NANA NOTES

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION 2011

What better way to start the Christmas weekend than a beautiful communion service!!  Josh, Ed and I attended along with our MUMC family (and some extended Herring family that came from out of town). I love that service. Then it was home to a wonderful gumbo supper prepared for us by a friend who has done that for several years. (Thanks, George!! It was wonderful!!) Josh wasn't going to be with us today so he opened his gifts.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

I found what I think will be his favorite gift under the tree when all the gifts had been opened!!  Sure hope he comes by here soon.

Church today was very good. We had Jody, Tiffany, and all the Cowarts. What better place to be on Christmas Day!!  Then off to the homestead to finish up lunch for 2:00 pm.  It was delicious even if I did cook it!!

We have a tradition that the kids move the table back when they finish eating and arrange the chairs in a semi-circle. I was finishing my dessert and Tiffany told me that they had moved the table and gotten ready.  She said I'd better hurry up or they were starting without me!  You can't start without Nana--she's Mrs. Santa!!!  :)  We sang "Happy Birthday Jesus" and began opening the gifts. They are older now and actually held off wanting to rip everything apart!!  We did it one person at a time. 

Sam got the hoodie he wanted!!

 

 

 

 

Everybody got a set of 1500 threadcount sheets.  I don't know who was the most excited!!

Boots and More gift certificates. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jody and Tiffany are going to have to take a trip to Jackson!!  The girls got "Mall" cards!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Graham and Ryan picked out hunting clothes and Haleigh picked out dishes. All were happy!!

 

 

Ben had chosen boots and I actually could find his size. He loved them. I told him if I ever saw them in his yard, Papa and I would buy no more!!

 

 

 

Tiffany asked for Tervis Tumblers and threatened anyone who removed them from the house!!  As in, she better not find them at the office!! :)

Shelby wouldn't ever tell me what she wanted. Tiffany knew she wanted some Oakleys and she knew there was a website where you could design your own.  We designed her glasses and she was sooooo surprised.  They even have her name etched in the lens.  No one will get these!!

This was my favorite gift!!  Sam didn't know he was getting these.  He asked for a specific hoodie and pants. I saw these when I was ordering something for Ed and we both said "yes" the minute we saw them!!  Sam said, "I look like an old man." But he loved them.  They are insulated so he can hunt in them too.  Just so darn cute!! 

 

We gave Abby (our niece) luggage. She liked it!!

 

 

 

 

 

We gave Tom and Shirlee a Keurig Coffee Pot. I don't even drink coffee and I love that thing!!

 

 

Jody got a custom made Dopp Kit with his initials debossed on it. He said he needed it. Hope he likes it.

I guess Shelly can go to Boots and More with the Herrings.

 

 

 

 

 

The Cowarts knew just what I wanted--a Shark Steam Mop!! Now I can clean up after the dogs!!  Somehow we missed Jennifer opening her SECOND Kindle Fire!! 

Papa got a wonderful Pen and Pencil set. 

With his crayon maker. I think I want to do this with him.

Everyone was much too good to me. Papa was so sweet and gave me beautiful things. The children gave me loving gifts; some of them were handmade which I love.  We enjoyed the day with family. It's sad not to have little ones but it's fun with older kids too!  Merry Christmas Cotton Branch Gang!!

CHRISTMAS SEASON

 

The time is flying by and I haven't even thought about blogging. I guess going to Natchez once a week and all the other things that go on around here my blogging has fallen on the list.  Most of the time has been spent with choir practice and we had our program last Sunday night.  I wish you could have heard it. It was beautiful.  We have such talent in our church and it blesses us all.  The house got decorated with the help of a friend and Linda.  Ben and I started the tree and Linda finished it for us.  The mantles were done by a friend and I think they are beautiful.  I wish I could leave them up all the time!!  The one in the den looks like this one but with Santas in it.  That picture didn't turn out very good.  Linda surprised me with the upstairs banister!!  It's beautiful.  The tree in the library has all my glass ornaments on it.  It usually goes in the sunroom but since Ms Piper barks at it, we decided to move it.  Don't want to upset Ms Piper!!  I've been making candy and baking cookies when I could. The tradition of delivering "goodie trays" has begun and it's the Christmas season at Cotton Branch.  We're blessed and thankful that on that wonderful night in a stable with a manger our Savior was born.

