Life from the Parsonage - A Journal of our Journey.

[Parson's Wife]

Can anyone say CATFISH? uhmmmm....good!
I have decided to pamper myself today, after crawling out of the closet, picking our objects out of the ricefields (they harvested last Sunday...Praise God!) (mosquitoes should decrease) Why did I crawl out of the closet? It's called a Tornado warning...yup, you guessed it...just a normal day down here apparently! I knew we were going to have storms...awoke in the night sweating, early this morning it was so muggy, sweat prickled your skin, the moisture in the air, literally, clung to your skin. Sure enough about 10:00 am the clouds came rolling in. Praise God all is well. I have been a little occupied for the past two weeks as well. Anyone heard of the Swine Flu? H1N1 to be exact. It took a toll on my family, they are still recovering...someway, somehow, God spared me...and that's good...because it began with my daughter, moved to my son, and then the Rev. some very long days and nights. I still don't feel quite up to par.
Our catfish dinner was supposed to be last Sat. had to be rescheduled, why? 8 families within the church had the flu visit their homes...not many hands able to help. Everyone seems fully recovered, and it's been 72 hours since anyone had fever here...so, thankful
I should be busy...but I just decided I'm going to have a time-out...yup...I am having a time out...and it feels lovely. Will have to hit it hard this evening and tomorrow...but...that's tomorrow.

 

[Parson's Wife]

Oh yes! I forgot to mention the Rev. is planning a hunting trip to Wyoming....

You would not believe the 'planning' that they are putting into this trip....ha ha ha...that was said with 'heavy' sarcasm....they don't even have a clue! I have just sat back and watched! The Rev. has been so concerned about "his food"...it dawned on him last night...why, he will need a HEAVY winter coat....ROFL!

They've already had snow, and getting a snowstorm this wkend!

 

[Parson's Wife]

Time gets away from me, I feel like I'm trying to carry sand to a wagon using a rake!
Sickness visited the parsonage once again...I'm telling you I'm going to stop answering the door one of these days!
This time it was me, I had got to go back home. We had a conference the 1st week-nd in Nov., 40 minutes from my Mom...so, it was visiting time!
Came home Sunday night, Monday morning woke up with head-ache runny nose, by that evening it was worse, and come Tues. I was wondering what they were going to put on my tombstone! Somehow or other I caught the flu, yes, the swine flu. Still coughing and congested and it has been 9 days now...put me in the bed for 5 days! I didn't go to the doc. till Wed. and it was past the deadline for tami-flu....

I wanted to update about the hunting trip...the Rev. had a wonderful time, he killed 2 antelope and everyone in the party (11 of them) killed at least one antelope too!
Snowed, sleeted, rained, 30 mph winds the entire time....froze, no "honey-cooked" meals, and from what I gather....next year the women are invited!

They've decided they are going to CO for Elk (if they can get in the drawing otherwise it'll be whitetail or something...)

Have you seen the price tags for those? But, the good thing is...they've located a cabin (we women will kick the men out...ya know, wouldn't want them to feel like they hadn't been 'hunting' )

Christmas is coming, it's been difficult thus far, but I'm trying to stay busy, haven't been to the stores to see the decorations yet...(that ought to tell you how sick I've been...lol) Mom did. She had a very hard day; but she's tough...and God is with her. What would we do without the Lord to help us? I don't even like to think about it.
You know our God is awesome...immense, beyond our comprehension, and yet he patiently listens to me advise him, direct him, counsel him, even give orders....yet He loves me. Somedays I feel so silly when I think about all the directions I've given God.
Parts for the Christmas play have been given, the choir concert practices (have been on hold for 2 weeks) but about to get back into the swing...I can't talk for coughing, but my hands still work....have you ever found yourself reading and before you know you put down the book or stopped typing...because you were talking? (he he he replying...) What that means is, I use my hands for expressions!....therefore, no hands..no talking... no talking....well, my hands work!

