One of my {all time favorites} of Mack getting some serious {love} from Jill
...
definitely worth entering in the I ♥ faces {pets} this week.
~ for other great entries - go check out I ♥ faces ~
March 31, 2009
March 29, 2009
What I didn't get pictures of.
the rain pouring down in sheets.
the black calves scrunched in the pens in the barn.
my husband sorting calves/heifers/bulls on horseback.
the rain dripping down the backs of hats and hoods.
the indoor activities we amused ourselves with.
the shop full of food and people 2 different times.
the dogs that were unrecognizable due to the serious amounts of mud caked on their bodies.
the bale of hay that fell off of the feed truck in the middle of the driveway.
the row of camp trailers parked in Karl & Jeannie's driveway.
the porch full of boots caked with mud.
the outrageous number of puddles.
the calf table being flipped at least 200 times.
the smoke drifting through the air from the branding iron.
the conversations.
the laughter.
the bawling/mooing.
the barking cow dogs.
the rain dripping and dripping and dripping.
.....................................................
There was so much I didn't get to capture with my camera, but the day will always be remembered fondly ... and not without a giggle or two.
When the rain did stop (after the branding was done of course), I did manage to get a few shots during the 45 minute {break}.
.............................................
oh ... and how could I leave this part out?
The making of {cattleman's} ice cream in about 6 minutes flat.
milk.
1/2 & 1/2.
sugar.
vanilla.
a bowl.
a pitcher.
a couple of spoons.
a pair of Flying J gloves.
and some liquid nitrogen straight from the semen tank.
It was the best ice cream I'd had in at least 3 days. {grin}
...............................................
Mason did play {rodeo clown} yesterday. Literally.
He seemed to recover with no problems at all after being butted by a calf high into the air, only to land on his face... but today ... he is achy and can't bend his left leg very well. We're praying he's just sore and still tired from all of the cold, wet action of yesterday's events.
I don't think I have to worry about him taking up {bull fighting} as a profession.
Thank God.
..................................................
Happy Sunday.
Back to {routine} tomorrow.
Not sure any of us are ready... but ready or not ... it will be here soon.
the black calves scrunched in the pens in the barn.
my husband sorting calves/heifers/bulls on horseback.
the rain dripping down the backs of hats and hoods.
the indoor activities we amused ourselves with.
the shop full of food and people 2 different times.
the dogs that were unrecognizable due to the serious amounts of mud caked on their bodies.
the bale of hay that fell off of the feed truck in the middle of the driveway.
the row of camp trailers parked in Karl & Jeannie's driveway.
the porch full of boots caked with mud.
the outrageous number of puddles.
the calf table being flipped at least 200 times.
the smoke drifting through the air from the branding iron.
the conversations.
the laughter.
the bawling/mooing.
the barking cow dogs.
the rain dripping and dripping and dripping.
.....................................................
There was so much I didn't get to capture with my camera, but the day will always be remembered fondly ... and not without a giggle or two.
When the rain did stop (after the branding was done of course), I did manage to get a few shots during the 45 minute {break}.
"Cheetos" face.
muddy pants.
marshmallow shooters.
.............................................
oh ... and how could I leave this part out?
The making of {cattleman's} ice cream in about 6 minutes flat.
milk.
1/2 & 1/2.
sugar.
vanilla.
a bowl.
a pitcher.
a couple of spoons.
a pair of Flying J gloves.
and some liquid nitrogen straight from the semen tank.
It was the best ice cream I'd had in at least 3 days. {grin}
...............................................
Mason did play {rodeo clown} yesterday. Literally.
He seemed to recover with no problems at all after being butted by a calf high into the air, only to land on his face... but today ... he is achy and can't bend his left leg very well. We're praying he's just sore and still tired from all of the cold, wet action of yesterday's events.
I don't think I have to worry about him taking up {bull fighting} as a profession.
Thank God.
..................................................
Happy Sunday.
Back to {routine} tomorrow.
Not sure any of us are ready... but ready or not ... it will be here soon.
