Thunderwolf Ranch

Good Info for all Ladies

{ Posted by Amanda }
{ 11:32 AM, Tuesday, December 2, 2008 } { 0 comments } { Link }

I knew about the red light on cars, but not the *77
It was about 1:00 p.m. in the afternoon, and Lauren was driving to visit a friend. An UNMARKED police car pulled up behind her and put his lights on. Lauren's parents have always told her never to pull over for an unmarked car on the side of the road, but rather to wait until they get to a gas station, etc.

Lauren had actually listened to her parents advice, and promptly called*77 on her cell phone to tell the police dispatcher that she would not pull over right away. She proceeded to tell the dispatcher that there was an unmarked police car with a flashing red light on his rooftop behind her. The dispatcher checked to see if there were police cars where she was and there weren 't, and he told her to keep driving, remain calm and that he had back up already on the way.

Ten minutes later 4 cop cars surrounded her and the unmarked car behind her. One policeman went to her side and the others surrounded the car behind. They pulled the guy from the car and tackled him to the ground. The man was a convicted rapist and wanted for other crimes.

I never knew about the *77 Cell Phone Feature, but especially for a woman alone in a car, you should not pull over for an unmarked car. Apparently police have to respect your right to keep going to a safe place.

*Speaking to a service representative at ** Bell ** Mobility confirmedthat *77 was a direct link to State trooper info. So, now it's your turn to let your friends know about *77.

This applies to ALL 50 states. Great Information that may save your life one day.

Two Choices

{ Posted by Amanda }
{ 10:52 AM, Tuesday, December 2, 2008 } { 1 comments } { Link }

READ THIS,

LET IT REALLY SINK IN - THEN CHOOSE.

John is the kind of guy you love to hate. He is always in a good mood and always has something positive to say. When someone would ask him how he was doing, he would reply, 'If I were any better, I would be twins!'

He was a natural motivator.

If an employee was having a bad day, John was there telling the employee how to look on the positive side of the situation.

Seeing this style really made me curious, so one day I went up and asked him, 'I don't get it!

You can't be a positive person all of the time How do you do it?'

He replied, 'Each morning I wake up and say to myself, you have two choices today. You can choose to be in a good mood or ... you can choose to be in a bad mood

I choose to be in a good mood.'

Each time something bad happens, I can choose to be a victim or...I can choose to learn from it. I choose to learn from it.

Every time someone comes to me complaining, I can choose to accept their complaining or... I can point out the positive side of life. I choose the positive side of life.

'Yeah, right, it's not that easy,' I protested.

'Yes, it is,' he said. 'Life is all about choices. When you cut away all the junk, every situation is a choice. You choose how you react to situations. You choose how people affect your mood.

You choose to be in a good mood or bad mood. The bottom line: It's your choice how you live your life.'

I reflected on what he said. Soon hereafter, I left the Tower Industry to start my own business. We lost touch, but I often thought about him when I made a choice about life instead of reacting to it.

Several years later, I heard that he was involved in a serious accident, falling some 60 feet from a communications tower.

After 18 hours of surgery and weeks of intensive care, he was released from the hospital with rods placed in his back.

I saw him about six months after the accident.

When I asked him how he was, he replied, 'If I were any better, I'd be twins..Wanna see my scars?'

I declined to see his wounds, but I did ask him what had gone through his mind as the accident took place.

'The first thing that went through my mind was the well-being of my soon-to-be born daughter,' he replied. 'Then, as I lay on the ground, I remembered that I had two choices: I could choose to live or...I could choose to die. I chose to live.'

'Weren't you scared? Did you lose consciousness?' I asked

He continued, '...the paramedics were great.

They kept telling me I was going to be fine. But when they wheeled me into the ER and I saw the expressions on the faces of the doctors and nurses, I got really scared.. In their eyes, I read 'he's a dead man'. I knew I needed to take action.'

'What did you do?' I asked.

'Well, there was a big burly nurse shouting questions at me,' said John. 'She asked if I was allergic to anything 'Yes, I replied.' The doctors and nurses stopped working as they waited for my reply. I took a deep breath and yelled, 'Gravity''

Over their laughter, I told them, 'I am choosing to live. Operate on me as if I am alive, not dead.'

He lived, thanks to the skill of his doctors, but also because of his amazing attitude... I learned from him that every day we have the choice to live fully.

Attitude, after all, is everything .

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.' Matthew 6:34.

After all today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday.

You have two choices now

What choice will you make ?

Refreshing the wood stove...

