Monday, September 29, 2008

A Word Of Encouragement

Small Straws In A Soft Wind by Marsha Burns -- September 29, 2008:
Stand strong in the face of adversity. Be still and know that I am God. I am your God, and I will bring you through every challenge if you will only believe. Refuse to wallow in the depths of despair or stand shaking in your boots about what the future holds, but rather seek Me for strength and guidance. Take one day at a time and take one step at a time in the power of your faith in Me, says the Lord.
Luke 17:6 So the Lord said, "If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,' and it would obey you."

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Did I really hear that?

Okay, so last night I was walking into a store and overheard a conversation...

She said, "...they FOUND him MISSING."

Does anyone else wonder about that saying? If they "found" him then he isn't "missing". If he is "missing", then they haven't "found" him... at least that's my way of thinking!

I have also heard, "he turned up missing". That one also confuses me.

But, I am blond over 50....

Friday, September 26, 2008

Top 10 Predictions

Top 10 Predictions No Matter Who Wins the Election
1. The Bible will still have all the answers.
2. Prayer will still work.
3. The Holy Spirit will still move.
4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.
5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.
6. There will still be singing of praise to God.
7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.
8. There will still be room at the Cross.
9. Jesus will still love you.
10. Jesus will still save the lost.
ISN'T IT GREAT TO KNOW WHO IS STILL IN CONTROL?

Thank you Charles, this is a great encouragement in these days!

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Hair!

Ugh! Some days!
I finally went to get my hair done today. It had been a VERY long time (since July) that I had it cut and colored. The roots had gotten really bad!

Being "old school" when my roots begin to show, I feel like a bleach blond tramp... I know that is not even thought of anymore - except maybe in my generation. But, it really bothers me for my roots to show and they had gotten almost 3 inches!

I guess since I had waited so long to go the last time and then again this time it had really lost its shape and style. I normally go every 6 weeks - not wait MONTHS! Plus, since I have a "new" stylist he didn't know how I like my hair. I didn't think to be real explicit. Normally, they just automatically cut my hair in a good style for me - short layers. I did say I want it SHORT....

Anyway, the color is great! He does the best job on color I've had for a long time. I am not having to fight with the gold/brass undertones. He is good there.

The cut is good... it just is not what I wanted... but after being there so long and my contacts bothering me, and I didn't look at the back... well... I'm just not happy with it.

Of course, I never really like the way they style it so I go home and refix it the way I like it...

I mean, I guess it is my fault for not telling him that I wanted it more layered and not all the same length.... not in a bob (is that even a style now?)

I ALWAYS put it be hind my ears... not matter how it is cut, it goes behind my ears.

What do you do? Should I go back and have him recut it? Do I repay him, or expect him to do it for free? Do I just live with it another few weeks and next time make sure I tell him how I want it?

Is hair a problem for anybody else? I struggle daily with mine!

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Five Ways Blogging Has Affected My Life

My friend through the bloggy world, Maggie at Magnanimity, tagged me to do this meme.

Five Ways Blogging Has Affected My Life:
wow... this has made me think and evaluate all this blogging - so here go my answers...

1. It has opened my world. I have made "friends" from all over. I see things from a different perspective and different parts of the world. I get to experience their world. Pray for them, encourage them, laugh at them... just enjoy being "friends"... getting to know others and their lives and part of the world and how they experience things.

2. It has at times consumed me. I feel like I could easily become addicted because I want to read what my friends are saying. One click leads to another click, to another click and a comment and then a new friend and on and on.... If I'm not careful hours have passed and I have not moved anything but my fingers!

3. It has reconnected me with friends (like Mandy - Just A Girl). It has also allowed me to share my life with friends and family who do not live close. Even people who do not blog themselves, read my blog and email me.

4. It has helped me look at the world in a different way. I see things as blog "material" rather than just "interesting" or "funny" or "informational"... I now think, "I should blog about that!" I hope that I have become more discerning and thoughtful about things. Sometimes as I type something I "see" an attitude - I have "exposed" myself to me and I can deal with it - repent or ask forgiveness or change. I also have become aware of how what I say may come across and effect someone else... will it hurt, or offend or embarrass?

