NANA NOTES

HERE COMES THE BRIDE~~

The rehearsal was yesterday and today was a gorgeous day for a wedding.  The air was crisp and cool and the sun was shining.  As the day progressed things around here became more beautiful and more "hectic". People appeared out of nowhere with food, flowers, and more food! :) A huge cake was put together in the kitchen and decorated.  The atmosphere was one of love and family.  Two big families were about to become one huge one!  Angela Moak-daughter of our friend Wanda Moak and sister of Brad Moak became the bride of Glen "Boo" Mire today at 2:00 pm out by the pool.  The ceremony was beautiful.  Gorgeous music, flowers and people.  Here are a few of the pictures that I took.  I can only imagine what the "real" photographer captured.  She was a fun person as was the wedding coordinator!

 Wanda, Angela, Boo, and Mr. Doug

Aren't they all very nice looking?

 

Angela's family-her two brothers and her grandmother along with part of the children. Tim's son Mason was taken to the hospital yesterday and his wife was with him. We pray he is getting better.

 
  

Braedon [and I hope I spelled that correctly] Moak. Have you ever seen a sweeter face?  She needs to meet Sam Cowart!!!

 

The beautiful brides cake! It was enough to feed an army!

 

 

 

The grooms table--do you think he likes LSU???  There were FIVE kinds of cheesecake on this table!!  I didn't eat a bite! Now I wish I had some.

They did the "Sand Blending" instead of the Unity Candle. LSU colors and I loved it!!  The story Brad read about the sand was very sweet.

 

Sweet couple who looks very happy.   

 

Angela's grandmother is a beautiful, fun lady. She's welcome at our home anytime--especially if she brings fudge!!  :)

I was in charge of the truck keys but I couldn't keep Wanda away from the back of the truck!!

(Just kidding, she was just holding the cans up for the picture!)

 

And out they come and off they go--or so we thought!  In the middle of cleaning up we looked up and there they were.  All comfortable and happy!  Best wishes to you both.

 

Thanks to all of you for letting Ed and me share in this wonderful day.

I'll add an album to the blog of more pictures--just click on "Angela's Wedding" on the sidebar.

THERE'S A WEDDING TOMORROW!

We offered our home [actually our pool area] to a friend for the wedding of their daughter who wanted to get married outside.  Today they started setting up and had the rehearsal late this afternoon.  This was as "low key and easy" as any wedding we've had here.  I know tomorrow will be a beautiful day for Angela and her groom.

 

Lots of pretty white chairs are surrounding the pool and the reception will be on the deck.

 A sneak peak at the rehearsal without giving away too much detail.

The bride's bouquet is gorgeous. Her mother-in-law to be did the flowers. How lucky am I to have a cooler! It's full of beautiful flowers! Stay tuned--tomorrow I'll post wedding pictures!! And tell you who it is!

I WAS ASKED TO POST THIS AGAIN--PLEASE VOTE!!

Tomorrow is the last day!!  Please, please vote!!

PLEASE CONTINUE TO VOTE EACH DAY. WE HAVE DROPPED TO #4 AND NEED YOUR VOTES TO PICK US BACK UP. YOU KNOW YOU WANT OUR KIDS TO GET THE GAMEROOM MAKEOVER!!

Gameroom Giveaway

Source: xbox.childrensmiraclenetwork.org

Microsoft has partnered with Children’s Miracle Network to provide three Children’s Miracle Network pediatric hospitals an Ultimate Gameroom experience - YOU could win an Xbox 360 as well!

MESSAGE FROM STEPHANIE SLAUGHTER--VOTE, VOTE, VOTE!!!

"Hello everyone!! Just a friendly reminder that this is the LAST week of voting for the gameroom giveaway! Voting ends Next Friday the 16. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE remember to vote everyday....We are getting so close! Also, many of you are concerned that we are not in the number 1 spot.  Remember that the TOP 3 hospitals will win the gameroom so we are still in the game!!! Once again thank you for your support of the children and families of Batson!!"

http://xbox.childrensmiraclenetwork.org

Remember you can vote 10 times at once--every day!!

CAN YOU SAY "SURPRISED" ?

You all know my story of cancer and how my friends rallied around me. I wanted to do the same for my dearest friend Libby who is fighting the battle now.  A few of us got together today and surprised her [and we REALLY did!!!] with a small party to show her that we love her and are supporting her. Debra and I 'dropped in' with some tea that she'd been wishing she had.  We were sitting there drinking tea when others started "dropping in" too!  They brought food, gifts, balloons and "tacky wigs" to model! :)  The next two hours were filled with fun, food and laughter.   I think you can see that she was surprised. And--she looked beautiful in her pink hat and bandana.  Her biggest surprise was when her cousin from Covington County came in--there were a few tears shed then. 

