Prayers Answered

It is so dry in our State and during the Granite Mountain Fire Tragedy the news said that the last time there was "normal" rain and snow in the State was 1992 so that means we are in year 21 of a drought.  When we went to Tucson for Tim's wedding I was so surprised when the Gila River was bone dry as was every other creek, wash or pond that we saw.  When Tad was moving in June I had to take some diesel to him just across the New Mexico State line and and thought that there wasn't a hint of green grass anywhere except on the highway where any moisture at all will run to the edge of the pavement.  We got a rain on the 30th of June and everyone just new our monsoons would start the 4th of July.  They did to some degree...it rained a little a couple of days.  It was announced in church that there would be a community pray for rain day on the 10th at 10:00 a.m.  the rain came and it rained hard.  Prayers answered.  The next day the rain came and it rained hard and fast.  Prayers answered.  It has been pretty much raining everyday and last night it rained just about all night long.  There are puddles of water in my driveway and in Stephen's driveway across the street. It's still cloudy and looks like it could rain some more.

Early morning clouds

The puddles in the driveway

Prayers answered.  I am so grateful to know that Heavenly Father does hear and answer prayers. He knows our needs, our wants, our desires and blesses us with our needs and forgives us for our wants and desires.  I look out and see my new green grass and am so grateful for the prayers answered.

Front lawn 7/162013

Front lawn 5/26/2013

Side Yard 7/16/2013

Side Yard 5/26/2013

Side Yard 5/26/2013

Back Yard 7/16/2013

 I am grateful for the beauties that surround me, each and every one.  I love the smell of the air up here, I love the sound of cars going to and from work. I love the smell and sounds from the sawmill across the road. I love hearing the doves cooing in the front trees.  I love watching the birds fight for seed in the feeders.  I love where I live and I love the summers here.  I wouldn't trade them for anywhere else in the world.

Look Who's 2...

Ryker Damar Allred...a real heart breaker.  So cute, so sweet, so loving.  I am so happy he's one of mine!
He LOVES his Dad and his Dad loves him.  He was helping his dad irrigate and I went down and snapped some pics.  We will have a birthday party when he gets home.

Not so sure about the cold water...

A penny for your thoughts?

If Dad says it's ok, then it must be ok...

SOS...capsized boat

Yep, it is ok!

He looks so much like Tad did at that age.  Makes my heart smile when I see him.  He LOVES to talk and will talk your leg off.  Gets that from his dad, too.  Dr. said he communicates exceptionally well for his age (that was back in January or February).  He came to this world with something to say - that may be an Allred thing because Brinley is the same way.  Well heck, I bet its a Rogers thing!

4th of July

The 4th was nice.  Started out early cooking for BBQ at Tad's in evening; Parade:  while getting ready to leave the house I had a call from Mel "Dorlene...there's a guy here in a boat looking for you..."  it was Timm Paul who was going to drive his jeep in the parade advertising the Trophy Elk Contest.  I was riding my quad in the parade with Kamryn and the ATV Club.  It made me laugh...Kresta came up to walk in the parade to honor the two local fire fighters killed in a car wreck last week and the 19 Granite Mountain Hot Shots.  That was the touching moment for me.  Came home and went to Nutrioso to get my tables at Aunt Virginia's and then dropped them off at Tad's and came home and finished my salads.  We all went to Tad and Brianne's for a bbq.  They did ribs and brisket.  We had pasta salads, potato salads, beans, deviled eggs, watermelon and there was tons of food.  It was fun for the kids to play and run wild.  After everyone left we went out by the 26- turn off to watch the fireworks.  They were really nice.  Kresta came in after going out and spent the night with me.  I am blessed to live here, am grateful for all who protect and serve and for those who have gone before that established this great country.  I am proud to be an American!

Sad Day for Arizona

Yesterday, June 30, 2013 nineteen "hot shot" fire fighters the Granite Mountain Hot Shots from Prescott lost their lives when the wind changed and the fire rolled over them from behind.  It happened so quickly that they didn't stand a chance.  I saw a blippie on Facebook then turned on the news and I cried tears in sadness for these fallen heroes.  The news people's voices were cracking...my own voice cracked when I called Tad to tell him.  I thought back two years ago and the tragedy of the Wallow Fire and in over 530,000 acres not a single life was lost.  This fire of 8,000 plus acres took out a hot shot team.  Each fire has a personality, each fire creates its own weather and with the wind blowing yesterday evening and the wind from the fire, the wind changed and trapped these guys.  I can't imagine the grief the other fire fighters are feeling.  These elite young men were engaged, newly married, new fathers, expectant fathers, sons, brothers, friends and HEROES.  I remember the worry two years ago for Kresta and Tim and all of the local people I knew PERSONALLY.  I remember the relief when it was over and they were all safe.  I feel for the local people that have served with the Granite Mountain Hot Shots, they have a special bond that the rest of us don't understand.  I saw Kresta's facebook post and she knew some of them.  It made me sad for her and so very selfishly grateful she is driving a haul truck this summer and not fighting fire.  Governor Brewer has ordered all flags to fly "half staff" until evening on July 3.  I saw an interview with Roy Hall (Bood) on Channel 12 and he mentioned the honor and respect for these young men.  I am so proud and grateful for the men and women who protect and serve every single day and who are willing to give their lives if necessary in that pursuit.  I am grateful that I was taught to be grateful.  My heart is sad for those dealing with this tragedy and my prayers join the many others on their behalf.