Kale Rowan Teachout

It's been a while since my last blog entry - too long, I suppose.  So much has happened in the past weeks and months that I don't even know where to begin!

Tonight, though, I'm sitting at my computer feeling very compelled to tell a story - the story of the sweet baby boy my husband and I lost on April 21, 2013.  I will insert a disclaimer here that I have included photos in this post that some may find offensive.  If that's you - please accept my heartfelt apologies.  However, my intentions are simple.  If you or someone you know is pro-choice - encourage them to read this post and to consider the truth.

After two and a half years of trying for a second child, my husband and I finally conceived.  We were thrilled beyond belief and didn't even know until I was already 6 weeks along.  Sadly, at 11 weeks 5 days, our sweet son's heart stopped beating and he slipped away into the arms of Jesus.  So many think that a child at this stage of development is nothing more than a blob of goo or unidentifiable tissue - this post is to not just tell you, but SHOW you that is wrong and a complete and total lie... 

We found out we were pregnant on March 6, 2013.  I took a pregnancy test from Walmart and then went to the hospital in Pella for a blood test that confirmed it.  According to the blood work, I was 6-7 weeks along!

On March 8, 2013 we had our first ultrasound.  My mom was able to go with me and we were able to see “Baby Bean" and watch the tiny flutter of his heart beating - heart rate was 145.

On April 5, 2013, I had my second ultrasound.  My mom, dad, and daughter, Madeline, were there.  Baby Bean had grown SO much and we could easily see a head, arms, legs, and hands.  Bean was moving and kicking, although I could not yet feel his tiny movements, and we got to hear the strong steady sound of a heart beat - heart rate was 195.

On April 8, 2013, I had my first prenatal appointment with my doctor, Dr. Anne Hellbusch.  She told me that Baby's heart rate at the ultrasound was high, but that she had consulted with a specialist who said there was nothing to do at this point, but just monitor things closely.  Dr. Hellbusch was able to find the heartbeat again using a Doppler machine and Bean’s heart rate was still high – somewhere in the 190’s.

Up to my April 8^th appointment, I had been having some very minor bleeding/spotting.  Dr. Hellbusch said it was nothing to worry about and to be sure to drink plenty of fluids.  Following my April 8^th appointment, however, the bleeding was somewhat worst and culminated in a visit to the  ER on Sunday morning, April 14 as I had increased bleeding and a small (dime size) clot.

Neither the ER doctor or nurse could find Baby Bean’s heart beat.  They did some blood work which showed my pregnancy hormone was "a little low," which I later found out was actually in the 17000’s – it should have been 50,000+.  After 2 hours, the doctor sent me home saying that time would give us our best answer as to what was going on.

On Monday morning, April 15, I called Dr. Hellbusch’s office to report my ER visit the day before.  They set up an appointment for me to come in and have Dr. Hellbusch try to find the heart beat.  My appointment was at 10:00a.m. and Madeline was with me.  Dr. Hellbusch was unable to find the baby’s heart beat and said things looked bleak.  She sent us down to ultrasound and, sadly, it was confirmed that Baby Bean did not have a heart beat.  Dr. Hellbusch said that Baby had likely passed at some point over the weekend.  Brian and I are guessing Saturday, April 13^th as I was particularly tired and worm out that day and slept most of the day away.

Dr. Hellbusch sent us home with some materials about the Empty Cradle program through Hospice, designed to help folks who have lost children, as well as a supplies so that we could attempt to “catch” the miscarriage once it happened.  I had too much of a hard time with the thought of just flushing Baby Bean down the toilet. 

The next days were agonizingly long as I waited for the miscarriage to take place.  My sister, Melanie, came and spent Monday afternoon with me, Tanya, a dear friend from college, came on Tuesday.  Wednesday and Thursday were miserable days of rain and storms where Madeline and I were home alone.  I spent most of those days pacing - just waiting for something - anything - to happen.  The highlight of those days was that Brian and I chose a name for our baby.  We decided that we would give our baby the name Kale Rowan Teachout – Kale, which means “Sower of Truth” and Rowan meaning “Purchased.”   

My folks came on Friday which was a huge blessing after having spent 2 days alone.   

