Tuesday's Take

Congrats to Cade

Congratulations to Cade, my 13-year-old who graduated from 8th grade on May 28. It doesn't seem possible I will soon have two kids in high school. Time goes by too fast and sometimes I just want to slow things down. It seems like it was just yesterday a shy little boy of 5 was making his way down the long hall to Ms. Lucy Garrett's kindergarten class. Now he's on his way to his freshman year with more independence, more studying, more challenges, more decisions, and less of needing his mom. I know this is the way it's meant to be, the natural course of life. But just for a moment, I'd like to go back and take one memory I have from each year of his life and relive it, if just for a moment. Take me back to the the first time I held him and looked into his blue eyes and knew he was safe in my arms. Take me back to the day he took his first step. Take me back to the day he held his baby sister for the first time and said, "she looks just like me Mom." Take me back to the day he pulled his first tooth and the moment he learned to swim. And the first home run. I know he's on his way to bigger and better things, but just for a moment I want to remember the little blond headed boy toddling at my side, reaching for my hand, then letting go and turning into such a fine young man.
“I hope your dreams take you... to the corners of your smiles, to the highest of your hopes, to the windows of your opportunities, and to the most special places your heart has ever known.”

Thursday's Take

Wordless Wednesday

Thursday's Take

Wordless Wednesday

Welcome Jo, Olivia, Matt & Marky!

Saturday, April 25th was a big day for the Flowers Family. My brother Jeff married Joanna and we all traveled to Gatlinburg for the wedding. It was a beautiful sunny day and the wedding went off without a hitch! Yes, uniting six kids and including them all in the wedding went off without a hitch. Jeff has three kids, Ethan, 10, Paige, 7 and Peyton, 4. Jo has three kids, Olivia, 13, Matthew, 11 and Mark, 7. (Here's the story of a lovely lady....) Ethan was best man, Paige was a flower girl, Peyton was a ring bearer along with Marky. Matt walked his mom down the aisle and Olivia was maid of honor. They did a wonderful job! I was so proud of them. Now we have four new people in our family and they fit right in! (And that's how we became...)

Thursday's Thoughts

Here are Thursday's Thoughts...brought to you by none other than Winnie the Pooh...hope you enjoy them!

"If the person you are talking to doesn't appear to be listening, be patient. It may simply be that he has a small piece of fluff in his ear."

"A little consideration, a little thought for others, makes all the difference."

"When late morning rolls around and you're feeling a bit out of sorts, don't worry; you're probably just a little eleven o'clockish."

"You can't always sit in your corner of the forest and wait for people to come to you... you have to go to them sometimes."

"Rivers know this: there is no hurry. We shall get there some day."

"Sometimes, if you stand on the bottom rail of a bridge and lean over to watch the river slipping slowly away beneath you, you will suddenly know everything there is to be known."

"You can't help respecting anybody who can spell TUESDAY, even if he doesn't spell it right; but spelling isn't everything. There are days when spelling Tuesday simply doesn't count."

"It's always useful to know where a friend-and-relation is, whether you want him or whether you don't."

"People who don't think probably don't have brains; rather, they have grey fluff that's blown into their heads by mistake."

And my favorite...

"If ever there is tomorrow when we're not together. There is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we're apart...I'll always be with you."

Cookie, Oreo and Fudge

Here are three new calf owners, Paige, Ethan and Courtney. Pa Jerry recently purchased them each a bottle calf which they named Cookie, Oreo and Fudge. They've had a great time learning how to bottle feed and watching their calf grow. They took on this job understanding that the calf would be fed, gain weight and then be sold in a few months, and they would make money. A certain amount of their proceeds goes back to Pa Jerry for the feed and then they keep the rest. So we'll see how that goes when it's time to sell.

Happy 9th Birthday to Courtney

My baby will be 9 tomorrow, April 8. Where did the time go? I can't believe how fast she's growing up. It seems like yesterday she was toddling around trying to keep up with her big brothers and doing a pretty good job! Now they try to keep up with her! And it's impossible! I want to wish her a very happy birthday! I'm proud to be her mom! I love you sis!

Here are 10 random things about Courtney...

