Uncommon Realizations...

Today I have been strangely focused on things I'm thankful for. Sure, with it being "thankful month" you'd say this is a pretty common thought on peoples minds through the past few weeks, and the few weeks yet to come. Well... I'd say its pretty common too, but for me today has been all about things I'm usually taking for granted.

I woke up this morning and was instantly thankful for my dogs. Although they were the reason for my awakening, let alone my much enjoyed peacefull morning but instead loud, obnoxious, and annoying, I was thankful for their warm kisses and excited jumps to see me. Usually I'm yellin' at them for chewing up another pair of shoes, or pooping/peeing on the carpet, or chasing the cat, but today, I was thankful for them. Their cute furry faces, the way their always excited to see me, the way their always there for me when Brad is gone. They keep me company, and I take it for granted ooooh too much.

I continued on my day with getting ready for school. I went and threw my clothes in the dryer to warm them up. Although our house is FREEZZZZZZZZZZING due to the lack of a working furnace, I'm thankful for a dryer. Being able to wake up in the morning and put on warm clothes, allowing the shivers to be replaced by relaxation and happyness.... heaven. I never have thought of the dryer as a blessing, but the last few weeks, it sure has been, and I am thankful for that.

Next up: school. Blaaaahhhhh, Ugh, Do I have to?: The first thoughts on my mind every single stinking day of the week. Not today. Usually I take for granted the continuing education I am allowed to maintain, today I am ecstatic to be able to fulfill my dream. I'm excited to be able to come here, when so many other American's can't afford it or can't maintain the stress. Today I was excited to come to school where I can see my friends and fellow "college mates" (not really class mates since all my classes consist of freshman, sophomores, juniors, seniors, and even some super seniors). I was excited to come to school today and go through my 6 hours of endless labs, classes, homework, and everything else that a typical Wednesday consists of. But, as hypocritical as this may sound: I get to school and my Lab was canceled. I was happy. :s Hypocritical? yea yea I know. But I was thankfull I didn't have to sit through a miserable 2 hour lecture about replacement gilts and what different body aspects to look for. Yes. I know. Hypocritical and rude, but usually I'd be ticked off that I didn't get an email about a canceled 8:00 lab; usually I'd think: I could have slept in another 2 hours instead of being stuck at school until 10 for my next lab. Not today. Today I took advantage and wrote this blog and did the rest of my homework for the day.

The last blessing: work. I started a 2nd job a few weeks back and its just a few hours here and there. I work the concession stands for athletic games. This past week I have been highly frustrated with them because they told me they needed help and to call them and say I'd work. Did that. They told me they don't need help. Frustrating. But, they called me back and said they still need me. I'm thankfull for a job that Im able to maintain during school and being able to have a personal life. I'm also thanful for my job at the Vet school and being able to maintain knowledge for the years to come that I am going to be spending there (hopefully).

Well, I hope you count your blessings.
Have a great Thanksgiving Month

<3 Roz

A First For Everything....

Alrighty. So... you know the saying "theres always a first for everything".... yeah, you know that saying that parent's always told you about trying your spinach/ broccoli/ etc. etc. Well... A few weeks back my husband and I were able to experience a First for me... he'd had a prior experience, but I had not. In fact, I was nervous and anxious to attend this grand event. Thousands and Thousands of people attend these events throughout the year, without ever even considering how exciting/ entertaining/ energetic this event is. Granted, yes... I had been to other events similar to this, very similar in fact... but not quite as.... grandiose.

I attended my First Ever NCAA Football Game. Yep. Thats right. I'm a junior in College and I have NEVER been to a college football game. I never expected it to be so exciting! And all the people.... yes... in fact... I am very much a people watcher. The game Brad and I went to was ISU vs. KSU... on Halloween Day... might I add. Not only did I experience my first ever college football game... I also got the experience of it being on Halloween Day. It Amazed me how "boisterous" some of the peoples costumes were. Just to name a few: Cy the Mascot.... he dressed up as a Ghost... hilariously entertaining might I add. Also we saw Gumby, the Teli-Tubbies, Barney, Woody, and many many awesome costumes. 

Over all my first experience was a very good experience. The Cyclones Won 28-16. It was a good game overall. Brad and I had a lot of fun cheering for the Cyclones. Although I never before cared about any type of college game; basketball, football, soccer, hockey, etc. etc. ... I definately have a heart for the Cyclones.

Here are a few pictures for you to enjoy!

 Go Team!!!

 Me with the Stadium in the Background :)

 Tailgating during Half time

 Go Cheerleaders... 1/2 my entertainment right here! <3

 Cy asking the Police Men for Candy....

