5 Years and Counting!

First, let me apologize for the sad state of this post. When I was trying to edit and place my pictures exactly where I wanted them, I was unable. I just got my computer hooked up after it spent a few days in the repair shop recovering from a nasty virus. It appears as though maybe it still needs a little recoup time. So, the following are a few pictures from 5 years ago...we had such a fun day and it's so fun to think back to the memories of that day. It was exactly the day I had wanted....a few frills, but a lot of fun! Thanks to all those who put in a lot of hard work and love to make our day so enjoyable and for your continued support and love. We appreciate and love you! This picture was taken on the first day that we met. We had been talking on the phone non-stop for weeks before we ever met face to face. I only knew him through the voice on the other end of the phone and a few pictures we had exchanged through letters. His brother had called him one night and left a message for him with my number. He had kept the message on the answering machine for a few years, but eventually someone erased it.

Today Jamie and I celebrate our 5th wedding anniversary and what an interesting 5 years it has been! I can't say that on my wedding day I thought the last 5 years would turn out as they have, but I can say that as much fun as we all had on that day 5 years ago, I wouldn't want to turn the clock back and start it all over again. I've so enjoyed the journey we've gone through together...the struggles that have made us grow...the tears that brought us closer together...the laughter that gave us joy...it's all been an amazing journey! And the best part, I wouldn't have wanted to go through it with anyone else! God gave me a wonderful man 5 years and like a fine wine, he has only gotten better over the years

Jamie, I love you so much more now than I did 5 years ago! You have proven that no matter what difficulties may come our way, that you'll be by my side through it all. You've been my best friend and my lover and I wouldn't want to walk through the next 5 years with anyone else. Thank you for continually loving me, even when I didn't deserve it. Thank you for being different from all the rest. Thank you for the sacrifices you've made for me and for never being afraid to say I'm sorry. I know it hasn't always been easy for us over the past few years, but we've made it. I will ALWAYS love you! Here's to many more years together! ~Babygirl

Wool Gathering

Well, it's high time I write about life here on the ranch again. I apologize I've been somewhat slack in getting my pictures posted. Harvest time kept us all busy and I thought it would never end! But harvest has finally ended here and life seems to be slowing, at least a little for now. I have also started my job at the "local" hospital. By local I mean the hospital that would be closest to us....an hour and a half away. Nothing by any means is local around here! But enough chitter chatter, I'm more excited that harvest has ended and that means some more time with my hubby. Last weekend Jamie's boss gave him Sunday off and it was a beautiful day! We enjoyed church (which I will hopefully be writing about soon) and then spent the day just enjoying the weather, one another, and the fact that there was nothing on our agenda for the day. So, when another one of Jamie's co-workers came in and was going to work at weening his lambs from the ewe's, Jamie decided that maybe this would a prime opportunity for the dogs to earn their keep. So, camera in hand, we headed to the corral to do a little "wool gathering".

The dogs were more than a little ready to "herd" something. Although they haven't quite figured out how so Jamie has been slowly working with them.

"Come on, man, let me at 'em!"

It didn't take long to get the sheep all corralled into one area and fence it off.

The tricky part was separating them. Jamie headed into the pen, ready for some bruised shins and squished toes.

But check out my studly man as he catches them and then proceeds to "pitch" them over the fence. It was quite comical to watch and I think secretly he was enjoying this little "rodeo".

But after a while I think he had had enough of the rodeo and decided that maybe it was time to utilize the "big guns" since the ewe's were finding that they could jump the fence and the few lambs he had caught had now "magically" multiplied and included ewe's.

Impressive what a dog's presence does. I think Jamie was taking a break at this point, deciding what his next move would be. He kept moving the pen around, so that when they finally got some lambs separated from the bunch that we could chase them out, instead of pitching them over the fence.

It worked for some time...

...and I was even able to get a shot of them doing this (they all did this as soon as they were chased from the pen...I got a chuckle out of it every time)...

...and then this happened. Jamie's co-worker never did come out and join in the fun and Jamie decided he had enough for one day. Oh well, I guess the rodeo was fun while it lasted.

The moral of this story....put up a better fence before you decide to separate sheep. Trust me, it only works as well as the fence that holds them.

Take My Life

I remember learning this song as a young child and hearing it now always makes me feel comforted. I remember learning the song through a big book with pictures and words to the song. I remember one of the pictures with Christ's hands together, but that's the only picture I remember from the book. Mom, maybe you will remember what I am talking about. I found this version of the song recently and thought I would share it with you. My hope is that in listening to the words, you too will find a comfort and a peace in them. I'm slowly learning that God IS and always has promised to remain at my side, no matter what storms may come my way. I'm also reminded that my life is God's, not mine. I need to daily lay my life at His feet and commit myself to His will. This has not been easy for me...I've spent many days complaining and sinking into the difficulties I've been faced with lately, instead of looking above and asking God to guide me through this. I will be learning this until the day I die. But God knows that we are not perfect and we will not respond to every situation as we should but in daily giving my life over to God I'm given the opportunity to rest in God's plan for me and to focus on today alone. So, I challenge you...are you ready to give God YOUR life today? I know God won't give me anything I can't handle. I just wish He didn't trust me so much. ~Mother Teresa Good morning...this is God. I will be handling all your problems today. I do not need your help, so have a good day.