5. It has made me more aware of my grammar and spelling inadequacies.

I'm supposed to tag someone. I tag YOU! Have fun!

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HUGSUM!

Happy Birthday to my wonderful Hugs'um!

Of the many reasons that I love him the number one would be that he loves Jesus and serves Him. He leads our family in prayer ... and he prays for us. He is a man of faith - a mighty man of God!

He loves me. He is kind and generous and such a good husband. He loves to play and have fun and a good laugh - even if it is on him...

He loves our children and grandchildren. He takes so much pride and pleasure in our children. He unselfishly allows me (encourages) me to keep the grandchildren as much as possible. He gets as much pleasure out of it as I do.


We have had 35 great years together... We have celebrated much. We have come a long way.
Today is his birthday! I wish him the very best birthday ever! ...and MANY more!

I love you, honey! Thanks for being my hugsum!

Monday, September 22, 2008

She's here!






Precious little Posey was born at 12:25. She weighs 8 pounds 7 ounces and is 20 inches long.

Everyone is doing fine.
Grammy came up and kept the older ones while Posey was coming along.
They came to the hospital and I took them home and will stay the night with them.
On the way, Kendall dropped her nightnight on the floor of the car. I couldn't reach it for her so she started crying.
Noah, being the big protective brother all of 2 and a half, said, "here, Kendall, hold my hand. I'm right here and it's alright... It's just a motorcycle and I'm here!"
(we had just passed a motorcycle and he had done his "ROCK ON MOTORCYCLE!". I guess that's why he thought she was upset about the motorcycle)
They are doing so well and playing sweetly.

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Problem Name

The famous Olympic skier Picabo Street (pronounced Peek-A-Boo) is not just an athlete.... She is now a nurse currently working at the Intensive Care Unit of a large metropolitan hospital. She is not permitted to answer the hospital telephones. It caused too much confusion when she would answer the phone and say,

Picabo, ICU.

Thanks, Nancy! I needed to share the laugh...

Weekend Parsonage - explained

First, a "parsonage" is the place where the Pastor and his/her family lives. It is provided by the church they are serving. In South Georgia, where we served for over 20 years, the parsonages also had furniture in them. Some were VERY nice... some were, ummm shall we say, needing improvement.

We were blessed by our parsonages, and thankful for them.

When we moved out west, the parsonage was provided, but not furnished. So, I finally had the opportunity to acquire furniture. That was fun and stressful and expensive. I'm still working on finding what I really want... I had to settle for some things so we would have a place to sleep, put our clothes, sit, etc...

We served a wonderful place for a year and figured out that we were still 3 and half hours away from the reason we moved this way and took a 50% cut to begin with... They were not able to visit us and we were not able to visit them. So, we prayed and decided that we could retire and buy a house close to our children and grandchildren. Our heart's desire is to be a part of their lives.

In the process, hugsum also realized that we need to eat. He offered his services to the conference here and they appointed him to a part-time charge with two churches. They have a parsonage, but we do not live in it, we just come up for the weekend. It is bare bones, as far as what is in it, and we are more "camping" there.

That is why I call it my "weekend parsonage". We actually live an hour and half from our churches. He goes up once or twice a week for meetings or to visit or handle business. I stay home and play with grandbabies. Then on the weekend - usually Saturday morning, we head up north.

Last weekend I stayed home thinking that Posey would make her appearance. She didn't. BUT, we know for sure that she will be here on Monday the 22nd... Rebekah is being induced.

So, pray for a speedy delivery and healthy baby girl! I get to keep the other two after Posey is born - until they come home from the hospital.

Yes, we are excited!

Thursday, September 18, 2008

on being a "Wonderful Cook!"

Okay, so this is Friday... the THIRD Friday of the month to be exact.
On the third Friday we have a covered dish fellowship meal. Then, on the third Sunday we have another of the same at a different church.