1. Courtney was born on Saturday, April 8, 2000, our millennium baby. She came into the world about an hour after I arrived at the hospital. I was dialated to 9 when we got to the hospital and her dad is lucky he didn't have to deliver her in the car, or should I say I was lucky?

2. Courtney's full name is Courtney Jacqueline after her dad, Jackie, who was to be named Jacqueline if he was a girl. She has several nicknames, Court, CJ, Cooter Bug and Sis.

3. Courtney is a sports fanatic. She loves to play basketball, soccer, baseball, softball, football...you name it, she'll play it.

4. Courtney is a blast to go to an amusement park with. She'll ride the carousel with you or the upside down roller coaster.

5. Courtney likes Taco Bell. A #4 please. 1 soft, 1 crunchy.

6. Courtney's best friend is her cousin, Ethan. They spend more time together than with their own siblings.

7. Courtney does her own hair. I can not touch it unless it's picture day or a holiday.

8. Courtney is a good driver. She drives the golf cart at Granny Jewell's, the tractor for Pa Jerry, and she's driven me home from church several times in the Envoy. Yes, all by herself!

9. Courtney is definitely a country girl. She loves to feed the cows with Pa Jerry. So what if there's a little cow poop on her shoes. She says "that's just the way it is Mom."

10. A few faves: pizza, watermelon, cantaloupe, strawberries, corn nuggets, Club Penguin, getting email. Email her at court7993@yahoo.com She'd love to hear from you!

Surprise!

We celebrated my Granny Padgett's 82nd birthday on Feb. 28 with a surprise party at my cousin's house. Granny thought she was attending her daughter's birthday party! Yep, she was surprised. There was well over 35 people there and she had a great time visiting with family and friends. She has 8 children, including my mom, who is the oldest, 15 grandchildren and approximately 31 great grandchildren. I'm guessing there! She always has a hug waiting and a smile that's a mile wide. She loves the Lord, her children, grandchildren, reading the Enquirer and watching Nancy Grace. She's a blessing to all of us and I love her so much!

"Better let him out, Momma's looking for him..."

Congratulations State Farm Team!

Courtney played basketball for the State Farm team of the Overton County Junior Pro Basketball League, and they won their 2nd-3rd grade tournament! Way to go girls! Courtney had so much fun with these new friends and learned a lot too.

The Letter S

10 Things I Love That Begin With The Letter *S*

I'm behind. Keyton assigned the letter S to me weeks ago and I've been working on it a little at a time. But I'm finishing it up now and will move on to another letter soon!

1. Smiles...as you can see from these pictures, there are all kinds of smiles and when you catch them on your favorite people, they're even more special. A smile can change someone's day and it improves your face value. You can't go wrong with a smile!

2. Sunshine...as does smiles, can change your day! I love the warmth of the sun, not too hot, but when it's just right!

3. Sunsets...I love a beautiful sunset. Of course I've never experienced an ugly one, have you?

4. Scrapbooking...I love to scrapbook. I'm in the process of fixing up my scrapping room; it's slow but will be great when finished! I haven't created that many pages, but I could open my own scrapbook store with all the products I have! Anyone else out there who wants to try and get a crop night going? That would be fun!

5. Spaghetti...yes, my favorite food group. Pasta, pasta, pasta and more pasta. Give me more! I cook spaghetti only once a week or so now or when it's just me around. Jack will not eat it, I burnt him out I guess like he did me on tacos!

6. Serendipity...I've just always liked this word! I liked the movie too! It means good fortune; luck; an aptitude for making desirable discoveries by accident.

7. Silliness...I love to act silly with my kids. I think I annoy them at times though!

8. Sleep...I always want more!

9. Saturdays...Yay for the weekend! I get to sleep in, well, sometimes!

10. Snow...I love when it first falls and our drive through the woods is covered and no one has driven on it yet. When it hangs on the trees, and everything is still and quiet. After moving here in 1981 from Michigan, I didn't think I'd ever want to see snow again, but I miss it. Still miss the "big" ones.

