Pray for Stellan

Stellan is the baby boy of Jennifer, whose blog I have been following. You can read his story and more at www.mycharmingkids.net or click on the icon to the right. Her blog is updated regularly (by family members), even though she and Stellan are at the hospital as I "speak."

Please pray for Stellan's little heart!!

~PrairieBren

Fight FOCA

To read more about FOCA, please click the ad on the right hand side of this blog. You will find this and more on the site:

The Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) would eliminate every restriction on abortion nationwide.

• FOCA will do away with state laws on parental involvement, on partial birth abortion, and on all other protections.
• FOCA will compel taxpayer funding of abortions.
• FOCA will force faith-based hospitals and healthcare facilities to perform abortions.

Barack Obama believes this legislation will "end the culture wars." To him, "ending the culture wars" means eradicating every state and federal law on abortion — laws that the majority of Americans support.

There's also a petition you can sign at the bottom of the page to help fight FOCA.

~PrairieBren

Quote for the Day

You speak in your letter of the possibility of one place being safer than another; I think, dear Eva, from the human standpoint all are equally unsafe, from the point of view of those whose lives are hid with Christ in God all are equally safe!! . . . "A mighty fortress is our God," and in Him we are safe for time and eternity. Shall we murmur if we have less of time than we expected?

~one of missionary Edith Searell's last letters before being martyred in the Boxer Rebellion, China, 1900

....a great reminder that our time is in His hands. I hope you all enjoy your time with your family today and tomorrow, knowing that in Him you are safe for time and eternity. We are opening gifts tonight, and will spend time with Shaun's folks and sister tomorrow. Stay tuned...many pics and quips will follow. ;-)

Merry Christmas,

~PrairieBren

Siamese Santas??

This picture cracks me up. Ben and Ash look like Siamese Santas, and somehow, Jessie and Andrew managed to get their mugs in there. Too cute!

On Their Way to Handel's Messiah....

Here's a pic of all who went to Handel's Messiah this year - with our Charlie Brown Christmas tree in the background. Andrew and I stayed home. I was pretty sure he wouldn't "dig it" and didn't want to spend the money for him to take a nap. Ha!! The young man in the Coast Guard uniform is Ashlee's friend, Ben.

M-E-R-R-Y C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S!!!

M is for Missions and how thankful I am for people like my good friend Beth that is willing to not only seek the Lord's will but to do the Lord's will, even if it means ministering in a completely foreign country - not to mention dangerous. God be with you, Beth, as you obey God's will for you life. Our prayers are with you!

E is for Each one of you, and the hope that you will have a blessed Christmas and New Year!

R is for Relief that I don't have to pay for my sins, because Jesus already did that!

R is also for Remembering those whom we have lost this year.

Y is for Yellow (or Lellow as my niece says), and all the beautiful colors that surround us and the ability to see them, which we all take for granted.


C is for Children, and all that were born in our family this year.

H is for Hope. There's always hope for the children of God. Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work. 2 Thess. 2:16-17.

R is for Roses. Let's all remember to stop and smell them this year.

I is for Instant potatoes. LOL. Seriously, they make life easier at times.

S is for Shaun, whom I'd like to thank for sticking with me in my most difficult of times. :-)

T is for Treasures, both here and those that are laid up in Heaven.

M is for Mary, the mother of Jesus. I grow more appreciative of her role as the years go by. What awesome faith and trust she possessed to submit to God's plan for her life.

A is for America, and how blessed we are to live here.

S is for the Snow! Whether your Christmas is white or not (it's snowing as I "speak"!), I hope it is Merry, Bright, and Warm. I know it will be if it is centered on Christ and how He came as a Babe to make a way for you and I to spend eternity with Him forever.

God bless,
~PrairieBren

Snowball Cookies!

So, I know that snowball cookies are nothing new. But I had never made them, so I took the plunge this year and tried something besides the ol' standby (peanut butter balls). I thought they turned out really cute. Made me want to have a snowball fight - with these cookies! LOL. Anyway, the family tells me they are really good so I thought I would share the recipe, in case any of my readers are also stuck in ruts and are in need of something new and very Christmas-E to make. ;-)

Snowball Cookies

1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
1 cup butter, softened
1 tsp. vanilla
2 1/4 cups flour
1/2 cup chopped pecans
Additional powdered sugar

Cream butter, sugar, and vanilla until fully mixed. Add flour with salt to creamed mixture, and blend thoroughly. Add nuts and mix well. Chill dough for one hour. Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees. Shape into one inch balls, and bake 8-10 minutes. Do not brown. Cool, roll in powdered sugar.

I confess that I did let the cookies brown a touch. Here's a picture of how much I let them brown:


They stayed together just fine, and I heard no complaints. I also found that I had to cook them around 12 minutes instead of 8-10. Adjust cooking time to your oven.

Make sure they cool before you roll them in the powdered sugar. Let them sit for about seven minutes after you roll them, then roll again. Some of the sugar sets in and the second rolling gives them that snow ball look.

Merry Christmas and Happy Snowball Fights! ;-)

~PrairieBren

Question and Answer Time

This was stolen from Melanie, whom I don't know, but am following her blog. You can follow it too at itsmelanie.blogspot.com. These are my answers, of course.

1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before?
Absolutely nothing. (Bows head in shame)

2. Did you keep your New Years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don't make New Year's resolutions. (Head still bowed in shame)

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Oh yes! I had a nephew born on my birthday, a niece born on Shaun's sister's birthday, a great neice, and....I think that's all. Please don't be mad at me if I forgot someone!

4. Did anyone close to you die?
Shaun's uncle Ted died, and Shaun's cousin (see tribute to the right) died a couple of weeks ago.

5. What countries did you visit?
The U.S.A.! ;-)

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
Better health and more attitudes that resemble Jesus Christ.

7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory?
November 4th.


8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Sticking with my life, even though it's hard.

9. What was your biggest failure?
How assuming! Just kidding.....I'm going to say not spending enough quality time with family.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
My biggest injury was going to the dentist. LOL. Really not very funny!!! :-(

11. What was the best thing you bought?
Fabric, of course.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Ashlee, who works very hard at her job and doing things for others. Jessie, for getting her GED and doing so with a score that is in the top ten percentile. Andrew, for having a receptive, soft heart towards spiritual matters. And Shaun, for being a great provider for our family.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Barack Obama.