These are always delicious and I come away VERY full! However, they are also a challenge to me. Besides trying to come up with a dish, I am gas oven challenged. I have a gas oven in my weekend home/parsonage. I do not have a clue how to turn it on. I turn the knob on the stove top and the burner comes on. I turn the knob for the oven and nothing.... no flicker, no smell, no flame, no warmth.

Last month I half baked some Cowboy cornbread at home planning to finish the process up there and have it nice and hot and bubbly and the crowds would oooooooooohhhhh and aaaaaaaahhhhh at the beauty and flavor and creativity of my humble offering.

So, we get up there and I begin the process of turning on the oven to preheat... yeah, it didn't work. I made a call to someone who has a gas oven and was told - just turn the knob and it will come on.... nope - didn't work. I got hugsum in there to work with it... hot it did not get...

So, I had a brilliant idea, I could go to the church early and use their oven! Now why didn't I think of that earlier - before I got all steamed up? A very simple solution you'd think, right? No way, Jose!

It is a HUGE commercial oven and no one there knew how to turn IT on either. (what is this world coming to, anyway?) So, someone said... why don't you cook it in the microwave????

HUH? cook CORNBREAD in the MICROWAVE???? I mean, it needs to be browned!!!! It needs to look healthy and delicious and good, appetizing...

Okay, so after much hedging it got cooked in the microwave and looked a little anemic. Everyone was very kind and took some, a small helping, but they took it while asking..."WHAT is this?"

I sort of wanted to fade into the background and not say anything.... but, a dear sweet soul announced, "oh, the pastor's wife brought it - I don't know WHAT it is!".... again - desiring to fade away and find a hole, even climb into the huge oven and hide... I smiled sweetly (since I can't play the piano) and said, "Oh, it is Cowboy Cornbread, and it is so good! You really MUST try it!" Then slithered into a corner hoping no one would get sick.

This time, I'm taking a refrigerated dessert. I know the refrigerators are working. I sure hope that it turns out good since I don't remember making it ever before and it is a new recipe...

If it is good, I'll share the recipe.

Hope your weekend is great. I'm not sure if I'll have internet this weekend. The last 4, I have not been able to connect. We are expecting Posey to make her debut on Monday. Yeah, we are excited. Her mom has all the details worked out and child care covered for her other 2. I'll keep you posted and have pictures too! Thanks for your prayers for a healthy baby and easy delivery!

Birthday Cake...



I know that earlier this week I blogged about Rebekah's birthday. Two days before that was her husband's and two days later (that is today) is our son-in-law's and next Tuesday is Hugsum's and sometime between now and then will be Posey's birthday. In less than 3 weeks we will have SIX birthdays!

Well, I've never been know for my cake baking ability... you might remember the "beautiful" half pound cake I made....

Normally, since SIL's birthday is first he chooses the cake. He loves German Chocolate. We all do... you can't beat it - chocolate, nuts, coconut, caramel... yummmmm!

Well, Rebekah was getting a little tired of that kind of cake and she wanted a Carrot Cake. I remembered waaaaaayyyyy back that I had made hugsum a carrot cake when we first started dating and he loved it. I even found the recipe I had used.

In the process we began looking at other recipes in other books and found some with pineapple and some with coconut. So, I put one together combining several recipes.... and man oh man, even if I do say so myself, it turned out great!.... notice I said "great", not pretty....

Well, today in the "waiting" process we are baking another one. It seems that at SIL's work they do birthday cakes and the last one provides a cake for the next one. So, he needed a cake and guess what kind she wanted... yep, a carrot cake... which explains why we are making another of the same kind

This one turned out prettier than the last... want my recipe?


