Notes From The Prairie

May you all be blessed with MANY BLESSINGS this year! I love each and everyone of you VERY MUCH!

Was the month before Christmas When all through our land, Not a Christian was praying Nor taking a stand. See the PC Police had taken away, The reason for Christmas - no one could say. The children were told by their schools not to sing, About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things. It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say December 25th is just a ' Holiday '. Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it! CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod Something was changing, something quite odd! Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda. As Targets were hanging their trees upside down At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found. At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears. Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty Are words that were used to intimidate me. Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now...

I know I don't tell you enough, but I love you very much! Have a wonderful birthday!!!!!!!!!

As I sat writing to my grand daughter Akina , I saw a squirrel busily hiding a walnut in the snow outside the window. I told her I wondered if he would find it later! This also reminds me of a story, of the baby squirrel Kristie and I found. We actually found two. One day she and I were standing outside talking to a neighbor. I saw two baby squirrels come down the tree next to where we were. Out of instinct (or stupidity)I held my hand out, and one ran down my arm and perched on my head! None of us could believe it! Then he came down off my head and held onto my clothes. We noticed there was no mama "chattering" at us, and wondered if she had been killed. I put the little fellow back on the tree, but he seemed to want to stay with us. My daughter ran in, got some water and food for them. They seemed very hungry. The friendly guy stayed with us. The neighbor had ten dogs, that roamed the back yard next to us. The squirrels stayed in the tree on our property line, and we w...

There is a time for laughter:) Lately things have been a a little rough. So I decided it was time to degrade and humiliate myself, by telling you a TRUE story about my 5 year old grand daughter, Sara. I told my daughters I would NEVER tell this story on my blog. Well, guess what? You get to hear it! Sara came this summer and spent a couple of nights with Grandma and Grandpa. She asked me a hundred million questions CONSTANTLY. She is so eager to learn new things. I hear that she goes back home and totally bores her Mom with "Grandma said this or that..." as if I'm the expert on ALL things great and small! I have done my job well:) This particular time, she was interested in all the wild life that comes around our place. She asked questions about the deer, coyotes, fox, possum, and snakes. We went over all of this, hundreds of times. While outside she saw a lot of holes in the ground. She asked me what they were. I told her I assumed that they were snake or gopher hole...

Akina is a senior this year, so this was her senior prom! Isn't she beautiful? We also just found out that she received TWO scholarships to two different colleges! We're so proud of her:) Not sure which one she will pick, but I know God will guide her path. Congratulation honey! Love you always!

My brother looks pretty good after having open heart surgery, doesn't he? It's simply amazing:) Now I can also post a picture of their oldest grand daughter too! Kathy is holding Kate, Then there's Mike, and Laren . They had their Christmas early this year:)

Thank you so much for all the prayers. I wanted to let you know that my brother Mike just got home today:) He is resting, and I'm sure he is glad to be home! Kathy said they were tired, of course. Continue praying for a speedy recovery. I also heard that Leo (my sister's dear friend who is like family and now mine too!) is recovering from surgery, so add his name to your list as well! Dear Sister Taylor went to be with the Lord today, just a few hours ago. We were able to spend some time with her and her family. She passed about 20 minutes after we left. I know there was such a home coming for her! I want to write about her later, to tell you a little bit about her life....which was totally dedicated to the Lord. But now I'm tired. We went to sit with the family yesterday as well. I know how tired they must be, but happy that she is in heaven now. Her daughter never left her side....and her sons were there every day. I'm sad but happy at the same time. There is so much ...

My brother Mike went in for a routine stress check up on Monday, and flunked. So they did a few other tests, and he flunked those too. Next thing he knew, he was having open heart surgery, a double bipass. All reports are good, and we thank God for those! I also believe God's hand was on him, for it to be found in the way it was. My brother Jim a few months back went in for a routine check up and was in surgery as well. He is doing great now! Please keep Mike in your prayers, that he have a speedy recovery. Also pray for strength and peace for his wife and family. Life is so precious, which is what this last year has imposed on me. Also keep Sister Taylor in prayer. She is on a lot of medications for pain, which she does not like. Her back broke, a few weeks back, due to the cancer. I tried to feed her one day, and she didn't want to eat. She told me she had "meat to eat" that I knew not of. That's straight out of the Bible. meaning that her nourishment is coming ...