14. Where did most of your money go?
Bills, gas, and food for three teenagers.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
The prospect of getting Sarah Palin into the White House.

16. What song/album will always remind you of 2008?
That's a hard one. I guess I don't have an answer. I'll edit if I think of something.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you: happier/sadder,thinner/heavier,richer/poorer?
I think I'm happier, thinner (ugh!), and about the same financially.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Prayer.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Wasted time.

20. How will you be spending Christmas?
Going to Shaun's parents house, baking, and talking around the fire. And playing games of course!

21. Who did you spend the most time on the phone with?
My girls.

22. Did you fall in love in 2008?
Yes. I'm in love with our new bunny (sshshshsssshhhhhh!!! It's Andrew's Christmas present!)

23. How many one night stands in this last year?
I lost count. (Ask a dumb question, get a dumb answer).

24. What was your favorite TV program?
I don't really watch TV programs, but I love I Love Lucy and Cosby Show.

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
No, no hating.

26. What was the best book(s) you read?
Be Still My Soul, by Elisabeth Elliot

27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Not sure, but I want to learn how to play the violin. Does that count??

28. What did you want and get?
Fabric. LOL.

29. What did you want and not get?
Nothing comes to mind, so I must have everything I need. ;-)

30. What were your favorite films of this year?
Definitely Fireproof. But I liked Prince Caspian too.

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I don't remember what I did. And I was 36.

32. What's one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Being able to eat whatever I want.

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
Whatever keeps me warm!

34. What kept you sane?
Who says I'm sane?

35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Sarah Palin. I think she's "the real deal", as Joe the Plumber said.

36. What political issue stirred you the most?
The election. I thought it was a fiasco, so it wasn't a good kind of stirring. LOL.

37. Who did you miss?
My Mom, brothers, and my Grandma.

38. Who was the best new person you met?
Little Benny Foo Foo, aka the nephew born on my birthday. ;-)

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
God is in control, even when it seems your country is going down the toilet.

40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year?
O-B-E-D-I-E-N-C-E
Obedience IS the very best way
To show that you believe.

That's the best i could come up with. Ha!

Merry Christmas, everyone!

~PrairieBren

Attention Recipe Hunters!

Go to www.cooks.com for great recipes! I find everything from very sweet desserts to healthy snacks and crock pot dinners. Many of their recipes use common ingredients, which if very important for my family.

Happy Holiday Baking!!!

~PrairieBren

Red meat is not bad for you. Now blue-green meat, that’s bad for you! ~Tommy Smothers

Fire Proof, The Movie

I'm sure you've all heard of the movie, Fire Proof with Kirk Cameron. If you haven't been able to go see it, I would encourage you to do so (don't forget the Kleenex!). You may have to do a bit of searching to find a theater that is still playing it. If that's not possible, you may have to wait until it comes out on DVD.

The movie stresses the fact that love is a choice, not a feeling. I'm convinced that if couples would understand that before they get married, a great many divorces could be avoided.

Until you can see the movie, you can go to www.fireproofthemovie.com and see the trailer, find resources, etc.

To read an interview with Kirk Cameron, go to http://www.christianitytoday.com/movies/interviews/kirkcameron.html .

After you see it, feel free to leave a comment on what you thought about the movie. I'd love to hear what you thought.

~PrairieBren

"FIREPROOF is going to do much more than entertain and stir hearts; this is a movie that will impact couples in a profound way for decades to come."
Dennis Rainey, President, FamilyLife

Christmas Time is Here Again....

Hey Everybody! Christmas time is here, so here is a website that I found that might help you get creative in your decorating, baking, and gift giving. It has everything from what to do with all of those Christmas cards, to Christmas cake and cookie recipes. You can find it at http://www.amazing-christmas-ideas.com/

Since Thanksgiving was rather late this year, I'm trying to get on the Christmas bandwagon early (meaning, very soon after Thanksgiving). I had hoped to put up the tree this Saturday, but it looks like the first day everyone will have to be together will be Monday ... so Monday it is!

I hope you all have a great time getting your home ready to celebrate the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. My goal this year is to implement a few select decorating changes ... and to remain focused on the real Reason for the Season ... and to remember that it is truly more blessed to give than receive.

Love, hugs, and a Merry Christmas Season to all of you!

~PrairieBren
I love the Christmas-tide, and yet,
I notice this, each year I live;
I always like the gifts I get,
But how I love the gifts I give!
~Carolyn Wells

Happy Thanksgiving!

This little turkey reminded me of my father-in-law, who always prefers beef over turkey. :-)

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you. There's much to be thankful for, and my prayer this year is that our country will never forget the reasons that we celebrate Thanksgiving. Contrary to what many kids are being taught in schools, the first Thanksgiving was not about Pilgrims giving thanks to the Indians, but to our Heavenly Father who sustained and provided for them.

May we always be mindful of the One who provides our everything, and consistently give Him our thanks, whether it's Thanksgiving, or "just another day."

Much love to all of you,

~PrairieBren

I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union. ~Taken from Abraham Lincoln's Thanksgiving Proclamation, October 3, 1863

New Cousin and Nephew

Here's me with Hayden and Maggie, during our recent visit to my brother's house. Hayden is actually my brother's grandbaby, and Maggie is my cousins little girl. Hayden is apparently on his way to being the next Michael Phelps. And Maggie ... well ... she's just pretty in pink!!

And me? I just love having cousins and nephews that I can hold and cuddle ... and give back when they cry. ;-)

~PrairieBren

Religious Right R.I.P., by Cal Thomas

Here's an article by Cal Thomas, suggesting the next step for Christian Americans is not necessarily to work harder politically, but to invest more in spiritual matters.

http://www.calthomas.com/index.php?news=2419

Good food for thought (and action).

Hope everyone is well,

~PrairieBren

The Three Amigos??

This first pic is of me and my girls at the rodeo this summer. Ashlee's looking amused, I'm looking annoyed at Jose (taking the picture), and Jessie is giving us her best pouty face. Ha! She looks like a grumpy Ellie Mae to me (maybe she can't find Jed). :-)

The second pic is just one of the many riders we saw, but I love it because it really captures the moment.

