Happy Birthday to Me~

Hey y'all, 

It's my birthday today, and you know what means? A somewhat boring day, and saying a million thank-yous to those wishing me a happy birthday. I enjoy that very much, and it makes the day a lot brighter, especially when it feels strange to be a year older. 

Right now I actually don't have any exciting book ideas. I'm just typing and re-editing books I've written years ago in notebooks. I'm eating lunch at work now, and it's a bag of Doritos Cool Ranch chips, a peanut butter sandwich on grain bread, a CapriSun Fruit Punch, and a Nature Valley Sweet and Salty Nut Almond bar. Fun, fun. Oh, and I'm getting my haircut today. Birthday haircut, birthday style. I'm thinking of getting it cut to an inch to a half an inch off my shoulders. I haven't had it that short in a while, and it might be fun to straighten every day. I'm cutting my bangs again, too, because I like my bangs. Plus, my hairdresser, when I called her the other day for an appointment, asked me to bring a copy of one of my books so she can read it, and I'm hoping the one I'm giving her will brighten her world. 

In the mean time, it'll be a normal birthday. I'm turning twenty-one today, but that doesn't mean I'm going to go to any parties or clubs. I'd rather the drinking age be 25 or 30, in my opinion. Turning twenty-one isn't that big of a deal to me, it's just a number. I matter incredibly too much to the Lord to even think of seriously drinking. Besides, I've seen problems with drinking happen with people before, and that is never going to happen to me. I will be darn sure of it. 

It's a busy week for my family, so we won't have our "birthday party" thing goings on until Wednesday evening. It doesn't really feel that exciting of a party, because I'm really not a kid anymore and shouldn't have any more parties like those. Should I? Send me your comments to tell me what you think, please. Anyway, Mom said she'll make me my birthday supper of homemade macaroni and cheese and fried chicken. My dad doesn't like mac and cheese, so we'll probably have to choose something extra for him. We'll also having chocolate cake, and whoop-dee-do. 

Thanks for any birthday wishes you may wish for me. I hope to have a great day! 

Ta for now!! 

JMG~

Sick and Tired~

Hey! :) 

Sooo, I am having troubles lately. First of all, I am having a difficult time, or at least a tricky enough time, putting full faith in God to let Him work everything out. I am confused about Him, still, mainly. Oh, I study His Word daily, and I understand most of it, but how does a true Christian like me put full trust in Him? I want to so badly, but most Christians know how it is when doubts are constantly there, or get there, at least, if a bad thing occurs. So, please pray for me and my faith. 

First and foremost, however, please pray for my family. I'm not sure the most I can put out on here without them seeing, but let's just say that things aren't feeling well lately. Everybody is too busy, for one thing, and for another, I worry about my parents' marriage, and our family's whole faith in the Lord. These days, it seems or feels that I have more faith than anyone else. That's just too sad, and we have other personal troubles that stay at the back of my mind. Besides that, my birthday is coming up at the end of June, and I fear it may be nonexistent to my family. I'm turning 21. That day is going to mean far more to me than most of you probably realize. It has nothing to do with the fact that from that day on, I can legally drink, not that I want to, I'm not that thrilled about it. In my opinion, the drinking age should be 25. But anyway, turning 21 means that it's going to be another reminder that I'm an adult, that the days of college are closing in on me, that soon I'll be all on my own, and how scary is that? 

I work hard, and I study hard at school. But when it comes to going home at the end of the day--which makes sense lately since I'm working plus taking summer courses, two--something feels giant, like an aching hole inside me that I can't seem to place. Maybe it's just that I feel my years on numbered at finding true love. I try  hard to believe harder daily that God has my man out there somewhere for me. :) I seem to have more faith in that these days with Him than anything else, but I am trying my very hardest, and He knows I am. Most of the time, I guess, it's just hard. 

My hope and prayer is that you might help me figure something out. If not, God bless. Hope conquers everything, besides faith first and foremost, and I will continue to deeply believe that. No matter what happens in our family, and no matter what does or doesn't change. 

Thanks for reading. :) Ta! for now, 

JMG~

Summer Stupid School~

Hey, y'all,

Sooo, I have to read "The Taming of the Shrew," a Shakespearean play out of a book the thickness the size of my hand. Anyway, I do not understand the course, so I'm hoping that through the Lord's will, the professor may be able to give me a heads-up on what to do. I knew having an English-Writing major wasn't always going to be easy, but so far, this has been the hardest Eng. course I've taken. And that is saying something. Every semester I think that a class is going to be harder than all the rest I've taken, but that never happens. I always get through them with good grades, and if the Lord wills, I will continue to. I don't understand the point of being called on in class, however. What IS the point? Just to gain insight from students? What if you don't know the answer to the question? You can't just say "pass" or "I don't know." For most professors, it has to be a particular reason WHY I don't know, which is pathetic. A professor is supposed to help the student, not embarrass them. I'm not saying that they don't help. It just seems to be both most of the time, at least in my world. 