Saturday, April 20 was a beautiful, warm, sunny, Spring day.  Brian, Madeline and I spent much of it outside just enjoying time as a family.  Madeline had been really struggling all week with the loss of the baby.  We’re not quite sure how much of it she understands, but we can tell she’s very troubled by some of it.  She had been with me during my second ultrasound and had seen Kale's heart beating - she was also there the day we found out he was gone and saw his tiny body, via ultrasound, - no heart beat to be seen or heard.  

We started the morning off by getting Subway sandwiches and taking them out to Grandma and Grandpa’s farm for lunch.  Grandpa had his knee replaced on April 1 and was really having cabin fever – so we decided to go spend some time out there.  We headed back to our place around 2:00 and let our dogs, Zip and Dash, have a good hour and a half of exercise/play time.  We ended up heading over to our investment property around 4:30 to do some measuring and sifting through the dead grass and weeds for treasures, or “lost things” as Madeline calls them.  I really started getting worn out and tired and my low back was aching.  We headed home around 7:00 where I warmed up leftovers of Italian tomato chicken for Brian and chili for Madeline and I.  We put Madeline to bed around 9:00p.m. and Brian and I watched some TV before calling it a night.  I crawled in to bed around 10:30, but my terrible head/chest cold kept me from sleeping with incessant coughing and wheezing so I moved to the recliner in the living room. 

At 11:21p.m. I experienced my first contraction.  I wasn’t 100% sure that’s what it was, but as the night went on, I was certain that was what I was experiencing.  By 2:03a.m. I was in the bathroom for a potty break and prepared the bathroom for what was coming.  I cleaned the toilet and put my “hat” on the seat so it would all be ready when the time came.   

Finally, around 3:30a.m., I had a very strong contraction and could tell what was happening.  I made it to the bathroom just in time as Kale literally fell from my body onto the linoleum floor - PERFECTLY INTACT!  I gently picked our baby up and held him in my hand.

 

I called Brian and for the next hour and a half we stayed in the bathroom taking turns holding our precious child, crying, and thanking the Lord for the gift He’d given us.  Our baby was perfect – 10 fingers and 10 toes.   

Long arms and legs, just like Madeline.  Amazingly, it was as if God had literally cupped our child in His hands and delivered him to the bathroom floor – there was no blood on Kale – not even a drop!  Kale was a peachy color – covered in flesh.  The umbilical cord was no longer attached, but a small red bump on his tummy showed where it had been.  We took many pictures and awed at all of his tiny features – so intricately and perfectly formed!  He was truly the work of a Master Artist!  

Finally, I took a green and white striped flannel blanket and cut a small square to swaddle Kale in.

We wrapped our tiny baby in the cloth, kissed him, prayed another prayer of thanksgiving, and laid him in a beautiful tiny silver box. 

We don't know why we lost our lost our precious son, but I know, without a doubt, that our experience is part of God's greater plan for our lives.  There's not a day that goes by that I don't think of Kale, but I have no doubt that the first face my sweet boy saw was that of our Lord and Savior and that he's running and rejoicing in His presence - PERFECT!  And THAT gives me great comfort!   

Kale's name means "Sower of Truth," and I can't end this post without taking the opportunity to use his story to do just that - sow truth in the hearts and minds of those who may read this.

In the United States, 15 states have legalized abortions as far as 24 weeks gestation.  The fact is, a baby has a 35% chance of surviving outside the womb at 23 weeks - by 24 weeks, that number jumps to 70%!!!  (The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists, 2003).  People - we are killing children!  FACT - end of story!  There is NO DOUBT that at just shy of 12 weeks gestation, my son WAS formed - every feature from his eyes, nose, ears, mouth, fingers, toes.  He was NOT a blob of goo, mass of cells, or unidentifiable tissue - but a tiny little boy - a person - WORTHY of life!  No child is a mistake and each and every one should be treasured, protected, and fought for!

I'm no law maker or politician - I have absolutely nothing to gain by writing this post - but I believe there is oh so much to be lost if people like me don't come forward and share our stories.

What's more is by NOT sharing these words and images, my son will have died in vain.  Kale will simply be one of the many miscarried babies who the world doesn't recognize as a person or "human," when, in fact, he was truly a miniature developing YOU - and a mini developing me.  We ALL begin this way - created in our mother's womb and knit together with precision.  We are ALL "Kale's" at one point in our lives - we are ALL human - alive and developing from the moment of conception.  From the moment egg and sperm unite, life begins and your baby's sex, eye color and hair color along with all other inherited characteristics are determined!  At that very moment, the division of cells commences and some 266 days later, the cell division process culminates into the newborn baby you'll hold in your arms!  By week 5 a tiny heart begins to beat.  We are truly fearfully and wonderfully made!!