 In front of the Score Board

Cy Body Climbinb up the Student Section

<3 Roz

Just Sayin'...

Have you ever been afraid to express your true feelings face to face, but when ur put behind a computer screen... it all goes flying out. Have you ever clammed up when face to face with a fight with your significant other, but when it comes to texting... it all streams out without a second thought.

Well, I am one of these people. When it comes to an argument with my husband, I clam up. I do not like fighting.. but... give me my cell I have no problem letting him know how I feel. There's just something about media these days that make expressing ourselves so much better. I'm more of one of those "If you can't say something nice... don't say nothin' at all" (Thumper from Bambi) kind of people. I clam up. When it comes to new people, I would never thing of saying something embarassing. Most people don't share their personal feelings, issues, or ideas with strangers, or people you aren't comfortable around. Would you walk up to a stranger and say... "Hey, I haven't shaved my legs in 3 weeks. I feel like a gorilla.".... I know I sure as heck wouldn't.

At Iowa State we have a news paper called the "Iowa State Daily". Every   EVERY student on campus reads the daily, and i can guarantee that over 1/2 of the student population, including some instructors, will admitt that the "Just Sayin' " section is their favorite. Its amazing some of the things people share... when they know you have no clue who they are. Its like walls of  "One way glass" are put up around them. They can watch people laugh/ respond to their quotes, but we have no clue who they are.

Here are a few prime examples.

From the Just Sayin' out of the Daily....

1) "I hate how my weekend plans are defined by how much I stocked up on "Free Condom Wednesday"...
2) "To my UV neighbors, please stop making the bed squeak when I'm trying to sleep. I CAN hear you. At least get some WD40 for your bed."
3) "To My Roommate: Ive started sleeping naked. I like th way it feels and I don't plan on stopping."
4) "To my roommate who is too cool to move her shampoo off the shower floor when she is done showering: Hope you like washing with shampee. Just sayin'."
5) "To the guy down the hall-- i love having sleepovers with you and I wonder if your girlfriend reads this. just sayin'."

Just to ramble off a few.

Hope you enjoy.
<3 Roz

Mother of Two...

Ladies and Gentlemen;

Brad and I have fulfilled our dreams and we now have both a Daughter and Son! :)

We introduced Moose into our family just this last weekend and we love him to death!
He is a pure bred Welsh Corgi and he is full of spunk and ambition. He is a determined
little guy with his stubby legs; steps are a challenge! But he definately LOVES his older
sister Sasha. His best friend is definately the cat; Tia; though. They take naps together and
chase each other around the house. Sasha and Moose keep each other company and this
has made my life so much easier... Sasha still has been getting into trouble but i'm hoping Moose doesn't catch onto her naughty chewing habits... Here are just a few pictures!

Hope you enjoy!

What my Tuition goes towards....

This semester I'm in Biology 211. I will admit, it's not my best class grade wise, but I definately learn some very interesting stuff from it. I used to think that Biology 211 was boring up until the last few chapters. This last unit we were learning about animals... so here are a few videos that we watched that I have found to be really ineteresting! I have found YouTube to become addicting when it comes to interesting biology facts....


Christmas Island Red Crab....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eH55iTS_FMY

Sharks and Octopui
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9A-oxUMAy8

The Life of a Sea Sponge (yes, they are ANIMALS!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laJgUrSsO_k

Army of the Sea
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3W4OCnHyCs&feature=fvw

Golden Frogs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1FWQvaBoRg

Hope you enjoyed a few interesting facts! :) I know I sure did!

<3 Roslyn Punt

Life Long Blessings......

I'm proud to pronounce........


(NO I AM NOT PREGNANT!) :) hehe
Brad and I's best friends are getting Married in a mere 10 DAYS from now.

Which ALSO means.... Brad and I have been married 4 months! CRAZY....

I'm at a point in the school year where I'm ready for a break. Dordt got tri-state
weekend... ISU... got a very devastating loss in the football game. woopy. whats new.
I'm ready for this exciting 3 day weekend coming up so quickly! I get to skip a physics
class on Friday and that makes this wedding all the better! I'm very excited to be able
to watch two life long friends join as one, and I'm even more excited because Brad AND
I are in the wedding. :) No, I don't get to walk down the aisle with him... but I still get to
be around him.

I remember the last week before our wedding.... so much rushing and hushing and excitement.
I was to the point (in overdrive) where I just wanted the week to be over. :) I'm sure Tiffany
is feeling that way too. Brad was sick, and I just wanted him to feel better, and it was just
all in all very stressful. But. SO WORTH IT.

