Family, Friends & Food

Johnny was running late this morning, so I got up and got a lunch together for him {yeah, I know! I don't get up that early!!} But I did today! Took the paper out to the swing, read it, and fell asleep!! For two hours!!

At noon, I went and picked up one of my dearest friends, Lynne Griffies, for lunch and we had the most delicious time downtown at my favorite soda shoppe! Later, we rode out to see the progress on Jenny and Brandon's house and admired the awesome view. Our time together was spent laughing, sharing, eating and laughing some more! Lynne is such an easy person to be around and we always pick up where we left off. If you look way over to the right and see Griffies Growth, that's Lynne's son Tony and his family~and the twin grandbabies coming in October!! Lynne & Allen are so excited to be getting a grandaughter AND a grandson! At one time! And I am so happy for them. They are in for such a treat!

Isn't it simple, but such pleasurable!, fun to be with someone that loves to laugh and enjoys life as much as you?! Especially when that someone loves to eat for the pure joy of the tasting of good food!! When Lisa McMichael and I joined Weight Watcher's several years ago, they kept saying, "Now let's talk about why we eat." Lisa and I always looked at each other, giggled, and affirmed, "Because it tastes good!!"

After taking Lynne home I got back and fixed a quick meal for Johnny {I HAVE to stop and tell you what it was!! Pork slices, fresh peas, fresh squash, brown rice, and fresh tomatoes. Is that not too good!!}. Then we headed out to Brandon and Jenny's to help with the house. Well, let me clarify this statement. THEY worked, I played with Noah and Ian. {Yeah, I'm smilin'}

The felt is on now and almost all of the windows are in place and the bricklayer comes tomorrow! Jenny had her wheelbarrow this evening cleaning up around the outside while we grandmommies kept the little ones happy. It was so relaxing. For me, anyway!! Jenny found some maypops {how many of you remember maypops!!!} so we introduced them to Ian, who found it easier to stomp on them. He laughed each time one popped. Afterwards, up at their apartment, John and I sat with the boys while Jen showered and changed. Noah fell asleep in my lap and, naturally, I was in Heaven while Johnny read Ian a book.

Coming home John & I shared how blessed our family is. Not just the two of us, but our daughters and their families. We all have supportive extended family members, tried and true friends, our health, and in so many countless ways He continues to enrich our existence.

So this has been my day~family, friends, and food. Wrapped up in the richness of His love, which brings it all back to my faith. Have a blessed Tuesday and remember to look for the moments that really matter. ~until

UPDATE-----
JACKSON, Miss. - A medical helicopter with four people on board crashed early Saturday just moments after it took off from a hospital, injuring one of its medical workers, authorities said.
The helicopter was taking a traffic accident victim from Quitman County Hospital to a hospital in Memphis, Tenn., said Jonathan Dancy, Quitman County's acting emergency management coordinator. "It had just lifted off and got just above the trees," Dancy said. "The few witnesses who were here said it started rotating around and around and just went down."
He said the aircraft crashed about 20 feet from the hospital's helipad.
Dancy said the female patient did not suffer any additional injuries in the crash. She was later taken to Memphis by ambulance.
One of two medical personnel on board suffered a broken bone but his injuries were "nothing critical," Dancy said.
Dancy said was amazing that the pilot and the second medic were not injured.
"It looks like a mess," he said of the helicopter. "A lot of it is because they cut the top off it. But when you look at it, you wouldn't believe somebody survived."
A Federal Aviation Administration investigator arrived later in the day.
Marks is a town of 1,550 in the Mississippi Delta about 60 miles south of Memphis.

There's nothing like a call early in the wee hours of a morning to get your blood racing! Leslie called this morning with the news that her recently ex-boyfriend had been involved in a bad helicopter accident. Geoff is a flight nurse and loved it. I use the word 'loved' because he now says he'll never fly again. Leslie wisely cautioned him to wait until things are better before making a decision. She was told the pilot has serious injuries and the other medic is in critical condition. Thankfully, Geoff suffered only minor injuries.

What makes this doubly tragic is that Les saw Geoff quite by accident at the hospital just this past week. He didn't handle the encounter very well, got upset, didn't want to talk to her or see her. Now you have to understand that Leslie doesn't have to be in love with you to be nice to you, and it's always been her hope they would remain friends.

I tell you this in order to be oh so cautious when you speak last words to someone. It doesn't have to be a breakup, you may simply be going to the store, or work. Life is so brief and so unpredictable that angry words should never be the last words a person hears from your lips. Don't let that sin be on your heart. Strive to live peacefully with all men and let the words of your mouth reflect that.