My other class of business ethics is honestly more calming than the shakespearean class so far. Maybe it's because I seem to understand that one  better, or maybe it's because I don't need the course for my major and am just taking it to get a second summer course. I need to work that's why, and if I don't take at least two classes in the summer, there's no work and no financial aid. So this is where I am. 

In the mean time, at home, the puppy is chewing up flowers, we know there's a kitten, but unsure where, my cat keeps wandering away from home and coming back off and on cuz he's afraid of a superior kitty, and there just seems to be too much arguing in the house lately. I don't know, maybe it's just me, but it's come to the point where I can't stand it, and seek solace in God and friends, and animals. I was thinking of going to graduate school after I graduate this spring, but I think the shakespearan professor said that that course might be similar to graduate courses, and I don't want to waste time and money if I'd have to work too hard. There's nothing wrong with working hard. I'm not saying that there is. What I'm saying is that I have to decide what God wants, or rather, discover what he wants, and then go for it. It'll be in my best needs, always in His plan, so we'll just have to see,  I guess. In the meantime, please keep my family and I in your prayers and thoughts. I'd very much appreciate it, thanks. :) 

Ta! for now, 

JMG~ :)   

SAD NEWS~

Hey y'all,

My sheep ewe Sarah died Monday afternoon, May 4th, of pneumonia. :( She'd been sick for a few days, and we had been giving her medicine, but I don't know, I guess it just wasn't enough or something. After bawling until sleep finally came to me on Monday, I slept not so well. But I had Chinese with a good friend yesterday, so that cheered me up. 

I'm feeling pretty down, but I am struggling to keep my trust in God. I guess maybe I didn't have enough faith in Him to make Sarah all better. I hope to the high heavens of the earth that I will not ever regret that. I was a struggling Christian, and still am. I am struggling of putting full faith in Him, so I hope He reaches out to me soon, so that I will be able to, and maybe everything can be able to piece back together again. 

Sarah Winnifred died May 4, 2009 after a short battle with pneumonia. She was born February 10, 2005, at the barn. She was a faithful owner to JMG, and she will be deeply missed. She loved to hang out with her sheep ewe friends, and be a pig at eating anything. When JMG was gone from college, she sometimes avoided her and it took a day or two to win her back. She loved eating out in the pasture, and loved the sunshine. Her best buds were fellow sheep ewes Medora and Yo-Yo. In her entire four years of living, she had four children, twins in the year 2008, and twins again in the year 2009. When they were weaned, she was always sorry to see them go their own ways. She loved to have her cheeks scratched and rubbed, and to just be petted. She loved corn and mineral block, her favorite foods, and JMG often fed her a little extra. She always looked for JMG when she was gone to college, and she was patient until her return. 

She grew up with twin brother Nick, from mother Winnie. She was born late at night, and was all black right away. She and Nick were weaned early, however, when Winnie would not stop jumping fences. She became quickly accustomed to ranch life, and never got sick. She was always happy, healthy and loud. Her bellow often could be heard from the granary, and it was usually when her and her ewes sensed suppertime upon them. She was quite and nurturing, and loved to be hugged. Her face was soft and furry, and she was strong. She was a wonderful mother to her children, and a wonderful ewe to JMG. She will be sorely missed, but remembered very fondly for being a wonderful pet. 

Sarah is preceded in death by her mother, Winnie; her brother Nick; and her sons, Joey and Johnny. 

Sarah is survived by her twin daughters, Jada and Serenity "Nettie"; her owner JMG; and numerous sheep ewe friends. 

Rest in peace, sweet baby girl. I love you so much, and God forgive me for not being able to help you when you needed it most. I will never forget you, and I promise that I'll do anything in my power to keep Jada and Nettie just as safe. ~

Ta. 

JMG~

Almost Done~

Hey, y'all, 

Plenty has been going on lately. I am on the verge of writing the last book of the "Survival of True Love" series, the one about six ranch brothers. It is pretty fun, and in the mean time besides that, I am thinking of how to write a book idea that just won't get out of my head. It's not important right now, especially since only God knows if I'll ever get that one done. There is just a lot going on right now. 

For one, there are some family issues that are confusing at times. On the plus side, I am driving home this weekend (I love driving), and I haven't been home in about three weeks, not counting last Monday when I had to drive home to drop my dad off, since he'd picked me up for my dentist appointment. Long story, but anyway, a lot has been going on. 

