Fire

I got a call Saturday at about noon that there was a fire out near my parent's house, and it looked bad. My cousin's wife was on the way to their house, and she said that you could see flames in the pasture next to their place. Dean, the girls, and I were on our way to Wal-Mart, and we immediately headed out that way. Usually it takes 25 minutes from town - it didn't take that long this time...... There was a fire a year ago, and I remembered how worried or excited mom was when she was telling me about it. Honestly, I thought to myself that she might have even over exxagerated some, but now I know differently. I don't think most of us really get it until we live a situation or a circumstance ourselves, or at least for myself I now know that is true. We got to my parents, and you could see lots of smoke. Soon, the smoke turned orange, and then you see the flames come over the top of the hill towards their place/home. My parents live on a hill that is one of the tallest places in the county - a beautfiul view of sunsets, stars, the land, etc., but at this moment I thought to myself that we could almost see too much from where we stood. Automatically, your mind & body starts getting into motion. We got hoses ready - I told my parents to gather some items (only an arm full of things, & be ready when it could be time to load up & get out). I also told her to run water & fill up the water tank so that we had plenty of water either for ourselves, or the homes within eyesight. Selfishly - I caught myself hoping the wind would change, but then thinking that there are homes that direction too! Not knowing what is happening only miles away is another fire in a subdivision that needed support from more firefighters due to there being so many homes. So, the one we were watching was going quickly, & not many to fight it were available. The wind was calmer than usual - a lot calmer, & I remember thanking God for that real quick! Ends up that this fire burned over 2,500 acres of land, and no homes were lost. I remembering even thinking that if the goats/deer had to go - I would open the gates, & let them out just so the homes would be ok. I was never so glad to see fire trucks, EMS crews, fire spotter planes, firefighters (most volunteer keep in mind), forrest service men, and neighbors so much. It was an epiphany that I should have known earlier in life - I have felt this way about EMS since my mom survived an accident years ago, but did not get it until this past Saturday how wonderful firefighters are, & how much they truly care. I watched people bring water, sandwiches, sprayers, tractors, equipment, feed sacks, hoses, & so much more just in case it was needed. The fire center or station was at my parent's neighbors house, & we all kept checking in on each other. I cannot thank these volunteers, & all those that serve others in a time of need enough. To top it off - my daughter's Sunday school teacher the next day made it to teach class which may not seem important or relevant to this story, but read on..... He is the fire cheif, & stayed out to fight fire until four that morning.......... Wow. His beeper went off during prayer, and they got called out again. This was the first time my daughter noticed his beeper.... I think she got it too.



Forever is your life changed when you are helped by a neighbor, friend, community worker, or stranger in a time of true need.
Interesting is life when you really look back at the hard times in your life, & you realize that God put people or angels on earth to help you.
Really mean it when you say thank you to someone who protects you, or gives their time & even life to help others.
Everyone has the ability to help others - even the small acts of kindness can mean so much!

Taxes

I work part time for a bookkeeper, and he also does tax preparations along with a partner. I started this job last year, and tax season was an absolute mind blower for me. I guess I have to admit that I was guilty of thinking that I was the only client back when I didn't work for him, and mine should be done ASAP..... I learned real quick though that less than half of the population pays taxes, and only the ones that show up right away are the ones getting a refund. I also learned real quick that most people think the world revolves around them, and a tax person is suppose to make magic! OK - I know I sound grumpy and mean, but really - taxes and death are something we both eventually have to accept. It is just something that I never really got until I worked in this field, and I guess most of us don't really get most jobs until we are in them, but it still is very interesting..... So, if I come across as being cynical or mean - I am apologizing right now. What I do know is that kindness comes a long way when you are asking for a service from someone - being mean or rude usually just backfires. I can for a fact confirm this in the tax & electrical business - even in the teaching too. ;)

Try too tell the truth when you do your taxes - it could very well come back to haunt you if you don't, and remember you are responsible for the information given to the tax person - not them.
Always come prepared if you have someone do your taxes, and please don't play dumb.
Xrays is what the IRS uses when they audit - I have seen it - have receipts & keep good records.
Educate yourself - ask questions - use the internet for answers if you have acces - if not, don't forget the library.
So what did you do the past eleven months if you absolutely have to have your check right now?? Yes, I was one of those too, but I was at least kind to the person on the phone.

