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!

 

FUNNY FOR THE DAY!

 I was "surfing" and found the comics on the web.  This one caught my eye and I thought of Sam and us doing homework together on Wednesday afternoons.  I get to help him with his "figurin'" and reading. We haven't made it to the "flowers and old news" yet.  He's a smart little boy and I enjoy helping him.

LADIES, THINK FOR YOURSELVES! LISTEN TO YOUR BODY!

Those of you who really know me know that I CAN get on a soapbox when I need to.  This is one of those times.  How dare someone tell us as women that we don't need medical tests regularly!  I am a two time breast cancer survivor and know lots of women who have had or have breast cancer.  Some of those women would not be here if they hadn't had the necessary medical tests to diagnose the problem at an early stage--including me!  The LiveSTRONG Foundation came out with the following statement:

“We at LIVESTRONG fear that as a result of these new guidelines, more women will be lost to breast cancer.

Since the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force issued these reversals, LIVESTRONG and our partners at the American Cancer Society have heard from legions of women under 50 who are breast cancer survivors and many more whose lives were saved as a result of a routine self-exam. The work that has saved their lives must be sustained, not discarded.

We must break down the barriers to screening and early detection, not create new ones.  We must empower women to be well-informed about their health, not send them conflicting signals. And we must foster greater cooperation among the trusted voices in the fight against cancer to create clear guidance.

Many women feel confused by these dramatic changes. We urge them to talk to their doctors about making the best possible choices for their health and to seek medical attention if they feel something is amiss, regardless of their age.”

Please pay attention to the last paragraph and do what's best for YOU!!

 

 

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!

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!
 

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!!

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

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

BEING A GOOD PARENT

I've been watching a pair of bluebirds that have built a nest in one of the houses on the workbench by the pool house.  I actually don't use it as a workbench, I put flower pots and birdhouses on it.  Every day I say that I wish I had my camera to capture them as they go in and out feeding their babies. [I am assuming that; I have not peeped!] Both the Mom and Dad fly off and bring back food all during the day and patiently feed their young.  There is no arguing or bickering--just constant care and love for the little ones.  I hope I'm outside when they come out to learn to fly. I want to wish them good luck and God bless.

SADIE UPDATE

Ms Sadie will have been here two weeks on Wednesday and she is fitting right in with our family.  She is definitely Dooley's sister.  It's amazing how much alike they are.  Ed and I both need protective gloves because her teeth are so sharp and we'd forgotten how much they love to play and bite your hands. We'll be glad when those baby teeth come out and the "big dog" teeth come in.  They won't be so sharp. She would make an awesome glucose monitor!  I'm having trouble adapting to the fact that she's a girl. We haven't had a girl dog in a long time.  We look forward to having her grow and be with us for a long time.  In the meantime---we're working on the potty training thing!!  And how could I get mad at something that looks that sweet!!???

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, ED!

These beautiful flowers were sitting on the cabinet Friday afternoon.  They are "Happy Anniversary" flowers.  Forty one years ago Ed and I got married. 

We've learned a lot. Most couples do.  I gave him two plum trees and two kumquat trees for the orchard. He's really gotten into the garden lately.  Oh, and he got a huge bag of gorilla soil!! [I got dirt one year for my birthday.] We give useful gifts! :)

Here's to 41 more years.  I love you!

WHAT WE'D ALL LIKE TO BE DOING!

I guess things around here will never slow down. We keep waiting and it never happens.  Someone asked me today if I ever stopped--I replied that if I stopped I guess I would mold. I am in constant motion-if not moving at least thinking of something to be doing.  I was walking from the kitchen to the bedroom one day and saw something in the swing. I investigated and this is what I saw.  That's Dufus with his feet propped up on the slats of the swing.  Magic is the one in the far right. They never moved when I eased the blinds open and snapped the shot.

Bandit was curled up in his very own rocking chair.  He very seldom lets us see him but lately he's been "out" more.  Copper chased him yesterday so he may go back into seclusion. He's my favorite, you know!! :)

I guess they had sent Smoky out on his own and he was sleeping on the driveway.  He didn't seem to mind.

 

Barney stays at his palace in the barn and Lana lives in the back barn.  She comes down to visit when Josh comes home.

But--the point is--don't they look peaceful? No cares, no worries, no "busyness"!!  Just lying there on the porch sleeping in MY "happy place"! I'm going to have to remember that last year I was the one in the happy place napping and go back out there.  It was FUN!!!

A NOTE ABOUT YESTERDAY: Graham appears to have no broken bones. He is sore and very lucky that the horse didn't break his ankle or leg. He will be xrayed again on Monday.  Jennifer's foot is still swollen and will be every color in the rainbow before it heals. She is walking on it but she probably won't be jumping any more fences any time soon.  Thanks to everyone who called and checked on them.

UPDATE ON "RABBIT" FOR MADGE

Saturday before Mother's Day Ryan found this baby rabbit.  Ella Delozier decided that his name was "Rabbit". My friend Madge wanted an update.  See Madge, he's growing.  He's drinking lots of milk and eating lettuce and carrots.                                      

    

 

JUST ANOTHER DAY AT COTTON BRANCH!

