Faith, Family & Friends, in the beginning~

2008-03-25T16:41:00.002-05:00

So this will be the last post on this blog. If you enjoy visiting my spot, and I hope that you do, please add my new post to your link list! Teale has designed a smashing site for me and I know I'm going to enjoy using it. Rather than transfer all these posts and photos, I'm simply going to leave this one up. I've retitled this one, Faith, Family & Friends, in the beginning~

My new site is simply titled Faith, Family, & Friends. Thank you for stopping in and do visit me at the new one! Have a beautiful evening~

Yes, Grandmommies Brag~

2008-03-24T19:05:00.004-05:00

So, those of you that know Jenny, and have already looked at their website, will recognize the following pictures! For those of you that haven't, well, I just have to share them! Had my camera batteries not been dead Sunday, I would have different ones to share with you all, but alas we need new rechargeable batteries. I'm pretty sure Brandon is glad the camera WASN'T with me Sunday ;) he teases me all the time. And yes, Leslie, he is a very patient man. Not only is this man an answer to prayers for our Jen, he's an amazing father to the boys.

Johnny had to work yesterday, so I ate with Jenny and her family after worship. Easter baskets awaited them and the meal was delicious, as always!! Gotta love Ruby Tuesday's garden bar!! To see some really cute pics and read of a gift we gave Ian, go to Jen's site and see for yourself how endearing grandmommies can be (sic)!!

Today has been an extremely lazy one and I've so enjoyed it. I'm hoping Stacey will be getting some Easter pictures to us soon of Austin and Alaina and you can just bet your sweet bippie I'll be sharing them with you, too! Have a blessed week!

some treasures~

2008-03-21T21:09:00.006-05:00

I wanted to share some vintage cards with you and wish you a most beautiful Easter. Feel free to right click and use these in whatever way makes you happy. And may the weekend be filled with warmth from the sun, love of family and friends, and joy that comes from His grace and mercy~

It's almost here!

2008-03-19T17:48:00.001-05:00

Hands to Heart

2008-03-18T23:26:00.004-05:00

A dear friend, Deborah Aldridge, and I have gathered some neat treasures and are offering them through Hands to Heart, a little online shop. We both go into Montgomery several times a week and would not mind meeting you somewhere to drop off your purchase! We accept cash and checks, and when we get our eCrater store open, we'll have a PayPal account! Any questions? Just ask!
I wanted to share two items that are for sale! Beautiful Baskets by Jeanine Larmoth is a nice treasure of gift basket ideas. With 111 pages, there are oodles of color photographs showing numerous ways to decorate and entertain with baskets! We have it priced at only $5, with no shipping or handling charges if we make plans to meet you and deliver!
Below is a ceramic teapot, designed to look like asparagus. You can serve from it or even arrange fresh flowers within it! Priced at only $8, it will be a nice addition to those of you that treasure teapots!
We are just beginning to get started with our online store, so stop in and check out to see what's new each week!

2008-03-17T02:42:00.000-05:00

Quick Trip to Mississippi

2008-03-12T20:09:00.012-05:00

We've just returned from a brief, but great, visit with our girls in Mississippi! And we got time for snuggles with two of our grandbabies!! Austin's first T-ball practice was yesterday afternoon, and the players are sooo little!! Austin got a great practice hit and loved showing off his new cleats! Then it was off for some yummy Mexican food, before heading to Leslie's home to spend the night. And we brought back MarleyDog!! She's such a good house pet and we always love spoiling her for Leslie. Here's some pics from our trip!

Tag, your turn!

2008-03-10T23:40:00.006-05:00

I found this on Leah's blog and wanted to do it! So NOW, you're tagged!!

What was I doing 10 years ago? That would be 1998 and I was still a second grade teacher, and seeing some of my best friends each day.

5 things on my to do list today? Sleep; buy some groceries (didn't get done); spend more time on the elliptical; average the checkbooks (didn't get done); relax

Snacks I enjoy? cake and ice cream! nilla wafers and peanut butter! popcorn and coke!

Things I would do if I were a billionaire? write a niiiice check to our congregation; pay off our house; invest so Johnny could retire; pay off the homes of our daughters; set up education funds for our grandchildren; take our family to 'the Mickey Mouse' place all expenses paid, including clothing and rental cars; take our siblings on an Atlantic Seaboard cruise; purchase a second home in the Gatlinburg area; take my daughters and best friends to the Winfrey Hotel and have a shopping excursion; send Johnny and our son-in-laws on an African safari!

3 of my bad habits? chewing the inside of my cheeks; icy classic Cokes; not exercising enough

5 places I have lived? Bradenton, FL; Memphis, TN; Aurora, CO; Newnan, GA; Prattville, AL

5 jobs I have had? cashier for Casual Corners; secretary for National Pride CarWash; Personnel Ass't. at AESCO Steel; secretary for a lawyer in Wetumpka; second grade teacher

I added one, Leah!

5 dreams that have come true? I'm married to a wonderful Christian man; I gave birth to the child of my dreams; for nineteen years I worked alongside some of my best friends; I've lived in a snowy place and learned to snow ski; I am healing, both inside and out, and am so much stronger for that.

You're turn!

Yikes, drugs in the water?!

2008-03-10T22:30:00.005-05:00

(AP) -- A vast array of pharmaceuticals -- including antibiotics, anti-convulsants, mood stabilizers and sex hormones -- have been found in the drinking water supplies of at least 41 million Americans, an Associated Press investigation shows.

This is one of the headlines on CNN.com tonight! I thought, 'my stars!! drugs in our water now?!'. I've always felt there were more things in my drinking water than I even cared to know about, but drugs?! I just had to click on our state (the fair state of Alabama) to see what's been found at home. Nothing!! Our state is one of the clean states!! Not so for our neighbors in Georgia. Or, Atlanta to be exact.

I figured California would be running over with cities that have drug levels high enough to be found (and they were), but surprisingly to me was Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, which registered with 56 different drugs!! Did you read that? 56!! Kind of scary, isn't it? Apparently, according to the article, water treatment centers aren't effective on all drug types and even though the amounts are small, it is becoming a source of concern to doctors and scientists. Well, that's good. At least they're concerned. And Alabama WAS listed as a clean state, still ~ don't think that will make me want to drink shower water anymore.

Sunday's Snapshot

2008-03-09T04:21:00.002-05:00

My favorite snapshot from this week is one of Jenny, Noah, and Ian going into an eatery at Eastchase, Zoe's. Jenny has been easing Ian into the 'helping' big brother role and he is taking it seriously. Noah is reaching out for Ian, and Ian is trying to match his steps to Noah's. Ian is wearing his sunglasses on his ears, but over his hair~and that little detail always makes me smile. I look at Jenny and I wonder when it was she grew up and became a mommy herself. Time doesn't just pass, it fast forwards.

10 Things I've Learned

2008-03-08T19:55:00.003-06:00

about being a mom. 1) I never realized how lonely night could be until I had a colicky baby and lived six hours from friends and family.

2) Having a child means liking the end pieces of the loaf, not needing as many clothes and shoes as they do, and trying really hard to like eating at McDonald's all the time.

3) I never thought I could so happy that my child decide NOT to play softball and we didn't have to go to all those practices and schoolnight games!!

4) Watching your child play in the yard makes you notice how many tiny flowers there are in the world!

5) Just because they grow up and leave your home, doesn't mean you quit worrying about their health, safety, and well-being.

6) You see them do good and you want to shout and yell out, "That's my child!"

7) You see them cry and you want to do bodily harm to the one responsible.

8) When they introduce you to a date, and you know before you turn around, that you've never heard her sound like that before~and you just know, deep down, that she's given her heart, and he isn't even aware yet.

9) To have her say, "Mom, I'm going to have a baby" and you feel elated and scared at the same time. Elated because she'll now know how deeply she's loved, yet scared because childbirth holds risks.

10) Becoming a grandmother is to go full circle and necessary to bring comfort to the later years.

Jenny tagged me, now I tag all of you that are mothers~

Just a thought~

2008-03-07T15:40:00.003-06:00

What do you think of having a 'Sweet Sunday' or maybe ChadderBox can come up with a name! We would each post a snapshot that we took the previous week that was our favorite. Post it on your blog and tell why you chose that particular shot. I know I check out everyone on my friends list, and then some!, each day and I love it when there's new pictures posted. Who would be game to doing this and starting this Sunday? Just a thought, so let me hear from you!

Running errands~

2008-03-07T00:43:00.010-06:00

I went with Jenny to Montgomery today to help with the boys while she tried to do some shopping. That girl can put some miles on a pair of feet, but I had such fun watching the boys interact. Noah just thinks Ian set the moon and tries so hard to be just like his big brother, which will be a hard act! ha ha Noah will start laughing and calling, "Eh ah" (for Ian, of course!) and begin running in circles when he got excited. I think the funniest time today was in a huge dressing room area watching Noah trying to get up with Ian. Here are some pictures I took from today. The last one is a shot Ian took of me and himself. He loves taking pictures and has been good with a camera now for almost two years! In fact, he got one for Christmas! Enjoy!! (By the way, it's just started raining here~it's almost 1 am Friday morning. I do so love rain and thunderstorms!!) Jen, I really like the snapshot of the three of you holding hands :)

2008-03-05T23:38:00.004-06:00

I've wanted to show you our dining room and kept forgetting to take pictures. It's late tonight, so the lighting didn't do justice to the pale yellow cloth nor the silver but you get the picture. There's eager little bunnies with pastel M&M's waiting for someone to taste their wares and salad plates with fruits and blossoms dancing around the edges. Since we have two grandsons that eat regularly with us, I've set out all types of bunnies for them to find and talk with while the adults are visiting.

I found this adorable Bunny cookie jar at Cracker Barrel for less than $25! I love keeping her filled with sugar cookies, but alas, a hungry husband has emptied her tummy. Looks like I'll be baking cookies tomorrow!

Tasty Tuesday!

2008-03-04T16:53:00.004-06:00

We had this recipe again for an early supper and it was just as good warmed up! Here's the recipe, KristenKracker!!

Chili Chicken Stew

Vegetable oil

3 boneless skinless, chicken breasts, chopped

1 cup chopped red onion

1 bell pepper, diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

14.5 oz. can Mexican-style stewed tomatoes (I used a can of Rotel)

2 15 oz. cans pinto beans, drained

16 oz. jar medium salsa

3 tsps chili powder

2 tsps ground cumin

10 flour tortillas

shredded cheddar cheese

shredded Monterey cheese

Garnish: cheddar cheese, sour cream, sliced black olives, shallots

Heat oil. Add chicken, onion, pepper, and garlic; cook 7-8 minutes, until vegetables are tender. Stir in tomatoes, beans, salsa, chilie powder, and cumin; bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer 30-40 minutes.

Place a warmed tortilla into each of the soup bowls. Sprinkle cheese over tortilla and spoon chicken stew evenly over cheese. Garnish and serve!

Family, Friends, & Faith

2008-03-02T16:16:00.005-06:00

I've had a good weekend and hope you have. Yesterday I spent most of the daylight hours with a dear friend, Melynda Buck, and her oldest. It's Prom season and they sweetly asked if I would help with some of the plans. It's fun and I really like spending someone else's money! Not to mention they are two of the sweetest people I know! So Saturday was a joy.

Today, after worship, I tried out a new recipe and it turned out so much better than I expected! It's White Chicken Stew and you serve it inside a warmed flour tortilla that's been set inside a deep bowl. Garnish with a dollop of sour cream, sprinkle with sharp cheddar and shallots. Yummy!! I ended up shredding my tortilla and liked it better that way.

Jenny had a Pampered Chef show this afternoon, here in Prattville, at Haley Gray's home. I go along to wash up the dishes and tidy up. It gives me girl time alone with one of my bestest friends that just happens to also be my daughter! and it's nice seeing other ladies. Today's group were young enough to be my daughters! and as I was laughing at and with them, I realized that as much as I enjoyed that time period in my life, I'm so thankful to be at the station I'm at. Our daughters are grown and happily on their own, two with beautiful men that adore them; I am retired and able to devote my time to Johnny and our family; I don't have the worry of wondering if my parenting skills are what they should be; financially things are easier. Yes, I like this place in life.

