NANA NOTES

VOTE FOR ZOE

Stephanien Sullivan sent out an email telling us about this.  We helped Batson's win a gameroom makeover--let's help Zoe get into the Cherrios box!!

The Hair of Zoe Fleefenbacher Goes to School is one of 13 books competing in the Spoonful of Stories campaign, sponsored by General Mills and Simon & Schuster. The top 5 winning books will win a spot inside of Cheerios boxes everywhere! 

The illustrator of this book is our own Bentonville Dad—Ard Hoyt.

He has daughters in kindergarten and third grade at Central Park, one in seventh grade at Washington and one at Bentonville High.

Vote Daily until the end of October. 

This is all you have to do.....  

1 -- Go to: http://promo.simonandschuster.com/cheerios-poll/poll.php 

2 -- Click on "more books" (bottom right hand corner-twice) till you get to Zoe. It's the last book on a page by itself.  I tried to put a copy of the cover but couldn't.

3 -- Click on VOTE. I voted more than once.

4 -- Tell everyone you know.  

Please help Zoe win her special place inside a million Cheerios boxes!

AND THE WINNER IS--------------------------------------

AMY!!!!!

Please get in touch with me [you know all the ways!] so I can get your great, awesome, tremendous HIGH ROAD cd to you! Congratulations!! Your name was drawn from the group in a totally annonamous drawing by a wonderful guy--out of the candy jar!!

The rest of you don't be disappointed--there may be another give away soon.

COULDN'T WAIT TILL IT GOT HERE!

  I won a book on Twitter!! And--I was going to wait till it got here to show it to you but I jumped the gun!!  My friend Trish Berg was giving away two books. Well, what was my chance?  It was just a tweet, right?  Trish is a Christian author and inspirational speaker that I have come to appreciate since following her on  Twitter.  I only wish we lived close enough for me to hear her in person.  I am eagerly waiting for the book to arrive and encourage you to check out the website. Her blog is full of "good stuff"--tips, recipes, inspiration and the list goes on.  This woman must never sleep. Her to do list is longer than mine. 

PLEASE VOTE FOR BEN!!

PLEASE GO TO JENNIFER'S BLOG AND READ HER POST ABOUT VOTING FOR BEN.  FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS ABOUT CLICKING ON DONI'S BLOG AND VOTE FOR #3--BEN.  HOW AWESOME WOULD THAT BE FOR DONI TO PAINT BEN'S PICTURE???  VOTE!! 

CHONDA "TAGGED" ME

My instructions were to go to my fourth photo file and choose the fourth photo; post it and then tag four people.  This is the photo--Charm and her baby in 2008.  Charm belonged to Dixie [Ed's cousin] but we somehow ended up with her. Ed gave the baby to McRae [Dixie's daughter]. Everyone was happy and we are eagerly awaiting the birth of Charm's 2009 baby soon.

Kelly, Tiffany, Joddie and Stephenie--consider yourselves "tagged". I will watch for your pictures!!

WHAT DO YOU CALL THIS? QUESTIONS!

Diana, at Kudzu and Coal Dust gave me two awards today that required only for me to answer some questions.  The first four concerned friendship.

1. Do you have the same friends since childhood? Several

2. What do you value most about your friends? Their loyalty and ability to take me just like I am.

3. Are your friends sounding boards? Most of them.

4. What is your favorite activity to do with your friends?   Shopping at Target, eating at Zaxby's and BYB and going to Hobby Lobby!!

The others concerned things I value and don't value.

Six things I value:

1. My faith-I couldn't have made it this far without it.

2. My husband-he has been there for me when I needed him.

3. My family-they are there whenever I need them.

4. My friends-no one has friends like I do; they are the best.

5. My church family-they have become my family.

6. I agree with Diana-angels-seen and unseen.

Six things I don't value:

1. People who lie, cheat and steal.

2. Disloyalty.

3. People who aren't "real".

4. When good people aren't treated fairly.

5. "One call, that's all" lawyers!!

6. Politicians who get away with evil.

Well, that was easy. Thanks, Diana! I'll pass it along to  Jennifer,
Tiffany, & Stephenie.

