Peanut Butter and Honey

The Family Mule

2012-02-09T10:51:00.000-05:00

My best friend lives in Louisiana...we met over 25 years ago and have remained friends through many of life's difficulties. Over the past years she has had breast cancer, a divorce, lost her mother and this past Tuesday morning her dad, Mr. Buck, passed away in her home. Candy had been caring for Mr. Buck for the past two years. She moved him in with her. They were quite a team. I had the priviledge to spend about ten days with them last Spring. It was the first time I really got to spend any time with Mr. Buck...instant love...this man was full of (excuse the expression, but none other will do) piss and vinegar. Because of the pain in his back, he was unable to sleep much...since he went down about 8 every night, by 5 a.m. he was ready for bacon and egss...every morning..they fussed and carried on but I had the priviledge to watch a father and daughter share life together in a way neither of them wanted, but both reconciled to. Candy had to be his nurse, his confidant, his cook, his housekeeper and most importantly his friend. She is my hero...he was so funny, I laughed til I cried at most of his stories. Most of the stories had a tender moment which revolved around Miss Gloria, his beautiful wife who passed a couple of years ago. Just a couple of highlights from his stories, you won't understand, but I have to mention Mingo! unfortunately Mingo would get ahold of Mr. Buck and make him miserable...a few times Mingo has made his way to Tennessee and gotten ahold of me. Then there's the family mule story...he told me one day that every family had a mule...you know, the one that ends up doing what none of the others in the family will do, the one that just jumps in and takes care of things....well, Candy is the mule in her family...Candy told me that just last week she was trying to either lift Mr. Buck or move him and she just couldn't do it...Mr. Buck said, "The mule has dropped the plow!"....Mr. Buck, I love you...you make me happy, thinking of you makes me smile...I'm so sorry you had to suffer...BUT...I know who is holding the plow now, and you never have worry about HIM dropping it! Rest in Peace Mr. Buck and keep it in the fairway!

Freedom!

2012-01-28T15:59:00.000-05:00

Today Was my 4th "Family Zumba" class with my two granddaughters and their Mommy. It has been years since I've taken any sort of exercise class where a little dancing is involved. What sets this class apart from all adult classes is the freedom I feel...nobody cares in this class if you can master the steps, or keep up..the kids are all doing their thing and the moms and grand moms are doing our thing..it 's so liberating. I know for certain that I am getting way more out of it physically than the little ones, the turns and jumps are almost too much but I just keep shaking it...the best part, we are setting a good example for these little girls and showing them that exercise can be lots of fun.

What makes Honey Happy

2012-01-06T10:36:00.003-05:00

*knowing that GOD loves me
*having a Godly husband
*my kids
*My GRANDKIDS - and yes, they are GRAND
*Football
*Golf (wish I hadn't waited until I was 60 to start playing, I think I would have been awesome!)
*Girlfriends - couldn't imagine my life without them
*Freedom from worry and stress - well, I am sure when this happens it will make me happy!
*the ocean - doesn't matter where, as long as I am with my friends and family
*my church - it is for sure one of my Happy Places
*Sunshine - gotta have it...open those windows and blinds, fresh air and sunshine
*Savannah
*Watching Hannah and Jeff surf - well, pretty much just watching Hannah and Jeff do anything
*My recliner - I often joke that I am going to have "Lazy Boy" tattooed across my backside
*My morning coffee
*My IPad
*Words with Friends
*Pinterest
*Creating - don't feel the need often, but when I do, look out Hobby Lobby!
*newborn baby - can never get over what a miracle they are and I want to hold every baby I see
*Dr. Schrock - love him
*Precept Bible Study - has changed my life, makes me real happy to be in GOD's word discovering truth
*boiled peanuts
*Shrimp
* those bloggers that fascinate me, Edie Wadsworth @lifeingrace, Kelly Stamps
@kellyskorner, Susie Jane @asouthernmothersdaughter, Heather Baird @ Sprinklebakes, Jane Anne Owen @gravityofmotion & owenhome, and many more
*turquoise and coral - such a pretty color combination, really drawn to it lately
****BUT MY GREATEST HAPPINESS COMES FROM KNOWING THAT I HAVE COMPLETE SALVATION****

Bittersweet

2011-08-08T21:25:00.000-04:00

I have been in California for twelve days....tomorrow I head home. I struggled leaving my husband for so long...tomorrow I will struggle with leaving my daughter and her husband. I love it out here...yes, there is more traffic than I have ever seen...the land is brown and dry...on the other hand, the Pacific is breath taking....it is so powerful, rough, deep and exciting. This little town of Oceanside is charming...it has gotten a bad rap in the past, lots of testosterone with all these young Marines walking around in their spare time...but, there is new construction all around, new businesses and the tourist just keep piling in. Surfers are everywhere and I wish that I had had the opportunity to be a surfer in my younger years. The food options are great, lots of really healthy options with all the regular greasy options too. I feel free here...no air conditioned, closed up houses...temps in upper 70's and nice and cool at night....perfect! I can walk to the beach, 1 block, and to the grocery store, many restaurants, the movie theater and coldstone creamery. But most of all, I love the quality time I spend with Hannah...she is and always has been very special...so, I will deal with the bittersweet...it's worth it.

Summer Fun

2011-06-03T09:12:00.000-04:00

Just got back from the beach with the hubby and my son and his wife and daughters...so much fun...yesterday I made a trip with my girlfriend to an Amish farm about an hour away...wow...that was great...got all kinds of fresh veggies, some fruit and some relish, chow-chow and muscadine preserves...across a little path was a truck selling fried pies...the real kind...I bought two peach pies and they were just out of the fryer...man were they good. Today I'm going to sit on the front porch and shell peas...this will take me back about 55 years to a time of sitting on the screened porch with my Grandmother shelling peas...she had a way of including me in every chore.. ahh sweet memories! Have a blessed day and a wonderful weekend...make some memories.

Just for a Minute

2011-05-14T12:16:00.000-04:00

Where did it go...I want it back...not all of it...just a few minutes of when my kids were kids...those little snotty noses, those hugs and kisses, those family get togethers when the kids were all having fun and we were gathered on holidays, ballgames, swim meets, birthday parties, school mornings...gone...poof...now everything is so complicated...I realize I set myself up by not being more demanding and always saying whatever....well, if I had it to do over again I would insist that my kids visit me on all holidays..I would make sure they valued family time right under worship time...there would never be a question of where are we going....it's funny when I look around...I know all families are dysfunctional....but it seems like my kids and our family had a pretty normal past...now I see that the ones that had a crazy messed-up past stick together more than us......makes me sad...I'm happy for my kids...all grown with families of their own and I know it's selfish of me, but I want just the five of us again, just for a minute...

Crazy Weather

2011-05-01T15:00:00.000-04:00

This was a crazy weather week for sure....it was amazing at my house and we feel very blessed to have been spared the really ugly stuff....those all over our state and several neighboring states didn't fare as well....The lightening blew me away....I have never seen lightening strike for so long non stop...it was like a light show from heaven...We have friends that had damage to their homes and automobiles but nothing like those in Ringgold, Georgia or those in Alabama. GOD created the earth....GOD controls the weather...there is no such thing as mother nature...wrong , wrong, wrong...GOD is in control. Pray for the mercy shown and pray for those that are trying to figure out why...pray they will know that GOD has them if they will just trust and obey...for there's no other way....to be happy in JESUS is to trust and obey!

EASTER

2011-04-17T15:25:00.000-04:00

This is Holy Week....Holy means set-apart.......it is a week that is set-apart from all others...it is the week that had to take place to redeem us...the lost....the veil was torn....now our prayers go up! JESUS died for my sins...I am not worthy....I am grateful.....I trust HIM, I adore HIM, I love HIM...HE died on the cross for us all...do not turn away...you have heard the truth...we are all sinners and fall short...regardless of what you think or others say, there is a place called Hell...if you don't accept JESUS, you will go there when you die...you won't just go there to die...you will live in hell for eternity...forever...Run to HIM as fast as you can...find that peace that is unexplainable...Wishing all of you a Blessed Holy Week!

I DID IT!

2011-03-14T13:08:00.000-04:00

I did it...my trip was great! I had so much fun even though none of us felt too great the whole time...well, except for Kathryn and she smiled almost all nine days! She smiled so much her dimples got deeper and deeper...that is one happy young woman and it was so much fun being a part of that. As you can see from the picture I scored pretty good at the Spanish Town Mardi Gras parade...it was pouring rain and thundering and lightening pretty much the whole time...I get determined and my competitive side kicks in when those floats start rolling...I have been known to knock folks down and go up to a float and beg for certain beads! I love that part of it but my favorite part was just being there with Candy...I had quiet moments with her dad...moments of memories for him and wonderful life stories of family, sports and cars! I had moments with Candy's children and grandchildren...she shared...I loved it...it's all part of who she is and I wanted to experience it all. I got to experience a very moving Lentin Service with Candy at her church...my first time at an Episcopal church...different for this little southern Baptist girl...but very moving...I've thought about the service several times since that night. Of course I had great food...how could you not when in Louisiana...they for sure know how to eat way better than we do up here in these mountains! I'm counting the days till I can go back...when I'm there I almost feel like I'm home....I love you Candy!

FRIENDS!

2011-03-01T09:07:00.001-05:00

Going away tomorrow...going to see my good friend Candy...can't wait...she's my friend...my true friend...she knows what I'm thinking and I know what she's thinking...we have been friends for 26 years...our husbands use to work together, we met on a business trip in Hawaii....we try to see each other at least once a year...sometimes more...we've been through ups and downs together..she's the kind of friend you can just watch t.v. with or sit around the pool with or better yet sit at the beach with and just be silent...of course we really aren't in silent mode too often...there are things we share with each other that we can't share with family...can you tell I'm excited!!! The drive will be a challenge...ten hours alone...but the payoff will be worth it!

