (when Will was diagnosed with CML).

Through God's faithfulness, we will get through this trial!! Please pray for me!! Thanks!!

In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm

What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand

In Christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless Babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save
 

Til on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live, I live

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He rose again

And as He stands in victory
Sins curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From a life's first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny

No power of hell, no scheme of man
Could ever pluck me from His hand

Til He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I stand

Come to Jesus

I'm reading a book called "And the Bride Wore White" It's by Dannah Gresh. It's a very challenging book. God is showing me things and Satan wants to put his little paws on me! I'm feeling so weak right now!  I know that I'm being attacked! I'm getting beat up by Satan! He wants me to fail!!! I will not fail!! If God is for me, who can be against me?? As I was sitting here about to cry, the song "Come To Jesus" came to my mind!! So, here I am!! I'm coming to Jesus and crying out to Him!!

Weak and wounded sinner
Lost and left to die
O, raise your head, for love is passing by
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus and live!

Now your burden's lifted
And carried far away
And precious blood has washed away the stain, so
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus and live!

And like a newborn baby
Don't be afraid to crawl
And remember when you walk
Sometimes we fall...so
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus and live!

Sometimes the way is lonely
And steep and filled with pain
So if your sky is dark and pours the rain, then
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus and live!

O, and when the love spills over
And music fills the night
And when you can't contain your joy inside, then
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus and live!

And with your final heartbeat
Kiss the world goodbye
Then go in peace, and laugh on Glory's side, and
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus and live! 

I'd appreciate the prayers!

It's Harvest Time ~ Luke Bryan

 Well, it's getting to be that time of year again where combines, peanut pickers, cotton pickers and module builders will be going down our country (and sometimes city) roads!! :D Let's not forget the tractors pulling all that equipment! Also, the trucks hauling corn and/or peanuts down the road (going 30-35mph)!! Be mindful of the farmers!! Play it safe!!! Don't pass if you have to put the "pedal to the metal" to get across the bridge!! I've seen folks almost hit bridge rails!! It's not very pretty .... Trust me! You dont want to meet your Maker that way!!!

The people in those tractors sit up higher than you do. They can see further! They will motion you around if you can pass! If you can't ..... Well, honey, put on some big girl panties and deal with it!! Trust me, you dont want to meet your Maker this way either!!! I've seen many wrecks almost happen cause stupid people think they can pass me!! I hope that everyone will be safe this harvest season!!

 

There's peanut dust and corn husks driftin' through the air tonight
The marchin' band's warmin' up under the football lights
There's tractor-trailers backed up down by the elevator
Train track grain car will roll in later
Get filled up and head on out in the world

(Chorus)
It's harvest time in this little town
Time to bring it on in, pay the loans down
Fill our disel tank up, make another round
There's a big red moon comin' up in the sky
Combine's cuttin' in a staggered line
The only time of year we miss the church bells chime
It's harvest time

There's a thermos and a water jug rollin' around in the cab
A set of socket wrenches wrapped up in a greasy red rag
When Bobby's mother pulls in the field bringing us supper
We grab a bite and make sure to hug her
Saddle back up and let the big wheels roll

(Chorus)

At a quarter 'til 2 I kick off my boots in the laundry room
We'll start it all over tomorrow at noon
'Til it's all done until we're all done

(Chorus)

REMEMBER: BE SAFE!!!!

My Sentiments Exactly!

What out, folks! I'm starting to feel liberated again!!! As I write this, I'm happy.

I heard this song on the XM radio station coming outta Nashville, Tennessee (WSIX)!!

