Around The House - May

 

 

 

How To Build A Bed - Pt. 2

 

Back in February, I told you about a truck bed that they guys were building.  Well, here's an update.

 

 

The floor of the bed is finished, now they are working on the sideboards.

 

 

It's time consuming work, and there are a lot of steps that I didn't document.  But, they are so close, I'm getting excited to see the finished product!

 

Won't be long now because, they'll be using it during harvest!

 

 

Before long, Baby J will be right in the middle of all that building!

Amy

 

 

 

Guess The Picture

Can anyone tell me what this is a picture of?

No?  How 'bout a closer look?

Well, now maybe you will know what this is?

 

Sunflower seeds!

 

You're right!

 

This year, LB and I decided to plant two rows of these babies.  When you live in Western Oklahoma where shade trees are scarce, you find new ways to make shade!  We are hoping that these beautiful flowers will add some much needed shade to some of our plants.  And maybe a little color too!

 

Wish me luck!

Amy

Psalm 47

1.  O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.
2.  For the Lord most high is terrible; he is a great King over all the earth.
3.  He shall subdue the people under us, and the nations under our feet.
4.  He shall choose our inheritance for us, the excellency of Jacob whom he loved.  Selah.
5.  God is gone up with a shout, the Lord with the sound of a trumpet.
6.  Sing praises to God, sing praises:  sing praises unto our King, sing praises.
7.  For God is the King of all the earth:  sing ye praises with understanding.
8.  God reigneth over the heathen:  God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness.
9.  The princes of the people are gathered together, even the people of the God of Abraham:  for the shields of the earth belong unto God:  he is greatly exalted.

                    ~Psalm 47  KJV

My Favorite Sounds

 My adorable little boy saying Mommy.

 

 Little Bare feet running on my wood floor.

 

Rain on the roof.

 

Baby J and LB playing in the living room, laughing.

 

The crackle of a fireplace on a cold night.

 

LB's pick up pulling up in the driveway.

 

The sound of wind in the trees.

 

The sound of cows and horses.

 

 

What are your favorite sounds?

My Summer Experiment

 

This is the top of a pineapple.

 

LB had seen on Facebook the other day, where someone had cut off the top of one of their store bought pineapples and grew a plant.  So, being the plant lover that I am, he suggested I try it.

 

 

So, I cut it, and cleaned it, and trimmed it, then stuck it in water!

 

Then I looked it up on the internet. 

 

 If everything goes as planned, I should have fruit in 12 to 18 months!  How fun!

 

I'll keep you posted!

 

Lickin' my lips, Amy

 

A Garden Update

I'm so excited about how good my garden looks.  My onions are doing great!

 

And my potatoes are blooming!

 

But, today I found something....

signs that something has been in my garden!  See those tracks?

 

 

Gotch ya!

 

Caught on tape!

 

 

You know, this little culprit is so cute, I don't think I'll book him!

 

But, I might clean him!

 

 

 

Let's go, I'll hose ya down!

 

 

 

 

A Heavy Heart

I'm sure that any of you reading this tonight who are Oklahomans are feeling the same way.  This isn't the post I had planned for tonight, but with everything that has happened, I couldn't bring my self to write about anything else. 

Throughout today, I would catch myself setting on the edge of the couch riveted to the TV.  I have lived in Oklahoma all my life, and this is not the first tornado that has ripped across the state.  So, it's not like this was something new I'd never seen before.  But I was so hopeful for the searchers who were at the school looking for survivors.  I just knew that any minute they would say they found another group huddled in a safe place.  Luckily, there was no one else that needed to be found.  It was not just the students at the Elementary that occupied my thoughts, it was the families who were looking for their loved ones.  And the ones who were having to go back to their houses in hope that there would be some shred of their belongings left.  All day, my heart ached.

All I can think about tonight is, are these children who have just been through this traumatic event going to be able to rest easy tonight, are those parents going to be able to leave their children as they take care of business tomorrow without worrying that it could be the last time they see them.  Or, will those who were in the thick of the tornado be able to close their eyes with out the whole event replaying in their minds.  There is a lot of hurt out there tonight.

There are a lot of tired law enforcement officers, EMT, and firemen as well.  The volunteers were countless and the hours put in were extreme.  I know that this is just the beginning, and having never been through this type of loss myself, I could never even come close to knowing or understanding everything that is going on.  But I do know one way that I can help these hurting tonight....PRAY.