Oh Happy Day!

2011-02-12T10:07:00.000-05:00

Today is a great day for the Brown family....as of 5 p.m. yesterday, our family owned business was bought out by a large company here in town. There have been many prayers and tears about this over the pst few years....but GOD in HIS timing worked it all out....I could fill up this page with stories of how this all came about but you would be bored....just know that GOD has protected us from many bad deals and bad business partners....he has saved this exciting opportunity for us...my husband has worked soooooo hard over the recent years and now it is paying off....what does this mean for us...less stress!!! My husband will be freed up from running a business to get out there and doing what he does best...sell, sell, sell! He is chomping at the bit to hit the ground running...pretty good for a 60 year old! I am so happy for us all! Whew....thank you GOD for once again taking care of us...

Canvas Photos

2011-01-14T10:33:00.001-05:00

Buying or creating Christmas gifts for grown children can sometimes be challenging...I love crafting for all but this year I have been out of sorts with crafting...we moved in October and this house is just not set up for crafting...I guess I could change that, but the crafting/creating bug just hasn't kicked in. I had been looking at another blog back in the fall and had seen some incredible canvases...so creative....not your normal set-up, posed pictures...unusual, inpromtu, life moments....so, one at a time, I started having them done...after the first one, the diving board, I fell in love with these....I have a whole folder now of our family snapshots titled canvas shots...my plan is to have all these snapshots turned into canvases and whenever I get my own home I am going to cover the walls with these memory makers...the bigger the better....I now look at all snapshots with a canvas making eye...I've even started telling my friends they should have canvases made of the photos they share with me ...sorry Ruth, but your G'kids are so gorgeous and you really should have a huge canvas done of just their eyes!!! I saw on another blog a snapshot of the bloggers children from their knees down...a great canvas shot and I told her so! So here are the canvases I had made...each family got the diving board shot and then the other two I had made for the little girls mom & dad and for me! These are 16" x 20". So get those cameras out and be creative....

Sending Love and Prayers

2011-01-02T14:36:00.000-05:00

I have been following a blog about a year that inspires and captivates me. The author of the blog just seems so real and has a wonderful way with words. During this past year she and her family moved into a home on the lake...it was with great anticipation that I looked forward to her posts regarding the remodling of this home. It was awesome...what an eye this girl has...I have even written down some of the products she used in her kitchen hoping someday to have my own kitchen just like hers....last week I read her blog...I cried for her....her home burned to the ground...everything gone....a couple of days before Christmas...Praise GOD that she and her family all got out....can you even imagine the complete feeling of helplessness as everything they owned vanished. All the "stuff" can certainly be replaced....but what they all saw happen to their "stuff" will be forever etched in their minds. I don't think she reads my blog....but Edie, I am so sorry this happened....I want you to know how much I care...I will pray for you and your sweet family....what you and yours have, nothing can take away....your love of GOD and of your family and home is so inspiring...thank you for sharing your life with us.

Me

2010-11-15T17:31:00.000-05:00

Christ Follower
Born Again
Loved Wife
Blessed Mother
Grateful Grandmother
Love Football
Love Swimming
Completely Southern
Pecan Pie (pronounced pea-can not pa-con)
boiled peanuts
fried shrimp
boiled crab
cheese grits
corn dodgers
flat cornbread
boogey boarding
beach walking
finding sanddollars
Allman Brothers
windows open
beach music
shag dancing
playing golf
pecan pralines
caramel cake (ka-ra-mel)
butter beans
fried okra
fried chicken
campground revival

Amen!

The "I Know What You are Thinking Quilt"!

2010-11-06T14:43:00.001-04:00

Today is Juliana's third birthday....I made her a quilt.
Sometime over the past year, the girls have learned, and teased me about being afraid of frogs....they get the biggest kick out of it. We would be playing or just hanging out and I could see little Juliana's brain working...I could tell she was trying to think of what she was suppossed to say to make me be scared! I'd look at her and say, "I Know What You are Thinking"! and she'd say "What"...I'd say "Ribbet" and she would just laugh and laugh. One day as we were just hanging out...before I said anything....she said, "Honey....you know what I'm thinkin'???" it was so adorable...so...this is the I know what you are thinking quilt!!!

2010-10-25T14:20:00.003-04:00

Below is a letter I wrote to an old High School friend who is writing a book title, "How to live YES in a NO World"....for the few of you who actually read this blog, it is old news....but since today is the actually 6th anniversary, my brain is consumed with it and I decided today was the day to share this with Randy...

Well Randy….today just seems to be the right day to tell you how my family has learned to live Yes in a No world…it is a difficult story to tell in a condensed version because so many wonderful “GOD” things happened over the 52 days…

Six years ago today I ended up in the hospital in a coma for 14 days….it started as a simple stomach ache on Sunday night. By Tuesday night it had gotten worse….I woke my husband and told him that I thought we should head to the hospital…so I took a shower, fixed my hair, grabbed a huge Tupperware bowl, just in case….we got to the hospital and the last thing I remember is telling my husband to tell them to hurry...

I was in a coma….my blood platelets were down to 8,000 (250,000 being normal) – all my organs were shutting down, that’s what was causing the pain…not the chocolate ice cream that I gobbled down on Sunday. God had placed a hospitalists at this particular hospital that correctly diagnosed this wicked disease and called in the hematology team….they then transported me to another hospital

For 13 days my platelets stayed that low….many transfusions, plasma pharesis and everything they could think of.

Meanwhile, I had recently struggled with not being able to sleep, my feet were in crazy bad shape and hurt all the time. So I have to say that whining about all of this to GOD got an answer…so be careful what you pray for!

My daughter flies in from California not knowing what to expect because the outlook was not good. My Sunday School class rallied like you wouldn’t believe…my husband told me the ICU waiting area looked like a tailgate party everyday there was so much food…he still talks about how great all the food was. He had friends that were standing next to him every morning when he woke, with breakfast and always a prayer….I totally missed the party….GOD’s sense of humor was at it again because HE knows how I love a party!

On day 13, the kidney doctor told my husband and son that I wouldn’t make it til morning…
I have to jump back about 6 months because this is one of the GOD moments in this story that I must tell…it is definitely a “YES” moment….we go to a very large church and in SS one Sunday my husband asked if anyone remembered what the bleeding verse was…we had both heard it at a small church once but couldn’t remember where it was….fast forward back to night 13…late that night, after being told I was probably not going to make it until morning….my husband, children and a handful of friends were in the waiting room…a lady, a stranger, walked over to my husband and said. “GOD told me to tell you Ezekiel 16:6”….my husband knew immediately it was the bleeding verse….sent straight from GOD through a stranger( maybe an angel)! GOD is so good…so they all went into ICU, circled the bed, held hands and my wonderful praying husband prayed the house down with this verse! They turned around to walk out and the kidney Doc said she wouldn’t argue with our faith but I probably wouldn’t make it until morning….WRONG! our GOD is an awesome GOD…HE is the GREAT PHYSICIAN….The next morning for the first time in 14 days my platelets jumped from 8,000 to 24,000….I was on the mend…

It was a very long 52 days…many more GOD moments occurred and still are….GOD shut me up and got me out of the way and used this as a big fat “YES HE CAN” lesson for all of us. Only through JESUS CHRIST can we conquer the “No’s” of this world…..GOD wrapped HIS most loving arms around me and my family ….it is an unexplainable feeling…

So today is day one of bonus year 7! Praise to GOD!

Sixth Annivery....Day one of Bonus Year #7

2010-10-25T14:18:00.000-04:00

Well Randy….today just seems to be the right day to tell you how my family has learned to live Yes in a No world…it is a difficult story to tell in a condensed version because so many wonderful “GOD” things happened over the 52 days…

Six years ago today I ended up in the hospital in a coma for 14 days….it started as a simple stomach ache on Sunday night. By Tuesday night it had gotten worse….I woke my husband and told him that I thought we should head to the hospital…so I took a shower, fixed my hair, grabbed a huge Tupperware bowl, just in case….we got to the hospital and the last thing I remember is telling my husband to tell them to hurry..

I was in a coma….my blood platelets were down to 8,000 (250,000 being normal) – all my organs were shutting down, that’s what was causing the pain…not the chocolate ice cream that I gobbled down on Sunday. God had placed a hospitalists at this particular hospital that correctly diagnosed this wicked disease and called in the hematology team….they then transported me to another hospital.

For 13 days my platelets stayed that low….many transfusions, plasma pharesis and everything they could think of.

Meanwhile, I had recently struggled with not being able to sleep, my feet were in crazy bad shape and hurt all the time. So I have to say that whining about all of this to GOD got an answer…so be careful what you pray for!

My daughter flies in from California not knowing what to expect because the outlook was not good. My Sunday School class rallied like you wouldn’t believe…my husband told me the ICU waiting area looked like a tailgate party everyday there was so much food…he still talks about how great all the food was. He had friends that were standing next to him every morning when he woke, with breakfast and always a prayer….I totally missed the party….GOD’s sense of humor was at it again because HE knows how I love a party!