You wouldn't intentionally hinder or impede the growth and development of the child you hold in your arms, let alone do something that would cause that child's heart to stop beating thereby ending life - why, or more importantly, how, could one do just that to the child growing in the womb - regardless of developmental stage?   

Thoughts to ponder until next time...

Shrimp Fried Rice

I tried a new recipe today and posted a few tantalizing tid bits on Facebook.  Needless to say, I had a few people asking me for the recipe so, rather than plugging up a huge post on my Timeline, I decided to make a new blog entry instead.  I'll post the actual recipe first, and then a few notes afterward with the changes I made.  So, without further ado - here 'tis:

Shrimp Fried Rice
Makes: 4 servings, 2 cups each
Active time: 40 minutes | Total: 40 minutes
Cost per serving: under $3
This healthy shrimp fried rice recipe is packed with vegetables and makes 4 generous servings, so you'll need to use a large skillet that is at least 12 inches wide. A large wok also works well. If you have cooked rice on hand, omit Step 1 and add 2 1/2 cups cooked rice to the pan in Step 5.
1 1/2 cups water
1 cup instant brown rice
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce (see Tips)
4 teaspoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
4 teaspoons canola oil, divided
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
8 ounces peeled and deveined raw small shrimp (51-60 per pound; see Tips)
2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
4 cups stringless snap peas (12 ounces)
1 medium red bell pepper, cut into
1/2-inch pieces
2 medium carrots, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
4 scallions, chopped
1. Combine water and rice in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until the water is absorbed, 10 to 12 minutes. Spread the rice out on a large baking sheet to cool.
2. Combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce and sesame oil in a small bowl; set aside.
3. Heat 1 teaspoon canola oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add eggs and cook, stirring to help break into smaller pieces, until just set, about 45 seconds. Transfer the egg to a bowl.
4. Add another 1 teaspoon canola oil to the skillet and return to medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook, stirring occasionally, until pink, 1 1 /2 to 2 minutes. Transfer the shrimp to the bowl.
5. Heat the remaining 2 teaspoons oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Add ginger and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in snap peas, bell pepper, carrots and scallions; cook, stirring occasionally, until tender-crisp, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the rice and the reserved egg and shrimp; cook, stirring, until heated through, about 1 minute. Remove from the heat and gently stir in the sauce mixture.
Per serving: 307 calories; 11 g fat (2 g sat, 5 g mono); 165 mg cholesterol; 34 g carbohydrate; 2 g added sugars; 17 g protein; 5 g fiber; 462 mg sodium; 523 mg potassium. Nutrition bonus: Vitamin C (157% daily value), Vitamin A (147% dv), Folate (23% dv), Magnesium (21% dv), Iron (18% dv), Potassium (15% dv). 

Now, I don't like shrimp, nor do I like red bell peppers, ginger, or scallions, so I tweaked the recipe a little bit.  I used chicken breast instead of the shrimp, organic carrots instead of the peppers and scallions, and simply omitted the ginger.  I also used extra virgin olive oil in place of the canola oil and added about a cup of water to my snap peas and carrots so that they were cooked completely tender, not just "tender-crisp." 

Here's a snap shot of my final product:

And, in case you're wondering, it WAS delicious!!! 

For the Glory Of God

I've been pondering my next blog post for a while now.  It seems like I don't usually have a shortage of things to say, but I often have a shortage of intelligent things to say *HA!*  But over the past few weeks, one particular thing has been on my mind - one thing that I think most people ponder, at least at some point in their lives.  And that one thing that I've been thinking about is this:  What is my purpose?  What am I here for?

I've always been a bit of a dork.  I was one of, if not THE, most unpopular girl growing up in school - ridiculed and teased beyond belief, beat up on the play ground - you all know the type.  I spent most of my childhood into my teenage years just trying to fit in, but never really found that place where I felt "at home."  Because most of the people around me pushed me away, I immersed myself in the one thing that would always need me - my pets.  I know that sounds pretty ridiculous, but it's true.  I can't ever remember NOT having a pet (other than my first few years of marriage before Brian and I moved out to our farm - and lonely years those were!!).