Steel Magnolias

February 21, 2009...The Fearsome Threesome is at it again. This time we traveled to Glasgow, Kentucky in the snow to watch a stage production of "Steel Magnolias" at the Plaza Theater (http://www.plaza.org/), first time visit for us all. Remember that 1989 movie that starred Julia Roberts, Dolly Parton, Sally Fields, etc, etc? Yep, it was funny like the movie...and sad of course when Shelby dies. The whole production takes place in Truvy's Beauty Salon. The woman portraying Truvy (movie-Dolly Parton) did a great job. She sounded just like Dolly! They all did an impressive job and we had a great time. Afterwards we ate at Colton's Steak House & Grill, first time for all of us there too. Check out the photo of Brookie and the "Tanglers" she ordered. You should've seen her eyes when her order came; she had no idea there would be so many Tanglers! Chris and I helped her out of course like only good friends would do! Our girls night out was great fun despite the cold and I'm looking forward to our next adventure!

"I find it amusing. Men are supposed to be made out of steel or something. I just sat there. I just held Shelby's hand. There was no noise, no tremble, just peace. Oh god. I realize as a woman how lucky I am. I was there when that wonderful creature drifted into my life and I was there when she drifted out. It was the most precious moment of my life." M'Lynn in Steel Magnolias

He's still got it!

February 14, 2009....What a night! Enjoyed my birthday present so much! My friend Rhonda and I traveled to Nashville to see Rick Springfield in concert at the Wildhorse Saloon. First we had supper at the Hard Rock where we watched someone propose to a woman. We're not sure if the person proposing was a man or woman, but needless to say they looked very happy! The opening act for Rick Springfield was Sick of Sarah. And by the time they left the stage, everyone was sick of Sick of Sarah! I hate to be mean, but they were really bad. When they announced they were singing their last song, the crowd went nuts! We were ready for Rick! He finally came on stage around 9:30 or so. He looked great and put on a great concert. Just as good as the one I saw back in '85. I can't believe he is 59! He did not stop for air. I only took 250 or so pictures! So I watched most of the concert through the lens of my camera! Hey, I also fit in very well with the crowd...the average age attending was 40-50 year old women! I'll end this with one of my favorite Rick songs..."Stand up, you got something to say, don't sit there and pout it, put your feet on the seat, stand up and shout it..."

The Letter M

Someone started these lists on the other blog I write on: http://k8moms.blogspot.com/ . It's teachers and parents of Pickett County K-8 where my kids attend school. I received the letter M a while back and thought I'd post it on my personal blog too. Try it on your blog; it's challenging but fun! I'm getting my letters assigned by Keyton, the son of one of the teachers.

10 Things I Love That Begin With The Letter *M*

1. The picture says it all....Mickey Mouse....don't we all love this mouse? You can't help but smile when you hang out with the mouse!

2. Mom...she's the best friend that will always be there no matter what. I love my MOM!

3. Mother-in-law...yikes...did I say that? Yes, I did. I have a wonderful Mother-in-law. Her name is Jewell Pritchett and she's as good as GOLD.

4. Milk...it does a body good! I love Milk! I drink skim milk. I buy 2 gallons about every 3 days. Yes, there are other people in my house who love it too! ( :

5. Macaroni...I love pasta! Jack says I could live on it. Yep, I could.

6. Malls...I love to go to a Mall! I don't have to be looking for anything in particular. I love to look and look. I can go home empty-handed and that's ok. I love to people watch too. Where else can you see so many hair colors and new fashion all at one place!?

7. Memories...I love the memories I have of family and friends. There are so many wonderful times etched in my heart!

8. M & M's...one of my favorite candies! I love plain or peanut! Just give me some now! Thanks Ethan for the peanut ones earlier today! I got into his Valentine bag from school!

9. Magazines...I love to read magazines as much as I do books! I have subscriptions to several. And I just ordered more through the school. I got 3 requests in the mail. So what do we have coming this time? Redbook, National Geographic and Sports Illustrated...guess which ones belong to who?!

10. Movies...I love to watch movies when I have time...at the theater or on Lifetime or the Hallmark Channel.

Happy 10th Birthday to Ethan

My nephew Ethan will be 10 years old on February 15. He is a wonderful kid and I'm proud to be his aunt. He's such a cutie pie too especially with those dimples! Here are 10 random things about Ethan...