ABC... XYZ
A - Age: My friend Neely and I are going to be 29 forever ... this year will our 5th annual 29th ... you can do the math. {grin}
B - Bed Size: Queen. I'm dreaming for a King-size bed, but our custom log-frame is queen size and so ... it looks like I'll be nice and cozy for quite some time.
C - Chore You Hate: Cleaning the bathrooms. Especially the toilet. Not a fan.
D - Dad's Name: Gary
E - Essential Start Your Day Item: A shower. Days without them at the start just aren't the same.
F - Favorite TV Show: The Mentalist is on my top 5 right now.
G - Gold or Silver: Silver - not sure why, but I've always thought silver looked better on me than gold.
H - Height: 5'8" ... Ian is 6'5. Our boys will be tall.
I - Instruments You Play(ed): I took piano lessons as a young girl ... wishing I would have never stopped. Maybe I'll take it up again someday.
I played the clarinet in JR. High and a bit of High School. I didn't want to do marching band, so I quit. I was way more into sports than music.
J - Job Title: Elementary Teacher {2nd grade currently} ... wife, mother, our family photographer, house cleaner, bill payer, prayer warrior.
K - Kid(s): My 2 M & M's ... Mason & Mack!
L - Living Arrangement: The longest, skinniest house ever about 6 miles out of town ... filled with hand-me-down furniture, stars, country decor, photography, and love ... surrounded by fruit trees, pasture, tractors & balers.
M - Mom's Name: Kerry.
N - Nicknames: My real name is Lindsay so ... Linds, Lindser, Lindser-Babe, Mom, Mommy, Mama, Dear, Teacher, Friend. My dad always calls me {Smerin} ... my middle name is Erin.
O - Overnight Hospital Stays Other Than Birth: nope.
P - Pet Peeve: Dirty Dishes stacked in the sink or on the counter when the dishwasher is empty.
Q - Quotes You Like: One of my favorites is from a man I was blessed to know in my childhood. He has written some great books on living life to the fullest, and this one has always stuck with me. If I ever do my own photography of some sort, I've always thought that I would call it Prism.
"Consider the prism. Light goes through one side as plain, clear and ordinary. On the other side it splashes into a whole spectrum of color.
Be a prism to ordinary life around you."
~ Claude Farley
R - Right or Left-Handed: Right.
S - Siblings: One sister. 2 sister-in-laws. 3 brother-in-laws. They're all GREAT.
T - Time You Wake Up: 5:30. I've truly enjoyed Spring Break this year simply because we've slept until at least 7:00 every day. Not looking forward to tomorrow.
U - Ultimate Dessert: Ice cream. We love ice cream in this house!!
V - Vegetable You Dislike: Onion. I've never liked them. I can now cook with them, but the thought of one on my sandwich or burger is enough to make me gag a little.
W - Ways You Run Late: Late getting the boys ready. Late packing lunches. Late getting the boys to the baby-sitter. Late getting to work {usually only 2-5 minutes} ... but it's still late. I don't think I was late to things before I was married and had children. Other people {husband and boys} seem to have mixed things up and nothing goes as planned these days. Go figure.
X - X-rays You've Had: My teeth. My sinuses. My ankle. {never had anything broken though}
Y - Yummy Food You Make: clam spaghetti, enchiladas, dutch-babies, rice pudding, pizza, hamburger patties, rhubarb crisp ... and a few others.
Z - Zoo Animal: Anything but bats & snakes.
and a little something extra ...
** I love Hallmark cards. I always thought having a job writing/making cards would be the best. My favorite thing to do while waiting for my prescriptions at Safeway is to browse through the card isle. There is something so amazing about the power of words. They can make you laugh, cry, giggle, sob, and smile. I guess writing on my blog is my version of writing Hallmark cards.
B - Bed Size: Queen. I'm dreaming for a King-size bed, but our custom log-frame is queen size and so ... it looks like I'll be nice and cozy for quite some time.
C - Chore You Hate: Cleaning the bathrooms. Especially the toilet. Not a fan.