NO SERVICE FOR ME!

I am at the doctor and have been trying to access the web. It isn't going to happen!! Therefore my plan to put up the NY blog is on hold. I will try later. Please don't leave me. Follow me on "twitter".I keep it updated regularly.

SERIOUS LACK OF BLOGGING TOPICS--Plus Update

Wow, it's been over a week since I blogged.  Our trip to the beach was very uneventful. Abby enjoyed herself and made some friends. She got some sun and enjoyed the food. We even went out one night and totally enjoyed it. [Not a usual thing for us.]

I've been reading a lot--something I couldn't do early on in my treatment. My attention span was very short. Now I am enjoying some books that I have had waiting for a while.

All the Mom's are getting their children ready for school to start--totally unfair I think.  It's still summertime with lots of time to swim and play.  School supplies, uniforms [everyone has grown a size or two], backpacks--the list is endless.  I remember when a friend and I used to go for our children and we always bought those metal lunch boxes.  How I wish I had them all now.  They'd be worth a fortune!!

Chemo this week was VERY interesting!  On the way over to Natchez, I got a call asking why I was late.  I responded that I wasn't late, I would arrive on time.  I had Janice fax my calendar over to them so they could see that I was telling the truth. It seems that a girl had been let go and had screwed up all the appointment times.  I was supposed to get both types of chemo meds that day and was unable to since the doctor was leaving at 11:00 AM.  One of the "good ole boys" had doubled up on his steroids and was very vocal.  We kept the banter going and Vanessa acted as a referee--she was throwing punches after every sentence. I wish I could have videoed the whole morning.  We have to laugh or we'd all be crying. :)  My friend Donna cannot have chemo for three weeks. She will be having surgery on her brain next week.  Please keep her in your prayers.  My treatment is going well.  Next week I have a shot on Tuesday and treatment on Wednesday.  It will be a long day [having both meds at once].  I keep the nurses happy by taking them some kind of cake.  I think I'll try Lemon Gooey Butter Cake this week.  They loved the Chocolate Chip Pecan one.

Ben and I have an adventure coming up so I should have some good blogging material soon.  Don't abandon me.

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy. . .  Phil. 1: 3-4

TECHNICALLY CHALLENGED!!

Jennifer has "Twitter" on her blog.  It's a cute little sidebar that gives you tidbits of what's going on if you don't have time to do a full blog.  Some folks think it's silly but I personally can keep up with my grandchildren via this method.  I have been trying to set it up on my blog for a while now.  I CANNOT DO IT!  Matt has told me that I am a "techie Nana" and that he is confident that I can do most things on the computer as long as I work at it long enough.  Well-------I am beginning to wonder.  "Twitter" is kicking my #$%^!!  After an hour this morning I am giving "Twitter" to the birds.  I will come back later when my nerves are settled and I am not ready to tear the computer to pieces.  I think I hear the yard calling me.  I am loving planting color!!!

TAGGED BY KELLY

Who are you?

Tagged

I was tagged by Kelly to play a “who are you?” game. The rules of the game get posted at the beginning. Each player answers the questions about themselves. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5 people, posts their names, and then leaves a comment on their blogs, letting them know they've been tagged.

What was I doing 10 years ago?

We had only been in our house for a few months so I was probably working in the yard.

5 things on my to-do list today

1.      finish garden club cards

2.      walk

3.      go to McComb

4.      rest

5.      eat at Cock of the Walk

5 snacks I enjoy

1.      cookies

2.      my homemade trash

3.      ice cream

4.   more cookies

5.      popcorn

5 things I would do if I were a billionaire

1.      buy YaYa a PT Cruiser

2.      put all the grandchildren through college

3.      have a private jet

4.      have a massage therapist on stand by

5.      give to the church

5 bad habits

1.      saying “YES” to often

2.      over obligating

3.   not being outspoken enough

4.      speaking before I think

5.      worrying about things that I have no control over

5 places I have lived

1.     Jackson MS

2.     El Paso, TX

3.    Fayetteville, NC

4.    Meadville MS

5.    Ridgeland, MS

5 jobs I've had

1.      Secretary

2.      Flower and Gift Shop Owner

3.      Wife

4.      Mother

5.   Grandmother

5 people I want to know more about (a nice way of saying TAG):

1.      Libby

2.      Debra

3.      Jan

4.      Sharon

5.      Debbie

Edit:  I only accomplished three of my five to do's today--the garden club cards, walked a little and rested a lot--because I ate cookies and I have discovered that sweets do not agree with the treatment!  There will be no more cookies and more cookies for me--maybe I should try salty as someone suggested.