On day 13, the kidney doctor told my husband and son that I wouldn’t make it til morning…

I have to jump back about 6 months because this is one of the GOD moments in this story that I must tell…it is definitely a “YES” moment….we go to a very large church and in SS one Sunday my husband asked if anyone remembered what the bleeding verse was…we had both heard it at a small church once but couldn’t remember where it was….fast forward back to night 13…late that night, after being told I was probably not going to make it until morning….my husband, children and a handful of friends were in the waiting room…a lady, a stranger, walked over to my husband and said. “GOD told me to tell you Ezekiel 16:6”….my husband knew immediately it was the bleeding verse….sent straight from GOD through a stranger( maybe an angel)! GOD is so good…so they all went into ICU, circled the bed, held hands and my wonderful praying husband prayed the house down with this verse! They turned around to walk out and the kidney Doc said she wouldn’t argue with our faith but I probably wouldn’t make it until morning….WRONG! our GOD is an awesome GOD…HE is the GREAT PHYSICIAN….The next morning for the first time in 14 days my platelets jumped from 8,000 to 24,000….I was on the mend…

It was a very long 52 days…many more GOD moments occurred and still are….GOD shut me up and got me out of the way and used this as a big fat “YES HE CAN” lesson for all of us. Only through JESUS CHRIST can we conquer the “No’s” of this world…..GOD wrapped HIS most loving arms around me and my family ….it is an unexplainable feeling…

So today is day one of bonus year 7! Praise to GOD!

Patti Brown

this is just how we do things....

2010-10-19T12:33:00.000-04:00

In two weeks this is how it all happened....
Monday evening...."Honey, we need to sign our lease here for another year by the end of the month"...hubby, "find us another place, I want out of here"...Me, "o.k."...thirty minutes later, early evening, storming outside, I google homes for lease in our area and it sends me to craig"s list...
Me, "I found a place that looks kind of interesting"...hubby, "let's go look at it"...me, "it's gated, we can't get in"...hubby, "sure we can, I can talk my way in"....so we head over to see what the house really looks like , both in our pajamas!!! We talked our way through the gate and the house is adorable....
Tuesday morning we set up a time to meet with the real estate agent that is managing the home...we loved it...we told her we wanted it...
Thursday we left for Baton Rouge to watch Tennessee almost beat L.S.U. but really we went to see CAndy.
Drove home on Sunday...we got a call from agent saying it was a go, we got the house...spent all that week packing up....Friday, the movers come and take all of our belongings to the office warehouse to store because this place we rented is furnished...which is kind of weird but I'm getting over it...Saturday morning we left for Athens to once again watch our team get beat...we stayed in Sky Valley Georgia...we played golf on Sunday and then drove home through the mountains on Sunday....Monday we moved in! Whew...makes me tired reliving it....my body is still exhausted, getting too old for all of this...but glad to be in such an adorable little home ....I can see sunrise and sunset...I can sit on the upstairs balcony and hear that ping of golf balls being hit...three minutes to the interstate, 35 minutes to the stadium...it was a very positive move!

ON THE FIELD!

2010-09-20T10:11:00.000-04:00

Those of you that know me, know how much I love football...all football...but especially University of Tennessee Football...so it's no surprise that getting the opportunity to be on the field during haltime of the U.T. vs. Florida game was a once in a lifetime opportunity and made me very happy. I've dreamed of being down there, but in most of my dreams I was running it in for a touchdown! I was so nervous, but once I got down there I felt very like it was meant to be....how did I get down there you ask...well, it all started a couple of years ago when the opportunity arose to get our tickets upgraded to a new section that was under construction in the stadium. CB surprised me with the seats last year...I love them so much...it makes going to the games so much easier and so much more fun for me. CB still misses all the tailgating...not me...we did that for so many years and it got expensive and boring. These tickets will be passed down to our kids and their kids. It was especially important to me that we share the occassion with Hub & Christy and the girls since they are a part of all of this. Juliana wasn't there because the noise hurts her little ear tube ears. Addi was there and I loved sharing that with her....I hope she remembers it forever....I tried to help her understand all that was going on and share my excitement with her....doesn't she just look like she belongs there...I was able to relax a little after we got back to our seats and even though we got the blankity blank beat out of us, it was a U.T./Fla. game I'll never forget.

Fall

2010-09-04T09:35:00.001-04:00

There's a touch of Fall in the air today....and how appropriate....today is the first home football game. I can't wait to get out in the middle of all the tailgating and excitement, not to mention the games on t.v. before we head to the stadium. I have the doors open and the air conditioner turned off ...what is it about having the windows and doors open that makes me so happy...I feel free....part of life....not couped up....I guess that's why I love visitng Hannah & Jeff in California...they don't need air condition and the breeze and the sounds of life just float through their condo...I love it, I sleep better and feel better....so here's to fresh Fall air and Football!

School Days....

2010-08-21T09:57:00.000-04:00

Here's another interesting fact about getting older....the anticipation of the kids going back to school is gone....the excitement of a new routine, new clothes, new friends, new deadlines....all vanished. HOWEVER, the anticipation of FOOTBALL is still here and I'm still excited...two weeks from today...I do love me some football.

Tonsil Quilt

2010-07-26T10:01:00.000-04:00

Today is tonsil removal day for Addi Grace. They said she will have to just lay around for about a week or two to make sure there is no bleeding....so, being the worrier that I am, (yes, I know what the bible says about worrying) I started thinking of ways to make her more comfortable in the coming days....MAKE HER A QUILT...so three weeks ago I drug out all my scrap material and starting cutting squares. I knew I needed to make much bigger squares than I made for Hannah's quilt because of the limited time ....so I cut the squares and stitched them together using my sewing machine....I then stretched the quilt top, batting and bottom on my frame and quilted around each square. As I was quilting I wondered how it would look to quilt the design on the pink fabric with black dots....so I did one and thought it looked great...then I wondered about the purple & green flowers....those also looked cute quilted.. Well as usual, I got carried away and ended up hand quilting a design or pattern inside of every single square. I worked two or three hours every night for at least 9 days and then last Friday I stitched for 12 hours...yes twelve hours!!! My goal was to finish up on Saturday. I was adding some decorate machine stitches on the border and ran out of pink thread on the last row at 6:30 Saturday night. Oh gosh, what to do....so I drove to WalMart at 6:40 p.m....no luck....got back in the car and drove to Hobby Lobby which is 22 miles from home...got the pink thread and finished up yesterday afternoon. Delivered the Tonsil Quilt to Addi last night....sure hope it brings her great comfort and that my love for her will be felt every time she snuggles with her quilt.

Never Too Old To Learn...

2010-06-28T08:49:00.000-04:00

Years ago I decided I wanted to learn to play golf....so my sweet Hubby bought me a set of clubs...I was all set...THEN....life interruped that idea....so, five and a half years later, feeling better and ready to be active, I am pursuing that goal...well guess what....I LOVE IT! We are trying to work on changing our lifestyle and golf is helping. We have golfed every weekend at least once for the last month....I have never made it for 18 holes in one outing, but I am getting better....I can drive pretty good....my husband says it's controlled violence and I agree...I've got lots to learn, but we aren't sitting in the recliner and watching golf, now we're giving it a shot. I look forward to going to the driving range after the sun gets a little lower every afternoon and hitting a bucket of balls....it is quality time together as a couple and we each try to out putt the other...it's so much fun. Thanks to GOD for giving me this precious time.

Happy Birthday Sweet Addi

2010-06-03T11:20:00.001-04:00

Our little red-headed doll turned five yesterday....she is such a joy...everytime I have her wrapped around my neck I thank GOD for the opportunity to spend this time with her. She is full of life and her sinful nature kicks in every now and then to remind us she is human! The picture of her in a skirt and a bracelet, climbing a tree, is the perfect illustration of who she is....the love for this grandchild is indescribable....and the great thing is, I have three more that I love as dearly....GOD is soooooooo good!

Pattern Picking

2010-05-07T19:13:00.000-04:00

About two weeks ago I decided to take Addi, age 4.8, to Hobby Lobby to pick out some patterns...they were on sale that week for ninety-nine cents each...I sat her in my lap and started flipping through the pattern books. Guess I didn't put too much thought into it...everytime I'd ask her which one she liked, she'd say "the green one" or "the red one"..it took me a minute to realize she didn't understand anything about the style, she just liked the pictures and the fabric....that only lasted a few minutes because as she was looking her little sister was running around in the fabric department and that looked like much more fun. We decided on a few and with great surprise we found the same fabric as the picture of a dress on one of the patterns. So here they are....I decided to use the same fabric for both girls, but I switched it up a little. When I delivered the dresses this afternoon, the girls were hot sweaty and dirty...but who cares, they look so cute. In 1968 these were called peasant dresses...so there was a little flashback going on the whole time I was sewing.....next project...a dress for myself...this should be interesting!!!!

Another Dress Made From A Thrift Shop Shirt

2010-04-30T13:44:00.002-04:00

Couldn't resist this man's shirt I found at Goodwill...my favorite part of course are the surfers on it because my daughter and her husband are both surfers. Didn't really know what to do with it, but last week all the Simplicity patterns were on sale at Hobby Lobby and after spending a little time and a little money, I came home with three or four patterns for my Granddaughters...so I de-constructed the shirt and just dove in...well I don't know what you think, but I think it turned out really cute! I can't wait to see Addi-Grace model it and I will take pictures and post....got about four or five projects waiting on me and will keep you posted.

Thrift Sho

2010-04-30T13:44:00.001-04:00

PRETTY IN PINK

2010-04-12T17:31:00.000-04:00

Just look at this preciousness! Could they get any cuter....love all the pink...it is after all my favorite color, except from September-December and then of course my color is all ORANGE!

WOMEN OF JOY!

2010-04-12T17:26:00.000-04:00

I spent last Friday night and part of Saturday attending the Women of Joy conference in Sevierville with the ladies from Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. It was lots of fun...the hightlight for me, besides making new friends and spending quality time with my daughter-in-law and friends, was meeting Mrs. Kay Arthur. I have been attending precept bible studies for several years...they have changed my life...I was so happy to have the opportunity to thank her and tell her....she was so gracious...a beauty for sure...GOD is so good!