I can remember being a toddler and having our first family dog - a German short hair named Gypsie.  Next was our English spring spaniel - Sandy, my black lab/German shepherd mix - Lady, miniature dachshund - Heidi, black lab/Irish setter rescue - Duke, a tiger salamander I caught on our school playground that we named (shockingly), Tiger.  Hamsters - Gizmo, Missy, and Tucker.  And a list of Chinese fighting fish (betas) - I rarely had less than 3-4 at a time (in separate bowls, of course, as the males have to be separated or they kill each other).  There was my first, Fido (who, ironically, was the last of ALL of the fish I had to die), Star, Fantasia, Smokey, Crimson, Azul, and the list goes on and on...

As with most young pre-teen girls, I began babysitting when I was about 12.  By the time I was 14, I was nannying full time during my summer breaks for families with no less than 3 children.  The day I turned 16 (literally), I was working full time (in between my home schooling classes) at one of our local day care centers with children ages 2-5.  Although it was a job that paid relatively well, especially for a young high school student, I never really enjoyed working with kids.  However, the expectation of girls doing child care was one of those things that I thought I was supposed to do and that it was something I just had to grow to enjoy.  But no matter how much babysitting or nannying I did, working with kids just never became my niche.

As I grew older, I guess I assumed that a love for kids would just "come to me," after all, that's what ladies are supposed to do, right?  Be the nurturing, mothering type?  Even after I had my own daughter and I started getting roped in to working in the nursery at church, I just never developed that passion for little people that I see SO many other women have.  Don't get me wrong - I absolutely adore my little girl - she is my greatest joy!  But, I don't particularly get excited about changing other children's dirty diapers or wiping snotty noses.  I'm just not wired that way.  And, for many, MANY years, I thought there was something wrong with me - especially since taking care of kids is something young girls are taught to do from a VERY young age!

Then, one Sunday morning, our pastor was doing a sermon series - I can't even remember which one it was - but he said something to the effect of, "Working with children is not my gift - you don't want me to do it.  If I do, you're children will never be the same and you won't be happy parents."  That really struck me.  If it was OK for our senior pastor to not be gifted in working with children, maybe it was OK for it to not be my gift either.

After that sermon, and mind you, this has only been within the past 3-4 years or so, I began to realize and accept the fact that working with kids was not my cup of tea.  It's not that I don't like kids - there are actually some children that I adore and seek out to talk with and get special hugs from - but I lack the creativity, patience (and sometimes even the stomach), to love and be effective with them.

So, I started exploring the natural love and talent that began developing in my heart as a young child so many years ago - a passion for animals.  I stopped trying to force myself to be something I wasn't or function in a capacity that wasn't my strength, and began focusing on my abilities and my strengths.

Over the past few years I have been awed by where the Lord has brought me and how He has continued to develop my gift of working with animals - something He could not have done had I not allowed myself to see past what others expected of me and clung to what God needed of me - the purpose I truly believe He created me for.

What does my purpose look like?  Well, let me tell you that it has taken MANY forms!  From rescuing a sea gull with a broken wing to trapping and re-homing stray cats.  In January of 2010, I took in a stray dog that had been roaming a 20+ mile radius of the country and named her Faith.  Faith ultimately became a "poster child" for a non-profit animal rescue, Animal Lifeline of Iowa, and touched the lives of MANY school children in the greater Des Moines area.

Faith

God has also brought many opportunities for me to expand my skills.  One afternoon, my husband was working on installing siding on our house.  He was sitting on the roof of our porch, right outside our bedroom window.  I was inside sitting on our bed with the window open talking to him.  The next thing I know, Brian says, "Ummm, Honey, we have some horses on the yard."  Now, we've lived at our farm for 7+ years and in ALL this time we have never even SEEN any other horses in our neighborhood let alone had any on our yard.  It ended up that a neighbor down the road had a pasture WAY back from the road - a field you couldn't even see from the road.  At that time of the summer we'd gotten a huge rain storm that had washed part of his fence out and allowed all 9 of his horses to escape their pasture.  As a herd animal, the horses were drawn to our farm where our own horses were grazing.  Although I have 2 beautiful horses, I would LOVE to have more and when I saw these 9 gorgeous animals strutting across my lawn, I looked up and said, "Thank you, Jesus!"  To which my husband replied, "No, Dear, we can't keep them!"

