Donating Blood

Did you ever have the opportunity to help save three peoples' lives?   Well, I've had that opportunity several times. 

How? 

Simple.

By donating blood with the American Red Cross.

Ever since I was a junior in high school I have been donating blood at our local Red Cross community blood drives.  One of the incentives for donating blood as a high school student was getting out of the last class of the day as we walked the two blocks down the street to the Legion hall where the blood drive took place.  That's just part of the beauty of small-town USA. While I can't skip class anymore to donate blood, I do still take part in our local community's blood drive.

A few days ago, I got a call from the American Red Cross informing me of several blood drives in my area. Apparently, my blood type was in high demand.  Because I was pregnant for most of 2013, it's been over a year since I've donated.  I was extremely happy and excited to get that call from the Red Cross.

Giving blood is a very quick and simple process.  The actual donation process takes less than 10 minutes. Plus, after your donation, you get some cookies and snacks!  Who doesn't love free snacks!  I really enjoy knowing that I'm helping others.  After all, you never know when someone you love may need lifesaving blood! 

I know some people are scared about donating blood.  They are afraid of needles, the sight of blood, etc.  However, it's a pretty simple process that doesn't even hurt.  The worst part of the entire blood donation process is the small finger prick to determine your hemoglobin level. Honestly!  (that's the part I always look away from). 

Since I've been a blood donor for almost 10 years, here are my tried and true tips for donating blood:
1) Water...lots and lots of water
2) Don't go on an empty stomach
3) Wear comfy clothes--especially a tee-shirt that allows for quick and easy access to your arm
4) Water; don't underestimate hydration!

Check out http://www.redcrossblood.org/donating-blood to learn more about donating blood.

What a Difference a Year Makes!

Looking at my previous post dated 4-19-13, I realize that this "spring" isn't as bad as last years.  Yesterday, after months of bone chilling coldness, we experienced our first 70 degree day since October.  It was absolutely wonderful, especially after a winter that went down in the record books as one of the longest and coldest.  As the days grow longer and the sun stronger, I know that spring will be here shortly.  We just have to wait a bit more.  It's a very comforting thought especially comparing the days to last year.

Speaking of my last post, where did the past year go?  My last post was almost a year ago.  I completely neglected this blogging adventure.  Whoops. This would be known as blogger fail!  Anyways, I will do better about posting on a more frequent basis!  After all, I now have something, rather someone, to talk about.

So who is this someone...well, that someone is our son, Owen.  We found out we were expecting Mother's day weekend 2013.  How perfect is God's timing!  My pregnancy was relatively easy--it just got rough the last few weeks prior to his birth.  Owen was born at the end of January, and we are absolutely smitten with him. He has brought us such joy, sleepless nights (in the beginning), many laughs, and a heck of a lot of love. It's simply amazing how someone so little takes up such a big place in your heart.  I'm sure I will share more about him as time goes on.

Owen's Baptism--he didn't want anymore pictures at this point

As I write this post, he is currently 11 weeks old.  I can't believe that 11 weeks ago we welcomed him into our family.  I really can't comprehend where these past months have gone.  Seriously, little guy, stop growing so fast!
 

Love these big smiles

Yesterday, since the weather was simply beautiful (and the road grader came by a few days ago, meaning the gravel road is a little smoother than previously), Owen and I ventured out to make the trek from our house to the farm.  I don't know who enjoyed the walk more--- Owen or I.  He babbled and smiled the entire time. It was wonderful to get some fresh country air.  Even the cows sounded glad that spring has finally sprung!

Owen will be the 4th generation at our farm