Gifts

So many gifts given at Christmas, and so many received. I am so grateful for my family & friends that give to our girls. We are truly blessed, and I amazed every year on how much the girls are given! I still think that our most precious gifts of all are given from the good Lord. I thank God for my Savior, my family, my friends, and my freedom.


Giving is better than receiving (I have to work on this one sometimes - I can be a scrooge at times - my family knows this!)
Invite someone to your home or church that is lonely or in need of a friend.
Freedom is something that we take for granted - thank a veteran or someone in the military.
The best gift is love.
Share with others your gratitude, and they will witness grace at work.

Fall

I just went to a sweet and dear friend's moms funeral. Her mom has struggled for a long time with cancer, and even though I did not ever get a chance to meet my friend's mom - I learned so much about her through my friend. The service was graveside only, and so many of the words spoken keep coming back into my mind. This woman was a person of strong faith, and hearing so much praise from her husband and children just really made my heart warm. What a life of legacy to live so deep in faith that it is passed on to your children, and through your husband.

She died on this past Saturday - a warm, sunny, still, almost perfect day - one that you must take time to go outside, and take a fresh breath of air (I laid in the hammock). Today was windy, colder, partly overcast, and the first of a true "fall" day - one that you had to frantically search for that coat that is somewhere in the closet. Just before the service - a beautiful and full rainbow appears. The winds became stiller as the minister talked, and I noticed her precious granddaughter dancing in the breeze after the service by herself. I looked up around to see the leaves falling, but in a graceful motion. My friend talked to me a lot about seasons, and how our lives change just like the seasons. I don't think I have noticed it as much as from the day she called to tell me about her mom passing away to today's fall weather - a true & obvious change in the climate. I really think that I will appreciate the seasons in weather, and the seasons in my life more after witnessing "fall" today. I am also inspired to take time to reflect on my, my life, and seasons.


Forever in Christ's arms is something to celebrate.
All are sad to see a loved one leave this earth, but peace trumps the understanding when you know they did not struggle in their faith.
Let your loved ones know how much you care about them - often.
Love will catch you when you fall.

Sheshie

Sherry - this one is for you! Yesterday was my sweet cousin's birthday, and my whole family refers to her as Sheshie. I love you gal, and you are like a sister to me. Thank you for always listening to me, loving me, and for putting up with me. You have seen me at my worst, and my best. I miss you living so far away, but I know that you are always close at heart. Happy late one day birthday, and have many more. See ya soon, and please come back to Texas soon!

Sharing is one of Sheshie's finest qualities.
Happy to help, and honest even when you think you don't need it.
Excited to hear good news from family & friends - the first you want to call.
Remembers entirely too much about childhood, but forgives easily (referring to many accidents caused by her older cousin)
Recommends really good books, coffee, food, and wine!
Yesterday is gone - today is here - and tomorrow - you never know (she has helped me see life in a much better way).........

Ribs

Last time I wrote in my blog it was about our dog, Abby, ending up in the principal's office. This Abby story is about ribs. You have to understand one thing upfront - my husband makes the best grilled ribs I have ever eaten, and all of the family agrees. So, when our girls are given a choice of what to grill outside (this is not often - usually I decide.... meaning the cheapest item), they will pick ribs. Morgan had to go acolyte Saturday evening service, and Deano said that he would take her if I stayed home & started the ribs. Now, he does not offer often to take the girls by himself, because he likes going to church as a family, but I think knowing that hunting season is right around the corner - he was doing a little bit of shmoozing. I was beat from working out at my parents, and to be honest was enjoying the idea of having the whole house to myself for over an hour. My ONLY job was to start the ribs, and this causes some pressure, because only Daddy can do the ribs just right...... Well, I got some helpful tips from Dean before he left, and started the coals after seasoning the ribs. I do NOT remember letting Abby inside the house, but when I went back out to clean off the grill right before the coals were just right - guess who invades the kitchen counter!!!?! Yes, the precious pain in the you know what, took a whole slab of ribs and started chewing away! Did you know a dog can eat really fast? I think that someone from above caught my attention, because I stopped in my tracks while cleaning the grill, and thought to myself - "Where is the ---- dog?" I ran back inside to catch her in the act. Needless to say - one slab was left still on the counter (thank God), and I still cooked the half eaten slab after cutting off one end, and washing it off really good. Macy (our short weeny dog) got a lot to eat that evening, and Abby did not get a rib treat - to my knowledge that is - the girls probably snuck her some. Lesson learned - big dogs can reach counters, and table tops very easily!!!! The next week after this - I caught her standing on all fours on top of our table looking around for food! Luckily nothing was on the table at that time..... Last, my ribs were not as good as Daddy's ribs, but they sure did eat the whole "non touched Abby" slab. ;)