{ Posted by ~Melissa }
{ 10:32 AM, December 2, 2008 } { Posted in Our Place } { 1 comments } { Link }

Today I spent a couple hours cleaning and working on the wood stove. The fire was still burning, so I did not clean the window as of yet, but you can see what was done today. The stove was all rusted from the wet moist weather we had this summer, you know, when Iowa had all that flooding. Well, I took a toothbrush and scrubbed all of the cast iron details. I also cleaned up the cast iron pot on top of the stove. After that, I took some vegetable shortening and a clean toothbrush and wiped down the entire stove. I had only intended to do the cast iron, but the splatters ended up getting onto the soapstone so I just oiled them completely down.

It looks nice, now. The oiled stone brings out it's details... with our home being so dry, the stone had almost turned... flakey white. You can notice that a bit on the top of the stove by the pot, where the oil has already seasoned into the stone... it is still a bit white. However, I am still quite pleased with the results as the stone looks better than it has in years and the cast iron is nice and black again. Along the top edge the cast iron looks a shiny brown color, but that is an error from the flash... it all looks nice and black. I was a bit concerned about getting the oil onto the stone, but it has not appeared to have altered the stone color.

Now, I need to get back down there and clean up the tiled areas. I told the girls before I put up the tree, the fire area is getting a good cleaning and a good spiffing. We need to redo the tile, you may have noticed the missing tiles in front of the stove. Hopefully that will get done next summer. It looks like the stove pipe could use a bit of oil as well! LOL... too bad my toothbrush has melted into a hard piece of plastic from doing the door of the stove... that was quite warm and melted it very quick.

Well, I've delayed long enough...

Warmly, ~Melissa

Pictures, Pictures and more Pictures

{ Posted by HandsNHearts }
{ 10:42, Tuesday, December 2, 2008 } { Posted in Around the Homestead } { 0 comments } { Link }

Nothing special about the pictures...just things around the homestead lately :o) Enjoy!

Some of the property over the weekend. This is the back clearing where we want to build. If we don't build here, I want to put our schoolhouse up back here anyway (just to the right of that center pine tree...that's where the trail heads back to the pond.
The next is the logging road they used a few years back to get to the neighbors property...and where they come up with the 4-wheelers. The bottom of that range there is the end of our property.
Next two are of the pond, coming in from that logging road, through the trees. It's just seasonal and lately, that has meant no real water to speak of. The first year it had maybe 2 foot of water. This year, maybe the same. The 2 years in the middle, it was just about bone dry and useless with the drought. We'd like to dig it out more and shore it up to try to keep water in it. We know there's a decent aquifer running through this part of the mountain, down about 150 here at the house end of the property. Would be nice to have some water for the animals if nothing else.

Thanksgiving weekend work on the homestead...Finally getting the holes dug out for the posts for the back porch area. Most likely, it will never make it as a porch and will be enclosed for living space...maybe that outdoor kitchen ;o) I tried to get the holes started but it's all clay...and really thick nasty stuff at that. I just can't do it. I'm a wimp. I admit it. So, as Drew was over for dinner, we put him to work with Dewey :o)
The goofy pup there is the beagles basset mutt mix we have...brains of a stuffed animal, but lovable. He chases rabbits and such all night. Pinned a coyote down in the timber last year so we could shoot it. He's a good dog...just goofy. Notice Miss Abigail's bare feet...this was the day after Thanksgiving. Sure wouldn't be out running the countryside like that back North this time of year!

Thanksgiving fixins' on the homestead...We spent all day Wednesday baking...2 pecan pies, 2 apple, 2 chocolate (that's the empty crust with the tin foil in it) and 2 9x13 pumpkin cobblers. And the yummiest yeast rolls :o) It's a mix we do up and keep in the pantry --delicious. And, yes, I'll add the recipe soon!
The full menu ended up looking like this...deep-fried turkey, a huge (h-u-g-e) smoked ham from the butcher (stupid me didn't ask about size, just got the one that looked so good...it didn't fit inside the 18qt Nesco roaster we have...had to sit cockeyed until it cooked down some and slide into the pan the right way!). Dressing, green bean casserole, baked corn, potatoes/gravy, sweet potatoes, then the list of desserts. We made honey nut crunch and ranch/dill crackers for snacking all weekend.
This was the first year our eldest wasn't at the table. He rode up with Dewey to pick up Hope's car and drive it back. He wanted it to be their first Thanksgiving, and he was frying his first turkey solo...