And the third pic is of one cute cowboy we call Andrew! ;-)

At any rate, it was a fun experience, but boy was it HOT! Thankfully, about half way through, the clouds came over to provide a little relief, along with a few sprinkles. Our favorite parts of the show were the steer wrestling and the barrel racing, but we enjoyed it all.

Until next time, parner!!!

~PrairieBren

Praying for Our Children

Prayer for Children

I am in the midst of reading Be Still My Soul, by Elisabeth Elliot. While this cute little boy and his dog are doing the praying here, chances are, they learned from someone bigger how to pray so fervently. In the chapter titled, Helps in Prayer, Elisabeth quotes a prayer that is helpful for when words fall short in our prayer time for our children. This anonymous prayer was found in her mother's Bible, shortly after her death. Elisabeth has since prayed it for her child and grandchildren. It reads:




Father, our children keep.
We know not what is coming upon the earth.
Beneath the shadow of Thy heavenly wing,
O keep them, keep them, Thou who gavest them birth.

Father, draw nearer us.
Draw firmer around us Thy protecting arm.
O clasp our children closer to Thy side,
Uninjured in the day of earth's alarm.

Then in Thy chambers hide,
O hide them and preserve them calm and safe
When sin abounds, and error flows abroad
And Satan tempts and human passions chafe.

O keep them undefiled,
Unspotted from a tempting world of sin,
That, clothed in white, through the bright city gates,
They may with us in triumph enter in.

I hope this prayer will assist you one day, when you have a heavy burden for your children but struggle with articulating that burden to the Heavenly Father.

Much Love,

~PrairieBren
Ephesians 1:16-19

Baby, Baby!

Just want to say a quick "Congrats" to Tim and Sarah, along with David, Noah, Judah, Isaac, and Faith. They all welcomed a new addition to their family today. Journey Tamar was born, weighing in at 6 lbs. 6 oz. Mom and baby both are doing well. And from what I can tell from the phone picture that Hannah sent, she looks just like her siblings! :-)

Congratulations, everyone! We love you!

~PrairieBren

A baby will make love stronger, days shorter, nights longer, bankroll smaller, home happier, clothes shabbier, the past forgotten, and the future worth living for.
-- Anonymous

New Babies

I mentioned that Ashlee is working as a nanny. The lady she works for also works and lives on a horse ranch. This horse belongs to her, but she's unable to care for it right now because of limited space and time. So Ashlee volunteered to take on the task, in exchange for calling the horse her own for the next couple of years. So, in essence, it's her new adopted baby. Maybe foster care baby is a more accurate term, since she'll be giving it back someday. :-) Either way, Ashlee is ecstatic about her newfound friend. His name is Cash, and he has a really sweet personality. He's friendly and gentle, and I wasn't intimidated by him at all, even though he's so big he could squash me like a bug if he so desired! Having said all that, he is in dire need of attention, and Ashlee has such a big heart for horses and caring for those in need that the situation is perfect for both of them. I don't know who is benefiting more ... Ashlee or Cash.

Cash is recovering from a problem with his leg, and hasn't been ridden in quite a while. Once he heals from that, the plan is to let the whole family ride him. Now that ought to make for some interesting blog pictures!

As for the other new babies, well ... it's been an interesting summer for Shaun's side of the family. His sister, Mary, had a baby boy (Benjamin Robert) on my birthday, June 2nd. His sister, Sarah, is having a baby in July. If everything goes as planned, she'll be delivering on July 14th, which is his other sister's (Hannah) and his Dad's birthday. We're calling this the summer of Happy Birthday Babies! How fun!

More summer pictures and stories soon! Hope all of you are well and enjoying your summers too.

((Hugs)),

~PrairieBren
"There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man." Winston Churchill

A Visit from Hair Bag

My Dad recently came to visit us when he was out here on a business trip. Jessie had to work, and Ashlee was the one taking the picture. I know you can't really see him underneath all that hair, glasses, and hat. But honest ... it's my Dad. ;-) I cooked him some pork chops, fried potatoes, and veggies, followed by chocolate cake and coffee. Hopefully he was able to stay awake for his road trip after our visit!

~PrairieBren

Quilt Progress!

Here's the promised picture of the quilt I'm working on for Jessie. This is just the squares, of course. I'm in the process of adding two borders, then I'll layer it and quilt it, and put the binding on. I've never done borders before, and the pattern I have doesn't give very articulate directions, so I'm winging it somewhat. But so far, I'm very pleased with the outcome. More pictures will be posted as things progress!

~PrairieBren

Baseball, China, and Quilts

Dropping in to let ya'll know that I'm still alive. I can't believe it's nearly been two months since I've posted!

Summer has definitely started up, and that usually means lots of activity. Andrew is busy with baseball, and loving every minute of it. His first game was scheduled for yesterday, but it rained most of the day and was COLD, so it was canceled. I didn't break out my space heater, but I can't say I wasn't tempted. I chose to put on some winter clothes, in spite of the fact that it's June.

At any rate, we are all excited that baseball season has once again begun. For Andrew AND the Rockies. I know, I know, Rockies stink this year. I still like watching them play, and am patiently waiting for Tulo and Holliday to return, along with Barmes and Hawpe. Ya' can't have it all, all the time, every year, right?

Ashlee is enjoying her new job as a nanny for a lady that operates a horse ranch. Her love of horses and children make this the perfect job for her. It comes with its own set of challenges, but she's handling them well, and is more content than I've seen her in a long time.

Jessie is still working at ChoCho's Mexican restaurant, and saving up for a trip to China that will take place this next September. She also recently got her driver's permit, so if you live near us, stay off the roads. Ha! Not really...she's doing very well.

I did get over half of Jessie's quilt top put together (see pics below), and it's coming along nicely. I will post more pics once the top is completed. I hope to have the whole quilt done within two or three weeks. After that, I'll start on a log cabin quilt that will be for my bedroom. It's part of a bedroom re-do that I'm anxious to dive in to. A new quilt, some paint, maybe some border, and a few wall hangings will complete the project. Unfortunately, I can't really begin any of that until the quilt is done, as I'm not sure which color of paint will look best until I see the quilt - finished.

