Blessed Beyond Measure

2010-09-04T21:54:00.000-04:00

Aiden Levi came home today and is settling in with his brother and sister. I just came from getting my newborn baby fix, and wanted to update everyone. Thanks for all your prayers!

Aiden Levi

2010-09-02T22:49:00.001-04:00

This past Sunday, August 29th, at 6:47 a.m. and three weeks early, we were blessed with our tenth grandchild, (which just happens to be the 6th grandson), Aiden Levi. His daddy and mommy are Aaron & Tasha, and he has a big sister, Kylie Brook, and a big brother, David Wyatt. He weighed 4 lbs and 14 oz, and was 18 inches long. It is a blessing that he even made it into this world, as there was a knot in the umbilical cord. Had the blood flow been restricted, he would have been in distress long before his birth day. However, he was born a healthy little man. As they day wore on Sunday, he was having trouble keeping his blood sugar up, which is not uncommon in small babies. They needed to start an IV, and as they do not have a NICU unit at Parkwest, he was transferred to Children's. This was very hard on Aaron and Tasha, but Tasha was released from the hospital on Monday morning and then was able to go be with Aiden. His blood sugar has slowly improved this week and he was taken off the IV last night. His blood sugar has stayed up and they removed the port today. He did, however, have an elevated billirubin (jaundice)yesterday, so he was put under the lights. He will have to remain under the lights one more day, but should be able to come home sometime this weekend. I want to say "Thank You" to all those who saw my posts on Facebook and have prayed for little Aiden. You will never know how much it means. God is so good!

Needless to say, it has been a very busy week around here. What with trips to the hospital and NICU, taking and picking up Kylie from school, work and watching the grandkids, there has not been much free time. We are really looking forward to Aiden being at home so that we can all love on him. He is a little cutie pie, and looks an awful lot like his daddy. He has a headful of hair (but not as much as Kylie & Wyatt). He has dark hair but it has alot of blonde in it. He may be another cotton top like his daddy and his uncle Seth were. I did manage to take several pictures and am very pleased to show him off.

The Time Was Right

2010-08-26T23:19:00.001-04:00

In May, 2009, I went to visit my great aunt Hassie. I was so blessed by that visit. (You can read about it here.) We were able to talk a long time and part of our conversation revolved around her health. She told me that she was just waiting on the Lord to call her home. She said that sometimes she hurt so bad that she wished He'd take her on, but she knew she'd go when her time was right. She said "He's always there to hold your hand if you'll just reach up and take it".

Well, this morning at 11:10,

the time was right.

God called her home and heavens gates admitted a beautiful saint of God.

Dad, Debbie, me and my aunts, Bobbie and Bonnie, went up early this morning to see her. We had been there about an hour or so when she left this life behind. We were able to be there for a while with Uncle Clarence and her son, Everett. Please remember them in prayer. Hassie would have been 91 next month, and she and Clarence had been married for 62 years. Clarence took such good care of her. His love was very evident in the way he talked about her, and all that he did.

Hassie will be missed.

She was a very special lady.

And I loved her!

16 or 61...doesn't matter

2010-08-17T13:20:00.003-04:00

My "baby" turned 16 yesterday! So hard to believe! On the way to school yesterday morning we had this conversation:

Mom: It's hard to believe my baby's turning sixteen. You'll always be my baby, even when you're sixty one. You know that, right?

Seth: Yeah, I know. But you'll be dead by then!

Hmmm....thing is, he's probably right, cause that would make me 93!

And today, he got this:

Can you tell he's proud of himself? Passed his driver's test with no marks against him, 100%!

So proud of him!

Guess I know if I'm not dead when he's 61, he'll be able to chauffer me around.

That's six kids taught to drive and got their driver's license, and none to go. He's the last one. Woo Hoo!!

Happy Birthday, Seth, I love you!

Hmmm...what not to do on your vacation...

2010-07-02T01:25:00.001-04:00

On your summer vacation to the beach, I highly recommend that you NOT get sun poisoning so that you look like you could star in Avatar minus the make-up application, sit for three and a half hours in a walk-in clinic and get a shot in your nether regions. I guarantee you it will not be the highlight of your trip.

I know.

Been there.

Done that.

Definitely not fun.

Finding Me Again

2010-06-28T23:07:00.000-04:00

My life has been really crazy lately. So much so that sometimes I feel like I can't find myself anymore. Alot of things going on, and alot of things concerning the people I care about. Really quite stressful.

But...we are experiencing a much needed break and I'm enjoying every minute of it. We left really early (4:30 a.m.) Saturday for Charleston, SC and then on to North Myrtle Beach. We spent the afternoon in Charleston. Misty and I went there last summer and had a great time. Charlie and Seth have heard so much about it, and they finally got to see some of what we were talking about. After dinner at the Noisy Oyster and a trip to the Sweet Shop for some bear claws (absolutely the best candy I've ever ate) we headed for Myrtle Beach. We are staying in a condo at Cherry Grove Beach with two other families and are having a blast. My favorite spot is on the balcony, where I can watch and listen to the waves coming in. I've spent a lot of time there already. Plus, it's alot warmer there than inside where the a/c's cranked up. (I'm always freezing, specially now that I've got a bit of sun). Sitting there and reflecting on all I see, I've been reminded of so many things concerning God's power and grace, and His control.

I feel like I'm finding a bit of me again.

Cakes

2010-05-25T00:18:00.001-04:00

Here are some cakes I've made in the last couple of months. This is one I made for the shower they gave Misty at church. The shower was on a Thursday night, so I didn't have much time to create after working.

The letters are made out of fondant, and all the things little boys like are wood cutouts from the scrapbooking section.

This is the cake I made for our friends Benny & Amy's daughter, Kerri's graduation party. She graduated from Oliver Springs and their colors are purple & yellow.

The letters and flowers are from fondant, as is the tassell. The graduation cap is a 6 inch round cake and the mortar board is made from fondant covered cardboard.

This last cake I made this past weekend for Benny's little friend Tristan's birthday party. He loves dinosaurs. At Kerri's graduation party, he told us he wanted to be a "paleontologist". It was his fourth birthday!.

The sand on the cake is graham cracker crumbs and the rocks are sugar babies and raisinettes

What do you think?

360 Degrees

2010-05-24T14:53:00.002-04:00

My life has been so very busy lately, there has been very little time to be on the computer and none to actually post a blog post. Tomorrow will be the last day of school for the year, and Seth will officially be a Junior. You would think things would be slowing down in my life and I'd be anticipating "empty nest syndrome".

HA. HA HA HA!

Never gonna happen!

My life has done a complete 360 degrees and I'm back where I started. Once again, my car contains 3 car seats, my house is full of baby paraphernalia, and there's usually a few toddlers and children running around. That's what happens when you have six kids with 13 years between the oldest and the youngest. Before you get the last one out of the house, the grandkids come along.

And the grandkids like to come to Mammy's.

Don't get me wrong,

I AM NOT COMPLAINING.

~
I LOVE EVERY MINUTE OF IT!!

I have learnt though, that I'm not as young as I used to be. I tire alot easier than I did when my six were little. But it's a good tired.

I AM A VERY BLESSED WOMAN!

A Heartfelt Thank You

2010-03-08T22:58:00.000-05:00

I just want to say a very heartfelt "Thank You" to everyone who prayed for Isabella. As you can see, she is no longer on any type of life support and is doing very well. Rob sent me this picture and message a little while ago:

"Her tests are good and everything is perfect. She is getting ready to come with us."

God is so good, and I am so thankful for all that He has done and for all the prayers offered up in Isabella and Rob's behalf.

THANK YOU!

Cousins

2010-03-08T22:41:00.000-05:00

The cousins had fun playing together at Misty's shower.

This is Carson, my cousin Talisha's oldest son, and my granddaughter's Abby & Kylie.

Kylie is always ready to have her picture made.

And Abby decided to pose and smile for me.

Kylie, Kyra & Abby, three of my four granddaughters.

Carson was "driving" the girls around.

They all seemed to have fun playing together.

Misty's Baby Shower

2010-03-07T22:16:00.001-05:00

One of our friends, Amy, and Misty's Mom, gave her a baby shower Saturday.

This is Amy. She did a really good job decorating and making party favors and gifts. She made it all very special with her talent and craftiness.

This is the cake I made for the shower. It's a large sheet cake with butter cream frosting with the basket made out of 2 8 inch round layers and a 6 inch round. The basket is done in chocolate buttercream. The baby blanket, teething beads, butterfly, Micah and pacifier are all made from fondant. The giraffe and elephant are wood cutouts and of course the teddy in the basket is stuffed. I was pleased with the way it turned out. What do you think?

There were about 25 family and friends in attendance.

They played several games, including the clothes pin game and the baby food tasting game. Tasha & Stephanie "volunteered" for the baby food game.

I'm not sure whose expression was worse, Roxann's or Stephanie's, and Roxann was just watching.

Same thing with Rebekah and Tasha.

Those expressions are priceless.

Misty received alot of nice gifts for Micah. Everyone was very generous.

Several of the gifts were handmade. Including this crocheted blanket,

and this quilt.

Steph made her a beautiful picture frame and blocks that spell out "Micah". Unfortunately, I didn't get a picture of those. I'll post one later when Misty gets everything in the nursery. Our church ladies are giving her another shower this Thursday. And I get to make another cake. Hmmm....what shall this one be. Stay tuned!

Rob & Bella

2010-03-03T09:17:00.000-05:00

Please continue to remember Rob & Bella in your prayers.

Pray for Bella

2010-03-01T10:59:00.007-05:00

Through the years, raising my family, there have been several boys that we've kind of "adopted". They've spent alot of time at my house and become a part of the family. Each one of my own boys has had a friend that has become one of my "adopted's". Aaron had Ricky, Malachi had Jeremy, Lucas had Andrew, and now Jared, and Seth has Anthony. Jason's friend was Rob.

Rob is a special part of our family. He even lived with us for a while after he graduated and before he and Jason left for Parris Island and the Marines.

~

Rob's daughter, Isabella Mae, was born Saturday morning, Februay 27th, at 6:32 a.m. She weighs 5 pounds and 2 ounces. Bella is in the NICU, listed in critical but stable condition. She was born with the cord around her neck and is having problems with her breathing and heart rate. They almost lost her twice Saturday night. The doctors have said it will take about 5 days for her heart and lungs to be somewhat normal.

Please, Please pray for Bella and Rob and the rest of the family.

We love Rob and already love Bella.

I'm praying for the chance to get to be "Mammy" to Bella, too.

Baby Shower Cake

2010-02-27T11:51:00.002-05:00

At Pamela's Sweet Sixteen party, one of the guests asked me if I would make a cake for a baby shower she was giving. She gave me free reign to do what I wanted, just wanted the rubber duck theme and for a boy who is going to be called "Buck". This is the cake she picked up this morning for the shower. I was rather pleased with the way it turned out. I had searched for pictures of duck cakes and found several similar to this and thought it was "just too cute".

It's a french vanillia cake, iced in butter cream frosting with pirouette cookies for the bucket. The towel, soap, soap bubbles and flowers are fondant. The duck, of course, is rubber and the only thing not edible. They seemed pleased when they picked it up.

I love doing cakes that are out of the ordinary.

I have two more baby shower cakes to make, one next week and one the week after. They are both for baby showers for my daughter-in-law, Misty, and my soon to be here-grandson, Micah Adam.

Trust

2010-02-22T09:35:00.004-05:00

I am trying to Trust God in one of those "hard things" today.
It's not easy, but I know
HE IS IN CONTROL!

It Snowed Again!

2010-02-15T19:28:00.000-05:00

We woke up to snow this morning. We had about 5 inches.

It was really beautiful.

Sweet Sixteen

2010-02-13T23:45:00.000-05:00

Today was Pamela's birthday, her "Sweet Sixteen". Her mom and dad gave her a party, and her mom had asked me to bake her birthday cake. She wanted something layered, with roses and pink and black. This is what I came up with. I thought it turned out rather nice, and everyone seemed to like it. This was my first time using fondant, and I'm hooked. It was also the first big layered cake I had done for anyone besides just us. What do you think?

Pam and her cake.

Happy Birthday, Pam, we love you!!

It's Been Busy 'Round Here

2010-02-07T23:07:00.002-05:00

I haven't posted in a while, actually about 16 days. Things have been quite busy around here. Kylie had a birthday on the 25th and turned 4 years old.

I've also done some babysitting and spent quality time with my grandkids.

We had a snowstorm,

and made this special treat.

On the 27th, Jason and I went to pick up Tristan. It was the first time we'd seen him since he was about 2 weeks old. He's 4 months old now. This time, everybody got to meet him.