Special Times with Granddaddy

2010-03-21T16:39:00.000-04:00

Saturday was our 34th wedding anniversary...the first day of Spring...that is our day. This year, we were joined by our Son and Daughter-in-law and their two little girls in the mountains for an evening of fun and then a wonderful hike up the Tremont Trail on Saturday. As I watched the interaction between the little girls and their Granddaddy, I thanked GOD that these two precious little gifts were experiencing joys and delights that I never had....I hope that they remember some of these times when they are older we we have made our way home to heaven...It was really hard to tell who was having the most fun but I was smiling inside and out....to see my best friend with his little Granddaughters wrapped around his neck, or building a dam in the creek, or running for goodness sake up the mountain, made for one of our best anniversaries ever. To love someone as deeply as I love him is a true gift from GOD!

Twirly Skirts

2010-03-03T16:51:00.001-05:00

Made the two Granddaughters twirly skirts...they looked really cute!

Headbands and Bows

2010-02-18T10:51:00.000-05:00

These are the latest ...I found packs of headbands at Wal-Mart for $1.00...then I took a small piece of ribbon and sewed it around the band and left a small loop on top for all bows and clips to attach to. These are so cute, so versatile, and fun!

HAPPY VANENTINE'S DAY ADDI-GRACE AND JULIANA - HONEY & GRANDDADDY LOVE YOU!

2010-02-13T20:15:00.000-05:00

I've been as busy as a bee around here sewing for my two favorite little girls. They came over today...not sure they were too excited, thank goodness they brought me some chocolate for Valentine's Day...that helped ease the fact that all they got were clothes! They sure looked cute and had a fashion show (sort of) for Granddaddy. They are for sure our little "Sweethearts"!

Craft Blogging Is FUN!!!

2009-11-18T17:56:00.000-05:00

I have begun to branch out in the blogging world and have found myself sitting here enjoying all of these new blogs...I even added a few I really like to my blog list. This is really fun....I see all kinds of crafty items I can't wait to make.....as soon as I get finished with this huge project I'm working on, I am gonna get busy. Take a look at a few of these...if you know of some great blogs that I'm not seeing, please let me know....this is great fun!

Busy Days....

2009-08-16T14:37:00.001-04:00

After finally making it home from California...crazy two days in airports, I had a week to prepare for another week away to take care of my two grandsons. It was a crazy week filled with babysitting for the two young granddaughters and catching up on laundry, grocery shopping and cleaning house. Then it was off to Georgia....I had a great week swimming and playing every sport you can imagine and my prideful self sort of enjoyed the fact that the 4 year old granddaughter, that I took along with me, and my 7 year old grandson, both red-heads, were pulling me in crazy directions to get my attention...it was a power struggle for sure...but it was fun. I didn't get much sleep before I left and didn't get too much there either...however, it is kind of fun sleeping (or trying to) on a bunkbed again, just not 5 nights in a row! One day the two I just spoke of wanted to go to the store and wanted me to buy them everything they could think of....I tried to explain in kid terms that I was broke...the 7 year old told me I needed to get a job and then I could buy them stuff like the other Grandmother...oh well, out of the mouths of babes...It was a fun week and I hope to be able to do this every summer....but, I was very glad to get home to see my man and my bed!

Live from California

2009-07-20T11:44:00.000-04:00

This blog is coming via Oceanside, California....the windows are open, the air temp is as usual, perfect and the beach is one block down the hill. We traveled to Lake Arrowhead this past Saturday to attend my husband's sister's wedding. I must admit, it was different. I've never been to a Godless wedding and it saddened me. The wedding was at the home of the grooms brother, a beautiful location. The officiate was a family friend of the groom who is a lawyer. No clergy at all....no praying, no covenant before GOD, like I said, different. I pray that my s-i-l is happy... the groom seems like a nice guy...maybe we will have the chance to get to know him in the future....there was a dinner the night before for our side of the family to meet him, unfortunately I was sitting at the opposite end of the table and really had no conversation at all with the couple other than the initial greeting. Now, on to the good stuff!!! yesterday was a beach day and yes, I finally got to boogie board again....I love it....I love feeling those powerful waves beating me up and riding that board is a blast....I plan to go to the beach everyday that I am here and put that boogie board to good use. I am a little battered and worn-out today....it's hard work doing battle with those waves. Hannah and Jeff both left around 6:30 this morning to go surf before work...that will put them getting home a little later but that's o.k.....this little area has everything I need within walking distance....so, I'm gonna get out and enjoy the luxury of being part of life in a small little surfing village....guess you could say everything here is groovey!

July 4, 2009

2009-07-06T10:19:00.000-04:00

FAmily Fun was the definition of this holiday weekend. Once again we traveled to the Edge home in Ringgold for a couple of days of fun, food and memory making. The kids, large and small, all had fun playing together, mostly in the pool....of course there was some horseplay and I must admit that my DIL, Beverly, was the queen of that....she pushed Chris in the pool to the surprise of all and it started the frenzy right before we were going to load-up to come home! Hannah & Jeff were in from California, so I was blessed to have all the kids and Grandkids in one spot for two whole days....it really is what I dream of....GOD is so good! Enjoy the photos, they just tell the story better than words!

Summer Fun with the Grandkids!

2009-06-23T13:53:00.000-04:00

Last week was a week of summer fun with three of my four Grandkids....I felt guilty leaving number 4 behind, but she's little and it would have been hard to do what needed to be done and keep up with her and a good sleeping schedule for her. Addi and I went to spend the week with Chris, Beverly, Henley and Carter. We had lots of good conversation on the way to their house....Addi wanted to make sure I knew that she slept really, really, really close to her daddy every night...funny thing is, she slept all alone in her own bed everynight while we were on our little vacation. Henley and Carter are nothing but fun....they are so sweet, cute, smart and talented....they swim like fish and it rubbed off on Addi...she did way better than I expected and I didn't even have to get tough with her about it....we just had a great week. Carter and Addi played well together and Chris & Bev are great hosts. I think it is so important that these cousins are a part of each others lives....I hope they remain friends forever. I cherish every minute I get to spend with these kids....they are truly a gift and being here to spend this time with them is a gift...when I'm around my kids I sometimes have to step back and just thank GOD for such smart, sweet and loving kids. We are all looking forward to July 4th because Aunt Hannah and Uncle Jeff are flying in from California to spend the weekend at Chris and Bev's and we will swim and play allday! Another opportunity for those great family memories!

The Rest of the Birthday Story!

2009-06-11T16:01:00.000-04:00

As I said at the end of my birthday story, I would tell you more about that day in a month....well, it hasn't been a month but I can now tell you the ending....at the end of the beautiful luncheon, my friend Ruth brought me something she was hiding behind her back....it was a pamper...yes, a diaper....I turned it over and on it was written, "Miami, December 2009"....yippeeee, Ruth is gonna be a MiMi for the 3rd time....it made my day...I was so excited for all of them....I knew immediately what it meant...Eden is gonna be a big sister. Wasn't that a great surprise...a happy ending to an interesting b'day.

Tiny Dancer....part two!

2009-06-01T09:39:00.001-04:00

Addi had her first performance on the "Big Stage" yesterday....she was a Munchkin...and she was precious!

Being Sifted....

2009-05-27T11:23:00.000-04:00

The past two weeks have been extremely dificult for us....we are being sifted...you know, like when you put all the dry ingredients in the sifter and sift until all the lumps are out and the flour is as smooth as silk. GOD is sifting us....He is getting out all the lumps and it hurts. The decisions and sacrifices of the past have caught up with us and GOD is forcing us to make changes. It hurts to see your spouse work so hard to provide for all and to dream so big and have those dreams taken away. It forces you to re-evaluate your priorities....it forces you to live one day at a time....it makes you focus on GOD's glory, and realize that HIS plan for us is not what we want, but what is best for us. It's easy to say that, but it's hard to accept and it's even harder to live through it. I'm mad....I'm disappointed...I'm baffled by the insensitivity of others....I have moments of lost faith....I'm realistic about what is going on and it ain't pretty ....I want revenge at times....I'd like to run away from all of this....but this is part of the sifting and wherever I go, however I feel, GOD will get the lumps out to make me more like HIM!

Memorial Day Weekend 2009...

2009-05-24T20:33:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was our first real boat outing for this year. We were lucky enough to have Addi-Grace for the day. We decided to cruise to the Loudon dam and stay for Rockin' the Docks and the fireworks....so it was an allday afair for just the three of us. Granddaddy had a very painful shoulder but Addi kept him smiling. We had a great time....she was so tired she just laid down in the Captains seat and fell asleep about 5 p.m. - that was perfect timing....the fireworks started at 10 and she loved them...they were great....sitting in the middle of the lake with hundreds of other boaters was so much fun. We pulled in the marina a little after midnight...it was another memory maker for the Browns..

58th Birthday!

2009-05-19T15:26:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was my birthday....thank goodness for dear friends....it was not a good day for the Brown's, but a day I saw coming....I was hoping it would wait until today, however, my friend Ruth had a lovely luncheon for another friend with a May birthday and myself. We were treated to Ruth's incredible New Orleans cooking....she lived there 29 years and boy can she cook. Crab soup, a beautiful Shrimp Remoulade salad, appetizers with olive salad....and of course dessert! The best part was the fellowship. We spent a lovely afternoon caring and sharing. In another month I will tell you more about this day....

Dental Nightmare!