D - Dad's Name: Gary
E - Essential Start Your Day Item: A shower. Days without them at the start just aren't the same.
F - Favorite TV Show: The Mentalist is on my top 5 right now.
G - Gold or Silver: Silver - not sure why, but I've always thought silver looked better on me than gold.
H - Height: 5'8" ... Ian is 6'5. Our boys will be tall.
I - Instruments You Play(ed): I took piano lessons as a young girl ... wishing I would have never stopped. Maybe I'll take it up again someday.
I played the clarinet in JR. High and a bit of High School. I didn't want to do marching band, so I quit. I was way more into sports than music.
J - Job Title: Elementary Teacher {2nd grade currently} ... wife, mother, our family photographer, house cleaner, bill payer, prayer warrior.
K - Kid(s): My 2 M & M's ... Mason & Mack!
L - Living Arrangement: The longest, skinniest house ever about 6 miles out of town ... filled with hand-me-down furniture, stars, country decor, photography, and love ... surrounded by fruit trees, pasture, tractors & balers.
M - Mom's Name: Kerry.
N - Nicknames: My real name is Lindsay so ... Linds, Lindser, Lindser-Babe, Mom, Mommy, Mama, Dear, Teacher, Friend. My dad always calls me {Smerin} ... my middle name is Erin.
O - Overnight Hospital Stays Other Than Birth: nope.
P - Pet Peeve: Dirty Dishes stacked in the sink or on the counter when the dishwasher is empty.
Q - Quotes You Like: One of my favorites is from a man I was blessed to know in my childhood. He has written some great books on living life to the fullest, and this one has always stuck with me. If I ever do my own photography of some sort, I've always thought that I would call it Prism.
"Consider the prism. Light goes through one side as plain, clear and ordinary. On the other side it splashes into a whole spectrum of color.
Be a prism to ordinary life around you."
~ Claude Farley
R - Right or Left-Handed: Right.
S - Siblings: One sister. 2 sister-in-laws. 3 brother-in-laws. They're all GREAT.
T - Time You Wake Up: 5:30. I've truly enjoyed Spring Break this year simply because we've slept until at least 7:00 every day. Not looking forward to tomorrow.
U - Ultimate Dessert: Ice cream. We love ice cream in this house!!
V - Vegetable You Dislike: Onion. I've never liked them. I can now cook with them, but the thought of one on my sandwich or burger is enough to make me gag a little.
W - Ways You Run Late: Late getting the boys ready. Late packing lunches. Late getting the boys to the baby-sitter. Late getting to work {usually only 2-5 minutes} ... but it's still late. I don't think I was late to things before I was married and had children. Other people {husband and boys} seem to have mixed things up and nothing goes as planned these days. Go figure.
X - X-rays You've Had: My teeth. My sinuses. My ankle. {never had anything broken though}
Y - Yummy Food You Make: clam spaghetti, enchiladas, dutch-babies, rice pudding, pizza, hamburger patties, rhubarb crisp ... and a few others.
Z - Zoo Animal: Anything but bats & snakes.
and a little something extra ...
** I love Hallmark cards. I always thought having a job writing/making cards would be the best. My favorite thing to do while waiting for my prescriptions at Safeway is to browse through the card isle. There is something so amazing about the power of words. They can make you laugh, cry, giggle, sob, and smile. I guess writing on my blog is my version of writing Hallmark cards.
March 28, 2009
At Some Point.
I probably should have put the camera down.
Like ... right after this look of disgust was flashed my way.
I mean really, who would want to miss an opportunity to take pictures of this little calf getting to run and play without a cast?
and lucky you I can even do better than just pictures. The little {dialogue} we had of this 10 minute production is far from erased from my memory.
me: oh seriously Ian, me having a camera in my hand is not making this any worse. I'm not even in your way.
Ian: it isn't? you're just standing there watching.
me: no it isn't ... my friends are going to love seeing photos of a cast being taken off of a calf. they don't get this kind of excitement all the time. I won't be in the way.