I saw the situation as a way to hone my skills.  My husband wasn't nearly as thrilled with the predicament, but I could hardly contain myself.  Even with completely strange beasts that could easily charge if spooked, I felt a tremendous sense of courage as I walked outside with a coffee can full of grain into the herd of 9 some 800+ pound animals.

It was getting dark, so I knew I needed to work calmly and swiftly to contain all of the horses.  In the country where we live, there are few, if any, fences separating the fields and the 4 lane highway is a mere mile straight west across the field from our house.  With no fences to stop them, and night closing in, the horses needed to be corralled not only for their own safety, but for the safety of people as well.  I eyed one of the horses that seemed to lead the herd.  I slowly walked up to him with my hand held flat.  He took a few steps toward me, then bucked and ran back.  I stayed with him and he eventually came to me and ate grain out of  my hand.  From there, trust had been established, and I ended up having all 9 horses literally follow me down to one of our empty lots where they were fenced in and safe.  Shortly thereafter, the neighbor that owned the horses showed up at our farm with a HUGE sigh of relief.  All of his treasures were safe and I gained a whole lot more confidence in my ability that night!

Our 9 Visitors - April 30, 2012

 
In addition, I've been given the opportunity to do some dog sitting for friends and family - something I love to do!  We've had many visitors to our home over the past several years - Peyton, Lucky, and Catalina, to name a few.

Another recent adventure has been that of a miniature pot bellied pig named Miss Ellie Mae.  I've blogged about this whole story before, but as a recap, I came across a "wanted" ad, on Craig's List about a family looking for a miniature pot bellied pig for their autistic son.  After sensing the Lord's leading, I was able to find, acquire, and ultimately introduce Miss Ellie Mae to the this family who immediately fell in love with the little piggy and made her part of their family.

Miss Ellie Mae - taken during her 2 day stay with us.

Miss Ellie Mae in her new forever home with her new forever friend, Dakoda.

My most recent encounter happened just last weekend.  We own a second acreage about 4 miles from our home and last Saturday evening, Brian drove over to check on it.  He no more got out of his truck and he heard something breathing hard and snorting behind him.  He turned around and there was a horse standing there obviously agitated and on the defensive.  He walked toward it a bit and it started bucking and took off running down the gravel road. 

Brian came back home, where Madeline and I were camped out, and yelled up the stairs, "Honey, I need some help."  I asked him what was wrong and he told me about the horse.  I asked Brian to go down to the barn to get some grain and one of my lead ropes while I got Madeline suited up to be out in the cool night air.  I grabbed my spotlight on the way out the door and we headed back to the other place.  I also called the county sheriff to come out and help as we had no idea where the animal was, it was pitch black outside, and we were going to need help tracking not only it down, but the owner as well.  After walking our 3 acres of land, and searching the gravel road and adjacent fields, the deputy found the horse down a long lane and called us to come back to catch it.  I was seriously thrilled at another opportunity to learn and work with an animal who was obviously in need of a human hand.

I walked toward the horse and it turned around and ran a ways, turned around again, and ran straight at me.  I stood my ground and she stopped about 5 feet in front of me.  I started talking to her and reached out my hand with some grain.  She spooked and ran away, so we started all over again.  Eventually, I was able to earn her trust and get my lead rope around her neck.  The deputy figured out who she belonged to and we returned her to the safety of her pasture.

Over the years I've seen the Lord do GREAT things in the lives of people through animals.  Studies have even shown that interaction with animals can lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, and relieve depression. According to Stephen F. Winner, a co-founder of the Silverado Senior Living Aspen Park Community in Salt Lake City, the presence of animals "infuses our environments with life'' and brings demonstrable medical benefits, including reduced depression and lower blood pressure. But perhaps just as important is the boost to self-esteem that assisting in the care of an animal can bring.  At this particular facility, a "mandatory minimum ratio'' of one dog and one cat for every 10 residents is maintained to help improve the quality of life for nursing home residents.

But, in order for these animals to have the opportunity to impact the lives of people, humans have to exist to prepare those animals for service.  As unusual or unconventional as it may seem, I believe with all my heart that the Lord has given me this gift - the ability to work with animals to impact the lives of others.  Many people have criticized me for my passion - I've even lost friendships because I've refused to buy in to others' opinions that "they're JUST animals" and not worthy of any kind of physical or monetary investment.  But I'm choosing, instead, to follow the Holy Spirit's leading in my life and whether I eat or drink or whatever I do, I'll do it all for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Our beautiful horses, Penny (left) and Philly (right).