 

You can't have a party with this bunch without good food and everything was delicious.  Mary Kathryn brought a beautiful bouquet of zinnias from her garden.  She always has gorgeous zinnias!!  You can't have a party without presents and Libby got a table full--lotions, tshirts, books, homemade cinnamon rolls, and gift certificates for pedis and massages.  She will be well pampered for a while--and that's just what we intended!!  The highlight of the afternoon was a "Wig Style Show" to show Libby how gorgeous she could be with the choices of wigs available today!! Leigha chose a dark blonde one and Sharon was describing it.                       

Mary Kathryn looked especially lovely wearing a blonde long wig and sun glasses; her stage name is Marilyn.  I'll stop there or I'll give away the best part!!  Sandra Geter was "Suzette" and wore a dark blonde wig. She was extremely lovely with her quiet demeanor and beautiful smile. 

 

Alisa was "Alexandra the Hippie Chick".  Her wig was black and curly and she came back later with peace sign earrings and sunglasses.  You know Libby will wear that soon!!  My used to be friend Pat was somebody from Paduka who not only attended the race but rode in it! [You had to be there!] She said if I put her picture on here that she would not be my friend any more.  I think she'll forgive me. I didn't put the crazy one!! :)  And yes, I modeled one too.  Sharon made me.

They all agreed that I looked better BALD!! 

Of course, we had the pink balloon ceremony. We all said a silent prayer and let it go with the balloon. Glory bumps galore when those balloons go up!! 

Libby and her girls: Mimi, Libby, Alisa, Katherine, and Leigha

For a look at all of the pictures take a look at the photo album labeled "Libby's Party 2009" on the sidebar of the blog.

We love you, Sister!!

A "HIGH ROAD" GIVE AWAY!!

 I'm finally getting the CD on the blog!!  Twitter me or comment on the blog to win this wonderful second High Road "Turn Your Radio On" CD!! I think you'll love it as much as I do!  This is the back picture--the front one is a real sunny pose and doesn't photograph well for me.  I'm already wanting a third!! You're gonna' love these girls [and guys!]  Anna Grace and Sarah have done it again! And as an added bonus you get Lee Holland and Blake Stratton!!  It doesn't get any better--or maybe it will!  You have until next week!

THE FIRST DAY OF THE REST OF HER LIFE!

I've been writing "twitters" and blogs about "my friend" and now for those of you who haven't a clue, I'm revealing who it is.  We are at the Dr.'s office and she's having chemo for the first time.  She's handling it very well.  She has even fallen into the "talking and carrying on" with the other patients. I love that!!  Please pray for Libby (as I know you already have been) as she goes through these treatments. As Ed said a little while ago, "She can do it". 

Tiffany was very gentle with her and Libby didn't even holler! You know I would have!!

The first day---we had fun during my year---this one will be the same way!  Friends always have fun!

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

LUCKY NEEDS A HOME

Last Friday Megan and I took Libby to Natchez. We dropped her off for an appointment and ran some errands. At a red light we saw something moving about on the highway.  Of course I stopped and we both got out of the car and looked around--only to see nothing.  We went on to the store and looked under the car--still nothing.  We picked up our items and Libby called.  We picked her up, told her our story and went to lunch. [We were all starving!] We kept on talking about looking for the kitten we had seen dodging car tires and hoped it was ok.  We got in the car and backed out of the parking place. Yes, you guessed it--there was the little black and white kitten huddled against the sidewalk.  I ran into the restaurant and got a box and a pair of gloves. They gave me water and came outside with me after I "made a long story short".  I picked up the kitten and put him in Libby's car. From there I called the vet and she said, "bring it on".  She cleaned him up and guessed that he's about 10 weeks old. He's eating well and is litter box trained.  She wanted to name him "Budweiser" since I brought him home in a Bud box but I told her I thought his name should be Lucky since he had survived the highway and a trip across Natchez under a car.  Here he is: 

Today Ben went to the allergy doctor.  He is allergic to cats, dogs and horses plus everything else that grows or flies through the air.  The carpet has to come up in their house.  None of us want to get rid of him but Ben's health comes first.  They won't be getting rid of their horses and their dogs stay outside. But absolutely NO cats!  Somebody please take pity on us and take this sweet baby.  He's too precious for some sweet family not to have him.  Email me [bherring@ftcweb.net] or call me [601-384-7192] or comment on the blog.

EMOTIONS ARE RUNNING HIGH

Emotions have been "touch and go" around here for a week or so.  We've had lots of things happening in our community.  Our little community is so small than when something happens to one it pretty much affects all.  There's a Lady Antebellum song [One Day You Will] I was listening to today that made me feel better about some of the "stuff".  Here is part of the chorus.

