Sunday, August 31, 2008

Sunday Catch up

I have lots of pictures, lots of things on my mind and just lots to catch up with ,,,

We are back home. We got in late yesterday afternoon. It was wonderful to drive into the driveway and be welcomed back.

I'm still unpacking and still doing laundry and still unwinding.

We are on the way to church - as a regular person, not "pastor/pastor's wife". It will be nice to be fed and bask for a bit. We are hungry.

I'll post more with pictures. We had an incredible week! God's grace is sufficient. God's mercy is endless. God's blessings are overwhelming!

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

What A Lady!

Mary Elizabeth Presnell Posey Johnson


She had a way of making you laugh and smile. ...
She loved to cook and was a good cook...
She gave her best in all that she did...
She was a very hard worker ...
She was dedicated ....
She would not give up easily (some call it stubborn) ...
She loved deeply ...
She had a sense of humor and could laugh at troubles...
She was a hoot!
She endured much, but stuck with it ...
She finished strong...
So much that could be said and will be said and has been said about her, the mother of nine children . They are successful in whatever field they chose to serve in their many varied careers and professions.... highly educated, motivated and brilliant. The legacy that she has will live on in her children and grandchildren.
Her children brought her much joy and pleasure and she was so proud of each one.
She was preceded in death by little Tracey, a downs syndrome child.
We are going to miss her, but we never forget her. She has left her print on all or lives.

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Eternity

My mother-in-law, Mary Johnson, passed into eternity this morning.

We got a call early saying that she was laboring to breath.

We went on to church and hugsum preached a wonderful sermon and we prayed for her.

When we got back in the car, there was a message on his phone that she had gone on.

He had a choice to make. He had already arranged for someone to fill the pulpit for him - just in case... He could have the other person preach for him and we could come back home and prepare to go to Georgia.

He decided to go ahead and preach and praise the Lord. He glorified God. He said that there is never a good time to receive such a message, but if he had a choice, this was the best time and place. He had just done what he loved to do and was about to preach again. He feels so close to God when he preaches and so that is the BEST way.

It brought him much comfort and healing to be able to pour himself out for the Gospel.

Thank you for your prayers. We have felt them.

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Answers...

I've been wanting a new look for quite a while. Just have not had the energy to change it. I kept pulling up pyzam.com and going through their designs because that is who I had used before.

The other day, I happened to be reading Susan - Learning for Lifetime and she was asking for help with her blog design. I was reading the comments and someone recommended Simply Fabulous Blogger Templates for free. So I went there.

My brain was not working and so my brilliant daughter did it for me! (Thanks, Rebekah... check out her new look too!) Anyway, I'm still in the process of getting all my bells over there (forget the whistles unless Rebekah does them).

My mother in law is still hanging on. She is a fighter. She is 85 years old. The 6th of 7 girls. There are still 4 living! Her mother and oldest sister both lived to 100! She comes from a long line of long lifers. Thank you for your prayers for her and our family.

Friday, August 22, 2008

New Recipes

So, lately I've been going to LOTS of covered dish fellowship meals - COULD explain the tightness of my pants - nahhhhh

I have found that living in different parts of the country brings different varieties of food with varying tastes and textures.

One thing I have noticed here is that at almost every meal someone brings a meatloaf. I grew up with meatloaf, but I never considered it as something to take to a covered dish. It was mainly a last resort type meal. But, I have grown to appreciate a good meatloaf (I stress the "good" part).

Last week someone brought a pink fluffy something. I love fruit salads so I got a nice helping of it. I was surprised when I took a bite - it was like nothing I had ever tasted. It was good and interesting. I watched closely to see who brought it. When I found out I asked "what is this?"

Well.. are you ready? For lack of the official name, I'm calling it;
" South Town Salad". You start the day before and open a can of crushed pineapple with juice. Add a 1/2 cup of red hots and let it sit. Stir through out the day. The next day mix in a carton of Cool Whip. That is is! Hot, sweet, sour, cold, fluffy.... all in one dish.

Last night was another adventure. First of all, we walked in late. The blessing had been said and half the people had already gone through the line. So, I had to walk into a huge room of strangers, LATE and carrying my dish - which was NOT my half cake, by the way. I made a fresh fruit salad of cantaloupe, strawberries, blueberries and grapes. (It was inhaled and not a crumb left).

There were all sorts of different salads. Lots of the old standbys - broccoli, slaw, potato, tabbouleh, and things like that. But one really stood out and I got a big helping of it and wished I had gotten an even larger one!

For lack of a better name, I'm calling it "Jan's Corn Salad" (I made a new friend, Jan, and fortunately, it was HER salad!) She very willingly shared the recipe and even waited for me to find a paper and pen to write it down.

2 cans whole kernel corn (drained)
2 cups grated mexican mix cheese
1 cup real mayonnaise
1 cup chopped green peppers
1 small onion chopped

Mix well, cover and chill overnight.
Just before serving crush a 9 oz bag of Chili Cheese Fritos and mix into salad...

It is wonderful!