Many things have changed and will continue to change as we mature and go through life. One thing I can count on, though, and that's that my Lord is always near. I only have to think of Him and comfort floods my soul. Jenny mentioned in her presentation this afternoon that it had been almost two years since my accident. The first year I have very few memories. This past year has been much easier. God has made so much possible and for that, I'll be eternally grateful. Talk of best friends, I couldn't ask for a better one~

One Shoe~

2008-02-29T10:10:00.002-06:00

The Feathered Nest

2008-02-28T00:40:00.007-06:00

If you aren't one of those readers that checks out the blogs to the right that are some of my favorites, then you're missing such a treat!! One of them is The Feathered Nest. She sells, too! And lets you have free prints from her site! Not to mention the ideas, tips, and techniques she shares. Here's a sample!

Driving Fast, Were We?

2008-02-27T23:53:00.003-06:00

So I was driving home

and this policeman pulls me over.

Walking up to my door, he asked

if I had been driving fast.

Of course

I said "No!"

and I think

he may have believed me,

if he hadn't looked in the back seat

and seen my dog.

Hold the Presses~

2008-02-25T23:38:00.005-06:00

or maybe I should say, Make a Book! I was blog hopping tonight and went to The Adcock's page. Now, I don't know these people but they seem like a family I'd like to live beside. They are friends of friends I've met through Jenny. Aaannnyway! she found a site that will make a book from your blog!! I've wondered myself what would happen to these entries I've made with pictures, etc. should Blogger ever decide to shut down!! Surely not!! But things do happen. So I have bookmarked this site and intend to do just this. A book per year, I think. Thought some of you that enjoy blogging as much as I do might like knowing this~And if you don't care about this, well, come back tomorrow. Maybe you'll enjoy that one!

Okay, so maybe~

2008-02-25T22:31:00.007-06:00

About the time I think 'hey! I'm feeling better!' then I don't. Now I think I have a bladder infection. Yuck. Double yuck! Leslie recommended Uristat several years ago when I got one while visiting them in Mississippi. Ladies!! if you ever suspect a bladder infection and you can't get to a doctor, get it! You can buy it off the shelf!! At a phamacy!! Or Walmart!! Or Kmart or Target!! And it works!!! It takes those nasty urgings away!! Won't cure you, but you won't suffer with having to go every fifteen minutes! Now, nothing can make me feel worse than having a bladder infection. Well, maybe a raging sore throat. Okay, a yeast infection is also a downer for sure. But that's about it!! Right?! Ah well, for those of you that still have your uterus and your ovaries, then there's probably something just as bad. But I don't have all that stuff anymore!! Yay, me! And let me tell you, if no one else has informed you, it is soooo nice not to worry about that once a month thing anymore! When Jenny was much younger, she told me, "I want to have a boy and a girl and then a hysterectomy." After dying laughing, I told her it didn't quite work that way. And with all the innocence of youth, she asked why. Be nice if it could be that simple.

Wow, after telling you what could be just as bad, and then remembering what I don't have to worry about, I feel better! Thanks!! I needed that~

(Jen, you are so NOT going to believe this!, but when I went to Photobucket to look for a silly picture to match this post, I found this snapshot and immediately clicked on it. Guess what the name of the kid is that has fallen between the seat and the back?! Ian!!! The name of the picture is 'What happened to Ian'. Cracked me up!)

Yucky, Yuck

2008-02-24T18:34:00.002-06:00

Okay, so maybe it's a bit of an exaggeration but I have not felt good this weekend! I felt fine until about 3:30 pm Saturday and it hit. And when it hit, it hit fast. To the point that I told John he better hurry up and finish his ice cream because we were fixing to be "outta here!" He got me home and it's been up and down ever since. It's now 6:30 pm Sunday and I feel I'm on the up side of being over whateveritwas. But then, I haven't had anything to eat either. That remains to be seen. One good thing is that I am now four pounds lighter than I was Friday! I just don't recommend the diet.

You're Tagged!

2008-02-21T00:45:00.003-06:00

I found this while blog hopping and thought it would be something different for those of us that always check in with each other! So consider yourself tagged~and I'll be checking in to your page to see if you decided to do this!! The rules are:
1. The book you chose must be over 123 pages.
2. Find page 123 in the book.
3. Find the first 5 sentences.
4. Post the next 3 sentences.
5. Tag other people.
So, let's see ~ the book closest to me is The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks. It has 214 pages in the small hardback version.
---
She smiled, thinking the same thing, and they watched the fire and smoke, holding each other.
"Noah, you've never asked, but I want you know something."
"What is it?"
---
Ah, one of the most compelling love stories you will ever read.
So, now it is my turn to tag others and to see what you are reading ~

Still February!!

2008-02-20T19:36:00.004-06:00

And I'm still celebrating!! I met Deborah Aldridge late this afternoon for a yummy meal at Ruby Tuesday where we spent two hours laughing, eating, and sharing!! Deborah taught across the hall from me at HES and is now retired. We have always been great friends but now, that I am not working, we're able to spend more time together. This has given us time to grow even closer and she is such fun to be with~so Deb, here's to many more birthday meals for both of us!!

Johnny has the next two days off and it's going to be so nice having him around! I was always the mommy that hated seeing school roll around because I enjoyed my girls so much! and I'm one of those wives that love having their men around! Now notice I didn't say 'having their men in their back pocket'! Johnny loves to hunt and loves to fish even more, so there's always many hours of alone time for both of us. And it works for us. But we have such fun together that I just know retirement with him will be a delight. We have many dreams and look forward to more of them coming true. What are your dreams? And what are you doing to make them come true?! I'll tell you about some of mine in a later post. For now, though, you can see some of them listed to the right and there are pictures (also on the right) towards the bottom of this page. Have a blessed evening!

Still celebrating!

2008-02-19T21:35:00.006-06:00

And the birthday celebration continues! When I came in from Jenny's yesterday evening, I found roses by the backdoor from my mom! They are beautiful and it was so good talking to her last night~I just hate I missed her visit! Today, a man called at 8 am (waking us up!) to say he had flowers that were to have been delivered yesterday, but Hwy 82 was blocked so he couldn't get through (due to storm debris). He brought them out this afternoon and they were from Leslie!! And they are beautiful, too!! The last time I remember having this many floral arrangements in the house was when I was hospitalized! and I'm not even sick! ha ha

There have been cards in the mailbox every day, messages on the answering machine, and notes left on Facebook and MySpace. A dear, dear friend from north Alabama called and I got to catch up with her this afternoon (Sandygirl, I do so miss being with you) and it's just been a really great month thus far. And I know it'll only get better. Aren't birthdays fun?!

A Day with Best Friends

2008-02-18T20:13:00.002-06:00

I would be remiss if I didn't tell you about my Saturday! Two of my bestest friends, Lisa McMichael and Kay Mayfield, came to Prattville and we spent the day together!! It was such fun. We shopped for Lisa's guest room and Kay's living room, and I didn't spend a dime! ha ha (Don't get too happy about that, Johnny Hood, I saw several items I want to go back for!) Lisa paid for my lunch at Chili's!!! YYYYUUUUMMM and Kay paid for my dinner at Pablano's! Again, YYYUUUMMM We laughed and shopped and ate, laughed and shopped and ate. We hit Prattville, Montgomery, and Southern Homes. It was a true treat. AND another bestest friend, Deborah Aldridge, is taking me out this Wednesday!! Am I loved or what?! I was supposed to go tonight with four friends from our congregation that also have February birthdays and we were going to celebrate at Applebee's. Sadly Applebee's was damaged in the storm and the area is locked down after dusk, so that will have to be shelved until next year. But we sure would've had a good time!!

It's My Birthday!

2008-02-18T19:57:00.002-06:00

It's my birthday! and it's been a really nice one. Johnny took me out to eat, and although he had to go on in to work I did get some time with Jenny and her family. Ian was asleep when I got there, but his eyes got so wide when he saw me that I just fell in love all over again. He said, "Nan, I was wanting you to come see me on your birfday 'cause I got you a pwesent". And it was Seasons 1 and 2 of Dallas !!! I'm fixing to settle in with some munchies and start watching!! I can remember exactly where I was when I saw the first show. We were living in Aurora, CO and the hype leading up to the show that night was so heavy I'm sure every household had their channel set. And after that night, I wanted a black Mercedes convertible just like Pam's! ha ha Those were the days! Leaving Jenny's I had a message from Stacey and I got to hear Austin and Alaina saying "Happy Birthday, Nan!" and it made me homesick for them!! Got home and my mom had left an awesome bouquet of flowers by the backdoor!! and Leslie called asking if her flowers had made it here. (They didn't, but I loved the thought, Les!!) It's been an awesome day and a shout out to all of you that left me such sweet messages on MySpace and Facebook! It's nice to be remembered.

Johnny and I were out earlier this morning and drove over toward east Prattville. Police had all roads leading to the Walmart area blocked off and were checking ID to see if you lived there. But even from Hwy 82 you can see the damage. The Montgomery Advertiser has hundreds of pictures and several videos showing the extent of damage. We are all very thankful that there were no fatalities. The city of Prattville swiftly and efficiently put into effect their emergency plan and from what we've heard from friends that lost homes, cars, and those with minor damage help was on sight within mere minutes. Our phone line, from what Knology told John today, will be out indefinitely. Their station was hit hard and it's going to take time to repair it.
With cell phones, though, that's the least of worries. I'm sure the 200+ families involved out there just wish that was all they had to deal with. Please remember east Prattville in your prayers. I'm sure they can use them.

Happy Valentine's Day, Johnny~

2008-02-13T20:02:00.006-06:00

{Picture accidently erased}
Okay, so I told him not to hold the camera quite so high. And he listened to me! And it didn't get all of his Alabama cap! Horrid! That's what he thought, anyway. I couldn't believe he listened to me! But this is for the man who has made so many of my dreams come true. The man that has given me a place to hide, wings to soar, and a warm and safe place to return home to. Happy Valentine's Day, my love~

We Are God's Workmanship~

2008-02-10T15:53:00.000-06:00

For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. -- Ephesians 2:10

I love visiting Susanne Goodin's blog and found Heartlight through a beautiful scripture she has at the top of her page. Now I get, via email, a daily scripture, short lesson, and prayer each morning! Thank you, dear friend, for bringing one more smile to my life. I can say the same for Melissa and Kelly, whose blogs I found by exploring Leah Hunt and Jenny Maddox's blogs. All are daughters of the King and I love learning from them. Reading their writings, blog hopping on their friends lists and finding other stories and tales uplift me daily~

BUT back to the scripture above!!! As a second grade teacher, one of my primary goals was to have each child believe how perfect and miraculous they were. If I could help just one child hold their head up higher or hear them say with conviction, "Miss Hood, I'm going to be President one day!" or "I'm going to be a doctor, Miss Hood, and take care of you when you're old", or even, "I'm going to be a Ninja turtle and take all the bad men away!" {the last actually was told to me by a darling during the Ninja Turtle craze!}, then I would be a successful teacher.

After the accident and ensuing early retirement, I began losing my belief that I mattered. Oh I know my family and friends still love me and I realize that I'm important in ways that yes, I am needed. But I'm talking about feeling needed, really really feeling needed and being able to help someone think more of themself. For nineteen years I had a dream job, worked with some of my bestest friends, and laughed more at little seven year olds than I'd laughed my whole life up to that time. Now life is different and there are days when I feel adrift, wondering if I am important anymore

Aha, see how easy we flip flop?! After spending so many years telling others they were important, that "God doesn't make junk!", here I am not believing it myself! Then today, a loving nudge through the Yahoo mailbox~God saying, 'you ARE important, your works ARE important, because I MADE YOU and you ARE a miracle of a creation'.

