Saturday at the Farmer’s Market (and Pico de Gallo)

Posted on June 30, 2012 by stuffitellmysister

Farmer’s Market was buzzing today in Owasso, Oklahoma.  There was no avoiding the heat, so you just start your day a little earlier.  Take cold water with you.  And go get those “real” tomatoes!  Pico de gallo ~ it’s what’s for supper.It is always great to meet young entrepreneurs!  And yes, I DID buy some bow-wow bones.  My “girls” loved the treats!Owasso Farmer’s Market is local and convenient.  Check out YOUR local market.  A guarantee of good “stuff” and unique people ~

Have a great weekend! And remember to be nice to each other.  😉

My Pico de Gallo recipe:

Desired amount of tomatoes, diced don’t you love the precise measurements?!

1 jalapeno pepper, diced (don’t rub your eyes!)

a few crushed red peppers (if you REALLY like it warm)

a bit of sea salt & a dash of pepper

a dab of garlic and onion powder

a squeeze of lemon juice (optional)

ANOTHER great option is to mix the above mixture with a couple of ripe avocados.  You will love me forever if you try that concoction!  😉

Mix and allow it to become tastier by setting up in the frig for an hour or so.  Also, I detest raw onions.  But if you like them…go for it!  This is delicious rolled up inside of a warmed corn tortilla.  Oh so easy….. and pretty healthy, too!

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Waiting on You ~ “Weight on Me”

Posted on June 29, 2012 by stuffitellmysister

A few months ago, Jodi Bradford learned of a need for a weighted blanket for a special needs child. She decided to do some research and see if she could figure out how to make this happen.

Before I tell you the rest of that story, let me jump back a few years.  Jodi was not a seamstress, but thought it would be fun to learn to sew blankets and quilt.  She purchased a sewing machine and proceeded with her new hobby.  With her son preparing for a mission trip to the Appalachian Mountains, she thought it would be good to send a warm blanket with him.   She then took on the project of making FIFTY blankets to send with him to share with others.  He not only shared, he called her after a few days and said, “Mom, I need fifty more!”

So when the request came for a “weighted blanket”, Jodi was already purposed to fill that need.  And so was born, “Weight on Me’.  The added benefit?  Jodi’s own children sleep peacefully now, all because their mom followed her heart.

What is a weighted blanket? (from the “Weight on Me” website)I know, I had to ask, too.  Amazing.

While we were having lunch this past week, I noticed that Jodi’s eyes light up when she talks about the blankets; the shipments to other countries; the lives that have been changed.  This is her passion.  Her mission. It chose her.  When I asked Jodi if she would hire someone to help her since her demand for weighted blankets is increasing.  She said, “No”.  She wants to keep her blankets affordable.  Every dime goes back into her materials.  Besides, she has good help.  Her children assist her when it comes to the “filling” process. It is truly a family affair.Jodi feels blessed in her life and wants to share that blessing with those who need it.  One blanket at a time. Filled with silicone beads.  Stitched with hope.  Shipped with a prayer. All over the world.But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.  Isaiah 40:31For more info about Jodi and her mission, (and there is SO much more to know!)please check out their website :  Weight on Me  ♥  Quite the inspiration ~

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Summer Snow ~

Posted on June 28, 2012 by stuffitellmysister

Summer heat  in Oklahoma can be brutal once it “really” hits.  Last year the sixty-something days of oppressive triple digit temps mixed with the drought were devastating for our state.  I have friends from “cooler” states that ask, “How can you stand it? I could never live there.”  Well, you just “do it”.  And then almost always, when you think you cannot stand the heat any longer, a surprise gift of a cloudy afternoon might blow in.  The temps may drop to the 90’s.  You find yourself grateful.  It’s the little things, ya know?

I was thinking about those “little” things yesterday while I was mowing our backyard.  As I bumped the white crepe myrtle with my lawn mower, the white blossoms showered the ground and in my head I thought, “Awwww….summer snow”.  I was reminded of when I was a little girl, spending summer days with my grandparents in southern Oklahoma.  Grandma always had beautiful crepe myrtles by the front porch.  We would sit on the porch swing enjoying root beer floats.  Later Grandpa might break open a watermelon.  But there was always another story to tell and a neighbor to wave to, while we sat outside and watched the clouds, hoping for a cool breeze.