1. Ethan can jump rope. He's not just an ordinary jump roper. He can really get with it!

2. When Ethan was born, the doctor called CODE BLUE to his room. Ethan was fine, the doctor just wanted more nurses to help him and they weren't coming the normal way. For those of us standing at the door, we weren't breathing. Yes, we gave the doc a "good talking to."

3. Ethan loves books, especially ones about the states. One of his favorite places is Books-A-Million, just like his Aunt Cyndi.

4. Ethan Paul is named after his father, Jeffrey Paul, and his grandpa, Jerry Paul.

5. Ethan could live on Ramen noodles. Not kidding.

6. Ethan does not drink soda. Never has. He hates it. He only drinks milk, water and Gatorade and some juices.

7. Ethan can really carry a tune! He loves to sing and you'll hear him humming when he's just hanging around the house.

8. Ethan will not eat pepperoni on his pizza. He pulls them off and puts them in Aunt Cyndi's plate who is ever so happy to eat them.

9. Ethan is protective of his little brother Peyton who is 3 years old. If Peyton is crying after him, he will stay with him and not let him cry. And of course, Peyton thinks Ethan hung the moon.

10. Ethan also has a little sister, Paige who is 7 years old. She doesn't think Ethan hung the moon.

Happy Birthday to Me!

Today, I turned 41. It's just a number. I keep telling myself that. I'll believe it sooner or later! It didn't hurt. I didn't cry. I didn't laugh either. I held my head high and bought myself a present! My tickets arrived on my birthday! I'm going (and dragging my friend Rhonda) to see Rick Springfield Saturday night at the Wild Horse Saloon in Nashville! I'm so excited! I've been a fan for almost 30 years. 30 years?! Hey I deserve free tickets for that kind of dedication! I did try to get the Meet and Greet tickets, but some other people (old women!) out there are obviously still fans too! Some of the younger generation have asked me, "Rick who?" That makes me feel really old! My kids know exactly who Rick Springfield is, along with all the other 80's music I've subjected them to. But hey, they like it! So come on, let me hear you! "You know, I wish that I had Jessie's girl..."

Goodbye Gallbladder!

Well that title should catch some attention! This is a little update on me and my organs! I gladly gave one up the day after Christmas! I went to the ER on Christmas night at 10:15 after suffering incredible pain, not just incredible, but how do I describe it? There are no words. I have never hurt that much in my life. Yes, ladies much worse than labor pain! Even after being hooked up on phenigran and morphine, the pain was there...so more morphine came and finally relief. The pain was so intense my blood pressure was 222 over something. My blood test showed pancreatitis (caused by a gallstone). Yes, I knew I had gallstones, but had never experienced pain with them. They were actually found by accident a couple of years ago when I had a liver ultrasound. The surgeon said if they weren't bothering me there was no problem. Well, that problem finally arrived in a big way. Note: If you have gallstones, DO NOT WAIT FOR THE BIG ONE! I told Jack on the way to the hospital that this was it, I was having the big one. Well, I'm still here with one less body part...well three! I gave up my tonsils and appendicts years ago. Hopefully that's all for a while!

Did you know? Gallstones affect approximately one in ten Americans, and are associated with approximately 3,000 deaths annually and more than 800,000 hospitalizations each year are caused by gallstones that are large enough to cause significant pain.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to all our friends, near and far! May you receive many blessings and feel the love of the Savior who we celebrate today and every day....

Christmas - that magic blanket that wraps itself about us, that something so intangible that it is like a fragrance. It may weave a spell of nostalgia. Christmas may be a day of feasting, or of prayer, but always it will be a day of remembrance - a day in which we think of everything we have ever loved...Augusta E. Rundel

Old Willow Grove

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Yes, another adventure for the fearsome threesome! On the coldest day of November, so far, Brookie, Chris and I were on a boat traveling across Dale Hollow Lake! We froze our butts off, but it was worth it! The Gravedigger, Darren Shell, was our guide and we took another history tour, this time of the Old Willow Grove that is under water. It ran cold chills over me seeing the past come to life. Be sure to watch my smilebox to see the photos. Willow Grove School's foundation is at the top of the water, a houseboat got stuck on it last week! Eddie Irons is supposedly still cemented in the steps of the school! We visited a couple of cemeteries that were relocated before Dale Hollow Lake was made, Old Sulphur Cemetery and McCluskey Cemetery. The grave indentions are there and amazing to see. I can't explain the feeling you get when you visit these old grave sites. Even though we have this wonderful, beautiful lake, you remember what people must have endured leaving their homes behind, their relative's graves being relocated. How sad that must have been. The grave indentions won't be visible much longer, Darren's noticed quite a difference since last year. As Darren said, "Mother Nature is reclaiming its ground." I feel honored to have witnessed a little of our local history before it disappears forever.