Thank you, Lord, for Your patience with me and for using today's chosen scripture from Heartlight to remind me that I need to practice what I preach. I promise to hold my head up higher and believe that I, too, could be President, or a doctor, or even just a volunteer, but that whatever I do, it will be to praise You, and to remember I am an awesome work of art. Your art.

Yay Huckabee! More Winter!!

2008-02-07T13:15:00.001-06:00

Okay, so no one has commented on which blog they prefer. I am going to assume that it really doesn't matter to you and that it's now up to me as to which one I keep. I've also been playing around with another layout that I may put up for awhile. There are advantages to the three column but it can look confusing. To me, anyway.

We just heard that Romney has withdrawn! We liked him and would prefer him over McCain, but that means Huckabee is still in the running and we're so happy for that!! If you have a MySpace page, you can go to Huckabee's website and add him as a friend for updates, pledges, etc. Makes for good advertising, too, in case some of your friends are still undecided! I urge you to use your right as an American citizen and take a stand. Regardless what you think of my choice or I think of yours, we still need to be passionate of our system of free choice.

In other news, well, there isn't any. Both Johnny and I are still battling this coughing mess, headaches, and sneezing. It gets better, then it gets worse. Maybe if the weather would just stay one way for a week or so, we could get better-and stay that way!! Of course anyone that knows me, knows I just adore winter, so I'm voting for more cold weather!!!!

A practice blog~

2008-02-04T22:19:00.000-06:00

I'd like for you to do something for me. Before I step out and change over to a new template, I'd like to get your ideas and suggetions! Please go to my new blog and tell me what you think!! Thanks Leah, for telling me of Teale. I've gathered from other comments that she is good with this sort of information, so I'll certainly keep her in mind if I need information on transferring the posts and pictures!!

I would love feedback on which blog you find easier on the eyes. Let me know which one you like!! Don't forget to vote Tuesday! Our household is voting Huckabee!! Please join us in prayer that God will bring the best man into office~

I Did It!!!

2008-02-02T15:35:00.001-06:00

I did it, I did it, I finally finally did it!!! I've been wanting to expand into a three column blog without purchasing one, so I've Goggled and Goggled and read and read and finally!!! I was able to follow some directions and after much practice, I did it!!!!!! Yay, me!!! BUT now I don't know how to transfer all of my posts, widgets, pictures, and the like to the new format without losing them. Does anyone out there have any suggestons?? If it's a lengthy tale, then send an email at jandnhood@yahoo.com. I really really want to get it up and begin using it.

John and I are finally feeling somewhat human again. This coughing and hacking had just about gotten the better of us. My nose looked like Rudolph's by Friday morning. The medicine our doctor had me on created horrid tummy problems and nausea, so I decided to take myself off of it. (And John just had to make that sarcastic statement, "and just when did you get YOUR doctor's degree?!") But I am beginning to feel much better than I did this time last weekend. I hope your household is well, that all are happy, and that you feel extremely loved. Have a beautiful day of worship tomorrow~

To you, my dear friend~

2008-01-29T22:56:00.000-06:00

I, without a doubt, have some of the best friends in the world, and I want to go on record publicly to just tell you that. There are many different parts of my life, as everyone has!, with career, congregational, high school, college, family oriented, and just people in general that came into your life and stayed. We have such fun sharing, comparing, crying, laughing, eating!!!!, shopping, you name it~we enjoy it. My daughters. Thank you for not only being the best parts of me, but for also being three of my dearest friends. My brother, Nelson, you are a keeper of the bad times, the good times, and the promise of great things to come. Johnny. How would I describe you? Every dream I ever wanted all wrapped up in one man. We've come so far, through so much, and yet I still get that tight feeling in my tummy when you enter a room. I pray our daughters still find that with their men after twenty-five years of marriage. And the list goes on and on. Some of my students have grown to be some of my sweetest friends that remind me of the laughter we shared as they grew up (KristenKracker, Heather, tight hugs!); friends of friends (i.e., Susanne, Kelly, I'm talking to you!) that I can't wait to meet and get to know better!; parents that have taken me under their wing (Lynne, I miss them so, too); friends that have come into my life because of the accident; etc., etc., you get the picture. Maybe dying did intensify the feelings, but I've always so appreciated the fact that no matter what I needed, when I needed it, it would have been impossible to count the ones that would have been there to see me through. This post is for you, for all of you that make my life richer and a happier place to be~may He hold you tight within His arms until we rejoice with Him one day past the Garden that was so beautiful~

Happy 50th Birthday, LegoLand!

2008-01-28T22:45:00.000-06:00

LEGO is a line of building toys manufactured by the LEGO Group, a privately held company based in Denmark. The company's flagship product, commonly referred to as Lego bricks, consists of colorful interlocking plastic bricks and an accompanying array of gears, minifigures and various other parts. There are other Lego pieces which can be assembled and connected in many ways, such as vehicles, buildings and even working robots.The Lego Group had a very humble beginning in the workshop of Ole Christianse, a carpenter from Billund, Denmark. Christiansen began creating wooden toys in 1932; the company began calling itself "Lego" two years later in 1934. The company expanded to producing plastic toys in 1947. In 1949, Lego began producing the now-famous interlocking bricks, calling them "Automatic Binding Bricks". It was not until 1958 that the modern-day brick design was developed, and it took another five years to find exactly the right material for it. The modern Lego brick was patented on January 28, 1958, and bricks from that year are still compatible with bricks today!

I thought this was interesting and that somebody out there might enjoy knowing this slightly important part of history. After all, it has brought joy to millions~Jenny, for one. And now Ian has inherited her love for these little blocks! Now if she can just get him to enjoy coloring as much as she did at his age. Hmmm, maybe not.

27 Dresses, 3 Best Friends~

2008-01-26T22:14:00.000-06:00

I saw the cutest movie this afternoon! 27 Dresses! I am not one of those that just adores chick flicks, preferring instead action movies like Air Force One and Cliffhanger. But I do like The Holiday and You've Got Mail. Two of my best friends and I met this afternoon to go see 27 Dresses and I am so glad we chose this one! It was funny, bittersweet, and brought to mind thoughts, actions, and dreams we've all shared. It wasn't a movie that Johnny would like, but if you have a good girlfriend, do yourself a favor and go see it together. Then browse at Kirkland's, bounce decorating ideas off each other, and wind up at Pablano's for a good meal~like we did!

a favorite game~

2008-01-23T15:50:00.000-06:00

What you will see here is a game that Noah found on his own. It's called, "Let's Throw the Ornaments Out of the Urn" and he has played this from day One! When we realized how much he liked it, Jenny went and bought plastic ornaments in order to safeguard him against the glass ones. After Stacey and Leslie left Monday I began straightening up the house and putting toys away. You would not believe the places I found these red Christmas balls! Several times I chuckled out loud thinking, "there's no way they would've thought to leave one here!" But they did. Thank you, Noah and Alaina, for bringing smiles to my heart and laughter to my day.

more Christmas~

2008-01-22T21:56:00.000-06:00

Jen has posted these on her blog, so go to their site to see more pictures! Thanks, Jenny!!

Miss Marley is Leslie's baby, but I know she wishes she lived in Alabama! We get to keep her each summer when Leslie goes on mission trips and she has to be the absolute best little schnauzer in the world!

Family Fun

2008-01-21T19:09:00.001-06:00

The best place to play, I guess, is right under the tree where no one else is and can't bother you. Stacey's son, Austin, found just the place when they were here this weekend. We celebrated Christmas with our daughters and their families, and it even snowed for us! What more could one ask for?! Well, okay, maybe celebrating in our own large cabin in the Smokies would be nice, but hey, one day maybe~here are some pictures of our girls.

I'm hoping I can get some pictures from Jenny of the grandbabies. I seem to have more pictures of the girls than the babies! Hint, hint Jen~do you have any on your flicker site or in a Kodak album you can send me? I have to ask here because I'm very likely to forget to ask her~

I hope your week has begun with laughter and moments of love. Have a blessed one~

It's snowing in Prattville!

2008-01-19T13:27:00.000-06:00

"It is, it is, it really really is". I remember how excited Jenny always got when snow began falling. We always had it when we lived in Georgia, but there were some 'snow days' after we moved to central Alabama. It seems, though, the older I get the less snow we have. The Montgomery Advertiser said today that the last snowfall we got was in 2001. Sad, Jenny's son Ian is four and he's never seen snow until this morning! They went to Target before the snow began falling to pick up a pair of water proof shoes so the boys could get out in the snow! Well, apparently Ian didn't like it falling on them when they left the store nor did he like walking in it.

The girls just called and they are coming through Selma and report that it is really falling there with accumulations upwards of four inches! Roads are clear for now, though, and they've had no trouble. I'm sure once Austin gets here and he and Ian get their heads together they both will be outside in no time. The joy of childhood.

Here are a few pictures I took during the first hour. You can bet you'll see more on here as our weekend progresses. We're celebrating Christmas with out daughters today~and it's a white Christmas!!!

Oops! I've been tagged!

2008-01-18T20:16:00.000-06:00

I was tagged by Jenny~

Link to the person that tagged you and post the rules on your blog.
Share 5 random and/or weird facts about yourself on your blog
OR
Share the 5 top places on your “want to see or want to see again” list
OR
Share 5 things you never pictured being in your future when your were 25 years old!

Tag a minimum of 5, maximum of 10 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs. Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog. The tagees have a choice of which they want to do.

***I chose to do all three***

5 random/weird facts about me~
1~ When we are out at night, and I'm a passenger, I absolutely love to ride by homes and try to look in their large windows! ha ha Then I quickly concoct a story about the people that live there!
2~I have to have my car thermostat AND radio volume on an odd number, but when asked to pick a number I always choose even ones.
3~If my eyes are open when an overhead light is turned off, I have to go to the switch plate, turn the light back on, close my eyes, and turn it off again.
4~Can't stand for any item in our pantry to have the label facing any way but front!! I've tried and tried, even to the point of just putting up groceries and closing my eyes so I won't see where the label is. Then I always open the pantry door again and fix it all to face the front. aarrgghh
5~My family knows how much I love Santa Claus figures. But what they don't know is that I will stand in front of the sales display in the store until I feel one pulling me towards him. I have to feel a connection to every Santa I have ever bought and love looking in their eyes and straightening the beards, coats, etc. Fortunately for me, the Santas I've been given by family members have quickly won my heart. However, there have been some given by others that I have sneaked into the trash!

5 top places on my “want to see or want to see again” list~
1~Paris in springtime
2~The Alps of Switzerland
3~a view of the Smokies from our own deck
4~the nursery in Memphis and Jenny in her crib
5~the view of Glacier Bay in Alaska from a cruise ship

5 things I never pictured being in my future when I was 25 years old~
1~a second husband; but I'm blessed to have him
2~a home in Alabama
3~a teaching career
4~only having the joy of giving birth once
5~a President like Bill Clinton not once, but TWICE!

I tag Kristen, Susanne, Keith, and I guess that's all. Jenny has already tagged Leah, and Kelly. Alright guys, it's YOUR turn NOW!!

What a Wonderful World

2008-01-18T18:27:00.000-06:00

A dear friend sent me this video on YouTube and as much as I never thought I'd be doing this on a blog! you have to see this. It touched me so much so that I have also posted in on Heartstrings, but with a different picture and phrases. There are other Terry Fator videos depicting all of his characters and songs. This, however, is my favorite. It grabbed at my heart and I hope it does the same for you. So, enjoy and may your weekend be even more joyful than you are expecting~
If you'd like to visit his website, I've Googled and found it at Terry Fator, The Million Dollar Voice. Here is Terry Fator, friends~Terry Fator~What a Wonderful World

Sleepy dayz~wake up, Night!

2008-01-15T21:47:00.000-06:00

John's shift is about to change again and our sleeping patterns will change as well! Since I do not have to clock in anywhere, I've found myself sleeping when he sleeps and up when he's at work. At least we are in sync! Just doesn't do much for getting things accomplished when he is on that midnight shift!

