Sometimes I Cry........................

Sometimes, and mostly, for no reason why,
I look in the mirror, and I start to cry.

I look at my body and how much it's changed,
my life and my days have been re-arranged.

I think about things that I used to do,
cooking and baking to name just a few.

How in eight short months of my busy life,
I've learned to adapt to my pain and strife.

Sometimes I cry when my body hurts,
or when I can't dress myself in a shirt.

I cry when I miss our grown up boys,
but think about all our laughter and joys.

I wish I could still help babysit,
but changing those diapers give my hands a fit!

I fight with my attitude some of the time,
but realize in God's eyes I'm one of a kind.

I'm thankful for every new day that I see,
the birds and the flowers, new buds on the tree.

Despite how I'm challenged now and again
I'm never let down by my husband, my friend.

I know we face these moments together,
and take it head on like Michigan weather.

It's not that I''m looking for pity for me,
I'm looking ahead for the day that I'm free.

Free from the stiffness and weird hands and feet,
Looking to Jesus, my Savior I'll meet.

But till that time in my life shall arrive.
I'll keep of good courage, I'll flourish and strive.

Strive to be the best mom and wife,
To put God's love first, throughout my whole life.

Crying will not determine my path,
I get more comfort out of a laugh!

by Judy Nichols 4/27/08

A Doggy Day!!!

Yesterday was in the 70's....today it is really windy and cold...so basically we all stayed inside ....laying around under the table......well, we didn't actually lay under the table, the dogs did!!! We just lounged mostly doing occasional laundry, snoozing, snacking, and relaxing.

Love this Michigan weather!!!

Birds, Coyotes, and Bears OH My!!!

An afternoon at Aunt Jeanne's and Uncle Les

Baby ducks that peep!! I guess they don't get their quackers until later.

Isaac and Seth petting the baby chicks

Emily, Annabelle, and niece Joy Housler

There are at least 35 baby chicks and 5 ducklings in the brooder

Too little to hold.....just right to pet!

Annabelle intently watching the chicks

2 adorable duckies

Peep Peep

Isaac snuggling with one of Jeanne's cats

Sister-in-laws!!! For almost 30 years!

Aunt Jeanne and Annabelle

Notice the similar hair style!

There's a bear in the living room!!! YIKES!

Brave Issac!! Seth was a little more skeptical if the bear was real or not

Isaac and a coyote rug

Seth taking a coyote "rug ride"

Thanks for the wonderful time Aunt Jeanne!!

We all had lots of fun...and it was great spending time together!

Our friend Rachel got her moped license today!! Yippee!

Our friend Rachel Martz, who is also one of my choir students, and the grand daughter to our neighbor Jane brought her moped over so I could see it tonight.
Today Rachel turned 15 years old.....and she brought us some birthday cake that her Grandma made....yummmmm!
Rachel and I have always enjoyed our teacher-student-friend relationship and I'm so glad she visited me on her special day.

Rachel and her moped
Rachel and me

Rachel said to pose like a "biker momma!!"

Happy Birthday Rachel!!

An Attitude of Gratitude

Gratitude, appreciation, or thankfulness is a positive emotion or attitude in acknowledgment of a benefit that one has received or will receive.


For the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit:

For allowing me to go through this trial to become closer to Him

For the "Comforter" that is with me at all times....even in the depths of despair.

I am thankful that I can play piano even with five working fingers....

and had the blessing and opportunity to play the piano

with 10 fingers for 48 years...out of 52..

and I can use this gift from God to glorify Him!!

For my salvation through Jesus Christ......my savior and Friend!!!

For my husband Ken:

He works hard to provide for his family...is honest and reliable.

He looks out for my best interest and helps me to cope day by day.

He makes me laugh.....helps me not to cry....lifts me up when I feel weak.

He loves me unconditionally......for better, for worse, in sickness, and in health.

He loves the Lord....and trusts God's path and plan for us.

For our sons Jason and Kurt:

They are Godly young men mature beyond their years.

They are affectionate and nurturing.....yet with a bold inner strength.

They are very funny and animated......and somewhat a tease..

They show deep respect with compassion and care.

They are images of their earthly father....and true to their heavenly Father.

For our Daughter-in-laws Emily and Heidi:

They are beautiful on the inside and out....

They make their houses a home....warm and inviting.

They are so caring and kind....and make me feel so loved.

They are wonderful mommy's...who view their children as a gift from God,

They adore their husbands (our sons) and are the perfect blend!

For our son Joel:

He has an incredible heart to accept everyone for who they are....

His personality is joyful, extroverted, and outgoing (sometimes to a fault)

Joel's talent musically is gifted....on the tune..don't worry about the words!

Fundraising is a real strength......and so is greeting people at Habitat Restore.

For my family and friends:

For the amazing support and acts of kindness...

For the sweet phone conversations and laughter and tears...

For the many cards, letters, and emails....all filled with love and concern...

For the total availability to be there when I need you.

The horse lover in me.............

Those of you who know me pretty well know that I have been a big fan of horses all of my life. Some may call it an "obsession".but I don't think I went that far, or did I? I got my first horse in while in high school, a buckskin gelding, named "Major". I parted with him before college.....(long explanation)...and then got back into my hobby about 15 years ago when we moved to the country.

Just out of curiosity, I went back into my records to see exactly how many horses have come and gone over the years.....just ones we owned, but not boarders.

Here are the stats: We have had 29 horses over the last 15 years.

5 Quarters horses 4 Morgans 2 Arabians 2 Pintos

1 Pony and........15 Tennessee Walking Horses

I couldn't believe that we've had that many, but the numbers speak for themselves, and I guess shows the "horse trader" in me. By the way.....Ken said he has only had 5 motorcycles.....1 Yamaha 3 Suzukis and 1 Harley Davidson!!Plus.....they don't eat hay and poop all over place:)

Most recently, we have had Molly(TWHBEA black mare) for 8 years, and Goldie (TWHBEA Palomino mare) for 4 years. However now, due my illness, I am setting my hobby aside and selling the horses to some wonderful people! This will be a big change for me not looking out the front door and watching our four-legged friends...but we can't keep them around as pets either.

I am so appreciative of Ken for taking care of the horses and all of the chores for the last year when I couldn't help at all......he has been very supportive in sooooo many ways...and is helping me cope with closing this chapter in my life.....but...he did say when I heal and get better...we could think about adding a "Grand kids" pony back into the barn!

So for now, I lay down my hobby for horses and I am thankful they are going to really nice people who will enjoy them as much as I did. I know that if ever I need a "horsey fix", I have some dear friends who will let me visit any time!!! Please enjoy the pictures of some of the horses we've owned most recently, and the cool video at the end....I haven't captioned anything this time....but figured the pics speak for themselves

Love.......Judy

I wanted to end today's blog with an amazing video. You can either click on the link(to see the video in a bigger screen) or watch it on the small screen(click the arrow) This isn't anyone I personally know....but was sent to me by a friend.

http://wms17.streamhoster.com/westfall/128do.wmv