NANA NOTES

CC's tutu

 
CC's birthday was a few weeks ago and I made her a "tutu" that I had seen on Martha Stewart.  Now I surely don't claim to be MS but I did print out the instructions off her site and for a first effort it turned out ok.  Ryan and Haleigh finally brought her by here and she wouldn't have any part of it. When she did put it on, she loved it.  Of course, it didn't really match her Halloween shirt and jeans but you get the idea.  Haleigh called me today and wanted one for a little friend of theirs.  I had enough material to make another one and I "did my own thing" with it.  I might have to remake CC's to look like the one I made today.  I think it turned out very well.  I'd show you but it's a gift and they aren't giving it to her until tomorrow.

LATE BIRTHDAY DINNER W/ FRIENDS

For the last few years Ed and Jimmie Lou have been having a birthday dinner together. His birthday is on the first of October and hers is on the second.  This year we went to The Caboose and Libby and Josh and Cagney went with us.

 

We all enjoyed our food and conversation.  We didn't have dessert at the restaurant.  Jimmie Lou loves "Walmart" birthday cake!! 
We stopped and got one and came home for cake and homemade ice cream.  Another fun birthday for two great folks!!  Happy Birthday, guys!

HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY!!

 

 October 1, 2009 is the beginning of a brand new year for my sweet husband.  I won't tell you how old he turned today but he and Herring Gas were born the same day and that was in 1946.  He spent the morning at the store and the afternoon on a tractor fluffing hay for Ryan. Tonight we attended the first night of a Bible study.  That's how birthdays go when you get this age.  It's been a good day. He heard from all the children.  We look forward to many more.  Happy Birthday, Papa!
 

A BEAUTIFUL GIFT

I had to take a picture of the towel because I obviously couldn't put it on here and then I decided to "scrap" the picture.  The butterfly was an embellishment we made at Scrapfest.  The button ribbon was the "bow" on the package.  Don't you just love it??  Thanks, Cagney for the beautiful towel and the wonderful opportunity to scrap something.

EVERYBODY SAW IT BEFORE ME!

People kept asking me if I'd gotten my birthday present from the Cowart Gang last week.  Every where I went--they would ask me!  I sort of left for the beach in a hurry and Jennifer didn't know it.  On Sunday night she, Shelly and the boys came over and gave me a great gift. 

 

This is the back cover of a book of my photographs that I've taken over the last few years.  The book is 12 x 12 and it's like a Little Golden Book.  I can't describe it in a way that you can appreciate it but take my word for it--it's beautiful [not just because I took the pictures]!  The other pictures she took are of me looking at the book and it shows "tmi" of me in the swimsuit! :)  You'll just have to wait to see the book in person.  I love it and I love the Cowart Gang!

I had a great birthday. I had lots of FB messages and calls and cards. All the kids called me and I talked to Ed first thing that morning.  He woke me up and sang to me.  What a wake up!!  Thanks to everyone!

FEAST OR FAMINE--with blog topics (and everything else!!)

There are lots of things going on here--it all comes at one time.  I want to blog it all but time prohibits and the subject matter gets old.  Sunday was a special day at our church and for lots of families in our community (ours included).  We had THREE christenings at our Sunday morning service--they were all cousins less than a year old and it was the sweetest thing ever.  Brother David said he didn't remember ever having that happen since he's been in the ministry.  It hasn't happened at our church.  We had two one time and I think it was Graham and Sally Katherine (cousins again-even if distant!)  Anyway---here are some pictures of the sweet babies and their parents. 

I had to use this picture because little Ms Callie Rivers Sullivan was waving to her public.  She is a doll!  She is the daughter of Stephanie and Chris Sullivan.   

Charles Vern Sullivan or as Jennifer lovingly calls him "Charlie Bug" is the beautiful son of Vista (Sullivan) and Bret Herring.  He was the calmest of the three--laid back like all the Herring's!  :) 

 

This handsome guy--Kale Sullivan Thomas-- is the son of Scott and Summer Thomas. Summer's mom was a Sullivan. This little guy was a chunk!  He enjoyed every minute and tried to help Brother David with the water.  Chris, Vista and Summer are all cousins.

 This was the fun part--trying to get a picture with everyone "acting right".  I can't wait to see Stephenie's pics.  I'm sure she got some good ones. 

"I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him.  So now I give him to the Lord.  For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord."                             I Samuel 27-28

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY #1 DAUGHTER IN LAW!!