Relaxing outside, and noticing God's beautiful creations is a true joy of life.
Interesting dogs or pets make some interesting stories.
Being calm is taking practice for me, and focusing on breathing is one helpful tool.
Seeing humor in life can sure make it a bit easier at times.

Abby

Abby went to the principal's office today. Abby is our dog, and we live about two blocks from school. I was at my parents mowing, and did not have phone service so Dean got the call. She dug out, and decided to go play with the children on the playground. We did not have an I.D. tag on her, because she tore the last one off. Luckily, our neighbor is the school counsellor, and she recognized our treasure......, or pain in the you know what....... One of the sweet aides at school walked Abby home, and waited on the front porch for Dean. Poor Malory was taken out of class to identify Abby, and asked her how they could get ahold of her parents. The principal brought Abby in, and kept her in his office until the aide could take her home. It is too funny now, but I have to admit that the Jenschke family was a bit embarrassed. Makes a great story though, and just shows you how wonderful our school system is not only to our children, but pets as well!



A pet owner should keep tags on their pet with a phone number just in case they get lost.
Be good to your pet, because they love you unconditionally - no matter how you look, how much money you have, or even how you behave.
Be a responsible pet owner.
Yearly shots, and checkups keep your pets around longer.

Shoe

My blog today is about a shoe. Yes, a shoe. Yesterday I subbed first grade, and had a very interesting day...... A really sweet first grade class, but had something happen to me that has never happened before in the classroom. I have not taught for ten years, and just started subbing hoping to get a job. Maybe.... One little boy did not want to move his clip after I asked him to because of his behavior. I had warned him several times. When I asked him - he said no and threw one of his shoes at me. It really is kinda funny now that I think back, but I have to say that I am surprised on how much teaching has changed since my days, or is it the kids?? Just so you know - the clip got moved, he eventually got his shoe back, & I got a kiss on the cheek from him at the end of the day. ;)


So many children just want to be looked in the eye, and greeted with a smile.
Happy parents or parent makes happy kids.
Optismistic attitudes are what gets us through life much easier.
Every child has a gift - you just have to look for it.

Sister

I have a really awesome sister. I am blessed beyond what I deserve in a best friend and sibling. She knows me better than probably anyone besides my hubby, and she still loves me. I started a part time job, and I work with a beautiful young woman that also has a sister. I have noticed that they are very close, and I can't help but think of my girls, and hope that they too will develop a relationship that is wonderful. I thank God for my sister, and I thank God he put Morgan & Malory together. I love you sis, and thank you for loving me. I also have close friends too that are like sisters, but we all know that friends may come and go - family is forever. I am truly greatful for my dear friends who are too like sisters. I do have to add also that cousins are great sisters too, and I am blessed too with two that I would do anything for, and love as much as my sis. You know who you are. :)

God blessed the broken road that led me to you, Jeanna.



Sisters are great, but not everyone is blessed by a sibling or a close relationship with theirs. So, find a sister if your heart desires - friends & cousins are good sisters too.
Include your sister in big decisions - they will be honest - maybe even too honest, but just cause they love you.
Share a smile with your sister across the room - she will know what you are thinking.
Tell your sister, friend, or sibling how much you love them. My dad's brother died before him, and he was younger. That was so hard to see how hard it was for my daddy, and I learned then to tell the ones you love now that way you have no regrets.
Everyone needs a friend - be kind, and remember your blessings.
Remember that you are not perfect, and neither is she.
Sometimes we just have a bad day - forgive her if she upsets you b/c I promise she will also have to forgive you too.

