Life from the Parsonage - A Journal of our Journey.

[Parson's Wife]

Today has been a busy, but lazy day...is that possible? Well, my husband is resting, my children are splashing in the little sandbox...yeah, I know...sandbox-splashing? They filled their turtle sandbox up with water! I'm just letting that one alone...
we have not set up the big pool yet; with temps like today, and what is expected this week...probally soon. I'm trying to pack, clean, organize...summer clothes need out...and get ready for choir practice. We are having a Summer concert, around the 4th of July...dates have not been decided on yet.
We recieved terrible news yesterday, oh and Angelfood went smoothly this time to!

A woman who moved last month, was killed in a car wreck, her funeral is Monday...so we are going to Tupelo, Mississippi. (She attended our church for a long, long time)
That is where her children live, & that is where they are going to have the funeral.
Going to head out again early Thursday morning. Got lots planned. And a short amount of time to do it.
Seems hard to believe the school year is almost thru...my son will be in K this fall! How did that happen?

And this will be our 3rd summer here. While we've only pastored here for 2 years...we came to fill in for the summer, only. We had just resigned our church at Harrison, & were available...seemed like a good idea...we would give the former pastors a long vacation...which they changed to permantely (the pastors, not the church members) and then...well, here we are.
I remember packing...you know it's really hard to figure out what to pack when it's a 3 month stay! Babies need lot's of things...clothes by the pounds...and toys...big & little...and well I had to have my shoes, clothes, shoes, clothes....lol Daryl needed his suits, oh the list was endless...so we loaded into our vehicle...literally had to turn my daughter sideways to get her seatbelt buckled! She could sit right after that, the the pile of clothes was on her buckle..there was not an inch to spare..my feet was propped on a suitcase, I was holding the diaperbag, and large pkg of diapers...then our big goofy dog...Happy. Who was sick the ENTIRE 5 hour trip! I had a bucket just for such a purpose...we pulled over several times...those twists and turns thru the mountains was more than he could stand...I had given him 2 dramine (car sick pills) about 30 minutes before we left...they improved him...some! It was cool when we left the mountains..hot by the time we hit the flatlands...we pulled over to get bottles, change diapers...stretch our legs...when we finally pulled into the church driveway...I remember that was such a long trip...it was such a relief! Everything was such an adventure! Truly, we were having a great time...we still are.
My dear Ms. Ozark Hen...I don't think I will be able to come and get the silkies...this time. Give them to another silkie lover...and perhaps when we come to Branson, we always go to Springfield to the Bass Pro Shop. We could meet you just to say hello. I do thank you for your wonderfully kind offer. They are a beautiful pair. Who on earth was it that said, "Distance is only in the mind?" He never was a pastor!
Well, I've got to prod myself up...and to get busy.
The little chicks are growing...they follow me around when they are loosed from their confines...lol...the baby banty...well, she's the same...she has more control of her head, but still if she falls over, she can't get up very well....

she is beautiful.
Oh yes, my chickens stand on top of my male dog...he just lays there...what a hoot! They will follow him around too!
Oh yes, one more thing...(I know, I'm closing) my female yorkie is going to have pups. For certain...she is quite 'round'.

Best wishes for a wonderful week.
The Parsonswife

 

[Parson's Wife]

Just got back...again. This time was a trip to childrens hospital...it was the appointment for my son & daughter lungs. Said for him...he looked good, healthy...and they are putting him on meds for allergy triggers...
My daughter is about the same....that's ok, the visit before last she was worse by over 50%....so I'm not complaining.
I can say I'm tired. Lovely weather...80's, humid, but then a thunderstorm rolled thru...and now it's cool, cloudy....and perfect nap weather!
We've managed to put in a walking trail at the church here, and the ladies are coming out at 5:30 each day to walk...this is healthy! This is healthy! This is....oh, I said that...sorry I really am tired. I love walking, it is the best stress reliever for me! I pray, sing, talk to myself... you know...

My mom & sister are saving me eggs.... I know...enablers...addicted....can't help it!

I'm going to pick them up this week...Oh you should see the 'gag' gifts I got for the wedding shower! They are such a hoot!
Gas prices effect us here...wonder if they effect anyone else's lifestyle? I can't not abide putting $3.49 in the gas tank per gallon!

We have been driving my husbands work truck, it gets twice the amount of our other vehicle! I asked him very nicely to keep it clean for us to ride in, he was...uhmmm

well he thought that was funny!
My husband dreamed of ice cream last night....I know,

he was discussing with someone, that he wanted vanilla and not chocolate! And it really wasn't in a nice tone of voice! I'm certain that the person who was silly enough to bring him chocolate regretted it!

Strangely enough, I laid there, wide awake for a coupla hours debating about getting myself an ice cream cone!

Well, I've got supper waiting on me...that means if I don't, who will? A load of clothes, and that bed that didn't get made this morning when we left...just may not make it!

 

[retiredsailor6]

Parsonswife, you talked about being in the military.... How long ? I retired 2 years ago from the navy, did the 20. The last 2 were rough, that's where you start to wonder what are you going to do next. I actully got lucky and still doing the same thing, but it came at the midnight hour. 6 month deployments were not fun, but that's part of the job. The hardest was being away for 1 year. The DW came to see me for 1 week and then a little later I went to see her and the kids for 1 week out of that whole year. I did surprise her by coming home a week earlier than the ship. She was gone and the kids were home with the sitter so I hid in the closet when she came home, but I could hear the kids tell her outside where I was. She thought they were teasing her for about 10 seconds then ran inside to find me.

