NANA NOTES

A FACE ONLY A MOTHER COULD LOVE!!!

Cotton Branch has a new family member!  We seem to be the home for everything that comes along and couldn't resist the challenge to raise this creature.  If you go any further in reading this blog, it comes with a warning--what you're about to see is something only a mother could love!! :) When we got him he was about half this size. If you think he's naked, think again.  He was less covered than he is now!!  His eyes weren't open and his mouth was bigger than his head.  He has outgrown his home and been put in a bigger box.  When we first heard about him, he lived in the styrofoam cup!  Are you getting curious yet???  We feed him every four hours with a special syringe that is inserted into his throat or "crop" with stuff that looks like "throw up"!!  Ed says after he's fed he looks like an old woman with droopy boobs.  Now you just have to be getting curious!!  :)   

 

Hopefully this is what he will look like soon.  
You've probably noticed I keep saying "He".  We are looking for a name. Do you have any ideas?  We need some help.  Send me your suggestions. The ones coming from folks around Cotton Branch aren't very acceptible!!

See Joann, I told you it would be a doozie!!  This one should really make your day!!  Thanks for encouraging me to keep telling the stories!

 

CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS TOUR

Last year I missed the deadline for the Christmas Tour of Homes sponsored by "Boo Mama". Nesting Place is hosting this year and I'm going to make it (if I can figure out how to get it online!!).  I haven't done as much this year but we will enjoy the lights and knowing the Reason for the Season is enough anyway.  Family will be around and love will abound. 

As you come up the front walk this little fellow welcomes you to the front door which is lit up with garland and miniature trees.  The wreath is red and green.   

 

The "theme" for this year's decorations is "JOY" (quite a coincidence that our church contata is "Jesus is Joy"!)  Hence, the front door mat!!

The Library mantle is lit with lights and a magnolia wreath. The Mary and Joseph were a gift from a friend.  The "thing" on the left is a container I purchased at a flower show and have left it there since.  I just like it.

Last year I hung the red velvet Christmas tree that my mother made from costume jewelry over fifty years ago. I did not take it down after Christmas. I love it too much to put it away. 

The kitchen sitting room is always the place for the snowmen.  Snowmen rule! 

 The tree in the family room is always covered in my favorite Hallmark collection of ornaments started when my children were small.  Each year I add several. Our tree is so full I'm trying to wean myself from buying them. :)  

The angel on the top is the one Josh made when he was a small child. Ryan put it on the tree for me.    The mantle in the living room just got some lights and angels and "joy" added to what was already there.  I think it turned out beautifully.    

The Santas and Nativity are always out as are the angels.  I never tire of looking at them.
   

The tree in the sunroom has all the glass ornaments with the farm "stuff"-tractors, peacocks, bees, chickens, ducks, sunflowers, cows, etc.  "Olivia" is the dressform tree in our bedroom! She's actually a lamp!  

These little trees were a gift from Ed one Christmas.  They look very cute on this little table and have been used in many different ways.

We also have a tree upstairs that I never seem to take a picture of.  At least we get it out and dress up the upstairs!! 

I love the lights and wreath on the barn.  You can see it from the highway coming down the hill.  A very welcome sight!  

 Last year I had a friend paint this sign for me--it's four feet by eight feet and says what we all should say--Merry CHRISTmas!!
 

GRAND MARSHALL OF THE PARADE

Ed got home last night late from his hunting trip and today he's been gone since I got up.   He went to the office for a while and then went to the Parade Luncheon.  He was asked to be the Grand Marshall of the Bude Parade.  I really hate I couldn't be there to cheer him on but I feel like some of the grandchildren and friends will be cheering for me.  Jennifer took this picture and said that Sam was riding with MeMe who was right behind him in the parade.

Go Papa--looking good!!  Merry Christmas!!
  
 
  

THE SEASON IS HERE!

You know how in the South people say we have four seasons--Football, Baseball, Basketball and Hunting!!  Well, the "hunting" one is here!  For the next month or so we will wade through a pile of smelly clothes and go running off to see the "kill" and take pictures.  The conversation always goes to "what did you see?" at the table after hunting.  Ben, Papa and Olivia Cox are the victors so far.  She was excited but didn't care much for the cleaning process.  She didn't like the "initiation process" either-even though David and Ed went light on her!!

 Congratulations, Olivia!  You're a real hunter now!
 
 

NOVEMBER GARDEN CLUB

I was lucky enough to get invited to Brandon Garden Club's Tablescapes Luncheon this year.  It was so fantastic that I wanted to share it with my club members. My longtime friend Karen is in the club and I asked her if one of their members would do a program for us. Charla, her mother and Karen came down and not only did the program but had lunch with Ed and me and toured the farm.  We had a wonderful day!  [I shared the Tablescapes pictures with you back in February.]   