Brad and I were with Mike and Tiff the night they met. And its a definate story to tell! :).
They're just two perfect pee's in a pod and I wish the best upon them. Brad and Mike have
been friends since as long as Brad can remember... Tiff and I have been friends since the
night she met Mike. Love and Happiness just grew from their. They have proven to be one
of our very few "couple" friends... and are most definately our closest. We enjoy hanging out
with them and being "mature". Not many of our friends are married (at least that we hand out
with and see often), so its nice to have them to support us, and we enjoy supporting them as
well...

anywho. I'm mumbling.
 but I just wanted to say that i'm
excited for my "vacation" from school
next week! :)

<3 Ros

Global Mission

Thursday night I was able to make it to my second ever SALT Co. event.
For more info on what SALT Company is; see the link below....

http://www.saltcompany.com/

They also have a Blog:

http://saltcompanystaff.blogspot.com/

Last nights message was about global missions and telling the nations.

Genesis 12 states "The Lord had said to Abram, "Leave your counry, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation and will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.""

*God wants people to go out and spread the word. He creates the nations and begins his plan to make a missionary family. Throughout the entire Bible God talks about fulfilling his mission and going out and spreading his words to the different nations. He wants us to become missionaries and desciple the stories about Him and His son.

The Promise is given to us in these 3 short Genesis verses; as well as multiple others...

                    Isaac; Gen 26:4 "all nations will be blessed"
                    Jacob; Gen 28:14 "all peoples will be blessed"
                   Ten Commandments- Deuteronomy 4:5-6
                    Exodus and Pharoh- Exodus 9:16
                   David and Goliath- 1 Samuel 17: 45-46
                   Solomon's Wisdome - 1 Kings 4:34
                   The Temple- 2 Chronicles 6: 32-33
                   The Psalms - Psalm 67: 1-2, 7

As I said, throughout the whole Bible God speaks about fulfilling his wish, and going out and telling the nations His news.

The guest speeker talked about a story that he had heard, and he connected it to these verses.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HjR75VY8uU

This guy proposes, on the Brooklyn Bridge, and drops the ring through the cracks on the pedestrian walk. He was so desperate to get this ring back, he climbed down the scaffolding. Of course, the security motion detectors aka 'suicide' detectors went off, and signaled the police to investigate. He preceded to climb down the scaffolding, desperate to reach this ring. He gets the ring, and police take him into custody. He then tells them the story and goes back up, and proposes to his now fiance.

This story is tied to global missions.... sometimes God gives us moments where we need to leave the "pedestrian bridge" and climb the scafolding of the unknown. We need to go out and make headline stories to all the nations. Typical proposals aren't exploited nationwide. This proposal was because the man was putting himself out there and doing something few others would do, just for his love. We need to do that for God. We need to step out of our comfort zone and become missionaries to nations, not just story county, not just Iowa, but to the nations of the earth. This is spread throughout the entire Bible (see verses above).

When we fall in love you adopt your lovers passions. We need to do that with God and spreading to the Nations. This is God's love, so therefore we need to adopt his passion and make it one of our own. Did you know that over 2/3rds of Jesus' miracles were performed on Gentiles?...

The Larger Purpose- Isaiah 49:6; its not just Jacob but to everyone else that needs to go out and preach
Ministry of Jesus- Matthew 24:3,14; this is the timline of Jesus' opinion on what will happen
Responsibility- Romans 1:6; Galatians 3:!4
Strategy- Romans 15:20- entering unknown territory
Purchase- Revelation 5:9; Jesus already paid for everyone

His finishing words to this sermon was...
"Climb out of the safety of the sidelines and play in the game among nations. God gives us the choise to choose our mission, so don't delay, and be decisive TODAY."

Thanks for Reading. :)
<3 Roz

Long Time No Blog!

Oh. My. Goodness.
It has been far too long since I last posted on here.
Life has had me absolutely runnnnnnnnnnning lately.
Well. For today I'll get you all caught up in my life.

Brad and I moved to Ames, Iowa August 1st. Brad hadn't found a job in town yet so he was running back to Creston every week. For 4 days a week he would stay at his boss' house, then travel back up to see me. I started school at ISU August 23rd. I have been busy and stressed ever since. A Community College of 1,300 students is completely different than a University with 28,500 other students. And Easier might I add. I am currently taking Animal Science/ Pre-Vet Med classes. I'm currently taking Physics 111 with Lab, Biology 211, Animal Science 270 (Meat Science) with Lab, Animal Science 225 (Swine Science) with Lab, and Intro to Animal Science 110. I am half way through round 1 of exams. I have bio, 270, and physics done and over with, this coming week will be 225's exam as weel as 270's lab exam. Studying has me pretty busy. Classes full time, as well as supplemental instruction sessions..... time management is KEY!