Tagged

I was tagged by Kelly to play a “who are you?” game. The rules of the game get posted at the beginning. Each player answers the questions about themselves. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5 people, posts their names, and then leaves a comment on their blogs, letting them know they've been tagged.

What was I doing 10 years ago?

We had only been in our house for a few months so I was probably working in the yard.

5 things on my to-do list today

1.      finish garden club cards

2.      walk

3.      go to McComb

4.      rest

5.      eat at Cock of the Walk

5 snacks I enjoy

1.      cookies

2.      my homemade trash

3.      ice cream

4.   more cookies

5.      popcorn

5 things I would do if I were a billionaire

1.      buy YaYa a PT Cruiser

2.      put all the grandchildren through college

3.      have a private jet

4.      have a massage therapist on stand by

5.      give to the church

5 bad habits

1.      saying “YES” to often

2.      over obligating

3.   not being outspoken enough

4.      speaking before I think

5.      worrying about things that I have no control over

5 places I have lived

1.     Jackson MS

2.     El Paso, TX

3.    Fayetteville, NC

4.    Meadville MS

5.    Ridgeland, MS

5 jobs I've had

1.      Secretary

2.      Flower and Gift Shop Owner

3.      Wife

4.      Mother

5.   Grandmother

5 people I want to know more about (a nice way of saying TAG):

1.      Libby

2.      Debra

3.      Jan

4.      Sharon

5.      Debbie

Edit:  I only accomplished three of my five to do's today--the garden club cards, walked a little and rested a lot--because I ate cookies and I have discovered that sweets do not agree with the treatment!  There will be no more cookies and more cookies for me--maybe I should try salty as someone suggested.

I AM READY--LET THE TALE BEGIN. . .

Tomorrow I will begin the tale of the trip to Canada.  I have the pictures in the computer at least and have "in my head" the way I think I want to tell the story.  I had no idea how disorganized I could be with all of this.  Let the journey begin. . .

I'M TRYING. . .

This has been a dreadful week trying to get back into the routine of "life" after a wonderful trip.  I'm working furiously on pictures trying to learn the latest "techie" stuff to put on the blog.  I want you to see everything the best way possible.  And to write it would be soooooo long!!  I'm getting there so thanks for the comments.  You keep me going.

I WILL NEVER. . .

leave home without my laptop again.  I will never leave home without my laptop again!! I WILL NEVER LEAVE HOME WITHOUT MY LAPTOP AGAIN!!!

I'm home--arrived here about 1:00 AM this morning.  I have lots to tell you and lots to show you.  Let me catch up on the "dailies" around here and you'll be the first to share in my trip.

Thanks, Jennifer for letting everyone know that I was still alive.  Technology isn't all it's cracked up to be. Oh, and did I tell you that I will NEVER leave home without my laptop again!!!

MAKING NEW FRIENDS

For those of you who know me, you know that I am a shy person until I get to know you and am comfortable around you.  Then Katie bar the door. Those that don't know me think I might be (to use an outdated term) "stuck up".  I've enjoyed my computer because it gives me a chance to read about other people's blogs and learn about them.  One particular lady is an awesome baker.  Another is a FABULOUS photographer.  I have even been so brazen as to email them when I think their food or photos are wonderful. They have even replied to my comments.  I think you should check out a site that tells you about a book that I am eagerly waiting to be printed--  When God Steps In, Stories of Everyday Grace.  Bonnie takes amazing pictures and she also writes! You will love her beautiful pictures and her inspirational readings.

FYI:  I'm still trying to learn how to get those photos to get to that blog on the Blackberry.  You might just have to "read" while I'm gone and "see" when I get back!