Carrot Cake

Mix all these ingredients in separate bowl:
2 cups plain flour (in the south we always use self-rising so I had to get some)
2 cups sugar
2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp salt

In large bowl beat together until light and fluffy:
4 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil

Then slowly mix in dry ingredients

Then add in:
1 cup drained pineapple
1 cup chopped nuts
1 cup coconut
3 cups grated carrots

Pour into 3 greased/floured (or pammed) cake pans and bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes (toothpick will come out clean when done)

Cool and frost with Cream Cheese Frosting
which is just one 8 ounce package of cream cheese, one stick of REAL butter, one box of powdered sugar and 1 tsp vanilla all beaten together and then add 1 cup chopped nuts...

(Nuts are always optional... except in my case - the more the merrier or better)

Enjoy! I would post pictures, but... it tastes great - looks... ummmm

oh... it is better the next day! Really, it is... If you don't believe me, eat a piece now and then after you refrigerate it overnight have a piece for breakfast. You will love it! And yes, you do need to keep it refrigerated - except for the part you are eating, you can put it on a plate and sit at the table or in front of the tv or ... okay, you get the message....

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

A Pastor's Wife

A couple answered the "call" to the ministry. It was a second career for Bob. His wife Julie was expressing her fears of being a pastor's wife to her mother.

Her mother was surprised and asked "WHY?" Julie explained that she did not know how to play the piano!

Her mother said, "It's okay Julie, you can be SWEET."

Years later Julie said, "There were many times it would have been easier to learn to play the piano!"

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Happy Birthday Rebekah!

Hope you have a great day! Hope you get to share your birthday with Posey! You sure do look ready!!!!

Monday, September 15, 2008

Accent...

As you know we are transplants from Georgia. We talk "normal".

Recently, we were back home in Georgia. Our youngest daughter and her husband were there as well. While we were at our favorite eating place (Zaxbys), she suggested that we engage someone in conversation so her husband could hear the locals talking.

There is nothing more beautiful than a true Southern Accent (some call it "drawl"). It is like music to our ears...

There was a very kind lady standing close by and so I smiled at her and because it is completely a normal thing in Georgia to strike up a conversation with a stranger, I did. I asked a question and she was so kind and excited to answer. We talked for a few minutes and felt very comfortable.

Soon, she asked where we were from. I told her and she got so excited. She was from a town 20 minutes from where I live now! She was leaving the next day heading back home! She was not from Georgia at all, but a small Midwestern town!!!!!

She did not know why we had asked the question to begin with, but she responded like a true Southerner. Her husband had been working with Habitat for Humanity and she had learned the ways - even though she missed her home state and family.

We laughed and laughed... we did not get to hear the much desired accent, but we did experience the much desired friendliness... and made a friend!

Small world full of surprises....

You're not...

Yesterday I had a great laugh and a relief!

My VERY pregnant daughter and her family came over. It was our SIL's birthday. I had suggested that they bring the kids over for their nap and then they go out and have some time together and walk and celebrate his birthday.

After all, any time now (maybe today) they will have 3 children under 3 and so having time with just the two of them is difficult. (I know! I had 3 under three, but also had a 6 year old - who helped me quite a bit!)

Anyway, back to my story ....

The kids came running in and gave me hugs and kisses... Noah reached up and was admiring a sweater that I had on and rubbed it (and my tummy) saying, "nice shirt, Grandmomma". Then, he added... "you're not pregnant!" and ran off to play.

I laughed so hard!

Obviously, being pregnant has been a topic of conversation and explanation around his house. He has figured out that his momma is an I'm not.

What a relief that my belly is not as large as my daughter's, who is full term pregnant! (I intended to add pictures here, but my picture uploader thingy is acting dingy!)

Please pray for us that we have beautiful perfectly whole and healthy baby girl today (soon) because someone is VERY uncomfortable...

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Sunday Thoughts

I was reading in Proverbs 14 this morning. There were a couple of things that really jumped out at me.

First, in verse 1 it says that a WISE woman builds her house. That hit me between the eyes. I have really been struggling trying to get my house "built"... in other words, get settled in and organized and decorated. I can't find things. I can't put things up, because I don't know where to put them... I have boxes and bins still hanging around all over the place just waiting to be emptied. Oh well, back to the wisdom here... I just need to be wise and diligent and dig in and DO it. There won't be a better, easier time - there is NOW and that is all I have.

