The Homeless Chicken

I know the theme lately seems to revolve around animals, but at least this story has a happy ending.
Friday evening, I was taking the children to visit their dad. As we were driving along, Tori said, "MOM! There's a chicken living under that bridge!" I have to say that I *did* see some kind of bird out of the corner of my eye on the side of the road. *But* I really didn't believe that it was a chicken--mostly because there weren't any houses near there.
Yesterday, Dimples and I had to make a run to Corsicana. Along the way, I did indeed see a chicken living under a bridge and yelled, "Oh my gosh! There really IS a chicken living under the bridge!! Let's stop and get it on the way back!" Dimples, I'm sure thinking that I'm STILL crazy, said yes.
Well, our trip took longer than planned, (I HATE grocery shopping in a crowd!) and we had to get home to pick up the kids. I called ahead and explained the plan. They were all for it.
We loaded up in the van with a dog kennel and *a* (Mom had said bring several) blanket and trekked northward once more.
Upon arrival we found the chicken roosting in the trusses. We whooped and hollered and threw empty soda cans until she flew down. Now, at this point *if* I had been smart, we would have caught the chicken as she ascended, but I wasn't smart. Nope. I stood there laughing as she made her way to the ground where upon she began to run, head still intact, but in somewhat the same manner. This is the part that might have been interesting video feed, but fortunately it was too dark. We ran around like headless chickens after the non-headless chicken in circles and around and around and around and around and....well, you get the picture.

Up in the trusses

Then suddenly she ran over the road that went over the bridge, down the hill on the other side and out onto Interstate Highway 45. I held my breath as she made it to the median. *WHEW* Fearless Leader waited for an opening and darted across. It was very dark by this point. I saw her outline running along the median by headlight and motioned to Fearless Leader. He ran up and down the median while we ran up and down the side of the road trying to yell back and forth over the noise of the vehicles. I was so afraid that she would go into the road and be killed. Then she disappeared. Fearless Leader couldn't find her anywhere; I figured she had hunkered down in the weeds. Finally, he flushed her out and the chase was on. Again.
She disappeared once more, but Fearless Leader saw where she was trying to hide, and he threw the blanket over her. Finally, he caught her and brought her back to the side of the road unharmed but scared. We put her in the kennel to inspect her.

In the kennel at last

On the way home we discussed how she might have gotten out there. Ideas flew around: She escaped from an 18 wheeler that was taking her to slaughter, she flew out of the back of a moving van/truck, she was chased away from home by coyotes, she got scared during a storm and ran then was lost... At any rate, she was safe now, and Peace Keeper claimed the right to name her.
Arianwen (are-ee-an-wen) is a beautiful young girl. Mr. Whiskers (our rooster) is already quite taken with her and is not happy that she's penned right now. In a few days, she'll be out free-ranging in a safe new home away from the dangers of the highway and with plenty of food and water.