I know that I have other pictures of Tiffany when she's all dressed up with makeup and looking beautiful. But there is no other time that she's as happy as she was on this afternoon. Besides being beautiful on the inside is what counts [and I think she looks pretty terrific here!].  Today's her birthday and I'm not saying which one. I just hope it's a great one!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TIFFANY!  LOVE, NANA, PAPA AND SADIE

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JENNIFER!!

Thirty five years ago today I woke up needing to go to the hospital. The story is a funny one but I'll spare you that.  The story is also a sad one and I'll spare you that.  Bittersweet things can often bring you big blessings.  Thirty five years ago today Ed carried me to Jackson [in less than an hour] and left me with my parents [after passing my dad standing under "No Name" bridge in Byram] at the old Baptist Hospital. I gave birth to Jennifer before he had time to get back home to be with his mother.  He and Carol Boteler Waid named her and she was born with a broken arm.  Her whole life has been that kind of whirlwind.  She is in constant motion all the time.  She has a wonderful husband, four terrific boys and a good life.  My prayer for her is that she can enjoy what she has now and always.  Happy Birthday, dear daughter.  I love you very much.  Mom    

SURPRISE BIRTHDAY FOR RYAN

Haleigh surprised Ryan with a birthday dinner at Santa Fe last night. Although Jeanne and Tim got "busted" Ryan was still surprised when he came in and saw all the people there for his "surprise"!  He was sweet and did not get embarassed when we sang to him.  His cake was chocolate and had a John Deere tractor with a hay bailer on it. He was a happy boy.  It's hard to believe that he's 17 years old.     

 I apologize for the quality of the photos. "Nana forgot her camera!!!" Ms Jeanne had hers and took lots of photos.  Maybe I'll be lucky enough to get some of those.  So sorry!!

HAPPY HOLIDAY

FREEDOM ROCKS!!!

HAPPY

JULY 4th!!!

 

A GREAT SURPRISE

Jennifer has been avoiding me like the plague lately.  She always had excuses why she couldn't come for lunch, etc.  "I'm busy, I'm working on a big project", and on and on.  Well, on Monday I found out what the "big project" was.   The sewing machine that we gave her about three years ago has come out of the box and she made me a "chemo quilt".  She took quilt scraps from my Mom's fabric boxes and put them together.  She did picture transfers of all the family and put them in some of the squares. She even had my favorite scripture monogramed for the center.  Never have I been so surprised or pleased!!  Jennifer has never even sewn on a button.

She wanted me to be warm when I was taking chemo--the room is usually cold and I had mentioned that.  Now I have a wonderful blanket with all my family on it to surround me while I'm getting my drips.

Thank you, Jennifer, for every stitch and every piece of love in that blanket.  I love you.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you,

Happy Birthday, dear DIL, Happy Birthday to YOU!!!

We love you!

JANUARY BIRTHDAYS 2008

Take a look at our January birthday boys!  Hayden turned seven and Sam will be five soon.  Those of you that follow the goings on at CB know we have a monthly birthday dinner to celebrate.  Sam used his birthday money to go to Boots and More and bought a new rope and some cool Cinch jeans.  Hayden got a roping dummy head (?) from his Dad and Tiffany and money from us and the Cowarts to buy a bag for the hay bale that the head fits on. (That's way over my head but that's what I was told!)  He was excited.  Looks like all the guys around here are "Cowboying Up".  Happy Birthday, boys!

NOVEMBER BIRTHDAY

We finally got it together to have birthday dinner for Bryden.  He didn't seem to mind that we were a week late.  He's such a sweet boy and he was very happy with his "presents".  Boys can always use money. I think he has his eyes on a telescope.   He has a good start on it now.  It's hard to believe he's eight years old.  Happy Birthday Joseph Bryden Herring!!  You're a wonderful, sweet grandson!

JUNE BIRTHDAY PARTY

Let me begin this post by saying that everyone arrived safely!!  Some were late but that's ok.  We celebrated today for ME, Tiffany and Abby (my brother's daughter)!   I got up early and cooked the usual Sunday lunch and included a "Mae Mae" cake and homemade ice cream.  We were in the "throws" of opening our birthday presents when all of a sudden someone said, "Ball practice!"  Tiffany swallowed a piece of birthday cake (we didn't even get to light the candles!) and out the door she went with Ben and Shelby for practice.  Jennifer followed with Emily. The rest of us stayed and some read the paper, napped or watched a movie.  About 5:15 PM Ryan showed up and asked, "Where is that watermelon you bought, Nana?"  He went out to the ice chest and retrieved it.  We cut it and I think the smell of it woke Ed up!  We gathered around the counter and devoured the COLD, SWEET, RED WATERMELON.