I'm glad your kids are getting better, for me as a parent that's one of the hardest things is when their sick or hurt and you just can't make it go away.

 

[ozark hen]

retired, glad you are home safely.
Gwen, our gas prices aren't that high...well I haven't looked today. I personally keep my truck parked in the garage and only drive it when absolutely necessary during the week. My dh works in a steel plant and let me tell you...it is a toss up over ...ride in his truck over the weekend with that smell you just can't get out...or drive the good gas gulping truck that smells good.

depends on where you are going I guess...it is a smell that permeates everything..seems to seep into your pores. Yuk!

 

[luvmychicknkids]

I did surprise her by coming home a week earlier than the ship. She was gone and the kids were home with the sitter so I hid in the closet when she came home, but I could hear the kids tell her outside where I was. She thought they were teasing her for about 10 seconds then ran inside to find me.

Just wanted to say, that made me get all teary.

I am on year # 3 of seeing my hubby 2 weeks a year and I can only imagine how your wife felt finding you home early. Can't wait 'til mine is retired!!!!!

 

[Parson's Wife]

Ahoy Retired! My husband has 8 years Marine Corp (active) , and 3 years Air Force Reserve behind him. I married him 1 years into his Marine Corp time. I love your story about surprising your wife and children!

My husband surprised me ONCE...he was off on a supposed to be 3 week 'trip', and come home 3 days early. I was vacuming, an obviously couldn't hear him...he was still in cami's w/ paint still on his face and hands....I saw him as he came into the room out of the corner of my eye....screamed, rooted in place, and just kept screaming...he sat me down on the bed, got in front of me saying "It's me babe, It's me!" Did no good, I was nodding, "Yes, I know"..but couldn't stop screaming...I believe it's called hysterical!

That's ok, I've scared him numerous times....payback is lovely!

Ms. Ozark Hen....Daryl's work truck has improved! (And trust me...his last one!

) He bought in March a new (to us) smaller truck to help on the gas mileage...it's a standard...and no, I cannot drive it...I have tried. He finally lost his patience! (Yes, the Rev. did) was red-faced, flustered, and Sharp! Informed me to get out of the drivers seat, he really couldn't afford a new transmission! We just bunny hopped all around the church parking lot! My son thought it was great fun, my daughter sat there worried!

luvmychicknkids-

I can only imagine only 2 weeks every year...I was so lonesome when my husband would leave, it was really hard. Keep your chin up!

I'm sure your doing a great job.

*Note- our little "Nitty Gritty" died last night. It really was not unexpected.

 

[silkieluvr]

Hey parsons! How's the one baby bantam doin? hhopefully better than before

Just give me the word on when you'd like to try more eggs and I'd be happy to ship some more! Spring has come and boy do I get a TON of eggs lol!

 

[ozark hen]

Oh, I am so sorry about losing Nitty Gritty!

 

[Parson's Wife]

Whew! I am out of the truck seat!...I've been stuck in that truck seat pert near all day...well it was all day; we left at 7:55 and got home at 7:30 pm...had a great time! My little neice is now offically educated! And my nephew had a lovely case of the nerves!

He was so funny! His soon-to-be bride is a sweetheart, he just paced the floors...can you imagine his wedding day? That's in June! My mom spoilt me rotten, she cooked up wonderful meals, and then sent me home with eggs! My sister sent me a dozen dominiques...mom's are a mixture of different breeds...a Ancona (??) rooster rules the roost. He is headed for a swift end, maybe even met it today. He got her when went for eggs last week, she kept him just for me

She says no more roosters for awhile.

Let me tell you about my Friday night. First, the little boy is safe.
About 5:30 my brother-in-laws cousin came flying up to the front door, hollered for him to grab lights and coats (it was cold up there)said a little 4 year old boy was lost in the woods...they had already been hunting him since 2:30! They took off on four wheelers and saddled a couple of horses, called everyone they knew that was close and went down to hunt him....it was a mess. I can tell you...well probally not...it would be considered bashing..

..but one dept. that responded caused a delay of over 2 1/2 hours...before they would let anyone go into the woods hunting! The little boys daddy found him at 8:20, long since dark, sitting on top of a cliff, the flooded creek below, muttering over and over.."momma come get me"...he had cried all his tears...but beyond a few cuts and bruises, was ok. Thank God.
I prayed, and prayed, called a prayer chain with our church folks....everyone I knew....I could just see my busy 4 year old chasing after his dogs...and then getting lost. I was so upset I can only imagine how the family felt.
I love living in a rural state. I love the closeness of family and friends...the landscape is part of the attraction, but you are definitely in the 'boonies' when you get down to Arkansas.
Oh my saturday morning, I went to yardsales...found some good things...then we were close to a church my dad used to pastor years ago....couldn't resist going by....it was on the trail of tears in OK...a community schoolhouse, my dad remodeled and we had many a wonderful service there...was surprised to see that it was a house. They had bought it, and turned it into a lovely 2-story house...I've got pictures...I've got to download them...watch for them...my family are wanting the photos...
nicest people lived there, they even let me go inside to see how they had remodeled it! Beautiful! My time goes by...seems no stopping it......while I may not have a patch of woods here on the side of mountain...I guess when I get to heaven, ya'll look for the woods with a little house and a big front porch...that'll be me.

 

[Parson's Wife]

Ok, here are some of the pics.
The church my dad pastored for several years in Oklahoma, my brothers new mule...isn't he adorable?

He's got the longest legs!

Edited to add....the dormer windows are added, the poles were there, but these are new...
played many, many games on those steps! This is the yard where we had an outdoor revival...