What were the last words your friends and loved ones heard you say?

Family & a Fair

Stacey and Leslie, spent last week at the Neshoba County Fair in Mississippi. It's a family tradition they have attended since early childhood, and they have the best time! The Cannon family has a cabin there and family members met every year for a reunion, fair activities and to catch up with each other. {Southern Living has written of this fair several times and until Stacey began sending pictures I could never picture in my mind just how these cabins fit into a fair scenario!} Here you see Brett, Stacey's husband, sitting on the porch with Austin and Alaina. The cabin has two floors with a front porch across the front.

Now each year we have a state fair in Montgomery, but there's no room for cabins. The Neshoba County Fair is not your normal kind of fair. There's fair rides, games, big name performers, food, a water park, and seeing friends that have camped there for years just like the Cannon's. I can only imagine, as a child, what a delight this week holds!

Here you see Austin pushing Alaina in a swing that was put up for the little ones. Across the street you can get a glimpse of other cabins. I've seen pictures of the cabin our girls stay in and it's cuter and nicer than the ones you see here. The Cannon's take pride in theirs and hang lights, swings, etc. to keep the porch friendly and decorated.


Here's Stacey with our only grandaughter, Alaina. I'm sure the kids have fun and the parents have a lot of unpacking, washing clothes, and other 'fun' things to do when everyone manages to get back home. Sometimes it's a lot easier being a kid!

We got these tonight and I wanted to share them with you. She wasn't able to take as many snapshots as she wanteds, but maybe you can get an idea of the family cabin~

If any readers have been to this fair, or have a cabin there yourself, I'd love for you to leave a comment about your experience! Otherwise, here's a blessing that you'll have a God-filled day and memories to warm your heart~

Friends, Family, & Fun

It's been an enjoyable weekend. But then, most of my weekends are. I can't remember many weekends that weren't nice. Which is a good thing! God is so merciful to allow our brains to concentrate on the beautiful memories and allow the others to fade. I've always believed that we have the choice to choose. I choose to celebrate~to love~to laugh.


Saturday I spent a couple of hours with a dear friend. Deborah welcomed a three year old chocolate cocker spaniel from a family that couldn't keep him inside any longer. I think it was love at first sight. Turner was a much loved pet and it shows. He fell right into Deborah's arms and was settled in by the time I left. You can see the happiness on her face and Turner seems very content. They'll be good for each other.


Brandon and his family came over after worship and we were able to have good food, great company, and lots of laughter. Noah is like a baby bird-he wants any and all food. He's funny to watch, as long as you're not the one feeding him! If you happen to be the one, it's YOU he'll get impatient with should you linger too long getting food to his mouth. Jenny gave him some small pineapple chunks and he was so funny pushing those little things around trying to get his fingers to close on one. Ian decided he wasn't hungry and played with the table decor. Can grandparents be any more in love?! If you don't have any, the best is yet to come. I promise you.


The week, which up until yesterday was somewhat empty, is filling up! So many fun things are going to be happening! I'm looking forward to each day and will share bits and pieces with you. Hmmm, Bits and Pieces. Sounds like the name of another blog! Rest assured that what you think determines what you hold. So guard your thoughts, keep them positive and dream big dreams! ~until another time

First & Last

First Memory~wading up Beaver Creek with my grandmother. I couldn't have been more than 4 or 5. We'd walk down the dirt roads to the bridge and wade up the creek to the backside of their property. Along the way she'd point out crawfish, flowers, shrubs, turtles, and tell me tales of Peter Rabbit and how he always got in trouble when he didn't mind his mother. Hmm, think she was trying to tell me something?

First Kiss~Danny Thorn; 6th grade at Donna Williams home on a sleep-over.

First Love~when I looked in Jenny's eyes and she connected visually with me for the first time. She was somewhere around 2 or 3 weeks old and I lost my heart completely.

First Thought in the Morning~"Yes! I don't have to go to work."

First Question I'll Ask in Heaven~"Where's Mary?" I am so looking forward to hearing of His childhood.

First Thought Upon Hearing the Word 'Vacation'~Gatlinbug, Tennessee

First Best Friend~Robin Crowder, Jay Florida

Last Food I Ate~a huge stuffed baked potato at Jim & Nick's here in Prattville with two of my best friends!

Last Time I Cried~Thursday, talking about the trauma my family suffered during my illness.

Last Good Book I Read~Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers {thank you, Karla!}

Last Hug That Melted My Heart~from Noah, 7 months old and already a heart breaker

Last Funny Thing I Did~taught Ian how to pretend to be roadkill. Yeah, I know, but I got it from another friend and it was just too funny NOT to do.