I started working on the 17th of August at the Iowa State University Vet Med Teaching Clinic. I work with large animal patients including horses, sheep, goats, cattle, and a few hogs here and there. I work here monday and friday mornings from 5:30 - 8/9, depending on how much work there is to be done. I also work tuesday afternoons from 3:45 - 5/6. These hours work great with my school schedule and it helps a little with the bills. I really enjoy my job and thoroughly enjoy the people and patiens I work with.

Brad recently quit his Creston job and started working in Anita for Traush Farms. He works here 4 days a week. This job is only temporary, helping with the sale calves. October 15th he'll only be working 2 days a wekk for them. Also, he was just hired YESTERDAY for a job in Marshalltown. This job consists of hauling manure 3-4 days a week. He really enjoy's his boss here and is excited to get started working for him!

Brad and I enjoyed our first tailgating party yesterday with a few friends of ours. We didn't make it to the game due to the lack of tickets, as well as the lack of money to BUY the tickets. How you gotta love being a poor college life.

We bought our own trailer at the Old Orchard trailer park. We enjoy having our own house! Its deffinately nice to be able to do what we want to the place. We are still in the process of decorating and painting, but we have years to finish! We are hoping to be doing a little bit of renovation hopefully within the next year. But we will see what is to come.

Thanks, Roslyn

Upcoming Changes.

Ugh! Where to begin!

Within the Next Week, Brad and I's lives are going to change drastically.

First off- We have pretty much adopted a stray kitten. Sasha's new BFF.

This Kitten is

now part of

the family.

She LOVES

being loved,

and most of

all, She

LOVES

Sasha.

(As you

can tell.)

So There's the first change for the week.

Second. I am leaving my job. Thursday is my last shift. And I'm

going to miss it. I have been there for just short of 1 year, and

have really gotten attached to some of the people there. This means

finding a new job. BUT. I do have an interview next Thursday that

is really giving me a good vibe. The Employer gave me a promising

uplift by telling me that I had one of the best resume's she's seen from

a College Student. She said I definately knew what I was doing when

I have had so many Hands On Jobs. She knows that I am a hard

worker just by my recent jobs.

Third. We are Moving. Saturday is our Last Day in Creston, Iowa.

We bought a trailer house in the Old Orchard Trailer Park.

No. This is by no means a mansion, nor is it in the greatest shape.

But Brad and I are Saving TONS of money by buying a place

rather than renting a 2 bedroom apartment for 6 years at $700/Mo.

So. We Bought a House. Sunday we went and made the down

payment and started painting. Here are a Few Before/ After Pictures.

The Kitchen- Not Yet Painted. It will be Red and Black when

we are done with it. It has New hard wood flooring, and a

new stove. The Fridge/ Freezer is 3 years old.

Living Room. Right now its Grey. We are painting it

Dark and Light Brown. Its the largest room of the house and has

a little bit of an extension on it (Where Brad's Standing) an that

really adds more room to it.

The Hallway. This leads to the Office, Bathroom, and Master

bedroom. We aren't sure what color this will be yet, we are

still deciding on that.

The Office. Has all new hardwood flooring. The Desk came

with the House. I am hoping to paint this room Orange. I

want something that explodes and is exciting. I don't want a grey

office- that would be no studying for me! haha.

The Bathroom. Has the Washer and Dryer in it. A tub/Shower.

Toilet, and Sink/Counter. This room was ALL white. Ugh. At

the End; This is what it looked like....

Dark and Light Brown. It matches the decorations that I had registered

for on our Wedding Registry. So Excited!

The Master Bedroom. Right now its a Pea green and White.

Not exactly my choise in bedroom colors but... This is what it

will look like when its done....

Its not done yet, but its getting there. Brad and I ran out of time

on Sunday so we had to cut it short. But we will get it done! The

colors match our new Bed set....

We bought a new bed with our Wedding money. I decided

we also needed a new bedspread and all the fun jazz too!

So. Saturday we are moving into our new home. We still

have alot of painting to doo but we will get it done eventually.
We're both pretty excited to own our own place and not have
to rent anymore. We're also excited to be able to start
our lives together as a married couple. We're hoping this
house proves to be a good decision for us!

We named our house "The Punt Palace, even though its not
much of a palace at all. But it is for us... for the mean time!

<3 Roz

The 4 Seasons.

I tell you what. Today has been a crazy day so far and its just beginning.

To start off my day, I had to work 11pm- 7am.

So I Am 1. Cranky. 2. Tired. 3. Emotional (I get that way when I'm sleepy).