 

BIKE TEAM HAS A REDNECK TIME!

The Herring Gas Bike Team finishes the season with a dinner at Cotton Branch each year.  This is a time when they all get together to "relive" the season and eat and visit.  It's a time when the wives and families come and enjoy being together.  Ed and I have a good time feeding our "family" and listening to the stories.  This year we decided to have a pig roast.  After all, we do have a pig cooker!!  I don't think they believed we were really going to do it but it happened. 

 Frank and Kenny came over to help Ed cook.  They did more riding around on the Ranger than cooking but they had fun.  

 As the crowd gathered the pig cooked.  I had a board cut to put him on and we didn't think about getting it through the door. That was a trip! But--the guys figured it out and got him in. 

 
 Candy couldn't resist getting a picture of the carrot tail; I choose the apple in the mouth!! :)   

 
  Kenny and Frank clowning around doing a parody of David and Laura (some of the other sponsors).   

 The most fun is talking and waiting for the food; Taylor is carrying the next generation of HGC bikers!!   

 Just as we were getting ready to eat someone noticed the sunset.  We went outside and watched it.  Nothing could have made the afternoon more perfect than seeing what God had created for us.  We went back in for the blessing and a delicious meal.  

 Bill's beans, cole slaw, hash brown casserole, pork and rolls.  Finished off by one of Sue Sullivan's cheese cakes and Gooey Chocolate Brownies.

I have a picture of what the pig looked like when we finished but I just can't show it.  There was nothing left but head and bones.  Frank took the head.  I don't even want to know what he did with it.

 Even Sadie got into the act--Cagney put the wig on her and she posed!!

We're already looking forward to next year but I don't think we can measure up to this one!  :)  Congratulations guys on a good season.  You're the best!
 

 
 
 

MY MAN CAN FISH!!

Ed and Jody are in the Florida Keys getting to do some awesome fishing. Yesterday they caught "bonefish"; today they each caught a marlin.  It's fun to hear from Ed and listen to the excitement in his voice when he talks about the men and the boats, etc.  I told him not to tell me about the wonderful food!!  :)   We miss him but Sadie and I are holding down the fort.

MUMC BAZAAR WAS GREAT!!!

The MUMC Bazaar was tremendous.  Not a huge crowd but enough to have a wonderful day.  Here are a few pictures to show you what was there.  For those of you who will be at church on Sunday, you still have a chance to purchase the items that are left.  Thanks to everyone who helped make the day such a great one!!

Cakes, pies and peanut brittle!

 

Chocolate cashew clusters that even had samples!!  Yummy!

 

 

 

Treat filled decorated paint cans for special occasions. Very cute!

 
  

 

 

Beautiful homemade aprons!!  I thought of that last year after the bazaar but forgot about it.  I'm glad Suzie did them. They were gorgeous!! 

 

Heritage Candles--smell good! Sold well!

 

MUMC Coffee Mugs--perfect for my Peppermint Mocha Hot Chocolate Mix!!

 

Ms June and Mr. Mark did a  wonderful job with biscuits and sausage and the awesome "West Burger" for lunch.

 

Those wonderful "Pot Scrubbers" are back!!  Cute blankets and burp pads too.   

Grandma's attic was in the pavillion.  What a wonderful place for that.  Barbie did a great job.  Maybe we should move the whole Bazaar out there if next year is as beautiful as today was!

 

Thanks again to everyone for making the Annual Fall Bazaar a good one!

And Doc, you took my Diet Dr. Pepper!!

**The report at church today was that we made over $4000.00 for the Building Fund.  AWESOME!!

BAZAAR ITEMS BY NANA

It's almost Saturday and the Meadville UMC Bazaar is going to be a good one.  Here are some of my items and I can't wait to see everyone elses.

 Tacky Yard Art Flowers made from cooking utensils!  They are adorable. Limited quantity--early bird gets the worm!!

Monogrammed towels--have lots of these in lots of colors and patterns and initials. They are adorable and wrapped already!!

Peppermint Mocha Hot Chocolate Mix--so good on a cold night. Makes a perfect Teacher Gift!!

Very limited number of pendant necklaces--another good Teacher Gift.

The Bazaar will also have baked goods (homemade bread, cakes, pies, candy, casseroles)

Breakfast--sausage and biscuits

Lunch-Mr. Mark's hamburgers

Woodworking, Candles, Pot scrubbers, Grandma's Attic and much more.

Saturday, November 7 from 8 until 2 in the Meadville UMC Fellowship Hall.
 

 

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.

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!

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.

