Memories I can't shake...

        Being OLD has it’s advantages.  The memory fails me at every turn.  I am the safest person you could tell a secret to!  Trust me, I am a dad gum vault!

However, there are some memories that return, that I can’t seem to shake.

Just this morning, during my quiet time, being still before the Lord, is usually when it happens....and sure enough, He reminded me of Sept. 4th, 2013.  It was late at night.  I keep my phone in the kitchen charging and I went in to turn it off for the night.  But before I did, I checked for messages.  It was from Sarah.  She had just announced with great joy, weeks earlier, that she was pregnant with No. 3.  In this text she writes.  “Mom, I can’t talk. My heart is breaking. I am losing my baby.  There is a lot of blood. Could you come watch the girls, while I go to the doctor in the morning?”

As a Mom, my heart sank, followed by knees hitting the floor, praying for my first born.  I had been down this road before with Stacy & Amanda, and now Sarah.  This Mama’s heart was in two.  Sleep was not found that night.  I tossed and turned and prayed.  

I arrived at Sarah’s early the next morning.  She was trying to be brave, and was out the door before I could turn around.  Laura & Emily were in FULL TILT and kept me busy until I got a text at 12:10 from Sarah....”baby is alive.  Heard a strong heart beat.  It was a blood clot outside of the womb.  All is well”

O MY!  I went from heart ache to sweeping the girls up and dancing around the room.  It is amazing how close sadness and joy are....just a stone’s throw away from each other!  I was reminded of Ps 30:5  “Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.”  Rejoicing indeed!  

So, do you believe in miracles?  Today Joshua is a strong 4 month old. Thought you would want to see one for yourself.

 

Family Shots from May 2014

 Well, here they are....They look better in person.  Some look a little fuzzy because I just took pictures of these with my iPad to put on my blog....these are not the originals...so they are not as clear...but you get the general idea.  You will need to come over for a visit to see the REAL McCOY!

Check out these cows and calfs

Laura Jo and Emily Jo are pros at this!

Joshua will soon find out that this is a yearly ritual 

Stacy & Millie are ready to eat!

Adam could not miss out on this free deal!

AND THE WINNER IS.....

    I am sure most of you have been on the edge of your seat waiting to see what we are going to name our turkey.  The names entered were:  LEFTY,  JERKY TURKEY , STOWKEY , PILGRIM, PEEPERS,  HARRIET, and Joe's favorite is DINNER....but the one she answers to most is.....wait for it....wait for it....I know, the suspense is too much, right?  HOP A LONG...not all that exciting, but blame it on this stupid turkey!  Thank you for playing.  Just for playing you will receive a FREE Chic-fil-a sandwich, which you can get THIS Friday(7-11-14) when you show up at any Chic-fil-a store dressed up like a cow...it's cow appreciation day of course.  I am sure you all knew that!  The one who came up with the turkey name,  just so happens to be ME...(I am making my turkey sounds as I am writing this)....so while you eat your chicken sandwich, I will enjoy my trip to Hawaii, my beach condo, & I already have a new car, so won't need that one.....I would like to thank those responsible for my prize....Ooo, that would be ME!  Thank you all so much ..... I am humbled!

                           BIG BEAR LOVES OUR COURT

our bear happens to be a tree hugger !

                  

Our Sport Court & Putting Green are ready to go!

the project in it's early stages

sand pit dug, roots found...roots are everywhere!

Joe is inspecting the layout

the rubber form is laid out and cut

Sandpit is filled with rocks first, before the sand comes into play

the astro turf is laid out and cut into place

this thing beats fine sand into the green to help the balls to rolls smooth

the lights are tested and bulbs in place...by golly, they still work after all these years!

it is starting to look cool!

lines are drawn

Let the games begin!

Our Turkey is inspecting the new developments

It has passed the deer approval....

oops, how did that get in there?....Had to add a little cute factor.....

Mama and her 4 chicks in the front yard...animal life abounds around here.

Ok People...here is our pet turkey...You can see she only has 1 toe on her left foot....she hobbles along...but stays close to us for some reason.  We don't have a name for her yet....so, we are having a NAME OUR TURKEY CONTEST.....Please send in your name by July 9th...that gives you a week.....The winner will be presented a new car, beach condo, and a trip to Hawaii......Only the best for turkey namers!