I found myself saying short little prayers as I was balanced on the edge of my seat.  I couldn't physically go and dig in the rubble, or take water to the searchers, but I could pray.  And tonight, I ask each and every one of you to please take a moment and say a prayer for the people of Moore.  The challenge is not just saying a prayer after you read this post, but remembering them for the days and weeks to come.  These tough, hurting people have a long road ahead, and they will need any kind of help they can get.

Please remember Oklahoma
Amy

Mother's Day Late

I had planned on posting this last Monday, but I got caught up in laundry and dirty dishes and never got it done.  So, I hope you enjoy it now!

 

This is my Mom.

 

For Mother's Day, LB took me to see my parents in Stillwater.  It was a fun weekend.  Baby J got to spend some special time with them.

 

 

Momma and Poppa have all sorts of things that Baby J loves.  Like puppies!

 

 

And cows!

 

Hey mom! This cow is eating out of my hand!

 

And to make Baby J's day...

 

 

A horseback ride!

 

It was a great Mother's day!

I love you Mom!

 

 

 

 

 

Psalm 65:8b-13

8b.  thou makest the outgoings of the morning and evening to rejoice. 

9.  Thou visitest the earth, and waterest it: thou greatly enrichest it with the river of God, which is full of water: thou preparest them corn, when thou hast so provided for it. 

10.  Thou waterest the ridges thereof abundantly thou settlest the furrows thereof: thou makest it soft with showers:  thou blessest the springing thereof. 

11.  Thou crownest the year with thy goodness; and thy paths drop fatness. 

12.  They drop upon the pastures of the wilderness: and the little hills rejoice on every side. 

13.  The pastures are clothed with flocks; the valleys also are covered over with corn; they shout for joy, they also sing. 

                    ~Psalm 65:8b-13. KJV

Made In America

So far, I have written 45 different post for Made In USA products, and frankly, I'm running out of stuff! 

Most of the things I have told you about are common house hold products:  Laundry detergent, shampoo, shaving cream, dishwasher soap...  Reason being, those are the things I have currently bought and liked.  When I decided one year ago, that I was going to use as much Made In USA as possible, I decided to do it in stages.  I haven't gotten rid of anything so that I could replace it, I just buy what I need now and try to find that item made here.

 I have bought a few things from Etsy.  It's a great place to shop, if you haven't heard of it you should give it a try.  And some of the other things I have told you about I have found buy doing Made In USA searches on the internet.  All the other things, Tide, Woolite, Aussie....I just look on the packaging while doing my regular grocery shopping.

 The hardest thing to find American made are fabric items, clothing, bedding, underwear!  We haven't needed anything big like furniture or electronics, but one day we will and I hope I'll be able to purchase USA! 

So, wish me luck in my continual searching and I'll keep you updated as I find them.  I won't give up!
Amy

Since Friday

Packed up my family and drove to Stillwater to visit my parents. 

Fed cattle with my mom and Baby J. 

Went to a baby shower for my beautiful cousin Tonya who is fixing to have her fourth child!  Can't wait to meet you little Taylon!

Went with my dad on a tree hunt. I know that sounds funny but I want some stumps for plant stands!  Hi Dad, don't forget me!

 Made a mad dash trip to Hobby Lobby to pick up a few supplies for Baby J's second birthday!  I can't hardly believe its been two years!

Ate Mexican 

Ate self serve frozen yogurt by the pound with butter finger, strawberries, and cherries!  Yum!

Went to church with my beautiful Mother for Mother's Day  

Ate sandwiches 

Drove 3 hours back home. 

Unpacked!  I don't mind packing, but I would prefer to just throw away the suitcase and pretend I never owned any of what was inside instead of unpack. But, I usually take clothes on my trips that I like so I suffer through the unpacking process!

Made breakfast for LB 

Went back to bed

Woke up with Baby J.  

Watered the garden. My potatoes were glad to see me!

Played with Baby J. 

Cooked lunch

Put Baby j down for a nap, then I literally did nothing!  It was nice!  I should do that more often. 

Made ham steaks for supper. 

Put on a roast for tomorrow's supper. 

Got up early and went to the zoo with a good friend of ours and her two adorable children. Laughed, walked, sweated, and drank a gallon of water!  Had so much fun I would go again tomorrow!

Ate roast. 

Got up early again and headed to the city with LB. 

Changed a flat tire on the side of the interstate. 