I have a praise report: Today the weather here is cold and overcast, windy. Last week, Tues. to be exact, it had been warm for a few days. My son and daughter wanted her jumprope (which she had left in the fellowship hall) I was laying in the bed, and in short order my son came in and laid his head on me, he was white and shaken. Scared me, he said, "Mom, I stepped on a snake". I snatched him up, searched him from head to toe, then carried him outside, (thought the light was better) and searched him for the 5th thru 20th time. The entire time he was telling me that he had NOT been bitten, just stepped on it. Once I made certain he was NOT bit, I asked him what it looked like, he was trying to describe it, his sister who had seen it also was describing a cottonmouth. It had crawled on the sidewalk at the door, it was in the sun, and as they came out, he was first (AND BAREFOOTED) and stepped right on that thing....he said he felt it wiggling, and his sister said she screamed an ran back in. He just ran home to me.
Everyday, all day long, we don't know what our day holds. I'm so thankful that when Mom's can't be everywhere....God is.
I crawled back in the bed, put them on each side of me...and told them not to leave till their Dad came home. (He's been doing some roofing jobs).
Which they did....read books played games, and I was able to get some rest. My goodness when I think about all that the Lord has done for me....I'm a blessed woman.

 

[ozark hen]

God Bless you and the children, Gwen. You put your thoughts so beautifully into words. I read what you said about "directing" God and thought...yes, that is what I do but couldn't have put it into words. LOL

 

[Parson's Wife]

Thank you my dear friend Carrie!

I just got back in from the doc...I knew I should be better than what I was....she gave me orders to go back to bed, and stay there for a few more days...hello?....she said pneumonia. ugh.
They gave me a breathing treatment there, and a shot in the hip...you know those things are painful...my leg is still kinda numb.
More prescriptions and supposed to have breathing treatments every 4 hours...now how am I supposed to rest if I wake myself every 4?
Well, at least I know why the cough is so heavy, and still drag around....thought I was just getting lazy!
The breathing treatment made me so light headed I about passed out, stretched out on the table, my children standing there rattling 90 miles a minute (taking advantage of the fact that "I" can't rattle 90 miles a minute), playing the 'you touched' me game, and the nurse saying...just relax, big breaths, and aware of the fact that I picked the wrong skirt to lay on a doctors table/chair...I don't really know what that thing is...it's about a foot wide, shaped kinda funny, and has an arch in the wrong spot....told me not to be driving...and I'm thinking....uh, I drove myself and the children here...how am I going home? (she meant after I took the cough medicine, but things were kinda fuzzy)
I'm thankful to be home, and thankful to be going back to bed....just wish it was cause I was lazy!

 

[wildorchid053]

i started reading your posts just a couple of nights ago.. and now i feel i know you since i have been with you a whole year of your life.

i must say you have a very adventureous life and i have enjoyed all the stories you have written.. i wish you well and hope you get over the flu fast..we were thinking of retiring to bull shoals but after all your aligators and snakes and tornados i am having second thoughts

please keep up the posts as many members here are enyoing them so much.. god bless you and your family

 

[ozark hen]

Oh, Gwen, now the dr. meant every four hours WHEN YOU ARE AWAKE. I know because I have had to take meds every four hours in the past and I asked my dr. if she meant at night too? She smiled and said, no, when you are awake. LOL
Good grief, pneumonia?? What about the children? You can't possibly watch them if you are so sick and you know how they like to "explore" LOL. The more rest you get the faster you will heal but we must find something for the kids to do inside for the next few days.....Can they do some crafts? again, I wish I lived closer to you...........

 

[Parson's Wife]

Quote:
Thank you for reading!

Just want you to know something about the wonderful state called Arkansas....it is so vast in difference, depending on which end of the state you pick, you would think it was two different continents. Alligators are peculiar to this side of the state, none up north....and tornado's, well, they tend to spread all over Arkansas...can't help that....but it does seem they are more prevelant around the flatter area's.
Bull shoals is one of the loveliest area's in our state; if you've ever been...you understand...if you haven't just come...you will be addicted.
Folks in AR tend to be friendly, welcoming, and good neighbors....

I love it here, you just find down-home country folk who will be glad to know you.


*I am feeling much better, was able to go to church yesterday, I really hate not being in church. It was our Thanksgiving Church dinner....and what good eatin!

I fixed a few things, plus my old faithful..."Possum Pie"....didn't even get to take any leftovers home with me. Had a good crowd, and what a wonderful Spirit was there. Lot's of fellowshipping...

Christmas play is in full swing, the choir concert...I don't know...I'm thinking about picking selections from the last few years and putting them together...they don't have time to learn all new.

My little girl went to the Jr. Talent expo on Friday night...and for the 4th year in a row she placed 1st in Vocal solo!