Last TV Show~House Hunters, HGTV

Last Place to Go to On Vacation~Anarctica

Your turn~

Oops, maybe not!

I just realized that I didn't tell you about Tuesday. We got the boys in the car, headed to Montgomery, stopped for gas, and Jenny's car died. Just died. Right there in the gas lane. And it's 93 degrees outside. She calls Brandon, who drives across town to east Montgomery to crawl up under her Trooper and discover it needs a new battery. Jumps it off and we head to the nearby Walmart to purchase a battery. He installs it and we're on our merry way. BUT~this all took at least two hours. And no one's had lunch!

Jenny was so calm and still laughing with Ian. Thankfully, she'd chosen a pump under the large awning so we had shade part of the time. When Brandon got there, the boys and I transferred to his car and stayed cool. Noah got his lunch balanced on my knees, with me trying hard not to get pasta and meat on his outfit! And with two hours gone from her day of appointments, she still made the time to go to Chick Fil A so Ian could play on their playground.

This all sounds like a day you'd be glad someone else had! But I'll always remember it as a day where the unexpected happened and laughter and love evolved from it. Thank you, Jenny, for taking me along for the ride. It was worth every minute~

Wrapping up the Week

It's been a busy week. It's been a good week. There've been moments of comtemplation, many moments of loving and laughing, and even more moments of quiet time and rest. I've found that when I am busy for two or three days, I literally crash afterwards. And I mean sleeping until the early afternoon hours! Getting up for a bowl of cereal, reading the daily paper, and again, falling asleep, usually in the swing this time. So has been this week. Yesterday was the day for sleeping! And it felt so good!


Monday I ran a few errands and a dear friend called saying come over for a sandwich and a movie. That sounded like fun~and it was. We also got online and played around with her MySpace page a bit. Can you imagine?! Two grandmothers having fun with a MySpace page? It is fun and we've connected with so many students, prior students, friends from our youth, and parents of those we've taught. We both enjoy our MySpace pages.


Tuesday I was with Jenny and the boys! You may recall in a prior post I mentioned how this day was, yet how calm Jenny and Brandon handled it. Still makes me proud to see the parents they are. Here's a picture from that fun day! The boys had such fun going from Jenny's arms and the picture with her to my arms for the picture with me. We're waiting for Brandon to arrive and you can see how happy Jenny and the boys are. Ian crawled back to the back of her Trooper and set up a "clubhouse". Jenny and our oldest daughter, Stacey, have such fun with their babies~and it shows.

Wednesday I zonked out! Today was my appointment with my counselor and upon leaving I ran into a dear friend. Some of you may remember her, Karla Amos taught with us at Holtville Elementary. She will be working with second grade at Pine Level Elementary next year, but oh how I'd love to have her back at HES. She looks great and it warmed my heart to be in her arms. It's been too long.


Coming back to Prattville I drove out to Jenny's and we ate taco's on her living room floor. Picnic style. Mommy, Nan, and Ian~fun! and I think we made some heart memories. Ian kept coming back for kisses, hugs, and "I love you's" before he finally settled down and went on off for a nap. A very relaxing afternoon.


Driving home I was listening to Faith Hill's CD, Fireflies, and giving thanks for our beautiful girls and their walk with God. Jackie Kennedy once said, "It does not matter what job you have. If you bungle raising your children, nothing else really matters". I think we've done a pretty good job. But then we had help, and He always does an awesome job~


I hope you have made time in your week for those you love and that love you. I hope you've looked for times in which to laugh and breathe deeply. And may you always make time to give thanks to the One that made it all possible. ~until another time

It's Monday! or, Thursday?

When you aren't working full time outside the home, days run together. Which isn't a bad thing. In fact, as much as I miss my colorful classroom and the love and adoration those little second graders dish out willingly, I do enjoy my lazy mornings and knowing each night that "hey! I don't have to work tomorrow".

My sweetheart, however, gets up five mornings a week at 6 am and trudges, not so happily, off to the local paper mill for his 8 hour shift. He'll call once or twice during the day and catch up with me and we trade what we've accomplished thus far. Some days all I've done was get dressed and read the paper! Ahhh, the life of medical disability leave. {Note I'm doing all I can NOT to remember the surgery I still have to endure.}

Jenny called this morning to say she and the boys were on their way to pick out brick for the home they are building. There was excitement in her voice and I enjoyed knowing she wanted to share it with me. She put me on speaker phone and Ian and I were able to talk. Wow, I would've loved that when I was his age! She and Brandon are selling their vehicles and going to diesels. Brandon has sold his Wrangler and Jen is in the process of getting ready to sell her Trooper. They are so in awe of how God has blessed them and don't mind telling you. Johnny and I are very blessed knowing our daughters are Christians and are walking the walk.