The 20 quart mixer...yes, that's a make-do kitchen sink set up there. We pulled out the cupboard a while back. I have a very nice, new countertop sitting out in the building, but until I know for sure what we are doing (building or simply remodelling) I don't want to use it yet ;o) And, yes, those are cinder blocks under the mixer -- it sits too low to the floor for comfortable use. I know it looks rather hillbilly-ish, but it works ;o)

The meat, part 1/Day 1...still partially frozen, even after 2 days of thawing in the cooler bag. Guess that cooler bag works far better than I thought it did! We cut up most of the chunks to more suitable pieces and readied them for the canning jars.

Funny!

{ Posted by ~Melissa }
{ 10:17 AM, December 2, 2008 } { Posted in Kids on the Farm } { 0 comments } { Link }

My 3yo likes to sing along with the older girls. They like the song Emmanuel... the refrain goes like this... Rejoice, rejoice, emmanuel, shall come to .....

My little one starts the refrain... Be Joyed! Be Joyed!

Too cute!

Warmly, ~Melissa

Thanksgiving Tales...

{ Posted by Mrs. Joseph Wood }
{ 08:41, Tuesday, December 2, 2008 } { Posted in Front Porch Chat } { 1 comments } { Link }

Hello Friends!
Wow! It is already the second of December! November just flew by with all the activity of moving and our Thanksgiving celebration! On behalf of the entire Wood family we want to thank each of you that shared your favorite recipes and especially all of you that had to resend them when my emails went missing!

The day before Thanksgiving the children joined me in the kitchen and delighted in helping me with all the preparations. Each child took a dish and made it while praying for the family that had sent it to us and giggled while sharing fun stories of friendship memories. As a mommy I delighted in overseeing all the baking and cooking that was warming the home. My cup truly runneth over with blessings dear friends!

The day of Thanksgiving was peaceful and filled with laughter! Children played games with daddy as I finished up the last minute tasks. Our table was lovingly graced with delicious dishes from friends and family. Turkey, cooked in a brown paper bag, just like aunt Lori taught daddy many years ago, mashed potatoes, corn casserole (from our Trevino Friends! *One of my favorite flavors this year!!), grandmas green beans, yams (from our Bug family friends- My Joe and children loved these!), apple pie, pumpkin pie (from our Jones family friends!), and banana pudding (from our Callis Family Friends) was the menu. We had enjoyed a pumpkin role from our Beckham family friends earlier in the morning with coffee and teas. We had many dishes submitted that we hope to enjoy as we enter the Winter Season. I think we will have plenty of yummy dishes for each Fall that we take time to celebrate friendships! I am excited about adding new friends dishes to our November menu and remember how God has used friends throughout our journey to Him! I have some photos of the children working in the kitchen- I hope you enjoy them!

I have to share a funny moment with you from our Thanksgiving table. I love making things lovely for my family and had asked my Joe for some help getting the Turkey on my grandmothers serving plate. This plate has been glued back together after a little one dropped it one year however, because of the plates age and condition my Joe didn't want to use it and asked me to simply use a cookie sheet instead. "Okay, I will do as you ask and not be disappointed but let us carefully put it on the tray so we can have a pretty picture of the table." He agreed and we began trying to hoist the Turkey out of the pan onto the tray. I was working ever so carefully and having a challenging time. My Joe wanted to come to my rescue and simply grabbed the legs and pulled..... well, you can guess what happened! The legs pulled right off! He had wide eyes and giggled knowing he was in the dog house now! "Dog gone it Joe!" as I slapped at his arm..." you were suppose to be gentle so we could have a pretty picture of our table!" Giggling he says... "Don't worry Sunshine, I'll fix it for you!" pretty soon he returned with black thread and started tying my turkey legs back onto the body!!! We all were laughing as daddy gave Sarah the thread with instructions on how to hold it so that the turkey looked pretty for Momma. Sarah decided to get funny and started making the turkey "dance" with the pulling of the thread! In fact, when I caught her doing it we all burst out laughing to the point of tears. It was a fun time- memories were made and my children will forever remember the year that the turkey danced on the table!~

Each of us shared of our thanks to the Father while the thought occurred to me that we have spent many Thanksgivings with very little and yet we always have abounded in blessings and hearts filled with Thanks. Being thankful has nothing to do with our circumstances does it friends? Thanksgiving is an attitude. May we each live "giving thanks continually" because we have been bought with a precious price... the price of our Sweet Savours Blood.

The next night, we enjoyed fellowship with families here. My Joe was able to attend and agreed with the children and I- these friends, that the Lord has directed us to, are just preicous!! The girls enjoyed dancing with daddy as did I. I also enjoyed the friendship visits with the women and getting to know others more. Each of the children had a delightful time! We are blessed!!! I posted photos for you to enjoy of Beth Joy and daddy.

