Looking Back to Look Forward

It is a beautiful day today, warm and sunny, a rather rare thing in the middle of winter.  We will be facing more chilling temperatures this next week.  After all it is January and this is Oklahoma, the state of rapidly changing weather.  I have just been feeling a little nostalgic lately....I keep looking at old pictures.  Old is a relative term here.  These boys are not so old, but this picture sure makes me think of a time from a while back.  I remember this day as blistering cold in spite of it being April (2007), and almost Easter.  Josh and Andrew look pretty pleasant here, but I do remember the difficulty Katie and I had trying to get them to be still due to the frigid temperature and cold blowing wind.  The grimace on their little faces for most of the pictures were a bit pitiful and we almost felt cruel making them endure the weather, but I love this one. Can you imagine "coldness" with this beauty in Honor Heights Park on that day?  Yes, I am looking back to look forward to spring, and praying it will be a beautiful and warm spring.

Andrew and Josh - Adorable!!

Oh My Goodness

Oh my goodness for sure.....my grandchildren have grown up so much.  I was looking through old pictures on the computer last night and found these.  The four pictures below were taken in July, 2005, by my daughter Katie.  What a difference a few years make. It is fun to watch them grow, change, and mature, but I do miss the baby days.

Gillan was our first grandchild.  Oh boy, was I excited to be a grandma.  Gillan is a sweet and talented boy.  He is certainly becoming a fine young teenager.  He is 13 now and in the 7th grade.  He is quite the singer, plays guitar,  and his sister sings with him some.  They are both awesome.

 

Awe, Gracie is our second grandchild and our only granddaughter.  She is a talented soccer player and a beautiful girl.  You are very special Gracie.  You have to put up with all of the boys in the family.  Gracie is 11 years old now and in the 5th grade.  To any of you who may not know, these two grands above are my son and daughter-in-laws children.

Joshua, cousins to the top two grands and our daughter and son-in-law's first born, has grown so much, and he has a very gifted memory.  He has been reading well since early Kindergarten.  Josh can build anything and I mean anything with Legos.  He is 9 years old and in the 4th grade.  He and his brother below are home schooled and doing well with their mom as teacher. 

I really can't believe how this baby has grown and changed.  His sweetness and smile really show through here and it still does.  Andrew is 7 years old and in the 1st grade.  He is eager to learn and does well.  Like Josh, he can build with Legos.  Both boys can do amazing drawings too.  They are getting a little extra farm experience now with the responsibility of raising two bottle calves. They are learning about team work and doing a good job with working together and sharing the responsibility.

This is just a brief bit of information about the growing children....but, wait....

Now we have this little guy.  Youngest grandchild, brother to the two boys above, full of energy and the cutest little dimpled darling.  Nathan is now 2 years old.  He is growing too fast just like the other four.  But, that is what kids do.  The greatest of all is the fun, laughter, joy and blessings that all of the grandchildren bring to their family and "Grandma and Grandpa".

See my side bar of pictures and see how they have grown.

We are blessed, so very, very blessed!!

Day to Day

Beef cows, dairy cows, sheep, and boys.....that is the day to day on this farm.

"Cows are amongst the gentlest of breathing creatures; none show more passionate tenderness to their young when deprived of them; and, in short, I am not ashamed to profess a deep love for these quiet creatures."  ~Thomas de Quincey

God created the animals and has given man the blessing of care over them.  David has been an amazing caretaker.  He has been blessed to be able to do what he loves, do it so skillfully, and maintain it for so many years.

Co-Workers

These ladies were my co-workers many years ago, and they all continued to work at SMH all these years.  Now that I have returned (for the 3rd time), we are co-workers/friends again.  We were out of uniform for Sharon's daughter's wedding.

Sharon, Beth, LaNell, Jacqueline, and Freda

Shooting Deer - Me?

Okay, so I didn't get a good shot.......I am not a very good photographer, but I keep trying.  I did just have to get a "shot" of my "deer" friends, who seem to be lingering a little longer around our home area.  Yes, I met with several unwanted obstructions, and considering these were taken a great distance from my subjects, and from inside my house and garage.....I was fortunate to even have the deer in the pictures at all.  The last picture was taken from the garage window and the carport cover certainly got in my way.  The dreariness of winter was showing through as I snapped each shot, trying to get a glimpse before they ran away.  I do enjoy the regular visits from my "deer" friends.  It is always fun during hunting season, when many hunters run around the country enjoying their sport, only to find little success in this area.  As soon as they load up and go home, my "deer" friends come close to the house.  God's beauty and wonder of nature still amazes me.

Time In A Mirror

© Susan Zakusylo
White-tip mountains, majestic, stand tall.
Images of trees, reflections of clouds in blue.
Birds in flight look down to see years gone by,
years still to see.
Leaves of green, brown, yellow and red,
reflect as they float to their winter bed.
Footprints in snow of squirrels and deer.
The rippling of rains as they fall.
Seasons gone by, those still to come.
All of nature is a reflection of time.

Texas Snow

I dare say, I doubt these Texas grandkids have ever seen this much snow in Texas.  Looks like they got pretty creative with the snow person....I do believe Gracie intended for the "snowman" to be a "snowgirl" - well, with the pink cool cap and all.  Looks like Gabby likes the snow too.

Note the attention to detail too.....Peppermint Patties for eyes (in the wrapper).

Awe, little snow angel

And, there is Gillan and Gracie each holding their snow person's hand.

Too cool!

Great pictures Christy, I hope you didn't mind that I swiped them from your facebook page.

Just Because

This kid's smile makes me happy!

Blessings for the New Year

What a way to start the New Year!  Two of my grandsons were baptized tonight at Southeast Baptist Church by Pastor Monty Baggett.   The oldest brother, Joshua, age 9,  invited Jesus into his heart about a year ago, and Andrew, age 7, invited him into his heart more recently.  The boys were both ready and anxious to follow the Lord in believer's baptism tonight.  What a blessing to be able to witness this testimony of their faith. 

Tulsa Farm Show

So, what do people do who live on farms?  They go to farm shows and let their grandkids dream about big THINGS.  Things of the future......equipment....tractors, trailers, trucks, four wheelers, motors, wheels, and maybe farming?  Who knows what the future really holds for farmers.  One thing is certain....the toys get bigger, technology changes, and the price goes up.  I really wonder what this world will do when farmers are no longer able to make a living farming and the food supply is gone.  A boy can still dream!!  My youngest grandson Nathan was able to enjoy the fun for the first time this year.

 

 Josh and Andrew each found a four wheeler that they thought was just their size.

 I think they tried out all of them.

 Oh no, Nathan likes the big trucks!

Tractors, all colors, sizes, and shapes can be had for a price.

Above was one monster crop sprayer - HUGE!
The picture does not do it justice.

 "Okay, this is what I'm talkin' about".

 "Yes, I'm lovin' it"

 This old feller really wanted me to love it.

 We saw the old and we saw the new.

 Cool antique tractors!!

"Finally, my Sonic slush!!  I am pooped out"!