Isn't this a beautiful fall picture? A friend of my sister's has a blog site called "Leo's Photography".  You will find his blog site address to the right. If you enjoy nature scenes as I do, you will love his blog! My sister has two blog sites as well..."Til we meet again" and "My Crockett Connection". Also my nephew Rick has a blog, "Footnotes with Rick Kelsheimer "  to the rightl. I guess it's all in the family!  By the way, I do take contributions for advertising:) Chocolate chip cookies work for me!

This is Kate, my sister in law (KRK), and my brother Mike. They love spending time with their Grand Daughters! Sorry I don't have a picture of their other grand daughter, we had computer problems. The only pictures I have now are those I "just happened" to save in e-mail. I think my daughter has most other pictures on a disc for me...thank goodness! But I know there are ones I lost forever. Anyway, just thought I would share this! 

I have been babysitting my two grand daughters, ages 4 and 5. While the oldest one was in kindergarten, I thought I would check my e-mail at my daughter's house. Hailey, the four year old was standing next to me at the computer, hoping I would hurry up so she could play her Care bears game. I got an e-mail from Tom, my brother in law. It said to click here, to play Tic Tac Toe. As I did, Hailey asked me what it was. I explained to her it was a game, called Tic Tac Toe. She loves games, so asked me how it worked. I explained as I did it for her. This one, was a joke which I didn't know at the time. As I put my second or third "x" on the grid....a huge scary face popped up and SCREAMED at us! She and I both screamed and jumped! Then she began to cry. I hugged her, and told her I was sorry...and explained it was a joke and I didn't know it. Through the tears, she said.."do it again Grandma!" "Do it again?" I asked. "but it scared you!" ...

It seems like just yesterday to me, that I held you in my arms and rocked you to sleep:) How time flies by! Those moments of watching you climb trees, bringing home strays (like Garfield!), swim in kiddie pools, being a Brownie, and watching you and Amy do those dances for me to music...seem so fresh in my memories! Now you have grown into a fine young lady...whom your Dad and I are very proud of!!! Happy birthday my sweetie! Love you always and forever! Mom

Thank you Tom, for sharing another wonderful video! After so many losses this year of family and friends, this video says it all:)

This past year has made me realize how we all need to cherish life, it is but for a moment we are here. My brothers, sister, and I all live many miles away from one another. I have missed so many happy events due to this! Births, marriages, graduations, on and on. Even though we are miles apart, I know I can always count on these three people to be there for me if I needed them to be! From left to right, is Mike, me, Sharon, and Jim. I love you three more than words can express! This picture was taken last Saturday by my wonderful sister in law Kathy:) She is the camera "woman" in our family! Thank you sister!

It is so hard to say good bye to yet another family member. We went to Virginia's remembrance of life memorial this past Saturday. She had a wonderful life, and family. She loved her daughters and grandchildren immensely....and they loved her. I know she is with the Lord now, and her grandson JD...my nephew. We will dearly miss you both. If you look closely at this picture, you will see two people walking together into the sunset.

It is so true, LIFE and MORALS are being voted upon this election. Christians of all denominations must stand up and be heard this coming election day! I don't know about you, but I'm voting for LIFE. Thanks Tom for sending this to me! This was such an inspiring piece of film. I for one, will be voting the Republican ticket.

My Nephew was staying in a cabin. He put some ears of corn out, and guess who came to dinner? Yes, a Mama bear and her two cubs! Nature is such a wonderful thing! I didn't even know Bears liked corn! Good shot hon, hope you didn't get as close as this looks!!!! Love you!

I may have already told you this story, if so forgive the repeat. But today has been a day of reflection for me...not sure why. Perhaps I may just be listening to God more today than usual. I believe He talks to us all the time, if we would just listen. Most of the time we are too busy. But the Holy Spirit keeps on trying to speak to us. The story I'm about to tell you is true. This happened when I was in my 30's, and I had just been saved the previous year. We had just gotten custody of my step son. He was 16, and out of control. We took him to church, and it seemed to help for awhile, but he was like the birds that flew away from the seed. He had several girl friends, none of whom he was very nice to. I always encouraged him to bring them home so we could meet them. One in particular I was very fond of. She was so sweet, and I knew right away that she came from an abusive back ground. God has always given me the instinct of knowing things like this. It was nothing she said, b...