The week began with still more appointments, getting forms filled out and signed for retirement. It's not a complicated process, just time consuming. Along with trying to run errands and be ready for Saturday has only added to my calendar. {smile, smile} I'm staying on target, though, and am so pleased! Even when Jen called to see if we could snuggle on Noah while she subs tomorrow was worked in easily with the errands I'd penned in for Wednesday. Since the accident and the massive doses of meds I was given, I have to write lists so I don't forget something! BUT, I've always always been a list person. Ask my two youngest girls, I'm sure I drove them crazy when they lived at home with my OCD's. Sound familiar? It's tough on the children when it takes leaving home for the parent to realize, 'hey, I wish I'd relaxed more and we slept in later on Saturdays!'. God bless them, they are awesome young adult women and they take the time to relax. {Hint~keep doing it, girls!!!}

On another note, I'm interested in how many of you also visit Heartstrings? That's another blog of mine that's strictly when I feel the need to speak of heart stirrings. The last one I posted was a picture I got from a site I found on Susanne's blog. It shook me, and I'm wondering how it affected you. Leave me a comment and let me know. Oh, and you'll find Heartstrings over on the right under Favorite Faces~

An ending is only a beginning~

2008-01-12T21:06:00.000-06:00

It's been a week filled with closures and new beginnings. Monday, I went to check on the procedure for disability retirement. There were tears, but a decision had been reached. Wednesday, Johnny and I drove out to Holtville, and I turned in my letter of resignation to my principal, Mary Lucy Crapps, an awesome administrator. While there, I was able to see several that I worked with over my 19 year career and it was good to not only hug them, but to tell them how very much I've appreciated their prayers. The school has changed with a new kindergarten wing and high school gym being added, different paint schemes in the halls, and many new faces on the staff. I had no idea two years could make such a difference. As we were leaving, I looked back at the front door I walked through so many times. It's green now, not the blue that it was the day before the accident. Somehow, being a different color, made accepting it easier. Strange that a coat of paint would make it all less real.

We came back into Prattville and got a bite to eat at Logan's. Yum, it's my new favorite place! If you haven't eaten there yet, you need to! The prices are good, the food is better, AND you get to throw peanut shells on the floor!!! Can't do that at home!

Friday, Johnny took me back up to the school to give me some time with some bestest friends and I went with one to celebrate her birthday! Happy Birthday, Kayro! It was a different visit Friday, as I was able to relax and just enjoy catching up and making plans for getting together in the near future.

But today?! We have been so totally lazy!!! And when I say lazy, I mean the kind of lazy where you don't get out of bed until way after noon and you're ready for another nap before dark. I guess the energy expended getting through the week just wore us out. Whatever~it still felt good to get the rest.

Tomorrow begins a new week. It's already filling up with appoinments, plans, and great things to look forward to~I think I may just adjust to this new life. Oh, and have I mentioned that our Mississippi babies are coming in this weekend?! And do I need to tell you how excited we are?! It's still Christmas around here!!

Thanks, Jen~

2008-01-07T23:46:00.000-06:00

Jen took snapped this of Noah and me during the Christmas season. I had no idea she was taking it, so it was a pleasant surprise when I found it posted on their family blog.

There are several reasons I like this shot. One is the joy on my face and the memories of that evening. The next is that Noah is crouched in front of me studying the toy. I love the way he crouches on chubby little legs and looks so intently at whatever it is that has captured his attention. Need I remind you how in love I am with our grandchildren? They are each so different, but each so in love with life and everything it holds.

Austin and Alaina will be here in a couple of weeks to celebrate and I am so looking forward to that time. It's been too long since I've had some snuggles and giggles with them. And yes, you'll be seeing pictures during our family time. But to get back to this shot of Noah and me ~

this past weekend, Johnny and I made a difficult decision. We literally hibernated both days. Tomorrow morning I will be turning in my letter of resignation to the Elmore County Board of Education. Due to several disabilities stemming from the accident, I cannot be the teacher I need to be. The teacher I want to be. After nineteen years of serving as a second grade teacher at Holtville Elementary, I shall turn my classroom over permanently to someone else. It hurts. And it's been a tough three days.

But just like Noah opening his present, I am looking forward to seeing what God has in store for me. A wonderful part of my life came to a close that April day in 2006 and this past year has been a time of recovery and rediscovery. The new year began with revelations and decisions, but oh the joy in being able to rest in His hands and know that everything has been with His help and guidance. This snapshot will always remind me of not only the fun of the day, but of the promise for a different, but really neat, future. Thanks, Jen~at the time, you had no idea.

My dream cottage~

2008-01-06T12:13:00.000-06:00

My dream house~the house I've always pictured in my heart. A cozy cottage with tiny nooks and a breakfast area just large enough for two; with bedrooms upstairs that have old wallpaper and sloped ceilings; and a winding staircase that opens from the living area near an old fireplace. Definitely not what I live in now, but that's okay. It is dreams that have brought me to where I am today. And it is dreams that will take me to where I am going.
PS~a word of advice? Don't dream little. He doesn't want us to do that. Why would He have blessed us so if He didn't believe in big dreams? After all, He didn't dream small.

Faith, and faith alone~

2008-01-04T23:12:00.000-06:00

This morning was great, the afternoon wasn't quite that way. Have you ever gotten good news just to find that your world still continues to be turned upside down? Ours did. We got the news we were praying for, but learning the facts that got us to that point brought me to tears and Johnny, who had been pacing, had to sit down. Saying we were devastated is mild. Although we knew some of what happened during the accident, learning what we didn't know caught us both without words. Once we got home, it brought us to our knees in a sincere prayer of thanksgiving.

Tonight, I'm trying to digest what we learned and just how serious all of this has been. I lived, and I am recovering. I'll never be who I was, but I'm hoping I'll be different in good ways. In ways that matter.

Mine was an accident. His wasn't. My Lord died, and He arose. He did this so that I could live. Not here, but with Him. In Heaven. God always has a way of humbling us so that we never lose sight of just who is really in charge.

We're going to be okay. And in time, it will all work out in a beautiful fashion. The devil may run amok on Earth and create challenges, but my Lord is still in control. And He will prevail. He always has, and He always will. He will work within His timeframe, and that's a good thing. My daddy used to say, "Christians are never lucky. Christians are blessed." I'll always remember those words. My dad was so right.

I was tagged~

2008-01-02T02:04:00.000-06:00

Now for the Game of Tag~2007! What was our year like?

An unexpected blessing ~ having the doctors keep me home one more schoolyear, it's given me more time to be with my family and close friends

Feeling important ~ I don't know about feeling important but I can see where I'm improving with the therapy for PTSD!! Yea, me!! and thanks, Gregg!!

Craziest thing I did ~ during this recovery period, there have been many crazy moments of forgetfulness and still a hallucination a time or two! but I'm told time may heal that :)

Smartest thing I did ~ having more time to spend with some really close friends

Sentimental moment ~ watching Noah's eyes light up when he saw me one Sunday and I knew then he recognized me and was happy to see me

Most enjoyable gift ~ my cute little car that Johnny found and bought for me so I wouldn't be housebound after we had to sell my beloved Nissan Murano

Craziest purchase turnabout ~ don't really have one, but the new refrigerator we had to buy is really nice! It's only the second one we've ever had!

Moments of maturity ~ realizing that things aren't always what they seem, and that no matter how much you love someone sometimes you just have to let go and let God

Huge answers to prayer ~ we are all healthy, safe, and living to praise our Creator!

Consider yourself tagged! Please tell me about your 2007 or let me know you are doing so on your blog. Happy New Year!

2007-12-31T21:58:00.000-06:00

It's been such a great day here at our home. With John working 12 hour shifts, our sleep patterns are messed up~again. We sleep until 1:30 am (and while he stays up and works!) I find myself going to bed around 5:30 in the morning and sleeping until noon or after. BUT not anymore!! He's here to stay all night!! What a great way to spend New Year's Eve. He was to have worked, but plans changed as he left to come home this afternoon. So we went to Logan's Roadhouse, had a delicious meal with conversation, laughter, and handholding. I do so love this man~
Afterwards we drove across Cobbs Ford to the Bass Pro Shop and walked around. He shopped while I went and sat in front of the aquarium to watch the fish being fed. The children that gathered were so excited and it was a happy moment for all. You can't help but grin when little ones begin giggling and squealing!
Now we're home watching a close game between the Auburn and Clemson Tigers. However, I think John's ready to tuck himself in and get a good night's rest, so I don't know if he'll stay up to finish the game. (It's not like he's an Auburn fan anyway!) I hear the fireworks beginning to sound in our subdivision and it will soon be a new year.
We have such high expectations for 2008 and have to tell you we're so excited. I grow stronger each day and although there are still days that aren't so good, they are still so much better than some others I can recall! John said tonight he wants to work on being more positive this year and I want to make more time for Bible study.
I hope your year gets off to a good start and that as challenges come, you'll rise to meet them; and when the tears fall, good friends will support you; and when delight brightens your days, may you have loved ones to share it with~
Happy New Year's and may God bless you and yours richly.

Letting go~Looking ahead

2007-12-29T22:46:00.001-06:00

Deborah & I closed our little shoppe at My Kids Attic this afternoon. John came with a trailer and his Bronco to help move out the larger items. We had fun, and had a great location inside, but never made more than rent some months. I honestly don't think many of them do. The shoppe behind us and beside us also closed. We're thinking now, however, that we may open another one here in Prattville. Alison is in the process of moving The Carousel of Shoppes, so we'll wait until she's settled into her new location. It was a bit sad as I hate to fail at something, but we tried our best and gave it our best shot~so we really shouldn't lower our shoulders. I feel excited with the coming of a new year and have no doubt that it will be one of the best ones yet! I hope you are feeling the same; and if you aren't, try to redirect your thoughts and think in a more positive vein. Expect good things to happen; expect your life to get better; you just might be surprised that it does. This is what I plan to do.

Family, Friends, & Fun

2007-12-27T21:05:00.000-06:00

Okay, so we're somewhat bleary eyed, little to no makeup, and combed over the hair but we had the bestest time Wednesday morning!!! Nancy Maddox had never been out the morning after Christmas and I'm so glad she came~we honestly had a blast. Poor Johnny, though, had to come to meet us twice because we couldn't fit all our sale treasures in Jenny's Jetta!!! Up until this year, we either had her Trooper or my Murano. Not this year! But he was a good sport and even took me out to eat before he went to work Wednesday afternoon!!! Gotta love that man~

PS~Noah really did have a good time. He just doesn't look like it here ;) Bless his heart, he ate two breakfast bars, drank some water, and was good to go. Ian stayed with his dad ;)

2007-12-25T22:26:00.001-06:00

It's been a very, nice, quiet Christmas day here at our home and I pray that your day has been just as nice. John let me sleep in and when I woke around 10 this morning he had biscuits baking and coffee made!! It not only smelled good~it was good!!! I buttered the biscuits and got out the grape jelly while he fixed our cups (one of the ways he pampers me is to fix my coffee, and I love it!).

He had to work the 3-11 shift, so I went alone over to Jenny & Brandon's tonight. They began a new tradition tonight by inviting the grandparents over for finger foods and desserts. We all got to play with Brandon's new toy he got from Jen and there were lots of laughter, let me tell you!!!

By the time I got back, the rain picked up and the temp began dropping!!! I love it. Also loved coming back to the computer and finding some Christmas pictures from Stacey!! I want to share them with you naturally and wish all of you a safe and happy week and moments of joy as dreams come true~

2007-12-23T15:47:00.001-06:00

2007-12-20T09:26:00.000-06:00

Colored lights or white lights? I know white is considered elegant and I do use them, but there is just something about colored lights that brings out the childhood excitement in me!

Real tree or fake tree? Fake, they can stay up longer! ~ although I love the smell of real

What is your least favorite thing about the holidays? hoping I've purchased the right gifts

What is the one thing that you would like to see under the tree this year? a golden retriever puppy

What is your favorite thing to do/build in the snow? Ski!!!