"History with its flickering lamp stumbles along the trail of the past, trying to reconstruct its scenes, to revive its echoes, and kindle with pale gleams the passion of former days." Winston Churchill

The Gravedigger Tour

Sound a little scary? Nah, not too much. I'm a sucker for any kind of ghost story. On October 17, Brookie, Chris and I went on the Gravedigger Tour at Willow Grove Marina and Park. It's mostly a walk while the Gravedigger (Darren Shell) tells the history of Dale Hollow Lake and how people were moved out to make way for the lake in the 1940's. The government bought the land and forced families to move. There were over 100 cemeteries that had to be relocated. As you walk through the park, Darren points out interesting spots along the way. There's a spot you can smell hay where there is no longer hay to be seen, but it could be the hay from the Colson Farm, the Colsons who lived there in the early 1900's, who had to move away once the dam was built and the lake was made. Another spot along the way is where Eddie Irons lost his life on his 18th birthday riding his birthday gift, a spirited horse. He was buried near his home. When Willow Grove School was built, his grave was found and he was reburied under the school. Then Willow Grove needed a bigger school and Eddie was unearthed again. I can't remember how many times Poor Eddie was unearthed, but his final resting spot was inside the school steps. Eddie was cemented in this time. In the 1940's when the destruction of everything in the proposed lake's path was demolished, the school steps and foundation remained. They blasted and blasted with dynamite, but it didn't crack! Eddie is still down there, so they say. Interesting huh? If you are interested go to this website and read the interesting stories Darren has told. He's written some great books and for us who live around the lake, they are must-reads. There is more history on the Gravedigger Tour, but I'll let you go listen for yourself. Oh, don't forget your camera so you can capture the "orbs" and mist which show up on your camera where most of the history in the park is located. Don't trust me, check it out yourself on-line or at Willow Grove . . .

http://www.dalehollowgravedigger.com/

Pictured is Brookie with the Gravedigger, Darren Shell, and one of my photos full of orbs.

"But, put your home in a community where you think you would like to live; where there are churches, schools, and in an enterprising community that will help you to be better citizens. So far as knowing what you aught to do, I do not. I do not know myself. I do not know what I am going to do, myself. I do not know what is right to do. I do not know what I can do, but by the help and direction of the Almighty God, I am going to live somewhere and try to make an up-right, useful citizen the remainder of my active life, which is not long, and I trust that you will do the same." Dr. Clark to the people of Willow Grove, July 18, 1942, trying to offer hope to a group of people in desperate need . . .

Esther House

Meet my friend, Kelly Guffey. My hairdresser, wife of my co-worker and most importantly, president of Esther House, Inc. She's an inspiration to me. She founded Esther House in 2006, a dream of hers since she was a teenager. It's a home for battered women and their children. Not a shelter. It's a home after the shelter. At Esther House, women will commit to a 6-18 month program...and the opportunity to receive a well-grounded, well-balanced life. They will get assistance in furthering their education, learning basic skills like balancing a budget, writing a resume, just gaining their independence and feeling safe. The home is scheduled to open in 2009 and it's amazing to me how everything has fell in place for this "dream." Kelly put it in God's hands first and He has made everything possible. She has had such faith through so many decisions and trials to make this home a reality. I'm so proud of her and what she has accomplished. If you ever feel the need to donate to worthy cause, please keep Esther House in mind. It's a non-profit organization so donations are always needed and appreciated. Visit the Esther House website at http://www.estherhouseky.org/

Did you know? One in three women experience some form of domestic violence. Domestic abuse is the number one cause of Emergency Room visits by women. Every 9 seconds in the United States a woman is assaulted by her partner.

