NANA NOTES

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!!
 

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!

PHOTO SHOOT [sort of]

                              

                             

 

Leigha got her hair cut a week or so ago.  Libby didn't have her camera and I jumped in the car and took off to the beauty shop to catch some photos.  We ended up at the drug store and had an impromptu photo shoot.  She is eight years old and this was her very first "real" hair cut.  After the photos we went and got snow cones.  It was a fun afternoon for three "girls"!

EVERYBODY SAW IT BEFORE ME!

People kept asking me if I'd gotten my birthday present from the Cowart Gang last week.  Every where I went--they would ask me!  I sort of left for the beach in a hurry and Jennifer didn't know it.  On Sunday night she, Shelly and the boys came over and gave me a great gift. 

 

This is the back cover of a book of my photographs that I've taken over the last few years.  The book is 12 x 12 and it's like a Little Golden Book.  I can't describe it in a way that you can appreciate it but take my word for it--it's beautiful [not just because I took the pictures]!  The other pictures she took are of me looking at the book and it shows "tmi" of me in the swimsuit! :)  You'll just have to wait to see the book in person.  I love it and I love the Cowart Gang!

I had a great birthday. I had lots of FB messages and calls and cards. All the kids called me and I talked to Ed first thing that morning.  He woke me up and sang to me.  What a wake up!!  Thanks to everyone!

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

 

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.

PLANTED IN FRONT OF TYSON'S!

Early in the spring I stopped by Tyson's Hardware to check out their first load of plants.  There was this funny looking plant sprouting out of their flower bed between the sidewalk and the street.  I asked someone what it was and they said it was something that didn't sell last year and they had stuck it in the bed.  I mentioned that it looked like a thistle and he gave me some long botanical name.  I just said "hmmm" and smiled. The leaves were pretty and I made note to watch it as it grew.  Today I rode by there and noticed it was blooming.  Of course I didn't have my camera with me but I had my phone.

Here it is.  The common name is Milk Thistle. Ed said we had them everywhere on the farm and you see them everywhere on the highway. I have to admit--it does look pretty growing in front of Tyson's Hardware.

FRUITS OF THE "SPIRIT" [GARDEN]

Walking around in the garden with my camera often gives me ideas.  [Wish I'd had it today when we went to Natchez to eat with friends!! Long story there--will save it for later!]  I started snapping pictures of all the "edibles" in our garden-mostly fruit-that honestly just grow. I'm not a good fruit grower. I should be; I've had classes on it. I just don't do what I've been taught.  Here are a few of the things we'll be enjoying later this summer. 

Meyer Lemons that will make great lemonade!

Satsumas that are Ed's favorite!

 

 

 

Figs on a tree that Ed said would never make it!  Maybe this year we'll have more than enough to snack on.

Apples-I guess it's time to make more apple jelly. It's been a few years since I did that.

 

Blueberries-if the birds don't get to them first.  Every year we have more and more.

 

 

I love peaches more than I love strawberries and I can't grow strawberries. I wish my peaches would grow better-I should do more for them.

 

We have an abundance of pears and always share them with the deer.  The tree got trimmed this year and it looks much better.

 

There are two types of persimmons--I wish I had some good recipes to use them. They are so beautiful in the fall. I love the orange color.

The veggies are doing ok.  Ed has helped push me to keep the grass out of the beds.  Tomatoes, peppers, squash, eggplant (his favorite :) and cucumbers.

 

 

Our tomatoes compared to Jennifer's aren't too good. Maybe soon!

Squash are in abundance. We have three kinds-yellow, zuchinni and butternut.  We've even put some in the freezer. 

After the rain we had on Friday it will be "pull more grass" but it will be worth it.

I can remember my grandmothers gardening. I guess that's where I get my love for it.  They saved seeds and planted and preserved.  My mother canned and put things in the freezer. I am grateful for those lessons learned.

 

FINDING 'HEART ROCKS'

Until I got sick I walked every day all around the farm.  I read a blog called Farmgirl Fare and she collects "heart rocks".  Obviously her rocks are a lot bigger than mine [I've shown you some of mine from time to time and you can see hers on her blog. In the upper right hand corner of her blog there is a search block; type in "heart rocks"].  The other day I was out taking pictures and saw this rock.  It's been in my backyard for several years and I've never noticed it.  Right under my nose!!  If I had known it was there I would have put it in the center or in a more noticeable place. But, for now--it's special--a very special "heart rock"! 