THANKFUL THANKSGIVING

I'm going to have to steal Victoria's pictures because I didn't even have my camera on Thanksgiving day!!  We had a wonderful day with family and friends all day long.  The food was delicious and bountiful!  The guys hunted in the afternoon and four of us girls went to the "Meadville Mall" for a little retail therapy--our idea of Black Friday Eve shopping!!  What a blessed day we had and so thankful for everything!!

2011 ANNUAL DOVE HUNT WEEKEND

Our family has gotten so large that we pretty much keep our dove hunt weekend for family. Ed's cousin and his wife from Texas, our friends from TN, Ed's brother from TN and my brother and his wife from Petal along with our children and grandchildren and in-laws began arriving on Friday.  Even with having such a big house, it sure filled up fast!!  There was constant chatter and laughter and of course plenty of food.  Some of us went out on Friday night and had Mexican. That was a treat. On Saturday morning it was up early and out to the dove field for the men. Never mind that it was raining.  "Some of our best hunts have been in the rain." Famous saying!!  About 10:00 am when the hunters came in soaking wet and hungry this was waiting for them--a pile of bacon, hot grits, homemade cinnamon rolls, orange coffee cake and fresh fruit with juice, milk and coffee.  They needed some nutrition because after all, they had more work to do. The shishkabobs had to be prepared!

Since the beans, potato salad, desserts and appetizers had been prepared earlier, the ladies got to sit and visit!!  We certainly enjoyed that.  Of course, there was some ballgame watching!

    

We signed Kelsey's cast.  To bad she's getting it off soon. She won't be able to carry around Ed's art very long!

 

Sam spent the night with us and we went to church.  We filled a whole pew.

Vin and Cathleen from Houston, Texas.

  Vivian and Sam from Riceville, TN.

Ed and me--our first picture together in a while.
After a wonderful church service with communion, a delicious Sunday lunch and a short last visit, our house emptied and Ed and I took a nap.  A great Labor Day Dove Hunt weekend with friends and loved ones--family--all of them.  And what a welcomed addition--soft, sweet rain!!

 

NEW YEARS DAY 2011

Today is one of my favorite days and I think it's because of the food!  I love the traditional black eyed peas, cabbage, cornbread meal with all the extras.  Today I fixed roast and chicken with rice and gravy, frozen salads, stuffed eggs and dessert to go with the peas.  Jennifer brought her wonderful guacamole and chips and cauliflower with cheese.  We have many funny stories that always surface on New Years Day that will never fade away. It's tradition!!  Some people wish they would just go away!  Here are some pics of the day.           

 

Peas cooked with Maw's silver dollar.           

Jennifer's favorite frozen salads. We finally remembered to get them out of the freezer.

 

Lemon Blueberry Bars--these were pretty good, but the Carrot Cupcakes were awful! Something I bought at Handworks that I won't be buying again!!                                       

 

           

 Josh and Victoria





Ryan and Haleigh--they'd already eaten one NY'sD lunch at MiMi's.

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 Bryden is as tall as I am and can just about take me down with a hug. He's the lovable one--you have to grab Hayden to get a hug!

 





 The gang getting ready to fix their plates.

 Jody and Ed

We wish everyone a wonderful, prosperous and healthy new year! Our year is going to be an exciting one with the addition of a new granddaughter-in-law and things we don't even know yet. I can't wait to see what God has in store for us!

 Nana and Papa--either before or after a wonderful lunch!   Tiffany and the girls were MIA and Jennifer never slowed up enough for me to catch her. She took pictures so I hope she posts them.

RYAN AND SAM DO IT AGAIN!!!

It took Sam a while to decide he wanted to pull the trigger on a gun. But, boy when he did----the gun powder is smokin'! Today it was freezing cold and all the guys went hunting after lunch.  My brother and his family came and we ate and had Christmas with them. Then it was off to the deer stands.  After discussions of "where are you going?" they headed out while the girls bedded down by the fire to watch a movie.  We got a call to get the camera ready that Ryan had killed a deer.  Then another call--Sam had one down.  They showed up at the house for pictures and I fed them homemade soup to warm them up.  Here are the pictures:   Ryan's deer weighed 230 pounds and had a beautiful rack.   Josh guessed the weight exactly! 