My mother-in-law, Jeanine, and I are contemplating accompanying Jessie on a trip to China. I didn't think it would be an option with all my diet restrictions, but from what I've been told, it sounds as though we'll be going to a place that's fairly equipped in the food arena. Many more details have to be worked out, but so far, it looks like it may be a go. The folks we would be visiting help out in an orphanage over there, and teach English at a local university. Jessie is of course more interested in the college kids, while I am interested in the orphanage. I think it could very well be a life changing trip, and I'm praying that it will be just that....

Much love to you all. I hope you are well, and enjoying your summer. I'm off to do weekend cooking now, so that we can come and go as we please. :-)

((Hugs)),

~PrairieBren

Little Men

I am currently reading "Little Men" by Louisa May Alcott. Although I've read Little Women, Little Men somehow escaped my eye. I knew it was "out there," but I liked Little Women so much I suppose I thought I didn't need Little Men. However, after reading the first 150 pages, I've been proven wrong. It is set at Plumfield, the estate that Jo inherited from her Aunt March. Jo (Mother Bhaer) and her husband, (Papa Bhaer), decided to use the large house to start a school for boys. Their love for the children is unmistakably evident as they attempt to transform rowdy boys into men.

Although I am enjoying the story itself, I'm enjoying the writing style of Alcott even more. The story is cute, and most definitely keeps my attention. But Alcott has a way of describing situations, characters thoughts, and scenery that I can really identify with and appreciate.

The writing style, of course, is old and therefore different than we're accustomed to. But once you read a few pages, you'll settle in and the old rules of writing are not a hindrance. So ... while I can't give you a complete opinion on the book yet, I wanted to tell you that if you need a book to read the next time you have a rainy day, I am confident Little Men would keep your attention, and maybe even make you long for the days of old.

Don't forget the warm cup of tea ... and of course, an old quilt to wrap up in.

Enjoy!

~PrairieBren

A Tonsil Tale

"Andrew's parents!" the nurse called out.

We stood as if at attention.

"You can come see him now."

Shaun, Ashlee, and I followed the nurse down the hall. Andrew was lying in bed, eyes closed, dried blood on the corner of his mouth. We touched him gently, not wanting to disturb him, but also wanting to be near him. Surprisingly, he began talking and thanked Ashlee for stopping by to see him.

"How are you feeling, Andrew?" we asked. "Are you ok? Can we get you anything?"

Empathetic pain struck us to our very core. The memories of my own tonsillectomy when I was fifteen came flooding back to me, remembering the pain as if it were yesterday.

His lip began to quiver. Turning down our offers, he proceeded to talk about his Grandma Brown, who now spends her days confused and sick.

"I'm just thinking about Grandma Brown," he started. "I feel bad for her, because she goes through this kind of thing a lot." Tears were flowing down his cheeks freely now.

Tears stung my eyes, threatening to spill over, but I kept them in check. The air began to feel very thick, the room too small. The post surgery aroma was strong, and I thought Andrew was bleeding too much from his mouth. I was ravenously hungry, and my stomach was complaining loudly. The nurse came in to check on Andrew, wiping the blood from his mouth and administering nasal spray to stop the bleeding. My feet began to turn numb, followed by my hands and face. Leaning over the bed rail, I was thankful I was hungry. A wave of nausea swept over me like an ocean wave that would delight any surfer, and I was afraid of what might come next.

"I think I'll go sit down," Shaun said, interrupting my thoughts.

"Me too," Ashlee replied.

"I'm feelin' a little woozy," I heard someone say.

The nurse entered the room.

"How we doing?" she asked, a little too lively.

One look at the three of us, and she had her answer. The number of patients in room 212 had just increased to four.

There was talking amongst her and the others, but I couldn't focus my mind to hear. "I need to go to the restroom," I said.

"I don't want you passing out in the restroom with the door locked," she warned, walking with me.

"Uhmm ... it's alright. I don't think I'm to that point yet," I lied. I prefer going to the restroom - and fainting - alone. All I wanted to do was sit on the toilet and put my head between my legs. After a few minutes of deep breathing, my heart rate returned to normal. Fearing the nurse would feel a need to rescue me, I decided to return to Andrew's room.

When I arrived, Shaun and Ashlee were sitting in their chairs, side by side, head between their legs. The nurse was scurrying to get 7Up, Coke, water, and anything else they desired. When she saw me approaching, she ran to get another chair, a recliner so that I could elevate my feet.

"When was the last time you ate?" she asked, once I was situated.

"A long time ago," I replied.

Shaun was feeling well enough now to fetch my lunch bag from the car. After a cold drink and some protein, the feeling in my body came back and I was once again coherent. I glanced at Shaun, and we giggled modestly, careful not to wake Andrew.

"Some day we'll look back and think all this is really funny," he said.

"Yeah," I said. "Some day."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My experience has been that when it's someone you love deeply going through pain, the empathy/sympathy that you feel can wreak havoc on your body. Between the strong emotions, the strong smell, and lack of food, we were in quite a situation. :-) Next time I am waiting for a loved one to get out of surgery, I'll be sure to obey the hunger signal and grab something to eat. No more being brave for me!

On the lighter side of things, Andrew is doing quite well. He had me worried for a time, because he was eating and drinking so little. But we actually got him through the recovery time with no weight loss.

Children that need their tonsils out are usually big snorers. Andrew's been a snorer since he was a baby, but I've not heard him snore once since his surgery. He seems to be sleeping more soundly, and for that, we are very grateful. He's looking forward to not having a constant sore throat. He told me today that he was glad he wouldn't have to go to the doctor anymore to get gagged with a q-tip. I had to be the bearer of bad news, and inform him that the q-tip was a way to test for strep, not swollen tonsils. So he's fairly perturbed at that - but still thankful the sore throats will diminish. :-)

Thanks to everyone for their prayers, visits, and gifts during his recovery. Rest assured, he is back up to par, eating everything he can get his hands on ... and asking for more.

~PrairieBren

Eenie, Meenie, Minie, Moe ...

Eenie, Meenie, Minie, Moe, Coca-Cola, High and Low!

