NANA NOTES

PAT'S "MEDICARE" SURPRISE BIRTHDAY PARTY

 Today is Pat's birthday and from the title you should be able to guess which one!!  I had asked her to go to lunch with me to celebrate.  I just failed to tell her that four of our "sisters" were going with us. She was totally surprised. Charlotte, Deb, me, Sharon, Libby and Pat--six sisters that love each other.  We have so much fun when we're together.  

The menu board at the Topisaw General Store--a lovely place with handmade gifts and goodies to purchase.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Homemade focaccia bread and I was lucky enough to get a loaf before they were gone.  They had Orange Cream Cookies but they sold before we got any!!

Sharon and Pat smelling the homemade soap. There was beautiful pottery and colorful yarn too. The courtyard was beautiful;  A small cozy place with wonderful atmosphere.

David Varnado, the owner of the store, taking Deb's order.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We had a wonderful lunch and enjoyed the company of each other. They went with me to get my new glasses and then it was time for dessert!! 
Everyone was happy and full.  No one wanted to go shopping so we just visited a little while and went home.  We all decided that we should do that more often, birthday or not.  Happy Birthday, Pat!!

BLESSED!

It's not everyday that you get the chance to host a beautiful party and have fun! Lately it seems that we've been doing a lot of that though. Ed and I were blessed to have Anna Grace and Nate's rehearsal dinner here on Friday night. People from all over the US were here and we had a wonderful time. Nothing goes better with friends, food and music that nice chilly weather, warm propane heaters and a fire pit!!  After a delicious meal and nice toasts from family and friends and (as Nate said) everyone put on their "ankle braces" and got the party started. I was off my camera game and didn't get many pictures but someone took my camera and got a few shots.  I did, however, enjoy the dancing!! Thanks, AG and Nate for trusting us to have your dinner at our home. We loved doing it.                                               Shots of the lower deck. Four of the six Hollinger siblings--Jean, Bruce, Joni and Mark (seated). And, yes, I danced till I couldn't any more!! Here I'm doing some kind of something with Chris and Cosima from California!! I loved it!! And I love these kids!!  The wedding was beautiful and I didn't take my camera. I knew Jen would take plenty and maybe I could see those later.  We were blessed by Anna Grace and Nate when they came by the house to change into their traveling clothes so I got a picture after all.  It's easier to ask forgiveness than permission so I'm posting it. (thanks, Susie.)     Ready to leave and yes, she's still going to know me when she's famous !

We love you Anna Grace and Nate!!

 

BIRTHDAY MONTH

A friend of mine told me a long time ago that she no longer has birthdays--she has a "gift month". I've decided now that I've hit the last number before I can "get a check" that I will do the same. The only thing is that I probably won't "get a check"!! :) Usually we have a birthday Sunday lunch but since I'm the one who plans them I didn't do that for me. We had a normal lunch on the 22nd and the usual crew was here. Papa showed up with flowers and a gorilla that sings--he knows I love those animals in the stores that you punch their hands or feet and they do something!! I got cards in the mail and phone calls. My Facebook was overrun with birthday wishes and I was awed by that. Jennifer came by with a wonderful rustic frame (to hold a wedding picture!) and windchime from all the Cowarts. Josh brought chocolates from Laura's in New Orleans. The Smitherrings sent an Amazon gift card which I used right away. Loved it!! A lemon ice box cake also showed up with Jennifer so we had birthday cake! An ordinary day turned into a wonderful one and now I will have great memories of the last birthday. Remember, from now on it's "gift month"!!  

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEN!

Wasn't it just yesterday that we celebrated Ben's 11th birthday? All the grandchildren seem to be growing up so fast! Today is Ben's 12th birthday and he got the surprise of his life. Ed has taken the boys on their 13th birthday to West Texas to mule deer hunt. He surprised Ben a year early and is taking him tomorrow!!  He's only flown once and has never seen any landscape like he will see when he gets to Texas. Both Ryan and Graham killed a mule deer (and so did I!!). He's outfitted and ready to go.  He's spending the night and I'm fixing him breakfast in the morning at 4:30 AM before they leave.  That's love,Ben! I don't get up at 4:30 AM!!  Here he is clowning tonight with his brother in his new Brees jersey.

I pray for a safe trip and a fun time with memories made with his few days with his Papa one on one.  Get a big one, Ben!  Happy Birthday! 
 

STRETCHING A BIRTHDAY!

Papa's birthday was Oct. 1; I cooked burgers on the grill for lunch and baked him a cake. Those that were here for lunch enjoyed it. On Saturday we went with Jimmi Lou and Phil to "Hot Tails" in New Roads, LA to eat "lupper" as Josh called it when he was little. Jimmi Lou's birthday is the day after Ed's. The drive down was enjoyable and we took the ferry across the river on the way home. Sunday after church we had most of the family for lunch. There was lots of talking and laughing and we planned another fun time together. I love it that the grandchildren are getting old enough to enjoy doing things together with us. Here are some random photos of the extended birthday. 
The waitress made this one on Jimmi Lou's phone because we didn't take our cameras.

Ed's crawfish poboy was way more than he could eat.  Their crawfish was awesome!!  As was their fried crab claws--and their catfish!!

Loading onto the ferry. It runs every fifteen minutes and it didn't take that long to load and get across.  It's been a very long time since I crossed a ferry. It was a beautiful day and we enjoyed spending it with our friends.