What is your favorite holiday drink? plain ole’ hot chocolate

What is your favorite holiday smell? christmas trees or a spicy cinnamon smell

Who is your favorite reindeer? Rudolph, of course

What is your Christmas Eve ritual? My all time favorite is exchanging presents with Jen and Brandon, then heading to Waffle House for a late dinner. Now that we can’t fit in a booth together, we normally get together some time that day and celebrate.

Are you a Friday after Thanksgiving shopper? Normally, but not this year

What is your favorite holiday food? I LOVE finger foods

How did you find out that Santa wasn’t real? What??? He’s not real?!?!?

Who do you want to be under the mistletoe with? my Johan

Have you bought all your presents yet? Haven't even gotten a good start! But we're celebrating in January again this year, so it'll get done.

Do you spend Christmas with a lot of family? Our family has dwindled, but we treasure the time we have with those still here.

Do you still make snowmen and snow angels? I've only done that a few times~central Alabama doesn't get snow :(

Do you still have snow ball fights? Enough with the snow questions.

What’s your favorite Christmas movie? Home Alone in New York

What do you plan to do for New Year’s Eve? We don't do much for that day :)

What’s the most expensive thing you’ve ever gotten for Christmas? not sure, Johnny usually surprises me on 'off' days instead of waiting for special times when it's expected! ha ha

How early do you wake up on Christmas morning? now that we're empty nesters, we sleep in

What do you usually get in your stocking? with no children here, we'd gotten out of the habit~this year it's coming back!!!

What is your favorite religious Christmas carol? Mary Did You Know

What is your favorite non-religious Christmas song? Santa Clause is Coming to Town

How long do you leave up your Christmas decorations? I have left it up until the end of February before!!! but normally sometime in January~

Consider yourself tagged!

2007-12-19T15:31:00.000-06:00

2007-12-19T00:54:00.001-06:00

I just had to share with you the following picture & a few thoughts. Jenny posted this on her blog yesterday. You see Santa, Jenny, and Noah. Santa is happy! Jenny is happy! And Noah? Well, let's just say if looks could talk, he'd be saying something like, "Okay, man in red, do NOT touch the baby!"

Why are children afraid of Santa? Because they can't see much of his face? Because they only see him once a year? I know Jenny was afraid of him for the first three or four years of her life! We tried everything to get her close enough to capture a picture and when we did, she had this strained "get me out of here" smile. And the Easter Bunny?! Forget it! The child was in grammar school before we got a snapshot of that!

Children weren't afraid of our Lord. History tells us that most likely He had a full beard and probably shoulder length hair. That's how we picture him. Children didn't know Him, but they weren't afraid. I've never fretted that our daughters needed to know there was no Santa. No Easter bunny or tooth fairy. We never worried that it would hinder their belief in God. You know, "How can children believe in what they can't see if what they do see isn't real." That kind of reasoning. A lot like how did the coyote keep chasing the roadrunner when he was always falling off cliffs and having boulders smash his eyes out? Children seem to be able to put fantasy in its place, and God on His throne.

So Noah, just laugh at that silly Santa. He'll bring you some neat toys, puzzles, and books each year for a long time to come. And when it comes to God, His gifts will be so grand and wonderous it'll put all the rest to shame. I still believe~in both the magic of the season and the Gift that began in a stable scene. It makes for a most awesome time of the year!And Noah? one more thing, thanks so much for the giggling this snapshot brings to my heart!

It's Your Birthday!

2007-12-16T17:25:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday, Ian!

Ian is four years old!

He had a party yesterday at the fire station!

and today we celebrated with him at Applebee's.

Pa had to work, so we'll celebrate again next Sunday!

Ian loves pirates, firetrucks, puzzles, and laughing.

His favorite movie at this time is The Grinch That Stole Christmas!

He likes a little blonde named Karah, and going to Chick Fil A!

and he's real sneaky about getting M&M's when no one is looking!

Happy Birthday, sweet boy~

you are loved so very much!

2007-12-11T00:25:00.001-06:00

It's the Christmas season and I love it when our home takes on a different look for the holidays! Take a look at some of my favorite parts of our home~Merry Christmas! {and think SNOW!!!} One of my favorite views in our home is the one looking into the foyer. John fusses forever about the drapes, but I love the way sunlight comes through them and casts jewel tones in there. It is difficult, however, when you're trying to get in and out :)

A corner of our living room with a favorite picture of mine~it was the year before the accident and I'll always treasure it. The Christmas ornaments in the trifle bowl was Jen's idea! She's a Pampered Chef consultant and I've learned more than cooking ideas from her.

I took this picture of the tree in our living room before making sure the flash was charged. I like the way it turned out. This tree is up off the floor so the little ones won't get to the presents there! Johnny is in the process of making a stocking hanger for me and I'm so excited! I'll have one for our daughters and son-in-laws in the den and one for the grandbabies sitting beside this tree. Yea, John!!

My favorite tree is the au natural one in the den~only pinecones, sleigh bells, and paper Christmas balls~notice that someone forgot to get the stepladder to decorate the top! Hmm, couldn't have been me! And yes, the Christmas train works, with carols! Ian loved the one so much last year, but alas it didn't work anymore. Packing it with batteries still IN is NOT the way to make sure it continues to work! So this year we went on a hunt to find a replacement, not wanting to put a lot of money in it as this item is always handled by little hands! Thanks to Walmart, we found just what we were looking for! Now, if it was just quieter when running!!!

I love our guest bath. And my sweet husband loved what I did with it UNTIL I removed the doors from the linen closet and bathing area while renovating. That idea did NOT go over well. But he's a good sport~most of the time. He still wishes the doors were back on~but I like it this way :) Guess which way it'll stay~at least until I get tired of it :)

2007-12-07T20:13:00.000-06:00

Today is December 7th, a day "which will live in infamy". I've thought of what happened 66 years ago, and I wondered how many Americans younger than me remembered the significance of today. The men in my father's family were military men~the Revolution, the War Between the States, both World Wars, and Korea. Their sacrifice does not go unnoticed nor are they forgotten. I have the utmost regard and appreciation for those serving our country, for our veteran's, and for those that have lost their lives defending her. I would urge you to click on Heartstrings under Favorite Faces and read, once more, those stirring words uttered by our President and the Commander-in-Chief of the Imperial fleet.

Birthdays & Family, Again!

2007-12-06T21:50:00.000-06:00

It's somebody's birthday!! Again!! Our Stacey's celebrating today!! We were to be with her this weekend, BUT, my cute little car is having problems and John needs to take it to the mechanic while it's still acting up. I'm going to miss my snuggles with the Mississippi babies! and eating out with the girls! and shopping! and giggling with Leslie's updates! Even without trying, Leslie Dian can bring out the giggles in me.

Beginning in August and running through December, everyone in our family has a birthday except Leslie and me! Which makes for some partying months all the way through Thanksgiving and Christmas! Today is your day, dear Stacey. We shall so miss being with all of you this weekend but will work toward getting over for a day or two while you're out of school! Here's to you, sweetheart. May the years be kind, your laughter hearty, and your babies healthy. We love you very much~

Family & Birthday Food

2007-12-02T22:45:00.001-06:00

Happy Birthday, Alaina! We'll be seeing her and her family soon and will celebrate in grand style. Stacey has a birthday this week also, so there'll be singing at the dinner table and gifts to open! Maybe a shopping trip for just us girls!

With two grandsons to love, we were all thrilled when Stacey & Brett called to say a little girl was coming. Since we don't live as close as aunt Leslie does, she gets to dress the girly-girl. Although~

Alaina can give her brother, Austin, a run for the money, let me tell you! She's on the go constantly and doesn't mind getting down and dirty. Loves to eat! Anything! and forget the cute bows her mommy tried to keep in her hair. Alaina has no time for them. I keep telling Johnny it's like looking at a junior size Stacey, and he agrees, but says Stace was never that active. ha ha

Happy Birthday, sweetheart. Your Nan and Pa love you and ask God each day to take care of you. We can't wait to see you again!

2007-11-30T16:46:00.000-06:00

Nan is missing you, Austin Brett, and so looking forward to seeing you again. You were the first time we grew giddy as grandparents and you were the one that put us in that great club. I hope that I always remember your Pa's reaction when your mum called and asked if we wanted to know the sex of the child she was carrying. Here's the story~

Our phone rings and it's your mom. After some chitchat with her, Pa turns to me and asks, "Nance, what do we think the baby is?" I don't remember answering, because he's back on the phone listening. Then it's, "Yes! NO, WAIT! I don't know, hold on" and he looks at me with these big excited eyes. "Nance!! do we want to know what it is?" I'm nodding my head and getting to my feet. {Your Pa is already on his feet and pacing like a tiger in a cage!}

"Okay, yes, we wanna know." Then, silence. And I see this big man that I love so dearly turn red in the face, and with tears streaming he actually throws the phone IN the air and drops to his knees. His next words are, "Thank you, God, it's a boy."

I had to go get the phone off the floor. We were all in tears. You see, Austin, your Pa loves your mommy, and your aunt Leslie, and your aunt Jenny so very much. And he wouldn't trade them for any amount of money or treasure. But he wanted a son too, and when he found out you were coming, he felt blessed beyond measure.

Your mom sent these pictures a few days ago and I've had them on my screen. When was it that you became a young lad and not the baby we held so few short years ago. We are so proud of you, Austin, and know that you will grow in love and laughter and with a family that just adores you. Always remember that you were wanted, you are loved, and you were sent from God. Pa & I love you and are so glad to have you in our world.

Faith, Family & Friends~forever

2007-11-29T23:23:00.000-06:00

Today was rough. For awhile. A morning appointment was extremely difficult and I wanted to call it a day and head home to hide. A darkened room, my oh so comfy bed, and no one to bother me. BUT~

I had a brother in town and a daughter running errands and it was lunch time! It really wasn't a hard decision. We grow up with certain responsibilities. One of those is putting others first. And I take that very seriously, sometimes too much so. ANYWAY~

I called and made plans to meet Jenny in Prattville. I found Nelson in Montgomery and we chased each other up I-65. Jenny and her boys were already at Chick Fil A. Ian was having fun with a little friend in the playyard. And Noah? He was wondering where the food was! When it's meal time, that child reminds me of his mother. SO~

there was laughter, love, and promises of a better day. Walking up on my porch later, I realized I needed to change the decor. Fall was put away and Christmas came in its glory. The leaves were hosed off the patio and deck, the driveway swept clean, the furniture dusted off, and my swing relocated to take advantage of the last bits of summer heat. NOW~

my soul is renewed {working outdoors gave me hours of reflection and time with my Lord}; our outdoor rooms are refreshed {and the colors delight me}; and again, I was comforted by the fact that I had spent time with four people that love me dearly. THEN~

Johnny came in and all was right with the world.

{Well, okay. So not all of the spiders are gone, but the web's been taken care of for the moment.}

2007-11-29T00:21:00.000-06:00

Just had to share this birthday picture taken at Noah's first party. Everyone looks excited and interested except the birthday boy! And all he wanted was the food sitting around. It was too cute.

Stacey sent family pictures tonight, but due to restrictions on the photographer's site I can't upload any. But they are so good and if there's a way, I'll make sure to have some here to show you just how cute the Mississippi babies are.

A breathing function test today at my pulmonary doc shows good lung improvement!! Yea me!! He urged me to get this hernia fixed, but you-know-who isn't quite ready to be put to sleep again :) wonder why?! It's larger, but still not much of a bother, so I just think I'll wait a bit longer~

We're getting the trees put up here and I think this year I'll have a "How Many Santa's Can You Find?" contest. I did that with the trees once and there was a total of 17. I know there are more Santa's, but I'm not sure just how many. Hmmm, Jenny is competitive, let's see how many YOU can find Jen! I'll post pics as soon as things are decorated and I've cleaned the messes I've made during the pulling out of boxes and bows.

Merry Christmas, dear ones.