Then, in verse 4 I was reading about oxen... where there are no oxen the manger is empty... but the strength of the ox brings an ABUNDANT harvest.

I at first quickly read over that. After all, I don't have any livestock (well, Andy)... then I was brought back to the verse.

I reread it... and began to apply it (hummmm a very novel idea when reading scripture, huh?)

I realized that it wasn't really the oxen or the manger that I was worried about... but those who are in my house (oxen) and the manger being empty referring to a CLEAN house...

Lest you think I'm calling hugsum and ox... well... never mind... he can be messy... but, he is so good to me!

I'm really thinking of children. You know when mine were real little they were messy and dirty and at times drove me up the wall with junk all over the place. I had to adjust and consider what was really important. Yes, a clean home is important, but my children and their training and our relationship was much MUCH more important.

So, the point here is in the "abundant harvest". I began to think about what the harvest is. My parents invested in me... much love and training and time and money and prayer and the list is forever long. Our relationship is one of love and honor and respect - it is priceless and a real treasure.

I am now watching my own grown children. I am so overwhelmed at the abundant harvest in their lives. They are all such wonderful people. I am blessed beyond measure with WHO they are and their lives... who they have married, their own children and how they train them.

When they were little "oxen", the manger was not empty and far from clean and neat... but I would say that I have an abundant harvest!

So, how are these two verses related? Well, you make the connection... wise woman/building house... oxen (those in your care)/abundant harvest... life is good!

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Scattergories

SCATTERGORIES...it's harder than it looks!
A meme that is fun... If you want to play then just erase my answers, enter yours, and post it.

Use the 1st letter of your name to answer each of the following. They have to be real places, names, things, nothing made up! Try to use different answers if the person in front of you if you had the same 1st initial. You CAN'T use your name for the boy/girl name question.This is FUN!

WHAT IS YOUR NAME? Merrie
TV SHOW: Mickey Mouse Club (yes, I keep grandchildren)
BOY NAME: Michael
GIRL NAME: Makenna
OCCUPATION: Missionary
A COLOR: Magenta
SOMETHING YOU WEAR: Make-up
BEVERAGE: Mango tea
FOOD: Muffins
SOMETHING FOUND IN A BATHROOM: Mascara
A PLACE: Maui
REASON FOR BEING LATE: Monday Morning Mess
SOMETHING YOU SHOUT: MOVE!!!!

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

The Waiting Game

It seems that life is spent waiting...

Have you found that what we are waiting for is life changing? (whether we realize it or not)

Right now I'm waiting on a grandbaby...
That is an obvious life change -

Another thing I have found is that in the waiting, I put other things on hold - until....
- like losing weight to fit into a certain outfit.

Or, we might be waiting on someone ELSE ...
- like a slow cashier at Walmart

Or just waiting ...
- until I have more money, more time, more energy, better health, prettier weather, cooler weather, warmer weather, less people, more people, more help, someone agrees, it is easier, I know more about it... (that is called procrastination)

The list goes on and on why we WAIT.

We are told to wait on the Lord and the power of HIS might.

Obviously, there are some things that we have no control over, but there are others that we do...

We CAN wait on the Lord,

We should not wait for anything that is in our way - things that are excuses and not real reasons why we do not do what we need/want to do.

I realized that too often I spend my life waiting in defeat instead of waiting in peace and rest and victory...

I find that I am not living the life I desire because I am waiting on someone or something, when in reality it is ME that is preventing me from moving on...

What are you waiting on and what is your position as you wait?

Instead of allowing the circumstances to control my life and waiting for them to change. I am the one who needs to change and that will change my circumstances...and the wait is over... My life changes are up to me...

What are you waiting to change in your life? What can YOU change?

Monday, September 8, 2008

"Someday"

I just heard about a neat concept. I wish I had thought of it when my kids were little.