"LET FREEDOM RING" FLOWER SHOW

Third Friday in April means Pine Burr Garden Club Flower Show! And this year was no different.  The Franklin County Courthouse was the background for our Patriotic show "Let Freedom Ring".  There was the usual mumbling and grumbling before the show but as the day went on things got better. It wouldn't be "the girls" if we didn't gripe about doing it.  The front of the Courthouse was the entry to the show. The special exhibits were placed on each side of the door.  One was on bluebirds and their houses.

Melody's was on Container Gardening and I loved it. She does the best special exhibits. I coveted her blue table.  Her containers were awesome. She has her mother's touch with flowers.  I entered three designs due to the fact that we have only 13 members. [Several of us did three!]

"Freedom of Speech"

This was my only blue winner.  The others didn't fare so well.  But---you can't be a winner all the time.  And---my horticulture kicked butt!!

My green leaf Japanese maple won a blue, Horticulture Excellence and the Arboreal Award. I also won the Sweepstakes Award (most blue ribbons) and the Pauline Herring Award (most blue ribbons in horticulture).

For such a rocky start I'd say I ended up pretty well.

Beverly won the TriColor Award with this beautiful design.  She is a wonderful designer and usually does very creative things. This is no exception.

Lugenia does lovely mass designs. We're going to get her to do a program next year on teaching us how to do them.  This was "Freedom of the Press".

 

 
"Freedom of Religion" by Judy was beautiful. Both Lugenia and I wondered why the purple fabric and flowers photographed blue. This was another blue ribbon winner.

Paulette's arrangement was outstanding. Her flowers were tremendous and she deserved the Designer's Choice and the Barbara Herring Award for design as well as the blue. She was very happy.

Becky's fountain for "Freedom of Justice" was interesting and she was proud of her blue.  Lugenia won the Dorothy McGehee Award for her design in this class.  That Award is for the design that best depicts the theme of the show.

With the help of Becky's husband a beautiful magnolia tree got planted on the courthouse lawn. The tree was donated by Growin' Green Landscape and it was our gift to the courthouse.   Melody and I ended up with the Horticulture Awards. 

I sort of did a "sneaky pete" and entered one of Quent Peterson's roses under "Guest Exhibitor" without his knowing it.  He won a blue ribbon and to top it off he won an Award of Merit.  I phoned them to make sure they were coming to the show. You can see that he was pleased.  That was a feel good moment knowing I had made him happy.  If you get the chance, drive by their home and see his roses.  They're beautiful.  He says he doesn't do a thing to them. 

At the end of the day there were lots of happy winners.  These ladies won blue ribbons for their designs.  Those that didn't get blues were still winners just for showing up and working as hard as they did for making the show a success.  Pine Burr Garden Club is a National Award winning club.  Why don't you join us?  We have fun--but we work at it!!

I'll get an album on the website as soon as I can and you can see all the arrangements.  Just click on "Let Freedom Ring" 2009 Flower Show. It may take me a day or two. Keep checking my blog.

SCRAPFEST WEEKEND

A huge room filled with 200 scrapbookers-each one with tons of "stuff"-you have NEVER seen the amount of scrapbooking accessories and equipment some of these women had!  I hate to think of the amount of money in that room just in supplies!  It was way over the top!!  Talk about collectors and addiction--this was a convention of addicts! And I thought I had a lot!!  There were 11 at our table and we had arranged to sit together-all friends or friends of friends---now all friends! :)

Two were missing from this picture but this is the majority of our group. The girls in blue are from Petal [Hattiesburg area] that met Pat and Melanie in Natchez. They have all scrapped in Jackson together. 

We finally rounded up Treasure for a picture. Don't ya just love our "Scrapping Sisters" shirts??  We had lots of comments about them-especially the fact that we had scripture on the back. Everyone liked them.  AND, we were easy to see! 

The first day I entered a challenge--not something I usually do. They gave the first 25 women who came up a package of "stuff" [awful stuff] and they had to make something with it.  It had to be turned in by a certain time and all of a sudden I realized I had about 30 minutes to get it done because we were taking two classes back to back and wouldn't be finished until 6:00.  I hurriedly took pictures of a lot of "stuff" and did this page. "It's all about the stuff"--I came in second.  My friend Treasure beat me. I told her a naked baby will do it every time.  Her layout was beautiful and she altered everything.  That always does it too. I'm learning everytime I go.

I probably should tell you that it rained all day Thursday and over ten [10] inches on Friday.  Saturday was an absolute bluebird day but cooler. I also should tell you that that building was the coldest building I have ever been in and I carried in a blanket and wore three shirts.  I also probably should tell you that going off with these two women (Pat and Sharon--we missed you Libby!) is one of the most fun things I can do. There is never a dull moment.  We truly are sisters-scrapping or not!