I love feeding finches. I have two feeders by my living room window...so that I can watch them eat...if I happen to be sitting on the couch. Today was one of those days! I wondered why there were so many finches this morning. They were hysterical! They were fighting over the best perch, while others hung to the side. Still others were sitting on top of the feeder, patiently waiting their turn. All of a sudden, a HUGE dark shadow came over the ground. Above them was the BIGGEST hawk I had ever seen! Then to my horror, there were two others! Three hawks circled my feeder....and my sweet little finches! Before I knew it, I was at the window..raised it, and was yelling at the hawks. Some of the finches flew away, very low.....staying away from the hawks. There were some finches that didn't leave. They aren't afraid of me, because they have come to know me. Would you believe that when the feeder is empty, they will hang on the screen of the window...to try to tell me I need to fill ...

Fall is a favorite time for me. I love it:) All the country roads around me, once barren, are now bustling with activity! For people who have always lived in the city, and never been around the country side during harvest, are missing such a wonderful experience. The farmers are in their fields, picking their crops before winter. The roads are filled with HUGE combines, going back and forth to the fields. Tractors, farm trucks, and semi's are hauling the grain that has been picked. Some are going to the elevators, to be weighed...so that the farmer knows how much grain has been picked. From there it's loaded into semi's to be taken to the factories to be made into food (cereals, etc.) The picture above was taken with my cell phone. I believe this is one of the fields my son in law will be harvesting. The sky was so beautiful that day, it was surreal. The harvest reminds me of the Bible. Below is a parable Jesus told about the seeds being planted, the Word of God. The harves...

My list disapperared on the right! I tried to redo it, it disapperared again! Anyone know why? I tried to download a new template...so maybe that's why. Anyway, would those of you that I lost, place your blog site address on the comment section here. Some I didn't have bookmarked. *sigh* Maybe tomorrow this will work?

This was sent to me from my brother in law. Sounds like a good plan to me! Why didn't the politicians think of this? They could put a stipulation in... that whoever gets the money, must pay off all mortgages, loans, and credit cards. After that is done, buy, buy, and buy! Oh, and invest! Talk about a boost to the economy! It is election year, and Main Street USA may have a better idea. I'm against the $85,000,000,000.00 bailout of AIG . Instead, I'm in favor of giving $85,000,000,000 to America in a "We Deserve It Dividend". To make the math simple, let's assume there are 200,000,000 bonifide U.S. Citizens 18+. Our population is about 301,000,000 +/- counting every man, woman and child. So 200,000,000 might be a fair stab at adults 18 and up. So divide 200 million adults 18+ into $85 billion that equals $425,000.00. My plan is to give $425,000 to every person 18+ as a "We Deserve It Dividend". Of course, it would NOT be tax free. So let's ass...

I used to look at older ladies, and wondered why on earth they painted such thick black eyebrows on their faces. I think I now know! When you get older, you lose your ability to see up close. You can't wear glasses, while putting on makeup. Thus, you THINK you have put on your makeup properly, when in reality you just might look painted! The joys of old age:) Recently my daughter has told me several times..."Mom...your make up is smeared". She rubs it off, and I'm sure it's smeared BECAUSE I COULDN'T SEE WHEN I PUT IT ON! *sigh* There is an upside to this though! YOU ALSO CAN'T SEE THE NEW WRINKLES ON YOUR FACE! There is something else I have discovered, I think God allows us to get grey, because lighter color hair softens the wrinkles:) I color mine...now blond because of this! I'm very close to not coloring, and letting the gray show! It would be a lot easier. There is a time when you realize that you are growing MUCH older than you wanted. My time ...