Dear friends, this update has been long. Thank you for your patience with me! Please know that we love each of you! I will share next week, Lord willing, as we complete the arrival of all the farm animals!

With much love,
Mrs. Joseph Wood

Children in the Kitchen

Timmy with the banana pudding.. that was OH.. so Yummy!!!

Beth making pies

Sarah preparing potatoes

Beth and Daddy dancing:

Beth and daddy

Our Thanksgiving table.. please excuse the boys needing hair cuts.. they didn't get them till the day after Thanksgiving.

Daddy with an old gun from our Kennedy friends at our Thanksgiving table

Have a wonderful week dear friends!!!

Attention Stargazers!!

{ Posted by Kim Wolf<>< }
{ 10:08, 2008-Dec-2 } { Posted in Homeschooling } { 0 comments } { Link }

Got this from my Farmer's Almanac e-newsletter...

Sky Watch

The planets and the Moon are putting on a show! For a few nights, brilliant Venus, bright Jupiter, and the crescent Moon blaze in a striking conjunction. They first formed their brilliant triangle last night, 15 degrees high, in the southwestern sky. The three celestial objectives will continue to stay close together as seen from Earth even though the planets are millions of miles away.
Read more Sky Watch! We provide the current and upcoming months free for our Almanac.com readers.

16 suggestions from kids - cute

{ Posted by Joyful Grandma }
{ 09:39, Tuesday, December 2, 2008 } { Posted in Just for fun } { 0 comments } { Link }

1.Wear a hat when feeding seagulls -age 9

2.Sleep in your clothes so you will be dressed in the morning-age 8

3.Don't flush the john when your dad is in the shower-age 10

4.Never ask for anything that cost more than $5 when your parents are doing taxes-age 9

5.Never bug a pregnant mom-age 11

6.Don't ever be too full for dessert-age 10

7.Never spit on a roller coaster-age 11

8.Never do pranks at a police station-age 10

9.Beware of cafeteria food when it looks like it is moving-age 10

10.Never tell your little brother that you are not going to do what your mom told you to do- age 12

11.Remember you are never too old to hold your father's hand- age 11

12.Listen to your brain. It has lots of information-age 7

13.Never dare your little brother to paint the family car-age 13

14.Forget the cake, go for the icing-age 8

15.Remember the two places you are alway welcome-church and Grandma's house-age 11

16.When you want something expensive, ask your

grandparents.-age 12

“But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.” (2Co 10:17)

“But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I [am] the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these [things] I delight, saith the LORD.” (Jer 9:24)

Socialism: The Pilgrims' First Program

{ Posted by Joyful Grandma }
{ 09:24, Tuesday, December 2, 2008 } { Posted in Politics } { 0 comments } { Link }

This is a very good article and well worth the reading. Why not take some time to go to the Christian View of the News to read it. There are many more articles here also to keep you up on current news.

“But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.” (2Co 10:17)

“But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I [am] the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these [things] I delight, saith the LORD.” (Jer 9:24)

May Everyday be Thanksgiving

{ Posted by Joyful Grandma }
{ 09:03, Tuesday, December 2, 2008 } { Posted in Thankfulness } { 0 comments } { Link }

I didn't want to leave Thanksgiving too soon. Of course, we ought to be grateful all the time and with Christmas coming up we can surely be grateful that it was our Redeemer who was laid in that manger. Below are the words to a favorite song of my former Pastor when we lived in GA. You can find the music at Cyberhymnal

Thanks to God for my Redeemer,
Thanks for all Thou dost provide!
Thanks for times now but a memory,
Thanks for Jesus by my side!
Thanks for pleasant, balmy springtime,
Thanks for dark and stormy fall!
Thanks for tears by now forgotten,
Thanks for peace within my soul!

Thanks for prayers that Thou hast answered,
Thanks for what Thou dost deny!
Thanks for storms that I have weathered,
Thanks for all Thou dost supply!
Thanks for pain, and thanks for pleasure,
Thanks for comfort in despair!
Thanks for grace that none can measure,
Thanks for love beyond compare!

Thanks for roses by the wayside,
Thanks for thorns their stems contain!
Thanks for home and thanks for fireside,
Thanks for hope, that sweet refrain!
Thanks for joy and thanks for sorrow,
Thanks for heav’nly peace with Thee!
Thanks for hope in the tomorrow,
Thanks through all eternity!

Words: August L. Storm

Music: Johannes A. Hultman

“But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.” (2Co 10:17)

“But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I [am] the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these [things] I delight, saith the LORD.” (Jer 9:24)

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