Okay, so~

2007-11-25T03:11:00.000-06:00

We lost. We can take it. Enjoy bragging rights and making school history~you won't have it next year.

On the upswing, Tennessee is going to Atlanta!!! What an exciting game! Winning in overtime 52-50, and that was in the fourth overtime period! That game actually had me dancing around the room. Arkansas beat LSU!! and had Johnny crowing at the moon. Brett and Stacey's alma mater, Mississippi State came out ahead over Ole Miss, which has Brett feeling mighty good. This has been a floor walking weekend in college football. Not to mention the coaches that were fired or resigned!

Our own Prattville Lions beat Foley and are getting closer to another championship! Our girls didn't graduate from PHS, but that doesn't mean we can't show our civic pride!! We traveled to Birmingham to a playoff game when Kevin Turner was a senior playing for PHS and we've enjoyed Prattville football ever since. Here's hoping they can take it all the way again~

AND now it's time for Christmas music, scents of pine and cinnamon, bright eyes, crisp mornings, and the Salvation Army outside each Kmart. It's the holiday season! Enjoy!!!

2007-11-23T17:23:00.002-06:00

But of course!

2007-11-22T23:54:00.001-06:00

Stacey posted some pictures tonight of Thanksgiving in Mississippi. The two darlings on the right are our Mississippi babies!! Austin and Alaina are snuggling with their older cousin, Abigail. Alaina will turn two in a couple of weeks and due to John's work schedule we won't be able to make the party, but we plan to celebrate soon with both her and her mother! Stacey has a birthday just a few days after sweet 'Laina.

Stacey also said they have their tree up! It isn't decorated, but the kids got excited with the tree just being there! Santa can't be far off! You can be assured as we go through the season and our girls send pictures I'll be posting some of them here. I have a leather envelope I carry in my purse to show off our babies, but consider this blog a place for me to brag. (I know you grandmothers out there will totally understand. Besides, it IS my blog. wink, wink!)

Thanksgiving & a Birthday!!

2007-11-22T14:48:00.001-06:00

It's birthday time in our family again! Not only is today Thanksgiving, but it's also Noah's first birthday. Our youngest grandson is one today. Makes us almost feel like we have no more babies. Hint, hint girls!

Jenny posted this picture of him in his little 'birthday' outfit. If you look closely, there's a cake with one candle on the bodice. There are more on their family site listed to the right. Noah is a love and full of affection and cuddling. I do so enjoy snuggling with him. Today at lunch he was honored with our traditional musical Birthday Mice and wanted to eat them instead of watching them twirl! I took a few pictures but they didn't turn out very well. I'll wait & see how Jen's turn out.

I hope all of you have had a warm and safe holiday. As Christians, we celebrate with thanksgiving every day, but it's nice to have a national holiday set aside to allow families to have some extra time away from work. The weather is much cooler than yesterday and still drizzly here at our house! I love it and intend to spend the rest of the day watching a movie and later I think I'll begin decorating for Christmas!! (Did I tell you it's my favorite time of the year?!)

Happy Thanksgiving, and Happy Birthday, Noah James~

Family, Fun, and Fall

2007-11-20T23:37:00.000-06:00

Let's play catch-up! John & I drove with my brother and his wife to Gatlinburg last week and had an awesome time. As always. It was snowing as we drove into town and was crisp and cold the whole time we were there. There was more snow in the park and we were able to get some beautiful pictures of the four of us.

The cabin we stayed in provided a million dollar view and although there were a few aggravating moments (nothing beats having everything at hand like home does!) we enjoyed the trip. The guys grilled for us several nights, while we ladies fixed the rest of the meal. I'll let you guess as to who cleaned up. (wink, wink)

The beautiful fall foliage picture was taken near town, while the ones of the snowy Little Pigeon River were taken outside of town. There was much more snow than we expected to see!

If you've never treated yourself to a trip in the Smokies, you're missing out. Do yourself a favor and plan one in the near future. We've been there

each month except during August and have found November through February to be our favorites. The crowds are small, the weather delightfully snowy, and you'll enjoy the winter lights around town. Not to mention the endless shopping outlets in Pigeon Forge!

Johnny said it best years ago when he said, "A bad day in Gatlinburg beats a good day in Alabama!" Here's to our dream of owning a second home there in the near future!

Happy Birthday, Jenny!

2007-11-13T10:58:00.001-06:00

I wanted to wish our Jenny a very happy birthday today!! Actually she won't be 28 until around 10:30 tonight, but today is her day!!

The only time I can remember ever wanting to give her back was during her first five months. She had colic for five solid months!! And what crying there was! For her, as well as for me. But peace came on a visit to her grandparents in Palmetto, Georgia. Jen pulled up in the crib and was able to begin working off that gas in her tummy! She was a happy, smiling little girl after that and is still that way today. So here's heartfelt wishes to a beautiful young woman~

Happy Birthday, sweetheart, and thank you for so many memories. I wouldn't have missed this ride with you for the world~forever and a day, mommy
PS~You know I was only kidding about giving you back. You have always been a dream come true.

a mother's memories~

2007-11-08T23:31:00.000-06:00

Jenny came over this morning with her sons and we worked on getting ready for a yard sale. Before we got started, we took time to visit. While Noah and I snuggled on the loveseat, Jenny and Ian got comfy looking through a Sears Wish Book that had come with today's Advertiser. Watching them look at the toys and listening as Ian told her what he wanted brought back such memories. I remember my little girl doing the very same thing. As much as time marches on, some things never change. Enjoy these moments, Jenny, and let them be written on your heart. One day you'll have the joy of watching Ian show his little girl the Sears Wish Book~

so I'm curious~

2007-11-07T19:38:00.000-06:00

Teale had this on her blog today and I found it interesting. I know there are readers out there because I see the counter changing. But it elicited some neat answers, so I'm going to do it here and see what happens. You do not have to join to leave a comment!

Here goes:
1. What is your name? (not mandatory if you don't want to leave it)

2. How long have you known me and/or read my blog?

3. How did you find my blog?

4. Where are you from? (again, you don't have to say if you don't want.)

5. What is one thing we have in common?

6. Is there something you want to know about me or a question you want to ask? If so, leave it here and I'll answer it.

Have a great Thursday!!!

2007-11-04T22:25:00.000-06:00

Jenny's family didn't make it for lunch, so I spent that time cleaning out our study. My sweet man put shelves in one of the closets for me and I finally took the time to clean out drawers, boxes, cabinets, and get them arranged so nicely in my 'new' space! But~

while doing so, I ran across an old suitcase that I had while growing up. Unlocking it opened a window to the past and I spent time reliving moments that are gone forever. Love notes, drawings, memorabilia, snapshots ~ you know what I'm talking about. Things you don't want to part with, but you wonder if you really need to hang onto them. After thinking about this, I decided~

I wanted to keep them. I carefully, and with love, placed it all back in the suitcase, and snapped it shut. It went on the top shelf in a corner. One day someone will go through it and know that their mother/grandmother was a young girl once with hopes and dreams. And they'll know she loved and was loved. And that yes, her dreams came true.

Ah well~

2007-11-04T11:05:00.000-06:00

Yeah, Tigers had elephant meat yesterday. I'm sure, though, that the eagle meat was much tastier! Elephant meat is tougher, although I'm sure for Coach Miles it was much, much sweeter! {wink, wink!!!}

I wasn't able to stay awake for all of the game. It's been such a busy two weeks that I kept falling asleep and Johnny finally had me go to bed around 6 pm! Can you imagine?! And I slept solid until 8 am this morning. Needed that rest~

I have a few more comments to share with you later on, BUT Jenny and her family will be here soon for lunch so I'll finish this later! I must change this music out, too!!

Tide & Tigers to Tangle Tomorrow!

2007-11-02T22:21:00.002-05:00

Family, Fun, Food, and a Funeral

2007-11-01T03:06:00.000-05:00

Life never ceases to amaze me. Nor the human beings I am blessed to have in my life. Today was so non-typical I just had to share it with you. I should be sleeping. It's 4 am Thursday morning and I stayed up most of Tuesday night trying to do what I thought I'd have time for Wednesday. Ah, the best laid plans of mice and men. {By the way, my dad used to say that a lot.} So much has happened the last 48 hours my brain won't shut off. So, here I am and there you are. And here's how it played out.

Monday we got word there had been a death within our Mississippi family. Very sudden. Very sad. He was ready. No one else was. And it's just not natural for a mother to outlive a child. But Davis went peacefully in his sleep and is rejoicing today in a beautiful realm. Johnny & I wanted to go for the memorial service and to be with our two oldest daughters as they dealt with this loss. To do so meant we'd have to rearrange schedules and get the hurries on. He planned to take the day off from work and I did Tuesday what I'd planned to do Wednesday and Thursday. You know, take one day to do what it was going to take two days to do! That kind of day. {laugh, laugh}

I suggested we pack an overnight bag since I wasn't sure how the girls would be and we may need to stay and pamper them a bit. We managed to get about 4 hours of sleep before getting up Wednesday morning, leaving at 8, and driving to Crystal Springs, Mississippi. We missed a turn, but got there in time to see lots of family.

Let me stop here and tell you that this family knew Johnny long before I ever came on the scene. And it includes the mother of our two oldest daughters. Yes, we're a blended family. A happy one. But to get back to the story,

Everyone was ready to go to the church for the memorial service, so we loaded up and drove down this beautiful heavily wooded narrow road to a small piece of land that's had a church on it for the past 150+ years. A lot of history there. A lot of memories. I knew so few people, but they treated me like a cherished member. I was welcomed. The service was inspiring and included two songs that Davis had written and recorded. Touching and sweet. Stories were traded between friends and family members and I watched and listened as Johnny reconnected with these that were once his family, still his family, and will always be in his heart. Memory-making moments.

Afterwards~if you're from the South~you know that food comes into the house when a loved one passes on! There was plenty of it. Along with more talk, more laughter, and more hugs. I sat on the swing with Dian, his once wife, and thought how blessed Johnny is to have been loved twice. And how blessed I am to be a part of these lives.

Leaving, we followed Stacey and Brett to go see our Mississippi babies. Austin and Alaina needed some snuggling from Nan and Pa and they got it. Here's a couple of shots we took before we left coming home and they left to go trick or treating. They aren't in their costumes yet. Stacey will email us those in the next day or two and I'll share them soon with you.

Austin is four, very focused on handheld computer games, and giggling. Alaina is almost two, a tad bit shy at first, and always on the go. The only time she slowed down this afternoon was when she was eating. I am so in love with our four grandchildren and love to watch them grow, learn, and explore. You have to have a grandchild to know this feeling. It doesn't come any other way.

John made the decision not to spend the night. Both Stacey and Leslie were okay. A bit sad, a lot tired, but okay. Faith allows one to be okay. Johnny needed some long sleep, so at dusk we headed back to Alabama. The drive gave us four hours to hash over the visit, his long lost friends, my new found friends, the beauty of life and the power of God. What a day. What a really neat kind of day~

So now, I don't have to do what I'd planned to do Thursday because I got that list completed Tuesday! Looks like now we'll go to Lowe's and buy another front porch light to install before the Open House at 5 PM! The reason we need a new light is a whole 'nother story.

Suffice to say, the emotions of Wednesday, Halloween 2007 defied the simple definition of roller coaster. And I am so glad I was there to experience every moment of it.

Friends, Fun

2007-11-01T02:45:00.000-05:00

If you guessed that I was in Florida for sun and surf, you are WRONG! If, however, you guessed that I went with Lynne to help with the new twins, you win the door prize! I don't have pictures yet of our time there together, but here's shots of those sweet little babes in their coming home outfits! I helped the new mother with the 3:30 am feedings and Lynne got up with daddy for the 7:30 ones. Parents and babies are doing well and settling in fine. New grandmother, GiGi, is still there waiting on Papa. Thanks, Susan and Tony, for making my time with you so memorable. And thanks, Lynne, for being such an awesome friend. Next time you want to go to Panama City, call me!! I know the way!