2009-05-12T09:24:00.000-04:00

I know, most trips to the dentist are nightmares....however, this is my Monday experience. Last Wednesday I had my teeth cleaning appointment...I was so happy to finally be making the last payment on my $300.00 mouthpiece that keeps me from grinding. So yesterday's appointment was to add some stuff to the bottom of my front two top teeth....one was chipped when I was in a coma and the other was very uneven and getting shorter from all the grinding....all was well, got the injection for pain with no problem....my dentist finished the job and showed me how much better my teeth looked and felt. Then the fun begins...the dentist had to hollow out the mouthpiece because my front two teeth are now longer...after she got it hollowed out she told her assistant to put some acrylic in it and then put it on my teeth to mold it so that it would be a tight fit....so the assistant proceeds....after she put the mouthpiece in my mouth she told me to bite down on it and stay that way...done....the dentist walked over, patted my shoulder. asked if I was o.k., which I was fine....then a few minutes later the dentist returns to remove the mouthpiece and smoothe it up a little....well, guess what....it was cemented onto my teeth....from eye tooth to eye tooth....no kidding....they went into full panic mode....they couldn't even get anything in between my teeth and that mouthpiece...for two hours they pried, chiseled, and
finally
cut little sections at a time ....all I could do was think about that last payment I had just made on that mouthpiece that was being destroyed...and laugh of course....why not....couldn't move, couldn't talk, couldn't change the fact that I had a mouthpiece permanently stuck to my teeth!!!! The poor assistant was in tears...she made a mistake...my dentist and her partner were both trying to figure out what to do...it reallly was a mess....I had to listen to that drill sound for two hours with little chips of that mouthpiece flying through the air, down my throat and in my eyes....not to mention the dentist drill smell!!! So they finally got the silly thing off and now guess what???? they had to totally re-do what they had done to begin with including another shot !!!! and the worst part, new molds with that gunky stuff going down my throat...it was trully an adventure...I told them they were lucky that this happened now because if it had happened before my bio-identical hormones were working I might not have been so cool about the whole thing!!! During the past five years I have come to expect the unexpected in every situation and this didn't let me down....my good friend says I should write a book...this would be the Dental Chapter!!!

Eden Belle

2009-05-03T19:41:00.000-04:00

Today was a great day .....first we had the priviledge of worshiping our LORD & SAVIOR...then this afternoon I was invited over to my dear friend Ruth's home to visit with her Daughter-in-love and her Granddaughter, Eden Belle. Eden and my second Granddaughter Juliana are only ten days apart in age....I was fortunate enough to share in the excitement of the pregnancy and birth of Eden. Eden is Ruth & Greg's first Grandchild...for 18 months I shared in every milestone through pictures and phone calls and I 'll tell you, I've loved this little girl since I heard that she was on her way....I've seen her only twice before....once when she was very small and then a brief ten second hug last year....so needless to say I was excited about my time with her today....I wasn't the only one there, several other friends were there to visit. First off, Kay is a living doll and a great Daughter-in-law...she lights up a room the minute she walks in....Ruth knows how very blessed she is to have two incredible young women married to her sons. WEll, little Miss Eden was everything and more than I could have imagined....she has that infectious smile and the sweetest personality, she was fun to play with and was very polite...she's a girl after my heart, most of her vocabulary is food!!! I could have stayed allday....well, I almost did. Sharing in my friends joy of that little girl was awesome....the deep love Ruth has for that baby was apparent and the love that baby has for her MiMi melted my heart. How blessed we are to have the love of these little ones in our lives and how blessed am I to have a friend that shares her joy!! I love you Ruth!

Rainy Day with Addi & Granddaddy

2009-05-03T19:29:00.000-04:00

Saturday was a wet and dreary day....the solution....spend the day with your 3 year old Granddaughter. We ran some errands and ended up in the toy section of target....imagine that. Granddaddy knew just what HE wanted...Lincoln Logs....they were a hit. He & Addi had a great time working together to build a log cabin and a fort. Then the three of us went to the marina to clean on our boat....Addi had a great time in the cabin, checking out everything and pretending....on the way home we had to stop for ice cream, it's just what you are suppossed to do on the way home from the boat....Addi & Granddaddy sat on the curb at the gas station and enjoyed their push-ups....it was a great day.

Fun in the Sun!

2009-04-27T15:04:00.000-04:00

Saturday we took a little road trip to Ringgold, Georgia to watch my Grandson, Carter, play baseball. I know he's ours, but he is so good....I would expect nothing less....his daddy was also a great little ball player. Carter is only seven years old and is playing on the Elite 8-9 year old team, shortstop no less. He's just got it...you can tell by the way he moves that he is a natural. Very competitive, built just right for a baseball player and he's got the whole tongue thing going...I've heard that's hereditary....his daddy did that too...wish I knew more about my Dad, I would like to know where that comes from, I heard he was a great athlete. After the first game we went to Chris & Bev's and the kids got in some good early swimming. We had Addi with us and she had a big time....she jumped off the diving board for the first time....of course Granddaddy caught her before her head got wet....good thing he was in the water, I don't believe in that catching stuff....if you wanna jump in, you need to learn to come up, level off and swim to the side....can you tell I'm getting back into swim teacher mode!!! Maybe we'll have her swimming, real swimming, before this summer is over...until then I look forward to many more days of fun in the sun with family.

Another Sweet Juliana Day...

2009-04-24T09:03:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was another Sweet Day with Juliana....I wish I could bottle-up some of the love and comfort she gives me on Thursdays....we snuggle and play and kiss and hug and rock...who doesn't love that...she even helped me dust! She'a a little doll....then came trouble....no, I mean "Trouble" with a capital "T"....Addi-Grace herself....she headed straight to the freezer to her special supply of ice creams (it's a ploy by her Granddaddy to keep it full so she'll want to come see us!). She has a way about her that lights up our world....she is precious and if there ever was a little curly haired girl that fit the poem, "There was la little girl, who had a little curl, right in the middle of her forehead....when she was good, she was very, very good, and when she was bad, she was horrid", it is Addi-Grace....she's a mess but oh gosh she's a cutie! and she is definitely my kind of girl!

Exciting Things Happening in My Life

2009-04-17T11:30:00.000-04:00

I can't let this last few days go by without screaming at the top of my lungs how happy I am to finally see the old me coming back. I've had a crazy five years of medical issues, one after the other not to mention menopause as an exclamtion mark. It's been wacky...more prescription drugs than you can imagine...poison in some case...My brain has been fighting me, my emotions have been fighting me, my thought life has been horrible....to put it bluntly, I've felt like poop!

I know, and I am so grateful for these last few years because it all could have ended four and a half years ago.

So here's what I'm excited about. A friend of mine who is a reistered nurse has gone to work with a Nurse Practioner. They opened a business that deals with women's issues.....all natural, no pharmaceuticals...bio-identical hormones...I decided I had to give it a shot even though financially this is the worst possible time for us....so three weeks ago this past Tuesday I started my program after having my hormone levels checked....that was an interesting test, I had to spit in a little vial 5 times in one day....I tested estrogen dominate, low progesterone and cortisol.....no wonder I hadn't slept in five years....my hot flashes were off the chart...at least one an hour and at night they wake you, so I was awake every hour....The good news....three weeks into it I no longer am having hot flashes, I'm sleeping nine hours at night, real sleep, dreaming sleep, my mood is happy...yep, caught myself smiling for no reason today! Why I even mowed the lawn with a push mower....I'm so out of shape it hurt, but it felt so good to test myself and have the get up and go to at least try!

GOD is so good and I know that he led me to Ernie and Nan and I am so thankful to be feeling like myself again...When I went to Nan for my first appointment her first question was "Tell me How YOu Feel"....my reply was "I Hate Everybody" and I did....today I'm lovin' life and those in my life!!!!

Juliana Day...

2009-04-09T15:26:00.000-04:00

Thursday is the day I get to take care of Juliana for a few hours.....I took a few pictures this morning after I dressed her and I think she looks cute. I love her with a bow in her hair and after telling her not to take it out a few times, she finally left it alone. The apron is one I made her last week....I made Addi one to match....the next time we have them we will cook again..enjoy!

2009-04-08T10:07:00.000-04:00

HAPPY EASTER!

I Got the Call

2009-03-31T22:27:00.000-04:00

I got the call....well actually, the calls!! Ruth and I have been on the phone off and on allday...her daughter-in-love was induced this morning so Ruth has called with progress reports, well mostly lack of.
The baby was due last week....they finally decided to do a c-section and Mister Jordan Scott Geiger weighing in at 10 lbs. 1 oz. was born at 10:00 tonight! I am so happy for my dear friends....a baby is such a wonderful blessing and the promise of continuation of a family...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JORDAN SCOTT....can't wait to meet you!

Fun in the Kitchen

2009-03-28T19:36:00.000-04:00

Today was another fun-filled day with Addi Grace and Juliana. Addi Grace (she told me to start call her Addi Grace again like we used to instead of just Addi) baked and decorated some cookies while Juliana took her nap. Addi Grace had a great time in the kitchen and of course she looked adorable....she actually did a pretty good job....yes, there was enough icing on each cookie to make you gag, and she used all of the sprinkles....one full bottle and half of another bottle! I will be sweeping up sprinkles for weeks I'm sure....but, that doesn't matter....the fun Granddaddy & I had watching her and the memories we made are priceless. I just happened to have my camera ready so you can see our little baker!

WAITING FOR A NEW BABY...

