Blog Award

I woke up this morning to a comment on my last post, informing me of a blog award. Wowsie! If that's not a great thing to wake up to, I don't know what is!

To see who graced me with such an honorable award, go here. Mama Bird has an awesome blog, in addition to being a great writer, wife, and mom!

For my acceptance speech, I am to list ten things about me. So grab your latte, a few of your favorite candies (a few!), and a warm blanket (it's cold here today), and pull up a big, comfy chair.

Ah hem!

1. I am about to celebrate my 20th anniversary. And I'm 37. You do the math.

2. My idea of a great evening is to go see a movie with my husband, then go out for a snack and chat a while. A long while. My idea of a great evening alone involves sewing, or reading under a cozy quilt that a friend made me.

3. I love winter and snow, but am growing more and more weary of being cold. I often bring a sweater with me in the summer. Pathetic, I know.

4. I am in the midst of reading the manuscript that my father-in-law's uncle wrote about their family history. It takes place just east of where I am located, and he talks of sod huts and covered wagons ... on the prairie. The only thing better than a fictional prairie story is a non-fictional prairie story!

5. I had open heart surgery and a pacemaker implant one short month before I got married. Needless to say, the wedding was small. :)

6. I am going to post a video of myself later on this week.

7. I'm a very unorganized person. I'm also the church secretary. Ask me how well that's going.

8. I am the youngest in my family. I have two older brothers (we're all a year apart), and was raised around all boy cousins. I do have two girl cousins, but one lived far away, and the other was ten years younger than me. As a result, I grew up playing football (tackle!), basketball, and riding motorcycles.

9. I just bought a fancy smancy camera, and am itching to become much more professional in my photography. You know ... in all my spare time.

10. I love plaid. Not on me, but in fabrics for quilting, decorating, etc. And I do love my husband in plaid. Because he's Scottish, and it looks outdoorsy and ... hot. And who wouldn't love a hot Scot!?

Thanks, Mama Bird, for the award!

To spread the love, I am passing this award along (in no particular order) to:

Prairie Chick. This girl is amazing! I think she found me, but we have a lot in common, as you can tell by the name. Her blog is gorgeous, and she's a talented photographer to boot, so check 'er out!

Becky Smith at Smithellaneous. Sweet lady, beautiful family, and awesome writer.

Annie. Love her style of writing.

A. Anne. I can't say enough about her photography. Her love for the Lord comes shining through in her photography, as well as her writing.

Tim at Fort Thompson. He's hip. He's southern. He's got a really cool blog!

Enjoy!!

~Brenda

Three Things You Didn't Know About Me

For this weeks MckLinky Blog Hop, I'm instructed to list three things you may not know about me.

So here goes!!

Numero UNO:

I am a dental disaster. Not only do I not have good teeth, I fear dentists and their wicked little drills and torture tools. I currently have a tooth that is slowly disappearing, but I haven't gotten the courage to go get it filled. I seem to require more numbing medicine than the average person, and I usually get some strange looks from the dental assistant when I writhe in pain (isn't that rude of her?). This does not float my boat, nor give me warm fuzzies. Well, maybe the kind you get right before you pass out.

Numero DOS:

Dirty, goopy sink plugs disgust me. I run mine through the dishwasher once or twice per week in order to avoid the gunky stuff that tends to build up. I also have a bit of a sink fetish, in that, I scrub out my sink at least twice a day, and I dry it, along with the faucet each time I do dishes. It gives it that shiny, well cared for look. A finishing touch worth the five seconds it takes!

Numero TRES:

I love all things quilty. You know that Christmas morning feel you would get as a kid? And that feeling you get when you know a super duper surprise is coming? That's the feeling I get when I look at quilt books. Or when I'm in a quilt shop. Or when I see matching fabrics. I feel so excited and stimulated that I have to work hard to contain my little self. I want to get my grubby little hands on it, cut it, and stitch it all together to make something beautiful. It's like taking little bits of beautiful and making one big beautiful!! I love it!

Want to share three things about your own little self? Join the MckLinky Blog Hop, or simply leave a comment!

Happy Blog Hopping!

~Brenda

Danny Gokey (Prairie Pebble #5)

That's right. Danny Gokey.

Prairie Pebble #5:

I'm an American Idol watcher.

I wasn't until this season. In fact, I purposely avoided the show because the clips I saw of Simon were always so mean and cruel that I didn't think I could handle it. I only started watching because Jessie practically begged me.

Okay, she didn't beg. But she was quite pathetic. And I relented, as usual.

When I first started watching, it was quite painful. Simon WAS cruel. Could he not be a little more graceful in telling people that they suck?

Anyway, the more I watched, the more intrigued I got. Not because I was ooing and ahhing over anyone. But because I got to watch people under pressure. I got to watch them pursue their dreams ... some failing miserably, some succeeding beyond what they realized they were capable of.

I fell in love with Danny at the beginning.

Maybe I should rephrase that.

