Monday, July 30, 2012

Livestock Show and Auction

Summertime means fair time around here.  Miller County Fair to be exact.  Our kids both showed their steers at the fair, and then sold them at the auction.


Isn't she beautiful??  And the steer is pretty cute too!!!
I am so proud of my daughter!!!



And our son is so handsome!!  So proud of him too!!!


I am so proud of them both.  Their steers did really well.  Alex took second in her steer's weight class to the steer that won Grand Champion!! Cole took third in his steer's weight class!!  There was some really great competition!!!

And the auction.  Well, this mama is PROUD to report that their steers brought the TOP PRICE at the auction!!!   We are blessed that our kids steers did so well.  With the economy the way it is, you never know.  But all of the bidders stepped up to support the kids. 

This is just one of the many reasons that I love living in a small town.  Opportunities like this are priceless (I think).  The kids have the responsibility of raising an animal.  The experience of showing that animal in front of lots of people.  And the opportunity to sell that steer for a good price to reward them for all their hard work. 

Thanks to EVERYONE who came out and supported all of the kids that participated in this year's fair.  It was a huge success!!! 

Please keep praying for rain!!  Blessings to all!!


Wednesday, July 18, 2012

How Old Is Your Stuff??

As you know, last week was my birthday.  I am now 48 years old.  Now I know some younger folks might think that's old.  I can assure you my 98 year old grandmother thinks I'm just a spring chicken.  Age is really a pretty relative thing, and I truly believe you are as young as you feel, and I feel pretty darned young.

As I was considering MY age, I started thinking about the age of things around me.   And while the things around me aren't OLD (well most of them anyway), I really am not surrounded by new things.  Here are a few examples:

1.  My House - Here is my house. 


I would have described my house as "older" although since its not as old as me, I have to rephrase that.  My house is "not new."  Our house was built in 1968, so its 44 years young.  It needs a new roof.  Our roof leaks in a hard rain (although since it hasn't rained in forever that hasn't been a problem lately).  And our basement leaks too (see above comment about it not raining here forever).

2.  My Car - My car is so dirty, that I couldn't show you a picture of it.  Now remember, I live in the country, on a farm, on a gravel road, that cows walk across.  And when cows walk, well, let's just say that dark stuff on my car isn't mud because, as I mentioned earlier, it hasn't rained here in forever.  Sunday morning on my way home from church the odometer rolled over to 150,000 miles.  My car isn't old, I bought it in 2007.  I put a lot of miles on my car.  It needs new tires.  I am hoping to get 200,000 miles before I trade it in.

3.  My Microwave - Again, sorry, no picture of my old Sears microwave.  I bought it in 1986.  It is 26 years old.  SERIOUSLY!!  But it still works.  I mean, all I do is reheat leftovers, pop popcorn, and boil water to make a pitcher of tea.  So why would I buy a new one? 

4.  My Vacuum Cleaner - I have an Oreck Vacuum Cleaner that I bought in 1996.  That makes it, yep, you're right, 16 years old.  I really like my Oreck.  I took it to an Oreck store last summer and had it cleaned and the little "hook" that you hang the cord on replaced.  It (the hook) broke awhile back, so my cord was always just laying on the floor.  I will use it until it won't work anymore. 

5.  My Bedroom Furniture - My mother-in-law purchased our bedroom furniture when she got married.  It is made of ash, a light stained wood.  She used it for years.  When my husband lived at home he used it, and when we got married we moved it to our house.  We don't use the headboard and footboard anymore because it's a "double" bed and we wanted a king sized bed. So I bought a very inexpensive metal heardboard probably 6 or 7 years ago and that's what we use along with the dresser, chest and nightstands.  I would LOVE to get new bedroom furniture one day.  But for now, my 58 year old bedroom furniture is working just fine.  It was made back in the days before veneer and particle board.  It is solid wood and I think it will last forever.

6.  My Kitchen Table - I have a solid oak kitchen table and chairs that we bought around 1987.  Honestly, I don't remember exactly, but we've had it about 25 years.  I had to have the top refinished last year.  It is solid wood and, like my bedroom furniture, I think it will last forever!  One day I hope one of my kids has that table and it brings back good memories for them.

7.  My Washer and Dryer - Of all the things I have, my washer and dryer I would call fairly new.  I bought them in December of 2006, so they are not quite 6 years old.  I average about 10 years per washer and dryer.  We've been married nearly 27 years, and this is my third set.  I think I must be pretty hard on washers and dryers.  My husband is a farmer and the clothes I am washing for him aren't just sweaty.  They are FILTHY.  Sure hope this set lasts a long time.  My mother-in-law had a Maytag washer and dryer that she used for 30 years.  I don't think they make washers and dryers to last that long anymore.  Not even Maytags.

Are you someone who buys new, or keeps the old until it quits on you (like me)?  Honestly, I'm just kind of CHEAP and I want to make certain I get my money's worth.  I like to buy good quality items that will last.  So . . . how old is the stuff at your house?? 

Monday, July 9, 2012

48 YEARS

Today is my birthday.  Today I am 48.

I remember when 48 was old.  Now, I think its YOUNG!

I am overwhelmed by the e-mails, texts, phone calls, and facebook posts from so many wishing me a Happy Birthday.  It is a reminder to me of just how full my life is, and how blessed I am.  My cup runneth over.

My kids both treated me with great birthday presents, and my husband is taking me out to dinner.  Just the two of us.  That doesn't happen very often.  And I am so looking forward to spending the evening with him!

I am reminded today of how good God has been to me.  And how undeserving I am of His tremendous blessings.  I am so thankful that I belong to Him and that He has forgiven me of my sins and is right now preparing a place for me in heaven.

For now, I hope He gives me many, many, MANY more birthdays to spend with my friends and family.