4 AM hits this morning and all, but the emotional, sensations dissappear when I

become "The Kitten Hunter" (kinda like the crocodile hunter, only with kittens... yeah).

Anywho. I'm sitting at work and I hear this loud "MEOW". I just figured its probably

our Tom cat being dumb because he's kinda that way sometimes. I walk past the

front door, and he's sitting out front up on his perch, sleeping.

Huh. That obviously wasn't the Tom Cat doing that noise. So I just shrugged it off.

Who knows, stray cat or something, nevermind. ... About a half hour later, it starts

back up again. I walked to the courtyard doors, only to find this tiny, little grey kitten.

All beaten up, matted coat, uckey boogery eyes, really scrawney looking thing.

For Starters- I am not a Cat lover. I'm a "Cat-Get-A-Long-Er".

It took me about 1/2 hour of chasing this little fart around the yard.

It finally cornered itself into a corner of the plase, and I walked up to it and

tried grabbing it. Bad Idea. Biting, scratching, clawing, hissing.

Ugh. Ugliest noises ever. Ok. So I decided to change my tacticts.

Roslyn, the Kitten Hunter, decided to use her foot to distract the kitten while

she grabbed it with her hands covered with her sweatshirt sleaves.

Check Mate. The kitten bit and scratched at my shoe the whole time I was

trying to grab it by its neck. But I got it.

Here's the Little Devil Herself.

The Poor thing. I feel Terrible for it.

Its Left eye is all matted and covered in boogers. She can't see out of it,

so I'm pretty sure she's blind in that eye. I put her in a box right away and gave

her some cat food, she gobbled it right up. Then I noticed a whole bunch of blood.

Ugh. Crap.... Needless to say it wasn't anything too serious. But still :( sore.

The bottoms of her feet were raw. I mean, the pads are completely worn away.

So they were bleeding profusely. So I put a paper towel in the bottom of the

box and that helped stop the bleeding.

Well. I took her home. Tried calling the Rescue Shelter here in town, but nobody

will call me back. So she's just chilling out in Sasha's kennel.

All huddled up in a corner, scared poopless of everything moving around her.

:( Poor Girl.

I try making her feel comfortable by throwing in some cat food and water.

She went for the food, but didn't want anything to do with the water.

So I tricked her. I took a biscuit, and soaked it in water, and she ate it.

Hah!

Then everything gets worse....

The Dog finds out.

She literally sits there, staring at the poor thing while its hissing and

spitting and all curled up in an arch.

Needless to say Sasha's getting a kick out of the deal, so she

takes front row seats to "Cats" the musical.

I finally felt bad so I covered the kennel with blankets, hoping

the poor little thing would get some sleep for once....

Sasha had other plans. She wanted that nuisence in her sight.

She didn't trust it being in her house, free to roam (even though

she couldn't get out... dumb dog).

About a 1/2 hour later I got the poor little kitten to simmer down, and

to a point where I could hold her again without her trying to hiss and get away.

All the sudden she starts purring.

Ugh. I felt like Sunshine on a Summer day.

"SHE LIKES ME!"

After that she started getting brave and wanting to walk around, so I let her.

She wandered under the bed, through the closet, and decided it was play time.

She played hide and go seek with Sasha for about 5 minutes before

Sasha decided it was Bath Time. Poor girl.

She didn't know what to think of such a large tongue licking her

face as rapidly as Sasha's was. She decided it was a little rough, and

went walking back into the kennel, all on her lonesome where she now

lays there, sleeping in her 4 Seasons Hotel.

Anyone want a poor little Stray kitten?

She's All Grey. Female. Fresh off the Street.

oooo. And she Loves dogs (I think).

Hopefully the Shelter calls me back. Brad won't let me keep her.

He's not a cat person at all. Eh.

We'll find a good home for her some how!

<3 Roz

Long Lost Love.

Noise.

Wierd huh?

Have you evern gone a day without listening to any music?
Without the TV on, or even playing in the background?
Without the Radio on in the car, without talking to anyone.

Yeah, I don't think I have ever had this kind of day.
Honestly.

First off- I like to talk. I talk to co-workers at work.
I talk on the phone if I need to call someone, or if someone calls.

I wake up in the morning and instantly turn on the tv to channel 76- CMT.
I listen to top hits, I watch "Your chance to Dance", and I watch mutiple
other TV Show's throughout the day. Along with that, whenever I hop into
the car, the sterio is on, the music is playing.

I don't know what I would do through an entire day without any noise.

Have you ever taken something so "annoying" for granted?...

Because My Long Lost Love is Noise.

<3 Roz

Air Head...