"But down the road the sun is shining
In every cloud there's a silver lining
Just keep holding on (just keep holding on)
And every heartache makes you stronger
But it won't be much longer. . . 
I know right now that's not the way you feel
But one day you will."

Maybe we should be listening more to Jeremiah 29:11:  For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Or maybe Romans 8:28:  And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Maybe that's why God invented country music--sometimes the words just fit the situation.  I do know first hand that all of this is true and "that may not be the way you feel, but one day you will."

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

 

TRIBUTE TO MY FRIEND

Karen Reynolds

What do you say about a friend you've had for almost forty years?  Karen and I have spent many hours working in concession stands, sitting at ball practice and ballgames, attending cow shows--freezing and sweating--having bake sales, arranging flowers--you name it and we've probably done it at one time or another.  One thing I didn't want to share with her was cancer.  During the times I was sick she was faithful to call me and send cards of encouragement.  I wasn't as faithful as she was in that department but I prayed for her daily.  We talked a week or so ago and she was tired.  Today she is healed and home with her God.  Her family and friends will miss her, but our memories are sweet.  Karen, from here on all your arrangements will have blue ribbons--you deserve it!

FOR MY FRIEND

I was taking some pictures out of a frame yesterday and found a note that my Mom had written probably thirteen or fourteen years ago.  Why it was in that frame hidden behind the pictures I will never know.  I don't know if she put it there or if I did.  It doesn't matter--what matters is that I found it at a time when I really needed to hear the words.  My friends needs this note.  This is for you with the same love I'm sure she wrote it with for me:

"I pray for the very best for you but when you have nights filled with sleeplessness and days dark with discouragement and you can't read or pray, just sit still and let God love you."

Need I say more.  I love you.

Barbara

PROUD TO ANNOUNCE!

The animals at Cotton Branch are proud to announce a new addition to the family! A wonderful friend of ours arranged for and delivered an eight week old Scottish Terrior to me this afternoon.  She knew how heart broken I was when we lost Dooley in January.  Welcome Sadie! 

She has the same parents as Dooley and the same sweet, awesome personality.  She played with everyone today even after a long plane ride and trip from New Orleans.  She arrived in a red dress with rhinestones but Ed wouldn't let me show that.  Our pets don't wear clothes!!  Melanie said it was a joke and to take it off anyway!  She's passed out now right here beside me on the bed.  Once we get through the "potty training" part, I think we're going to have a great time together.  Stay tuned for more pictures as she grows.  And to our wonderful friend, thank you will never be enough!!

PROUD OF MY BOY!

Jennifer and Shelly's #1 son graduated last night--an honor graduate who's made us all proud.  He's been my heart since the day he was born and will continue to be so until I am no longer here.  I'll leave the details for Jennifer to blog but here are a few of my candid shots.  Jeanne and Jennifer have much better ones I'm sure.  They had the "big" cameras out.

As he was coming in to the Processional.

I never tire of seeing the flag flying and hearing the National Anthem.

It's official--diploma in hand!!

 

When I left them Ryan and Haleigh they were very happy and deciding where they were going. I pray for all of them a safe and happy life.

God bless and I love you.

Nana

TIME HAS MOVED WAY TOO FAST

It seems like only yesterday that Ryan was born.  There are so many memories. I wish we'd written all those things down--like Jennifer and me riding him around at three in the morning to get him to sleep and our cell phone ringing--it was just some kind of phone check.  Kindergarten programs, first bike rides, singing for the Cotton Branch cow sale when he was about five--and I could go on and on.  We had a party for him and Haleigh last Sunday with mostly family. With our two families that ended up with quite a few people. And it was FUN!!  Haleigh graduates on Thursday of this week--Ryan on Friday.  And then they are off to new adventures.

Tim said he wouldn't be wearing an apron but I did get him to pose with it. He and Papa cooked our burgers.  They were delicious.  Handsome cooks, don't you think?? 

Haleigh and Ryan are really sweet about having their pictures taken.  Both of them have mother's who are photographers. They are used to "posing"!  Now, you know they are cute!

All four grandmothers were at the party. I'm glad Dona wanted to get this picture.  It's special.

Part of the crowd before the blessing--they were ready for the burgers.   

The pool was a popular place for all the children.  Ella loved it. Come back soon, Ella!

 

 

 

Footnote:  On Awards Night Ryan received Honor Cords, his Four Year Beta stole (in three years), an ACT scholarship, the Billy McGehee Scholarship, a Franklin Education Corporation scholarship and a Herring Gas Company scholarship.  Haleigh had her Awards program on Friday and I know she received a Herring Gas Company scholarship. She didn't tell me anything else.  They both had bacculaurete at their churches and schools today.  Graduation for Haleigh is Thursday and Ryan's is Friday.  Congratulations to you both.