So what am I going to do today? Well, I've already gone to the bank and the cleaners. I washed off the porch and patio and emptied the dishwasher. Think I'll go cut out the fabric for a seat cover Jenny needs to go on shopping cart buggies. Then again, maybe I'll do that later. Maybe I'll pull a Garfield and go take a nap ;)

Hope your Monday is as lazy and as easy as mine appears to be headed. If you're at work, here's hoping you take a few minutes to close your eyes, breathe deeply, and escape to a mental image of a restful place! Oh go ahead. You won't look funny. And I promise you'll feel better~

Ever had a certain smell or the breeze hit you just right and within seconds you're swept back into the past. Where problems were simpler, but still problems. Like what you were going to wear Saturday night or did it really matter that you weren't quite finished with the paper due on Tuesday. Where life was something the grownups worried about. Not you. It wasn't your job. Yet.

I love music. My daddy used to say that music soothes the savage beast. I've never felt savage, but I know it evokes memories. Memories that hide in the folds of my mind. Songs like the one you're listening to now. Songs of memorable moments, boyfriends, cheerleading, dating, and spending the night parties with best friends. Times when life was young. When we were young.

So lean back, close your eyes and let the music sooth your savage beast. May they transport you to a time when the radio was filled with songs like these. To a time when you were free and memories sweet. To dreams that came true. To smiles on our hearts. To the songs that helped put them in place. Enjoy~

Fridays and Funny Faces

It's Friday, the 13th! And I've had such a great one. Lisa McMichael, one of my best friends, drove with me to take Miss Marley Dog Hood back to her mommy. Leslie met us at the Mississippi-Alabama state line and was so glad to get her baby back. The weather was nice, the drive uneventful and we talked and laughed and talked and laughed some more. We dashed back to Prattville in time to have a delicious salad plate in historic downtown Prattville! If you've never taken the time to visit our downtown area, you need to do so. Not only do you have the family owned shoppes, but there's just something about walking on sidewalks that were placed there over a hundred years ago~

Hadn't been home long & Jenny called asking if I was ready for a workout. Just what I needed after a good lunch! I did the right thing and told her to come by and pick me up. Came home totally worn out, but glad I'd worked off those crackers I had with my salad.

Johnny & I went up to the garden yesterday evening and brought home some veggies, so tonight I'll be shelling peas, cutting up squash, and planning recipes around tomatoes!! Next year he's building some raised beds here at the house so he won't have to go far to maintain a garden. Now, get this straight. Nancy does NOT do the planting, the weeding, or the picking. Nancy does the cleaning, the shelling, the shucking, the washing, the cleaning, and the prep for freezing. I can't stand the weeds, the heat, and the chiggers!! Johnny doesn't seem to mind this arrangement, so we're good. By the way, I have a really good recipe for a tomato pie that I got from a dear friend. Easy and delicious! However, I am in need of a recipe for tomato gravy. Johnny promises me it is too good!

So until I'm a bit more rested~and contemplative, be satisfied with tonight's blog. My Friday the 13th has been a blast, but I'm not the superstitious sort anyway. Find moments to rest your mind and soul~