Update on my mother-in-law...
She is off ventilator and has oxygen only. Last night her heart stopped, but they started it again and put her on the ventilator. Today the siblings decided to take her off and allow nature to take it's course. She did not want any life support systems.
Thank you for your prayers.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Martha I'm NOT!

Last night close to midnight I was reminded of a meeting that I must attend tonight and told that I was also expected to bring a covered dish!

I tossed and turned all night "fixing" something to take. Since the trip there is over an hour, I can't take anything that must be hot or cold... Coming up with something to fix is hard for me.

So, I remembered my good friend, Sue. She makes the BEST pound cake. I found her recipe a few months ago and my daughter made it and it was soooooooo good! I thought, well, surely I can do that... I'll put on my "martha" hat and try it!

I had to send to the store for some cake flour and also sour cream. I followed the directions and carefully poured it into my cake pan. It just so happens to have been my grandmother's cake pan. It is in two parts... I have used it many times before so didn't worry about it.

About half way through the process I decided to look in on the cake... much to my horror, the top of the baking stone underneath the cake was completely covered in batter!!!! The batter leaked out!

I let it continue to cook and when I took it out, this is what I got... HALF a cake!



Here is the other half - half eaten! The good thing is, we were able to taste it before we have to take it. How embarrassing to take half a cake to meet people I have never met before!

I much prefer being "Merrie" to "Martha"... but occasionally it would be nice to do something"good"!

Thankful Thursday

After listening to lots of people/preachers talking about the importance of not being negative with words - and making a point to say the RIGHT things, I figured that I need to do that.
It seems that God is trying to get my attention.
So, today I'm going to be THANKFUL....

Thirteen Things I'm Thankful for
1. My home... I love my home - even with the few things that need to be fixed - I LOVE my home.
2. My husband who loves me and takes care of me, but more importantly, he loves God!
3. My children and who they married...
4. My grandchildren... who are precious and perfect and an answer to my prayers - they KNOW me and love me...
5. My friends who encourage me ...
6. The churches we pastor... and their members.
7. My dog, Andy... he loves me unconditionally and constantly!
8. My laptop computer - even though I thought I didn't need/want one... I love being "free" to surf anywhere!
9. My desktop computer... I love the stability and familiarity of it - like comfortable old slippers
10. My parents and family - they are solid - they are blessings
11. All the help I've been given to get the house painted and settled
12. I'm almost finished painting - I will be REALLY thankful when I'm completely done, but for now I'm thankful what is done!
13. I finished one more class in my degree and have the exam in the mail!!!

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

What Happens During Naptime at Grandmama's

Today we were working on a project....

So, while the kiddos were sleeping...



We did some cutting and sewing.
And made a new cover for the Boppy pillow for Posey.... (or a halo for Beka - either way...)

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Sunday Summary

We have returned from our weekend fun. We started out the weekend with a fellowship meal and Administrative Board meeting on Friday night. (Gluttony in abundance!)

Then we drove to and by the rodeo and fair... notice, I didn't say we went - we just drove by and looked at the horses and cowboys and all the fans and yes, "fanfair" (couldn't resist that one, and yes, I know it's spelled wrong!)

The amazing thing is that last year the area where the rodeo is being held was completely covered in water. Remember all the flooding? Well, this area is where it was. Huge parts of town were washed away - entire neighborhoods and stores and restaurants and businesses and even the rodeo/fairgrounds. They have rebuilt some, but the houses are not there. It looks so empty.

I was able to accomplish a couple of things that I have been working on. One, I finished making the blanket for my next granddaughter. I was having a hard time finding the time to work on it. And... I have finished the exam for the current course I'm taking - well, all but 3 questions that I need clarified, so I'm going to be calling the school Monday morning. Both of those "finishings" brought such a relief! Now, I feel I'm ready for Posey and ready to move ahead in school. WHEW!

Today we had two church services (two churches) and then another fellowship meal and Administrative Board meeting. (MORE gluttony in larger abundance! should I just say 'oink oink'?)

But, first thing this morning, very early, we received a call from Hugsum's sister in Florida. It seems that at some point in the night his mother had a stroke. From the first reports, we thought it was a light stroke and she would recover quickly. The last call reported that it was a massive stoke. They are not able to do an MRI because her lungs keep filling with fluid.

We are waiting on the results from more tests and doctor's reports. We will be making our decision soon about what we need to do. Please pray for my mother-in-law and God's will to be done, but that the devil cannot kill, steal, or destroy her!

Friday, August 15, 2008

Friday Four

Four things I need to do today -

1. Laundry


2. Pack - we are heading north to our church. Vacation is over...


3. Fix 2 things for 2 different fellowship meals, one tonight and one Sunday.


4. Return things we didn't need for our light installations.





Four things I saw last Friday in our friends backyard -





Four things I miss -

1. My parents, sister and brother and their families

2. Zaxby's

3. Seeing and being a part of my great nephew and niece's lives

4. Friends scattered across the United States




Four things I want to do -


1. Get my house finished and in order

2. Finish my Doctor in Naturopathy

3. Take a Real Estate course

4. Spend more time with my children and grandchildren

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen things we had done yesterday...