I'M ALWAYS ON CALL--24/7--:)

On Wednesday I was having physical therapy on "the knee" when my cell phone rang.  It was Jennifer and she had seen my car parked in the North Forty at the hospital. It just so happened that it was closer to Graham's doctor than my therapy session.  He was about to have his staples removed and I was just about finished with therapy.  She said I might want to come over and lend some moral support.  I was glad to do it.  I got there just as he was going in.  The nurse came in and asked if the bandage had been removed.  His incisions looked great and she began the process of taking them out.    After she took the staples out we got to look at the xrays.  See his steel rod and screws?  He's still on crutches but is walking pretty good. School may be a possibility on Monday--we'll see how it goes. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2009 BEACH SCRAPBOOK RETREAT WEEKEND MARATHON

This was our second year to attend the Scrappin' at the Beach Retreat. Pat, Libby and I left on Thursday loaded down with (most) of the materials we needed for a fun weekend of scrapping.

 

You can't see all the stuff because we deliberately sat in front of it.  :)  The first afternoon we got unloaded and settled down to "getting ready". That night was "PJ Night" and everyone came back from dinner dressed in their pajamas ready to scrap for the long haul.  We stayed until midnight.  I overslept the next morning and Libby got up to see the sun come up. 

  What part of God's creation isn't beautiful?  Just look at this gorgeous blue water and white sand!

We scrapped all day and went to dinner about 5:30. We were told by Gina to be sure to be back by at least 7:30 or 7:45 because it was a theme night [40's, 50's, 60's, etc.] and there was a special surprise.  I told her to please just don't resurrect Elvis!!  They told me there would be a cardboard cutout but not to worry!  Well, guess who just told me a fat fib??!! After the "Hippie Chicks" (employees of GiGi's) performed--yes, Elvis showed up!!  This guy is the Assistant Principal of the Foley High School who does this as a hobby--he was ok, but he definitely needs to keep his day job. We kept on scrapping as he performed and all of a sudden I looked up and this is what I saw--

He snuck up on Libby and I grabbed my camera.  BTW, he has a surger and makes his own scarves! We thought that was funny! The "Hippie Chick" in the white glasses is Gina who owns Gigi's Scrapbook Store in Foley and the girl in the pink hat is Jamie. They are both sweet, precious ladies. They were dressed up for the 60's night.  We only stayed till 11:00 PM that night!!

 

This is a painted canvas class we did today.  It's 16 x 16 with a red heart, ribbons, silk flowers and tags. The only thing left to do is use black marker and go around the green.  We did this on a lark and it was fun.  We also did an altered HUGE clothes pin with beach paper and shells.

Each of us did page layouts--some more than others--but we enjoyed it tremendously.  We're thankful to have family that will allow us to get away together for fellowship and girl time.  Our tablemates took this picture.

This afternoon (Saturday) we left Pat to take the last class and Libby and I went to the grocery store. We bought steaks, asparagus, salad stuff and ice cream for supper. After a wonderful dinner we watched "Mama Mia" and sang and laughed along with it.  What a great way to end a weekend.

GOD'S PLAN FOR THE DAY

One of my friends at church spoke one Sunday morning. She started her talk with "If you really want to know what God wants for you, make plans that you want to do." That may not be the direct words but you get the idea.  I had my plans for today--they had been made for about a month and included a very pretty day with nine grandchildren dressed and in a good mood.  The photographer was coming to take pictures for a portrait that was LONG overdue [a post in itself!].  We woke up early and Ed told me it was raining! Not a good day. I was not in a good mood and had just a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach all day.  I talked with the photographer's office several times trying to cancel. Each time they said, "Oh, no, everything's going to be fine. We'll adjust. It will work."  Oh, ME of little faith!! :)  I told Jennifer and Tiffany that God was testing me.  He had His plan for my day and I should just go with it.  It was raining and cold but the children were great and I know that the pictures the photographer took are much better than mine.  Here's a sample of what I took. 

 

 Everything turned out fine. God took care of the day-His way. I can't wait to see what the pictures look like. We have a special place just waiting for the portrait! I feel sure that Jennifer and Tiffany will post something they took too.  Check it out and get their version of the story!  

PHOTO BY BEN

 

Ben has spent most of the weekend with us.  The Cowarts were rodeoing and Jennifer rested between times.  Ben didn't want to rodeo.  This morning we were on the way to church and he was playing with my "Huckleberry".  He was playing with the camera and asking me questions about "twitter".  I just found this picture on my blog. Obviously he figured out how to work it.  It's probably more interesting than anything I could have blogged today.  This is the "down day" after treatment so I've been asleep since lunch was over.  In case you can't tell what it is--Ben's leg, foot and my cell phone charger!  Very interesting stuff!!