Hey,Jim! this is for you! {Note the silly look on Ian's face.}

100 Pieces of My Life~

1. My first home, as a newborn, was in Palmetto, FL. My first home, as a newlywed, was in Palmetto, GA. How neat is that?!
2. For as long as I can remember, I wanted to be a Flight Attendant. The day we found out I was pregnant with Jenny, the mailman left a letter with instructions to interview with United Airlines. I've never missed being a stewardess and I wouldn't have missed being her mommy for the world.
3. I have many friends in various compartments of my life and I treasure those relationships. I am blessed to work with some of my best friends.
4. I find being married to a man with like faith to be much easier, much happier, and offers a more stable marriage.
5. There are babies waiting for me in Heaven due to an ectopic pregnancy and several miscarriages.
6. I love the smell of horses and leather!
7. I got pregnant with Jenny at a time when I'd given up on being able to get pregnant.
8. Some of my favorite memories are growing up in Jay, FL where my father was fire chief and my mother was a homemaker.
9. I have twin brothers born on Easter Sunday, 1960. They will be 88 before their birthday falls on Easter again.
10. My parents sent me to spend weeks at a time during the summers with my maternal grandparents in, what was then, Mountain Creek, Alabama.
11. I learned to hunt for guinea eggs, blackberries, and milk a cow. I had the absolute best grandmother.
12. I was a varsity cheerleader at Marbury High my sophomore and junior year and loved those years! I wanted to be on the annual staff, so I had to give up cheerleading my senior year. {My father was senior sponsor and would not allow a cheerleader to be on annual staff or Homecoming Court.}
13. I've lived in Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, and Colorado.
14. I've skied the Rockies and the Smoky's. The Rockies Reign!
15. At 19 I married, and although in love, I also wanted to get out of Alabama. {Yeah, I know. I'm back in Alabama BUT I saw some awesome places before moving back!}
16. Pushed into teaching, I found to my amazement that it was a passion. I don't believe I touched as many lives as touched mine. I loved my job.
17. I can honestly say there isn't anyone alive that I'd rather be married to than Johnny Hood. He is my rock, my hiding place, and I know he loves me.
18. I love good food and eat simply for the joy of tasting it.
19. When I was 5, I got a huge piece of wood stuck in my right foot and still have a scar.
20. Until Austin and Ian came along, I didn't actually believe that you could love a child as much as your own. Then I found that not only could you love them, you could remain totally infatuated with them.
21. I want to have a second home in the Gatlinburg area.
22. April 21, 2006 was the day a medical accident robbed me of 77 days. It meant a two year medical leave from teaching and ultimately retirement.
23. My brother, Nelson, is someone I absolutely trust to be honest with me. He's the big brother I always needed.
24. I can't remember not loving to read. There were always books, magazines, and daily papers in our home. Books were doorways to other worlds for me, and I would lose myself in them.
25. While in high school, I had a short story published in a national honor magazine and won a monetary prize for it! I went on to have several professional articles published and another short story. I dream of writing a children's book.
26. My paternal grandparents lived in Birmingham, AL and had the neatest backyard to play in! Sited on a steep hillside, the terraces were built of stones. There were muscadine vines, fruit trees, and bird baths. It was like a magical place for young people to frolic!!
27. My first marriage only lasted 8 1/2 years, but we lived in three states {GA, TN, and CO}, 4 towns, {Palmetto, GA-twice, Memphis-twice, Aurora, CO, and Carrollton, GA}, 3 homes, and 4 apartments! Moved a lot but I never would have seen so much nor experienced the things I did had it not been for Steve Fields. I learned to ski the Rockies, traveled to Old Tucson the day John Wayne died, and so many places and sites others only dream of.
28. Johnny and I celebrated 26 years this summer. We have had homes in Millbrook, Wadsworth, and Prattville. Think this is the last place. Maybe. Maybe not.
29. I love soft pinks, blues, and yellows but don't decorate with them.
30. One of my comfort foods is tuna and noodle casserole. Yum!! I also love grits and couldn't buy them in Denver during the late 70's! My mother-in-law would fly in with 2 pound bags for us! Gotta love that woman!
31. I cannot imagine not having God in my life. He has brought such comfort over the years and blessed me beyond measure.
32. If I can teach one child to hold his head higher and to believe in himself, then I've made a difference.
33. I don't hold grudges. It's such a waste of time. I may not trust you again, but I don't close doors.
34. I can honestly say I don't remember ever hating anyone. I've been deeply hurt and have been moved to anger, but hate is not an emotion I believe in.
35. Johnny just recently bought me an older model cute little car and I absolutely adore it. Even moreso than I loved my Honda Accord!!
36. I would love to look like Faith Hill but sing like Shaina Twain.
37. I love a hot shower! The hotter, the better. I don't like shower stalls that are too big, I do not like drafty showers!!
38. This is going to sound crazy :) but I play a game with myself where I pretend I'm blind and try to do things without sight. Try it sometimes. You'd be amazed at how your other senses pick up the slack.
39. I had Jenny when I was two months shy of 25. We didn't think I could get pregnant. She's the only pregnancy I was able to carry to term.
40. Living near Denver, CO was a dream come true. Had the marriage been stable, I'd have fought to make a life there.
41. I met Johnny in February, 1983 at the Lightwood church of Christ. His brother set up a blind date between us. I remember thinking he was so handsome. I never dated anyone after meeting him.
42. The most impulsive thing I've ever done was marry Johnny after a 4 month courtship. It just felt right.
43. I am addicted to icy cold classic cokes and sweet tea.
44. I am not a fan of chocolate and have never liked getting candy on Valentine's Day!
45. For 26 years Johnny has danced in the kitchen with me. Sounds dorky, but it's a romantic and sweet part of our life together.
46. The best time of high school was my 9th-11th grade years. The kind of times you remember forever.
47. Christmas in our home is my favorite time of the year. Our house literally sparkles with its seasonal finery.
48. Being over deep water, even a lake, scares me.
49. Being in an airplane thrills me. Go figure.
50. I love watching thunderstorms gather power and would love to see an actual tornado one day.
51. I've seen Diana Ross and Olivia Newton-John in concert but my favorite was Cher.
52. There's still a spot behind Jenny's right ear that reminds me of her toddler days. I love that smell to this day.