Wanted you more ~ Lady A

I kept waiting on a reason
And a call that never came
No, I never saw it coming
Something in you must have changed

All the words unspoken, promises broken
I cried for so long
Wasted too much time, should've seen the signs
Now I know just what went wrong

I guess I wanted you more
And looking back now, I'm sure
I wanted you more
I guess I wanted you more

All the nights we spent, just talking
Of the things we wanted out of life
Making plans and dreams together
Wish I'd seen, I was just too blind

My heart was open, exposed and hoping
For you to lay it on the line
In the end it seemed
There was no room for me
Still, I tried to change your mind

I guess I wanted you more
And looking back now, I'm sure
I wanted you more
I guess I wanted you more

Oh, I don't need you
I don't need you anymore

I guess I wanted you more
And looking back now, I'm sure
I wanted you more
I guess I wanted you more

I don't need you
I don't need you anymore

The Adventures of a Farmers daughter ~ Part 5

Well, over the week end (Aug. 2-5) Daddy and Momma had a annual ALFA meeting in Mobile and as usual, I stayed home by myself! :D

(Mommy, WOW!! I'm a big kid now! Anyone remmeber that little jig?) Remember where it is from? What was it advertising? ;)

On Friday (Aug. 3), I noticed that the freezer was not freezing. Everything was thawing out but yet, it was still frozen in the middle. I thought nothing on it since the freezer has been a "wonder freezer" ... you know as in a "you wonder when it is gonna stop working" type of deal.


Later in the day, I went to town and got some groceries as well as run some errands that I needed to run for Momma. I came home with frozen stuff and started putting them in the refrigerator and freezer. Well, I noticed that as I was putting my frozen things in there that the freezer was not as cold as before ....... *still doesn't know what is going on* So, I put the frozen stuff in the actual freezer in the laundry room. When I go back to the kitchen ..... there was water on the floor. I put a towel there to soak up the water and left it there, went to do something else *gets distracted* When I finally thought to go get the towel up, HALF the towel was wet (twas a hand towel) ....... I call Momma and tell her what is going on and she tells me to make sure the freezer door is shutting and to put another towel down there and see if more water drips out. I do. There is no more water. I call Momma later in the day and tell her there is no more water

On Saturday (Aug. 4), I go to open the freezer (to check it) and EVERYTHING is THAWED! I call Mom and she tells me to put everything that is in the freezer in the laundry room. When I come back, there is MORE water on the floor! Call Mom again and she tells me that she will call someone to cut off the water going to fridge. End of the story? NOPE! Ha, there is so much more! When my uncle comes to turn the water off, I put some stuff in the fridge part but, I don't think anything of it being just a smidgon bit warm ..... He cuts off the water. I *think* everything is fine now  I spend the rest of the day cleaning some more!

Sunday (Aug. 5), I wake up, get dressed, stop by the house (Kirkland Kottage) to see what is going on. Yes, we worked today cause our ox is in the ditch" and then I go to church. As usual, I stop by my friends house on the way home. I visit with her then Momma calls me and tells me that she needs me home. I come home and the FRIDGE has stopped cooling also!!! So, its probably not been cooling for about 3 days now. The fridge had a certain ..... um, ...... smell! Anyway, we took everything out, Dad pulled out the fridge and we vacuumed under and behind it. After all that, we plugged it back in and we would check it ever so often ...... the poor thing was getting HOTTER not cooler!! So, now, on top of everything else, we may be looking for a new fridge! :D

Thus ends my saga! Stay tuned cause I'm sure there will more "Adventures of a Farmer's daughter" coming soon!!

From The Heart

I don't understand! I just don't understand why this is happening. Why would a person lie to me?? Someone told me that they would not give up on our relationship. The person lied! They have given up! Why would anyone do that ..... to me?? Why God, why??? I know that I'm not perfect but, I don't deserve to be lied to! Maybe ... just maybe, I'm not skilled to understand!!!

As I was asking/telling myself over and over those words, a song came into my mind. A song that I had forgotten about. A song that I used to know by heart! A song that I KNOW God put in my heart! A song that I needed to hear again! Most (if not all) of y'all know it but, here it is:

My, Savior, My God!

By: Aaron Shust 

 I am not skilled to understand
What God has willed, what God has planned
I only know at His right hand
Stands one who is my Savior

I take Him at His word and deed
Christ died to save me; this I read
And in my heart I find a need
Of Him to be my savior

That He would leave His place on high
And come for sinful man to die
You count it strange, so once did I
Before I knew my Savior

Chorus (2x's)
My Savior loves, My Savior lives
My Savior's always there for me
My God: He was, my God; He is
My God is always gonna be

Yes, living, dying, let me bring
My strength, my solace from this spring;
That He who lives to be my King
Once died to be my Savior

That He would leave His place on high
And come for sinful man to die
You count it strange, so once did I
Before I knew my Savior

Kate's Wet Hair Wrap (TM)

Momma and Amy thought that this was a good idea

 Sorry about the smirk .... Momma told me to not smile .... I couldn't help it ~ 

After I get done washing my hair, I take a hand towel and put it over my shoulder. I then flip my hair onto the towel.