 

Our cat, Johnathan

Our second cat, Jedediah, and treasured friend, Lady, who sadly passed away in March of 2008

Our dog, Zip

Our sweet sheep, Rosie

On a final note, I must give credit and praise to my awesome husband, Brian.  He has supported me through all of my shenanigans and adventures and has always encouraged me to try new things.  Not just any husband would allow their wife to bring a pot bellied pig in to their home (literally) or bring home a 1 week old bottle lamb that ends up having to stay in the house for nearly 2 months to recuperate after being kicked by a horse and suffering a broken jaw.  Brian has been my greatest supporter, my constant encourager, and my most trusted friend and I couldn't imagine embarking on this trek we call "life" with anyone else.  I love you, Sweetheart!!

Brian napping with Zip, 2005

Brian teaching Madeline how to bottle feed Rosie - May, 2010

 

The Unveiling

I've never been a big fan of Halloween.   So, when we had Madeline, we decided we were not going to promote Halloween, but instead, celebrate harvest and the Fall season.  We participate in our church's Fall Fun Festival, in lieu of trick-or-treating, so that Madeline gets to enjoy wearing a non-scarey costume and get some candy. 

We have also participated in our local Taco John's Cutest Kid in Costume contest for the last 2 years and have actually won both times!!  So, this year, we're going for the tri-vector win!!!

Below are photos of Madeline's costumes from the time she was 7 months old till today...

                                                   October, 2009 - 7 months - Caterpillar

                                             October, 2010 - 19 months - 1950's Poodle Skirt
                                

                                            October, 2012 - 2 1/2 years - Mary and her Lamb

                                              October, 2012 - 3 1/2 years - Elmo Ballerina               


This year, with Elmo, I decided to try my hand at making Madeline's costume.  I'd seen some ideas on Pinterest and combined several of the tutorials into my own design.  I was QUITE pleased with how the tutu turned out and we received LOADS of compliments!!

Stay tuned for my next blog entry where I'll show how to make this super cute tutu step-by-step including other Seasame Street character ideas and suggestions.

Until next time...

Tracy

Miss Ellie Mae

I've always loved animals.  Ask anyone who knows me and they'll confirm that's true.  I've had pets for as long as I can remember and I don't want to imagine my life without them.  To an extent, they make up a big part of who I am.  Animals teach us SO much about life - they teach us about unconditional love, friendship, commitment, and even life and death.  They teach us about responsibility and discipline.  And, if we let them, they can even teach us about ourselves...

I've always been a huge proponent of animal therapy - I just wish more people would wake up to the fact that animals CAN and DO change people's lives.

Since moving out to our farm, we've slowly been adding critters to our crew.  We started with our dog, Zip, and then our cats, Johnathan and Jedidiah.  Next we got all new fencing put up around our property and were able to bring our beautiful horses home.  Lastly, but certainly not least, came our sweet sheep, Rosie.  I've been wanting to add a miniature pig as well as a Jersey cow to our Ranch for quite some time, but Brian has been hesitant to let me bring another "hay burner" home (i.e., another mouth to feed).  For fun, though, I always keep a close eye on Craig's List and the classifieds in our bi-weekly Farm Bureau Spokesman magazine for anything of interest.

It was during my "just for fun" internet cruising today that I came across a "Wanted" ad on Craig's List.  It was posted by the parents of an autistic child who had had what they called a "therapy pig" for their 4 year old boy, Dakoda.  Dakoda suffers with Aspberger's Syndrome and, long story short, his parents got him Peach as a means of helping him deal with the challenges of day to day life.  (You can read all about Dakoda and Peach here:  http://peachthetherapypig.wordpress.com/).  Sadly, Peach passed away unexpectedly and they were looking for a new pig to be a forever friend for Dakoda.

After reading the "wanted" ad, and devouring the contents of their entire blog, I was SO moved that I decided to go on a mission to try to help find this little boy a new miniature pot-bellied pig.  I really believe that it wasn't just coincidence that I came across this ad and the blog, but a Divine Appointment instead.  Why would I think that?  Well - not only was a reading a story about something so near and dear to my heart, but this family had JUST relocated from Florida to, where??  Pella (actually, Peoria - about 10 minutes east of Pella)!!   