BLACKBERRY POST

I've tried twice to post from my new Blackberry so I can learn to do it.  Twice I have failed.  The third time will be a charm and you will definitely know when it happens.  We're taking a girls trip to Canada and I wanted to be able to call home and do my blog without dragging around my laptop (I can't imagine a week without it!).

Debra and I have been doing a lot of walking--3 miles a day each week--and I feel much better.  She's a great friend to put herself through this heat for me.  I have no discipline and she's teriffic at urging me to "get it done".

Sam spent the night last night because of his "sciences" so he wouldn't have to get up and leave home so early this morning.  He took his medicine and tried to eat breakfast.  I know he feels bad and am praying he soon gets better.  He told Jeanette that he "had the day off".

Now for a shower and that third try at getting it RIGHT!!  I am determined.

Edited:  Well, what do you know?  I didn't even check the blog this morning I just looked last night and the post wasn't there.  HOWEVER it is this morning.  I CAN do it!!  Now for the picture part.

BLACKBERRY POST

I am practicing for our trip to Canada--blogging on my Blackberry. I hope I can learn to add pictures before I go. I want to let all of you know how much fun we're having. I have been designated as the "driver" so we may be stopping a lot. :) We leave a week from today and
I've got lots to do before we leave. Please pray for four women on a holiday!

BLOGS and the BLESSINGS of FAMILY & LIFE. . .

I just checked Jennifer and Tiffany's blogs--they have been just like me and not posted in a few days.  Life has gotten in the way.  Jody and Tiffany are having some major work done on their home.  It's going to be nice when they finish.  I went by on Friday to look in.  She said it was hard moving furniture back in place with Jody saying, "oh, my leg" and her saying, "oh, my arm".  Knowing Tiffany it will get done.

Jennifer has been working at school most every day for several weeks.  This past week she's really been busy.  They've just about had NO summer but baseball but they've all enjoyed it. (Why do the summers seem to be getting shorter?)  Her last post was the day she registered Sam for school (and you already know how I feel about that).  I think every one goes on Tuesday.  I hope I get pictures of both families in their new uniforms.  That will be a first for Franklin County--uniforms!

Today was a "light" day at lunch.  The Cowarts went to Papaw's and Mimi's for lunch and we only had the "Smitherrings".  The boys couldn't remember who their teachers were and the girls aren't that excited about going.  I'm sure that once they get there everything will be ok.

As for our weekend--late sleep in, good movie, pancake Saturday, worked with Ed in the "bee stand making industry" :), supper at Me and Dupree's and read myself to sleep; early rise on Sunday, cook lunch, good church service and home for lunch with family; read the Sunday paper (until Ed said I was making too much noise so I opted for a nap) finished my book and the paper, popcorn and a movie,  and now I'm giving you the blow by blow of life at Cotton Branch.  It may be dull for you but for us---LIFE IS GOOD!

Q & A's FROM BLOG STALKING

Ok, I'm addicted.  While Ed reads or watches TV at night I read blogs--photo, scrapbooking, food and friends.  One begats another because they all have "lists" that you have to check out. (Ed probably regrets the day he bought me my laptop.  I do love it!)  I stumbled onto a scrapbooking blog today that had these questions that someone had sent.  She answered them and suggested others do the same.  Being the curious type, I thought I would give it a try.  I'm going to answer them.  If you read my blog, send me your answers--either in the comment section or by email.

1. What is your favorite word?  SWEET--that's because the kids are saying it when something is really neat

2. What is your least favorite word?
 
CAN'T--there's always a way

3. What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?
  BEAUTY, MUSIC, KINDNESS

4. What turns you off?

RUDENESS

5. What is your favorite curse word?

FRAP--that's what Sam says

6. What sound or noise do you love?

BIRDS SINGING AND BABIES COOING

7. What sound or noise do you hate?

 WINDS AND LOUD THUNDER

8. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
OWNER OF A "FANCY PAPER" STORE

9. What profession would you not like to do?   I AM NOT A NURSE



10.  What would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
 YOU DID GOOD!