. He's been with us since the 27th, but he's going back to his mommy tomorrow. He's stolen my heart! He's such a good baby, hardly ever cries, and will laugh and coo, and tell me how good he is.

Jason has taken right to taking good care of him. He's the one who gets up in the middle of the night with him, feeds him, talks to him, plays with him, bathes him, etc., and occassionally, he'll let me get in on the action.

My heart is already breaking to think that when I come home from work tomorrow, he won't be here. Please remember Tristan and Jason in your prayers, and if you have an extra moment, remember his Mammy too. This is one of those "hard things" I'm having to trust God for.

This is Tristan the night he came to stay with us.

And this is Tristan now.

I'm sure gonna miss the little fella!

2010-01-22T21:57:00.000-05:00

The other day, I picked Kylie & Wyatt up when I got off work. Their Mommy & Daddy both had that awful stomach virus. It was one of those days that was really warm. So, we were able to be outside for a while, and they enjoyed jumping on the trampoline. I was able to get some pretty good pictures.

Wyatt had a little trouble standing up with Kylie jumping so high, but he was enjoying it anyway.

He likes to run around in circles.

After I'd take a picture, Kylie would have to come look, but she couldnt get off the trampoline by herself. Papaw gave her a lift.

My camera has a feature that allows me to shoot in black and white, but allow one color to show up. These were taken in that mode, with the red showing.

Wyatt had a nacho cheese dorito in his hand, that's why his hands and lips look so red. As you can tell, he's all boy. There was one little puddle on the porch, and he had to jump in it.

I like this picture. Isn't she gorgeous?

Look, Mammy, fire!

Malachi was cutting parts off a bronco before hauling it off. Seth was watching. I thought it made a neat picture with just the red in color.

Tell Me The Story...

2010-01-18T23:47:00.002-05:00

I had a conversation with my 15 year old son, Seth, last night. I can't get away from it.

Yesterday, he went to church with his girlfriend, Pamela. It was the first time he'd ever been to church with her. She's gone with us quite a few times in the past year, but he hadn't been to a church service with her. I think he'd been to a couple of outings, but no actual services.

Seth has only been a part of 2 churches in his 15 years. Fellowship, that he attended from birth till he was about 2 1/2, the Tabernacle from 2 1/2 till he was 7, and then back at Fellowship. The two churches do some things different, but alot of things the same. After all, our pastor was a member of the Tabernacle before he came to Fellowship. Seth has also visited several other churches with family and friends, some big, some small. Pamela's church is a small country church.

I haven't attended too many more churches than Seth has. Child's Memorial before we moved to California and Swan Pond after we came back to Tennessee. That's where I was a member until I married Charlie and joined Fellowship. I did visit alot of churches while I attended Swan Pond. Our youth choir was very active, and we spent many nights traveling to sing at other churches in revivals and special services. There was one summer when I attended a church service or revival meeting every night for 6 weeks. So, though I haven't attended a lot of different churches I have seen services held in a lot of different ways.

I've never seen Seth come in so animated as he was last night. He came in talking 90 miles a minute. (If you know my Seth, you know if he's excited about something, you can't get a word in edgewise).

He began telling me about the people and the services. He told about how friendly the people were, about the message, (almost word for word, Seth's a stickler for details), how he could feel the Spirit in the service, the preacher, the music, the musicians, the songbook they used, the songs they sang, the special singers, their voices, the fellowship, how when one person went to the alter everyone went and prayed with that person, even how they closed out the service. He talked about how different it was and how much he enjoyed it. As he talked, I was reminded of so many things that I remember from past services and times in my Christian life. His excitement touched a chord in my heart. I know that excitement, I've felt it, time and again.

All day today, I've been reminded of that conversation. Reminded of the way things have been done in the past and the way things are done now. The order of things and the way they're done has changed many times in the 33 years I've been saved, both within each church, and from church to church. None have been more right or wrong than the others. They have just been different. Often they've been changed in order to avoid being in a "rut". I've heard preachers preach time and again how we don't need to get in a rut in our services and in our lives. Routines are good and I personally like having some routine to my life. But sometimes, change is good too. It gives us a fresh view, a renewed sense of purpose.

Seth has only known one basic way a service is carried out and he could recite to you exactly how it will unfold, as could I. But yesterday, Seth got a glimpse of something a little different. And it stirred something within him, and made him long for more. He talked of a desire for a life lived closer to God. I liked what I saw... these results of something out of his ordinary. I want to see it continue. My pastor and I had a conversation a few months back about what we wanted to see for our young people. This is it. This is what I want to see. I want to see more of this excitement! More of this change!

And we need more of that which brings about change.

We need to hear more of the Story.
More of His Story.
More of the Story of Jesus.

Whether it be in the messages, in the songs, in the lives we live or in our conversations. I do not want to continually hear how awful this world is. How wicked, how sinful. I know how terrible it is. I know just how wicked and sinful. I live in this world. I walk in this world. I deal with the results of the sins of this world every day, if not in my life, then in the lives of family and friends. There are some things I know better than I've ever wanted to know. Oh, I know that we need to be reminded, to be warned from time to time, but that's not what I want to dwell on.

I want to hear about Jesus. So tell me about His great love. About His grace and mercy. Tell me of His sacrifice. Tell me of Heaven, and the place He's prepared. Remind me how He changes lives, picks up the broken pieces, mends the shattered lives. Tell me of His forgiveness.

And in telling His Story, give me Hope.

Hope that I can dwell on.

Hope for tomorrow.

Hope for ruined lives.

Hope for loved ones.

Hope for our children.

Hope for change.

HOPE.
It comes from Him.
From hearing His Story.

Tell Me The Story Of Jesus

by Fanny Crosby

Tell me the story of Jesus,

Write on my heart every word;

Tell me the story most precious,

Sweetest that ever was heard.

Tell how the angels in chorus,

Sang as they welcomed His birth,

“Glory to God in the highest!

Peace and good tidings to earth.”

Refrain:

Tell me the story of Jesus,

Write on my heart every word;

Tell me the story most precious,

Sweetest that ever was heard.

Fasting alone in the desert,

Tell of the days that are past,

How for our sins He was tempted,

Yet was triumphant at last.

Tell of the years of His labor,

Tell of the sorrow He bore;

He was despised and afflicted,

Homeless, rejected and poor.

Tell of the cross where they nailed Him,

Writhing in anguish and pain;

Tell of the grave where they laid Him,

Tell how He liveth again.

Love in that story so tender,

Clearer than ever I see;

Stay, let me weep while you whisper,

“Love paid the ransom for me.”

That Mysterious Young Man

2010-01-09T12:05:00.003-05:00

Bro. Mike Bagwell preached revival for us last week, Sunday night through Wednesday. As usual, he did a wonderful job bringing out things in scripture like no one else! He truly is an amazing teacher (and very entertaining). You don't get bored with his messages. He also has a website. I've posted links and things from it before. I have been reading his site every morning, both the lessons and the Standing With the Bagwell's pages, for probably 2 years or so. It has truly been a blessing to me. One of the lessons from his site last week, really struck a chord. He touched on some things I've been thinking about for some time. And to be quite honest, some things that I think alot of christians need to think about. He has a whole series on these verses, but this is the second lesson. To read them all, click here.

Mark 14: 50-52 That Mysterious Young Man

LESSON 2, ONE FOLLOWED HIM:

The Text for today is brief, but necessary. I will capitalize the whole clause. "And they all forsook him, and fled. And there followed him a certain young man, having a linen cloth cast about his naked body; and the young men laid hold on him: and he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked." Mark 14:50-52
This event occurs at the arrest of Jesus, just prior to the Crucifixion.
Today's bold words stand in direct opposition to the foregoing sentence.
First, "They all forsook Him and fled."
Second, "And there followed Him a certain young man."
By "they all" surely is meant the disciples, those whom we normally consider Jesus' main followers.
That verb "fled" is "pheugo," meaning "to run away, to escape," at times even "to vanish!"
Peter, great as he was, has gone!
So have Matthew and James!
And, of course, Thomas!
And all the others too!
But, there was one.
One "young man," nameless to this day, who did not run away!
He "followed" Jesus when no one else would!
"And they all forsook Him, and fled. And there followed Him a certain young man ...." Mark 14:50-51
Here's the point today.
Isn't it amazing?
The fact that almost always, God has some relatively unknown or insignificant person, in some remote corner of the world, or the state, or the county, or the city, who is following Jesus, in spite of everything!
If we fundamentalists were to examine this nameless young man's life and witness, I'm quite sure we would criticize him.
But, still he was following Jesus, when our crowd had quit!
We would probably mention the fact that this boy was dressed quite loosely! Maybe you could even call it "immodestly." Nearly naked at first, then totally naked before the text has ended! But still, I remind you, he was following Jesus! When our heroes had left! "A certain young man, having a linen cloth cast about his naked body; and the young men laid hold on him: and he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked."
Wow!
Then too, we would have to get our our questionnaire and find out where he attended church. His position on the major points of doctrine. And no doubt, his eschatology! I'm pretty sure he would have been lacking in these areas. But the fact remains, He loved Jesus! He was still loyal to our Lord, after the big preachers had long since bailed out!
Plus, he too got scared, finally, and ran away!
So, I'm sure we'd point that out.
Yes, he finally fizzled , just like all the others.
He did.
But not until they had long gone!
Here's all I'm saying.
There just may be some folks who love Jesus who do not run in our crowd!
The Lord may have some followers who dress differently, talk differently, maybe even worship differently than we do!
But they still love Jesus!
Who are they?
Perhaps, just like in our verses today, a bunch of "unknowns!"
A crowd of "nobodies" according to the world!
But still, they are following our Lord!
I disagree with a lot about Martin Luther. All his vestigial Catholicism, all his anti-Jewish venom, his ultra formalism, plus much more ... yet he did love Jesus! Best he knew how at the time, I think he was trying to follow our Lord!
Luther certainly would not have been my first choice for companionship, but he was loyal even to death, had it been necessary!
And these new preachers whose pulpit attire looks like they're going to a ball game, whose sermons last half as long as mine, maybe a third, and whose new Church buildings have "grand openings," instead of "dedication services," drive me up the wall!
But hear me, who is to say that some of them do not really love Jesus?
I do not know their backgrounds.
I cannot see their hearts.
I cannot be judge and jury in their lives.
Perhaps one of them, like today's young man, will still be following Jesus long after some of us "conservatives" have turned tail and quit.
I'm not trying to compromise this morning.
But I am trying to say that at any given time there can be somebody a little "strange" following our Lord.
Somebody who does things differently, a lot differently, than we do.
We must allow for that fact!
"And they all forsook Him, and fled. And there followed Him a certain young man ...." Mark 14:50-51
I don't know who they are.
They may be Africans or Asians or South Americans or inhabitants of some distant island nation, but still following Jesus ... after we Americans in all our lukewarm-ness have ceased fervently serving the Lord!
Thank God for those rare but special "young men!"
And "young women!"
And "others."
Remember what God told a discouraged Elijah one day. "Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him." 1st Kings 19:17
God obviously knew about the "seven thousand."
I suspect He knew about this "young man" too.
Even his name!
And even what he believed about open or closed communion!
Just remember.
Someone who is different, may still love the Lord!
And on the journey, at times anyway, might be every bit as faithful as you or me!
Maybe even more so!
I'm sure I've made somebody mad today.
"I'll never read Bagwell again," you may be huffing.
"Good bye," I say. Regretfully, but I still say it.
Yet the fact remains, we are all human.
None is infallible.
Including those professing Christians outside our camp!
Outside our group!
Outside our clique!
I close with these verses. I do not have time or space to comment on them now. But you all are smart people. You can figure them out. They apply to today's lesson.
"And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us. And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us." Luke 9:49-50
"He that is not against us is for us!"
Even young men wrapped in strange linen things!
"And they all forsook Him, and fled. And there followed Him a certain young man ...." Mark 14:50-51
"Lord, help me to learn."
I may not be the only one in Heaven!
--- Dr. Mike Bagwell

Though They Be Red Like Crimson...

2010-01-08T18:59:00.002-05:00

We had some snow last night and the roads got pretty slick. I'm thankful for my all wheel drive Subaru. I didn't have any trouble getting home. But, I also had no excuse for not making it to work this morning. So, while everybody else enjoyed the snow day, I was at work. I came home this evening and started supper, and looking out the back door, I could see the bird feeder. It belongs to Charlie and our grandson, Owen. They put it up last spring and during the warmer weather, enjoyed sitting on the back porch watching the birds. They had many interesting conversations (Owen turned 3 in June) concerning those birds.