I know it doesn't show up too well on these little pics, but this is the Coca-Cola quilt that I'm putting together for Jessica. The quilt top on the right is the first "draft", if you will. Shaun and Jessie thought it had a little too much blue, so I replaced a blue print with a Coke print, which means I'm using two separate Coke fabrics. I personally liked the first draft, but I want Jessie to be wrapped in something she loves - so the second draft wins!

The pattern is called "Trip Around The World". Quite appropriate for Jessie, who deems traveling to be of utmost importance. Her and Uncle Bob decided that they would take a trip to Hawaii in the near future. I don't think she'll be needing a quilt to wrap up in there, but maybe when she goes to Germany she will. Or when her and Grandma Coats go on their London trip they've been planning.

I'll post more pics of the quilt as I go. I might get some quilting time in when Andrew is recovering.

Love to you all,

~PrairieBren
Me thinks it is a token of healthy and gentle characteristics, when women of high thoughts and accomplishments love to sew; especially as they are never more at home with their own hearts as while so occupied. ~Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Marble Faun, 1859

'Preciate Your Prayers

My man, Andrew, will be having his tonsils and adenoids out next Tuesday. I was really quite worried, mostly because of my experience with having my tonsils out when I was 15. But I read a brochure that the doctor gave me, and it said they now have a new way of performing the surgery. They no longer burn them out (eeewww!), they use a special kind of saline to make them VIOLA! -- disappear. So the recovery time is supposed to be cut short by quite a bit. Two weeks was the norm, and now patients are feeling back to normal by around three days. I can only hope!!!

I will try and keep everyone updated here. We covet your prayers, and know that nothing happens out of God's will. We trust Andrew to Him and only Him.

((Hugs)),

~PrairieBren

About that cake....

My mother-in-law suggested another fine way to enjoy the oatmeal chocolate chip cake. Instead of powdered sugar, try a little bit of cold applesauce on a freshly baked cake. The hot and cold together will delight your senses, and tickle your taste buds! Thanks, Jeanine, for the suggestion. If any of you try it, let me know what you think.

I'm still desirous of bread recipes that require minimal contact with flour. Maybe a bread machine would be a good way to go??

Have your cake, and eat it too!

~PrairieBren

God is great! He gives us chocolate cake!

Here's a recipe I'd like to share for those of you who do not have a big enough sweet tooth to enjoy frosting:

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cake

• Pour 1 3/4 cup boiling water over 1 cup uncooked oatmeal, 1 stick butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup brown sugar, and 1/2 package (12 oz.) chocolate chips.

• Stir until butter and chips melt. Add 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon cocoa, 1 3/4 cup flour.

• Mix well and pour into 9x13 floured and greased pan.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes.
If desired, sprinkle powdered sugar on top after the cake has cooled.

Jessie really likes this because she's not a fan of frosting. It comes out more or less like a cake brownie, although the oatmeal gives it a little different texture. It'll also fill your house with a most bodacious smell. ;-)

If you have any recipes that you would like to share, I would be happy to post them here. I might even cook them up, take a picture, and post it along with the recipe!! I'm particularly looking for bread recipes that do not require me to bathe in flour. Scooping flour out of the bag, throwing into the bowl and mixing it doesn't bother me. But with my celiac disease, I try to avoid getting covered in it. So if you have anything of that nature, and wouldn't mind sharing it with me, I would be most grateful!

Enjoy!

~PrairieBren
brcoats72@hotmail.com

My Views on Marriage

Due to the emails that I've been receiving, some clarity on the issue of early marriage is appropriate. What I write will not be my total view on marriage. Only a few issues will be dealt with. I realize I'm the only one seeing the feedback, and so, some of you may question why I'm dealing with specific issues. But hopefully, everyone will be able to understand what I'm saying and take away a few gold nuggets (or cow pies, however you view my opinions). ;-)

First of all, I apologize if my blog on marriage came across as flippant. I am not flippant about marriage, and especially not about early marriages. Marriage is serious business, no matter what age you are. Hopefully, the way I live my life is proof enough of this belief.

The question of maturity levels were brought to my attention. And while I agree that a person needs to be mature when he or she marries, I do not agree that their maturity level needs to be equal with that of someone old. I believe that marriage is an excellent opportunity to BECOME mature, to learn what it means to lay down one's life for another, to sacrifice your own preferences for your mate's, and to follow (or lead) in your spousal role. Marriage is not something you can go into having perfected these qualities. You learn them as you go. It's an opportunity (as is parenthood) to grow spiritually in a way that is very likely impossible any other way.

The key to making a marriage work is a matter of the heart. There's very little room for selfish, disloyal, uncommitted hearts when two people are in the process of becoming one. So the question is .... how dedicated is the couple? What if poverty comes? Will they still stick together? What if all of their children have Down's Syndrome? Will it "be too much" for them? What if one partner becomes ill, unable to work or take care of children? Will they do what it takes to make it work? Will they use any hardship in life as an excuse to get out of the marriage? In my view, there is no reason for divorce, barring physical harm or sexual immorality. So when I hear excuses such as, "he wasn't who I thought he was," or, "I was just too young when I got married,", or, "she's way too much like my mother," ... whatever the excuse may be, I automatically hear, "I'm quitting, I'm not committed and never was."

Do I think that young people can be dedicated to a marriage? YES. I DO. I was young and immature when I got married, but I believe that Shaun and I were both sober-minded when it came to staying together. I was committed, in part, because that's what I was raised to believe marriage was about. I was never SHOWN how to live that way (by my parents), but I was taught the concepts of it. And by God's grace, those beliefs were deeply transferred into my heart. And it's by God's grace that I've been able to remain committed. It will only be by God's grace that ANYONE who gets married, STAYS married. The trick is not necessarily being old enough to get married (although I realize there are limits), but whether you are able to truly fathom the awesome commitment that marriage entails.

Secondly, the woman's "need" of a career was also brought to my attention. On this issue, I am flagrantly old fashioned. I believe that the career and financial responsibility primarily lie with the man. A woman does not NEED a career before she weds. I am not against it if she wants to do that, but I believe God made men to be the providers and women to be the nurturers. I am also of the opinion that if a woman does have a career, it can be a temptation for her to view it as a way out "in case things don't work out" in the marriage. Again, that's an excuse ... a cop out. Marriage is a bonding of yourself together with someone and to say that you need a backup plan is stating that you are unwilling to commit to being with someone until you die. Having said that, I want to make it clear that I do not have an issue with women having a career. But it should be more of an insurance in the case that their spouse dies, rather than if the marriage "doesn't work out." In my eyes, my daughters do not need to have a self-sustaining career when they get married. But when it comes time for Andrew to be married, a stable job that can support a family is of utmost importance.