It is "Someday".... we have all used that term when our kids ask for something that we don't really want to do or can't do or for whatever reason we don't want to say an outright "no". We just put them off with a vague "someday".

Well, this particular family was different. Throughout the year when the kids asked to do something that they couldn't do then, the parents said "someday", but made a note of it.

Then randomly when least expected they would excitedly wake up the kids and say "IT'S SOMEDAY!" They would load up a picnic and set out to do the fun things on the list - things like make cookies or bagels or go to the fair or zoo or ride horses... anything they had requested. It was always a fun day of play and activity and great memories ... fulfilled dreams and desires.

So, "someday" I'm going to ..... (you fill in the blank and set a time and DO it!") now, don't you feel better that there really is a "someday"?

Monday Maunin' Mumblings

I love Mondays! I know I'm in the minority. I guess that being in the ministry has given me that love. The weekends are not "off" times for us, they are work days.

Even when I have a regular job, I love Mondays. There is just something wonderful about beginning a new week. Having a clean slate and fresh start, is always refreshing.

Last week I got lots of things done that needed to be done. This week, I have another LONG list of things I need to do to finish up my house. I had no idea it would take this long to get things in order and fixed like I want. (I'll post pictures when I finish)

I still need to paint the ceiling in my kitchen. We removed the "box" light thing... then the ugly long exposed florescent lights and had caned lights installed. The ceiling is stained and discolored. Then, I think my kitchen is "finished" for now, anyway. In the future we will replace all the appliances and I may add some color.

Also, I need to paint the laundry room and closets. ... That should do it for a good while. We went with a very VERY neutral color (or no color really) It looks very nice and clean. It is funny because after living for so many years in a parsonage where I had white walls and said over and over, "when I get my OWN house, I'll have color on my walls!" Maybe it is this time in my life that I need calm and not so busy and simulating.

I have boxes and boxes (like 7) of pictures - and even some more in the attic. They all have special memories and meanings... like family portraits, some of my parent's pictures, some that I love that just don't "go"... I can take the family pictures out of the frames and maybe put in an album. But, what do I do with these really nice big pictures that don't match? The sad thing is that I need more things on my walls. I have to force myself NOT to buy pictures!

So, I've mumbled about nothing... just getting myself geared up to get stuff done and finish. Little Posey will be here soon and I MUST have my house in order so I can be free to enjoy her and my other grandchildren.

Hope you have a great Monday!

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Thursday Ho Hum

Thirteen things I've done this week...
1. Fought computer virus that sends an irritating pop-up telling me that I have been infected... So, I have to click on a button that says, " continue unprotected " . Then close two windows. It wants me to buy some anti-virus program and I can't figure out how to get it off.
2. Painted the beams in the living room - finally...
3. Painted the master bathroom
4. Painted the hall bathroom
5. Slept late
6. Watched the Republican Convention (What about Sarah Palin!!!!)
7. Washed the dog
8. Cooked more meals than normal
9. Blogged and read blogs
10. Not talked on my phone. I think I'm WAY over in my minutes and the trip minutes have not shown up yet. So, I've called customer service a gazillion times to check.
11. Fed the fish
12. Checked the mail...
13. ..... well, my week has been so "exciting" that I can't think of anything else!

It has been nice to be home and "relax" some... catch up some... and rest some...

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Trust

Trust... it keeps running through my head and revelation at different levels.

I was thinking about flying in a helicopter. I am not a real risk taker. In fact, I'm a chicken when it comes to doing adventurous things. I don't like scary. So, for me to ride in a small air craft without doors was a real stretch.

I kept asking myself WHY would I so willingly jump at the opportunity to do such a thing.

Then I realized it was because of who the pilot was, someone that I love and I know that he loves me. My nephew, who is very competent and well trained. I trusted him completely with my husband, daughter, son-in-law and me!

I was perfectly comfortable and did not worry one bit about what he as doing. I knew that he had much more knowledge than I did about flying and so I didn't question him.... just trusted and enjoyed the ride.

