NANA NOTES

CLUCK, CLUCK, CHICKEN. . .

Meet the newest members of Cotton Branch Plantation farm animals:  These ladies were the Grand Champions at the County Fair and we continued the tradition of getting the high bid.  That started when our oldest son (now 36) was about three years old.  We raised the baby chicks and carried some back for competition.  When he was around 8 or 9 he won the Grand Champion trophy.  He said "no more bitties"!  From then on we just purchased chickens at the "Sale" and enjoyed them and the eggs they produced.  We love to hear our rooster(s) crowing and the chickens "clucking".  We usually don't name our chickens but these are so pretty we might start a new tradition.  Welcome to Cotton Branch!

PRAYER FOR YOU!

May today there be peace within.  May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.  May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.  May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.  May you be content knowing you are a child of God.  Let His presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.  It is there for each and everyone of us.

This was sent to me by a cousin and I wanted to share it with you.  She said she loved the part about "Let His presence settle into your bones". I do too.  May the God of peace watch over you this day. 

TIME FOR THE FAIR. . .

It's that time of the year again---when everyone in the Garden Club looks at the floor and hopes they don't get called on to do the Fair Booth!  We had a short crowd on Friday so rather than drag it out, I just spoke right up!  I told them it wouldn't be much but they couldn't say anything about it.  We'd get the $30.00 for the treasurery and a space would be filled.  Evelyn said she would help.  I picked her up this morning with my trusty fern and stand, sign, homemade handouts and a wreath that I found in the closet.  She brought her fern and a lovely bench.  This is the result: The bar is to keep the people from getting into the booth.  It fills all the requirements--it has handouts and a title.

SPIDERS, FLOWERS, and RED CIRCLE HAIR BOY. . .

in no particular order!  Today was my garden club meeting and I was in charge of the table decorations.  Since it's getting into the holidays (?) I thought a pumpkin was in order.  Here is what I did along with pretty green plates, fall napkins and tablecloth and Almond Tea.  I was pleased with the way it turned out.  Sorry if you missed it at the meeting.

The last two weeks have been busy with the Wildlife Management Survey.  Ed "let" me and a friend do some of it and we had a great time after our walk getting to check the cameras.  There is a tremendously funny story about a spider that would not come across as well here ---you'd have to be there!! :)  Let's just say that she hates them and this one would not be to her liking.   I'm not a spider person either but this one is in my garage window and somehow I've ended up protecting it.  I'm waiting for nature to take it's course.

When Sam started pre-k one of the children in his class told his Mom about the "red circle hair boy".  I have grown to love that term (almost as much as I love that little boy !).  One day last week I had made him an appointment for a haircut and couldn't take him.  His mother took him but he came by to show me his new "do".  Of course, when it was cut it curled right back up.  He wants straight hair like his brothers but I don't think that will ever happen.  He will always be the "Red Circle Hair Boy"!

It's been a very fast week--a trip to Starkville for a great landscape design symposium was included in the schedule.  I'm ready for some down time.  Oh, and the rain!  Someone said 2 1/2 inches--yeah  :) We really needed that.

I'm hoping you have a great weekend and get some much needed rest too.  God bless.

RAIN

After what seems to have been a very long time we've finally had some RAIN!! Ryan said he thought it was close to an inch.  The dust will have settled and the seeds will have moisture to sprout. Blessings for sure.

EXTRAORDINARY WOMEN

What happens when 2500 women get together to sing, laugh, listen and praise the Lord!  A whole lot of singing, laughing and praising the Lord !!!  No sleep, very little eating (!) and a lot of fun!  Five of us met several others in Jackson at First Baptist Church for the Extraordinary Women's Conference this weekend.  We got there in time to grab a Back Yard Burger (everybody's choice) before hearing Lisa Whelchel and Point of Grace.  We left the church after 10:30 PM and headed for a Starbucks!   With very little sleep we had breakfast and were off to the church on Saturday.  A full day of speakers included Angela Thomas, Jennifer Rothschild,

Carol Kent and Michelle McKinney Hammond.   One of the highlights of the weekend was the performance of a group of Children of Hope. (Don't forget that you can click on the picture to see it better!)  These kids are from all countries and are sponsored by people who pay for them to be fed, clothed and educated in their country.  They were remarkable--so talented.  I wanted to bring several of them home with me.