Besides family stuff, there is a lot of homework yet to be done. Miraculously, I finished my ten page research paper last night, and even had time to chat with my sister before going off to bed. I really do need to start getting to bed earlier. I don't know what it is. I guess my brain just continues to want me to watch Home Improvement every night at eleven instead of sleeping earlier. I don't know what is going on with that. I have a group presentation today I'm not looking forward to either, but with God everything is possible, so I guess I shouldn't worry. He's taking care of everything, right? Right! I also have a couple more papers coming up this week, and a workshop thing in one of my other classes. 

To top everything all off, I have a cold. Though it's small, it still bugs me. I blame TV. But one thing that I have learned about watching TV at night is this Christian news channel beginning at ten at night on the Family Channel. Everybody should watch it, I think. Every piece of news they talk about is religion-based, and that's just awesome. I just wish that it would come on earlier in the day, so only those still awake would be able to see it if they happened to be on that channel. 

Wish me luck with everything this week! In the mean time, I am really excited to go home. :) 

Ta!! :) 

JMG~

Easter Weekend~

Hey, y'all!

Now that the flood problems in the mid-west are pretty much over, it's time to face Easter break. I don't get Good Friday or Good Monday off, which is a real bummer, since aren't those days supposed to be respectable holidays? Jesus Christ rose from the dead, for goodness sakes! It is definitely an occasion worth to be remembering, and I guess people don't get that. 

Anyway, I'm not only excited to go home this weekend because of Easter, or because of the time spent with family and animals. I'm also excited, because for the first time in my rabbit Maggie's four-year-old life, she is getting a brand new hutch. One where she will not need to hide, where there will be a lot more light, and where she could live a healthier and happier life. Pet rabbits are supposed to live up to twelve years, after all, and I think that a new hutch could definitely lengthen her life, and make her a happier little bunny. 

Maggie is a gray, Mini Rex rabbit of four years old. Her mother, Dusty died two years ago from what I thought maybe was old age. But Maggie is so sweet, and the hutch she's living in now doesn't give as much light, and is more closed in. At least with this new hutch, she'll have a cleaner atmosphere, too, since I'm worried about the wood on her old hutch rotting. It was handmade from my dad a couple years ago, but I'm afraid some things don't last forever. So God willing, when I get home there will be a new hutch waiting for my one and only bunny. She deserves it. My mom was supposed to pick one up for me, and I'd pay her back later. 

But since we're on the topic, and I am bored at work, let me explain more about my rabbit. One thing is that she is a biter, but only when she's nervous. It has taken me years to trust my rabbits that they won't freak out. It has taken them years to trust me. Oh, Maggie trusts me for the most part, and she knows who I am. I know how to hold rabbits and all that, but sweatshirt and gloves are most appropiate with picking her up, and I haven't in a while, so hopefully it'll be as easy as possible. Sometimes I have to ask my sisters how to pick them up properly, because I forget. I took Maggie to the fair, and she's a blue ribbon rabbit. She's also earned me money before. 

Maggie is quite different from the other rabbits, my sisters' and cousin's, on our small ranch besides sheep, chickens, two dogs and some barn cats. She is very adorable, though. She is very sensitive about other people's voices and touches. She zips away from the main part of the hutch very fast. But when it's me or my mom, who takes care of her when I'm away, she feels a lot better. She doesn't even mind when I pet her, and her favorite places is on the head, over the ears, and along the back. She is an adorable rabbit, and God willing, she will be a lot happier in her new home. Wish us luck, and have a great Easter weekend, everybody! :) 

Ta! :) 