1. We had a vent fan installed on the roof
2. We had 6 canned lights installed in the kitchen
3. We had a fan put in the kitchen (the a/c vent is under the sink and there is not air circulation and it gets hot ... used to :) ...)
4. Changed the light fixture on the kitchen fan
5. Installed 4 canned lights in the living area
6. Removed UGLY fan
7. Installed a new fan in a new place
8. Had LOTS of insulation blown into attic
9. The toilet was fixed
10. Hugsum cut the grass (it has been growing because it has been raining - hooray!)
11. Got and installed dimmable florescent bulbs in the new lights
12. Put new bulbs in the kitchen lights
13. Painted and painted and painted....

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Monday, August 11, 2008

Monday Morning Memories

Sweet little Mama in her butterfly outfit.


Daddy and hugsum in one of their many discussions...

The screen that I saw on my computer...
The beautiful GREEN along the road going to South Georgia...


Part of the backyard of our friends ... see how BIG the trees are? These are the ones I could get in the camera...

The symbols of our over indulgence this week... We ate there EVERY opportunity! Chicken Fingers .... Tater chips .... salads ... YUMMMMMM! We happened to time our trip going and coming so that we hit the closest one to us when they opened at 11:00. It just happens to be the half way point going home.




















The drink place of choice!

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Vacation!

I'm able to get online sometimes....

We had a great trip back east. Hugsum was thrilled that it took a little over 2 tanks of gas in my car. If we had driven his, it would have been much more.

We left home a 4.45 am and got to my brother's house at 5.15 pm or so. If we had not made the 20 mile trek in the wrong direction, giving us about 40 extra miles... we would have been there in less than 12 hours!

We got to Olive Branch, Mississippi at 11:00 am.... the Zaxby's there was just opening and we were able to get some Chicken Fingers and Taterchips.... oh my goodness! It was like grabbing a piece of heaven! Zaxby's is our all time favorite fast food place to eat - yeah, all that good fried food, I know... sure goes against everything I know, but it was worth it! Ya know, Zaxby's was started in Statesboro, GA and it is a wonderful chain. We have talked for years about opening one, but they haven't made it out to where we are yet - and we don't have the cash needed to open one... just a couple of minor reasons -

We had a great visit with my brother and his wife. They have just been blessed with a new precious little grandaughter last week and their grandson celebrates his first birthday on the 8th.

We are now at my parents house. It is a good thing. We are enjoying the time with them. I realize how much I miss them and how blessed I am.

I'll try to get pictures posted some time...

Sunday, August 3, 2008

Whirlwind

That's what this past week has been and the next week will be...

We had our garage sale ... whew! So glad that it is over. I did "okay". I loved seeing some of my "treasures" being bought with excitement like they were getting a treasure. It was fun to see the excitement in their eyes when they were trying to not let me "know" that they thought they were getting a good deal.

Which brings me to ask a question... why are we like that? Why do we try to keep the seller from knowing we are happy and think we got a great thing and deal???

Anyway, the main thing is that we got the garage cleaned out. Both our cars are now parked in the garage!!!! what a wonderful thing!

We are planning to leave very early in the morning - like about 4. We are driving to Atlanta... spending tomorrow night with my brother and his wife. Then we will get up and go to my parent's home and visit with them for a few days.

Hugsum's mother is having surgery on Thursday in Florida. So, we plan to go there for a few days....

We will be spending lots of time on the road and visiting lots of people.

Maybe I'll be able to get online ... if not, I'll check with you when we get back!

Friday, August 1, 2008

Happy 5th Anniversary!




What Day Is It?

Today has seemed like Saturday all day long!

I got up a little after 5 this morning and rushed through my routine.
By 6 I had breakfast fixed and was out in the garage frantically trying to get some organization out of chaos.

This is our BIG garage sale weekend.... yeah, we have been building up to it all summer. Some of the kids brought over things to sell.

Before I could even drag the first item out of the garage we had people digging through boxes and turning up their noses at our treasures!

By 8:30 it was like 90 degrees it seemed and by 10 I'm sure that the heat index was over 100!

Some things just seemed to run out to people's cars and jump in them! I was amazed.

Somethings we could not give away at all - I literally have a "free" box and no one would even look in there - not even the gazillion kids who kept wanting to play with my valuable breakables!

Some hot items were my Christian novels, pyrex bowls, and old magazines...

Lawn care things like 2 lawnmowers, weed eater and things like that went quickly too. (Of course, they were not mine.)

An interesting sale was fichus trees and other fake plants. A lady had lost all her shrubbery in her back yard during the ice storm last winter. She was using those fake trees and plants to "rebuild" her yard.... I hope she doesn't think they will sprout!

While we were trying to pull the left overs back into the garage because it was 104 heat index and we were about to suffocate... people KEPT coming up and trying to buy things. The thing that made me maddest about it is that they would offer such insultingly low prices and try to take advantage of the heat and end of day... I just said, "NO... I know the value and I don't have to sell it." I got some wierd looks and some paid full price, but most walked away empty handed. Now, tomorrow afternoon might be a different story - I might be in the mood to say "how much will you charge me to TAKE this????"

We have another day of it tomorrow... yippee ... and that's all I'm saying about it.