This is what I saw this evening.

These sparrows were underneath the bird feeder. They blended in with the leaves on the ground. Even though the were hard to see, I was reminded how God's word says that not one of them shall be forgotten of God. They are not very showy birds, just plain, simple little brown birds, but God will not forget one of them. If God will not forget one of these tiny little birds, He will not forget us, for He says that we are worth more than many sparrows. We may not be the person that stands out to every one else, but we stand out to God, for we are His, and He will not forget us.

Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

Luke 12:6-7

This female cardinal was on the bird feeder,

and the male was perched up in the tree. I never see a bright red cardlinal on a snowy background that I'm not reminded of Isaiah 1:18.

Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

What a beautiful picture of God's words!

To God Be The Glory!

2010-01-04T21:21:00.002-05:00

My sister, Debbie, received the results from her PET scan today. SHE IS CANCER FREE! Praise God! He is so good! If you've not read it yet, go to her blog and read her post.

2010-01-01T00:24:00.002-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE!

Christmas Day 2009

2009-12-30T17:36:00.001-05:00

Christmas Day was spent at Debbie's where we had our Hurst Family Dinner. There were a whole bunch of us in a space not made for a whole bunch of us. Here are a few pictures.

Stephanie & Carson (my cousin Talisha's oldest)

Bonnie & her grandson, Camden (Carson's little brother)

Aaron & Malachi, can you tell they are brothers?

My brother-in-law, Robbie

My cousin, Marcus, Dad, Camden & Bonnie

Jason, Wendell (b-n-l), Aaron & Malachi

Cousins Rachel & Stephanie

Wyatt

Abby & Kiah

Camden & his Grandpa Maurice

Camden & his Uncle Marcus

Elijah

Papaw Tom & Luke

After we left Debbie's, Rachel & the kids, Luke, Jason, Seth, Charlie and I went to Charlie's Mom and Dad's to take them their Christmas presents.

Mamaw June & Abby

Papaw J and Abby

Owen riding the dog

Mamaw opening her present

Showing it off

Owen helping Papaw open his present

Jason & Luke

Kyra, Elijah, Abby, Owen, Rachel, Seth & Charlie

Owen & Papaw

Christmas Eve 2009

2009-12-30T15:39:00.002-05:00

We celebrated Christmas on Christmas Eve at Malachi's & Misty's. It was the first time in 8 years that all my kids were together on Christmas. The only one missing from our family was Tristan. He was definitely missed. We also had extended family with us. Pam came and opened presents with Seth and ate with us, then she had to go celebrate with her family. We also had Dixie (Misty's Mom) & her friend, Owen, Aunt Gail & Uncle Steve, and my "adopteds" Rob and Jared. We met about 2 and ate, and then we played games. Rachel and her family had a Christmas Eve service at their church, which they attended, and then came back to open presents after Mackeinzie arrived at 10 p.m. (She had to spend the day with her dad).

Dixie & Owen

Tasha & Aaron

Misty & Malachi

Steve & Gail

Misty & Tasha

Abby & Papaw Tom

Abby

Wyatt (eating without using his hands)

Jason & Luke playing Play Station 3

Charlie, Malachi pestering Kylie & Tasha

Playing board games Rachel, Chris, Jason, Rob, Jared & Seth

The Christmas tree & presents before the opening began.

Papaw Charlie

Owen

Rachel, Abby & Elijah

Rob, Jared, Jason, Aaron, Malachi, Tasha,Wyatt, Misty & Seth

Mackeinzie

Hope you had a wonderful Christmas, too!

December--Catching Up

2009-12-23T23:52:00.000-05:00

~December has been a busy month. I've not had any time to post. Aaron and his family made it home and found a house to rent while they are building theirs. We've been getting to see lots of them and it has been nice. Kylie and Wyatt have gotten so big!

~Aaron had parked the moving truck in our yard when they made it home. Unfortunately, it rained and they had trouble getting it out of the yard. They tried to go through the field and got it stuck. I came home from work to see this sight.

Lucas was having a high old time laughing at them. First they tried the tractor, then they tried gravel, and finally they tried the Explorer. None worked. They ended up having to get a wrecker to wench it out. It was dark by then, and I was at church, so I didn't get any pictures of that.

I guess you can tell, there's never a dull moment at my house!

~Kylie helped me decorate my Christmas tree this year. It's the first time she's been here to do that.

Can you see a pattern, here? (Everything is about 3 foot high and all in one spot.) Kyra, Elijah and Owen put the last few ornaments on the tree when they came up, and then put all the presents under it.

~We gave Dad a surprise birthday party on the 5th. We had never given him a birthday party before. His birthday is actually the 25th, but usually gets lost in the shuffle with Christmas. He didn't suspect till he pulled up at Kim's and saw all the cars.

The house was packed with family and friends.

I think he particularly enjoyed the cards and gag gifts.

~Kyra, Elijah, Owen and Abby were all in their church Christmas play on the 13th. We went and watched, and it was very entertaining.

Kyra, Elijah and Owen were shepherds. Kyra and Elijah quoted John 3:16. They did a very good job.

Abby was baby Jesus. It was probably the first time baby Jesus ever had a pink pacifier in his mouth.

~The 18th of December was Malachi's 22nd birthday. He made it in from Canton, Ohio, (where he was working), very early that morning. Misty had planned a surprise birthday party for him and actually pulled it off. He didn't suspect anything until he saw the cars.
Hmmm, seems like the cars are always a dead give away.

He had lots of help opening his presents.

~The 19th was Mom & Dad's 50th Wedding Anniversary. Debbie and I took Daddy to lunch at the Cracker Barrell. It was a tough day.

~We also attended the Woods Family Christmas dinner on the 19th. It was at Rob and Gail's in Kingston. Unfortunately, I forgot my camera, so there are no pictures.

~Our Christmas play was Sunday night, Dec. 20th. It was the first event in our new fellowship hall. There were 125 people in attendance. The play was a dinner theatre type event. As always, the kids did a great job.

Westley and Seth dressed for their parts and hamming it up for the camera.

~On the 21st, I took Seth, Pamela and Kylie to Dollywood for the Christmas Festival. We all had a really good time. Kylie loved it.

Kylie chauffering her Mammy around in the 50's cars.

On the carousel.

On the bumble bees. She was so excited 'cause she could ride them by herself.

Piggy ride.

On the carousel again.

Kyle "won" an Abominable Snowman for herself and a Rudolph for Wyatt at the duck pond.

Kylie and I tried to take our own picture. I think we need to practice. Maybe my arms just aren't long enough.

Waiting on the parade to start.

Yep, that's Seth peeking around Pamela's back.

Seth & Pam.

~Well, that's about got us caught up. Tomorrow is Christmas Eve and the whole gang will be together again, including some of my "adopteds" like Rob and Jared. The only one missing will be Tristan. I sure wish he could be here to share his first Christmas with us. Maybe one day soon we'll get to spend time with him.

~Merry Christmas, Tristan!~

~Merry Christmas, Everybody!~

They're Home!

2009-12-01T09:21:00.000-05:00

They are home at last. They made it in about midnight last night. This is now sitting in my yard, and what a welcome sight it is. This moving truck is quite a bit bigger than the one they left here in 8 years ago. Then it was just Aaron & Tasha. Since then, they have added Kylie and Wyatt to the family.

I am so grateful they are here!!

Day 30 of 30 Days of Thankfulness

2009-11-30T21:00:00.001-05:00

I'm Thankful

(380) That all is well with grandbaby #9, who weighs about 8 oz. at 18 weeks.

(381) That it's a boy!! The boys now out number the girls...again! 5-4

(382) That all is well with Misty.

(383) That Malachi & Misty are both thrilled. They were hoping for a boy.

(384) That Mackeinzie's excited too, she wanted a baby brother. Although she claims she's not changing any diapers. Hmmm, we'll see about that. Time has a way of changing things (pun intended).

(385) That this baby is due in May, not March or June. Abby & Elijah are March babies and Kyra, Owen & Wyatt are June babies. Kylie is January, Keinzie is July and Tristan is September.

(386) That I was able to go with Misty for the ultrasound, as Malachi is working in Ohio and couldn't go.

(387) That they make DVD's of the ultrasound these days, that way Malachi can see it too.

(388) That they also make pictures, so that I can share them.

(389) That I'm the grandma, and not the momma. I love being a momma, but would hate to think I had to do that all over again. Makes me tired just thinking about it.

(390) That being the grandma is so much fun. I just get to enjoy them and love them. I don't have to do all the hard stuff.

(391) That I get to watch my kids do all the hard stuff. It can sometimes be quite amusing.

(392) That I'm not the only one who had to "pay for my raising". My kids get to do it too.

(393) That I often get to see the look on their faces when they realize they are "paying for their raising".

(394) That sometimes they find it amusing too.

(395) That I can see them, and their siblings, in their kids.

(396) That sometimes they say "I know, Momma, I know". Saves me having to say "I told you so".

(397) That I can laugh at them, because I've been there.

(398) That one day, Lord willing, they'll be where I am watching their kids.

(399) That Aaron and the caravan are in Kentucky. It's that much closer to Tennessee.

(400) That soon, my whole family will be residents of Tennessee once again.

(401) That I will be able to see them often, not just maybe twice a year.

(402) That I realize how blessed I am.

(403) That even though I have to go back to work tomorrow, there are only 4 work days left in this week.

(405) That the Christmas celebrations begin this week, with the Prayer Sister Banquet and the Ladies Banquet at Rachel's church.

(406) That I will get to hear Rachel speak at her banquet, as she's the featured speaker.

(407) That I did the 30 Days of Thankfulness.

(408) That I am more aware of all the things I have to be thankful for.

(409) That most of the things I have to be thankful for are not material things. Material things are great, and make life so much more comfortable, but they don't last near as long as these other blessings. Some of them are eternal.

(410) That I know that if I have all these other things, I can do without alot of material things. They are just not that important.

Day 29 of 30 Days of Thankfulness

2009-11-29T14:19:00.000-05:00

I'm a little behind in my 30 days of Thankfulness due to a hectic few days. So, I'm just gonna combine days 27-29 today.

I'm Thankful

(351) For the good Thanksgiving we had with family.

(352) That those who have been ill yet were able to be with us: Debbie, Bonnie, Jack.

(353) That I was able to get some good family pictures.

(354) That everyone co-operated in getting the pictures.

(355) For the family that was unable to be with us as they live in SC and spent time with their families: Aunt Sue and her family.

(356) That we have so much both material and otherwise to be thankful for. God has been so good!

(357) For a good shopping day on Black Friday. Only had one item to get and was able to get it.

(358) For the good time Misty and I had shopping even if we did get up at an unheard of hour.

(359) For running into friends while shopping.

(360) That Jason, Donna and Kenny had a safe trip to Nebraska.

(361) That Aaron and Tasha have help packing up and moving.

(362) That they should be on their way to Tennessee sometime tomorrow.

(363) That I was able to spend the day cleaning yesterday. Things had gotten a little behind and it feels good to get them done.

(364) That Charlie helped me clean.

(365) That though I still have a lot to do, it's not as much as I started with.

(366) That I got all my Christmas presents wrapped.

(367) For the privilege of decorating the church for the holidays.

(368) For being able to do the bulletin board at church.

(369) For knowing that it is done.

(370) For heat. Got up this morning and our heat wasn't working. It was cold in this house. I do not like being cold.

(371) That it was something minor and easy to fix.

(372) For the service at church this morning.

(373) For a good, quick, Sunday dinner.

(374) That I have one more day off from work.

(375) That I get to go with Misty tomorrow to find out if the baby is a boy or girl.

(376) That this baby will make 9 grandkids I have been blessed with.

(377) For the opportunity to be a grandma. It is so much fun!

(378) For the blessings that come with the job. There is nothing like it.

(379) For the hope of even more grandbabies. After all, I did have 6 kids and these grandkids are just from 4 of those kids. And some of those have just got started, so I'm sure they'll be more.

THANKSGIVING DAY-Day 26 of 30 Days of Thankfulness

2009-11-26T23:43:00.012-05:00

I'm Thankful for

(326-348 in pictures)

(349) Marcus, who wasn't able to be with us this year.

(350) Aaron, Tasha, Kylie & Wyatt who were unable to be here this year, but are packing up to move this weekend, and should be with us next year.

(351) For Tristan who we hope one day will be spending Thanksgiving with us.