 

 

 Then, I roll up the towel like so ...... and I secure the 2 ends with a hair scrunchie!!

 

 This is how it looks from the side

You know it is hot when .....

1. The birds have to use potholders to pull worms out of the ground

2. The trees are whistling for the dogs

3. The best parking space is determined by shade instead of distance

4. Hot water now comes out of BOTH taps

5. You can make sun tea instantly

6. You learn that a seat belt buckle makes a pretty good branding iron

7. The temperature drops below 95 and you feel a little chilly

8. You discover that in July it only takes 2 fingers to steer your car

9. You discover that you can get sunburned through your car window

10. You actually burn your hand opening the car door

11.  You break into a sweat the instant you step outside at 7:30am

12. Your biggest bicycle wreck fear is: "What if I get knocked out and end up lying on the pavement and cook to death?"

13. You realize that asphalt has a liquid state

14. The potatoes cook underground so, all you have to do is pull one out and add butter, salt and pepper, sour cream (of course), diced onions and a few servings of chilli.

15 Farmers are feeding their chickens crushed ice to keep them from laying boiled eggs

16. The cows are giving evaporated milk

I highly recommend ordering and reading the Dixie Living Magazine! Their articles are funny and the junks are clean!! Locals order it but, I have seen readers from Louisiana, Texas, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Maine and Massachusetts and others! Basically from North to South and East to West!

Were do I begin??? What do I say/tell???

I was so worried that when I got off FB that I'd have nothing to do but, I have been sooooo very busy!!!

(June 23-July 9) ~ My niece was here for 2 weeks then (which is why I got off FB amongst other things). Then, my brother in law and sister, sister in law and brother where here for a week end. We had a full house. We were/are blessed!

My brother and sister in law have been down here once since then. They are moving back home!!! My sister in law had a job interview. She has a job at a local school!

I know this is jumbled but, I hope y'all follow me! I'm so happy and I just received some exciting news!!! :D No, it ha nothing to do with me ( :-( )but, with some friends of mine.

I shall be on FB soon!

Oh So True ~ Part 2

17. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call

18. I think the freezer deserves a light as well

19. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses 

begin with Miller Lite than Kay

20. I wish Google maps had a "avoid ghetto" option

21. Sometimes, I'll watch a movie that I watched when I was younger and suddenly realize I had no idea what the heck was going on when I first saw it.

22. I would rather try to carry 10 plastic grocery bags in each hand than take 2 trips to bring my groceries in

23. The only time I I look forward to a red light is when I'm trying to finish a text

24. I have a hard time deciphering the line between boredom and hunger

25. How may times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear or understand a word a word they said

26. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to prevent a jerk from cutting in at the front.  Stay strong, brothers and sisters

27. Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty Pants? Pants never get dirty and you can wear them forever

28. Is it just me or do high school kids get dumber and dumber every year?

29. There's no worse feeling than that millisecond you're sure you are going to die after leaning your chair back a little too far

30. As a driver, I hate pedestrians, and as a pedestrian I hate drivers, but no matter what the mode of transportation, I always hate cyclists. 

31. Sometimes I'll look at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is

32. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and pinning the tail on the donkey ~ but I'd bet my rear end everyone can find and push the snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time, every time.

Oh, So True ~ Part 1

Probably because they've run through my mind atleast once ..........

1. I think that part of a best friends job should be to immediately clear you're computers history when you die

 2. Nothing is more aggravating than that moment during an argument when you realize that you're wrong

3.I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger

4. There is a great need for a sarcasm font

5. How are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

6. Was learning cursive really necessary?

7. Map quest really needs to start with #5. I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.

8. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.