Have a great day friends, and be nice to people ~  And as my dad always says when the temps get this warm, “Think Cool”. ♥

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Yes, I Did Vote!

Posted on June 27, 2012 by stuffitellmysister

Yesterday was voting day in Oklahoma.  And yes, I voted.  I ALWAYS vote.  It is a privilege many Americans take for granted.  It is a privilege that those in other countries fight for and dream of.   It is an honor to vote.  It is also a responsibility. We must study and try to be informed to see through the garbage and mud-slinging. Sometimes it is difficult to vote for the lesser of two evils, knowing that an “evil” will still prevail.

A county proposal was on our ballot yesterday.  The question was on raising taxes.  Who WANTS to pay higher taxes?  So it’s a “no”, right?  If only it were that simple.  It seems our county had a judgement rendered against them in the amount of 22 MILLION DOLLARS.  Our choice was to increase our ad valorem taxes OR to vote a 1/3 penny sales tax.  Either way, we would pay.  And now we will.  For fifteen years.And as for the guy with the alpaca farm? (see photos)  Yep, he won.  Cause who doesn’t love an alpaca?  😉

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How was YOUR weekend?

Posted on June 25, 2012 by stuffitellmysister

This past weekend was hubby’s weekend off from work.  These don’t happen often and they are like GOLD.  Truly.  Our plans were to meet our younger set of kids. which we did and enjoyed!   Hubby and I love to treasure hunt though, so we could not resist the fluorescent green garage sale sign just outside of our neighborhood. We followed the arrow…..and the next arrow….and the next arrow.  Before we knew it, we were a few miles from the house, but it was an adventure and we were still certain on finding something spectacular.  We finally arrived at our destination.  Old clothes.  An old treadmill.  And there was another giant fluorescent sign strapped to the front of the brick house that read:  “YOU CAN NOT USE OUR BATHROOM!!  DON’T EVEN THINK ABOUT ASKING!”   Really.  Did this needed to be stated.  AND in such a rude manner?  Sometimes ~certain things will trigger that little bit of “GET-EM” inside of me.  This did.  As we were walking down their driveway, I stopped, turned and said, (yes~ you’ve probably already figured it out ;)) “Do you think I could borrow your restroom?”  The man’s jaw dropped and he studied me briefly in silence.  Then he broke into laughter and proceeded to tell me that there was an oak tree I was welcomed to use.  I won’t tell you where the conversation went after that.  As I said, I found the signage silly.  But there was a kind man who was shopping, and he took the time to stop me and tell me where the closest convenience store was located.  I didn’t have the heart to tell him that I was simply trying to “poke the bear”.

On Sunday, hubby and I were traveling on Route 66.  This particular portion was a busy divided highway with four lanes.  We started seeing slow downs, red brake lights, and cars pulling over.  I then noticed a policeman many cars ahead with his lights on.  We determined he was stopping someone.  But then he did a u-turn, and when the truck in front of us moved to the right hand lane, there was a large blue sedan…directly in front of us, going the wrong way.  The officer was trying to get to them.  Hubby chose to take the median rather than the car to the right or the head-on before us.  Our hearts got a pretty good work-out.  The officer was able to get her stopped before anyone was hurt.  It seems she thought she was on the service road.  Later that evening as we were “reflecting” on our day, my words to hubby were, “Man, I wish I’d had my camera ready for that one!”