53. Of all my senses, I'd hate to lose the sense of hearing.
54. One of the prettiest sites I've ever seen was at night high above Denver, Colorado. It truly looked like jewels cast out upon black velvet.
55. My father named me Nancy. The stories behind why depended on which parent you asked. My middle name goes back many generations. I was going to be Susan, until birth, when they found they were tired of calling me that.
56. My favorite vacation mecca would be the Disney wonders in Orlando, Florida. My favorite getaway spot is the Gatlinburg area.
57. I taught second grade for just shy of 20 years and never taught any other grade.
58. I met Jeanne Dixon once. I said 'hello, it's an honor', and she told me to never stop writing. She said I would make a difference with it one day. I never told her I loved writing.
59. At Easter, I used to take a shoe box, gather clover and grass, and make a nest for the Easter bunny.
60. When I was in the ninth grade, my parents had a fight Christmas Eve and I had to be Santa Claus. That was difficult.
61. I love action movies, and a few romantic ones, like You've Got Mail and Same Time Next Year.
62. If I can get it online or in Prattville, I don't shop in Montgomery.
63. I hate to get my face wet while swimming or in the shower. Weird, but I can't stand it.
64. Although shades of cream are my favorite in clothing colors, I have mostly black clothes.
65. Flip flops!! I love flip flops!!
66. I've never smoked or tried any type of non-prescription drug. I have been drunk twice and it is soooo not fun. Beats me why people drink to get drunk.
67. I enjoy people who love laughter. I don't like whiners or those who blame others for their mistakes.
68. Were I to be put in the position of defending my house and/or those I love, I would shoot to kill. And never lose a night of sleep over it.
69. May, 2005 I broke the silence of sexual harassment and assault. By doing so, it caused a split within my extended family. Some cannot face the ugly side of truth. However, it freed my heart and I have been able to help others. FYI, the Rape Crisis Center in Montgomery is a great place to go should you need someone. Be strong. Break the silence. Be a survivor, not a victim.
70. In Nov, 2000 after an extrememly rough year, I was diagnosed with anxiety disorder. In Jan, 2007 I was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder January brought on by the accident in '06. I am now working through three separate life changing traumas with the help of a Christian counselor.
71. I have two nephews that serve in the armed forces. Matthew McClain was with the United States Air Force and Joshua McClain serves with the United States Marine Corps. I'm so proud of them!
72. There was never a time that I thought I'd live in Alabama all my life. I've always wanted to live somewhere else.
73. For as long as I can remember, I've believed angels walk amongst us and have been blessed to not only been touched by the one that saved Jenny's life but have felt them near.
74. During the accident, I actually died, and saw my father and Johnny's parents in Paradise. As I moved to go toward my dad, I heard, "Nancy, it's not your time. You have to go back." I believe I was sent back to assure others that there IS a place called Paradise and it is more beautiful and fresh than you can imagine.
75. It doesn't hurt to die. No matter how much pain your body is in. The pain comes in living.
76. I love a good book, a crackling fire, and a mug of hot chocolate with marshmallows.
77. I've had three favorite vacations. I skied Snowbird, Utah once staying in a condo that looked out toward the mountain and the ski runs~so totally beautiful!! The second was when we took Brandon to Gatlinburg for graduation {it was his first time}; and, the Christmas we took Leslie and Jenny to G'burg for Christmas. It snowed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day!! We had our little tree, stockings, and presents!
78. Johnny surprised me with a beautiful three-stone diamond ring for my 50th birthday and Jenny made a DVD of my life. Both made me cry with happiness.
79. I am terrified of heights without railings.
80. I am claustrophobic.
81. When I look in the mirror, it still surprises me not to see a young adult. I feel that I should have tight skin, a youthful face, and be able to do the splits.
82. My bedroom is wonderful! It's like a cocoon I can nest in all day!
83. I always thought it would be easy to have thick, long hair and get pregnant. Both have been next to impossible for me.
84. Roy Rogers was my childhood idol. Always wanted to be Dale Evans.
85. I remember the day John F. Kennedy died. We were living in Jay, FL and my second grade teacher told us we were getting out of school because the President had been shot. I remember how sad everone was and my mother crying. I was fascinated by the black horse with the empty saddle and the stirrups reversed to denote a fallen soldier and I remember seeing John Jr. salute his father before it became a famous snapshot.
86. My grandmother Yarbrough made the most fantastic rolls, butterscotch pies, and a delicious breakfast treat called milk sop, which was two pieces of cinnamon toast in warm milk. I remember saying the Lord's Prayer by her side {she always, always prayed kneeling by her bed} and wishing we could pray in bed because they did not have central heat!
87. I used to wade in the creek and she made me hats out of elephant leaves.
88. One of the most impressive meals I've ever eaten was atop a building in Knoxville overlooking the Tennessee River. There was even lemon sorbet to cleanse your palate!
89. While walking back from lunch with my class, I stepped off the sidewalk and tore all the ligaments from my left ankle. I wore a Darth Vadar boot for 9 weeks and a walking brace for 3. It's still weak to this day. {I refused to wear a cast due to the claustrophobia.}
90. I feel the challenges in my life have made me stronger and allowed God to work in some awesome ways.
91. I regret slapping Jenny in the face when she was hysterical once. It brought her to her senses, but she's never forgotten it.
92. And I regret being too strict with Leslie and Stacey. I thought I was supposed to be like my mother.
93. I am closer to our daughters more now than ever.
94. I'm excited about our future. Want it, visualize it, believe it, live it.
95. Jenny & Stacey amaze me with the way they are raising their children. With such love, with such confidence - I love watching them.
96. Simple things make me happy, ie: gathering with good friends, soft conversations at dusk over a patio table, sleeping late, driving north on I-65, an 'I love you'.
97. When Ian comes up on the porch and see me, my heart melts when I see the happiness in his eyes. I love playing on the floor with him and would be a complete fool just to hear him laugh.
98. I love to cook for Brandon and Brett! They love to eat.
99. Maggie was a white Maltese that I still miss to this day.
100. I wouldn't have missed this dance for the world!