NO, I AM NOT BORED but you would think-----

While I was fixing supper I saw a magazine that I had not read.  I brought it to the bedroom while Ed was watching FOOTBALL and found an interesting thing to do.  They were having a contest where you took pictures of some of the pages with your phone if the page had a certain symbol on it.  You emailed the picture to the website and you were entered into a contest to win something. Each page had something different you could win. Not having anything else to do [ho hummmmmmmm] I got my phone and started through the pages.  Here are two of the things I snapped.    You can see a wire mesh rolling basket in the right hand corner. That's just what I need!  :)

In the bottom right--see the food processor?  Mine is old as our marriage--so maybe!!

I didn't photograph the "new age boom box or the Iphone notebook or some of the other things.  If I win, I'll let you know.

The recipe at the top of the left hand page looks too good to pass up. I'm going to try it!  Orange Monkey Bread!!  Let you know about that too.
 

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!

SAM MAKES A "HAPPY"

Over the Labor Day weekend we had lots of company. During a "grocery run" with Libby we both bought "Pot Holder making kits". You know what I'm talking about--used to be red metal with a wire hook--now is plastic-with fabric loops for making pot holders!  I've made many of them when I was young!  Sam thought it was cool and wanted to make one. He picked out the colors and got right on it. With very little help, he did it.

He was very proud of it and wanted to give it to his Mom. 

She loved it and I'm sure she uses it every day!

ANNUAL DOVE HUNT 2009

The only day we dove hunt is opening day.  It turns into an event very quickly.  It's usually family and a few close friends from out of town.  Having nine grandchildren that love to hunt already makes a crowd!  The week before opening day is like the day before Christmas!  Everyone is hustling around getting shells, looking for just the right hunting clothes and making sure their guns are ready.  I'm usually making trips to the grocery store and more trips to the grocery store and cooking for several days getting things ready for the big "dove cooking".  I can only remember one year that I had to make a run to the grocery store for CHICKEN!! 

                 Top picture Jody 3rd from R; bottom, Sam B. 3rd from R.

Jody and Sam B. took turns taking pictures so that's the only difference in these two pictures.  I didn't want to leave anyone out.  There were five other hunters but they were gone when this was made.  Quite a motley looking crew!!  They came through with the product though.  Ed said it looked like "restaurant quality" and I agree.  After being on the grill for a while cooked by expert cooks they were delicious. Nobody does it better!! 

175th CELEBRATION at MUMC

After months of work the day is finally arriving--the 175th anniversary of our church--Meadville United Methodist.  The committee has spent countless hours working and planning for this day.  Although I wasn't on the committee, I got to work on a couple of projects for the event. I designed and sold tshirts. So far that has gone well.  We've sold almost 100.  I also got to put together four bulletin boards for the church--this let me put all my scrapbooking equipment to good use!! 

I picked up a couple of fall wreaths for the doors and Beverly added the bows. It made the front look so inviting. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This board is in the front foyer. I wanted a border but couldn't find one I liked. My theory is "when in doubt-don't" so I left it plain.  The emblem in the middle is on the back of the tshirt.  The Military board has to be one  of my favorites.  It has the sons and friends of our members in the military on it that we are praying for.  Be sure to check it out.

This is really a good one--and I can't take full credit for the idea. But--I did do it with my own creative additions. It's on the board going into the Fellowship Hall. Check it out!    Downstairs in the Sunday School foyer is this board.  I thought it turned out well.

Today when I carried my food to the church there were beautiful flowers everywhere and the video with pictures was tremendous. I know the music is going to be good and the sermon and other speakers should be wonderful as well.  I hope I can take my camera tomorrow and get some shots of the day. This will be too good to miss.  Muffins and coffee at 9:30 AM with church to begin at 10:30 AM.  Come if you can.  You won't be disappointed.

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!

SURPRISE FOR LEIGHA!

My friend Leigha took part in the Brookhaven Little Theater Drama Camp for the last two weeks.  Their production this year was "Alice in Wonderland"  Libby and I enjoyed hearing her tell us each day what she had done at camp each morning.  She came home one day telling us she needed a costume--right up my alley and her Mom is a very busy lady.  Megan (her Uncle Sonny's girlfriend) and I came up with just the right "stuff".  She wanted to be the  "Ten of Diamonds".  How easy could that be!!!  My scrapbooking materials were all we needed and a couple of pieces of foam board with some red ribbon.  Oh, yea, it's coming together.  It took all of thirty minutes from start to finish and after Megan had fixed her makeup I have to say she made a perfect "Ten of Diamonds".  I didn't get to see the production but I heard she did a great job.  Daniel Youngblood was the Madhatter and I heard he was terrific too.  I believe there were others from FC but I don't remember who they were. [I'm sorry.]  Here are some pictures I "lifted"off of Sidney's Facebook.  It's better to ask for forgiveness than it is permission.  Thanks, Sidney.