Husband

Tomorrow is my husband's birthday, and I wanted to write about him. I am blessed beyond what I deserve when it comes to the love of my life. Dean or my "Deano" is awesome - not perfect, but who is? He loves me more than I know, and I cannot understand all the time why, because I am not always easy to live with. I think in every relationship, there is one that is more patient, kind, and laid back. Dean is that person in our marriage. The thing that I love most about Dean is that he makes me laugh, and I love to hear him laughing. We have fun together, and I do enjoy spending time with him. We do have our moments, but for the most part in our marriage - we have been very fortunate to like each other as much as we do everyday. We work together too in our business, and sometimes that is the hardest challenge that we have in our relationship, but I am proud of how much we have improved in that area. He works very hard to support our family, and truly loves his girls very much (he has even come to like the two female dogs too in our family). I hope he knows how much I love him, and I wish him many more birthdays. I will come back and read this again on the not too fond of my husband moments. he he. :)



He will make mistakes, and if you want him to forgive you - forgive him too.
Understand that men are just flat out different than women.
Spending time alone with your husband is absolutely necessary in a marriage.
Best friends are hard to find - let him be your best friend.
Allowing each other to have time on your own is important.
Never under estimate the temptations out there that can destroy a relationship - keep your eyes and ears open.
Do things together that you both enjoy - life is short.

Job

I often wonder about my current job, and I may have already written about this, but it is still on my mind. I am currently a mom, wife, secretary for our business, and gopher. I miss my paycheck from teaching to be honest, and have had thoughts of returning to the "real world". Although, is money all that worth it? What would the business do if I was gone? Will I miss my wonderful boss? Which is just to clerify is my husband and myself. Who will my parents, family members, and friends rely on when needing someone without a "real job"?
I read today to a group of children in my daughter's class, and I do miss the kids very much. I don't miss the political side of teaching, the stubborn or clueless parents, and the teaching of the "test". So, I am trying to focus on this. Whatever you do - do it all for the glory of God. End of story, and I will just keep on praying.


Just give you worries to God and pray.
Only the lonely will tell you that they put work first and family second.
Be as positive as you can in whatever you do - attitude is a choice - choose a positive one.

Needs

Christmas is always the time of year for giving and reflection. I am always amazed at the amount of advertisement, money, and time that once a year can take. Every year - I do the same thing too. I end up thinking to myself how much money we spend, and tend to become my Grandpa - God bless him. I remember him saying many times at Christmas - "We should not be giving gifts, but just be getting together and enjoying the time." I would think to myself as he opened a gift that we gave him that he was a scrooge. Ironically, too Grandpa was probably one of the most generous men that I have ever known. Now, look at me - not only did I get the gift of "gab" from him, but also the grumpiness at Christmas. I have done some heavy thinking lately, and have to say that part of my grumpiness does have a point. I think of so many people that don't have a choice in what gifts to give each other, and the hungry. Maybe I myself needs to focus more on them, because that kind of giving is so much more fun. I had a lady tell me the other day about a family that she adopted for Christmas. The child about ten said he wanted a jacket and socks. His mother would love a Wal Mart gift card, but what she really needed was laundry detergent. I about fell over with guilt. This has been the hardest year financially that we have had in a long time, and I still have absolutely no shortage of socks or detergent in my house! My own little selfish rear end was worrying how I was going to buy my girls a bracelet (one that would buy a lot of socks!). Oh, how does it all go hay wire? I guess I just want to remind myself of the many blessings that I have, and want to sit down tonight at dinner and talk about how we can help someone else out this year that truly has NEEDS and not just "wants". I too remind myself that the best gift of all is that I was taught about God, Jesus, and grace. It puts a whole new meaning to Merry Christmas......


Never assume that you are the only one with hard times.
Enjoying each other is truly one of the best gifts at Christmas.
Every year for Christmas - listen and I promise you will hear of somebody that is truly in need - help them, and sit back to feel the joy.
Do your best to teach your children or children in your life about the gift of giving.
Sharing your giving is not necessary - giving secretly is much better - try it and see.