To start off my day. I woke up at 9:30 AM. (yes. you heard me correct. i WAS in fact awake before noon. and i am pround of myself) Anywho. Here's a run through of my day! ...

Woke up.
Texted Brad good morning.
Went on Facebook
...... Asked for advice to Chop the Hair or Leave it Long....
.
.
.
Went to Wal Mart
..... Did some School Shopping, and got Paint Color Sticks so I can decide what colors I want to paint the new house.
.....Tried ordering Wedding Pictures-but that didn't work.
Went Home.
Checked Facebook
.....Answered the 7 notifications to my Ststus update- (5 of 7 wanted me to keep my hair long)
Ran to Work
...... Picked up Boxes for Packing...
Chatted with the Boss for a bit and Headed Home.
Watched some TV for a bit.
Plugged in "StarStruck", the Movie.
Ate Cheese Cubes and a Blueberry Muffin for lunch.
After the Movie was done- just hung out with the pooch and watched TV.

1:45... I did it. I CHOPPED MY HAIR! :)
7 1/2 inches later, with the wind in my hair, I left wal-mart. Feeling like an Air Head.
My head is so light. So Fluffy. My hair is so.... short. I can't even run my fingers through my hair anymore.
But I Love It!

Well. Anywho. Now, I just got my Wedding Picts ordered and am now off to watch more TV.
Oh the joys of not having anything to do.

PS: the working out program has been going well. I just started last Thursday so there's not many results yet. And the weekend proved to be a little challenging (hence the fact that I didn't run)... but I started back up yesterday- adding onto it a 25 minute workout on my Golds Gym Wii Cardio Workout.

It Feels Good.

Life Is Good.

<3 Roz

Just like Oil and Water.

While dogs are seen as mans best friend, cats are viewed as the animals that are focused upon World Domination.

According to Me:
Dogs have always been seen to be compassionate, understanding, loveable, relaxed, and of course playful.

...Cats... a whole-nother story. Cats are evil little terrorists who always want to get in your way and try and trip you, and they scratch and bite, and hiss, and spit, and claw, and they get these evil little faces when you piss them off. Not only that they don't like it when you pull their tails and they turn around and try attaching you if you try it.

Growing up I always had a dog, and of course we always had the herd of farm cats. My dogs, not always perfectly trained, at least listend 1/2 the time... but those cats. ugh. The instant you walk out that door with some kind of food in your hand you would be absolutely swarmed with cats. Some jumping on you, some clawing at your legs, and others just plain old freaking out at the smell of food.

No. We did not starve our farm cats. We just liked keeping the rat and mouse population down on the farm. And that is the ONLY thing those cats were good for. I hated the cats. I hated feeding them. I hated them clawing me. I hated everything about them. I could spend hours upon hours with my dog, but I couldn't stand the cats.

Today. My dad only has 1 of the original Farm Cats left... Panda. I'll admit. I have a soft spot for Panda. She's one of those cats where you can grab her by the tail, and she just sits there. You can pinch her ears and she'll just flick them. She's never tried to bite, scratch, or attach me her entire life. When my dog Shotzie had her first litter of puppies in 2008 I learned just how mellow Panda was...

http://www.facebook.com/rackerman1#!/video/video.php?v=1105461714985

This cat is so mellow she lets the puppies crawl around her. She has never hurt a fly, (maybe a mouse or two... thousand), but nothing else. I always imagined the cats to hate the dogs, because thats how ALL of the other cats acted. Shotzie got near, the cat was out of there, or hissing, or trying to attack her. Dang cats. But, Panda showed me just how nice cats can actually be.

I'll admitt. As of today, I am starting to warm up to cats. There's a cat that lives in an apartment upstairs from us named Sparks. He's a nice cat, and he's really friendly. School used to have a cat that we named Super Kitty, I had a soft spot about her too.

So. As of today. I believe cats and dogs really CAN get along.

It just depends on them to fix their problems. Not you.

<3 Roz

Today... I Did It.

Thats right. You heard me. I did it. I took the plundge.

I have been telling myself for almost 2 years now that I was going to start running again. And yesterday, I started this challenge.

I am not fat. I am just not the same as I was 2 years ago. Although I have only gained a total of 8 lbs in this 2 year endeavor since my knee surgery, I have found myself to be flabby. I tried blaming it on "old age" and "getting old" but my gutt instinct just flat out tells me that I'm out of shape. There. Like a bandaid- just rip it off. I'm Out Of Shape. I can't even chase after the dog 1 block without becoming winded and my legs feeling all flabby afterwards. It has officially come to my attention that I needed to do something about it!

So I did it last night. Brad was out on a "boy's night out" with a friend of his so, I took advantage of being home alone. I rounded up the pooch and her leash, grabbed up the iPod, buckled up the shoes, and headed out.