To wrap up, when my girls want to be married, I'm not going to ask them whether they make enough money or whether they've lived enough (aka partied enough) to be able to settle down. I want to know if they are committed to their spouse, to God, and to the family they will become. I want to know if they are willing to follow (to the ends of the earth, if necessary) their husbands to be. And I want to know if they (husband and wife) are open to the Lord's direction, and are growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior. In other words, what is in their hearts? Are they dedicated? Are they open to God's leading, and the advice of those in authority over them? If the answer is yes, and they are at a reasonable age with stable income, then who am I to keep them from God's gift of marriage?

I hope that has calmed some of the fears that I've apparently fanned. Rest assured, friends and family, we are not encouraging a marriage before the time is right. I'm asking you to have a little bit of faith in our parenting, and ultimately in God. We could use your prayers, because giving a blessing on a marriage is nearly as serious as being the one getting married. We do not take the situation lightly. But it is a balance between getting them ready financially and spiritually, and keeping them pure. If it ever comes down to whether they have reached their premarital banking goals, or whether they are about to corrupt their flesh, I'll advise them to work a second job and get married. I'll not have any sacrificing of the sacred.

Thanks for the great responses and conversations. Feel free to keep them coming. I apologize that the blog will only hold 300 word comments. I'm in the process of trying to figure out how to fix that, but I'm not sure there is a way.

Until next time,

~PrairieBren

"Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh; What therefore God hath joined together, let no man put asunder." Matthew 19:6

More on Nicknames

After reading the blog, my dad wrote me an email with these words:

Jessica was the name of the cow that I had butchered and when you were told that, you would not eat her.

So there ya' go. Us kids were not in the know about the fact that we would have to eat Jessica. Way to stick up for my rights (and Jessica's), huh? ;-)

Bob was actually named after my cousin Robert Lee Stewart who was killed after a car wreck and subsequently fell off of a horse and did the job permanently. The nickname of Bob when I was raising you guys was Robert Lee Rigamortis Rugrat,.....I guess from actual rigamortis from my cousin who was dead.

I'm sorry, Dad. But there's something just not right about that!! Now all of you who know me will understand why I turned out the way I did. Ha! What a riot!

Larry Dean Haynes was named after my cousin Larry Haynes whom shot a rabbit with a 44 mag causing immediate disintegration. Dean came from Dean Harrison whom at the time I thought a lot of. (Later I did not)

Dad also told me that Larry was called Leaping Larry Lizard for being skinny (and I think it was also due to the fact that he was a quick runner).

And finally Brenda Pooh Bear came from me being silly as you were so cute you reminded me of the Winnie the Pooh Bear. I now have a Sheltie named Winnie the Pooh.

Awwww ... now I have a dog named after me too. I'm told she has big brown eyes like mine. I feel so flattered, Dad. Truthfully, I am reminded of a certain picture of me as a girl. I'm sitting by the sink in the bathroom, and with the big eyes and very chubby cheeks, I could see how one would think I looked akin to Pooh Bear. So ... no hard feelings.

It's been fun to recall some of the silliness of growing up. I'm thinking there's a book that needs to be written about all of these riotous memories. So if you see a children's book out there someday with some familiar absurd and wacky names, you'll know why.

~PrairieBren

Mort, Lizard, and Pooh

I picked Jessie and her two friends up from school today, and on the way home, her friends were teasing her about how her laugh sounds like a neigh. So to join in the teasing, I told her to stop neighing, because after all, she was named after a cow, not a horse. You see, when I was a kid, we owned a cow. The cow stayed in a local farmer's field until it was ready to be butchered. But the cow was really very cute, and so my brother, Bob, decided it needed a name - Jessica. (We apparently didn't know the rule of not naming something that will later become dinner!) Anyway, I loved the name Jessica, and yes, that probably stuck in my head somehow and later became my second daughter's name. When I first told Jessie about our cow, Jessica, she was convinced that's who she was named after. I tried to convince her otherwise, but it didn't work, and so now we just console her by telling her that she was a very good looking, good tasting cow. And in honor of our cow, Jessica ... I sometimes call her Jessie Cow instead of Jessica. Warped sense of humor, I know. But that is how nicknames get started.

My dad has called me Brenda Pooh, Pooh Bear, Pooh, Pooey, and all sorts of other variations since I can remember. I'm not real sure how that nickname got started. I'm hoping it wasn't because I reminded him of the "bear of very little brain" ... hopefully it's because I was cute and round as a toddler. ;-)

He also gave my brothers their nicknames: Leaping Larry Lizard, and Mort (short for rigormortis). Sorry Bob, I think you got the short end of the stick when it came to nicknames. :-)) I am also unsure of why my brother's names were changed to Lizard and Mort. Dad, if you're reading this, pray tell! Why are we Mort, Lizard, and Pooh? Our fragile and damaged self-esteems want to know.

I can also recall a friend growing up, whose name was Michael. That is, until Dad came along. One little instance of that kid shoving a rock up his nose, and his name was Rock Beak from that point on. I'm not sure where Rock Beak is today, but we can rest assured that he'll think twice before he puts another rock up his beak ...

I have to admit, my Dad's the best at renaming people. But a friend of ours did an equally good job of renaming Dad when he began calling him Hairbag. Those of you who know my Dad will agree that no other name could possibly be more fitting. :-)

Although our nicknames were weird (at best), we always knew Dad was being lighthearted and funny when he used them, as I am when I make mooing sounds at my daughter. I have many more nicknames I could share, but I'll wait to do that another day. Until then, feel free to share your own nicknames, or those of your children.

Thanks to those of you who have replied (via email) about my post on early marriage. Lots of good discussion and I hope you'll always feel free to post a comment or email me anytime.