9. I can't remember the last time I was atleast kinda tired

10. Bad decisions make good stories

11.You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.

12. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blu-ray? I don't want to have to restart my collection ..... again

13. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out  of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my 10 page research paper that I swear I did not make any changes to.

14. "Do not machine wash or tumble dry" means I will never wash this ~ ever

15. I hate when I miss a call by the last ring but when I immediately call back, it rings 9 times and goes to voice mail. What did you do after I didn't answer? Drop the phone and run away?

16. I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not seeing anyone of importance the entire day. What a waste

NO FACEBOOK (for 2 weeks)

I'm writing this as a "notice" to someone who lives in Ohio who has daughters that I just recently wrote and asked questions to on FB then I all of a sudden got off. Sorry A and M F.!!! Also, Mrs. F since will have to give them this message ;) Thanks!! :D



For months I have admired friends who were able to abstain from getting on FB. I thought, "I'm gonna do that! I really am!!" While are internet was on the fritz, I did (at times). You may or may not have noticed my lack of posting statuses. Our internet is still on the fritz but, I am able to get on it anyway.

A lot of things led up to my decision to get off FB but, it is a really, really, REALLY long story (not really) that I dont want to get into at this time. I also have alot of responsibilities here that I must attend to.



The MAIN reason(s): I'm getting off FB because it is TIME CONSUMING and  I dont need the DISTRACTION!


Y'all know how to get a hold of me if ya be needin' anything!

Music By Moonlight

Tonight, Dad, Mom, Lia and I went to Landmark Park to hear "music By Moonlight" put on by Music South. It was wonderful! They had A trio there by the name of "Sisters in Song". All of the "Sisters" are Elementary school teachers from various schools in the area.  They had other singers there as well like: Chris Godber and  Dr. Jim Dees.

Chris Godber was the saxophone player! He was soooooooooo good. I didn't think that I would enjoy it because I'm not a big saxophone music fan but, I really, REALLY enjoyed him!  \

He told his testimony and how he had asthma and the doctors told him that he would be unable to play but that God helped him to over come it! He gave God the glory for everything he does and is able to do. He also got up close with some of the audience!

Daddy and Momma seemed to enjoy it as well!

I'm simply burstin' !!

Even though its only been a couple of weeks, it still seems like forever since I have written on here!! True, I have written posts on here that remain unfinished but, that is because I come up with an idea but then I feel like it is not worth my time to write it so I desert it altogether. Now, I have something that I can write!!

Thursday: June 7 ~ To make a blog post shorter ..... My friend Carlee and I were in town and were were headed home and my car tire decided to blow out on me. I called roadside assistance and they called a local towing company to come pick up my car and take it to the dealership to get it fixed. Meanwhile, I had called Momma and she came to our rescue and picked us up and took us to run errands before she took us to the dealership to pick up my car.. Let me just give a shout out to SOLOMON CHEVROLET in DOTHAN, ALABAMA!! Mr Holmes (the service manager) is great!!! He takes really good care of me and my family with our automotive needs!! I'm a chevy girl through and through!!

Monday - Friday: June 4-8 ~ Vacation Bible School. Our theme this year was "Amazing Wonders Aviation". I was the co-teacher for 4th Grade. We had so many 4th graders that they had to add on extra classes. All together there were 3 4th grade classes! What a blessing it was to know that we had to add on classes!! I learned alot in VBS. I thought that it was only for kids but, it is also for us "big" people. I learned alot of songs that have actually stuck this year (as apposed to the years before). I'm wanting to post some of the songs on here but, I'm afraid this blog is already going to be to long.

Saturday: June 9 ~ Nothing happened on Saturday that I can remember

Sunday: June 10 ~ A big storm came through. I took several pictures (and one video) of the storm and clouds but, right now I'm experiencing technical difficulties in getting them from my phone to the computer so, I shall post them later! Wait, maybe I can email them to me from my phone ...... hmmm ........... OK!! I give up! I shall try to upload those pictures tomorrow!!! I'm to tired tonight!! Good night!! God bless!!