I didn't fall in love with him. But I thought he had a really sweet spirit, and I love his raspy voice ... and glasses. I didn't even find out about his wife dying until later, so don't try and tell me I'm just sympathizing. I picked him from the start, and I wanted him to win (insert unattractive foot stomping here).

And I'm not gonna sugar coat this folks. I'm ticked completely bummed! I think Danny has far more talent than that of mister-scream-like-you-are-stuck-in-a-barbed-wire-fence-on-the-prairie-Adam-Lambert.

Don't get me wrong. I think Adam is very talented. He can do his own rendition of any song 'til the cows come home.

But Danny has heart. Danny has spunk. Danny has passion. Danny has rasp.

The good kind of rasp.

And Danny doesn't release any blood curtling screams (remember Adam's rendition of Ring of Fire?)

I dare ya' to click that link and listen. If you are a Johnny Cash fan ... well... you might want to refrain from tuning in.

Why?

Because I'm 100% sure that Mr. Cash rolled over in his grave the night Adam screamed sang Ring of Fire.

Having said all of that ... I also believe the infamous Adam Lambert scream has potential.

No, I'm not being willy nilly. I just think that the scream would come in mighty handy whenever I feel those dreaded lurkers hanging around. Not my Lovely Lurkers, mind you. I love all my Lovely Lurkers.

Cuz they listen to me when I need to vent about trivial things.

Like American Idol contestants.

But those dreaded lurkers need to be scared away, and I am confident that the Adam Lambert scream would do the trick.

As for Danny ... well ... sigh ... farewell, buddy. I wouldn't be surprised if we see you sometime real soon.

As for the rest of the competition ...

Go Kris!!!!

~Brenda

Prairie Pebble #4

Howdy Lovely Lurkers!

I hope you are doing well! It has been snowing here this last week, in spite of the fact that the calendar tells me it is Spring.

Where does one file a complaint about that anyway?

Eh hem ... On to the fourth Prairie Pebble, aka a little tidbit about myself that I share with you so that you can get to know me better. And so that I can be more transparent. Cuz my husband tells me I need to.

So Prairie Pebble #4:

I am an author.

Seriously. Published and all! It's not like I wrote a book or nothin' though, so don't get too excited. You'll be the first to know when and if that ever happens.

However, I am published, and I thought you might like to know where. I've submitted my work three times, two of which I was accepted. Both accepted submissions were for compilation books. You know, like Chicken Soup for the Soul? Yeah ... those type of books.

I really love compilation books because you can read a little, then put it down without it being too painful. Whereas with a novel, I have a hard time remembering that I am in fact a mother and wife, and would really prefer my responsibilities to end while I indulge myself.

Anyone else like that??

I thought so.

So here are the books where my work can be found:




This is a devotional for married couples. I have one devotional in it, and my bio is in the back of the book. I see this book all the time in Christian bookstores, and you can order it off of Amazon also.

Just in case you're curious.

And here's the other book:





Isn't that a precious cover?

This book is a compilation of stories that inspire childlike faith. I wrote about my son, Andrew, and his childlike faith while I was neck deep in an undiagnosed illness. Wayne Holmes, the compiler, is a very gracious and patient man.

You'd sorta have to be to work with me.

He just started a blog, which you can find here.

And fyi ... this book is also found in Christian bookstores, and Amazon.

So tell me honestly. How many of my Lovely Lurkers are published authors?

Hmmmm??

Just so ya' know ... I visit every Lurker that leaves a comment. And I must say that some of you are very talented writers.

So 'fess up, will ya?

Toot your own horn!!

~Brenda, the horn tootin' little housewife on the prairie

A Plea for Prayer (Prairie Pebble #3)

How's that title for some alliteration? ;-)

Did you know that I often go through my day thinking up titles for my blog? Ones that contain plenty of alliteration, of course. How weird is that??

Anyway ...

I think we're all familiar enough with what a Prairie Pebble is at this point, so I'm going to get right to tossin' the Pebble. Notice I said "toss," not throw.

Cuz that would be rude.

So Prairie Pebble #3:

I have a gigantic fear of speaking in front of a crowd. And by crowd, I mean more than two people at a time.

It makes my palms sweat. My heart races and skips beats. My mouth goes completely dry. I get a headache. I get a stomach ache. I get it all!!

But Guess what? I'm going to be speaking in front of about sixty people on April 26th.

Deep breath ....

I'm giving my testimony at church, along with letting folks know of my involvement at a nearby pregnancy center and how they can get involved should the Lord lead them in that direction. It should only last about ten minutes - at the most.

TEN MINUTES!!!

Deep breath ....

But here's the good news. I don't have to do it by memory. I can write out everything, and then simply read it. In some ways, I hate to do that, because I think public speaking is more effective if you look people in the eyes. But I know myself, and when I get nervous, I go on rabbit trails. Lots of them. Two minutes into my testimony, we'd be talking about my childhood dog, Twiggy ... and that of course has nothing to do with how Jesus lives in my heart.