Arianwen, in her temporary home with Mr. Whiskers standing guard

Mr. Whiskers, posing for the shot

The Cow in the Road

Yesterday, we went to a teaching by Bill Cloud in Waco with the kids and another couple from down the street. The speaker was long but good. One thing he talked about was the protection that YHWH gives to his people. He gave a personal example of how last April when many tornadoes hit near his home town--7 in one day in his county alone--that one tornado in particular skipped over their neighborhood. The tornado had originated in another state, was half a mile wide, and had traveled for thirty miles prior to getting to about 400 yards from his house. It lifted up, went over a large section of his neighborhood to about 400 yards beyond his home where it again touched back down. The tornado then continued for another twelve miles. He made it very clear that he doesn't consider himself special or that he was saved for something special that he did but to make the point that He does provide protection for those following His path. (Yes, I know that bad things DO happen to good people but bear with me.)
On the way home from Waco, we came upon an accident. We were on Highway 84 a few miles past the split with Highway 31. It appeared that a truck had hit a VERY large cow that was now lying in the middle of the road. There were only a few cars stopped at that point and no emergency responders yet. Dimples pulled over behind a black truck, got out and crossed over to the other side to check on the people that had hit the cow. He came back very quickly and told us that the people didn't speak English. I decided to get out and so did my friend. (She has an extensive background in natural medicine.) Fearless Leader also got out then so did Peace Keeper. I told them to get back in the car, Peace Keeper did, but Fearless Leader argued with me. I had to be very firm with him and wasn't sure if he really had gotten back in. A white truck pulled in and parked behind our van.
We crossed the road and had just gotten to the group from the truck when we all realized that a vehicle was coming--VERY FAST! We started waving frantically, and there was someone up the road just a bit waving a flashlight as well, but the truck didn't slow at all. As it got nearer to us, it pulled to the middle of the road and hit the cow causing the vehicle, a blue truck, to jump a little and head straight toward the parked cars on the opposite side of the road--my van now between two trucks, and my husband standing just behind our van.
I screamed and my friend was screaming, "NO! NO!" as we watched in slow motion.
The blue truck fish tailed a bit, over-corrected and was heading straight toward the black truck. We could tell they would meet head on at about the drivers' side headlights. We both knew that the blue truck would smash the black truck, push it back into our van, scrape down the side of both, and push our van into the white truck. I knew my husband would be between the van and white truck. That is what SHOULD have happened. But it didn't.
The blue truck did strike the black truck head on just to the middle of the drivers' side headlights. The front of the black truck turned toward the ditch as the blue truck "bounced" (for lack of a better term) out just slightly away from the rear end of the truck. We screamed as the blue truck skidded, sparking and smoking, past our van, then "bounced" back to grate down the driver's side of the white truck. The blue truck finally came to rest in the ditch about a hundred feet past the last impact.
I ran across the road to chaos. There were five people in the black truck, a man who was in the driver's seat, a lady, two teenage girls and a young girl around five. The females were screaming. My three kids and the husband of my friend were climbing out of the van, shaken but mostly calm. I couldn't find Dimples. I told the kids to get back in the car, buckle up and not move. Fearless Leader argued and argued but finally got in. My friend was assessing the girls from the black truck. I grabbed napkins and took them over and began trying to assess who was injured as well. There was screaming coming from all around us and the smell of burning rubber filled my nose and throat. To keep myself as calm as possible, I began to mentally go through first aid instructions. I glanced up to see Dimples standing in the grass near us on the phone with 911. Relief!
I got the kids out of the van and moved them further into the ditch huddling together. More people were walking around trying to help by this point. One lady was going around asking if people were hurt; I realized her nose was bleeding. She was on the phone and I was trying to ask her if she was hurt. She said that her truck was down there in the ditch. I looked where she was pointing, and it was the blue truck. I tried to walk her to the grass to sit down, but she was trying to tell someone on the phone what happened. She kept saying she was okay and finally squatted down on the side of the road. I left her with someone and went back to check on my kids and the people from the black truck.
Finally, I could hear sirens. First responders began showing up, then police and fire rescue. The highway was (finally!) blocked off and EMT began making rounds. My kids told us that something had hit the front of the van and rocked it. Upon inspection, our tire had a bubble in the side wall but no other damage.
The black truck in front of us had no front tire. It had been ripped off. The driver's door was crumpled in and the windows on that side broken out, the front windshield was cracked into tiny pieces, and the air bags had deployed. The white truck behind us was smashed all down the driver's side.
We learned that there had actually been two vehicles prior to the blue truck that had hit the cow. Her calf had also been hit sometime earlier by an eighteen wheeler an officer reported. There were five vehicles that had been totaled and had to be towed but unbelievably only minor injuries. The lady from the blue truck did go to the hospital, but the EMTs believe she only had minor injuries as well.
Over two hours later, we had given statements to an officer, and Dimples was able to change the front tire. As we hobbled home on our spare, we spoke about the miraculous occurrence. There is just no natural explanation as to how the blue truck missed our van and Dimples. After passing through Mexia, incredibly we saw TWO MORE COWS out on the highway. Dimples swung around to go back toward them, honking. The cows ran up through a gate, and he followed them, honking the whole way. I called 911 to report it. There didn't appear to be anyone at the house. We waited around for about ten minutes and finally left because a sheriff hadn't shown up. I do hope those cows stayed in the gate, and/or the sheriff located them and got them penned up. All in all, it was an adrenaline rich trip--one I hope not to repeat.