I started up the alley, and turned around the block, headed down Division Street for 4 blocks, turned right for a block, and headed back up Oak Street for 5 blocks, then headed down to my block again. I did it. Woo Hoo. 11 Blocks. ... How sad is that?... not even 3/4 of a mile and I was completely utterly exhausted. My legs felt like flab, I was out of breath, and the dog just wanted to drag behind because she was so shot.

Anywho. That was the excitement of my day yesterday. I started the challenge. Now the problem is to keep it up. Ugh. O well. I'm going for another run tonight. We'll see how it goes!

<3 Roz

Wish Upon a Shooting Star...

Thursday night I had an amazing night. Although I had hours of boredom under my belt for the day the evening proved to allow different. After many hours of endlessly counting the hairs fall off of the calves backs, I had finally had enough. By now it was about 10:00 PM and I was shot.

Mike didn't think I could go 10 seconds without talking, so I left.

I walked over to the jeep and sad down on the hood and I looked up at the sky.

"Can we pretend that Airplanes in the Night Sky are like Shooting Stars?

 I Could Really use a Wish Right now, Wish Right now, Wish Right now!"

This song popped into my head. After a while of pondering the song and the meaning behind it, I began to get a little chilly. It was nearly 11 pm and I was still in a t-shirt. burr. I slid off the hood of the jeep and grabbed the blanket and my pillow from out of there and went back to my perch.

The heat of my jeep was held in with my blanket, making me cozy warm. The pillow behind my head caused a perfect relaxation position. So comfy.

As I was laying there I realized just how peaceful and vast the stars are. Just as I was about to fall asleep under the stars Jenna and the kids came over and started climbing all over me and the jeep. Needless to say I was awake then.

For the next 2 hours I layed there with Jake and Jenna Goofing around and laughing at silly jokes. It was a good time.

<3 Roz

Gooder to Badder to Worser.

So here's my weekend Recap... Hold on. Its quite large.

Bear with me.

*sigh*

Thrusday morning Brad started clipping his sisters calves @ 7:30 AM....

                 Well, he was SUPPOSED to, but the calves weren't ready.

So he started on a few of them at 9:00, which put him behind by 1.5 hrs,  but then there were no other calves ready to be clipped so we moved on to the next place.

Hibma's.

Here is where alot of the time was spent for the day.

A guy had told Brad he'd drop his cattle off here, they would be washed and ready to go.

           Needless to say that after a 1 hr drive in a trailer, the 7 head were all covered in poop and had to be RE washed and RE dried before Brad could get anywhere with the clipping. This added another 1 hour to our delay time for clipping. We are now up to 2.5 hrs.

8 hours later... Brad finally moves on to our 3rd destination.

De Haan's.

Again, much time was spent here clipping there numerous head for the open show on Saturday, which Brad and I would be missing for the first year in who knows how long...

Any who.

We got done there and headed back to his Dad's house where the calves were all released and out in the yard. Brad and I trudge out there at  2:00 AM and catch all the little stinkin' rug rats and get them clipped out.

By now this chicka is shot and ready for bed. 3:30 AM. Deedless to say if we hadn't had all the "delays", we would have been done at 1:00 AM, but with Brad's luck I knew it would go this way. I also was dreading the 6:30 alarm I had set so that we could leave for the Black Hills bright and early. Needless to say... That DID NOT happen! lol.

Friday Morning- we rolled outta' bed about 9:00 and Hit to Road to Rock Rapids. We picked up some promotioal meat for the butcher shop there and had to deliver it to a town on our way out to Rapid City. 10:30 AM we are finally on the road and ready to go.

The South Dakota drive was so boring. But I definately had some entertaining fun via my camera...

We drop off the first load of meat- everything goes well. We get about an hour from Rapid City and the jeep starts making a noise. Brad decided it wasn't so important and he'd look at it at the campground which was a mere 25 miles away.

We arrived at the Camp ground and we let the jeep cool off. The Campground was really cool. It was in the trees and stuff and there were rattle snakes in the grass- you could here them. The boys even caught one and chopped its head off. It was interesting.

We ate a delicious supper at the campground. Grilled PorkChops, Fried Potatoes, and Salads. Yum.

After supper we all headed to Mt. Rushmore to see the light show. Fantab. That was pretty cool to see.

Brad and I then returned to our cabin afterwards, and rested up for a long Saturday.

Saturday- we ate breakfast. 99 cent all you can eat pancakes! OMG. DELICIOUS! Then we visited "Ft. Hayes" which is the video set for "Dances with Wolves". That was pretty cool and exciting too. We took lots of pictures and had lots of fun.