Day 25 of 30 Days of Thankfulness

2009-11-25T21:05:00.000-05:00

I'm Thankful

(301) For the testimony of a dear sweet lady who went home to be with Jesus last night. I've know Mrs. Adkisson for over 30 years, and no matter when I would see her or where I would run into her she was always a blessing to me. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her!

(302) For the hope her family has of seeing her again one day.

(303) For the reunions that took place in Heaven last night.

(304) For the comfort that God gives in time of need.

(305) For the church family that will surround her family. They were my church family for a while, and are very precious.

(306) For the healing Mrs. Adkisson received. No more pain or illness!

(307) For the privilege of knowing her and her family. Members of her family have been dear friends of mine for many years.

(308) That even in the midst of great sorry, there are still many things to be thankful for.

(309) For endless mercy and grace.

(310) For spending time with church family tonight in our special Thanksgiving service.

(311) For good conversation.

(312) For old friends.

(313) For new friends.

(314) For understanding friends.

(315) For missed friends who didn't make it tonight.

(316) For fellowship.

(317) For laughter.

(318) For teasing.

(319) For jokes.

(320) For those you know really well.

(321) For those you are getting to know.

(322) For reminiscing about old friends and memories.

(323) For making new memories.

(324) For that special relationship with your church family.

(325) For good food and pumpkin desserts.

Day 24 of 30 Days of Thankfulness

2009-11-24T19:06:00.000-05:00

I'm Thankful

(277) For the good breakfast we had this morning. We had Thanksgiving breakfast at work today, a tradition.

(278) That today is my last day of work this week, then I'll have six days off straight.

(279) For the blessing to my heart this morning on the way to work, as I was listening to the Brady Rochester family sing about being blessed. God is so good!

(280) That the tests they ran on Papaw J found nothing wrong.

(281) That I have sons who are willing to help with their ailing and aging grandparents. Even if one doesn't eat after working out, sees them taking blood from said papaw, and passes out. Which one do you think that was? (hint: Malachi's in Ohio, Aaron's in Nebraska and Seth was at school)

(282) That other son was willing to spend the night with said Papaw AND Mamaw at the hospital. Oh well, Jace, you should be able to sleep tonight! (Figure out which one passed out yet?)

(283) That entire group should be on their way home now.

(284) That I wasn't the one who had to do it this time!

(285) That Luke wasn't hurt when he hit the floor. (Yep, that's right, Luke's the one that passed out.)

(286) That Tasha and Aaron have a potential buyer for their house. PLEASE PRAY it will be so!

(287) That my seven year old granddaughter, Kyra, likes to send me emails even if they just say "hay mammy, what's up" and "Love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" They make me very happy!

(288) That the same granddaughter says "you are so cool!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" (She either really likes punctuation marks or wants me to know she really means it, I'm opting for the latter) I know one day that "cool" probably won't be the word she uses to describe me.

(289) That while they are little, kids don't see your faults and failures. They only see the love and attention.

(290) That it's really true what the last part of Proverbs 10:12 says "love covereth all sins." And I Peter 4:8 says "And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins." If we truly love someone, we don't focus on the bad things, we don't see them, we see the love that covers them.

(291) That when God looks at me, He doesn't see my sins, He sees love. The love that His Son had for me, the blood that covers my sins.

(292) That my sins are under the blood.

(293) That I am forgiven.

(294) That past sins are removed and forgotten, as far as the east is from the west.

(295) That when I sin again, there is forgiveness available. I just have to ask.

(296) That He knows me, and yet He still loves me.

(297) That my work day is over an hour and a half early today.

(298) That we have a special Thanksgiving dinner at church tomorrow night.

(299) That it's just two days till Thanksgiving.

(300) That I have family to spend Thanksgiving with.

Day 23 of 30 Days of Thankfulness

2009-11-23T18:23:00.000-05:00

I'm Thankful

(254) For my job.

(255) For the people I work with. We get along well and they are good christian folks.

(256) That there is only one more day in this work week.

(257) That I will be off from work 6 days straight.

(258) For my home.

(259) For my car and that it gets good gas mileage.

(260) For my computer.

(261) That I can afford internet service.

(262) For heat. I sure don't like to be cold and there was a year or two a long time ago, that wasn't an easy economy to come by.

(263) For running water. I also spent same year with a well pump froze up most of that winter.

(264) For food and a stove to cook it on.

(265) For my dishwasher.

(266) For hands that load and unload the dishwasher.

(267) That those hands aren't always mine.

(268) For a warm comfortable bed.

(269) For indoor plumbing.

(270) For doors that lock.

(271) For my huge yard that grandkids can run and play in, a long ways from the road.

(272) For my back porch, big enough to hold the whole family, and make memories on.

(273) For the swing on my front porch and the many hours spent there, talking, swinging babies or just thinking.

(274) For God's protecting hand. Just got a phone call from Aaron and he and Tasha were in a wreck this afternoon. A guy pulled out in front of them and Aaron swerved to miss him. Nailed the front of the guy's car and sent them over an embankment. Thank God Tasha and Aaron walked away with no injuries, although the truck didn't fare so well. The guy was arrested for being intoxicated and high.

(275) That Kylie & Wyatt were at day care, and not with them.

(276) For great big trucks!

Day 22 of 30 Days of Thankfulness

2009-11-22T14:44:00.001-05:00

I'm Thankful

(232) That I was able to go to church today. Last Sunday I was sick, and today Charlie & Seth are puny.

(233) That the Lord blessed the service this morning.

(234) For my church family.

(235) For my pastor.

(236) For being able to sing in the choir.

(237) For the special singing by the youth choir. They sang "I Have Been Blessed".

(238) For the song by Kristan & Taylor and their grandmother that talked about how things may be rough be we don't have anything to complain about.

(239) For the special service of Thanksgiving and Praise by the church family in the many testimonies of God's goodness.

(240) That even though this has been a rough year for many of us, we all have much to be thankful for and realize it.

(241) That most of those who have battled illness this year are doing better. The Leamons, Debbie Ruppe, Tony Howard, Madison Miller, Dean Hawn, Randal Hawn, Wanda Young, Steve Walker, Don Smith, and others.

(242) For those that we are still praying for, for it means they are still with us and there is still hope for their recovery.

(243) For those who have gone on and received their complete healing.

(244) For those that we are praying for who have spiritual needs. For again, it means they haven't departed this world and lost all hope.

(245) For all the ways we can see that the Lord has worked and blessed us this year, even in the midst of great trials.

(246) That the trials bring us new awarenes of things we once took for granted, of the little things in our lives, and of all the things we have to be thankful for.

(247) That I have this evening's service to look forward to.

(248) For beef stew and fresh bread and a warm home.

(249) For being able to bow my head and thank God for His provision.

(250) For a quiet afternoon of reflection.

(251) For the hope of tomorrow.

(252) For today's grace and mercy.

(253) For new grace and mercies He provides each day.

Day 21 of 30 Days of Thankfulness

2009-11-21T23:39:00.002-05:00

I'm Thankful

(211) For a day to myself.

(212) For the chance to go shopping, and not have to worry about Christmas. That shopping is all done.

(213) For another beautiful fall day, so warm I rode with the windows down.

(214) For the idea the Lord gave me for the bulletin board at church. It's not always easy coming up with new ideas.

(215) That Malachi was home for the weekend.

(216) That we spent the evening with Seth & Pamela.

(217) That I got a lot of laundry done.

(218) For buying groceries. There was once a time in my life that it was hard to come up with grocery money to feed a family with a house full of kids. Many times, $20.00 was hard to come up with.

(219) For the money to buy groceries. I spend more than $20 these days and there are a lot less of us in the house.

(220) That through those lean years, God taught me many lessons.

(221) For the lesson of frugality, and making money and meals stretch.

(222) For the lesson of thanfulness. God taught me to be thankful for what I do have, and not to worry so much about what I don't have.

(223) For the blessings of the coming Christmas. One year, we had two kids and exactly ten dollars to spend on Christmas gifts for both of them. This year the Lord allowed me to buy for all 18 members of my immediate family and a few others.

(224) That there are 18 members of my immediate family. God has blessed us so much!

(225) For the lessons in setting priorities and judging which things should come first.

(226) For the widsom and guidance He's given us through the years.

(227) That some of these lessons I learnt the first time, and haven't had to repeat.

(228) That some lessons I had to repeat until I got it.

(229) That I can see the lessons in the things I face.

(230) For the knowledge that everything I have came from God.

(231) That He has watched over, cared for and provided us with all that we need for the past 29 years.

Day 20 of 30 Days of Thankfulness

2009-11-20T23:33:00.001-05:00

I'm Thankful

(191) For a noisy house.

(192) For a full house.

(193) For the sounds of love & laughter.

(194) For little voices hollering "mammy".

(195) For the chance to keep Kyra, Elijah, Owen & Abby.

(196) That Kyra finally finished her schoolwork she didn't complete at home. It's been a long time since I've dealt with a reluctant seven year old and her math pace.

(197) That I don't have to deal with reluctant students on a day to day basis anymore. Her uncles could be the world's worst! Thank goodness they've all graduated from high school now.

(198) That my only student left loves school and I don't have to worry about him doing his work.

(199) That he has a 4.0 average.

(200) That he does not like to miss school and won't if it can be avoided.

(201) That many weekends his friends fill my house.

(202) That I don't have to worry about what they are doing.

(203) That a messy house just means it's filled with love. (At least I keep telling myself that's what it means)

(204) That even my grown kids and their friends find their way back to my house.

(205) That Owen likes to cuddle and watch movies.

(206) That when someone teases him and tells him I don't like him, he knows it's not true and promptly tells them so.

(207) That Elijah entertains himself and if he's involved in something, you don't even know he's around.

(208) That Abby is a happy little thing.

(209) For hugs and kisses when they leave. Mammy's are put on with super glue so they can't rub them off, although they try just to get me worked up.

(210) That it's not hard to go to sleep after a night of babysitting.

Day 19 of 30 Days of Thankfulness

2009-11-19T23:57:00.003-05:00

Today, I'm Thankful

(172) That I got to go watch my neice, Kiah, play basketball.

(173) That I got to see Stephanie again.

(174) That Debbie was at the ballgame.

(175) That she looked well and was eating.

(176) That Seth and Pamela went with me.

(177) That I saw a dear friend I hadn't seen in a long time.

(178) That she has such an understanding heart and a way of encouraging me.

(179) That there are people in this world who think and feel the same way about things as you do, even if it goes against the majority of the people in your circle.

(180) That we can learn from each other and our mistakes.

(181) That this friend also loves someone I love and isn't afraid to say so.

(182) That God allowed her to be my friend.

(183) That God is all knowing and supplies what we need.

(184) That as my friend said, "God knows everything about us and what we do, even before we do it, and He loves us anyway. He's just waiting on us to realize it. He loves me Just As I Am".

(185) That once we realize it, great changes take place.

(186) For supper at Cracker Barrell with Seth & Pam.

(187) That Seth likes such a sweet girl as Pam.

(188) For the chance to see Tasha, Kylie & Wyatt again before they left.

(189) That saying "Goodbye" was easier this time, knowing they'll be back in a week, for good.

(190) That they will all be back in a week.

Day 18 of 30 Days of Thankfulness

2009-11-18T11:54:00.002-05:00

I'm Thankful for

(154) Smiles

(155) Big blue eyes

(156) Dimples

(157) Papaw's & their little princesses

(158) Uncles who sit and hold

(159) Uncles who play

(160) Silly faces

(161) High fives

(162) Hugs

(163) Love that makes you dizzy

(164) Love worth fighting for

(165) Love that takes a beating but keeps right on loving

(166) Togetherness

(167) Once in a lifetime moments

(168) Memories made

(169) A camera to record those moments

(170) A heart that records them even better

(171) Sharing those special times

Day 17 of 30 Days of Thankfulness

2009-11-17T14:06:00.000-05:00

I'm Thankful

(137) That I'll get to see Tasha, Kylie & Wyatt today, although I wish it was under different circumstances. Tasha's grandmother, Mildred Newberry, passed away from a heart attack early yesterday, and they are flying home for the funeral.

(138) For Tasha, who loves Aaron & Kylie & Wyatt.

(139) For Kylie, who is 3 going on 30!

(140) For Wyatt, who wasn't walking last time I saw him, but is now.

(141) For the fact that they'll soon all be home for good, and I'll be able to see them whenever I want, not just maybe twice a year.

(142) For family, and knowing that you can depend on them.

(143) For memories that we make each time we are together.

(144) For the hope and the joy that the memories bring us.

(145) For knowing that even in the bad times, there are those who love us and care.

(146) For the hope of better days ahead.

(147) That my Uncle Clarence is being released from the hospital and moved to a facility for rehab.