{Ian and dad still can't get situated to do this properly and Ian has been kicked at least 3 times}
I decide that the on-lookers are better subjects at the moment ... grandma is truly intrigued by all of this dirt flying and kicking. Can you tell?
me: did you need my help?
Ian: no response. {mouth full of dirt}
so I did what any good {and smart} wife would do ... I went over and stepped on the neck of the calf with my slip-on shoes ...
Unbelievable. {well, not really}
I guess he's realized that his wife is multi-talented.
She can talk, click, and stand on a calf all at the same time.
Now who wouldn't want a wife like that?
.....................................................................................
We're off to Karl's today to brand.
Should be entertaining to say the least.
Happy Saturday.
Like ... right after this look of disgust was flashed my way.
I mean really, who would want to miss an opportunity to take pictures of this little calf getting to run and play without a cast?
and lucky you I can even do better than just pictures. The little {dialogue} we had of this 10 minute production is far from erased from my memory.
me: oh seriously Ian, me having a camera in my hand is not making this any worse. I'm not even in your way.
Ian: it isn't? you're just standing there watching.
me: no it isn't ... my friends are going to love seeing photos of a cast being taken off of a calf. they don't get this kind of excitement all the time. I won't be in the way.
{Ian and dad still can't get situated to do this properly and Ian has been kicked at least 3 times}
I decide that the on-lookers are better subjects at the moment ... grandma is truly intrigued by all of this dirt flying and kicking. Can you tell?
me: did you need my help?
Ian: no response. {mouth full of dirt}
so I did what any good {and smart} wife would do ... I went over and stepped on the neck of the calf with my slip-on shoes ...
and continued taking pictures.
Unbelievable. {well, not really}
I guess he's realized that his wife is multi-talented.
She can talk, click, and stand on a calf all at the same time.
Now who wouldn't want a wife like that?
.....................................................................................
We're off to Karl's today to brand.
Should be entertaining to say the least.
Happy Saturday.
March 27, 2009
March 26, 2009
words from Max & a little bit of Mack too.
God has gifted you with talents. He has done the same to your neighbor. If you concern yourself with your neighbor's talents, you will neglect yours. But if you concern yourself with yours, you could inspire both.
Max Lucado ~ He Still Moves Stones
... as long as Jesus is one of many options - he is no option. As long as you can carry your burdens alone, you don't need a burden carrier. As long as your situation brings you no grief, you will receive no comfort. As long as you can take Him or leave Him, you might as well leave Him because He won't be taken half-heartedly.
Max Lucado ~ Applause of Heaven
Our prayers may be awkward. Or attempts may be feeble. But since the power of prayer is in the one who hears it and not the one who says it, our prayers do make a difference.
Max Lucado ~ He Still Moves Stones
.................................................................
I'm still praying for Stellan. and his mama. and the rest of his family.
.................................................................
My journals from 2000-2001 re-surfaced again today. I wasn't suffering any major tragedies back then, but I was struggling to figure out who I was and where I was headed. I had my nose in my Bible daily ... and in book after book after book.
I was documenting everything that meant anything. Funny how almost 10 years later, those words that spoke to my heart still mean everything.
God's like that you know. Everything & anything & so much more.
..................................................................
Mack ... well, he's got another scrape and a new bump ... and is becoming more and more serious about everything. And even though he's not hooked up to a monitor in a hospital across the country, you know what ... I'm still praying for him too.
Yes -- he's healthy and happy and {normal}, but that doesn't mean he doesn't need prayer. We all do. Young and old. Can you disagree?
I'm his mama & I love him so very, very much, but I have no say in what his future holds. I don't know if he'll live to be 4 or 93. I don't know if he'll enlist in the Navy. I don't know who he's going to marry. I don't where he'll live. I don't know much at all about the life he'll have.
But right now ... today ... tomorrow ... and the days to come, I can do my best to care for him and protect him and love him ... and believe me - I will ... but when it comes down to what circumstances may come his way or what path he may choose to follow, I have to trust that the God who created each and every one of us is going to continue to shape and mold Mack into the miracle he was made to be. That's what faith is all about.
Trusting in the unknown.