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    

YOU JUST NEVER KNOW. . .

We woke up this morning like any other Sunday, had breakfast and were getting ready for church.  Tiffany called from town and said if we hadn't left yet--don't! The weather was awful and it was raining, hailing and a tree had fallen on the house we own next door to them.  I told Ed and he said "change your clothes." Before we could leave Tiffany called back and said another tree had fallen and it was raining horribly and hailing at our house.  Ed's sister's husband called and said a tree had fallen toward his house and barely missed his truck and tractor.  Off we go in the rain.  This is what we found. 

The master bathroom and closet of "Maw's house" are destroyed. Ed and I bought the house after his brother died.  We redid it and have it rented.

This oak tree at the side of the driveway has stopped many skateboards and bicycles as the children rode down the hill. As it fell it took out a beautiful camellia and a pine tree.

 

 This is the tree that barely missed Tommy's tractor!  It also took out the electricity on that block! 

As word spread the HGC family came running to help. Jody's friends came by and helped.  Gary Jones called in a wrecker to help lift the tree and Ryan used the backhoe to move it.  We had our own parade.  Praise God there was no one home when this happened.  No one was hurt that we know of and there were lots of homes damaged around the county.  A house can be repaired.

PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR FRIEND

I know you've heard the story about when I went to chemo for the first time that if I hadn't had my friends with me I don't think I would have made it.  No one talked to me except the nurse and the room was full of people.  I decided right then and there that as long as I was going to that room that no one would experience that feeling.  They were feeling bad enough, they didn't have to feel alone too.  Our friend Skeeter went for his first treatment on Monday.  I knew that his wife would be with him but I really wanted to be there to support him.  Being my "crafty self" I made a sign that said "Skeeter is going to kick cancer's butt" with a kicking donkey on it.  Off I went on Monday and got there before he started.  He didn't know whether to laugh or cry and I think we did a little of both. 

This is Tiffany giving Skeeter his first stick.  I told him I had "magic cream" out in the car if he needed it.  He said he thought he could handle it.  The treatment that day would last six and one half hours.  He started at 8:40 AM. [I found out later that the last drop went through at 4:15 PM].  A very long day for them!!  

This was shortly after the Benadryl bag got started.  I guess Skeeter will be a "sleeper" instead of going hyper like me.  He got quiet.  I hope he gets to rest. 

Deb was filling out papers because somehow theirs had gotten lost.  She came to the line that said "referring physician" and she wrote down "Barbara Herring"!  I had almost insisted that Skeeter use Dr. Jack.  They are glad to be in a clinic that cares so much for their patients.  This picture also shows how much they believe that Skeeter is going to do well with his treatment.  God is in control of this situation and is guiding Dr. Jack to do his best for Skeeter.  Please pray for this family as they go through the months ahead.  God bless you Skeeter; we love you! You too, Deb!!

OUR GRANDSON IS GRADUATING!??

It's just not time for Ryan to be a senior--literally and figuratively--but it's happening and we can't stop it. I realize he's not going far away just yet but I'm already missing him.  Friends gave him a party this Sunday night and here are some candid shots. 

Phillip, Katherine, Ryan and Haleigh--Katherine and Ryan were born just a few days apart.  They've been in school together all these years.

 

Sam, Ben Abbey and Emily with the Strouds and Halfords in the background. 

I think I interrupted Papa and W. H.'s supper. MiMi looked happy though. You can see the rest of the family in the background.  Supper was delicious.

 Anna and Lindsey had to pose. Cute girls, huh? Lindsey is Ryan's cousin.

And here's Ms Carmon Claire!  She was calling Ryan on the cell phone.

Can't believe he only has about three weeks left in school.  He graduated on May 22; Haleigh graduates on May 21.

Oh, the places they'll go!

RYAN'S SENIOR PROM

How could it have been a year ago when I was standing on the porch with Ryan and Haleigh taking prom pictures? There were more tears than smiles--probably because of the circumstances--but there was more love than you could imagine.  This year there were lots of laughs and "wise cracks".   Kim, Cody and Haleigh got to the house before Ryan and Haleigh had on shorts, a guy's shirt and bling on her eyelids!  Cute, huh?

Haleigh and Ryan did the traditional "putting on of flowers". Haleigh always knows exactly what she wants and Ryan does a good job of getting them!  :)

I'm so blessed that the kids really want to come here to take pictures and to see us before they go somewhere important.

This is probably my favorite photo of the night.  Ed looked at it and said "Howdy, Mam!" I agree totally. Aren't they just the cutest couple.  God bless them and all the kids who are out tonight having their last senior prom.

 Check out Jennifer's blog for more pictures and more of the story!