Pay It Forward

We just watched a movie from 2000 titled "Pay It Forward." My kids did see it, but I caution that there is bad language and suggestive material. The basic idea from the movie is that if one person unexpectedly helps three people with something that could potentially change their life, then ask those three people to help three more people and potentially change the world. In the movie Kevin Spacey plays a Social Studies teacher that assigns a project to his seventh grade class to think of something they can do to change the world. Haley Joel Osment is a student in his class and thinks up the pay-it-forward idea.
The movie really got me thinking. What if we could change the world? Really. Change the world. Would it be worth it? Would it even work? I don't honestly know, but Dimples and I talked to the kids and we decided that we're going to try it. We're going to try and really help three people every month with something that can possibly change that person's life or circumstance and in return ask those people to help out three more people.
What about you? Can you change the world? Maybe just your community or family? Will you take the challenge with us?

Scramblin' for Calves

Fearless Leader was selected for the calf scramble Saturday night. The prize was $500 to help with 4-H show animal expenses. 14 kids running after 7 calves--get the idea.
If you've never seen a calf scramble, this is how it works. First, a group of kids line up on the chalk line. Then, the calves are released into the arena. When the shout goes out, all the kids run after the calves, catch one, put a halter on it, and lead drag it back across the chalk line. It may sound like a simple task...but it's not!
Calves have a tendency (not unlike children) to want to go their own way. They don't like to be told what to do (see, I told you they're like children) and do NOT like to be caught or lead around. There is a good deal or running around in circles and falling in the dirt. Just because it is a *young* cow, doesn't mean it's very small. A calf can pull many an adult around, so you can imagine what it does with kids.
So Fearless Leader and the 13 other kids lined up. Honestly, I knew he'd catch one, but I was still nervous. He left the line at the lead, ran around in circles for a bit, then got one cornered. After it drug him around for a bit, he tried flipping it over on himself. Meanwhile, I'm screaming my head off and cheering him on. The calf wasn't cooperating and it took him several minutes to get it down. He layed on top of it while trying to get the halter on. Finally--it seemed like 30 minutes, but was really only a few--he got it haltered and up. Then the dragging starts...and continues. When you pull on the halter of an animal that's not used to being lead, the animal digs in its feet and sets back on its haunches a bit. This makes it very difficult to pull the animal. It's not unlike dragging a square boulder. With some ear bending and tail twisting, he finally got the calf across the line, got it down again, and sat on it. He was the FIRST to catch one and thus netted a nice prize. Now all he has to do is decide what animal to show at the fair...

When It Hits You Like a Truck

We were listening to a recording of Rabbi Ray Vander Laan while driving. He was explaining Hebrew culture and how knowing about it changes your perspective of the Bible. There are many things that we just do not understand simply because our culture is so different from the Eastern culture.
The Rabbi was talking about Paul and how it is stated in his letter to the Romans that "the just shall live by faith." Faith is what the English translation says, but the Hebrew word here actually means "faithfulness." Faithfulness to what? To His commands. (All of them.) I was listening and thinking and agreeing. Then his next words caught me. He said that faithfulness is what God wants us to pursue. He told the story of the Canaanite woman who wanted Jesus to heal her sick baby. Jesus at first refused, but she persisted. Then Jesus healed her because of her FAITHFULNESS--the SAME word Paul used. Rabbi also told about Abram. When God came to him in a vision and told Abram that he would be getting a great reward, Abram answered Him with a question about where all his children were. (I'm thinking Abram had great, big.... something to question God right after He's promised a great reward!) God took Abram out to look at the stars and give him a picture of his descendants. He was rewarding Abram because of his faithfulness and the pursuit of God--not letting go until he got what God had promised. God desires us to pursue Him that way--to continually petition Him to fulfill His promises.
At that very moment, it felt as though a truck had hit my chest. I felt physically pushed back, but not hurt. And He whispered in my ear. "My daughter," He said, "your faithfulness has not gone unnoticed."
And I burst into tears. (Did you know that tears really can spring OUT of your eyes?? Literally!!) Dimples nearly swerved off the road. The kids questioned me. "What's wrong??" I couldn't even answer. I was crying too hard.
We are (once again) dealing with a major crisis right now. Over two and a half years ago, God spoke to our family through several different people and told us that our family would be together AND completely healed. We are back together (that took 2 years,) but we are not any where near healed. And I am continually crying out to God to keep His promise. I have been feeling particularly doubtful that we will see the fruition of the second part of His promise because something very terrible happened about three weeks ago that tore our family more. I have been pleading with Him, "God! Please, heal my children! Make them whole again! You promised!" But I felt as though my prayers were falling on deaf ears. Suddenly, I was shook to my very core with His answer. He WAS hearing me! He was NOT ignoring me! He WILL answer me! In HIS time! And I very surely heard Him call me His daughter. Just as I have been pleading for MY children, so is He taking care of HIS children.
So, I will continue to petition Him. I will not let go of the promise He has made us. Faithfulness is what He desires. Faithfulness is what I desire.