JMG~

Back from Spring Break~

Hey, y'all,

So I'm back from Spring Break. A break that wasn't the most fun, but hey, I got to spend some time with my family, and a lot of time with my animals. My lambs, Jada and Nettie, are getting so big. I miss them so much. Our puppy, Bella, is hardly a puppy anymore. She's about five and a half months old. I will get pics on here of her as soon as I can. She loves to distract you from pulling hay for the sheep, and follows you everywhere. She loves hanging out with the kitties, too, which is odd, but half the time they like her, too.
My cat Dally is the same, although he waits for me more often now. Same with my sheep ewe, Sarah. She is busy with being with her friend ewes, though. On Friday, I cleaned the whole granary so that if the sheep ever got out again, it would be easy getting them back inside. I'm also planning in buying my rabbit Maggie a new hutch, one where she will have more light and won't be so shy. I hope it'll work, because she'll have nowhere to hide, really, this way. And she doesn't like anybody except me and my mom, who feeds her while I'm gone away at college.
As for Holly, our small dog, she lets Bella chase her around, and she keeps getting wet and muddy. It's bad, but she's still as lovable as the rest of them are. She loves to follow you, too, and I seem to be the only one who isn't annoyed by it at our house.
I did a lot of cleaning over spring break, and catching up. I spent a lot of time studying the Bible, with God, and writing. I finished two books writing, and am halfway done in a book I was reading. I also spent time with my grandma next door, and she's always fun.
I am thinking of taking a self-defense course that's free at the college. I hope that'll be fun, just in case I ever need to use the techniques. I pray and hope strongly that I will not, that the only time I can use it is to get my cousins back for pouncing on me in the past.
Anyway, I'm writing a series right now about six brothers who live on a farm together. It's going pretty well, actually. The only problem is how long to make them all. I don't want them to be the type of books you can easily read in two days if you had a lot of spare time or anything.
I also want to try more hobbies. Hopefully I can get going on some of them soon. A good friend once told me that to make your life better and happier, the best thing to do besides following God's will is sticking to the good things, and taking good care of yourself that way. I thought about that a lot in the past couple days. I definitely hope that my perspective of going home whenever I want will be more optimistic, yet I'm still waiting for God to lead me in the right direction in this one.
Your prayers are needed, please. Also, pray for those in the midwest flooding crisis. I'm thinking of helping to sandbag.
TTYL! Ta!

JMG~

~Stress City~

Hey, y'all. Hope all are doing well. 

Working hard lately with worshiping God and reading His Word, reading novels when I can, doing crosswords, writing, and also spending time with family and friends. It's been pretty fun so far. 

I am writing a story that I am very excited about. If I offend anyone by writing this story, please forgive me. It's a story about the past love story between the "Pirates" Davy Jones and Calypso. I know this is from the "Pirates" movies, but I was too curious to rid the plan of the book taking root in my mind. I'd tell you about it, but I'd much rather wait until it is finished. Since these stories are fictional, I am thinking that it would be fine with whatever I decided to do with my book. 

I better go, since I have nothing more to add. 

TTYL> Ta!> JMG~

LAST LAMBS~

Hello!

Between Valentine's Day night and the fifteenth, we had our last set of twin lambs. Two boys. It's sad that lambing season is already over with, but we had fun. 

I will get pics on here as soon as possible! 

In total, we've had 13 lambs born: 8 boys and 5 girls. 

Boys: Jasper, Emmett, Carl, Eddie, Jake, Charlie, and the final set of twin boys.

Girls: Kaylee, Jada, Nettie, Alice and Jamie.

*My lambs are Jada and Nettie, from ewe Sarah.

*Jasper and Emmett are from ewe July, Carl and Eddie from Yo-Yo, Jake and Jamie from Medora, Charlie and Alice from Keyley, Kaylee from Velvet, and the last two from Chloe.

During the week when I attend college, I get a bit lonely in missing my ewe and my little lambs. I'm nearly twenty-one years old now, and it's so cool how one could love family and animals so much. I especially love God and thank him every day for these wonderful blessings in my life.

Better go. I have a cough I'm trying to get rid of, and for some reason, when I type, it influences the tickle in my throat. 

Ta!! :) 

JMG~

Hey everybody!

Last Friday, when I came home, there was a ewe in labor. Now I've seen just about everything

with labor from breached lambs to any other sorts of lambs. This day, it wasn't too much to be

expected. The ewe already had a lamb, and was making circles around it while she licked it.

This meant that she was in labor for the second lamb. I could also tell this because of the second

water bag coming out. That's the cool part. The water bags are always in different colors. I think it's

sort of neat. It's like they're color coded or something. Haha.

Well anyways, there was a damp, black girl lamb already born. Then, the ewe laid down and

began to push the second one out. They do that by having their noses high in the air. It's really painful

to watch, because you feel bad for what they're going through. The lamb was white and black and almost

all the way out when she stood up with it hanging down. It was a funny sight because it began to shake its

little head so hard that it plopped to the ground. Ouch, huh? But it was funny. We had a boy and a girl lambs

and they were all right. The mama didn't have milk for them, though, until two hours later. The afterbirth

has to drop before there could be milk in the utter. The lambs were so hungry by then. This doesn't always happen

with mama ewes. Sometimes the afterbirth drops immediately. Every ewe is different.

But they're okay. And we have two more ewes to have babies. I'm betting on one having three because

of how big she looks. But alas, first and foremost, the lambs need to be healthy. That's the most important

thing. Wish us luck on the final two. Please pray for them. Thanks!

***Here are the lambs we have now from ewes July, Velvet, Sarah, Yo-Yo, and Keyley: Emmett and Jasper, Kaylee,

Jada and Nettie (mine), Carl and Eddie, and Charlie and Alice.

Ta!! :)

JMG~