She also entered the instrumental category...and WON 1st!

She was bubbling! She played the piano, "Carol of the Bells"...they tell me she did a wonderful job (I knew this

) I felt terrible about not being able to go, my energy level was still so low...but she knows I love her.
Now she goes to state and performs on New Years....

Well, anyway....my young'uns are so precious to me!
My son decided to help me get him ready for the Thanksgiving service...he found some scissors, and gave himself a haircut in the front....

He didn't even give me a problem about wearing his 'preacher pants'!! So he has a gorgeous head of curls, except right in the front....and it's to the scalp. <<<sigh>>>
I want to brag on the Rev.'s message yesterday....it was one of the finest I have ever heard him preach. He simply outdid himself. He was moved, and that was moving, he was very eloquent yet he spoke simply, and from his heart. I am so proud of him. He is truly a fine example for all of us.

I am getting DUCK EGGS NOW!!
This is the 4th day! The 1st two days we weren't certain that they were duck eggs...but yes, oh yes they are!!!
I'm quite thrilled....even on the farm, I don't remember duck eggs...it was only chicken eggs...the ducks would disappear too fast for eggs...and they always hid them so very skillfully...tricky little things. I love my ducks, I love to hear them laugh...that husky quacking sounds just like laughing to me, always makes me smile!

The Rev. and I both want to incubate...so after Thanksgiving we will start the collection....hopefully she will keep laying.

Lucifer is still with us.

And still gives me problems!! (He used to be called Pretty Boy) nothing pretty about that wicked rooster....I have don't think I ought to tell it, but I will. I knocked him completely unconscious the other day...while the Rev. was gone to WY. I felt horrid, wicked, but that ole devil did his best to take a hunk out of my backside! He waits till my back is turned...sometimes, and then sneaks up behind me....oh!! I thought I had killed him, and I was elated, and sickened all at the same time. I don't hurt things, I can't! And to have hit him that hard, well....it's not right...either he wins or I do,...and daily battles are not an option. The Rev. has decided he is going to give him away.

Well, I've got to get back to school, and did you know Thanksgiving is this week?!!
Ya'll come
The Parson's Wife

 

[Parson's Wife]

Finishing wrapping the presents today. Shopping finished, nearly.

Listening to carols on the radio, and singing with them; I heard such a tremendous volume of sounds, they held no recognition for me. I rushed to the front door, and I saw a sight that I hope to never forget. Ducks and geese filled the sky, not just the usual large flocks I've loved to watch since moving here, this was immense.
The sound was so intense and beautiful, the sight of all those wild ducks filling the very expansive skies here, was breathtaking. And shortly, thereafter, the sound of guns filled the air. My twins, who are terrified of guns, immediately began trying to get in the house.
I don't know how long I will be here, but there is always something good, and lovely in whatever circumstance I have found myself. This was certainly one of them. I understand bad weather is coming; not sure if it's heavier than forecasted (because of the number of ducks and geese) but whatever caused that marvelous sight; I am thankful.
Lost 2 of my ducks, so very saddened, they were pets. Lovely blue-eyed gentle pets. Chickens have perked back up in their laying, had slowed down to only 5 per day. I have a fridge full (today) but fixing to begin my Christmas cooking.
Will be making some Dessert pizza's, we also moved our Wednesday night service up to tonight (Tuesday).
Our Christmas with the children will be in the morning, then Christmas Eve we are leaving to go to Mom's. She has gotten moved, mostly.
Trying to beat the snows there....what a lovely thing to be snowed in for Christmas.
My heart was so heavy on Thanksgiving, have had unexpected tears off and on since then. I know this Christmas, perhaps more than others, will be hard without Dad; but so grateful for those we still have here with us.
Choir concert was beautiful, the play was a success, hardwork was put in by everyone! The church had a lovely Christmas party, they honored us, for which I feel so unworthy. May God bless these precious people; and each of you
Well, so much to do, and time is running out.
I want to wish each of you a Very Merry Christmas.
Ya'll Come
The Parson's Wife

 

[Ol'FashionHen]

Merry Christmas to you and your family Gwen, I am glad that you are doing better, I don't always post, but I always read your posts.
Your just as much a blessing on here as you and the Rev. are to the congregation. We have a great pastor and his wife at our church too, you all are a blessing, and God is good.