Pennies From Heaven

I really am about to burst with the news of yesterday's events, but it took me a while to work out all my thoughts. God blessed us yesterday (well, everyday, but I'm going to tell you about the big news.) First, Justice Seeker had NO cavities! And then my mom got a new(er) van. Ok, my mom getting a new van when I'm without a vehicle doesn't sound like a blessing for me, BUT they gave me their old van for Christmas!!!
Now, to explain about all the vehicle troubles. It actually started over a year and a half ago--April 18 to be exact. I was rear-ended while sitting at a stop light, and it totaled my van. (That word "totaled" looks really weird to me. huh) I borrowed money to buy another one which I HATE to do, same year but different make/model/options (not as many as the other one, but it ran and I could kinda afford it.) The insurance company FINALLY paid a year and a half later after I fought with them over the condition of the van. They said the engine was in bad shape, and I said that it wasn't because my husband is a mechanic and worked on it himself. They said they wanted receipts, I told them to come look at my garage and 40 ft storage container with all my husband's automotive parts in it. I also told them that he's trained by the Air Force and since they're the best, (sorry Kingdom Mama!) he definately knows what he's doing and is certified.....and on and on. I finally settled for MUCH less than what should have been paid but enough to pay the loan.
ANYWAY.... In January, the (newer, but definately NOT new) van broke down (and for the life of my I can't remember what was wrong with it,) and it needed new tires. Then in June, the heads cracked (no, I don't know what that is, I'm just telling you what I was told.) And then a few weeks back the check engine light came on, and it sounded like something was going to fall out from under the car. I don't really know if that's possible, but I sure didn't want to find out. (And Dimples, if you're reading this, you do NOT have to call to explain all of the fine points of this to me. I won't remember anyway--not by choice, but seriously, it's like a foreign language to me.)
Back to the vehicles..... There is also in my possession a horribly, huge, ugly, and dirty a rather large double-cab dually. You know the old adage about the cobbler's son? Well, the same principle applies to mechanic's vehicles. As long as it runs well.....except the dually doesn't exactly do that either. We got some tires changed out on the big thing (thanks to Fearless Leader) and the batteries charged up so it would start (thaks to Fearless Leader) but it wouldn't hold a charge (by no fault of Fearless Leader.) So we (ok actually it was Fearless Leader, I just helped pull up some belt thingy for him) changed the altenator then got the battery changed. (Did you know some big enormous trucks have two (!!!!) batteries???) But PTL the one that needed changing was the one still under warranty! I was driving around the huge monstrosity until it started dying when I would slow down, and thus left me vehicleless which brings my story full circle.
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU God for wonderful parents who helped fill a need! And as soon as I figure out how to publish pics in the blog, I'll show you my beautiful new van. Maybe I should have titled this "Vehicles From Heaven."
And BTW, if you're curious, Fearless Leader is 14. :o)