Until next time,

~PrairieBren
"Nicknames stick to people, and the most ridiculous are the most adhesive." Thomas Chandler Haliburton

Mawwiage!!!

Mawwiage is what bwings us togeva ... today! And wuv ... twuuuuue wuv!!! Will folwow you...foweva....

Ok, maybe I've watched Princess Bride one too many times. But, since it's the month of Valentines, love and marriage have been on the brain. I know two very young couples right now who are contemplating marriage. One of which happens to be my daughter and her boyfriend ... sigh. Not that I disapprove - but they are VERY young.

Now, having gotten married at age seventeen myself, maybe these kids think that I don't have much room to talk. I can see how they would look at Shaun and I and assume that their marriage would work out the same way (we've been married 18 years now - woohoo!). So how do you tell young ones that are twitterpated and in love that they need to be serious about the journey they are about to embark on? Seriously, post a comment and let me know your thoughts. What would you say to someone who is still a teen and talking marriage? Do you think marriage should be reserved for those only over 20 years old? When is someone mature enough to be married? Is anyone EVER mature enough to be married? Can someone that is still a teen know what "twue wuv" is, and know what type of dedication it takes to say the vows of marriage? Princess Buttercup was certainly not very old ... and neither was her Wesley. ;-) In days of old, it was much more common to be married at a young age. Why has time changed that?

Let me know what you think the pros and cons of marrying early are. Feel free to remain anonymous if you'd like. :-)

In the meantime, I hope you all had a great Valentines Day. Shaun and I celebrated a few days late, but went out and enjoyed each others company. I'm grateful we can still do that! Love you, honey!!! :-))

~PrairieBren

"Life without love is empty and meaningless no matter how gifted we are." Charles Stanley

Rough Relationships

Maintaining relationships is meant for the rough and tough, if you ask me. Wimpy people don't tend to have relationships that are worth much, because relationships take hard work and determination. In previous years, I handled relationships as if they could come and go at my beck and call. But in reality, if you want relationships that are built on trust, love, and acceptance, you have to work for it. When someone wrongs you, it's your business to forgive them - whether they ask for it or not. When you hurt someone, it's your duty to ask them for forgiveness - whether they accept or not. And when there are any issues unresolved, it will behoove you to not let them remain so (don't let the sun go down upon your wrath). Granted, some folks you are trying to resolve an issue with will not want to cooperate. In which case, it hurts ... and yet, you've done what you can. I guess my point is that conflict in relationships is always worth trying to resolve. And the older I get (no comments!), the more I realize it's worth every painstaking effort to maintain the relationships that God has given me. So for those of you who are feeling my pain right now ... keep up the maintenance. It'll be worth it in the long run. ;-)

On the lighter side of things, Big Red was hauled off today to get a new transmission installed. Big Red has yet to ask me for forgiveness. He DID, after all, leave me in the middle of the road, stranded. Ha! Seriously, it'll be nice to have three vehicles again ... even if one of them is guilty of betrayal.

Andrew is feeling much better. His rash from the allergic reaction to the antibiotic has finally all disappeared. Now we are praying his tonsils do not flare up again before his surgery. Everyone has stayed relatively well, comparatively. Rough, rough flu season for everyone in Colorado.

Hope you're all are staying well -- physically, as well as in your relationships with others!

((Hugs)) to you all,

~PrairieBren
"A little Consideration, a little Thought for Others, makes all the difference." Winnie the Pooh

Short Update...

So I took Andrew back to the doctor today to find out what was causing him to break out in a rash. It was definitely an allergic reaction to his antibiotic (the second one they put him on). When he first started to develop a rash, I took him off the antibiotic, and called the doctor. I decided to leave him on the steroids they gave him, because I knew that steroids help minimize allergic reactions. The doctor told me I was a very smart mom to do that. :-) She thought the reaction could have been pretty serious if I hadn't. We've got him on some anti-histamine, and he's already looking better. Whew!!! I'm so glad it wasn't another sickness that he would have to deal with. After three weeks of this, we're ready for Andrew to be back up to par!

On the downside, Shaun and I are now both fighting some kind of bug. But ... since we are brute strong, I'm sure we won't be affected for long. Ha! Knock on wood....

Again, I hope you all are keeping well. Make sure you drink lots of orange juice, take your garlic (even if it does make you stink), and drink that echinacea tea. And try not to work yourself into a frenzy. Rest, rest, rest!!

~PrairieBren

Saga of Sickness...

The saga of sickness continues in our family. Andrew had strep, and we soon found out that he also has mono. I took him back to the doctor when I saw that he wasn't getting better, and his tonsils looked like cherries with cream cheese on them. ;-) I know, TMI!! Cherries is how the doctor described them, and once they were covered in pus, Andrew added the cream cheese description. Ha! Anyway, if that wasn't enough, he's now got a rash covering the top half of his body. So we may be seeing the doctor yet again!

When the doctor looked at his tonsils, his face definitely revealed shock. He told me they were some of the worst he's ever seen ... and then proceeded to tell me that he should have them out. So, once he's recovered some from the mono, we'll be going to the throat doctor. Our appointment is in six weeks.

Ashlee came down with the 24 hour stomach flu yesterday, but looks like she's on the mend. Shaun, me, and Jessie have escaped the lurking illnesses so far. Many families in our church are struggling too, so I'm guessing it's just a really bad flu season. Just another reason to be anxious for spring to get here! :-)

Oh yes, and let's not forget my brother, Larry, who had to have his appendix out today. I'm sure he'll be fine, especially since he'll be getting all that beloved morphine that he's so fond of. Ha! Get well soon, Uncle Larry!!!

Well, other than taking care of sickos, not much is new. I'm learning what it means to be a secretary, and more importantly, what it means to be a servant. Not just in secretarial duties, but in all areas of life. :-)

Hope you all are staying well.