I couldn't help but think of my sweet little friend Madge.  I wish she'd been with us.  She loves watermelon.  When I see that man on the road again, I'm going to get her one.  It couldn't be better than this one!

TODAY'S MY BIRTHDAY. . .

and I've received lots of calls and cards and even some "happies"!  I have sweet, sweet friends that I treasure.  Thank you all!!  This bouquet was on my bathroom counter when I woke up this morning.  There was a note with it.  I'm not going to share the note, but it was one of the sweetest I've ever received from my husband.  He went out, cut the flowers from our garden, arranged them and found the vase and put them in there WITHOUT me hearing him!!  Without a doubt I'll treasure this more than almost anything he's done for me--given of himself, his time and thoughtfulness--his love.

This will be my last "birthday".  From now on I will be like my friend Kay and just have "gift" days.  I still haven't grown up and I like it that way.  I am old enough to behave myself when I should and young enough to still have fun when I want to (which is most of the time!).

I thank the Lord for this day and for letting me live when He could have chosen not to eleven years ago. That's one of the reasons that being here today is so special.

HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY NANA.

Update on the kids:  Tiffany had her surgery and is up and going.  Jody is in a brace and will not have surgery.  Another reason to praise the Lord.

MARCH BIRTHDAYS. . .

March comes in like a lion and today was no exception.  Three birthdays and two very sick little boys.  Jennifer stayed home with Graham who was throwing up and Shelly ended up taking Sam back home. He had been sick earlier in the week and started over again.  We did birthdays the best we could--Shelly (21st), Emily (22nd), and Jody (30th)--that's DATES not AGES!!  I won't go there; the guys are getting sensitive!! :)  Somebody forgot the cake (I won't say who!) but nobody cared.  We had a good lunch and they had their presents.  It's about being together and having fun anyway. As usual they were clowning around when we were picture taking.  Smiling is "out of the question".  Obviously Emily loved her new swim suit and matching flip-flops.  She couldn't wait to model for us.  The guys didn't want to try theirs on.  I guess we'll have to wait for warm weather.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SHELLY, EMILY & JODY!!

GET WELL SOON, GRAHAM AND SAM!!

FEBRUARY BIRTHDAY GIRL??

Our Tomboy Shelby had her birthday lunch today!  About three weeks ago she got a dirt bike.  Her NayNay and I have been doing a lot of praying since then.  She wants to be a carbon copy of Chase Freeman! Don't you just love the way she's sitting on the cabinet on her new "sleeping thing"!  She was so excited about that--It's Spiderman!!  Papa and I gave her a gift certificate to the Honda Shop (?) so she could get herself something she wants for riding her dirt bike.   

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PRETTY GIRL!!

TODAY'S THE DAY!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SAM!!

Today's the day!  He is really four! Where did the years go?  He's so big and grown up!  He thought now that it was "next year" he would be going to school after Christmas. Does that break your heart?  Seven more months of our sweet innocent little boy. I sure hope he still runs to me for hugs and kisses when he gets to be five (and starts to kindergarten).

JANUARY BIRTHDAYS. . .

Hayden and Sam have January birthdays and today was the "party"!  I overslept and lunch was cooked in an hour! ( Yes, we made it to church and weren't late.  Papa didn't even have to slow me down either--drove the speed limit! Good sermon too.) Thanks to Jennifer we had a cake--BRATZ! "Every guy likes a good looking girl on his cake!" (quote from Jennifer)  I started the ice cream freezing when we got home so everyone was happy.  The food wasn't the important thing to the boys anyway.  Sam said he had eaten all his stomach could hold and it was hurting.  Shelly asked him if cake and ice cream would help and he said, "yes sir!"  Uncle Josh lit the candles and they blew them out quickly.  The presents were opened before I could get the camera in my hands. I did get Hayden with his truck and boat. He had already gotten "Heelies" from his Dad and Tiffany.  Aunt Jennifer and Uncle Shelly and the boys gave him something neat that I didn't see.

We gave Sam a truck with a horse trailer and horses.  He loved it.  Aunt Tiffany and Uncle Jody gave him some sort of motorbike thing like Shelby's and he was happy with that too.  Jennifer asked him if there was anything he had asked for that he didn't get.  He thought a minute and said, "a bike."  She wheeled one out and he went running to it.  An 18" bike that you can see for days!!  SCHOOL BUS YELLOW!!  Out the door he went.  I don't think he's had cake or ice cream yet.  I guess that will wait till tomorrow. 

I can't believe our boys are growing so fast.  Hayden turned 6 on Friday and Sam will be 4 on the 15th.  Watch out Franklin Lower Elementary!