(148) That even though he will have to wear the neck brace for 6 weeks, it wasn't any worse than it was. There could have been spinal cord damage or neurological damage. God is so good!

(149) For multi-focal contacts that help aging eyes to view small type.

(150) For laughter.

(151) For good friends that laugh with us and at us.

(152) For good friends to laugh at and with.

(153) For the ability to realize there is always something to laugh about.

Day 16 of 30 Days of Thankfulness

2009-11-16T15:00:00.000-05:00

I'm Thankful

(122) That I woke up feeling alot better today. Still have a headache.

(123) That I made it to work on time.

(124) That the sun is shining.

(125) That my workload isn't overwhelming this week.

(126) For tasks completed.

(127) For windows that open.

(128) For cool breezes blowing.

(129) For the smell of fresh air.

(130) For kind words spoken.

(131) For work day almost over.

(132) For the ability to pray for family in time of need. Tasha's grandmother passed away this morning.

(133) For words of scripture that come to mind when most needed.

(134) For the comfort that comes with the words of scripture.

(135) For songs that play on repeat in my mind.

(136) For the ability to memorize those words of scripture and song.

(137) For the Savior we sing about.

Day 15 of 30 Days of Thankfulness

2009-11-15T08:50:00.000-05:00

I'm Thankful

(107) That I could rest and sleep today so hopefully I'll feel better.

(108) That husband and sons are capable of fending for themselves when it comes to eating.

(109) That even though I'm unable to attend church, they still go.

(110) For medicine to take away the aches and pains.

(111) For sleep and the healing that comes with it.

(112) For laughter.

(113) For a comfortable chair.

(114) For a warm blanket.

(115) For the comfort of folks praying for you.

(116) For being missed.

(117) For good friends.

(118) For Dr. Pepper.

(119) For hope.

(120) For a warm bed.

(121) For a new day.

Day 14 of 30 Days of Thankfulness

2009-11-14T23:30:00.001-05:00

I'm Thankful

(93) For another good day at the Harriman Holiday Festival. I did well today. Not as good as last week, but close.

(94) For another day spent with Stephanie & Carly. They are very entertaining companions and made the time pass much more quickly.

(95) That Stephanie has such a good friend as Carly.

(96) For Misty, who came and sat with me today.

(97) For getting to see Debbie today. She and Wendell and Kiah came by. She looked good and it was so good to see her out and about.

(98) That Debbie is able to eat better and is gaining some weight back.

(99) For the beautiful fall day today. I took some flowers by the cemetary, and it was so nice out.

(100) For the hope we have of one day seeing our loved ones again, and spending eternity with them.

(101) For the chance to visit with Dad for a while this evening.

(102) For my uncle's friends who came to sit with him last night and today to give Dad a break. He'd been at the hospital since Wednesday morning.

(103) For quiet time at home.

(104) For a husband who straightened up the house while I was gone for the second weekend in a row.

(105) For the son who waited on his tired momma.

(106) That though I woke up not feeling well today, I made it through the day and the things I needed to do before starting to feel pretty bad tonight.

Day 13 of 30 Days of Thankfulness

2009-11-13T11:56:00.001-05:00

I'm Thankful

(80) That it's not quite so noisy at work today, with all the construction.

(81) That today is Friday, and the weekend's ahead, even though it's going to be a busy one, with the Holiday Festival Sale at the American Legion Building in Harriman tomorrow. I'll be set up selling my jewelry and there will be lots of other vendors. It's from 9-2, come if you can. My neice Stephanie and her friend Carly will be there with some neat Christmas ornaments.

(82) That today is our Thanksgiving Dinner at work. We're having to have it early due to the busy court schedule. Lots of good food and so much to be thankful for!!

(83) That though it's Friday, there's no football game tonight that I have to attend. Maybe I can get everything ready for tomorrow, tonight!

(84) That my sweet, loving, kind husband is going to take me to dinner tonight, even though he doesn't know it yet.

(85) For my dear friend, Gina. Today is her birthday. We've shared many happy times together and a few sad ones, too. I love you, Gina!

(86) That it's not true when Gina says that I'm almost 50. I have a few years to go.

(87) That the night so long ago when Gina scared me half to death telling me that there was a man in the backseat of the car, there really wasn't a man there. It's made for a great memory, though.

(88) That I know if I needed anything, absolutely anything, Gina would be right there. She has proved it over and over again.

(89) For Jay & Roxie, two wonderful people that mean the world to me, and who brought Gina into this world just to make my life more interesting! Love you!

(90) For Olivia, Gina's daughter, who is a very smart (did I tell you I taught her to read), very talented, sweet girl who used to fall out of the buggy every time we went somewhere together. Love you, Livvy!

(91) For Joseph, Gina's son, who likes to spit in my hair (not really, just makes me think he is), is a very smart young man (except when he spits in my hair), (hey, did I tell you I helped teach him to read, too?) and is a good friend to my boys. I love you, Joe!

(92) For Ronnie, Gina's ~~annoying~~ loving husband, even though he calls me the "mouth of Mossy Grove". Their family is dear to me, and I'm so thankful for them!

Day 12 of 30 Days of Thankfulness

2009-11-12T23:47:00.000-05:00

I'm Thankful

(68) That I got to keep four of my grandbabies tonight, Kyra, Elijah, Owen and Abby.

(Abby, Kyra, Elijah & Owen)

(69) For the enjoyment I get out of watching each one of them be themselves.

(70) For Kyra's intelligence, sweetness and love of her siblings. She is a serious computer junky and way more tech savy than most people, especially her tech-challenged papaw!

(71) For Elijah's gorgeous smile and twinkling eyes. He's the quiet, serious, rule-following child, with the big heart. He likes to wipe mammy's kisses off with a big grin on his face, which just means he gets that many more!

(72) For Owen's ability to entertain. He's such an entertaining little stinker. Those mischievious eyes and impish grin warn of what's to come. He has an amazing sense of humor for one so young and keeps us all laughing.

(73) For Abby's big smile and happy personality. She's usually smiling and laughing and clapping her hands. She is a mommy's girl, though. She took a spell where nothing made her happy tonight. I think she missed her mommy. She broke everyone's heart with those teary eyes and pitiful sobs. Uncle Jace catered to her every whim, and when he left, Seth had to walk her around. Every time he offered her to someone else, she clung to him and whimpered. She finally settled down and went to sleep in my arms, where she stayed until Mommy returned, at which time she was her laughing, happy self.

(74) For the pictures I saw of Tristan and the report that he's growing and weighs over six pounds now.

(Tristan)

(75) For the ultra sound picture of the newest little Francis, and the report that all looks well with him/her.

(76) That Papaw is much more aware of his grandkids these days, and that they have him wrapped around their little fingers.

(77) That I had my children when I was young, because it was alot easier then. I'd hate to think I had to do it all now. Believe it or not, I'm alot older and tired-er these days.

(78) For the fact that with grandchildren, you get to enjoy them and don't have to worry about all the hard stuff. Like feeding and clothing them, disciplining them, etc., you just get to love on them.

(79) That God allowed me to be a grandma to all 8 (soon to be 9) of these wonderful grandbabies!

Day 11 of 30 Days of Thankfulness

2009-11-11T11:59:00.001-05:00

I'm Thankful

(57) That all my Christmas shopping, except for Charlie & Seth, is done. Finished. Complete. Hurray!! That's no easy feat when you have 18 members in your immediate family (husband, 6 kids, 1 son-in-law, 2 daughter-in-laws, 8 grandkids), plus Dad, in-laws and a few friends. And, I did it all in one day, armed with a budget and a list.

(58) That now that the shopping is done, I can plan special activities with my grandkids and neices. Like a trip to the playhouse, to see Charlie & The Chocolate Factory.

(59) That Misty has volunteered to help me wrap the umpteen dozen presents.

(60) That I unexpectedly got to have lunch with Abby and Rachel today.

(61) That as soon as Abby saw me, she started clapping her hands.

(62) For conversation with my cousin tonight. Not so sure about the realization that we are now the "responsible" generation.

(63) For spending time with Uncle Clarence at the hospital again tonight. Please pray for him. There was a major difference in him tonight from two nights ago. His mental state appears altered in that he's talking to people not there, etc., Not sure what's causing it. And the neck brace that he has to wear for the next six weeks, besides being uncomfortable, hinder's his eating and swallowing.

(64) That even in his altered state, laying flat on his back, he was raising his hands and praying.

(65) That the wheel bearing that went out on my car was covered by the extended warranty, so didn't cost me anything to have it replaced.

(66) For the quiet ride, now that the bearing has been replaced.

(67) That I work in the back office at work. Construction started this week and affects the front office. Very noisy and distracting. It will be going on for the next 6 months or so.

Day 10 of 30 Days of Thankfulness

2009-11-10T01:30:00.001-05:00

Well, it's a little after one a.m. and I've only been home a few minutes. I went with my dad to UT Hospital where they had airlifted my great uncle Clarence from Morristown/Hamblen Hospital. My Aunt Bonnie was there too. Though tired, I want to post the things I'm thanful for before going to bed.

I'm thankful

(47) That Uncle Clarence is doing well. He got up from a stool and fell, hitting his head. He fractured the first vertebrae in his neck.

(48) That there was no damage to his spinal chord, and no neruological damage.

(49) That through it all, he never complained and was even making jokes and laughing. He is such a sweet man. He's 85 years old.

(50) That Aunt Hassie, who is 90, was handling the situation well after finding out the damage and that he was going to be okay. He will have to wear the neck collar for 6 weeks.

(51) That Clarence will probably get to go home tomorrow evening.

(52) For the stories that Uncle Clarence told. Things we'd never know without taking the time to really listen.

(53) For dear friends, Jeff & Bud, who heard the worry in Dad's voice and showed up at the hospital.

(54) For the man in the waiting room, who I got to talk to about the Lord.

(55) That I got to tell Uncle Clarence that I love him before leaving the hospital.

(56) For memories. Memories of events shared by three young girls, 15, 16 and 18, who are now 47, 48 and 50.

Day 9 of 30 Days of Thankfulness

2009-11-09T10:25:00.001-05:00

I'm Thankful

(38) That Mondays do not last forever.

(39) That even when the day seems to be going wrong, I can still find things to laugh and smile about.

(40) That my sisters have such a wonderful sense of humor. Thanks for the comment, Kim, you made me laugh!

(41) For little arms that wind around my neck in great big hugs!

(42) For sweet little voices that say "I love you to the stars" (Kylie) or "I love you to the moon" (Kyra) or "I love you to infinity" (Elijah, he's 5, go figure) or "I love you to Jupiter" (Owen, who is 3, who knew he'd ever heard of Jupiter). They make my joy overflow. I love it!

(43) For 4 little bodies all piled into the recliner with me, going every which way, all cuddled together and for Mackeinzie, whose grown too big for the recliner.

(44) For 2 more little bodies who'll soon be clamboring to join us and the hope that one day, Tristan will join us too. I will need a bigger recliner!

(45) That Kyra thinks my 30 Days of Thankfulness is "cool".

(46) That thinking of these things has made my day brighter and my Monday doesn't seem quite so bad. (Thank goodness there is only 5 1/2 more hours in my workday, though).

Day 8 of 30 Days of Thankfulness

2009-11-08T20:25:00.001-05:00

I'm thankful for

(30) The Brady Rochester family being with us in service today. They were truly a blessing.

(31) The message Bro. Rochester preached this morning from Genesis 45:27-28, on how when God fills your wagon, "It Is Enough".

(32) Knowing that what God has given me is enough!

(33) The message Bro. Rochester preached tonight from Psalms 92:1, on "It Is A Good Thing To Give Thanks Unto The Lord".

(34) The fact that the keys my father in law accused me of stealing were found today on top of his refrigerator where Mamaw had put them.

(35) The day I get off in the middle of the week this week.

(36) The job I have where I don't have to worry about what goes on in the workplace. All of the people in my office are Christians and attend church regularly.

(37) Payday this week.

Day 7 of 30 Days of Thankfulness

2009-11-07T15:02:00.001-05:00

I'm thankful for

(23) The beautiful fall day today. Fall is my favorite time of year.

(24) Doing well at the Holiday Festival in Wartburg. Sold enough of my handmade jewelry to cover half the cost of my new camera.

(25) My new camera. I love taking pictures of my kids and grandkids, and my camera bit the dust a while back. I got a really nice Canon. Love it! I got some really good pictures of Seth at the ball game las tnight. (posted soon)

(26) Getting to spend some time with my neice, Stephanie, today. We don't get to see each other often.