Believing in the unseen.
Max Lucado ~ He Still Moves Stones
... as long as Jesus is one of many options - he is no option. As long as you can carry your burdens alone, you don't need a burden carrier. As long as your situation brings you no grief, you will receive no comfort. As long as you can take Him or leave Him, you might as well leave Him because He won't be taken half-heartedly.
Max Lucado ~ Applause of Heaven
Our prayers may be awkward. Or attempts may be feeble. But since the power of prayer is in the one who hears it and not the one who says it, our prayers do make a difference.
Max Lucado ~ He Still Moves Stones
.................................................................
I'm still praying for Stellan. and his mama. and the rest of his family.
.................................................................
My journals from 2000-2001 re-surfaced again today. I wasn't suffering any major tragedies back then, but I was struggling to figure out who I was and where I was headed. I had my nose in my Bible daily ... and in book after book after book.
I was documenting everything that meant anything. Funny how almost 10 years later, those words that spoke to my heart still mean everything.
God's like that you know. Everything & anything & so much more.
..................................................................
Mack ... well, he's got another scrape and a new bump ... and is becoming more and more serious about everything. And even though he's not hooked up to a monitor in a hospital across the country, you know what ... I'm still praying for him too.
Yes -- he's healthy and happy and {normal}, but that doesn't mean he doesn't need prayer. We all do. Young and old. Can you disagree?
I'm his mama & I love him so very, very much, but I have no say in what his future holds. I don't know if he'll live to be 4 or 93. I don't know if he'll enlist in the Navy. I don't know who he's going to marry. I don't where he'll live. I don't know much at all about the life he'll have.
But right now ... today ... tomorrow ... and the days to come, I can do my best to care for him and protect him and love him ... and believe me - I will ... but when it comes down to what circumstances may come his way or what path he may choose to follow, I have to trust that the God who created each and every one of us is going to continue to shape and mold Mack into the miracle he was made to be. That's what faith is all about.
Trusting in the unknown.
Believing in the unseen.
travel, walk, ride, live, and play safely little buddy.
enjoy this life you've been given.
you're blessed. you truly are.
and you know what, even at 21 months, I think you know it.
March 25, 2009
God's Plan.
It's not always what we have in mind.
Be praying for this blog family.
I've never met them. I don't know them personally, but I have prayed for their sweet little Stellan for quite some time.
They need more prayer than ever ... and even though you most likely don't know them either, you can still lift them up to Jesus today.
If it was your child or your family or your friend or your neighbor ... wouldn't you want everyone on this planet of ours praying you through this? I certainly would.
Praying for miracles. Miracles that can give others a glimpse of Him ... and what only He can do.
Praying for Stellan.
Be praying for this blog family.
I've never met them. I don't know them personally, but I have prayed for their sweet little Stellan for quite some time.
They need more prayer than ever ... and even though you most likely don't know them either, you can still lift them up to Jesus today.
If it was your child or your family or your friend or your neighbor ... wouldn't you want everyone on this planet of ours praying you through this? I certainly would.
Praying for miracles. Miracles that can give others a glimpse of Him ... and what only He can do.
Praying for Stellan.
March 24, 2009
New Life.
It's shooting up everywhere around here.
Despite the wind and cold ... life still keeps coming & bringing with it beautiful things.
Hoping and praying you're able to see {new life} in your world too - no matter who you are or where you're at. It's there. Keep looking. You'll find it.
Despite the wind and cold ... life still keeps coming & bringing with it beautiful things.
Like yellow daffodils here and there.
And little red babies too.
But more importantly, this break {despite being sick} has given me new life. I still have a runny nose & a bit of a sore throat, but I do feel new.
Maybe it's the fact my eyes are seeing things differently at a much slower pace than usual.
Maybe it's the numerous times I've found myself cuddled up on the couch or bed with my boys during the past 5 days.
I haven't been to the store since Friday. In fact, I haven't been to town since Saturday morning for the trip back to Urgent Care.
I've made plans to go out a couple of different times, but every time I get close to leaving or doing, something slows me down.