Cows

Yesterday, I loaded up most of my parents herd of cows to haul to the auction. Dean and I have been helping my mom and dad for awhile now, and bought half of the herd from them awhile back. To make a long story short - we cannot keep up with the herd, fences, feeding, etc. My parents ranched all their life together - ranched only - no other job on the side, and I just don't know how they did it. Well, I do, but it is not the life that I could live. I want more things, and I have a hard time admitting that. They lived a simple, quiet, resourceful life that sounds wonderful to me now, but we "wanted" too much. It may sound weird, but those cows are going to teach me something - I know it. They already did, but I need to learn more. It really was hard to close the door to my parents livelihood - not all the way, but downsize and I hope that they are OK with it. They are now getting social security, and it is the first time in their lives that they have a guaranteed check every month! They love it. I have noticed that there are so few anymore that are truly living off the land, and ranching/farming is a trade that is slowly becoming endangered. I mean the true ones that work only off the land and depend on it. Thank a rancher or farmer next time - they are amazing people. Why did it take me so long to respect, and appreciate my parents more in how they made a living?


Cows can be mean - only because they feel threatened usually - MOVE when they are come to close.
Only experienced persons should work cattle or help work cattle - otherwise stay in the truck.
Watch a cow - they eat, take naps often, have no modesty, and protect their young - what a life!
Share with your parents if you can that you appreciate what did to raise you - it was hard work to them, and so often we feel unappreciated.

Bike

I bought a bike this week. Boy, has it been a long time since bike days. I gave my Wal mart bike to Morgan, and she thinks that she is big stuff. I don't have the heart to tell her that my bike is even better, and who knew??? I never realized on what a difference tires can make, and all that jazz. Wow! Needless, to say - I love my new bike, and I feel free like a kid again when I ride it - especially with the girls. Go for it if you have a bike and get back on, because the ride is fun!


Better late than never to get on a bike and ride.
I never knew going down hill could be that much fun again.
Knowledge about bikes is helpful, but the sales people do know their stuff!
Every child should have the chance to own a bike - look around, and make sure the kids in your neighborhood/church/or friends of friends around you have one.

Help

I found out last Saturday that God puts people in your life as you need them. Our help arrived soon after we got home to find a water leak from a busted pipe in our home. We were gone only four hours, and our house was completely flooded with water. You know it is bad when you drive up to notice water coming out of the garage and front door! We made some phone calls, and were amazed with our friends, family, and neighbors that dropped everything to come to our rescue. Even the Servpro company (clean up crew) was very impressed in how fast we got everything out. The tile floors were saved by the many fans that dried out the whole block (i mean house), but our bedroom floors were torn out along with baseboards in every room. I felt sorry for myself a couple of times, but realize now that it could have been way worse, and are grateful that we have a home to come back to with each other. I thank God we have wonderful people in our lives, and it reminds me that it is very important to help others every chance you get!



Help someone in need, because your turn will come when you need it too.
Enjoy the help when you can get it, and be sure to be thankful.
Love one another - that goes a long way!
People can be your angels on earth, and watch closely to see how blessed your are in life.

Smile

I was reminded yesterday how important small acts of kindness can be to others. If you pay attention - a smile can really make someones day. I love to smile at somebody, and wait for their reaction. They either seem surprised, smile instantly back, smile and start talking, or just look at you like you are weird (probably thinking do i know her). Now, don't get me wrong - I do not smile all the time at others, because sometimes I am just plain grumpy, but I am going to try it more often. One simple act of kindness can really just change a person's view of others, and brighten their mood. I just need to remind my girls of this too, because a smile is contagious, and nowadays we need something good to catch instead of getting sick! Try it - smile and see what happens.


Show others you care by looking them in the eye, and don't forget to smile.
Many people are struggling way more than you will ever know, and could use a nice gesture.
Introduce yourself to someone new (keep it public), and you may just make a friend.
Let somebody know they look nice or give them a compliment - they will remember it all day.
Enjoy friendly people whenever you can, because it will make up for the meanies.