I Dedicate This To My Mom

In class tonight, my teacher wanted me to work on writing an essay because I will have to retake that portion of the GED since I did not pass it the first time. Well, she has a list of topics and I told her to pick out the one that she wanted me to write about since on the test, they give you your topic. Anyway, she picked out the one that said to write about the most influential person in your life and how and why they are influential. Well, I wrote about my Momma and my teacher said that I should post it on my blog so, I am! :D Here it goes:

There are many people that I could write about but, the most influential person in my life has got to be my Momma.

She is the most influential person because she leads a positive Christian life, she homeschooled me 3,4 grade and again 8-12 grade and she helps my Daddy on the farm.

Momma does not drink, smoke or do drugs. She honors God in everything she does. She is also influential because she has taught me from a early age how to honor God in everything I do from work to play

Momma influenced me by homeschooling me 3-4 grade and 8-12 grades. She thinks that that was the best thing for me. Sure I missed my friends from school but, I have made friendships that would last a lifetime through the homeschool group.

 Momma is also an influential part of the farm because she helps Daddy by pulling peanut trailers, packing cotton and even driving a tractor of she needs to. 

So you see, Momma is a very good influence on all areas of my life. The light of God shines very brightly through her. All of this and more makes her the most influential person in my life.

I LOVE YOU, MOMMA!!!

Side Note: It sure did look longer on notebook paper ... :)

Random photos

I got this idea from a friends blog! Throughout her day, she took random photos and she posted them on her blog. So, I decided that I'd give it a try! I don't think that she will mind! 

Anyway, here my my random photos! Enjoy!!

A beautiful sunset!!

A water tower!!

A old cotton gin!!

 The Headland Peanut Warehouse Co-op ~ This is where we take our peanuts to be dried after we pick them!

 Peanut trailers all lined up!

 

 Random railroad tracks!

More railroad tracks!

Cotton in one of our fields!!

Up close and personal with the cotton!!

This is random! A volunteer (not planted) peanut plant in the middle of the cotton field!

 

Uncle Phil's chicken houses (6 of 12)

Last, but not least, PAXTON!!!

While walking into work

Today, while I was walking from my car into the building, I heard someone (a male) say: "mmmm, yummy!" I didn't want him to know that I heard so, I just kept on walking.

It was very degrading!! I mean, that seems very disrespectful to me! Is it disrespectful?  I came in and told my supervisor what happened and she just said, "That's ok, Kate. It was just the redneck in him"

Am I really that yummy??? ;)

Bless The Lord, Oh My Soul

This song has been on my mind and heart lately. I feel like the Lord is reminding me to keep blessing Him even when things get tough. Things have been hard on me lately. I've been having to make decisions that I've not ever had to make before. I need wisdom and I need guidance. Please pray for me! Thanks!

[Chorus]
Bless the Lord, O my soul
O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name

The sun comes up, it's a new day dawning
It's time to sing Your song again
Whatever may pass, and whatever lies before me
Let me be singing when the evening comes

[Chorus]
Bless the Lord, O my soul
O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name

You're rich in love, and You're slow to anger
Your name is great, and Your heart is kind
For all Your goodness I will keep on singing
Ten thousand reasons for my heart to find

[Chorus]
Bless the Lord, O my soul
O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name

And on that day when my strength is failing
The end draws near and my time has come
Still my soul will sing Your praise unending
Ten thousand years and then forevermore

[Chorus x2]
Bless the Lord, O my soul
O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name

Jesus, I'll worship Your holy name
Lord, I'll worship Your holy name

Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name
Jesus, I'll worship Your holy name
I'll worship Your holy name

The Life of a Farmer's daughter ~ Part 4

Well, I realize that I have not written about my personal life here lately. It's not that I don't want to ... well, it kinda is! Its just that I am growing up and I realize that I do not have to let everyone know what is going on in my life but, I will share a little bit of it here.

I've been very busy lately. We all have. Daddy is planting and gathering oats and Momma is helping by hauling oats to town to get dry.

I've been sick for the past 2 week and have not felt like doing much of anything. I think that I have played with the dog for a total of 2 1/2 days! Poor Paxton! I feel sorry for the little guy!! I mean, he wants his Aunt Kate to play with him like she used to!!