Oh wait!! the rest of you don't know that inside joke, do you?! Well see, Lynne and I love to talk. And talk. And talk some more! And we had lots of catching up to do and with nine hours in a car, we thought we'd run out of conversation. NOT! In fact, we were so busy talking and laughing, we drove right under I-10 and never saw the entrance ramps!! We eventually stopped at a McDonald's to get some water, use the little girls room, and to ask 'just where in the world' we were! The manager informed us we were in Panama City. Yeah!!! Panama City!! And our eyes got just as big as yours just did. And we thought the same thing you just did. "How in the world did we end up in Panama City???" "I don't know", he said, "where did you wanna go?"

"I-10." "Oh, that's 50 miles back the other way." With our jaws still open, water bottles in hand, and a map out!!! we headed north to get on the CORRECT road. Coming home, Johnny called me like every hour to make sure I wasn't in Jacksonville, Pensacola, or Cuba. No wait, Cuba's an island. Hmmm, he really didn't have confidence in me, did he?! Needless to say, it was a blast and I wouldn't have missed it for the world~

Home~

2007-10-29T17:02:00.000-05:00

I'm home! I've been away for the weekend, but am home and getting settled in. A bit too tired for details, but I'll fill you in tomorrow~now it's time for some pizza, catch up on reading the papers, a hot shower, and a long nap! {Hope YOUR weekend was as much fun as mine! Can't wait to tell you about it!!} Here's a hint!

Limes & Smiles

2007-10-22T16:39:00.000-05:00

I love baked potatoes. And I love salads! So, about 20 minutes ago I decided to have both for an early supper. Got the potato in the microwave, got the butter and sour cream out. Now, you have to know that it's an unopened container of sour cream. When I popped the lid off, there's always another sealed wrapping to contend with. This particular wrapping, however, was different. It made a nice difference in my life and I hope it does yours~

The wrapping had the words, "When life gives you limes, rearrange the letters and give back a smile". I'm glad someone thought enough of the human race to do this. Someone wanted to pass on a smile. Now I've passed it on to you. It's your turn~

Family & Fall

2007-10-21T17:00:00.000-05:00

It's October and one of my favorite times of the year. Next to Winter, I truly enjoy the days of Fall. In central Alabama, we're blessed with changing colors and temperature changes. It's hard to imagine being happy where the weather is always the same. Now, I wouldn't mind living where you can count on enough snow to make a difference and summer temps that never get above 75 degrees!

I lived in Aurora, Colorado for awhile during the fall/winter season and absolutely loved it! Had conditions been different, I really think I'd have stayed and made a life there. I learned to snow ski and that it was possible to have snow on Mother's Day! And the Rockies ~ wow. If you've never seen them, you've missed a treat. They are so different from our Smokies, the two are not even comparable. It's one of my dreams to take Johnny to Snowbird, Utah one winter to see the view from a condo. Breathtaking view. Great food. Awesome.

Jenny took the picture this afternoon after lunch. A breeze caught my skirt and it looks like the crinolines I used to wear many, many years ago. I think this picture will become one of my very favorites of us. Me, and this man I love.

The week is already looking busy, but fun. The Holiday Market is this week and I have plans for that. Should be lots of fun!! It will be at Garrett Coliseum so parking won't be a problem and there's to be over 100 vendors!! This event just continues to grow. Prattville will have their Mistletoe Market November 2-3 this year at the Doster Center. Jenny and I have a tradition of going each year and then out to lunch. The good Lord willing, we'll do it again this year too!

I'll be posting a few other pictures that were taken today, but wanted to give Jen the chance to post them on her blog first. I hope your week will be filled with laughter and memory making moments. Until another time~

Oh well~

2007-10-20T23:49:00.000-05:00

Whoops, Tigers had eagle meat for supper tonight~can't say Johnny Hood is crying right now.

Need a can?

2007-10-20T19:38:00.000-05:00

I like the Vols. Really, I do. But I like the Tide better. And we sure put a can of whupass on 'em today! Wow, I had a feeling Alabama would come out on top, but didn't think we'd be standing on their mountain tops! Now if the Eagle will just soar tonight!

The Tide Faces Rocky Top!

2007-10-18T20:48:00.001-05:00

It's Halloween in Mississippi!

2007-10-17T21:42:00.000-05:00

Stacey sent snapshots today of Austin and Alaina in their Halloween costumes. Of course, I have to show them to you! We weren't able to go see them this past weekend but hope to in the near future. It may simply be that we drive over, have pizza when everyone gets to Stacey's home, spend the night with Leslie, and leave coming back to Alabama the next morning. Not so much quantity time, but good quality time~and isn't that what's important? Here's the babes.

On another note, congratulations to a dear friend of mine, Lynne Griffies! Her son and his wife just had the first grandchildren~for both sides! Can you grandmothers out there remember what it felt like when that happened to you! I know that Johnny and I were over the moon when Stacey told us one Christmas trip that their 'junk room' would be a nursery. The following Mother's Day, Jenny gave me a card saying "I'm pregnant!" at the bottom! Christmas 2004 we had two grandsons to shop for, snuggle on, and ooh-and-ah over. Now it's Lynne and Allen's turn. The fun has just begun for them~

I love this time of year. Now, if it would just get cooler. And stay that way! La Nina apparently has a warmer and dryer winter ahead for us. Rats. I much preferred her brother, El Nino. The rest of my week is going to be filled with family, girlfriends, and food. Some of my very favorites! Here's hoping your week is filled with much the same~until,

I was tagged!

2007-10-15T20:31:00.000-05:00

I've been tagged, and THIS is my man~

1. Who is your man? Johnny Hood

2. How long have you been together? February 27th will be 25 years!

3. How long did you date? ONLY 4 months!! Very impulsive but, oh, so right!

4. How old is your man? 57

5. Who eats more? He does in quantity, but I enjoy the flavor of food more!

6. Who said "I love you " first? I did, then was afraid I'd said it too soon in the relationship. I have a habit of saying what I feel before I think. He felt the same, he's just a cautious individual.

7. Who is taller? Johnny is!

8. Who sings better? I think he does.

9. Who is smarter? He says I have book sense, he has common sense :) He also says he thinks with his head and I think with my heart so we compliment each other well.

10. Whose temper is worse? His! It takes more for me to get ugly.

11. Who does the laundry? ME! I don't want him washing our clothes! LOL

12. Who takes out the garbage? He does normally.

13. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Johnny has always liked sleeping closer to the door, but since the recovery period I sleep better if I DON'T sleep in my regular spot. Yeah, I know. I'm working through these OCD's.

14. Who pays the bills? My ex-husband always took care of the bills, Johnny's ex-wife always did, so when we married neither of us was good at it. We manage :)
15. Who is better with a computer? Definitely me

16. Who mows the lawn? NOT ME!

17. Who cooks dinner? I cook, he grills~

18. Who drives when you are together? Johnny does. He's had way more tickets, but he gets critical and nit picky when I drive.

19. Who pays when you go out? Depends on who picks the check up first, usually Johnny.

20. Who is most stubborn? Ummm, I'd have to say me.

21. Who is the 1st to admit when they are wrong? me

22. Whose parents do you see the most? John's parents have both passed on, my dad has also crossed over, and my mother is busy these days.

23. Who kissed who first? It took him four dates, but Johnny kissed me first.

24. Who asked who out? Well, he was working a lot with UPS so our dates consisted of coming over to visit Jenny and me. In fact, we never had a date alone. We were either with his brother and his wife, or Jenny was with us. But he asked if he could come over :)

25. Who proposed? Johnny, after a 35 minute talk telling me what kind of wife he wanted. When he finally quit talking-and pacing around my dad's pool table-I asked, "Does this woman you're looking for have any particular color hair?" He smiled and said, "As a matter of fact, she's a blonde". aawww

26. Who is more sensitive? me, although he'll cry easily where our daughters and grandbabies are concerned

27. Who has more friends? we probably have about the same amount

28. Who has more siblings? we have the same

29. Who wears the pants in the family? Johnny Hood. I have opinions, but he's always worn the pants.

30. Any regrets? None at all. I'd marry him again~

***Kristen, Heather, and Kelly~you've been tagged! ***

Fairs, Food, Fun & Family

2007-10-11T10:46:00.001-05:00

A quick post to share some photos I got from our daughter, Stacey, this morning. They recently went to Mississippi's State Fair and had such fun. Here's Alaina catching a ride on Daddy's shoulders. She's a daddy's girl~and Austin loves corn on the cob! Looks like someone is too busy to be posing for momma!

Here's a shot of brother and sister riding together in what, I'm sure, is the Kiddie section of the fair. All of the pictures Stacey sent don't have the grime and filthiness that I saw at our State Fair the last time I went. Maybe it's because they're in the kiddie part, maybe it's because it's daylight. Hopefully, it's not because Alabama has less pride. But I'll withdraw any criticism since I haven't been in a number of years. Pictures in the Advertiser, though, seemed to back up me up.

One of the shots of Austin brought to mind a shot of Ian. I've posted them both here in order to show Pa this evening when he gets home. Maybe somebody needs a horsie at their house! Austin is riding at the Fair and Ian was at a local outing downtown. Think there's a horse in the future of one or both?!

I am so in love with these children. Or have I said that already? Have a blessed day~

2007-10-10T22:28:00.000-05:00

For the past three years, Brandon & Jenny have taken Ian to the Grand Old Pumpkin Patch. This year, Noah got to go! I love seeing the pictures and the smiles on the faces. You can visit The Maddox Family for more snapshots. Noah has pure glee on his face after coming down the Tiger Slide!

I hope to get some pictures soon of our Mississippi babes in their Trick or Treat costumes, and hopefully some fall snapshots as well. Johnny and I are so in love with these children of our daughters and so proud of the parents raising them.

The weekend should be cooler, and maybe bring some rain. My area is becoming very decorated with nature's bounty, along with scarecrows and owls! If you haven't visited downtown Prattville, I urge you to do so. It's truly worth the trip. Have a thankful Thursday!

2007-10-08T08:17:00.000-05:00

Take one

Obi Wan Kenobi.

Add one Yoda.

And what do you have???

May the Force

be with You!

{Thanks, Jenny, for some of the cutest pictures and for allowing me to share them with my friends.}

Family & Falling Leaves

2007-10-02T10:58:00.000-05:00

I saw this picture of an old greeting card and thought it quite odd that it shows leaves from our fall season, yet there are Christmas wishes noted. Makes me wonder where this card originated and who it was sent to~

Sitting at our local Cracker Barrel the other morning I began looking at the vintage shots of wedding couples and wedding parties as I waited on my breakfast. They were actual shots and I thought it sad that somehow these tintypes had gotten away from the family. Now I realize that one can't hold on to things forever, but at one time these couples were real and loved and laughed and cried just as I do. Now they're only pictures in a store and memories in, maybe, a family bible.

The weather is cooler and the leaves are beginning to fall at my house! And NOT because of the drought. They're turning colors and drifting down onto our deck. This is one of my favorite seasons and I wouldn't miss it for the world. So, "Greetings and Christmas Wishes"!

Familiar Favorites~

2007-09-30T14:18:00.000-05:00

A few sights that bring me comfort during the days here at home~

Our front door set to welcome the cooler days of fall~

The view of our foyer during early afternoon~

Sometimes it takes very little to bring a smile to our hearts~here's hoping something around you is doing the same for you right now.

2007-09-26T18:07:00.000-05:00

Oh, Ian, Nan is so sorry~

I went over to Jen's this afternoon to see the progress on their new home~and there's been a lot!~and when we got back to their apartment it was time for the boys to lie down and take their naps. I asked Ian if I could lie down with him. We whispered and snuggled and he finally asked me, "Nan, will you stay here and when I wake up we can play?" Forgetting that Brandon's work hours are different, I whispered back, "Yes I will. Go to sleep, Nan will be here." And then!! after I dozed off I woke up remembering, "Brandon will be home at 4:30!!! And it was like 4:10!