(27) Friends who come through for you in a pinch. Thank you, Ms Tonia!

(28) Seeing old family (and former) family members I haven't seen in many years.

(29) My recliner. It feels really good right now, after sitting on the bottom bleacher at the civic center for the last 6 hours.

Day 6 of 30 Days of Thankfulness

2009-11-06T07:44:00.002-05:00

So thankful this morning that

(17) My friend Peggy's son, Shaun, and my children's friends, all stationed at Fort Hood, are safe this morning. Praying for all those at Fort Hood and their families.

(18) My two sons and son-in-law that have served this great country are all alive and well today.

(19) I have the opportunity to go and help today in a local Veteran's Day celebration honoring those who have served our country, some who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

(20) That there are people willing to fight for our freedoms and for the families who stand behind them.

(21) I have an awareness of what it means to be a part of those families.

(22) We have a God that is greater than all our enemies!

Day 5 of 30 Days of Thankfulness

2009-11-05T09:17:00.000-05:00

I'm thankful for

(11) My Dad and the fact that he's active in church again, and has a church family to help him through these trying times. I love you, Dad!

(12) My baby sister, Kim, and her family, Robbie, Kelvey & Meg. We don't see each other often, but I love them dearly.

(13) My little sister, Debbie, and her family, Wendell, Stephanie, Michael, Punky, Kiah, Jess, Josh, Misty & Rene. They, too, have their own very special place in my heart.

(14) A Wednesday afternoon visit with Debbie, just sitting, and talking and being sister's together.

(15) The fact that Debbie is still here so that we can spend the afternoon together, that cancer hasn't defeated her, though it's put up a good fight, she's whipping it one day at a time with God's grace.

Thank you, Lord!

Day 4 of 30 Days of Thankfulness

2009-11-04T09:02:00.004-05:00

I'm thankful for

(7) My church and church family, many of whom I've known and loved for over 29 years. I know that if I need them, they'll be there.

(8) My Pastor and his family, who love the Lord and are willing to serve Him.

(9) God's Word.

(10) The fact that God DOES hear and answer prayers, no matter how dark or hopeless things may seem, even when sometimes He says "no" or "wait".

The Sophomore & The Kindergartner

2009-11-03T12:46:00.002-05:00

Last Friday night Coalfield played Oakdale at home. It was their Homecoming game. Seth got to start at running back. He played a really good game and scored his first High School touchdown. He had a large cheering section Friday night. Of course there were me and dad, and also Misty, Mackeinzie, Rachel, Chris, Kyra, Elijah, Owen, Abby, Jason, Starla, Mya, Luke, Aunt Gail, Uncle Steve, Pastor Pallotta, Ms Tammy and Emily. Needless to say, we all get a little excited when Seth does well.

There was a lady sitting next to Steve & Gail, and after hearing us cheer, she asked Steve if he knew Seth, to which he replied Seth was his nephew. She then told Steve to ask Seth about what he did at school that day.

I found out what she was talking about after the game. We went out to eat with Pam and her family, and Pam rode with us. After getting in the car, I had asked about their Halloween contest at school that day. You see, they had a costume contest for the elementary kids, and the kids in Beta Club dressed up and helped with it. Seth had dressed up as a Marine, wearing Jason's camos. All of the little kids that were dressed up got to line up and go across the stage and get candy. Out of the 30 + kindergartner's, there was only one little boy who was not dressed up. He would have had to sit in the bleacher's by himself while the other's participated. Seth asked him if he wanted to dress up, and he said yes. So, Seth took off his long sleeved shirt and put it on the little boy and offered him his cap. The little boy got to participate with the other kids and didn't have to sit by himself. As Pamela said "It was so sweet!"

I am so thankful that Seth has a heart that cares for others. Though this is just a small, seemingly insignificant thing in the big scheme of things, we never know how one small random act of kindness will affect others. It has the ripple effect. I know that others were watching that day; Pamela, the lady in the stands, the principal who commented to Seth later...but Seth was thinking about the little boy.No doubt it affected him that day in allowing him to take part, but who knows the long lasting affect it may have for him and others.

The day the big high school football player took the time to be kind to the little kindergartner.

I am so proud,

so thankful,

so blessed!

Day 3 of 30 Days of Thankfulness

2009-11-03T07:00:00.003-05:00

I'm thankful for

(4) The son-in-law and 2 daughter-in-laws that love my children.

(5) Eight wonderful grandchildren (4 grandsons and 4 granddaughters).

(6) The ninth grand baby that will be here in May.

Day 2 of 30 Days of Thankfulness

2009-11-02T22:53:00.004-05:00

I'm thankful for

(2) My wonderful husband and best friend who has loved me for 29 years.

(3) The five sons and one daughter that the Lord has given me.

Day 1 of 30 Days of Thankfulness

2009-11-01T11:58:00.002-05:00

I am so thankful for a Savior that loved me enough to die for me, sought me that I might be saved and continues to keep me and love me and bless me!

30 Days of Thankfulness.

2009-11-01T11:45:00.002-05:00

November, of course, is the month in which we set aside a day for Thanksgiving. This year, I want to do better than that. I want to be thankful every day. So, for which ever date it is, I will post that many things that I am thankful for. For example, on the 1st I'll post one thing, on the 2nd, two, etc. Would you like to join me in being thankful? If so, post on your blog, but leave a comment here with your link and I'll read those things you are thankful for. If you don't have a blog but would like to participate anyway, just leave your thankful post in the comment section for that day. God has been so good, and I am so blessed!

How Great God Is

2009-10-26T08:59:00.002-04:00

I think we, as Christians, often forget how big God is, how great and amazing His works are, how wondrous the things He performs in people's lives. It really bothers me some times when I hear preachers preach that if you do this, or this, God will not be able to use you, you've ruint your life and that's that. God is so much greater than that! Often, I think they forget where God brought them from, and that He is still able to use them. I'm not condoning sin, or saying that you can live a wicked life and get away with it as if nothing ever happened. But He is the God of forgiveness. I believe we do things that sometimes change the way God can use us. Because of bad choices we make, we can no longer be used in some of the most obvious ways. Sometimes, God uses us in ways only He can see, ways that are only known well after the fact. God can use anyone, anytime, anywhere, any way He chooses! After all, He is God, and not controlled by our thinking.

This morning, Bro. Mike Bagwell has a wonderful lesson on this subject on his website. (Lesson 3: Ruth) Go there and read it. It might just change some of your thinking.

Tristan

2009-10-11T17:10:00.001-04:00

Please remember Tristan in your prayers. Due to circumstances beyond our control, we have been unable to visit him or check on him since Thursday night. It is very hard. At that time he was doing well.

Please remember both Tristan and Jason.

Thanks.

Meet Tristan William

2009-10-01T22:28:00.000-04:00

Meet my newest grandson, Tristan William. He was born Monday, September 28th and weighed 3 lbs. 12 oz. and is 17 inches long. He was two months early, but he is doing well. He's in the NICU at Childrens. He had to be on oxygen the first couple of days, but they took him off of it on Tuesday. Here's a picture of Tristan and his proud daddy, Jason.

Storms Not Of Our Making

2009-09-29T13:14:00.005-04:00

Bro. Daniel Jordan preached for us in the mrning service this past Sunday. He took his text from Acts 27. The account is of the time that Paul, as a prisoner, was sailing to Italy. The trip was dangerous and Paul admonished those he was with that he feared for their lives. However, the centurion listened to others instead of Paul and they continued on. In the end, the ship could not stand up against the winds and storm, and as they headed to land it run aground. The centurion commanded that those that could swim cast themselves into the sea, and swim to land. And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship made their way to land until they were all safe. (Mind you, this a very condensed version of this chapter, just to give you the background).

Bro. Jordan's message was on making it through the storms when they are not our fault. He talked about the storms that come into our life through decisions other's make, or because of illness, etc. Situations that are not of our making and we can do nothing about, but yet we must deal with the consequences of those things. They affect our lives. The hurt us, physically or emotionally. These storms batter us and toss us about. They change us. We do what's right, but we can't change the situation no matter how much we may want to. Many times we're not sure how to handle it. Just like Paul had to deal with the decision the centurion made in sailing on, even though Paul advised against it and feared for their lives, we have to ride out these storms.

What really stuck out of this message was when he got to the part about the people making it to land. The last part of verse 33 & verse 34 says that the centurion " commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land: And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land."

Bro. Jordan talked about how some people make it through the storms still strong and able to swim to shore. But others have a harder time. They have to cling to the boards and broken pieces, the shattered pieces, and float on in. I know that many of our church are going through these type of storms. Storms that are not their fault. I watch and I see the strength that some have, able to keep right on. I admire that strength. Others I see, are hanging on with all their might, but they are making it.

There are several of these storms in my own life right now. They are raging all about me. My heart is heavy. I'm tired. I want to be one of those that are strong and swim right on in. But I can feel the waves breaking over me, and sometimes I struggle to keep from going under, to keep my head above water. I am clinging to those boards, for all I'm worth, as I cry out to the Father for help. Sometimes, I feel myself slipping and I struggle for a better grasp. I am floating in on His grace and mercy. I want to make it safely to the other side. But I know, even in the journey, I'll be changed. Things will never be the same again. For you don't come through the storms without looking at things differently. I pray that that change will be a positive one, so that when the next storm comes, I'll be stronger. Able to swim, instead of clinging to the pieces.

I know that all things work together for good!

Happy Birthday, Aaron!!

2009-09-25T10:51:00.000-04:00

Today is my first born "baby's" birthday. He's 28! Wow, where have the years gone? It seems like just yesterday we were bringing him home from the hospital. He has two babies of his own, Kylie (3 1/2) and Wyatt (15 months) Aaron will be getting out of the Air Force in January, having served 8 years, but they'll be coming home in November. I can hardly wait!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AARON!!

WE LOVE YOU!

Happy Sweet 16, Mikiah!

2009-09-18T10:42:00.002-04:00

Today is my neice, Kiah's, 16th birthday.
Kiah is Stephanie's little sister.

HAPPY SWEET 16, KIAH!

Happy Birthday, Stephanie!

2009-09-17T10:27:00.004-04:00

Today is my neice, Stephanie's, birthday.
She's the ripe old age of 26.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, STEPHANIE!!

33 Years Ago

2009-09-12T21:50:00.003-04:00

Thirty three years ago, I met the Savior!

But my story started the summer before September 12th, 1976.

During the summer before we moved back to Tennessee, we came home for a visit. My Aunt Bob, Uncle Lige and Aunt Bonnie were attending Swan Pond Baptist Church. While we were home, Debbie and I went to church with them. That in itself wasn't unusual, as we usually did this when we were here. The last time we had been home, they were attending the Harriman Baptist Tabernacle. Since then they had changed churches.

The service we attended that summer Sunday was different than any I had attended before. There was a lot of singing and shouting and testifying. And during the service, they kept talking about how you needed to be saved. This was all new to me. I remember thinking that these people were crazy, and I couldn't wait to get away from them. We finished our vacation, and returned to California.

Even though I got away from "those crazy people", I couldn't get away from the things that I had heard and felt. I couldn't get it out of my mind. I would go to sleep thinking about it and wake up thinking about it. Debbie had a little black and white tv set with rabbit ears. I used to turn it on and flip through the channels adjusting the rabbit ears, looking for the shows with preaching. I would read my Bible, but did not know where to look. I was trying to find out what it meant to be "saved".

Night after night, I would find those shows and listen, trying to find out how I could be "saved". Out of all those shows, I never heard a clear cut presentation of the gospel. I knew I was a sinner and that I needed God to "save" me, but I did not know how to get Him to do that. I could not sleep for worrying about something happening and me not being "saved". I did not understand it then, but I was under conviction. God was dealing with my heart.

One night, out of desperation, I cried out to God and asked Him to "save me". I told Him that I didn't know what all that meant, but I knew I needed Him, and without Him, I would die and go to Hell for all the bad things I had done. I told Him that as soon as we moved back to Tennessee, I would go to church and find the answers. After that night, I was able to sleep and was no longer afraid.

We left California to move back to Tennessee on my fifteenth birthday, September 5th, 1976. On Sunday Morning, September 12th, I went to church with Bonnie, Bob and Lige. On Sunday night, we had a service similar to the one the summer before. This time, I wasn't afraid. Bro. Wayne Burnette gave the invitation, and said that if you knew you needed to be "saved", you should come to the altar and someone would meet you there and show you how.

I went forward that night, and Bro. John McCormick took God's Word and explained to me why I needed to be saved and what I needed to do. He told me if I knew I was guilty and was sorry for my sins, that I needed to tell God and ask Him to forgive me and save my soul. I knew that I had asked Him before, but now, understanding what God's Word said, I asked Him again. That night, I confessed to the church that God had saved me.