My little nephew is due for an appearance any day now. The due date was yesterday and I can't wait to meet the little guy! I dont know who I am more excited to see when they come here, Will, Amy or Liam!! I'll be excited to see al 3 but, I'll want to hold Liam of course!! I got Liam the cutest Auburn Tiger onzie!!!

I have acquired a job! I don't know if it is paid or not but, either way, I'll do it! I'm working at a place called Tumbleweed Ranch and I'll be helping a client get more confident with horses. The couple who own it came up to me (well, his wife did) last Sunday and she asked me if I would be willing to work one day a week with this client and I told her that I would. Riding horses is my second love! God is the first but, riding horses is very close to first! I needed training myself to learn how to "steer" the horse. I have been taught "neck reigning" and they are teaching me "plow reigning" so that when I'm with the client, I'll be confident myself!

The difference between the "neck reigning" and "plow reigning" is with the "neck reigning", you steer the horse by applying pressure to the side of the head. "Plow reigning" is how you would apply pressure to the neck That is the only way I can think to explain it so, I hope that y'all can follow that.

In addition to that, I still work (volunteer) at a local medical facility and I love that too!! I do things on the computer and I love it! I'm also going to school and I hope to get that done by the end of the summer! Pease pray for me!

Thanks for reading!!

Oxymorons

1. Is it good if a vacuum really sucks?

2. Why is the third hand on the watch called the second hand?

3. If a word is misspelled in the dictionary, how would we ever know?

4. If Webster wrote the first dictionary, where did he find the words?

5. Why do we say something is out of whack? What is a whack?

6. Why does "slow down" and "slow up" mean the same thing?

7. Why does "fat chance" and "slim chance" mean the same thing?

8. Why do "tug" boats push them barges?

9. Why do we sing "Take me out to the ball game" when we are already there?

10. Why are they called "stands" when they are made for sitting?

11. Why is it called "after dark" when it is really "after light"?

12. Doesn't "expecting the unexpected" make the unexpected expected?

13. Why is a "wise man" and a "wise guy" opposites?

14. Why do "overlook" and "oversee" mean opposite things?

15. Why is "phonics" not spelled the way it sounds?

16. If work is so terrific, why do they have to pay you to do it?

17. If all the world is a stage, there where is the audience sitting?

18. If love is blind, why is lingerie so popular

19. If you are cross-eyed and have dyslexia, can you read all right?

20. Why is bra singular and panties plural?

21. Why do you press harder on the buttons of a remote control when you know the batteries are 

dead?

22. Why do we put suits in garment bags and garments in suitcases?

23. How come abbreviated is such a long word

24. Why do we wash bath towels? Aren't we clean when we use them?

25. Why doesn't glue stick to the inside of the bottle?

26. Why do they call it a TV set when you only have one?

27. Christmas - What other time of the year do you sit in front of a dead tree and eat candy out of your socks?

28. Why do we drive on a parkway and park on a driveway?

While I'm Wating

This song can have different interpretations. Whether its: waiting to grow up, waiting to have a boyfriend, waiting to get engaged/married or waiting on a baby to be born

For me this song means waiting on a boyfriend. While I'm waiting, I will serve the Lord!! While I'm waiting, I will worship Him! This is a hard thing for me! I dont want to let go of what I had. I know I have to though! I know that I ABSOLUTELY have to!!



I'm waiting, I'm waiting on You Lord
And I am hopeful, I'm waiting on You Lord
Though it is painful, but patiently I will wait

And I will move ahead bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience

While I'm waiting I will serve You
While I'm waiting I will worship
While I'm waiting I will not faint
I'll be running the race even while I wait

I'm waiting, I'm waiting on You Lord
And I am peaceful, I'm waiting on You Lord
Though it's not easy no, but faithfully I will wait
Yes, I will wait

And I will move ahead bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience

While I'm waiting I will serve You
While I'm waiting I will worship
While I'm waiting I will not faint
I'll be running the race even while I wait

I will move ahead bold and confident
I'll be taking every step in obedience, yeah

While I'm waiting I will serve You
While I'm waiting I will worship
While I'm waiting I will not faint

And I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting on You Lord

I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting

A Day at the Office

Today, I had the chance of "shadowing" someone I know at the Dothan Eagle, a local newspaper. It was awesome!