Beautiful babies

Today is Tuesday, which is Ian's library day. Jenny decided last week that not only would it be easier for her to only have Ian, but it would also give her some mommy-Ian time, which she doesn't get much of now that Noah is here! So she asked if I would watch Noah while they were at the library. I bet you can guess what I said, and how quickly I said it!

Naturally I wanted to take some pictures and he cooperated. Here's a lopsided grin I got while he balanced himself on my knees. He has the bluest eyes and is a boy on the move. Crawling, pulling up, and drooling! Jen said he has tooth number 4 now and is the sweetest little person.

Ian came in talking about his books and it wasn't long before he'd gotten his tent up and situated with some of his favorite toys inside. This tent was on sale at Target several years back and he loves it. When Austin is here, it's "The Clubhouse" for just boys! You can see Ian peeking at me for his picture. I missed his blonde hair when his dad buzzed it off for the summer, but now I can't imagine him with any other haircut! Not having the hair makes you notice his eyes more and those ever-changing facial expressions!

Jen left to get the boys down for their afternoon nap, and I couldn't help but notice how quiet the house was when they left. I was reminded of the laughter and liveliness a home has when children are present. Johnny and I are richly blessed with our grandchildren and they are such a delight. Being brought up in Christian homes with parents who love not only their children, but each other as well. God is so good~

The rest of the week is going to be filled with best friends and getting to see Leslie when I take Marley back Friday. Leslie will meet me at the interstate and we'll have a little bit of time together. Not as much as I'd like, but better than not seeing her. Leslie can find the best places to eat and can make me laugh as often as Ian does. I'll be including some pictures from my dates the rest of this week so come back!! Take care and may the week continue to bring you moments of love, laugher and dreams~

Rain, rain, blessed rain!

Yes, it's been raining since yesterday! We have needed it so badly and have prayed for this priceless liquid! Everything seems so clean after a rainfall, so refreshed.

Not much has happened the last two days. I had another horrid headache Sunday and took it easy most of the day. Today has been better and I did get some cleaning done. Sounds like Johnny is driving up under the carport! Gotta go!! My sweetheart's home!

Thought for today~

"Always take the road less traveled~you may very well happen upon the greatest part of your life, and you'll leave a trail for someone else to follow"

A homesick baby~

Pictured is Princess Marleydog Hood. She's the baby of our middle daughter, Leslie. Leslie has been on a mission/professional hours trip, so Marley has been with us in Alabama. Now remember, Leslie has been taking these trips for quite a few years and Marley always grieves for her the first few days. Then she settles in and becomes our baby. Not this time!

We knew to expect the typical 'settling in' time frame. All went well until about 48 hours ago when we noticed she wasn't around like she had been. She was either in the living room looking out the window or sitting by our door leading outside to the patio. We could get her away only if we mentioned the word 'treat'! But not this morning!!