2009-03-24T10:19:00.000-04:00

My friends, Greg & Ruth, are waiting for the birth of their second Grandchild...a boy, name unknown. The baby is due this week, it is the first child for their son Philip and his wife Laura. This is such an exciting time for a family....and doesn't it just seem right to have a birth right now, this time of year, when the earth is springing forth with new growth and beauty. It is a fun and wonderful time for this family. Sharing a little of this happiness is one of the benefits of being a friend...can't wait to hear the excitement in Ruth's voice when she calls to give me the news!!!

WE TRIED....

2009-03-23T16:27:00.000-04:00

We tried another kidnapping yesterday ....didn't have much success...we were beat out by two baby cows....oh well...we'll continue to try!!!!

It's a GOD thing!

2009-03-19T18:20:00.000-04:00

March 20, 1976 was a very good day....on that day 33 years ago, I married the most handsome man on earth. Little did we know that that was just the first layer of love and thirty-three years later our love continues to build.

The GOD part....well, we met on the side of the road....no really....Interstate 75, just south of the Georgia line! He was hungry....I was giving away free cokes and peanuts at the Georgia Welcome Center and here we are today. Who else but GOD could have put all of that together???

We struggled like all young couples....we moved away from all friends and family with a 7 year old, a one year old and a newborn. Those were the foundation building years. Moving away was the best thing that ever happened to us, being away from all outside influence made us learn to depend on each other.

We're at a very mature stage of love....we know each other's thoughts, our little looks that convey what we are thinking, a simple touch that says more than words ever could...it is a special time for us.

So here's to us....Oh My Man I Love Him So!

Another Excellent Adventure with Granddaddy and Addi

2009-03-09T10:17:00.000-04:00

Instead of leaving to chance a playdate with Addi, we decided to be in the parking lot of their church and kidnap her when she came out. Granddaddy had been on the road working for a week and he was desperate to see his little buddy. So we put our plan into motion and mission accomplished.
Addi & Granddaddy were off on a hike....they took their walking sticks, some water and a change of clothes for Addi just in case squatting in the woods didn't work out. Oh yea, they also took our dog "Boy". Up until yesterday, Addi was afraid of Boy only because he is a big dog and he threatened her by his size. So off they went...they returned about two and a half hours later with lots of treasures and stories....they knocked down dead trees with their walking sticks, they found a dead crawfish, they found shells, they threw sticks in the water for Boy to fetch, Addi did some swinging on a vine and fell off that vine, they found a big rock with a hole in it that was filled with water, Addi took her shoes off and walked around in the water, they had their drinks and just had a great experience....Granddaddy said he could tell that Addi was tired but he chose to let her tough it out and walk all the way back to the car. She really is a little trooper and had a great time. When they got home she was completely over her fear of Boy and even played in the yard with him. It makes my heart happy to know that Addi is making memories with her Granddaddy....he just glows when he sees her....he adores her and for that, I am very grateful.

Grandparent's Day

2009-03-07T12:05:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I had the priviledge of attending "Grandparents DAy" at Brainard Baptist School in Chattanooga. My two Grandsons are students at this school....Carter is in first grade and Henley is in 4th. It was so wonderful seeing them march up to the stage an participate with their classmates in a patriotic program....singing songs, waving flags....the 4th graders prayed the LORD'S prayer in Spanish....that was so awesome. After the program the Grandparents visited the classrooms....I visited Henley's class first....it was so much fun....Henley interviewed me with really cute quiestions and I got his attention when he asked what was my favorite thing to do when I was in school....answer, basketball & swimming! He is crazy about basketball and a very good player....remember his name, I think he'll play college ball one of these days and maybe end up being a coach like his dad. After the interview, Henley put on the cutest little visor with T.G. on it....tour guide....he proceeded to show me around his school and tell me all about it....I loved meeting his teachers and just seeing where he spends so much time. All of his teachers were very complimentory...he is one smart and athletic young man. Then it was time to switch and visit Carter's classroom. He is a little young for an interview, but we did do a word search together and then we filled out a form with what is different about us and what is the same...that was fun too! Then Carter wanted me to meet all of his teachers from last year and the year before....I was flattered....they all praised him and said they wish all of their students were as polite and obedient.

I was so proud of them and the job their parents are doing raising them....of course the minute I saw them I got all teary...when their dad was a little boy and participated in school activities, I always cried! When he was in high school I cried alot, not for the same sentimental reasons as when he was young!!!! It was a long drive but worth every mile and I feel very blessed to have two sweet, polite, smart and fun Grandsons....there is no doubt where the GRAND comes from!

Domestic Briefcase

2009-03-04T09:50:00.000-05:00

Check out the adorable hand-stamped cards on Domestic Briefcase....she is so talented...those cards are adorable!

My Craft Forward Craft Is Here

2009-02-26T16:06:00.000-05:00

The Mail Lady just got here and my "Craft Forward" craft is here....I won on Miss Mandi Shandi's blog!!! How exciting...this was so much fun! She made me a darling pillow, which matches my decor perfectly and she made me this adorable card with a picture of me & my Grandbabies on it....thanks Mandi...keep up the good blogging....I'm loving it!

Mardi Gras

2009-02-24T09:05:00.000-05:00

Have you ever been to Mardi Gras...I know what you are thinking, and some of that is true...but all of Mardi Gras is not on Bourbon Street. I still don't understand all the Catholic stuff that this is all about, but it is fun and a little, well, alot, raunchy....
This was my fourth Mardi Gras. This one was a little different...in the past I have always gone to New Orleans....but because my best friend and her husband divorced, and he got the apartment on Saint Charles used just for Mardi Gras, I spent this year in Baton Rouge watching the Spanish Town Parade. It is all about political satire and boy did they go after the "Stimulus Bill" in a big way.
What outsiders don't understand about Mardi Gras is how serious it is to the Catholic population in Louisiana....today, Fat Tuesday which is Mardi Gras Day is a holiday....LSU even cancels classes!
In New Orleans, on Saint Charles, opposite side of town from Bourbon Street is what I call the family side of Mardi Gras. You've never seen anything like it....it's a big huge tailgatge all the way down Saint Charles with every age from newborns to one foot in the grave folks. The young families all roll their ladders...yes, they put wheels on the end and they build little wooden seats on top and they roll these down to the street, set them up and when the parade starts the little kids sit in the little wooden boxes on top of the ladders....they yell at the people on the floats and they catch beads and toys and stuff. It's noisy and fun and you really get into going after those cheap little beads! I didn't care too much about the beads this year, I went for quality instead of quantity....I mainly took pictures because the satire was hilarious! I will try to post some of the pictures in a way that you can understand.
The most important part about my 2009 Mardi Gras adventure was the time I spent with my dear friend Candy....we've been friends for 23 years...she is my best friend....I love her dearly....she's had a rough few years but she is doing great! We celebrated Mardi Gras, Friendship and Life together.....I am blessed to have her as a friend and I thank GOD for her!

Just Couldn't Wait

2009-02-16T09:19:00.000-05:00

I was going to try to wait to show pictures of my craft projects....but...the post office did their job in record time and Jennifer has already received hers and Mandi has already posted pictures of what we will get...therefore....here are the pictures of the reversable aprons I made for the winners! So Mandi, the suspense is over, but I think you'll be excited to see the pictures....hope you both enjoy! they were made with love...

Craft Forward Winners

2009-02-13T20:08:00.000-05:00

My Craft Forward winners need to be on the lookout next week....your surprise should arrive early week!! Hope you like...I sure had fun with this!

Tiny Dancer

2009-02-12T15:52:00.000-05:00

Our Tiny Dancer had open house at her ballet class yesterday. Granddaddy and I were honored to attend. Of course it goes without saying that she looked adorable in her tutu with those curls and that body. It was the usual three year old ballet stuff....not too formal (haha), just cute little motions to cute little songs. The little girls have done it so much they know it by heart, however, just because they know it doesn't mean they stay focused! Every now and then our Tiny Dancer would wander off and do her own thing which makes it much more entertaining. Near the end of the class, our Tiny Dancer's tutu sort of dropped below her little belly and that was too cute for words...you can see that in one of the pictures. It was another family memory maker and Granddaddy & I loved it.

Granddaddy and Addi's Excellent Adventure!

2009-02-05T20:44:00.000-05:00

The University Swim teams had a swim meet two weeks ago against the University of Georgia. Grandaddy is the official Starter for the University of Tennessee , and he's held this position since 1986. This was the last home meet for this season and Granddaddy decided to take Addi with him.

I could tell that Granddaddy wanted this to be a special day for just the two of them . However, I was a bit nervous about the whole situation. You see, Granddaddy just doesn't think about all the things that could go wrong with a three and a half year old and a huge body of water. He also doesn't watch her as closely as I would like....but, I kept my mouth shut (I know, hard to believe) and tried to support the plan with encouragement.

Granddaddy told me not to worry....yea right...off he went, so excited to have this precious curly haired little ball of fire all to himself. About an hour after time for the meet to start, I get the first of many phone calls from the two of them...she was the star of the show....all the Time-ettes (the cute girls picked by the swimmers to be back-up timers and runners) loved her. Granddaddy said her feet hardly ever touched the ground....she was sitting in their laps and they were almost fighting over her. The University Photographer snapped some pictures of her . Addi had a great time jumping on the "big" trampoline with the divers. The Officials were treated to lunch and Addi reaped the rewards....pizza and M & M's .

I really don't know who had the most fun....I do know that one proud 58 year old Granddaddy has not stopped talking about that day....he got to show off his Grandbaby to all his swimming world friends. I know Addi had fun....her daddy told us she slept in her swim cap the U.T. coach gave her. I'm thinking diving might be in her future.....she put a board on her bed one day this week and was pretending to dive off of it....but first things first.....we need to get her past the "don't like water in my face" stage....then we can make some progress toward her diving career!