Our walk with Jesus should be the same...
He certainly knows much more than we do about what is going on and how to handle it.
He loves us and we love Him.
We can trust Him to take care of us and handle whatever comes our way and know that it is for our best interest - to protect and bless us....

What a relief that is! Now, I can relax and trust Him to take care of me and enjoy the ride we call "life"...

(that does not mean that we don't do and work where He tells us, it just means that we don't have to worry and fret)

Monday, September 1, 2008

Grief

A few years ago a good friend shared some valuable information with me about grief. She said that there are 4 stages of grief. Known as "DABD". They are: 1. Denial and Isolation. 2. Anger. 3. Bargaining. 4. Depression.

It is important to know these. It is important to go through them. It is not necessary to go through them in any particular order. The time spent in any stage may vary. Also, it is normal to go back through the stages, but a person may not.

It is NOT normal to stay in any stage for long. If anyone stays in grief stages longer than six months then there is a problem and counseling should be sought.

It is important for those who are close to be aware of the stages and be sensitive to the person. They need room, but they need to be supported and loved.- Do not take it personally, but understand this is just something temporary and the person will be back to "normal" soon.

Last Week

Last week we had quite a roller coaster of events, schedules and activities. We had many blessings - we had much sorrow....

Our half-way "there" stop in Olive Branch, Mississippi. We time it so that we hit there at lunch time going and coming...


Where we stayed in Americus. The historic Windsor Hotel. This is the side view. It is beautiful inside...

The inside of the lobby with the beautiful woodwork. While waiting on Hugsum, a gentleman came in to meet a business client. He described his wedding that had taken place there. His wife came around the second balcony and down the stairs.... she threw her bouquet from the second balcony. It sounded beautiful.... These are the beautiful Georgia marble floors in the lobby

This is one of the very beautiful, special flower arrangements. These were especially sweet to us because they were sent by our daughter's in-laws and brought tears to my eyes. (Thanks, Jenny and Brian!)


The place where my mother in law spent over 35 years of her life. She said she left the "better part" of her life there.



After a time of remembering and spending time with loved ones, we headed north to spend time with my brother and his family. They treated us royally. We felt so much love and were allowed time to heal, remember. We were offered times to have fun too...

My nephew is learning something new and we were able to experience it! What a treat!!!!

He has learned to fly a helicopter and is working toward getting his commercial license. He came to pick us up in a two seater with no doors....

A picture of the helicopter about to take off.... see, no doors, very small... This is one of my sons-in-law. He was the first one to take off.

This a picture I took ... no door... I just held the camera to my left and snapped...A picture of our very gracious and wonderful pilot... He is fantastic and we felt very safe and secure .... flying high with no doors...

After our ride, he took us to his home and then there was the boat ride and all sorts of fun adventures - including horse, donkey, fun swings over the lake, 4-wheelers, race cars ... but more fun than all that was playing with my precious little one month old great niece...

The next day we went to the world famous and largest drive-in restaurant The Varsity. You have not been to Atlanta unless you go to The Varsity. That is where I learned to love the chili-cheese-slaw dogs. YUMMMMM Also the Frosty Orange and PC (plain chocolate milk over crushed ice) and the best onion rings.

We got some hats from the Varsity and then rushed over to spend some time with my parents. It was a great visit. Mama knew us. She loved us. She made us laugh and entertained us. Daddy roasted peanuts for us. It was wonderful...

Here are my parents... Mama is modeling The Varsity hat!

We experienced all emotions this past week - highs and lows, grief and joy, pain/hurt and healing, aloneness and love, such out pourings of love and generosity... sadness and laughter, a very special gift of our daughter and son-in-law coming to share in all of it with us. Thank you Sarah and Dillon... Thank you George and Peggy, Trey and Endien, Uncle Maynard, Daddy - well just too many names and too much kindness and love to list here... Please know how blessed we feel and how much we appreciate your love and prayers and support.