Sam's deer was a nice 8 point rack and weighed 165. This was his second nice rack.  Once he decided he could do it he hasn't let up.

Their Uncle Jody is a little upset! He's the "Great White Hunter" and the boys are beating him.  Pressure is on!!  He's taught them his tricks--Outwit, Outsmart, Outplay!!  Way to go, Ryan and Sam! 
 
Christmas pictures will come later! The boys came first.

STOCKING PAINTIN' PARTY 2010

Several of us from Meadville went over to Brookhaven to the "Paintin' Sisters" and had a wonderful time last night. Jennifer carried Sam with her. Sharon and Libby rode with me. Libby and I had done one of the paintings at the Elementary School and enjoyed it. I hope to go back next week for another class. Here are some pictures of our efforts--and a couple of some sweet people.

On arrival we paid our money and got our supplies. Jennifer wanted Sam to paint and he was ready!

Libby, Leigha, Allan and Chonda were hard at work painting their backgrounds.

Sam had no problem painting his background. He's ready to move on.

Sam was so excited about getting to paint that he gave his Mom a big hug. He loves to do crafts and has his own "drawer" of craft things at my house.

One of the assistants helped Sam with his outlining but other than that he did it all by himself.

We all enjoyed the class and it was fun to see what the different designs we used with the same pattern. The colors were creative and we have this cute little painting to remind us so such a fun night!Libby, Leigha, Sharon and Me! 
 

 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 

A LITTLE CHRISTMAS BAKING

How many guys do you know that would come in and help you bake Christmas cookies?  Sunday afternoon after the Bude Christmas program I was baking cookies. Ryan and Haleigh came over and helped me. Haleigh picked up my camera and took a few shots.  Gotta love those two. They are so precious and will do most anything for me. Haleigh decorated some too. Memories, yes and I love it!

He's doing pretty good with his sprinkles!

Now if we can just hide them until we get our trays made for our friends!

Merry Christmas!! 
 
 

 

THE TIME IT IS A FLYIN' AND I AM GETTIN' BEHIND! CATCHIN' UP!

Ed and Ben left on their hunting trip (you saw the picture of them when they left) and Libby and I decided to treat a friend to dinner out.  Deb needed some "girl time" so we went to Natchez and ate supper, looked around Walmart and came home.  So much for a night on the town!!

On Wednesday afternoon the Elementary School held a painting class to raise money for the Relay for Life.  Jennifer, Libby and I took the class.  I should have carried my camera but I didn't.  I did however take a picture of the "picture" I painted.  We had a good time and plan to do it again soon.

It wasn't the hardest thing I've ever done, but it wasn't the easiest either. But it sure was fun.  I found out that things don't have to be perfect to be pretty!

Now for the exciting stuff!  Ben and Ed had a wonderful hunting trip.  The first day Ben killed a 14 point mule deer.  The second day he killed a 9 point mule deer.  The third day he killed a havalena. To get Ben to be excited is like melting ice so I'm guessing he had a good time. He said he did!! 

 
This is the 14 point and the guy with him is the guide Randall. Randall has been Ed's guide since he first started going to Longfellow many years ago.  He knows three of our grandsons. I hope he gets to take the other three on hunts as well.

All this and getting the house ready for Christmas, doing a little shopping and starting to bake and make candy for trays to deliver, along with hours and hours of choir practice have filled the days and nights for me.  It's a blessing to be able to sit here and tell you about our little adventures and thank God for them.  Love to you all.
 
 

 
 

THANKSGIVING BLESSINGS INDEED!

The weather might not have been holiday weather but it didn't stop the Herring clan from getting together and having a wonderful day. My camera sat on the counter all day.  I got up early thanks to Ed and Sadie and put the turkey on to cook. I somehow managed to get everything else done on Wednesday so I crawled back in the bed and watched a Christmas movie and was served breakfast in bed when Ed came in from hunting. (Did I mention blessings??) Things started to pick up around 10:30 and I finished up just as everyone showed up. This Thanksgiving was as uneventful as any we've ever had.  The most unusual thing was Shirlee pulling Sam's tooth. It was hanging by a thread and she somehow got it and he didn't even know it. After it was over, he said, "I'm glad that's out. It was kind of agrivatin'." He got paid big time. 
Now all he wants for Christmas are his "two front teeth"!   Ed got up early on Wednesday and found the deer that he had killed the afternoon before. He somehow had missed it when he and the boys were looking for it.  Sadie tried to tell them but- - -  It was a nice deer and weighed over 200 pounds. Too bad he couldn't save it.  