So please, Lovely Lurkers. If the Lord so leads you, please offer up a prayer for me, that I might be calm. That I might do this for the right reasons. And that I might get through it without anyone having to call 911.

We have a few paramedics in our church. I do hope they will be attending.

What is in this for you?

Well, not that we should pray for someone so that we get something in return. But there is an upside to all this praying that you would be doing. Because I promise with all my prairie lovin' heart that you will get to read the testimony. I've known for quite some time that I want to post my testimony right here, for all of my Lovely Lurkers to see and know. And I see no reason that the time shouldn't be April 27th, the day after I give my testimony.

Live.

In front of sixty people.

All by myself.

Deep breath ....

Eh hem!!

Posting my testimony on the 27th will allow me to practice opening up.

And it will assure you that I am not dead.

~Brenda

P.S. Lovely Lurkers are starting to emerge ... and I couldn't be happier!!! Keep up the lurking, but remember to be kinda obvious. Okay?

Cute Cows (Prairie Pebble #2)

How do you all like the blubbering, slobbering cows I've recently added? Aren't they disgusting cute!?

Prairie Pebble #2:

You do remember what a Prairie Pebble is, right? In short, it's a tidbit that I share with you so that you can get to know me better. I'm still waiting for you Lovely Lurkers to share something about your little selves.

It's ok. I'm a patient woman. A patient prairie woman.

So Pebble #2:

I love the prairie. But that hasn't always been true. I grew up around large, grandios mountains. Easily accessible mountains. We still have mountains. They're just not easily accessible. So, while they're awesome to look at, they're not something we often take advantage of out here on the prairie lands.

I used to think that if we weren't in the mountains or at least extremely close by, I wouldn't survive. And yes, I know that's childish.

I told dear husband yesterday that I would like to move further out on the prairie. To a little place with a couple of acres. I want at least one goat, a few chickens, and maybe even a cud chewing cute cow! Oh yes, and a German Shepherd to guard the place. And of course, we'd bring our bunny, Fizzles.

Let's see, what else? Mmmm ... yes, I think that about does it. For now, at least.

I never expected the prairie to sneak it's way into my mountain loving heart, but it did. It has a way of growing on you like mold wildflowers. And I'm okay with that now ... more than okay with that.

What about you, Lovely Lurkers? Are you a city girl, or a country girl? Are you a country girl trapped living contentedly in the city? Or are you a guy that is living the daily grind pleasure of an office job, but deep down, you are a Marlboro Man?

Tell me about it!

~Brenda, the prairie lovin', cow huggin', little housewife on the prairie

Prairie Pebbles

Good morning, Lovely Lurkers!

Here it is! The promised post from me to you. Me sharing with you. Getting the ball rolling. Priming the pump, if you want to say it that way.

This does two things for me. It helps me get things off my chest. And it helps me learn to share. Because (she says, leaning forward, eyes shifting left and right), I'm kind of a private person.

Don't get me wrong! I love for others to share everything with me. I am attracted to people that wear their heart on their sleeve. My closest friends are blabber mouths. And I mean that in the most respectful way.

It's not like I'm trying to be someone I'm not. It's just that I find it much easier to open up using the written word rather than the spoken word. And I think it's important to open up. At least on some level.

So without any further adieu, let me toss my first Prairie Pebble.

What's a Prairie Pebble?

I'm glad you asked.

A Prairie Pebble is just a small something I'd like to share about what is happening in my life. A tidbit, if you will. Mind you, I am not throwing stones. No...I would never do that. But out here on the Prairie, we don't have much except for Pebbles. Well, that and tumble weeds. But those are hard to catch.

So - Prairie Pebble #1:

A confession and a prayer request.

I am in debt.

It's true. Not a lot of debt. But, in debt nonetheless. My husband and I are taking a Financial Peace University class by Dave Ramsey. I'm sure you've heard of him, or perhaps heard his radio program. With the economy the way it is, the timing on taking the class seemed to be nothing short of appropriate.

Whoooo doggies! I have learned SO MUCH from this class. Some of it is exciting - dreaming of where we could one day be, financially (as in debt free, not rich). But at the same time, some of it is painful. Why is it painful? Because change is painful! And it became more than obvious very quickly that change was needed in the way I handled money.

But you know what?

I know that when all of my debt is paid in full, all that pain is going to turn in to sheer joy and rejoicing.

In fact, we now have enough money to pay off one of our vehicles. I'm just waiting for when the next payment is due, and I will relish writing that check! Never thought I'd hear myself say that..... I mean, after all, I'll be paying a bill. :-)

So, lovely lurkers, please pray that I will have the gumption to stick to the plan and continue knocking off debt and becoming a saver instead of a spender. I want to do what is right and be a good steward of what God has so richly rewarded us with. Ah, not just monetarily speaking ... but this post is getting too long.

How 'bout you? Would you have any Prairie Pebbles to toss back to me? I'm fresh out.

~Brenda

The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. ~Proverbs 22:7 (NKJV)