After breakfast we went back to the campground for a little bit to let everyone's breakfast settle and for some people to change clothes to go for a drive. My sister caught a "smoothe green snake" (thats really the kind, I googled it on my Blackberry!) It was so cool!

After that a few of us headed off to Custer State Park, we rode along Needles Highway, and did the Wildlife Loop, and all that fun jaz. It was lots of fun. We saw antelope, deer, prairie dogs, wild mules, and of course... da da da... Buffalo. TONS and tons and TONS of buffalo.

After we were done with that we rushed on back to the campground where everyone was ready to leave for my moms wedding. Needless to say... I managed to 1. change into a dress. 2. straighten my hair. 3. do my make up. 4. shave my legs. and 5. brush my teeth in a matter of 13 minutes. RECORD TIMING. BOO YEAH.

We headed of to the wedding, which was a pretty good time. The food was delish, and we took a little hike with the whole groop down a path next to a water stream and stuff. It was pretty cool.

After the celebration was done was when the "badder" comes into effect. My moms friend that was at the wedding got a little mad at Brad and I for locking her out of the cabin. Oops. Needless to say, I really don't feel all that bad. She treated me like poo, she deserved it! (how bad am I for saying that?) Anywho- Brad and I moved our stuff outta our Cabin and we stayed on a huge air mattress in my Aunt and Uncles camper.

I slept like a rock star. Ugh. I was so exhausted.

Sunday morning- Brad woke up and ran to Wal-Mart to get new stuff for my jeep. He ended up changing some gear oil or something like that, hopping that was the problem.

It diffinately helped the noise we had been hearing, so we decided we were good to go home.

We hit Bear Country USA on our way out of town.... the jeep ended up over heating, and loosing oil pressure, and AC all while parked in the middle of a Timberwolf and Black Bear pen.

Handy.

We figured out that was just because we had been sitting there for forever because people were holding up traffic.

Well, we made it through eventually and headed on our way.

The ride went well. The noise had become less prominent. Until we hit Sioux Falls. 1 hour from home and the jeep started making this aweful grinding noise.

Ugh.

Now What?!?!

Anywho. We made it to Brad's parents house safe and sound and slept the night away.

Monday Morning-

7:30 Brad Brings Jeep into Shop.

8:00 Jeep starts getting fixed on.

9:00 Brad gets call from friend.

10:30 Brad and Roz go to shop to talk to friend.

11:00 Brad and Roz find out it will take $1,000 + to fix everything that was wrong.

12:30 Brad and Roz start looking for an alternate way to get home to Creston.

4:15 Brad and Roz climb into an Old Buick Le Sabre.

Man o Man did we feel like we were the Mafia's grandparents. Geeze. lol.

Well. We made it home safe and sound. And thats all that matters.

But our weekend went from good, to bad, to worse.

What a Typical Punt Weekend!

<3 Roz

Arc-en-ciel. Regenboog. Rainbow.

Have you ever been able to witness the breath taking sight of a Rainbow? Maybe not even the entire spectrum, but even a glimpse of one...

I have seen them multiple times throughout my lifetime. But yesterday, I was three of them. Two of them were a double rainbow. Lately, a lot of things have been really noticed by me. I have been more open to the world and more enthused by nature and the world of art. Lately, everything to me has had a meaning behind it, and yesterday, these rainbows symbolised promises.

The First rainbow Brad and I saw was huge. We could only see the bottoms of it because the top went right up into the grey rainy clouds. Brad thought I was crazy to be taking so many pictures of this ancient symbol, but, to me this was a promise. A promise that there would never be another rain identical to the one we had just witnessed. There would never be a rain fall with the same amount of rain drops, the same amount of rain. Every other rainfall on this earth would be different from this one.

That just amazed me.

Then, little than a half hour later, Brad and I saw yet another rainbow. But. This one took my breath away. A Double Rainbow (you can kinda see it in the picture)....

This got my brain thinking. If God gave a rainbow as a promise to never provide a flood like the recent one again. The Rainbow is a symbol of God's faithfulness and Mercy to us. So what does a double rainbow mean? or does it mean the same thing?

All I know is that I can now look back at these three rainbows I saw yesterday and remember the amazing rays I was able to witness. Rainbows have now taken the place of the "northern" lights from me and replaced them for first place on my "awe" list.

These rainbows really had me thinking and "ooing and aweing" the whole trip home last night. I was so glad to spend the trip with my husband and to be able to share this amazing adventure with him. I have noticed that we are able to talk about nature and awe inspiring events alot easier than we were 3 years ago, for this I am so glad. <3

<3 Roz