Welcome Tucker!

We would like to introduce you to the newest member of our family, Sir Moses Tucker. Just call him Tucker. We got him on September 11th. He's a Lhasa Apso and almost 4 months old. It's like having a baby all over again. But he's a sweetheart. It's our first inside pet which is interesting to say the least! We are all learning a lot! And so is Tucker. He's so smart! We are having so much fun with him. He and Mollie, the outside dog, and Butterscotch, an outside cat, are best of friends. Even Callie Jo, Butterscotch's momma, is warming up to him. I saw her rub up against Tucker earlier today! So I guess all of us are falling in love with the little fur ball!

"There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face."

Sixteen

Tyler turned 16 on September 4th. How do I explain how this feels? I can't. It's a strange mix of unbelief, excitement, sadness, worry. Unbelief because the past 16 years have flown by. Excitement because he can help me deliver kids everywhere. Sadness because he's growing up and leaving the nest more often. Worry because he is leaving the nest more often and I have to let him leave more often and worry until he's back in the house safe and sound. Make any sense? He's had his learner's permit since January. He took the road test on his birthday and moved on up to an intermediate restricted license. He was so excited, and I remember that feeling, don't you? It's wonderful being 16 and then again it was so hard. I want to warn him about getting his heart broken, but I want him to take that chance. I want to tell him not to worry about what others think, get out there and dance; yes, when everyone is watching. I want to keep him safe from all the heartaches yet to come, but I know I can't. He has to learn some things on his own. And I have to let go some so he can learn. But I'll be here in the wings watching and praying . . .

". . . Cause it's a long narrow, Only the Good Lord knows where it leads in the end, But you got to begin, So keep your hands on the wheel, Believe in the things that are real, Just take your time and keep it between the lines . . ."

Wine and cemeteries

Me, Chris and Brookie went on a girl's day out recently and had a grand ole time. First we visited Highland Manor Winery in Jamestown, Tennessee. It's the oldest winery in Tennessee. Check out their website at http://www.highlandmanorwinery.net/ They have a really nice gift shop. But their best asset is their employee, Mara. She's from Italy and I could have listened to her talk all day. She was so interesting. We did some wine tasting. I didn't think I liked wine, but I hadn't tried the sweet wine. Yum. Brookie and I liked their Southern Blush, and Chris liked the Reserve Chardonnay. We took a tour of the place which was very interesting. Then headed to Byrdstown for lunch at the Bobcat. Time to go the cemeteries! A little history first. Brookie was working at the newspaper when I got hired. Then left a few months later. (We remained friends for the past 18 years!) Her mother's maiden name was Flowers, my maiden name is Flowers. So we always teased each other about being related. Brookie is into genealogy and I love researching too. She uncovered that we really are related! Her 3rd great grandfather and my 4th great grandfather were brothers. So we are some kind of cousins. Cool, huh? Anyways, I took them to the cemeteries where my grandparents and other relatives are buried. Then to a "swept cemetery" (Winningham Cemetery) where Jack's grandparents are buried. A swept cemetery is exactly what it is...swept...no grass...they take brooms before a burial or before Decoration Day and sweep the cemetery. Brookie was really excited to see one because she had heard her mother talk about how cemeteries were swept once upon a time. Has anyone ever been to one? I'll post a photo. We visited a total of 7 cemeteries that day and enjoyed talking about the past. I'd love to hear from anyone who enjoys genealogy or wants to share something they've uncovered while researching their ancestors . . .

"A cemetery is a history of people - a perpetual record of
yesterday and sanctuary of peace and quiet today. A cemetery
exists because every life is worth loving and remembering - always."