Much love,

~PrairieBren
"If you can't make it better, you can laugh at it." Erma Bombeck

Odds and Ends

The new pictures are just some odds and ends of some of the recent happenings around our household. Don't forget to look at the bottom of the page also. Most of them are from New Years Eve. We had quite the little party over here at my house. Since we didn't eat turkey for Thanksgiving OR Christmas, and Shaun's employer gives us a free turkey every year, I decided to put a New Years Eve party on -- with turkey! Hannah's family came, along with her friend, Amanda, as did Jim and Jeanine. After the big dinner, Jim and Shaun had a nice time catching up, while the rest of us played Pictionary. I don't think I've had that much fun in a long, long time! There's no better way to get crazy than to play Pictionary. ;-)



Meanwhile, Andrew, aka Wendy, has been really ill all week. I took him to the doctor today and he was diagnosed with strep, an ear infection, and a possible sinus infection. So he is one sick puppy! He's now on a hefty antibiotic that should start working by tomorrow afternoon. FYI, the picture with him and the Wendy hair was taken by Jessie with her cell phone -- at Wendy's, of course. That's what you call true fans! ;-)

Hope all is well with all my readers. Until next time, stay warm and healthy.

~PrairieBren
P.S. We are thankful new owners of a low mile, great running car! Woohooooo!!!

Cars In Crisis

The day after the Dodge decided to die, Ashlee's car decided to die - for good! And so the crisis of the cars continues. It makes for an interesting life, trying to tote five people around to their various schedules with one car, that's for sure! :-) Actually, we've rented a car to take some of the panicky feeling away while we decide what to do next (what to buy, if we should buy). At any rate, I'm sure the situation will be resolved shortly. And if not, you'll be seeing a lot more blogging going on here, since I will be confined to my house. ;-) On the brighter side ... I now know how to properly tow a vehicle.

Meanwhile, I am trying to get accustomed to being the new secretary for our Pastor. Our current secretary is moving out of state in a little over a week, so I'll officially be on my own very soon. I am internet savvy, but not so much computer savvy, so there's lots to be learned! Thankfully, I can do all the duties from home. So far, I'm enjoying learning new things, and I love being able to help. The fact that the job lets me stay at home is such a blessing, because it allows me to continue home schooling Andrew, and stay faithful to everything and everyone here at the homestead. In other words, I can still hold the fort down!

I've read two books recently, both of which hit on a subject that was beneficial to me and where I am in life right now. Unfortunately, I'm out of time. But, I promise to come back very soon with some gold nuggets that I retrieved from the books. Maybe even later tonight.

Hope you are all doing well, and that your new year has gotten off to a splendid start! More to come, and hopefully with some pictures. I've wanted to post pictures, but my computer just rebels every time I try. That should be fixed and up to par here very soon also ... so stay tuned.

Much love, prayers, and warm fuzzies to you all! ;-)

~PrairieBren

Two Damsels, One Dodge In Distress

On my way home from getting Jessie from school today, our Dodge truck finally gave up the ghost. At least the transmission did. I pulled up to a stop light. It was red, so I stopped. At the green signal, I gave it the gas, and it gave me a few sputters forward, but that's all I could get out of it.

"You've got to be kidding me," Jessie said, and snickered.

"Not kidding," I replied, pressing on the gas, begging Big Red to move forward. He wouldn't budge.

I tried to pull off the side of the road as best I could, but I didn't get far. With a trembling hand, I searched for the emergency flashers and finally found them. My first thought was how in the world I could get the truck off the road. I didn't see a way without more help. As usual, the first person that came to mind was my sister-in-law, Hannah! She was gracious enough to come to my rescue, and she showed up with one daughter with wet hair (who was kind enough not to scowl at me for abruptly putting an end to her shower), another daughter who was pretty bored with being there, and the baby that she provides daycare for.

We quickly decided that it would be best to at least try and get the truck off the road, so Jessie and Hannah pushed while I steered. I was able to get it mostly to the side, although I was sure that if a policeman drove up, I'd be in trouble. Next thing was to figure out how we'd get Big Red home. I called Shaun and asked about a tow rope. Lo and behold, we had one in the back of the truck (go figure). So Hannah and I went to the back of the truck, picked up the rope, and said, "Now what do we do with it?" This is the problem with always having your husband along when you break down. All the women stand around and giggle while the men hook up the truck, and the women never learn how accomplish these tasks! :-)

Next obvious thing was to call someone with some knowledge about tow ropes ... and hope they were home. Shaun and Ricardo were at work, so there was no help there. Shaun's dad, Jim, was the obvious choice, and he had just gotten home (whew!).

"Brenda's truck broke down and we have a tow rope, but we don't know how to hook it up," Hannah said over the phone.

I thought that was the worst thing she could have said ... but at least she was honest. ;-)

"Maybe I should watch you hook it up this time, so that next time, I'll know what I'm doing," she went on, chuckling. After talking a few more minutes, she hung up and reported that Jim was on his way to get us.

"He said he would be more than willing to come rescue us two damsel's in distress," she relayed, laughing.

Disgusted, I said, "I'd rather he come get this damdodgeindistress."

We looked at each other, wide eyed. But the hilarity of the statement was too much, and we went into yet another laughing fit. You know, the kind of laughing fit that only women in times of stress can have.

Jim arrived to relieve us damsels, and hooked the two trucks together in no time with his handy dandy chain. He would drive his truck, and I would steer Big Red.

"I've done this before, Jim, but it's been a really long time."

"You're going to be the breaks for us. Just make sure you keep the chain taut," he instructed. "It can be a hair raising experience, that's for sure."

He turned and walked away.

I assumed that was my refresher course.

My main fear was breaking what I knew to be precious to Jim - his tow chain. However, I was able to keep the chain taut, except for that one incident ... I think I kept it a little too taut, which may have resulted in a little whiplash.

Needless to say, we made it home in good time, and I will be forever grateful to Hannah and Jim who were willing to drop everything and come to my rescue. Thanks, guys!

The ridiculousness of the whole incident is in the conversation I had with Shaun before he left for work today.

"Maybe you should take Ashlee to work with her car, go get Jessie, and then you could go get Ashlee from work tonight," Shaun suggested.

With the plans I had for this evening, that wasn't going to be very convenient, so I decided (with his blessing) to go ahead and take the truck. We knew it had a transmission problem (it wouldn't go in reverse), but it had been driving forward just fine.

"Chances are that you'll be fine. But it could happen that the whole transmission will go out."

"Well," I said sarcastically, "you know that if the truck breaks down, it will be with me!"

Sigh ... If I could only stuff those words back into my mouth. ;-)

~PrairieBren