The Praise Band was exhausting!  We were all hoarse by the end of the day on Saturday.  SATURATED!  That's what we were by the end of the Conference--filled up and spilling over with praise and worship.  What a way to spend a weekend!

We missed you Dana and Cindy!

DAILY LIVING. . .

This picture has nothing to do with what I'm going to write about--I just wanted something pretty for you to look at while you read this short blog.  We've been about the business of "daily living" around here. Ed mentioned today that I had not written on my blog in over a week.  Our sweet "YaYa" is still out and we found out today that she will be having surgery next Wednesday.  Those of you that know me well know that I have not been happy for the last three weeks and now I am in deeper despair!  Life doesn't go well for me when "YaYa" is not here.  She keeps me and the house running smoothly. Having her here allows me to do the outside activities I do without too much guilt! :) She's everybody's angel.  Please pray that her shoulder surgery will go well and that she will return quickly--better than ever.

Ed and I have been doing the camera survey.  On days when Ed couldn't do it, a friend of mine has helped me.  We've had a lot of fun going on our morning walk and then checking the cameras.  There have been lots of laughs and fun times.  It's great to have a friend who works and prays with you.

The baby goats (Mary and Martha) are growing.  Canada (the baby deer) is being a very sweet brother to them and is also growing.  I am feeding them all "kid replacement" because milk has gotten so expensive.  They love it! :)

I'm getting to go to a Christian Women's Conference this weekend.  Jennifer Rothschild and Lisa Whelchel will be the featured speakers.  Several of my good friends are going and we should have a fun time--another one of God's blessings.

Sunday we're having the monthly birthday dinner for Papa and Ryan.  Papa will be 61 and Ryan will be 16.  Isn't that a neat thing! :)

Grey's Anatomy is on and I'm out of here.  Have a great weekend and hopefully next week I'll have something really good to write about.  God bless you all.

HARD TO BELIEVE. . .HOMECOMING 2007

I knew this day was coming and I have to admit---I'm not ready for it.  Today I watched my first born grandson drive the Homecoming float for the sophomore class. He spent the last few afternoons helping to get it ready.

Several of his friends are in the court.  When he started high school last year I wasn't ready for that.  He spent most of his time on the farm tractoring and hunting.  Now he's discovered "social life".  We're proud of Ryan:  he's smart, good looking, and a very good young man.  I've always said he was my best friend.  To see him branch out and try new things is good.  I just realize that he will be leaving us soon to go to college.  Too soon, just too soon.

Our beautiful friend Katherine and her escort Will--All three of these kids were born within weeks of each other.

The cute little cheerleader in the middle is our friend Madge.  She is like sunshine on a cloudy day! I know she was having a ball.

Our friend Phil came over from Natchez with his "cute little car" to drive a friend who was in the court.

Ben and Sam rode on the sophomore float.  Graham wanted to ride with the cheerleaders--I think J should have let him!!  He's always been a ladies' man! :)

GO DOGS!

Don't forget that you can click on the pictures and see them better!  That way you can see Ben and Sam on the float!!

Edited:  Go to Tiffany's blog to see what was happening 20 years ago for FHS Homecoming.

A FUN AFTERNOON. . .

The days are flying by around here.  Ed's favorite saying is that we go to church, wake up and go to church again. The week just disappears.  Today we put out the cameras for the deer survey.  I left word for Ryan to call us when he and Sam got to the house. (Today was an "early out" day.)  He brought Sam to us and he went with us to put out the cameras.  Papa let him drive.  He was also the "knife boy" and the "camera bug".  For a four year old he can drive very well. :)  We talked about everything under the sun and did our work.  We stopped under a big old shade tree and had a snack.  The breeze was blowing and it was wonderful.  Sam told us about his friends at school.  Most of the driving had been on the farm through the pastures and farm roads.  The last stop was a short drive on the highway from the house.  When we came out on the highway Sam said, "I bet those people passing by are saying, 'look, there's a kid driving that truck'."  Ed and I laughed and said he was probably right.

I am so thankful for this afternoon.  It was one of the best we've had in a while.  Remember the saying, "don't worry, be happy"?  That's just what we did with Sam.  The Lord has given us such a beautiful place to enjoy with our family.  We are grateful for that.