Since we live out in the country, anywhere we drive to town is a 20-30 mile track. In the fall I have been seeing TONS of caterpillars , actually crossing the country roads. Not just a few, hundreds! Also a few weeks ago, hundreds of yellow butterflies were sitting on every road I drove on. They would fly all around the car as it passed. Amazing. You just don't see this in the city. Anyone care to answer my question? :o)

I found this picture on the web. I'm not sure where it originated. But it reminded me of something very important. In a mass of words, and worldly events...only one thing is important. The name that is above all names, JESUS. It's very easy to get caught up into "the events of the day at hand". But all in all, we can't change the events or other people's minds. All we can change is us. In small ways, perhaps we can change things. We have to at least try, or have to account to God someday why we didn't try. God is a ripple affect...one small stone thrown into a pond, and from there...the ripples begin, one at a time. If you haven't accepted Jesus Christ as your personal savior...please consider to do so. If you do, you will know immediately what I mean about the "ripple affect". It's the best decision anyone can make. God bless:)

One of the deadly sins to talk about, I know....is politics. One that I swore I wouldn't even mention on my blog. However, I'm a little upset with the elitists comments that Senator Barrack Obama made at a San Francisco campaign fundraiser...saying "that small town people cling to their guns and religion because they are bitter." Excuse me Mr Obama ? Isn't the right to "freedom of religion" and the right "to bear arms" mentioned in our constitution? Do you have a different constitution than mine? Do you have a different constitution than the rest of the country? Or could it be that ONLY small town people BELIEVE in their country and Constitution? That belief must be perceived by you as being "bitter"? It's a shame you're an Illinois Senator...voted in by a LOT of "bitter small town people"....since most of Illinois is rural. I can take a sigh of relief in my own conscience, because I was one of the few that did n...

Just wanted to update you on the situation at "the elementary school". My daughter called the principal and told him about the rudeness of his staff, on enforcing the rule of "no parent in the school without a visitors pass". She told him how no "hand out" had been given about this rule...and how she had scanned the school handbook on the subject, and nothing was stated in it about this rule. He informed her there is such a rule, because the children are encouraged to be independent....thus they NEED TO WALK IN BY THEMSELVES. He assured her that parents were ALWAYS welcome in the school, as long as they get a visitors pass first:) He apologised to her for his staff when he heard how I was treated. She told him that "head shaking and eye rolling" was totally unprofessional. He agreed....and took the name of the teacher. He told her this would never happen again. We worry because Sara may get this teacher in third grade. If the teacher goes true to...

I just got back from taking Sara to school. I will say it was a harrowing experience again. As I said yesterday Kristie had no problem walking her to class. There is a young woman who walks around the outside of the school, looking very official. So I asked her about it, before the bell rang. She told me we ARE suppose to get a visitors pass in order to walk the children in. I told her I understood about security, but anyone could see I was just a Grandma. She laughed and said yes...not to worry about it today. She would go with me. She, Sara, Hailey, and I got into the door...and the same woman (teacher) stopped us. I believe she is the superintendents wife if I'm not mistaken. She thinks she is VERY IMPORTANT. Again she went through her routine about the pass. I told her the security person was going to walk in with us for today. She gave her a dirty look, and told her she couldn't do that! I said "fine, I will get a pass." I couldn't walk through the school to ...

My youngest daughter Kristie is going to college! I'm so very proud of her:) She is going into computer programming. So I'm babysitting my 4 and 5 year old grand daughters two days a week now. I can't think of a more fulfilling job! Yesterday was a little trying, however. Sara just started kindergarten last week. Yesterday was the third time I had taken her to school, and Kristie had taken her all the other days. As we entered the school, I had Sara on one side of me, Hailey on the other...both holding my hands. Plus I was carrying Sara's book bag (Pink Princess one) and matching lunch bag. You have to stand outside and wait, until the school bell rings. Even though the girls and I have been right in front of the door when it rings (WE GET THERE EARLY), bigger kids shove their way in front of us every day almost knocking us over! So it is trying to just get in the door, without getting knocked over! I told Kristie the kids were bigger than me, and I was surprised to fin...

This is my niece's little girl.... Kate:) I love this photo! It looks as if she is playing in a bubble, and having a great time! This reminds me that we can't put our children in a bubble of protection, even though we would like to. But I know of someone who can...God! So lets remember to pray for our children, and ask that God envelop them in His protection and love! I ask that right now, for our entire family! (By the way, isn't she a cutie?! Not that I'm partial or anything! :o)

About 50 years ago...my brother brought home a beautiful diamond ring that he showed our Mom. I heard him whisper to her, I'm going to ask Judie tonight to marry me! Later that evening, Judie came over to eat dinner with us. We were all sitting around the table talking. At the time, I was only five years old. All I knew was that Jim had a ring to give to Judie...and I just had to tell her! So as soon as I could get her attention, I told her! Everyone stopped talking. My brother shot me a look, it almost looked like fire was coming out of his eyes! I had no idea what I had just done:( So to both of you....I apologise for ruining the surprise! (It may be 50 years late) But your love isn't! I don't think I know of another couple as wonderful as you two! Happy anniversary! Love you:)