These are the days that lifetime family memories are made......there is a special bond between Daddy's and their little girls....and I think the bond between Granddaddy's and their Granddaughters is extra special! I am so happy that they both had such a wonderful adventure and I'm so proud of Granddaddy for taking such good care of that precious little red-head!

CRAFT IT FORWARD

2009-02-02T12:31:00.000-05:00

One of my very first blogging friends Mandi, came up with this genius idea over on her blog Mandi Shandi. Basically, it is called Craft It Forward and here are the rules:
If you want to win a handmade ♥GIFT♥ from me, be one of the first 3 bloggers to leave a comment on this post, which entitles you to a handmade item from me. Winners must post this giveaway on your blog, meaning that you will {Craft it Forward} too, creating a handmade gift for the first three bloggers who leave a comment on YOUR post about this giveaway! The gift that you send can be any price range and you have 30 days to make and ship your item.

Doesn't this sound like fun....I've had my thinking cap on and have come up with a great idea....but you won't know until you receive it if you are a winner!

My Letter is....

2009-01-29T09:49:00.000-05:00

Mandi at Mandi Shandi's is playing a little game on her blog where you are provided a letter and you have to tell some facts about yourself that start with that letter. I was given the letter R...so....here we go...

1. Immediately seeing the letter made me think of my daughter...her middle name is REID.

2. I love the color RED....especially when it 's red hair! I have two red-headed Grandkids.

3. I love to READ and study , mostly my Bible.

4. I am ROUND! need to lose some weight.

5. I am not Rich when it comes to money....but my life is RICH.

6. I was a good REBOUNDER in high school and lived for basketball.

7. My oldest son is a basketball coach at RIDGELAND High School.

8. I love to RIDE boogey boards in the Pacific Ocean.

9. I am a very conservative REPUBLICAN.

10. My heart RACES when my husband touches my hand!

If you want to play, let me know and we'll get you a letter too!

Movin' and Groovin"

2009-01-27T16:21:00.000-05:00

It's gray and gloomy outside but my heart and believe it or not, my body, is sunshiney happy inside....I found www.949thesurf.com on the internet today...it's East Coast (they call it CArolina but I was raised in Savannah ,Georgia and we love it too) beach music!! What a blast to the past. When I was ten years old, my dear friend Lydia taught me how to "Shag"...we would dance for hours....I've always loved to dance...I'm listening to this music as I blog and I'm smilin'....it's so smooth and cool and I can just feel that sand in my toes....those warm balmy South Georgia nights....dreaming of our futures...or at least the next time we would sneek out of the house and do something really mischievious! I know it's hard to believe that I ever misbehaved, but boy oh boy did we have fun and make some lifelong memories. I moved to North Georgia when I was 10 years old...I spent half of every summer of my teenage years in Savannah. I cried many hours I missed that place and my friends and life so much...guess you have to live it to know what this music means to me... I wasn't even sure I remembered how to Shag...I have a non-dancing husband....isn't that how it works, I love dancing, he doesn't...I found a website, www.thedancestoreonline.com that has a free instructional video and I didn't miss a step...oh well, opposites attract...That was such an innocent time...we weren't worried about anything....just loving life....this music is in my heart, I love the mellowness of it, the sexiness of it and the memories of it! Have a little listen if you aren't familiar with it....and all you young girls, Teach your husbands how to Shag and have fun! "I'm a beach lovin' girl", are the words of the song playing right now.....sing it girl!!!!

Christmas Fun!

2008-12-30T18:37:00.000-05:00

Our celebration began on Christmas Eve at 4p.m. in church worshiping together and loving each other. During the service I was happily surprised when a 10 year old friend of mine walked onto the stage and sang the first stanza of "Away in a Manger". It was beautiful and I immediately teared-up! I've known her mom for about twelve years and we sit close to each other every Sunday in church. Could it get any better....oh yeah....I had the pleasure of sitting with my two little Granddaughters in church....a very special time I will never forget....Addi was squirmy but interested in what was going on....at times it was a bit like wrestling an alligator trying to keep her legs down, but I loved it. Juliana was busy and ended up in the foyer with her Granddaddy and then her Daddy.

Christmas day was different.... my husband and I spent the day alone and listened to some good Christmas music....I cooked....we ate and then we watched t.v.....on the 27th we loaded up Hub & Christy's car and headed south....we stopped in Signal Mountain to visit my husbands sister and his mother....then we headed to Georgia to visit my oldest son and his family. My youngest child, Hannah, had flown into Chattanooga on Christmas day to spend some quality time with her oldest brother and his wife and two sons....she loves them and couldn't wait and neither could they....on Christmas eve the 7 year old said he wanted to hurry and get to sleep...normal, however then he said, " so I can see Aunt Hannah faster! ".... no mention of the big fat man in the red suit! It was so great to see them all...it was busy ...ages 9,7,3,13months and all of the aldults....what fun...a little crazy at times but we all took the time to enjoy each other....the cousins played, opened gifts, ate and then went outside to play....we drove home in the dark and were all very tired but happy. Having Hannah at my house is always great....she and I have a wonderful relationship and we spend our time talking and just being together....she's just fun! On the 28th we were together again with Hub, Christy and the girls....Addi and Granddaddy took a hike, we played outside and Addi rode her plasma car with Aunt Hannah, Juliana rode her Tommy Turtle....we laid around playing and just enjoying each other. They came over again last night because it was Aunt Hannah's last night here. I took Hannah to the airport this morning and she is home in CAlifornia now....I will sure miss her but I cherish the time we had together.

Well, that's what we did for our Christmas celebration! CAn't wait for all of us to be together again making family memories!

How Can that be?

2008-12-24T10:04:00.000-05:00

How can it be that I grew-up in a home with a mother, step-father, grandmother, & brother but without JESUS?
How can it be that we never went to church on CHRISTMAS EVE?
How could I not have my kids in church during their younger years learning about JESUS?
What were we celebrating on Christmas day....santa claus....gifts galore, a beautiful tree, good food, family, friends....well, all of that is really sweet....but why weren't we celebrating JESUS?
The good news is that GOD has given me another chance to get it right....HIS mercy and GRACE gave us all the greatest gift and the biggest reason ever for celebration.....JESUS!!! Celebrate HIS birth, HIS death, HIS resurrection........share HIM....CHRISTMAS is the time to be bold and tell those that are leaving HIM out of CHRISTMAS what they are missing and will miss.

Dear LORD,
I pray for boldness to share JESUS with those that don't know HIM.
I pray that those reading this blog will also be bold in sharing.
Thank you for loving me....for giving us JESUS who is the ultimate gift and paid the ultimate price.
I Love YOU...
In JESUS name I pray.

YUMMMMMMMY!

2008-12-16T09:34:00.000-05:00

Lovin' me some Peppermint Hot Chocolate...yummmmmmy:)
Just read on another blog that someone is lovin' the Gingersnap Latte...
What's your favorite???
Let me in on what to get next time I travel the 20 miles to town and treat myself to Starbuck's...
In warm weather I always get a Java Chip Frappachino....how about you??
My California friend gets the White Chocolate Frappachino with Caramel on top:)Yum....makes the drive worth it:)

THE REASON FOR THE SEASON...

2008-12-08T09:51:00.000-05:00

Last night I attended the Christmas Music program at my church. It was incredible...the adult and youth choirs sounded like angels....the orchestra was magical.....everything was just perfect....and then....they showed a short film clip of a man on the street with a microphone asking random people, "What is the meaning of Christmas?".....I cried....it broke my heart that so many people completely left CHRIST out of CHRISTMAS....here are some of the answers they gave: gifts
getting together with family and getting gifts
lots of gifts
seeing family i don't see too much
don't believe in it...it's a manmade holiday, all commercial
gifts

there were more, but these are the ones that stuck with me....isn't that sad....it sort of lets us in on the state of our world....the name of the program last night was "IMAGINE".... here are some quotes from the handout regarding the program...

**IMAGINE...darkness....void....hopelessness.....sin....desperation....longing....searching!
**IMAGINE...A Master Plan...A Prophet...A Message...."For Unto Us"
**IMAGINE...A census...a journey...an Inn....a Star....a Birth....A BABY!
**IMAGINE...Brilliant Light....an Announcement....an Invitation....to Worship!
**IMAGINE...A GOD who would journey through time and space to bring you home! A GOD who calls today....speaking....whispering....COME AND WORSHIP!

I pray that the real reason for the season, JESUS CHRIST, is center of your CHRISTMAS!
HE is, was and always will be the ultimte gift.....share HIM!!!!

SLEEP...OR THE LACK OF...

2008-11-26T17:06:00.000-05:00

Not feeling particularly Thankful on this Thanksgiving Eve....I can't sleep....it is so frustrating to know that I don't have to be up at any certain time each and every day, but sleep evades me...it runs...it hides...it's a thing of the past. Even with sleeping pills I'm lucky to get 4 hours straight! CAn you believe that....4 hours straight ....that's terrible....no wonder I'm grouchy and everybody makes me mad!!! Better stear clear.....no energy, no gumption, I'm pooped! I fall asleep in no time at all....two hours later, I'm done...then I toss and turn allnight, seeing every hour as it ticks by....finally I get out of bed for sunrise....I deserve at least that!
WAIT....WAIT....WAIT....WHAT AM I THINKING....??????? the last time I complained about not getting enough sleep, GOD took care of that and I slipped into a coma for two weeks! What's wrong with me....complaining about sleep....get over it....I'm just gonna put on my big girl panties and deal with it and tomorrow I will start with a thankful heart for all the blessings in my life and look forward to a day of relaxation (well, maybe not) family, football and food....so to all of my friends I wish the greatest Thanksgiving ever!