Arrived at the Dr.'s office 15 minutes late and got the stitches removed from my thumb!

Went to Sam's and bought two carts full of groceries then ate pizza!

Now I'm laying in bed writing this. 

I think I'll stay home tomorrow!

Amy 

Oh wait, I need groceries!

I Samuel 1:27

27.  For this child I prayed; and the Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of him:

                    ~ I Samuel 1:27  KJV

Mother's Day

This is me and my Sweet Mema.

 

This is me and my Wonderful Mom.

 

This is me when I was almost a Mom!

 

This is me now that I am a Mom!

 

I hope everyone is as blessed in Motherhood as I am!

Happy Mother's Day!

Amy

 

 

Bud's Best Vanilla Wafers

One of Baby J's favorite snacks is Vanilla Wafers!

 

And I'm sure you can guess what I'm going to tell you next...

 

They are Proudly made in The USA!

 

Their factory is in Birmingham Alabama. 

 

It's so nice to know that one of the food products I am putting into my child is safely made here!  One snack down 100 more to go!

 

So, the next time you make banana pudding, make sure you buy this USA brand of wafers!

 

Amy

The Fastest Gun In The West

 

Hi, I'm cowboy J and I'm the fastest gun in the West!

 

I'll keep all the outlaws out of town!

 

 

With the help of my trusty steed, I'll catch the wildest bad man around!

 

See Ya!

 

 

 

A Thumb Story

Note:  This post contains graphics that may upset some people!  Beware! You have been warned!

Last December, I had a strange little knot appear on the inside of my thumb.  I first noticed the lump after a battle with Baby J's car seat latch while removing it from the car!  I showed LB and we both assumed I had pulled a muscle.

 

Life went on.

 

A couple weeks later, LB had taken Baby J sledding.  An obvious photo opportunity!  So I bounded out the back door with my camera and tripped over the sled!  I caught myself with that same hand.  Later that evening my thumb began to hurt and it swelled. 

 

I went to the Dr.  and the first assumption was that a ligament had been torn, but nothing showed on the x-rays.  So, after a myriad of Dr appointments and another set of x-rays and an MRI  we confirmed that I actually had a type of Cyst.  He didn't believe it to be cancerous or anything that was bad, but it was continuing to grow.  (In the picture above, you can see the swell on each side of my thumb, it was also wrapped around the bottom.) So, It needed to come out!

 

 

So, on Thursday of last week, I had surgery!

 

Unfortunately I had to be put completely asleep. And when I came home, I looked like this!  I was groggy and sleepy for a couple of days, but after ample use of ice and ibuprofen I now feel almost completely normal.

 

On Monday, I got to take the bandage off.  I admit, I was surprised.  He had to cut my thumb more than I imagined!  If you are easily queasy don't go any further,  but do try to brush your teeth with your opposite hand tonight.  If your not queasy read ahead!

 

 

Thirteen stitches!

 

Don't worry, it actually looks worse than it actually is.  The purple marking line is still there, and I think that makes it look worse.

 

I am already using my thumb for lots of things, like typing this, writing, folding laundry, anything that doesn't require me to apply pressure or bend my thumb backwards. So, in conclusion, I'm happily mending!

 

I think everyone should try to brush their teeth and put on makeup with their opposite hand!

 

Amy

 

 

Cowboy J

On Easter, Baby J took his first horseback ride by himself!

 

I was so proud of him!  He did so good and held on so tight!

 

But, I'm so disappointed that I only took three pictures. 

 

Oh, Well, I'm certain I'll have another chance to get more of him riding!

 

Here's one last picture I want to share. 

LB with his new moustache!

 

I Love it!

 

Love, The very happy farm girl!

 

Romans 12:20-21

20. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
21. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

Easter

 

If you'll remember, last month, I told you about some lost pictures.

 

All of the pictures I had taken on Easter Sunday were lost on a corrupted SD card.  Well, thanks to my wonderful friend, Kitty, all of the pictures have been rescued!

 

So finally after one long month, I finally get to share with you my pictures of Easter. 

 

 

Baby J was so cute in his Easter outfit!

 

 

And his egg hunting pictures were priceless.

 

 

But, I think my favorite Easter pictures are the ones where he is sorting out his loot with his daddy!

 

 

Thank you so much for saving my pictures, Kitty!

 

Love Amy

 

P.S.  I will show you the recovered pics of Baby J's first horseback ride by himself later!