Today while Zeke was outside, he began barking very viciously. I went outside to see what was wrong. I couldn't see anything, but heard a scream like I have never heard before. It wasn't a human scream. I brought Zeke in, and went out to investigate. I was worried about Aunt Zo's cats. I should have known something was up when Zeke went crazy because I went without him. He stood at the front window barking at me incessantly ...as if to say....don't go! I went around Aunt Zo's house, which was where I thought I had heard the scream. As I rounded the corner, there was the prettiest fox I have ever seen. He looked very much like this one above. Upon seeing me, he stopped...then took off into the woods. I looked around for Zo's cats, as she usually leaves some out when she goes to work. I couldn't find any, and I began worrying. Lo and behold, Tweety Bird (a beautiful white and black cat) came running over to me. She had been hiding in the corn field. I put...

I just came in from mowing. I'm tired. When things are on my mind, I want to be outside. Outside is a little bit closer to God. When I first found out about my nephew last Tuesday, I went outside and cried. I stayed out there for hours. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of my family, as I know and feel their grief...as well as my own. God tries to prepare us for things like this....but there is no easy way through it. When we know our loved one is saved, we should be happy for them that they are now in their true and eternal home. A far better one than here where we are. But I feel selfish, I don't want him to be gone so soon. I wanted to see him again, and give him a hug. He always had a smile that lit up the whole room! He was kind, and had gentle eyes. I remember picking black berries with him and Rick, riding horses bare back, coming back from a hike through the woods with ticks all over us, and the time he and Rick went swimming in the pond...the one their Mom told th...

Our neighbors, just lost a son in an accident. I believe he was about 18 or so. Please pray for his family. Seems like so much is happening right now. So many young people being taken.

  James David (JD) May 4, 1962 through July 14, 2008 You are missed by your Father, Mother, Brothers,  Son, Daughter, Grand Son, Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins. We love you so much.... and always will.  The Lord called you home far sooner than we would like. He must have needed you:) As we know, this here on earth... is not our home. We will see you again, when it's our time to go to our REAL home. I bet you will be the first to greet us!  God bless you always, my sweet JD.... until then:).

Hurricane Dolly is approaching Texas. This picture is from Corpus Christi, Texas. I would like prayer for everyone in the path of this storm. Especially prayer for my grand daughters, Akina and Rachel. They are at a camp in Texas until August. I'm sure they are far enough inland that they won't be affected, but you know how Grandma's worry:) Thank you for your prayers for them.

Last week we found out that my nephew, who was only 46...passed on to be with the Lord. It has taken me this long to even feel like writing on here. I would like to request prayer for my brother, his wife, their sons, and my nephew's two children and 4 year old grand son. The Lord is always our strength in times like this. We know He will never leave us, nor forsake us. We should be so happy that my nephew is in heaven with the Lord, but we will miss him very much. He just told his mother a week or so ago, that he knew God had healed him totally of all hurts from his past. He said he had never been happier in all his life. I believe God was preparing him for his journey home:) Also, keep sister Taylor in prayer. We found out a few days ago her cancer has come back. She is in a nursing home at this time. Steve and I went to see her this past Saturday, and other Christians just happened to show up at the same time we did. When we first saw her, she looked so beaten and exhausted. W...

My daughter Kimberly, my husband, and I went to Prairie Gardens a few months ago. We loved going through all the different tents full of flowers! My daughter and her husband just bought a new home, which is contemporary. We were looking for inside plants that would look good in her home. We came across an unusual plant she nor I had ever seen! It had "contemporary" written all over it! It was called a "Pencil Cactus". She and I fell in love with it! When we showed it to my husband, he turned up his nose at it and exclaimed, "You're not buying that thing are you?" My daughter and I said "why not?" He told us it was an evil looking plant! Hmmm , never heard of an evil plant before! His words resounded in my head days later. I helped my daughter load the plant in the cart, as it was about 3-4 foot tall, and it's pencils very slender. We didn't want to break it! As we put it in the cart, I noticed a sticky milky substance all over my han...