UP

This title is mainly about getting up and getting out. I have blogged about running before, and I just wanted to share that it has helped me tremendously. Now, please note that I do not always run, but do a whole lot of walking too. I have to admit that the doctor was right, and it only took me ten years to really hear him. Excercise is good and it helps. So, get up and go. I feel so much better about inside and out by exercising. Time? Yes, finding time is usually hard, but sometimes I think I used it as an excuse. I do admit that my work load is not as heavy as the full time working moms/dads, but there is still time if you make it. I really have come to the conclusion that we just do not look around enough to see all the beauty, and a great way to remind us is the outdoors. My kids seem to like getting out too - the weather is good now so enjoy, and the dogs love their walks!


Unleash your worries, fears, anger, and stress by exercising.
Positive people get up and do something. :)

Grouch

Grouch is my new word - for me. I cannot seem to quit being so negative and grumpy the last several weeks. Yes, some of you that know me well are thinking - she's been that way a long time. I have been a grouch at my kids, my hubby, and I need to snap out of it! I took up running, and it helped some, but not enough. So, I am going to try my best to work on self-control. I have tried before to work on keeping my mouth shut, and I still have a big mouth, but as of today - I am working on self control and that helps with the mouth thing which leads to the grouch stuff....... Wish me luck and here are my thoughts on the word grouch.



Get over it - take a walk, breath, or just simply count to whatever number works. Boy, this is gonna be hard for me......
Relax somehow - find a way to make yourself chill. Alcohol and caffiene will backfire.
Optimism helps, and everyday think of five things that you are grateful for in your life, and stay positive. My granny always says - it could be way worse, and she is so right.
Understand that everyone - even yourself are only human. Humans are grouchy - ask yourself why you are that way - like kids - tired, hungry, thirsty, or simply spoiled.
Cool it with a bath or shower - seems to help anyone.
Have some time to yourself - any quiet time that you can simply pray, meditate, or listen to God.

School

This past Monday was our first day of school for the girls - third grade and sixth. I did not cry at Kindergarten at all, but after dropping off my oldest at Middle School - I cried. It is a hard time for both girls and boys during this time in their life. It was a weird feeling, because it is the same middle school where I went, and way scarier when it is your child. Lots of prayers and listening is what my goal will be this year, and I thank God that I am able to pick both of them up and be with them after school. I hope everyone enjoys their education, because it really is a privelege. These are some of my thoughts when it comes to kids going to school, but I guess they can even apply eslewhere. No, I don't do them all as much as I should, but will try harder.



Sit down and have supper or one meal a day with your children, and ask questions.
Cool parents establish rules, and stick to them as much as possible (admitting mistakes).
Hope for the best, and say a lot of prayers for your kiddos.
Old people (as in parents are not always cool) so just deal with it.
Optimism is your best tool when teaching a child from experience, because modeling a positive attitude can help them learn a great outlook on life.
Listen as much as you can to children - really listen - even if you don't have kids, you can help - look them in the eye and give them your full attention.

Faith

This past year has been tough. I know it could be way worse, but it seems like my heart has been heavy. My parents are having a hard time with health, and I am thankful they are still with us, but just so hard to see their bodies and lifestyles change. Our darn truck got stolen, and that was a real pain in the wazoo. Yes, Dean got a new one, but just seems like we have to start all over since the last one was finally paid off. Our business is struggling more than ever, and it is our ten year anniversary for having a business. We had to tell one of our employees that we did not have enough work, and all worked out fine with that, but it was very hard. I need to get a job, but do not want to leave Dean without help on our business end. A very close friend just found out his cancer is back. So many men and women are away from their families defending our country. I am tired of hearing nothing but fuss when you turn on the news. It just seems like things are so hard for so many, and it hurts to see your loved ones and even strangers struggle. Saying all that - I have to confess that I have lashed out at God. Asking him why does it have to be so hard? I have not done that in years, and really not sure if I ever have before. It hit me this morning the word that I wanted to post about is Faith. Why haven't I thought of that before - I guess I have, but was just not ready to give it all to God. I hope so much that I learn from these struggles to not just have faith in God when things seem harder, but all the time - even during the good times. I'm sorry God - I will have faith again....



Free yourself from worry, and give it all to God.
Always know that God and Jesus love you more than you can even imagine.
It hurts to see the ones you love struggle - God feels the same way about his children (you).
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.
Hope is what we all lean on to survive and faith holds our hope. Keep your heart full of hope.