I was outside with the boys at the pool when Ed came out and said Ryan had found a baby rabbit. Oh, boy, just what we need--another animal.  Of course, I get out of the pool and rush to get it.  Ryan's cutting hay and he had seen a hawk pick up something.  He knew I'd come to save this one.  Ed said just put it in the cage with the three big rabbits.  We didn't know how tiny it was. 

I went looking for the bird cage that we couldn't find when I got the parakeets and found it up in the loft at the barn.  I cleaned it out good and filled the bottom with shredded paper.  I mixed up the "milk mix" that our vet taught me to make and fed  "No Name Rabbit" with a medicine dropper since I couldn't find the tiny baby bottle.  We looked for one when we went to town but couldn't find it so I used a syringe the second feeding.  He's eating a little bit [and I say "he" loosely--I don't know what it is].  Ed says that wild rabbits are really hard to raise but I'm going to give it my best shot. Wish me luck.  Or it could be the door prize at Ryan and Haleigh's senior party tomorrow!!

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!!

I'VE WAITED SO LONG AND SHE WON'T LET ME GET CLOSE!

Ed went to pick up bees this morning and left at 5:00 AM--he called me about that time--that could only mean one thing--BeBe had her baby!!

He told me it was a paint and I went right back to sleep after calling Jennifer.  He called me at 7:00 to ask me what I thought about it and woke me up again.  You would think as long as I've waited for this baby I'd have gotten up right away and busted it to the barn!!  When I went down to the barn BeBe wouldn't let me near her or the baby.  Usually she's a "lap dog" kind of horse and will just love all over you, but today she is the protective mom of a beautiful paint stud colt. I hope to get better pictures soon.  [Jennifer probably does and it's ok for her to post them now!!]

IT ALMOST HAPPENED

On the way to church this morning Ed was reading me an article about a woman in Florida who had lost everything she had except her two horses. She decided to leave with her horses and ride to Texas to try and find work.  The article gave a website to follow her progress. When we got home he said it was in the Jackson paper as well. Curiosity got the best of me and I logged on.  Next thing I knew I was emailing the person telling them that we would pick her up and bring her to the farm for a good meal and some rest on her journey. They were asking for people to help along the way.  The lady emailed me almost immediately and told me that "Donna Byrne"had made it to Monticello, MS and was being taken care of tonight and would be coming to Brookhaven tomorrow. She would contact me after she talked to Donna to see if we could work out the details.  I just got an email that said a couple in Natchez had offered to pick her up in Brookhaven in the morning and take her to Natchez for a couple of days.  I can't tell you how disappointed I was.  We really wanted to help her and I wanted the grandchildren to meet her.  What a courageous woman she must be to be making this journey--a woman alone with two horses and $100 in her pocket.  The story said that people along the way had been wonderful to her--someone had shod and stabled her horses, and given her places to stay.  With all the bad going on in the world [even Donna losing her job and everything she had] there are still good things happening. 

Donna, if you read this I'm sending you prayers and my favorite scripture--Jeremiah 29:11--For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

And Cindi if the pictures were yours, I hope you don't mind that I "borrowed" them. :)

SHELL-STEBBINS WEDDING

I represented the family today at the wedding of Beth Shell and Brady Stebbins.  Brady works for Ed and is the son of Eddie Stebbins who also works for Ed. He and his wife Sue were the first people to get married at Cotton Branch [a whole post in itself].  Today has been an absolutely beautiful day--perfect for a wedding.  Ty and Sandy (Beth's parents) looked very handsome lighting their part of the unity candle.

 

Sue and Eddie look very happy to have his #2 son married.  Don't they both look nice?

 Everyone was watching the flower girls and ring bearer come down the isle when I took this picture.  It's hard not to get "heads" when you sit where I was sitting.  After all I wasn't the "professional" photographer at the wedding. I was just sneaking a few pics for the blog.  I loved the orange dresses.  I don't think I've ever seen orange used at a wedding--the flowers the girls carried were bright colored gerbers--very pretty!   

Sarah and Elliot (son #1) were married not too long ago.  They are the cutest couple.

 

I usually don't eat wedding cake but I love to see what they look like.  This one was beautiful.  I'm sure it was delicious.  Now I'm wanting a piece!!

 

No doubt what Brady likes--race cars and chocolate cake.

And now to the bride and groom-Beth and Brady Stebbins! 

I hope they will be very happy.  Good luck and best wishes B & B!

LOVING THOSE BABIES-TWO MORE NEW ONES!

This morning Linda said she thought we had a new baby.  We jumped in the Ranger and went off to the pasture.  "Lou" my very first birthday horse had her baby.  Don't they look identical?  She wouldn't let us get very close; she's a very protective mother.  Now to come up with a name!!  

The boys have a horse named "Houdini". He literally swims under fences to get out of the pasture.  The white horse is his mama and we call her "Houdini's Mama" (very original, huh?).  She had her baby sometime this morning by looking at her tail.  There's nothing like seeing those first few steps and feedings.  She was much more cooperative about letting us get a close up picture.  Since we don't know what sex either one of them are the naming will come later on.  Right now we're one for five so hopefully  we have a couple of studs here.

We have two more to go--Bebe, my paint mare and a blue roan mare. I can't wait to see what comes next.  Jennifer and I both believe that Bebe will have a paint. Keep your fingers crossed!!