Friends

2008-11-21T10:29:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I had the priviledge of enjoying a luncheon with my bible study class. We are a group of 18 women, all around 55-60 with the exception of one who is in her early 30's. It was a wonderful time of fellowship and prayer. We studied Genesis for a year and a half! We are moving right into Exodus in January. We are dedicated to our studying and we are getting closer personally as a group. It's hard not to build a relationship with these women. We share our joys and our sorrows and we know that if prayer is needed we will all be there for each other. I am so comforted by the fact that I have become friends with so many wonderful women of different denominations that will be my friends forever! Friendship is not something to take lightly...it takes work, trust, honesty and love. I love these women....I love them, they love me and most of all we love JESUS! I can't wait to dig into the WORD of Exodus with these girls and see what GOD has instore for us. GOD is good all the time!

Summertime and the Living is Easy......kind of!

2008-06-19T10:05:00.000-04:00

The first day of summer 2008 is almost here....the longest day of the year! What a year it's been so far, sure hope the remainder of this year is eventful in a really fun and exciting way.

If you know my family, you know that we are accident prone! It's almost become comical....through the pain, the injured family member has to laugh. Hub and I both had broken arms and wrist earlier this year and the trend continues. Hannah got hit on the bridge of her nose with her surfboard in early May and a few weeks later, CB slipped using a power drill and drilled a hole in his thumb. Every weekend we just wait around in anticipation of who is going to get injured and how....I know the in-laws are wondering if this is going to rub off on them...beware, it could.

During the past month my husband and son spent three weekends in a row building a swing/play set for our three year old grandaughter. It was really hard work and it was really hot....I had flashbacks watching the two of them laboring so hard for a great cause in the 98 degree heat...I think my husband, my sons and my daughter had the same flashbacks....we absolutely refer to those as the good ole' days. The days when the kids really wanted to be doing something else, probably sleeping, but their dad had them up and at it, helping with some project for the whole weekend. My husband is a really hard worker and likes to finish the job. He hasn't really had any home projects over the past five years...we sold our family home about five years ago and the home we bought was never really "Home" to him, so he showed no interest in caring for it and he had no pride in it. So working in his son's backyard, sweating and miserable with a bloody, swollen thumb was like old home week and he worked his rear off. He even put the neighbor's kid to work just like he did when our kids were little....if you came to visit our kids, be ready to work. It truly was like a step back in time...kids playing all around, mommys busy, grannys helping, lunch delivered to the sweaty men in the yard while they worked, lots of gatorade, tired daddy and grandaddy, happy squealing kids when they took that first slide down the new slide.......yep, Summer Time and the Living is easy...just not injury proof!

BLINK....AND IT'S GONE!

2008-04-07T11:13:00.000-04:00

Last Thursday I visited with my daughter-in-law and three of her college friends and their children...all together there were four mommies, six kids under the age of three and one grand-mommy, ME! Needless to say it was a little loud...but on the most part happy....there is something to be said about all that commotion....it's gone in a blink! When you are right in the middle of it, it sometimes seems like tomorrow will never get here....but when this stage of your life is over, you realize that most of what you thought was important then, doesn't even register on the importance scale now. So thanks girls for letting me share in the joy of that day.

Three weeks ago we celebrated our 32nd wedding anniversary. Shame on me for not posting this sooner...We were married on March 20th 1976....the first day of Spring is a great day to get married....every year we celebrate the beginning of another year together...we have been so blessed to have made it through difficulties and storms and have lived to experience the new beginings each year. As we get older, our time together seems more and more important...we will live together forever in eternity and that is a very comforting thought. Just a touch on the hand or a special look shared goes straight to the heart. He still drives me crazy...you know, leaving the cabinet doors open, not ever really understanding how the dishwasher works, all those man things....but....I'm madly in love with this crazy, hardworking, living on the edge man and I'm forever grateful to GOD for putting us together.....so here's to another 32 years! we still have time for that, I'd be 88 and he'd be 89!

Life as I Knew It...Almost!

2008-03-12T12:34:00.000-04:00

Wow....the playground, ice cream at the Dairy Queen, spit-up, diapers, swinging, sliding, climbing, happy sounds all around....what could be bad about all of that...absolutely nothing! The only thing that makes me unhappy is little Juliana's tummy ache....she is having a really hard time and it breaks my heart when she is screaming in pain....hopefully they can get a handle on all that and that precious little angel will not have anymore trouble. I've thrown myself back into the swing of things and am rebuilding relationships that went astray during my wierdness over the past couple of months. Life is too short for all of that and with God's help I can maintain a life of helping others and enjoying the fruits of my labor.

Recently I was asked to pray for the sister of a friend of mine.....I have only met the young woman once...in the same week I was asked to pray for a young man in Oklahoma that is suffering with cancer....I have never met this young man.....I tell you this to say that it is awesome to be asked to pray for others...it is a responsibility I do not take lightly....the most awesome part is that I serve a living God that I can go to in prayer and intercede for others as Jesus intercedes for me.....you see, I am totally convinced that God kept me around because of all the wonderful people that interceded for me in prayer....sleep at my age is interesting...sleeping late is gone....I'm happy to make it to 7a.m....sleeping without waking several times doesn't happen....I've decided to turn those awake times into prayer time for those that come to mind....it is incredible to be laying in bed, in the quiet dark and go to God in prayer...if I dose off in the middle of the prayer I know that God knows who is on my heart...God is good all the time!

Pain! It hurts and makes you CRAZY :o(

2008-02-27T13:39:00.000-05:00

Well...it's been a couple of weeks since I've really felt like sitting here and using my brain for anything but pain control. So now the doctors are telling me that I have CRPS I ...o.k., so now what....the pain in my arm has been hanging around continuously for almost three weeks....today I see some improvement...the pain is still there, but much better movement today, why I even used both hands to hold my plate and wash my hair....that is a big step,...until last Saturday I hadn't touched my face with my left hand since two days before Christmas. I was supposed to go to therapy this morning, but it was snowing and around here a little snow flurry causes chaos....so I'll go to therapy tomorrow.

Through all of this I have found it most comforting to really get into my bible study....it takes me away and occpies my mind with a sense of excitement over what I am gleaning from it. I have to continue to be positive and move forward and focus on what's important and that is being the best I can be because God has chosen me as HIS!

I have missed out on two months with the most precious little Grand-daughters in the world and I can't wait to have some pain free days to enjoy with their little arms wrapped around my neck.

So, what am I thankful for today.....a diagnosis of what is causing the pain, without that we couldn't move forward in a treatment for it, new medicines to treat the nerve pain, steroids to attack the inflamation, a good friend who listened, encouraged and cooked for us, and my bible study that kept me busy.

Whiney Butt!

2008-02-09T15:54:00.000-05:00

Today is a tough day....I know I've been through so much tough stuff over the past three years, but I'm having a hard time finding anything to be especially thankful about today....I'm just being a whiney butt and I know it! My "main squeeze" is headed to London today and I'm at home, with a broken wrist and elbow and not feeling particularly pretty , since I can't even fix my hair and have to wear eleastic waist pants since i can't pull them up if they aren't......so....I guess today I'm thankful for: elastic waist pants, orange colored cast, "GO BIG ORANGE" takes on a whole new meaning, cell phones, sober pilots and this computer!

Being Thankful

2008-02-08T13:00:00.000-05:00

My original purpose for starting a blog was to have a place to list at least three things I'm Thankful for everyday....It is also to keep me from being whiney and make me be a little more focused on the good in my life. Of course I could say the same three things everyday, and I will start with those , so just know that I am incredibly thankful everyday for the following:

My sweet, handsome adorable and loving husband of almost 32 years who has put up with more than his share of me, especially over the past three years.

My oldest son and his precious wife and kids.....Chris has grown into a wonderful person, a great husband, a terrific father and after many difficulties between the two of us when he was in his teens, a loving , precious son.

My middle child, Hub and his family....Hub was nothing but trouble, in a good sense of the word, when he was a kid....always into something, always in the emergency room, and spoiled rotten by his dad, brother and me. Plus, he was the cutest kid in town and everytime we were out somebody from the newspaper took a picture of him and put it in the paper!

My sweet, precious Hannah. The third and last child, and the only girl and her husband Jeff. The two of them fit together like two parts of a puzzle....I find myself jealous of the life they lead...so free spirited and happy. Hannah seems to have that special something that lights up a room and definitely lights up her mom and dad's hearts.

My four gorgeous grandchildren, Henley, Carter, Addison and Juliana....they are definitely a gift! Trust me, there will be more to come about those 4.

Most of all I am Thankful to God....can you imagine knowing from the beginning that all of his creation would sin and he would have to send His Son to earth to be crucified on the cross for our sins. God has worked out all the details, most of which I do not understand, but I sure am thankful for my blessings!

Peanut Butter and Honey????

2008-02-07T15:23:00.000-05:00

Yep....that's me....when I was in my early twenties I worked in personnel for a company and they called me "Peanut Butter Patti", so that's where the Peanut Butter came in to play....then 9 years ago I was blessed with my first Grandchild. Everyone said, what is your Grandmother name gonna be.....while others said, "oh you should let the child name you"....well my thouhgts on that differ....you see, this little boy has grandmothers, greatgrandmothers, step grandmothers, you get the point, plus, I'm the only one who doesn't live within 15 miles of him.......needless to say I did not want to be a granny or memaw, (I have nothing against those names) but since little man wouldn't see me everyday or so, I thought I needed to be different! That's where the "Honey" comes in.........Our family has grown in 9 years, and I feel very blessed to have three sweet little voices calling me Honey and the 4th will in about a year. Hence the name of my blog!