You never know what the next moment will bring.  And you cannot ALWAYS have your camera ready.  So the pics of SHROOMS have nothing to do with anything….kinda like my post today.  Just ponderings in my noggin’ and pics on my sd card.  😉  Have a great week, friends.  Be nice to people.  And let them use your bathroom.  🙂

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Sundays ~

Posted on June 24, 2012 by stuffitellmysister

Hope you are relaxing on this Sunday ~

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The Rose ~

Posted on June 22, 2012 by stuffitellmysister

I stopped to photograph this tiny little rose-bush yesterday.  The miniature plant is at the end of our front porch.  Mad & Erin, our older set of kids, gave it to me for Mother’s Day when we lived in Joplin, MO.  I planted it immediately, but when I found out we were going to sell our house, I dug it up and placed it in a pot.  It moved with us to Oklahoma.  It was forgotten in the pot.  It survived a pretty harsh winter outside.  Unbelievable.  So that first spring here, I place it in the ground.  If you had seen it, you may have tossed it.  But I thought it deserved a chance, again, given it’s winter survival.  I noticed this spring, it had been over come by other flowers.  Frail.  I should give up on it. my head said   My heart wouldn’t let me.  It was a gift from my kids.  And so it sits in the front yard at the end of the porch now. Right in view by the chairs where hubby & I sit and sip our summer beverages.  Scrawny & still frail.  But this rose is a fighter. I’m learning that Roses are.  I will keep giving it nourishment.  Cause every once in a while,  it does something silly, like give me hope.

Have a wonderful weekend, people.  Remember to be kind to each other.  You just never know what the other person might be dealing with today ♥  And please keep sending little Rosalie positive thoughts & prayers….she is still fighting for her life ~ Rosalie’s Update Page ♥

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The Interrupter

Posted on June 21, 2012 by stuffitellmysister

Life changed in a Moment.

Unexpected.  Uninvited. Interrupter.

Changes.

I question God.  How could You?

Plans.  Perfection. Routine.

Gone.

Cries fall on deaf Ears.

Restore.  Heal.  Comfort.

And while I slumber

Won’t you please repaint

This portion of My Life ?


							

	
			

													
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Summertime


			

				Posted on June 20, 2012 by stuffitellmysister			


					

				
Today marks the first day of summer here in the U.S.    Summer Solstice.  The longest day of the year. But it is not necessarily the warmest….so get out and enjoy what’s around you.  Summertime never seems to last very long ~

							

	
			

													
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Prayers For Rosalie ~ An Update


			

				Posted on June 19, 2012 by stuffitellmysister			


					

				
It has been almost two weeks since little Rosalie’s accident. (for any reader unfamiliar with Rosalie’s story, read “Ribbons and Prayers for Rosalie“)The pink ribbons that can now be seen all over our town, serve as reminders that she is still fighting for her life.  She and her family still need our support, prayers, and positive thoughts.  It has been heart-warming to see the many local fundraisers.  Bake sales, lemonade stands, garage sales.  All in an effort to help Rosalie’s parents be able to spend time with her, and off set some of the expenses.


The most recent update from her family was posted last night and it is as follows:


“Hey everyone! Sorry that we took so long getting you an update on Rosalie today. She had such a great day! Her vitals all stayed very stable overnight and through the day. Her temperature is beginning to stabilize! We have been able to maintain her temperature most of the day on the very lowest setting of the heating blanket! Also, several days ago, the nurses started to give her a “bath”, and it …caused her temperature, blood pressure and heart rate to drop and gave us all a good scare. Today, we braved the “bath” again, because we are trusting God that it is in His hands. Rosalie did very well, and actually, her vitals seemed to respond positively to it. Tonight we continue to pray for complete healing of Rosalie’s body. Specifically, we will be praying for her breathing to get stronger and that we will start to see her breathing on her own again. Also, we are praying that she will open her eyes soon! Please join us in praying for over all healing, but also in these specific needs. Thank you all so much for your continued love and support of Rosalie and our family! Thank you Lord for the blessing of one more day with our sweet Rosalie, and for continuing to heal her little body. We love you Lord!”


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I will post future updates in the “comment area” of this post, so you can check up on Rosalie.  You can also go directly to her parent’s Facebook page (along with over 23,000 others) ~ Please Pray for Rosalie.  Thanks to each of you for keeping Rosalie in your thoughts and prayers ~ ♥


(Above photo from “Please Pray for Rosalie” facebook page.)

							

	
			

													
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