Lance and I walked where we needed be to sit in on a City Commission meeting. It was very interesting to know what was going on in a neighboring city. A few of the items brought up for discussion were: trashy lots, the Civic Center needing renovating and the AHSAA (Alabama High School Athletics Association) coming to town. I don't think that I can tell you anything beyond that (even if I could, y'all would be bored) so, I'll just stick with what I have. The meeting lasted probably 1 1/2 hours but, it went on about 2 hours (roughly).

After that was finished and the interviews were done, we went back to the office and Lance took me on a tour of the newspaper office  It was very interesting to know how they print the newspaper and get it distributed.

Lance showed me how he would report on what went on at the meeting and how he would type it out. I asked lots of questions about protocol and I received lots of answers. Later on, he had to go to a meeting so, I decided that I would go home.


You know, I think that I have found my calling. True, I said that I had found my calling back in May of last year but, my teacher and several other people have told me that I would make a great writer and I myself absolutely love to write!

I can't wait to get another chance to shadow Lance again! It was so much fun! I'm not sure if he will read this but, THANKS Lance for letting me tag along with you today!! It was a blast!!

Who is this kid?

This was possibly taken when I was 6

I really would like to know who this is. If you know, please let me know.

This is for curiosity purposes only!

Caledonia

I love this song and I just wanted to post it. The group "Celtic Woman (one of the singers, Lisa Kelly)" sings it.

I don't know if you can see
The changes that have come over me
In these last few days I've been afraid
That I might drift away
I've been telling old stories, singing songs
That make me think about where I've come from
That's the reason why I seem
So far away today


Chorus:
Let me tell you that I love you
That I think about you all the time
Caledonia, you're calling me, now I'm going home
But if I should become a stranger
Know that it would make me more than sad
Caledonia's been everything I've ever had


Now I have moved and I've kept on moving
Proved the points that I needed proving
Lost the friends that I needed losing
Found others on the way
I have kissed the fellas and left them crying
Stolen dreams, yes, there's no denying
I have traveled hard, sometimes with conscience flying
Somewhere with the wind


Chorus
Let me tell you that I love you
That I think about you all the time
Caledonia, you're calling me, now I'm going home
But if I should become a stranger
Know that it would make me more than sad
Caledonia's been everything I've ever had

Now I'm sitting here before the fire
The empty room, the forest choir
The flames have cooled, don't get any higher
They've withered, now they've gone
But I'm steady thinking, my way is clear
And I know what I will do tomorrow
When hands have shaken, the kisses float
Then I will disappear

Chorus:
Let me tell you that I love you
That I think about you all the time
Caledonia, you're calling me, now I'm going home
But if I should become a stranger
Know that it would make me more than sad
Caledonia's been everything I've ever had

Caledonia's been everything I've ever had
Caledonia's been everything I've ever had
Caledonia's been everything I've ever had

Tribal Wisdom

The tribal wisdom of the Dakota Indians, passed on from generation to generation, says that whenever you discover that you are riding a dead horse, the best strategy is to dismount.

In modern education and government, however, a whole range of far more advanced strategies are often employed such as:

1. Buying stronger whip

2. Changing riders

3. Threatening the horse with termination

4. Approaching a committee to study the horse

5. Arranging to visit other countries to see how others ride dead horses

6. Lowering the standards so that dead horses can be included

7. Re-classifying the dead horse as “living impaired”

8. Hiring outside contractors to ride the dead horse

9. Harnessing several dead horses together to increase the speed

10. Providing additional funding and/or training to increase the dead horses performance

11. Doing a productivity study to see if lighter riders would improve the dead horses performance

12. Declaring that as the dead horse does not have to be fed, is less costly, carries lower overhead, and therefore contributes substantially more to the bottom line of the economy than do some other horses

13. Re-writing the expected performance requirements for all horses

14. Promoting the dead horse to a supervisory position