Memories in a box

We have been cleaning out Granny Mae's house. An older couple will be renting it soon, well, tomorrow! It's all happened so fast. They were going to move in Sept. or Oct., then their house sold so they had to move it up, so we've really been busy. We had to clean out a room across the road from the house so we could put Granny's things there. This room held boxes on top of boxes, years worth of items belonging to my parents that they moved with them as we moved around when I was younger. Well, when we moved back to Tennessee in 1981 this room was used as a storage room for all their stuff....40 years worth of stuff! Mom and I began the process of going through the spider infested boxes. Dad didn't have much hope for us because Mom keeps everything. Mom would open a box and go through each item recalling each memory, what state we lived in when this was bought, where she had made this and on and on. I told her we'd never get through all the boxes if she kept talking about each little item and remembering....Well, we got to some boxes containing my memories. I made this in kindergarten. I carried this with me everywhere. I kept this under my bed, I remember wearing this, on and on I went with each memory. There were so many things I had forgotten about! The pink Raggedy Ann music box (still works!) with a bunch of plastic necklaces and bracelets intertwined, plus some rocks and bottlecaps. I kept everything. It runs in my family ya know. A set of Dr. Seuss books. A set of Judy Blume books. My baby clothes. My brother's baby clothes. My toy gun. My toy top. My drum. A bunch of little purses. A collection of posters of movie stars from the 1970's. More books. More books. More books. I could open a book store. Mom kept it all. So many memories. It was hard to decide what to throw away, what to keep. It had been kept all this time, and now we had to trash it? Mom did very well. We had 2 trailer loads of trash! She threw away all kinds of afghans, wall hangings and other things she had made. In Texas. In Oklahoma. In Florida. In Michigan. She did throw away some things that needed throwing away. And she kept glassware and other important items like the ashtray I made in Michigan in art class. (I asked her if she was sure it was an ash tray.) She kept the letter I wrote her telling her I would babysit my brother but she did owe me a million dollars. (I was 11 or so). What did I keep? Plenty. Books of course. Some old toys of mine that will look cool in my cabinet I'm creating (another story). I kept photos and awards I found in a partially ruined scrapbook. I kept a little swim suit and a petticoat of mine from 38 years ago. I kept my old comic books. I kept too much probably. But there are some things you just can't part with.

"Memory is a child walking along a seashore. You never can tell what small pebble it will pick up and store away among its treasured things."

I'll sing His praise . . .

Here's my singing son, Tyler, age 15. He loves to sing and is constantly doing so. He and his dad sing bass at church with our church group, "The Bethsaida Nine, More or Less." You should hear them sing "A Beautiful Life!" I'll have to record it! In this photo Tyler had let his face hair grow and everyone was calling him Mountain Man! He's got it shaved for the moment. Notice how much taller he is than his Dad. And I don't think he's finished growing!

"To be a child of God each day, My light must shine along the way; I’ll sing His praise while ages roll, And strive to help some troubled soul."

Who's on First?

My youngest, Courtney, 8 years old, getting ready to take off from first to second base. Courtney is playing baseball in this photo. She also plays soccer, softball, and basketball! Between her and Cade, we stay busy!

"...Little League estimates the number of girls currently participating in Little League Baseball programs to be about 100,000..."

Home Run X 3

I have to brag on my middle child...Cade, 12 years old...loves Baseball...lives for baseball...he has been hitting out-of-the-park home runs during practice. Finally on June 2 he hit his first one during a game. Then another in the next game that night. Then June 6 he hit his third. It's the first home run hit out of the park (during league play) in at least 8 years! He plays in All-Stars June 26-27. We're proud of you kiddo!

"How to hit home runs: I swing as hard as I can, and I try to swing right through the ball...The harder you grip the bat, the more you can swing it through the ball, and the farther the ball will go. I swing big, with everything I've got. I hit big or I miss big. I like to live as big as I can." Babe Ruth

Remembering . . .

She would usually be outside watering the flowers in the morning or late afternoon when I drove past on my way home from a tiring day at work. Sometimes she would be in her garden in the hot sun with her hat on just a workin' a way, harder than any 86-year-old should be working. Her garden became smaller each year as she got older and slower and unable to care for it. I would blow my horn, she would wave and I would feel blessed to know my Granny was there, somewhere about the house or yard. I still look for her and I wonder how long I will do that, when do I stop looking for her little gray head through the window? My Granny Mae has been gone for almost a month now and there's not a day that goes by that I don't miss her. It's funny how the mind plays tricks on us. I could've sworn I saw her in the garden just the other day with the hoe in one hand and waving with the other. I know it's habit and there will be a day when I probably just drive by without looking and searching, but for now I'm remembering . . .

"Grandma always made you feel she had been waiting to see just you all day and now the day was complete."