I got up, got ready to leave and asked Jenny if she thought Ian would remember that I was going to be there. She said, "probably not". Wrong answer!!! Brandon called about 5:15 saying Ian wanted to talk to me. Well, he wouldn't talk. All I heard was sniffling. My heart cracked. Then Brandon gets back on the phone and says that yes, Ian did remember and that yes, he was crying. My heart broke then.

I feel horrible. He's too young to understand my reason for leaving. All he knows at this tender age is that his Nan said she would be there when he woke up~and she wasn't. I honestly think a public flogging would be easier to bear.

This whole incident~ that isn't important to anyone but Ian and his Nan~could've been handled two ways. One, I could've stayed until he woke up and hustled out without play time, in order to give Brandon and Jenny their family time, and he would've cried. Or two, I could've told him I wouldn't be there at which point he would've cried. Of course there's a third option, just don't lie down with him when he takes a nap. NOT. I wouldn't have missed that cuddle time for the world. You can bet, though, that I'll have a ready answer next time that will cover this situation! I'm sorry, my precious buddy. Nan won't be guilty of this again!

2007-09-21T20:58:00.002-05:00

Looking back, moving forward~

2007-09-20T21:00:00.001-05:00

Emotionally, it's been another up and down week. As time draws closer for the filing and appointments are made for the hernia repair, my headaches are increasing. The headaches bring about speech problems, which brings fears and anxiety. When I'm caught like this, it feels as if I'm on a roller coaster that no one understands, yet everyone wants to help.

Today was especially tough. I had two appointments that needed to be met but that I didn't want to go to. In fact, I've cancelled them over the last two weeks so often that Johnny threatened to call and see if I went to them. Two strangers came into my life with their expertise, their knowledge, their compassion doing what they can to help me heal. I want to say thank you to one in particular. Thank you for helping me to visualize the freezing of the heat. To stop the fire in my head. Something so simple yet so effective. In fact, I used it this afternoon and was able to put away the medication.

On a relaxing note, I met Jenny and the boys for lunch. If you haven't eaten at 3D Hot Dogs in downtown Prattville, you're missing a treat! They serve a wide range of hotdogs, gyros, and wraps, and this time of year you'll find pumpkins, spiders, and ghouls galore. It was such a great meal with laughter as we watched Ian wander around the decorated rooms.

Earlier this evening I had dinner with a girlfriend and we played catch up. I miss my classroom terribly and realize that the phrase "every one's expendable" to be so true. When I mentored teachers in the past, I always reminded them "Pay attention to your husband first, your children second, and this job last. You could drop dead tonight and your class would be taken care of by someone else, but your family would be devastated." That statement, my friends, is too true. I've seen my classroom. It looks as if I was never there. As if the last 21 years never happened. I didn't realize it would shake me to the core.

Okay, I've rambled and I've taken my two minutes of whining. I'm not crazy about the idea of trying to sleep tonight. Too much has been talked about today. Too much is still ahead. But I know this. The sun will come up in the morning. There will be laughter at the end of the phone line should I call a friend or one of our daughters. And so it goes. This too, shall pass away~

Forever kind of friends~

2007-09-18T22:33:00.000-05:00

I have known Melynda Buck since she was in high school, but we became better friends when she came to my classroom needing advice concerning her baby girl. Kaylin was in second grade and her parents were considering transferring her to our school. The answer was easy. Kaylin came to Holtville and she came into my room. That led to a warm relationship with four of the sweetest people you could ever meet.

One of the last things I remember about April 21, 2006 is Tim Buck coming toward me with an arrangement of flowers. For me! And I was only having an outpatient procedure! I'd been their daughter's teacher for a short amount of time and here he was. With flowers and words of encouragement for my husband and me.

Throughout the next 77 nightmarish days, many friends visited, prayed and supported my family. Tim and Melynda were two such friends. During my recovery period at home, she came and sit with me. Each time, she left a cooked meal. This past Sunday was her birthday. It was a pleasure to celebrate with her. Our relationship continues to bring smiles and warmth to my heart.

Have others come into your life and lingered long enough to become a beautiful part of your world? Did you recognize them as filling a special need? Almost as if He knew there was a place in your life for such person.

Happy Birthday, Melynda. I'm so glad I know you~and we're blessed to have you in our world.

Curlieques & Girly Girls

2007-09-16T00:46:00.000-05:00

Today was such fun. Busy, but fun! It began with a Pampered Chef show I was hosting for our daughter, Jenny. Well, two people showed up! But the two that did brought such smiles and laughter with them. Melynda Buck was one and she brought three of my babes from Holtville!! I glimpsed her daughter, Kaylin, through the front door and opened it to find Reagan and Jacey!!! I was so excited! Melynda showed up two hours early, which ended up being so helpful to me. This week has been a very up and down week for me emotionally and by 3 pm my nagging headache had escalated into the kind that leaves me in a confused and stammering mess. However, going outside with the girls, a coke, and some medicine helped ease it and we got some really cute pictures.

Thank you, Lynne L. and Melynda, for coming. And thank you to those of you that responded saying you couldn't make it! That helped when trying to decide how much food to buy! I still bought extra as I wasn't sure who else might come, but that's a good thing, now, BECAUSE

it's Melynda's birthday tomorrow!! She's coming BACK to celebrate her birthday along with Brandon, who turns 28 Tuesday!! I can't wait. It's always a treat to enjoy a family member's special day, but to have the added pleasure of Melynda and her family will be the icing on the cake!! Well, in this case, the topping on the dessert pizza! Ian loves to "toast!" and we'll do it twice tomorrow! Or rather, today, since it IS already 1 AM as I write. I'm not sleepy. Yet. Tired, but not sleepy. It was exciting having two girlfriends come in for food and laughs, three little munchkins that came for hugs and giggles, and Johnny & Nelson who got together to yell during the Auburn game and later for Alabama's win. Today has made for a happy kind of tired that keeps you wired for a while.

Here's hoping your day will be as happy as the one I'm fixing to have~look for new pics and details soon!

Snuggles & Snoozes

2007-09-12T14:29:00.000-05:00

I bet you can guess who I saw today! Jen called and she was out looking at carpet samples. Since I was out running errands, we met for lunch. I got some mommy time with Jenny and snuggle time with Noah! To top it off, we took a nap on the loveseat before Jenny left to pick Ian up from day school. It's been a beautiful day. I hope yours has too~

Oh Baby!

2007-09-12T09:40:00.001-05:00

Vote for Noah! In the Montgomery Advertiser, they told of an upcoming baby contest. I passed the info on to Jenny and Brandon and you can vote at the site shown below. Or, you can go to the Montgomery Advertiser and you'll be directed to the site for Oh Baby! You can enter 1 FREE baby vote a day! Here's the message found on Jenny's website:

"... we’ve entered Noah in our local paper’s “Oh Baby! photo calendar contest”. You can vote 1 time each day for free. This is a fund-raising campaign, so after the 1 free vote you can donate $5 for 20 votes. About half-way down you’ll see a link that says “Free Vote: Click Here”. Click on that and enter “Noah Maddox”. To see Noah’s picture, go to “Gallery N” and Noah is on the 2nd page!"

To enter a free vote, click on: OH BABY
PS~I didn't have the picture that is shown on the web site, so here's another one of our little sweetheart.

2007-09-09T21:33:00.001-05:00

"A baby will make love stronger,

days shorter,

nights longer,

bankroll smaller,

home happier,

clothes shabbier,

the past forgotten,

and the future worth living for”

~A. A. Milne

Congratulations, Anita~

Welcome to the sisterhood of grandmothers!

Computer Craziness~

2007-09-08T23:37:00.000-05:00

Looks like my computer is on its way to Brandon's tomorrow. I keep getting a message that indicates there may be serious problems. I hope not!! I've already experienced withdrawal symptoms today and by luck of the key got it going in time to get some things backed up.

Just wanted you to know that if I'm NOT back online soon, then you'll know why. Which leads me to a question I answered lately for someone else. I'm interested in knowing this also, so here goes. While Brandon is working on my hard drive, just who is reading this? You don't have to join Blogger to sign your name. Or you can sign up with your Goggle account. Whatever, I'd just like to know who finds these tidbits of our lives interesting. Have a beautiful Sunday and a great week! ~until

Family & Fun

2007-09-04T23:52:00.001-05:00

I am so loving it that Johnny and Nelson are on the same shift! Not only do they work in the same area and can see each other at work, but now when Nelson drops in to visit before he goes to the mill~Johnny's here! Today Jenny came by with Ian and Noah. She wanted to run a few errands and wondered if we'd watch the boys. That was a quick and easy answer! To top it off, Nelson called saying he was in town. He had planned to eat Chinese for lunch and when that didn't work out, he had time to spare. Ian got on the phone and asked if he would come to Nan's house. Which Nelson did! Yea us!!!

Ian loves his uncle Nelson and gets so excited when he sees him. Noah, on the other hand, isn't quite sure how to take the wrestling, the games of chase, and the laughing that Nelson and Ian get involved in! So for now, Nelson plays with Ian and Noah sits with me or Pa. This thoroughly delights Ian as he has Nelson all to himself!

Here are some pictures I took today. The ones of Johnny and Noah are the best I could get. Noah would smile only when the flash went off and Johnny's smile got to looking a bit forced. Note the wet outfit. Noah now has six teeth so he's chewing, and drooling, on everything he can find. Blocks, flip flops, dropped food, you name it.

I love watching these four males interact. Johnny and Noah get along quietly. Watching TV or just watching each other. Nelson and Ian on the other hand love getting down on the floor, building towers, playing chase, or wrestling. It was one of the best days for memories. And we made them~ everyone should be so blessed.

Jenny came in, we had lunch, the boys grew a bit tired, the guys went to work, Jenny went home with the boys to take naps, and I simply sat in our den for a while just savoring the time I'd had with everyone. I am so thankful for moments such as these~

Family, Fun, & a Final Gathering for a Friend

2007-09-02T14:24:00.000-05:00

Here's our birthday boy at the 4th celebration of his life! It was held at a local park near their home and the weather actually cooperated! There was a breeze and an overcast sky which kept the insects and the temps at a minimum!! The area was a mixture of concrete and this spongy kind of material, almost like an artificial turf. It was nice!! I liked not having dust or dirt or rocks for the children to fall on. Apparently, this is common at playgrounds now. I learn something every day! Watching the children play, several of us commented on our memories of birthdays and the excitement of the day being all about you. The older we got, the more we realized that we were happier when we were thinking of others and trying to make life easier for someone else! But we still miss having the day all about us!

Our little grandaughter stayed busy on the playyard! Alaina loved the climbing area and the slide! She only had time to come over for the pizza and watermelon! She may still be just a little girl, but she can beat her brother at putting away the food! We tease Stacey that Alaina will be little like her mother, but she's going to have her dad's appetite! Here she is, posing with my sunglasses. Upside down, of course~

This afternoon after worship we met Brandon and his family for lunch at Taste Good, a Chinese eatery in Prattville. Ian quickly put away his shrimp, grapes, cheese sticks, and fries in order to go with Pa to the ice cream bar. Noah couldn't be fed fast enough! Poor Brandon kept shoveling it in and it still wasn't fast enough. Jenny already has her hands full keeping three guys fed! I think Brandon's making sure their new home has a nice kitchen for Jenny and a big shower for him! She likes to cook and he's never had a shower with a shower head tall enough for him. I KNOW they'll be tickled to death when they can move in and begin getting settled. They may never build another house. Matter of fact, they may never move again! On second thought, nah. She's too much like her mommy. {wink, wink!}
Today is the day Bryan Martin was laid to rest and remembered with a Celebration of his short life. My heart aches with the knowledge that the days and years ahead are going to be so different for his precious little family. Such a brutul and senseless crime. Kelsey was quoted as saying, "He would have given them his truck. He would have given them his wallet. He would have done anything just to come home to us. They didn't have to shoot him". So young, so in love, such an asset to our world, so many dreams unfulfilled.Have a great week. A week filled with laughter, love, and rain! Lots and lots of rain!!!