REUNION 2008

The 2008 Southward Reunion is a sweet memory.  For three fast and furious days we had plenty of sunshine, swimming, food and fellowship.  We started Saturday morning with the Great Bude Run.  The picture speaks for itself. Veda and Tom placed in their

age groups.  Leigh and I did not.  We all got door prizes--we even traded with some people to make sure everyone got something neat!!

We stopped by Sam's T-ball game and watched him hit an "in the park" homerun. He had a huge cheering section.   Then it was off to lunch for the hamburger cookout.  Everyone loves it. We had about 50 for lunch and it was awesome.

The midafternoon snack was boiled shrimp and Shara's homemade quacamole [made by Carolyn and Shirlee].  We all have her recipe now!!  If you want 150 jumbo shrimp to disappear fast put them in front of the Southward clan.  That goes for the quac too!!  We love it.

More swimming; some napping; lots of talking--then it's time for dinner.  Shara had made spaghetti sauce and others contributed the other parts for the dinner.  I don't have to say that we ALL enjoyed it and dinner was delicious.

Everyone left pretty quickly after dinner because we were all tired.  Promises of "we'll be here for church in the morning" and good nights were being heard.

Sunday morning Ed and I fixed breakfast for those at the house.  The Southward Clan filled three pews at church and then it was home to a delicious lunch prepared by Janice and Linda.

Good byes were said and pictures were taken.  By 3:00 PM everyone was on the road to home and we're already dreaming of next year.  We're all talking about how we have to loose weight before then--the weight we gained this weekend---oh, what fun we had!!!!!

Click on the "Southward Reunion 2008" picture album to see all the pictures.

 

 

WOW!!!

I guess I found out that my "readers" don't care much about the horses! They'd rather hear about what's going on with the family. :)  We're such an active bunch!!  Saturday was a beautiful day around here for many reasons.  The weather was lovely and Ryan and Haleigh came by in their "finery" to show us how they looked.  They had been to the winter formal but this was "first prom" and it was exciting for all of us.  Jennifer had boys scattered all over SW MS doing ball games and rodeos.  She managed to spend time with Ryan while he was getting ready.  It was a special time for them.  The years have flown by and it's hard to believe he's getting to prom age. I may be prejudiced but---- this guy is so handsome and his Mom is beautiful. She was beaming when she looked at her son. The feet look nice. How about the rest of them?   It was hard to go through as Jeanne said, "a gazillion" pictures to find only one to show you. They were all beautiful.  Haleigh wears bright colors well and the orange was "right on"!!  We had to have a shot with the three of us.  Look how tall Ryan is!

I missed the Navigator limo--would I have enjoyed that!! Can't wait to see the pictures and hear the story.  Gotta love this guy; he's so sweet and cooperative.  Whatever Haleigh wants is what he does.  I'm sure they had a great time. 

PICTURES OF SCRAP RETREAT. . .

Scrapbooker's Dream--three days--nonstop scrapbooking!!  Was it a dream or a nightmare?  I've never seen so much "stuff" in my life---and I thought I had a room full. You can see that the "stuff" is packed to the top of the car when we got Terri loaded. And you know that someone was going to buy something at the retreat!!  It's pack up and go at the end and I let them do it.  Five chiefs don't do a good job so Libby and I were the photographers.  It was all packed up and in and no one got hurt.  We all had a great time and look forward to getting another chance to "scrap till we drop"!

"HELL DONE FROZE OVER"

I was reading a book not long ago and it had two old country boys as characters.  I don't remember what they were discussing but one of them looked at the other and said, "Well, I'll be, hell done froze over."  Obviously something they thought would never have happened had and that was their way of saying it did. Well, today it happened here too.  My alarm clock went off at 6:30 AM by mistake and just as I got snuggled back into bed the Ed's cell phone started ringing.  From that moment on it has been wild all day.  The pictures will have to be the thousand words.  It has been wonderful.   

As Ed and I were riding around taking the pictures we noticed the sign on the church on the highway.  "God's got a blessing with your name on it."  We certainly got our blessing today.

Don't forget that you can click on the photos to make them bigger.  They will be much prettier when you do.  Happy Snow Day!

AM I JEALOUS OR WHAT???

I get a little jealous when people blog about getting snow and showing their pictures of things like sledding and skiing.  Plain and simple--no brag, just fact.  I should live a little further north where I could at least have a little of the "white stuff" to make angels in when I went outside.  Not to mention that it would make the gas business a whole lot better. (That could be a whole blog! BUT--blessings are blessings and we'll take what we get.)  For the last several days it's been pretty cold here.  Cold enough for the fountain (from you know where!!!) to freeze.  That will have to do for now--but I can still wish for a flake or two to fall.