Vehicle Blessings

I've been without a vehicle (sort of)  for a few weeks now. BOTH the van and truck have decided that they are tired of hauling us all over the country-side. And of course, Dimples isn't here to take them apart and put them back together again, like new. My dad came and picked me up on Wednesday and took me home for Thanksgiving, and now I'm borrowing their van. Before that my dear, dear friends were loaning me their farm truck which got me from the house to appointments and such but we weren't certain it would get me all the way home or not (and I guess I probably needed to get back to Brown House as well.) Thank you God for dear friends and family that are willing to help out in a time of need.
Now, a story from the past.
Dimples and I hadn't been dating very long. One VERY COLD (well, below freezing, icy, etc. Yes, I know I'm in Texas, but it does occassionally get cold here.) Saturday, he decided my thermostat was broken and needed to be changed because the heater wasn't working well and it was getting bad gas mileage. (I'm not sure what the thermostat has to do with gas mileage, so don't send me your car questions. I'm sure it's been explained to me in minute detail, but all I can tell you what color it is. ;o) So he stood out in  the freezing weather while I stayed snug inside. A little while later he came in and anounced it was fixed. And let me tell you, the heater worked GREAT and I DID get better gas mileage. That was one of the first times that I thought, "I could love that man!" And I do.

Thankful for Grandparents and...

We went to visit my grandparents today. I haven't seen them in a year or so (I can't remember the last time.) They are my last living grandparents (actually step-grandparents but they've always been regular ol' grandparents to me.) My brother brought the ingredients to make sausage balls for Grandmother since she can't really cook anymore while Mom and I cleaned up the kitchen. My little, big brother, Big Uncle, and I decided to go back before Christmas and cook all her Christmas dishes for her. Next weekend, my oldest and I will be cooking our little hearts out, and since it's one of our favorite things to do, we won't mind a bit. :)
So after my whining yesterday, I decided to list some other things I'm thankful for. Here goes...
First of all, I'm thankful that I have a wonderful Savior and a comforting Holy Spirit and a loving Father. I really doubt I'd have made it through the last two years alive without my faith to hold me up. And I definately wouldn't have made it without some kind of prescription to keep me sane. SERIOUSLY!
Second, I am thankful for a wonderful, caring, loving, Godly husband who dotes on me and treats me like a princess (at least until I tell him ok that's enough I can't handle being smothered anymore.) Even if I had known we'd be seperated for the first two plus years of our marriage, I would have still said YES!!! I'm thankful that he trusts me, believes in me, relies on me. AND he works two (or more) jobs so I can homeschool the three kids (his step-kids.) AND if I have a job offer (I did work for about 8 weeks teaching last year) he really doesn't think I should work outside the home. He whole-heartedly believes that the kids need me home right now, and he's right; those eight weeks proved it. LOL I should have listened to him. :) Oh, and he ALWAYS tells me that I'm cost-effective, not cheap. hehe
Thrid, I am so thankful for my kids. They, too, have been through more than any kid should have to deal with in the last two years and they have just been troopers. We've definately had our rough patches and they aren't perfect (but neither am I, so that works out) but for the most part, they're taking things all in stride. Also, I'm so thankful that I've been able to witness all three of them come to know the Lord. My two younger ones actually accepted Christ as their personal Savior the same week I got married and were baptized at my wedding. That was so cool. (Just a side note, I didn't know I was getting married that week until Friday, Dimples called and said, "We've gotta get married now!" "I can't," I replied, "I'm at the doctor's office." So we waited until Sunday. Gotta love the military. Air power.)
And I'm thankful for Grandparents! Aren't they the best? I wish I lived closer so I could see them more often. Well, that and a running vehicle might help.
What are you most thankful for?

What I'm Thankful For

I know that Thanksgiving is supposed to be a time when you give thanks for all you've been blessed with. And I AM thankful for health, my kids, my wonderful husband, a house, great family and frineds, etc. etc. BUT it's really hard to go through the holidays without your spouse. The whole family starts gathering around, and all I can think about is that I miss (really, really miss) Dimples. So I bawled, ate a little (very little) turkey, bawled some more, dyed my hair, bawled some more, stayed on the computer til around 2 a.m. and finally cried myself to sleep. And I gonna be thankful that I'm probably the ONLY American that didn't overeat yesterday.