While the guys and girls hunted this afternoon, Shirlee and I did our "Black Friday" shopping at Walmart. There was no one there.  We looked around a little bit and got a few items and came home just in time to welcome the hunters home and feed them.

Ben killed a coyote that spooked his deer and Graham killed the deer that Sam had wounded a few days ago. He let Sam claim the kill since he had already hit it. (Brothers can be nice sometimes.)

It's nice to go to bed with a comfortable, loved feeling knowing that you've had a wonderful day with family and awesome food. We are blessed beyond belief to have the things we have. When we said our blessing today we truly meant it.

Now let's get those ornaments on that tree!! 
 
 

 

WHAT?? TEN DAYS AND NO POSTS!!

I've been told that time moves faster the older you get. I believe it. The only time I sit down seems to be for choir practice or to sleep and honestly I can't remember what I'm doing the rest of the time. Got the church bazaar down and went to the scrapbook weekend. The next week was spent doing dr.visits--checked out ok for those of you out of town!!  Been doing some online Christmas shopping and have done some work at the school for the fourth grade so that they can have some raised beds to garden.  I'll spend this week getting ready for Thanksgiving--not expecting a big crowd but will enjoy those who come.  Sam's autographed picture of Drew Brees
that I scrapbooked and framed for him. Sorry it's so small; I made the picture with my phone. 

Have decided that I might want to open a booth at the local craft store, The Toad House. I've had so much fun making bazaar things that I might enjoy doing it for a while.  Ed says I should have it up and going now to get "those Christmas sales" but I don't want to be rushed.  If it's meant to be, it will happen. I love my new embroidery machine and I've developed a new relationship with my sewing machine and serger.  I see painting in my future.  I'm leaving some of the old hobbies behind and picking up new ones. Could this be an after midlife crisis??  :) 

These are the towel wraps I've been making.

I came away from Handworks with all kinds of ideas.

Deer season opened this weekend and I'll have plenty of time for crafting. Have a happy Thanksgiving and I'll post the turkey!!

 

GIVE MY REGARDS TO BROADWAY-PINE BURR GARDEN CLUB FLOWER SHOW

The Pine Burr Garden Club members proved they were "grace under fire" on Friday as they exhibited their annual Standard Flower Show. Due to unforseen circumstances we had to dismantle an hour early but the show was beautiful and those that came were truly appreciated.  The hard work and effort that was put in by the members was never more evident.  There were 24 designs and probably due to our unseasonably cold weather "only" 85 pieces of horticulture. The blue ribbon and big award winners are show here minus Melody Maxey. Go to the photo album entitled "Give My Regards to Broadway" to see pictures from the show.  Thanks to all who participated. 

 
Shown left to right are Paulette Jones, Barbara Herring, Wilma Holland, Beverly Gabbert, Evelyn Lee and Becky Nix.

 

THE VIEW FROM MY PERSPECTIVE!!

The Franklin County Bicentennial Celebration was this past weekend. I got to do the Fun Run/Walk and see the parade and listen to some of the music.  This was what I saw of the race!!  And I did not finish last. It wasn't a timed race; it was done just for fun.  We laughed and walked and had a good time.

The parade took forever [can you believe a parade in Meadville took forever???]! This is my sweet friend Mary Bryan riding with my other sweet friend Jimmy in his favorite car!!

I stayed and heard the CoLin Stage Band and High Road! Couldn't miss my girls.  They played again at 6:00 but didn't get to go back and hear that. I'll soon have to have another "private concert" cause they have a new CD coming out!!  Stay tuned for that.

I hope to post my pictures to an album but if you are impatient and can't wait check out the Facebook walls of Mandy Wilson, Pat Jones, Cookie Stroud and of course mine.  We all have Bicentennial Albums on there.
 