I responded to their Craig's List ad just to offer some encouragement and an offer for the family to come visit our farm so they could meet some "neighbors" (when you live in the country, "neighbors" encompass anyone living in a 20+ mile radius - it's just how it works out here!) and so their boys could interact with our animals.

Next, I starting scouring Craig's List looking for a miniature pot bellied pig.  Interestingly enough, it didn't take me long.  Within just a few minutes, I came across an ad that had been posted just yesterday (October 13, 2012) that said this:

"I have a 4 month old female miniature pig needing a new good home. She is so smart and loves to have her belly rubbed. Only asking a small re homing fee.  Will send pictures to very interested persons. Please email to post. Thanks for looking."

 I quickly sent an email asking if the pig was still available, how much the re-homing fee was, and for some photos.  Within 8 MINUTES I had an email back letting me know Miss Ellie Mae was still available and that they were only asking $75 OBO re-homing fee for her.  I immediately responded with an offer of $50 and said I could pick her up right away.  Forty-five minutes later, I had a response, a phone number, and a meeting place - and Brian, Madeline and I were out the door to go pick up Miss Ellie Mae.

With the way the events of the afternoon took place, I didn't NEED any further "writing on the wall."  I KNEW God had orchestrated this whole ordeal SO perfectly and I am SO excited to be a part of it.

Just in the last hour, I've heard back from the family.  Craig, Crystal, and their 2 sons, Dakoda and Landon, we will be coming out to our farm this coming Tuesday to visit and meet Miss Ellie Mae.  They are VERY interested in making her part of their family and we couldn't be more excited for them!

So, for now, Miss Ellie Mae will be gracing our home with her presence.  I will continue to work on potty training, get her on a proper diet/exercise regimen and, most importantly, revel in the utter joy of being used by Jehovah/Yahweh, using the gifts He's given me, and even, just maybe, the opportunity to bless a total stranger.

Until next time...

Tracy

Random Facts...

This post is a conglomeration of little facts about me.  Nothing all too special, important, or ultra-personal - just a few of the inter-workings that make me, ME!  Enjoy!


Current Projects:

Preparing for an upcoming baby shower
Finishing the wall paper border in the kitchen
Upcycling a curb-side-special dresser
Getting our farm ready for Winter
Teaching Madeline letter/number recognition and reading basics
Brainstorming ideas of what to do with our investment property.  SO many possibilities!!

My current favorite Itunes songs that are on repeat (all from "The Piano Guys"):

A Thousand Years
All of Me
To The Summit
Game Day
Peponi (Paradise)
Just the Way You Are
Michael Meets Mozart

My 2 Greatest Personal Prayers:

That the Lord would bless Brian and I with another healthy baby.

For Madeline to come to know Jesus as her personal Savior at an early age and that He would protect her heart, body, mind and soul as she grows up into the woman He wants her to be.

A Few of my Favorite Things:

*  The crispness of Fall
*  Long, hot (uninterrupted) showers
*  Yoga pants (and I don't even DO Yoga - yes, I have tried, and it was ugly!)
*  A cup of coffee in front of the fireplace
*  When Brian puts his hand in the small of my back and walks with me - especially when we're out in a crowd of people, at a restaurant, or a store.  That little gesture makes me feel so safe, "claimed," and protected.
*  Pinterest (yup - I'm an addict)

*  Hugs and kisses from my sweet little girl and the words, "I love you most, Mommy!"
*  The way my horses "talk" to me every morning when I let them out of the barn
*  The feeling of accomplishment when the evening's tasks and chores are complete, my family is fed and bathed, and I relax in knowing I've done my job well.
*  Spontaneous forehead kisses from my husband
*  Keeping up with friends and family via Facebook
*  Wrinkle free sheets and a freshly made bed
*  The soft glow of white Christmas lights
*  Home cooked meals
*  Piano music, a cozy blanket, and candlelight during a snowstorm
*  Tracking down that "impossible find"
*  A good ice hockey game - especially the Detroit Red Wings or New York Rangers


My Favorite Color(s)

Green is my absolute favorite color!  Especially in shades of olive.
Earth tones - deep reds, browns, and rusty orange

 That's about all I can come up with for now.  Want to know more??  Just ask!! 

Until next time...

Tracy