Part of the "Sunday crowd".  We missed the ones who were not with us.

Now Papa has a camera to record his hunting trips that are coming up.

Josh cut this out with his saw. I'm impressed. I think I need one of those saws!!  Papa likes it. 
 
AND a new wallet since his has been washed twice lately!!  Isn't it fun to get things you really need???  Happy Birthday, Papa!!  Next year the government will give you a CHECK!! 
 

 
 
 
 
 

 

BIRTHDAY LUNCH SERENADE

My birthday was on Tuesday and the boys were there for lunch. Ed, Josh, Ryan, Graham, Ben and Sam all sang happy birthday to me and presented me with a bowl of homemade ice cream with fresh peaches on top.  Who could ask for more on their birthday??!!!  Gotta love it when the work stops and you're the center of attention!! 
I'm thankful for one more year to enjoy family and friends. Being older doesn't bother me; I'm still 29 in my heart!! :)

QUENT'S PHOTO OF MADALENE AND ME

I mentioned earlier in my Twitter that I had attended an 80th birthday party for one of my "young" friends on Sunday afternoon at the church. Her daughter totally surprised her with a party.  Lots of people attended and she was thrilled.  I left home in such a hurry that I forgot my camera but a friend took this photo of us.  Now I could tell you some "stuff" about this woman but I'll just let you believe that she's the beautiful lady you see in the picture! :)  There's never a "down" moment around her. She keeps you laughing.  Your birthday was wonderful, Madalene. I hope you have many more.

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.

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!

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!
 

A BEAUTIFUL GIFT

I had to take a picture of the towel because I obviously couldn't put it on here and then I decided to "scrap" the picture.  The butterfly was an embellishment we made at Scrapfest.  The button ribbon was the "bow" on the package.  Don't you just love it??  Thanks, Cagney for the beautiful towel and the wonderful opportunity to scrap something.

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

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY #1 DAUGHTER IN LAW!!

I know that I have other pictures of Tiffany when she's all dressed up with makeup and looking beautiful. But there is no other time that she's as happy as she was on this afternoon. Besides being beautiful on the inside is what counts [and I think she looks pretty terrific here!].  Today's her birthday and I'm not saying which one. I just hope it's a great one!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TIFFANY!  LOVE, NANA, PAPA AND SADIE

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JENNIFER!!

Thirty five years ago today I woke up needing to go to the hospital. The story is a funny one but I'll spare you that.  The story is also a sad one and I'll spare you that.  Bittersweet things can often bring you big blessings.  Thirty five years ago today Ed carried me to Jackson [in less than an hour] and left me with my parents [after passing my dad standing under "No Name" bridge in Byram] at the old Baptist Hospital. I gave birth to Jennifer before he had time to get back home to be with his mother.  He and Carol Boteler Waid named her and she was born with a broken arm.  Her whole life has been that kind of whirlwind.  She is in constant motion all the time.  She has a wonderful husband, four terrific boys and a good life.  My prayer for her is that she can enjoy what she has now and always.  Happy Birthday, dear daughter.  I love you very much.  Mom    

SURPRISE BIRTHDAY FOR RYAN

Haleigh surprised Ryan with a birthday dinner at Santa Fe last night. Although Jeanne and Tim got "busted" Ryan was still surprised when he came in and saw all the people there for his "surprise"!  He was sweet and did not get embarassed when we sang to him.  His cake was chocolate and had a John Deere tractor with a hay bailer on it. He was a happy boy.  It's hard to believe that he's 17 years old.     

 I apologize for the quality of the photos. "Nana forgot her camera!!!" Ms Jeanne had hers and took lots of photos.  Maybe I'll be lucky enough to get some of those.  So sorry!!

HAPPY HOLIDAY

FREEDOM ROCKS!!!

HAPPY

JULY 4th!!!

 

A GREAT SURPRISE

Jennifer has been avoiding me like the plague lately.  She always had excuses why she couldn't come for lunch, etc.  "I'm busy, I'm working on a big project", and on and on.  Well, on Monday I found out what the "big project" was.   The sewing machine that we gave her about three years ago has come out of the box and she made me a "chemo quilt".  She took quilt scraps from my Mom's fabric boxes and put them together.  She did picture transfers of all the family and put them in some of the squares. She even had my favorite scripture monogramed for the center.  Never have I been so surprised or pleased!!  Jennifer has never even sewn on a button.

She wanted me to be warm when I was taking chemo--the room is usually cold and I had mentioned that.  Now I have a wonderful blanket with all my family on it to surround me while I'm getting my drips.

Thank you, Jennifer, for every stitch and every piece of love in that blanket.  I love you.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you,

Happy Birthday, dear DIL, Happy Birthday to YOU!!!

We love you!

JANUARY BIRTHDAYS 2008

Take a look at our January birthday boys!  Hayden turned seven and Sam will be five soon.  Those of you that follow the goings on at CB know we have a monthly birthday dinner to celebrate.  Sam used his birthday money to go to Boots and More and bought a new rope and some cool Cinch jeans.  Hayden got a roping dummy head (?) from his Dad and Tiffany and money from us and the Cowarts to buy a bag for the hay bale that the head fits on. (That's way over my head but that's what I was told!)  He was excited.  Looks like all the guys around here are "Cowboying Up".  Happy Birthday, boys!