I don't want to stop the boys from playing.
I don't want to interrupt Mason's numerous conversations with me about tractors, excavators, loaders, and the sandbox.
I don't want to lift Mack off my lap to put him in his car seat.
I don't want to put the Play-Doh away.
I don't want to miss another word that Mack learns to say.
I don't want to stop laughing out-loud at how funny my boys are.
I don't want to stop watching Handy Manny.
I don't want to stop just enjoying this {break} I've been given.
................................................................................
Some people go away for a break.
Some people fill their days with activities they don't normally get to do.
Some people make plans for {dates} and {movies} and {lunch}.
Those are all {GREAT} things. They are. But they aren't what I needed during my 10 days off.
God knew.
He knew that I just needed to stop and watch and grow.
So I am.
and you know what ... it's really not too bad.
..........................................................................
Thinking of a question/answer post ... anyone got any questions/thoughts/ideas they want to know my opinion on??
Leave a comment or shoot me an email at libraryboss{at}gmail{dot}com.
.............................................................................Hoping and praying you're able to see {new life} in your world too - no matter who you are or where you're at. It's there. Keep looking. You'll find it.
March 22, 2009
Hi. My name is Mack.
I'm feeling a little better today . I still don't like to take the medicine that is making me better, but my mom has convinced me that it is a good thing to take stuff that tastes horrible once in a while.
She was on this kick of cleaning and changing stuff today {even though she's sick too} ... and while she was at it ... she cut my hair. I wasn't such a big fan of the buzzing machine that seemed to be engulfing my head, but she kept reassuring me that everything was fine.
Hmmm. I think I'm still in shock.
What do you think? Is it fine? She said I looked so cute & then she got all weepy. I just can't figure the lady out. She cuts my hair and then is crying that she did it. Moms. They're just plain crazy I tell ya.
Anyway ... I am getting healthier by the minute and am still as cute as can be {at least that's what everyone keeps telling me}.
... and am hoping that the horrible wind we're experiencing right now doesn't blow our house over. That would really send my mama over the edge.
She was on this kick of cleaning and changing stuff today {even though she's sick too} ... and while she was at it ... she cut my hair. I wasn't such a big fan of the buzzing machine that seemed to be engulfing my head, but she kept reassuring me that everything was fine.
Hmmm. I think I'm still in shock.
What do you think? Is it fine? She said I looked so cute & then she got all weepy. I just can't figure the lady out. She cuts my hair and then is crying that she did it. Moms. They're just plain crazy I tell ya.
Anyway ... I am getting healthier by the minute and am still as cute as can be {at least that's what everyone keeps telling me}.
... and am hoping that the horrible wind we're experiencing right now doesn't blow our house over. That would really send my mama over the edge.
For as long as I can remember...
swimming has been this {sport/hobby/activity} that my whole family has enjoyed. Not everyone enjoys the water necessarily, but time at the pool or lake or beach or river is enjoyed by all.
Things like ....
The goggles.
The back floats.
The numerous contests of who can hold their breath the longest.
The races.
The splashing.
The continual reminders to not run on the deck.
The {watching} and {cheering} from the sidelines.
The laps.
The laughter.
The smiles.
The time to just be together.
There is really nothing quite like it ... and last weekend, when my dad & his parents & his brother and sister all got to be together for a day ... swimming just seemed like the right thing to do.
Things like ....
The goggles.
The back floats.
The numerous contests of who can hold their breath the longest.
The races.
The splashing.
The continual reminders to not run on the deck.
The {watching} and {cheering} from the sidelines.
The laps.
The laughter.
The smiles.
The time to just be together.
There is really nothing quite like it ... and last weekend, when my dad & his parents & his brother and sister all got to be together for a day ... swimming just seemed like the right thing to do.
and ... in this little guy's mind ...
the beverage machine seemed to be the best part of the whole thing.
lucky him ...
Great Grandma is partial to a bottom lip stuck out as far as it can go.
swimming.
being together for the day.
it's something we haven't done for quite a while ... and it's something I know we'll all remember forever.
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