I know that God saved me thirty three years ago. Whether it was that night in California or the night in Tennessee, I have no doubt that He forgave me! He gave me His sweet peace. The Bible says "For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."

I am so thankful that God saw fit to trouble my soul and show me that I needed Him! Praise His Holy Name! I have tried to do what He would have me to do and live for Him. I know that I have failed Him too many times to count. I'm sure I will fail Him again, however unintentional. But He has never, ever failed me! He has walked by my side all these years, blessed me, gave me His mercy and grace and taken care of me.

I would be lying to you if I said this road had been easy. It hasn't. There have been many, many rough times. Times when I did not know how I would make it through, times when I could not see the way, times when it was nearly impossible to catch my breath. But He has been with me, "for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee"

What about you?

Have you accepted Jesus as your Savior?

The Bible says "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" (Romans 3:23) We are all sinners and there is nothing we can do in ourselves to pay for that sin.

"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23) God has offered us a gift, a free gift. We can have eternal life through Jesus! Without Him, we cannot pay the price and we face an eternity in Hell.

"But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8) We can have that great love gift, because He died in our place. He took our punishment.

"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." (Romans 10:9) We just have to realize we are sinners, believe on Him, accept what He has done for us with a repentant (sorry) heart and we can be saved.

"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:13)

God loves you just as much as He loved me, or anyone else. My prayer is that if you don't know Him, God will trouble your heart and bring you to that place of repentance, so you too will have that "friend that sticketh closer than a brother." (Proverbs 18:24)

Happy Birthday, Momma!

2009-09-12T11:39:00.004-04:00

On to the second event that happened on September 12th.

*DISCLAIMER AND WARNING TO KIM (AND OTHERS): THIS POST MAY MAKE YOU CRY, HAVE TISSUES READY!*

Today is Momma's birthday. She would have been 67. She was born on September 12, on her mom's (Mamaw Webster's) birthday. When I was little everybody thought I looked like Mom, but when we were teenagers, everyone thought Debbie looked like Mom. They always thought they were sister's instead of mother and daughter, Mom looked so young.

This picture is of mom and her little sister, Edna (the cotton top). Mom and Aunt Edna have always been real close. They also looked alot alike, more so than Mom and any of her other siblings.

This is Mom and Dad. I believe it was taken shortly after they were married. Probably 1959 or 1960.

I'm not sure what year this picture was taken, but I believe it was before 1999.

This picture was taken in 1999. I made it with the first digital camera I ever owned.

This was from Labor Day Weekend, 2005.

Momma was the 4th child in a family of eleven (see pictures in previous post about Mamaw Webster). She and Dad were married on December 19th, 1959. I came along on September 5th, 1961 and Debbie on August 7th, 1962. Kim was born on May 8th, 1969. Up until that time, Mom and Dad both worked at Roane Hosiery. We lived in the holler in Jett Valley and attended Child's Memorial Baptist Church. Shortly after Kim was born we "loaded up the truck and moved to"....Glendora, California.

We literally loaded up the truck, Dad put the mattresses in the back of the truck with the camper top, and me and Debbie rode there on the way to California. Dad rigged up an intercom so we could talk to him and mom. Kim was just a couple of weeks old and of course, rode up front with Mom. I remember as we left the driveway in Jett Valley, Deb and I were in the back singing "California Here We Come". We were off on a grand adventure! We stayed with Aunt Helen & Uncle Don for a while in West Covina, before moving to Glendora. We spent 8 years there, before moving back to Tennessee.

We came back "home" in September of 1976, when I was 15. Mom stayed home with us when we lived in Glendora, but worked several jobs after we moved back. She worked several years in the deli at Goldston's Quick Check. She also worked at Roane State, Johnson's Nursing Home, a steak house in Harriman and Shoney's. The last place she worked was for Debbie & Wendell in their store. She loved to work on her house and with her flowers. We attended church at Swan Pond for several years, and for the past 4, Mom and Dad were faithful members at the Harriman Baptist Tabernacle, where Kim and Debbie and their families also attend.

Though she only had three daughters, she had 12 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Mom had rheumatic fever when she was real young, and then had it again before Kim was born. It caused damage to her heart that worsened through the years. Four years ago, Mom had open heart surgery and a mitral valve replacement. She amazed the doctors with how well she recovered. She had a problem with her heart out of rhythym early this year, but the doctors were able to correct it.

Momma passed away suddenly from a stroke on March 23, 2009. She and Dad had been married for 49 years.

Some of my fondest memories of Mom are from the years right after we moved to California. We only had a pick up truck at the time. Dad had to use it and often worked away from home for a few days at a time. We would spend the summers walking. Me, Debbie, and Mom pushing Kim in the stroller. We would walk to the local stores to shop, usually Gemco and Newberry's or Woolworth's. We would shop and then have lunch in their cafeterias or at the lunch counter. Sometimes we would go to Thrifty Drugstore for an ice cream cone. We would also walk to the library.

During the windy months, Mom would go with us to the playground at Gordon (our elementary school) and fly kites with us. During the school year, Debbie and I would often walk home for lunch. Kim wasn't yet in school. Often Mom would fix us macaroni and cheese, corn and pork & beans. (Pork & beans have never been a favorite of mine, but I can eat them if I have corn and macaroni and cheese to go with them).

Back during that time was when the heiress, Patricia Hearst was kidnapped by the SLA (Simbianese Liberation Army) in Northern California. We watched all the news coverage on TV and even the shoot out that went on. We went to JC Penney's one time, and Mom used her credit card and security was called. That wasn't a good time to share the name of a kidnapped heiress even if it was spelt different!

It's hard to believe that Mom's been gone for 6 months. I know that she is in a better place than we are, spending time with family and friends who went before her, and most of all with her Savior, but I miss her! I know Debbie and Kim and Daddy, as well of the rest of the family, miss her too!
I'm thankful that one day, there will be a family reunion!
~
I MISS YOU, MOM!
~
I LOVE YOU!
~
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Mamaw Webster

2009-09-12T10:16:00.008-04:00

September 12th is kind of an eventful day in our family. Three special things happened on that day. I guess I'll have to write three separate posts to cover it all. I'll start with the first event that occurred.

September 12th was my Mamaw Webster's birthday. Zettia Molly Edwards was born in 1913. She would have been 96 today. She married Walter Edwin Webster and they had 11 children. Helen, Faye, Sue, Pat, Edna, Alvin, Earl, Donnie, Diane, Darrell and Jan. They lived at DeArmand's Crossing in Harriman.

The picture below is of Mamaw holding Cotton (Alvin), Edna, Pat (mom), Sue, Faye and Helen holding Earl.

I'm not sure when this picture was made of Mamaw, but probably some time in the 70's. It was made in front of the cornfield that was planted beside their house.

Mamaw did not have an easy life. She raised 11 kids in a tiny house. They had well water and they did not have indoor plumbing until I was a teenager. (I remember making many trips to the little buidling up the hill.) Mamaw suffered from poor circulation and had a condition that caused ulcers on her legs that would not heal. She had to have repeated skin grafts. She suffered with it for as long as I can remember. I do not remember a time when she did not have "Ace" bandages around her legs. I don't remember alot of the details about the skin grafts, but I gained a greater appreciation of all she went through when Debbie had to have her skin graft. Procedures and things are so much better now than they were then. I can only imagine what it was like for her. Her daughter, Sue, drowned when she was 16. Her youngest daughter, Jan, was what they used to call a "change of life" baby and was born mentally handicapped. But you know, I never heard Mamaw complain. She may have, but I never remember hearing her utter one word of complaint about the way things were.

Mamaw always had biscuits made. And as soon as we would come through the door, she would tell us to come get one. When I was younger, there used to be an old upright piano in the living room. I don't remember what she played, but I remember her standing at the piano playing a tune. And "Chopsticks". She taught us to play "Chopsticks". I also remember her dancing the Charleston for us. There always seemed to be music at Mamaw's, since some of the boys played the guitar.

Debbie and I were the "older" cousins. Doug and Donna and Sharon were older than we were, but they lived away and didn't get to come home much. We used to come home to Tennesse every other summer and spent time at Mamaw's with all the little cousins. One of our favorite things was to take them for walks up the road, and when the snow cone truck would come by.

After we moved back to Tennessee, our cousins, Mike, Scott and Greg would come in from Georgia. One winter, it came a great big snow storm. We all walked from our house in the snow, to Mamaw's and Papaw's. All the aunts and uncles came and we made a huge snowman in the front yard. Someone from the newspaper came by and made our picture with the snowman.

We were able to give Mamaw and Papaw a 50th Wedding Anniversary Party at our house. The picture below is of Papaw and Mamaw with their anniversary cake.

This picture was made at their party too. That's Darrell, Helen, Donnie, Papaw, Earl, Mamaw, Cotton, Edna & Pat (mom). Diane, Faye and Jan are not in the picture.

Mamaw passed away a little while later. She had a stroke. I remember going to the hospital, and being there when she left this world. She never regained consciousness after the stroke. The doctor's said her heart was just wore out. I don't ever remember Mamaw going to church. She hardly ever left the house. I think it may have had to do with the condition of her legs. But I remember her talking about when she used to walk to Mount Calvary to church, which was just across the hill from her house. She said that she had been saved. I'm looking forward to that reunion in Heaven.

My kids didn't get to know Mamaw. Aaron was 4 and Rachel nearly 2 when she passed away. I never pass by DeArmand's Crossing (which I have to do any time I go from Wartburg to Harriman) without thinking about Mamaw and Papaw. I love her and miss her too!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MAMAW!

Remembering Granny

2009-09-10T08:44:00.003-04:00

My granny, Roxie Buck Hurst, was born September 10, 1911. Today would have been her 98th birthday. Granny's family was from Sunbright. This is the earliest picture I have of Granny, when she was a young girl. Granny was married twice. Something we knew, but it was never talked about in detail. When asked, she would only say that her first husband went off to find work and never came back. She had a son that died soon after birth.

Granny married my Papaw, Lus "Buckeye" Hurst and they had 4 children. Barbara, William (who also died shortly after birth), Tommy (my dad) and Sue. After Granny's death, her sister told us that Granny always believed that William was buried alive. She thought she saw him move before the casket was closed. This was attributed to her being a grieving mother. Whether it was true or not, I can only imagine how horrible it must have been to think that. This is a picture of Granny and Bobbie.

Below is a picture of Granny, Bobbie (who was pregnant with Ronnie), Sue and Dad. It had to have been taken in 1946 as that was the year Ron was born. (Sorry, Ron. We'll still tell everybody we're the youngest)

This picture below was taken about 1959 or 60.

After their children were grown, and the grandchildren were coming along, Granny & Papaw adopted Granny's great-neice, Bonnie.

This picture was taken in the early 70's. It is Ronnie, Granny & Bonnie.

Granny & Papaw had 10 grandchildren. Ron, Me, Debbie, Kim, Rich, Heather, Justin, Talisha, Myron and Marcus. There are 17 great grandchildren and 8 great-great grandchildren.

This picture was taken shortly before Granny was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis.

The one below is Papaw, Bobbie, Dad & Granny. It was made at the funeral home when one of Granny's siblings had passed away.

The picture below was taken after she was diagnosed and had been on prednisone. She didn't like this one much, as one of the side effects of the prednisone was that it made her face fat and she thought the picture showed that.

The picture below was taken before she had to go on oxygen all the time.

This one is of Rachel and Granny. All of my children got to know and have memories of Granny. Even Seth. He was 4 when Granny died. I am so glad they did.

This is Granny on an Easter Sunday at my house, before she was no longer able to get out and go places.

This is the last picture Granny & Papaw had made together.