IT'S DOING IT AGAIN!!!

My children haven't seen as much snow in their whole lives as my grandchildren have in the last two years!!  It's snowing again--right now! School closed today after lunch and will be closed tomorrow. The weather people are saying to expect between 4 and 8 inches.  Ed [ my resident weather person!!] says it should be more like 10 inches.  I can't imagine that in my wildest dreams!!  Something about an inch for every tenth of an inch of rain.  Anyway, it's started and this is what it looks like at this minute. Batten down the hatches, folks--more is coming.

 

 I can't wait to see what it looks like in the morning!
 

RIDGE POINT CHRISTMAS 2009

I've spent the last four hours downloading and labeling the pictures from the "Pirate Christmas" at Ridge Point today.  The pictures will have to speak for themselves because I am exhausted!!  We had a great day and enjoyed every minute of being with family and eating and playing games with gifts.  There was lots of laughter and hugging.  If you don't have family, you miss out on a lot. Thank you Lord for giving us such a big extended family!!  Check out the Ridge Point Christmas 2009 photo album on the left sidebar!!  You can also [maybe] see it on my Facebook page.

"CHRISTMAS CHAOS AT THE NURSING HOME"

The MUMC Jolly Elders did their annual Christmas play tonight. "Christmas Chaos at the Nursing Home" was written by the Jolly Elders and portrayed what they thought they would be like many years from now.  The "Front Door Sitters" were Quent, Doc, Beverly and Madelene.  They were so friendly and it took me a few minutes to realize what they were doing. 

If you've visited the nursing home you know what I'm talking about.  Joddie did a great job of playing the Activities Director [who shall remain nameless to protect the innocent!].  
One of the activities was to decorate the tree.  The "residents" brought out Easter, Halloween, Mardi Gras, St. Patrick's Day and Christmas decorations to put on the tree.  Madelene kept looking for "Leroy" who was going to marry her. Doc kept insisting he was a doctor and "had to make rounds".  Ed Y. was flipping light switches and wondering why the lights kept going on and off.  Margaret lost her false teeth and insisted on singing. Beverly insisted that everyone (including the audience) take pills to get their "yearly cleanout" that her mother always gave her and her siblings.  Nancy was the Administrator and gave a lovely talk. Joddie read a book about what God wants for Christmas.   
 
 

Madelene's flower holder was of particular interest!!  She was ready for her wedding!

Katherine Jones had been an "Inflatable Santa" last year.  She heard they were putting on a play and thought she was supposed to be Santa! [Joddie said, "Katherine, that was ten years ago!"]

Quent was building a bicycle and going to "ride to Alasker" to see Sarah Palin.  He tried to ride out the front door which is a no no!!

 

Joddie explaining to Margaret that she had to give Betty back her teeth!!

 

The top of the Jolly Elders Chaotic Tree!

The entire Jolly Elder group.  During Nancy's talk Ms Inez picked up Baby Jesus out of the basket.  Beverly walked over to her and put the baby back in the basket.  Seems like I saw Stephenie Sullivan do that once.  We're all destined for the same scene!!  I love it!  Merry CHRISTmas Jolly Elders; thanks for sharing your time and talents with us!!  And thank you Joddie for all that you do!

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!!
 

COTTON BRANCH IS A WINTER WONDERLAND---AGAIN!

"They" said it was coming but should we believe it?  We watched the weather all day long.  At dark, the call came.  "It's snowing outside!"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The flakes were big as quarters and were falling fast!  It looks like we got about three inches on the deck.

What a beautiful gift this was!  I walked outside several times expecting to hear Christmas Carols being sung by the angels.

   Christmas came early and I'm sure the children will have a cold, wet, fun morning in the snow. 

Thank you Lord for this beautiful covering for our little world on Highway 98.

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!!
  
 
  

EMILY GETS HER A DEER!

Cotton Branch is not gender biased!!  The girls here can do whatever the guys do!  Emily proved that with her seven point kill on Sunday afternoon. This is her first buck.  Way to go Emily!    
Jody took the picture with his phone because I was at choir practice and could get there with the camera.  The picture would be HUGE if I'd been there, Em!!  :)