She became extremely clingy yesterday and there were times I'd find myself getting impatient with her constantly wanting to be in my arms. Not reading, not watching TV, not using the computer, but holding her and scratching her and talking to her! So -

This morning I decided, after taking the picture you see at the top, that I would call Leslie and put her on the speaker phone so Marley could hear her momma's voice. Oh my gosh!!!! Her eyes began running!! She kept looking up at me with those liquid brown eyes and had she gotten up under my arm any further, she would've dislocated my shoulder.

This last picture was taken after we got off the phone with Leslie. Afterwards, I couldn't even get her away from the window for a treat. Needless to say, Miss Marley and I will be driving over early Monday morning taking her home! Leslie has an 8 hour shift at the hospital Sunday, so I'll have Marley home when Leslie gets up Monday.

Johnny and I had a dog, Maggie, that began as Jenny's pup and ended up with all of us spoiled as rotten as she was. If you've ever loved a dog, then you know there are some dogs that actually think they are people. And Princess Marleydog Hood is one of them. :) Wouldn't it be nice if everyone had someone that loved them this much and so unconditionally? I'm blessed in this way and I pray that if you aren't, you soon will be. Until another time, continue to dance to the music in your soul~

The rest of the 4th~~

So here's the pictures of Deborah and her family. Deborah is another best friend that I taught with at Holtville Elementary. She is retired now and we have a cute shoppe in Montgomery. I'll have to include a site for those of you looking for home decor and baby items! Deborah's daughter, Ashley, and our daughter are the same age and they have sons close in age. It was fun to listen to some of the conversation and watch the boys interacting. Enjoy~

Looking forward

Hmmm, there's another 'f' word that's good to keep in mind. I have several things to look forward to that bring smiles to my heart. This afternoon I'm meeting Jenny at Curves to work out with her. I've really come to enjoy these 40 minutes together. By the time we've gone around the circuit I'm puffing like a woman in labor! but we talk, we laugh, we share, we plan. I've been going along with her to her Pampered Chef shows, but have found the times we work out give us more time to talk. I truly treasure these workouts with my daughter.

I'm also planning to meet with one of my bestest friends, Lisa, to spend some time together. She can always offer a different solution when I need to make a decision and she's a great one to let me whine for two minutes! We've laughed, cried, and lasted through many years now and I wouldn't trade our relationship for anything~

Our Alabama grandbabies will be visiting with us for lunch Sunday. This is such a special time for us and I hope it's making heart memories for them. Ian is growing much too quickly, but still will crawl up in my lap to read a book or give me a snuggle. And Noah. My, he's a beautiful handful and is still young enough to get all the sugar we want.

Sooooo, I've covered friends and family~now for the faith. Were it not for the faith of the ones mentioned within this blog, along with the faith of others and even strangers I haven't met, I wouldn't be alive today. I'm convinced of this. Their prayers, their love, their awesome support for me brought me back to life and held me here. I shall always be deeply indebted to them. Where would you be if someone didn't believe enough in you to offer prayers for you? I believe in His grace, I believe in miracles, and I believe in angels. God is so awesome; open your eyes and your soul and just watch how He puts the puzzle of your life together for you~

And as always, I pray you'll have many moments of laughter today and that you'll take the time to dance~

Just the beginning~

Since grade school I've kept a journals, but haven't since the accident last year. It's time to change that. Be patient with me as I learn about the many intricate parts of this adventure called blogging!

Faith, Family & Friends comes from the three groups that brought me back after a horrible accident April 21, 2006. If you think about it, those three groups are vital parts of life. This blog will be all about my faith, my family, and my friends. Happy reading~

Our 4th of July celebration

We had such fun this 4th of July! Good food, good company, and lots of laughter. The weather cooperated, the fireworks phenomenal, and clean up was a breeze~enjoy pictures from the day!
This is our grandson, Ian, with Matthew {the grandson of one of my best friends}. When I asked what they were doing, Ian replied, "We're riding the train, Nan!"

This is my sweet husband, Johnny, and my brother, Nelson. They were the designated cooks and they did a great job~ribs, steaks, and hotdogs for the kids! And let me tell you-when you have 5 grown men eating at your table, it's good to have lots of meat!! There was soooo little left over!

Jenny and her family~they live here in the Prattville area and helped to host. I always knew Jenny was a stronger woman than she thought, but my accident last year made her realize it herself. I love you, Jen~

As soon as I can get a picture from Snapfish, I'll post a picture of Deborah's family~can't figure out how to add it now, so it'll be a separate post .