I have alot of fond memories of Granny. I remember when I was little, before we moved to California, we would sometimes spend Friday or Saturday night at Granny's. Me, Debbie, and Ron. Later on, Bonnie would be there too. Granny would always make us popcorn and we would sit in the floor and watch tv. I remember the time she was cleaning out the kitchen cabinet and dropped a can on her foot. She 'bout cut her toes off and she was bleeding and we were scared. Or the time we spent the night and heard a noise on the backporch. The next morning a whole box of pecans was gone and she told us the squirrels got them. Once we moved to California, we only got to see her about every 2 years. But she always wrote us letters. I remember being so excited to get a letter or when we got to talk to her on the phone. And every year, we'd get a big box of Christmas presents from Tennessee. (I was going through Granny's recipe box after she passed away and found a letter I had written her shortly after we moved. She had saved it all those years!) They even got to come visit us one year. Bob, Lige, Ron, Granny, Papaw and Bonnie all piled into the car and made the 2000 mile trip to spend 2 weeks with us. I think Granny's middle name should have been "Go" (she actually didn't have a middle name). She was always ready to travel. Papaw, on the other hand, wasn't. He didn't like to go anywhere for long. It still amazes me that he made that trip to California. Once we moved back to Tennessee, we spent alot of time at Granny's. Debbie and I would spend the night and walk to the Carol Anne to catch the bus for school. We also spent alot of weekends there. We would get up and get ready for church on Sunday morning to Mull's Singing Convention. I remember picking vegetables from the garden and apples up off the ground. Sitting on the front porch and breaking beans or hulling purple peas. Swinging in the swing till we flew over the bannister. Family dinners and washing all the plastic cups and silverware, because Granny would have a fit if we threw them away. I remember Granny teaching me how to make dumplings and fried apples. How she would say "yello" when she answered the phone. I remember how excited she was when she won the drawing for the TV at Goldston's Grocery. And then how that TV sat on top of the big TV and Granny would watch her "stories" (aka soap operas) on it while Papaw watched his baseball games on the big TV (with the sound down, he couldn't hear it anyway). I remember taking my kids to granny's. They loved going to granny's about as much as I did. She always had to feed them, and send something back to Charlie (usually chicken parts). When Granny could no longer get up and around, we would each take a day and go clean her house, cook for them, run errands, etc. I'm so glad I was able to do that for her.

Granny went home to heaven in November, 1998, when she was 87. She was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in 1991. When she was diagnosed, they put her on prednisone, which she hated. They told her without it she would only live about 6 months. She took herself off the prednisone and showed them! She lived for 7 years without it. For the last few years of her life, she was bedridden and on constant oxygen. We dreaded to see her time come to an end, because we had been told she would die a horrible death, smothering and not able to breath. But the good Lord had other plans. Shortly before her death, she was diagnosed with colon cancer (from being bedridden). The pain was so bad, that she finally agreed to have a colostomy. She went in the hospital and had the surgery, but never came home. I was in the room when Granny left this world for her home in Glory. She had eaten and was sitting up in the bed. She seemed to be doing a little better. I remember sitting there watching her, looking at her eyes. I can only describe what I saw this way: It was as if the light in her eyes went out. Her breathing slowed to nothing, and she passed away peacefully.

Granny may have been gone for eleven years, but she's not forgotten. She lives on in our hearts and memories. She taught us many things, and we continue to pass them on to others. It may seem like a silly little thing, but I have Granny's old fashioned potato masher. I still use it, and often my grandkids want to help me when I'm cooking. They like to "smash" the potatoes. Every time we use it, I tell them about Granny. They never got to know her, but she is still touching their lives. I loved her very much, and I still miss her. I always will.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GRANNY!

Not Going Home Today

2009-09-09T11:20:00.003-04:00

Talked to Wendall and he said that Debbie's white blood count and all the other numbers were still good, but because she is not eating enough, she won't be going home today. He was in a hurry and I didn't get to ask him any more questions. I'll try to talk to him again later to find out more details, and then I'll update again.

Debbie's Still In The Hospital

2009-09-08T21:27:00.003-04:00

I stayed with Debbie at the hospital last night. She managed to sleep a little better than she had been, and was feeling a bit better today. She's had a really rough weekend, and has been in a lot of pain. She told me that this is the worst pain that she has had so far, even worse than the surgeries, skin grafts, trach, etc. Her white blood count has gone up quite a bit, though, from Saturday, which is a very good thing. They have put radiation and chemo on hold until her mouth heals some. She has blisters all over the inside of her mouth and throat. She still hasn't ate much at all since last Thursday. She has lost 40 pounds total. Please continue to pray for her. Steph has updated her blog and Debbie's if you want to check them out.

Update on Debbie

2009-09-06T20:35:00.003-04:00

I talked to Wendell and he said that Debbie may be doing just a tiny bit better this evening, but she's been pretty miserable all day. He said they have given her so much medicine that it's hard to tell. She hasn't eaten in 3 days. Her blood count hasn't gone up, but the doctor thinks they'll start seeing an improvement tomorrow. We went to see her last night, and it breaks my heart to see her in pain. Although she doesn't complain, you know she's hurting. I'll be going to stay with her tomorrow night. Please just keep her in your prayers. Thanks again!

Debbie

2009-09-05T10:21:00.003-04:00

Dad called a little while ago and told me that they had put Debbie in the hospital early this morning. She was running a fever, not feeling good, and her blood count was really low. I would appreciate it if you would remember her in prayer. Thanks!

It Just Keeps Getting Better!

2009-08-29T19:25:00.003-04:00

After posting my ER post this morning, I went to wake Seth up. I was standing in his doorway talking to him, and then turned to go back in the living room. I didn't have my contacts in or my glasses on, but as I turned, I saw the end of a snake slithering under the chair. Needless to say, I screamed and ran, hollering at Seth. I ran all the way outside to the front porch. Seth put his boots on, and turned the chair over. I heard him say "It's a huge ring neck" to which I replied with another scream! He managed to pin it behind the couch with a pool stick. He killed it and carried it outside. Needless to say, I called Charlie & Malachi, who were welding at Papaw's, and made them come home and turn over and look under and around every piece of furniture in the house before I would step foot in it again. I can handle lizards, bats, mice, rats, angry goats, dogs, anything except a snake. I CANNOT handle a snake. They freak me out, make me paranoid and give me nightmares. I had a science teacher in Jr. High, Mrs. McQuiddy, who thought she would cure me of my fear of snakes by making me touch a blue racer. All it accomplished was giving me nightmares for months! I can't step a foot on the floor without looking all around me first, and move past furniture very quickly. Not sure when I'll have peace of mind again.

Another Night in the ER

2009-08-29T11:05:00.003-04:00

I spent another night in the ER last night with my father-in-law. He mannaged to take 4 days worth of blood pressure meds, blood thinner and pain pills in one day. His neice, who had stopped by to see him called and said that he had the gun out and wanted it loaded. When Malachi and Charlie went to see what he was doing, he was unconscious. That's when they discovered he had taken all those meds. So, the ambulance was called and he was taken to the ER where we spent about 5 hours. They gave him something in the ambulance that brought him around, and he proceeded to cuss out the paramedic. After his blood pressure and heart rate came back up and he was awake, he was sent home. He is very beligerant. They did another CT scan, and the doctor said that the stroke was "evolving". Which after questioning the doctor, we believe means that the results of the stroke are becoming more acute. His eyesight has gotten worse, (he says that he can't even see his feet), he has more weakness on his left side, etc. He is very hard to deal with. My mother-in-law has altzheimer's. She functions well with the day to day activities, cooking, cleaning etc., but her mind is not what it should be. She doesn't know the difference between reality and an idea that she gets in her head. Whatever someone says to her will be her new reality until something else is said. Charlie is an only child, so there is no one else to help but me, Charlie and my kids. We are still trying to figure out the best way to handle it all.

Thanks!

2009-08-25T22:09:00.002-04:00

Thanks to all those who prayed for my father in law. He came home from the hospital this evening. Fortunately, the worst of the damage was his eyesight, and maybe a bit of memory. It could have been so much worse! Please continue to pray for him as he has lots of adjustments ahead, both with his sight and allowing others to help him with things, such as his medicine. It's gonna be a rough road ahead! =)

My Father in Law

2009-08-24T11:52:00.002-04:00

Please pray for my father in law, JC. He had a stroke yesterday. I spent the night in the ER with him and my mother in law, June. I took June home at 4 a.m. and stayed with her. The stroke has affected JC's vision. He can see straight ahead, and anything to the right. He can see nothing to the left. He is in the hospital where they are watching him and running some tests. They told me last night that once they have one stroke, they usually have another. Please pray for him and June. We will be going back to the hospital in a little while.

Watch Out!

2009-08-20T10:05:00.002-04:00

Seth passed his test for his permit on Tuesday. When he came out of the testing room with a big grin on his face, I knew he had. So, the fun has begun! I'm teaching my sixth (and last) child how to drive. This should prove to be an interesting year!

Happy Birthday, Seth!

2009-08-16T01:59:00.007-04:00

My "baby" turns 15 today! Wow, time sure flies sometimes. We (me, Charlie, Misty & Pamela) took him to Olive Garden last night for dinner, and then to see "GI Joe". I think he had a pretty good birthday. Even though, to his embarrassment, the Olive Garden waiters and waitresses sang "Happy Birthday" to him.

Guess we'll be heading to Rockwood to get his permit on Tuesday. I've survived 5 teenaged drivers, guess I can survive 1 more.

Happy 15th Birthday, Seth!

I Love You!

Happy Birthday Lucas!

2009-08-11T22:30:00.000-04:00

Today is Lucas' 19th birthday.

He's grown up to be a fine young man, and I'm very proud of him.

Happy Birthday Lucas!

I love you!

The Beach at Fort Moultrie/Last of Vacation Pics

2009-08-10T16:30:00.001-04:00

After touring Fort Moultrie, we walked down to the beach which faced Fort Sumter.

Fort Sumter

This beach was alot rockier in spots. You weren't allowed to get in the water here, as this is in the shipping lane where the big ships come into Charleston. It was pretty and peaceful here. There probably wasn't 10 people on the beach.

That sign in the distance is the one telling you you'd be fined for getting in the water.

These rocks were covered with shells (that were attached).

This is a ship that passed by while we were on the beach. All of those things that look like boxes were actually containers that look like railroad cars. The ship was HUGE!

Misty picking up shells. We found alot that had crabs in them.

A big crab we saw on the beach.

Well, that's the last of my vacation pictures. After leaving Fort Moultrie, we headed home. It's always such a good feeling when you cross that state line and know you are once again in the great state of Tennessee. We had a really good time in Charleston, and I'd love to go again. There was still lots to do that we didn't have time for, and I'm always up for the beach!

Fort Moultrie, Sullivan Island, SC

2009-08-07T15:30:00.001-04:00

On Monday, after our carriage ride and visit to the Fort Sumter Memorial, we went to Sullivan's Island, to Fort Moultrie.

This is a picture of the Fort from the visitor's center across the road. They had Park Service employees who gave tours, or you could do the tour on your own. We chose to do it on our own.

One of the bunkers.

A view from inside the Fort of the command center that was used during WWII. Women served at Fort Moultrie during WWII. Another bunker. Looking down from the command center at some of the cannons.

A view of the wall from the back side of the Fort. Looking out across the Fort towards the Harbor.

A portion of the Fort that took a direct hit from a cannon. A view of the back side of the Fort.

Walking towards the beach from Fort Moultrie.

Charleston Carriage Ride

2009-08-07T15:05:00.001-04:00

We had planned all along to take one of the carriage rides around Charleston. We finally got a chance on Monday morning. I highly recommend them. I didn't make many pictures, as I was way too interested in all of the history. I did learn why the houses are situated the way they are, with the front of one facing the back of the other. Many of the people who came to Charleston came from the Carribbean. There they had found that they could get more houses on the peninsula by situating them like this. They face the direction they do to get the most out of the breezes that blow from the ocean. Most of the older houses have one room that goes across the entire floor, with windows on the ends, so that the breeze will keep the house cooler. The doors from the street to the porch were for privacy reasons, as many would spend their evenings there.

We had planned to take the boat ride to Fort Sumter after the carriage ride. We did visit the Fort Sumter Memorial, but if we had taken the boat ride, it would have put us getting home to Tennessee around midnight. So, instead, we visited Fort Moultrie.

Sunday, The Beach and Waterfront Park at Night

2009-08-07T15:00:00.000-04:00

On Sunday, we got up and went back to the Old Market in Charleston. We still have a few gifts to buy for grandkids and others. After that, we went back to Folly Beach. Not long after we got there, a storm blew in. The clouds looked really awesome. I took these pictures with my cell phone. They ran everyone off the beach, and we went back to the Hotel and cleaned up for supper. We ate at the Charleston Crab House.

After supper, we drove around and decided to see how far it was to Sullivan Island. We drove out to Fort Moultrie (which you could not see in the dark) and back. We then decided to go back to Waterfront Park and wander around.

Parking is very hard to find in Charleston, unless you use one of the parking garages. After dark, we would rather park out in the open. We drove around several times before finding a spot, and then Misty had to feed the meter.

This is a view of Waterfront Park from the pier.

This is the Pineapple fountain in Waterfront Park. This is the main fountain in the park. You are allowed to play in this one. We saw many children, teenagers and adults playing here.