NANA NOTES

PLAYING CATCH UP!!

This blogging thing seems to get harder and harder--I guess because Facebook and Instagram have taken over the blogging world. Oh, and don't forget Twitter and ---! :) Really, it's just laziness or busyness on my part.  Here is a little bit of "catch up" to let you see what's going on at the farm.

 

Some of the jam made from berries from the farm.

I spend a lot of time upstairs running my embroidery machine. These are some of the things that I donated to the bazaar.

One of the biggest happenings was Josh and Victoria getting married. Not the big wedding we had planned but a beautiful one nonetheless. A lovely ceremony and a trip to Canada then back to real life. Hope to have a party after Christmas for them. 
The Herring Gas Bicycle Team years have been great ones. Each year we've had a get together and fellowshipped with each other. This year was the last HGC sponsored year.  We had a grand party and will watch the guys ride under a new name next year. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hunting was good to the kids this year! They all got big deer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The other pictures must be on my ipad and I'll have to switch devices. I'm frustrated to say the least!!  To be continued--sooner or later--sooner, I hope!!

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS

I've heard of blessing of the fleet and blessing of the crops but I don't think I've ever heard of blessing of the animals.  But---that only seems fair. Our pets are precious to us, like family. Meadville United Methodist Church had a service this morning that was for Blessing of the Animals.  We had a nice group of both members and guests that brought pets and pictures of pets. We had prayers and music and then each pet was personally blessed by name by Brother Tim. The weather was beautiful and the service was very nice. I hope the animals felt as blessed as I did! Here are some pictures.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Piper was on her best behavior. She was decked out in her new pink halter and leash. I was so proud of her for not barking continuously and trying to attack the other dogs. She acted like a real lady at church!!

The Brookhaven Animal Rescue League has a special place in a lot of our hearts.  Several of the pets that belong to MUM members came from BARL.  We support them in lots of ways. The Youth will give 10% of their fundraising monies to BARL.  I hope this service becomes a tradition at our church and that it grows with people and pets.

SAM'S SCIENCE PROJECT 2013

 I'm the Nana with all the "stuff"!!  Scrapbooking stuff!  That comes in handy when a project is due and you need letters, cutouts, etc.  I'm so lucky to be able to work on projects with the grandchildren!!  It gives me one on one time with them and I get to fuss at them for waiting till the last minute!! :)  Sam chose "Juice Box Geometry" for his Science project.  He spent the night one Friday night and we decided to go to Waffle House for breakfast on Saturday morning. That was fun in itself.  We took pictures of the different juice boxes. 

We took 7 different juices but only tested 5.

 

We had instructions to follow and even had a program on the computer that helped us measure the amount of packaging and the amount of juice. 

After breakfast we went to Wally World and printed the pictures.  Then it was back home to cut letters, type descriptions and get the board in order.  Paper, glue runners, cricut to cut letters--all the good stuff a scrapbooker has--Sam's favorite is the glue runner!!  He can use some glue!! 

Have you ever seen a cuter kid? Unless it's one of my other grandchildren!!

GOT JUICE--Juice Box Geometry--the finished project!!

 

He made 100 and made it to the gym.  Thanks Sam, for letting me help you.  It was lots of fun.  Let's go to the Waffle House again soon!!

 

Annual Dove Hunt

Opening Day--camo everywhere--guns everywhere--people everywhere--food everywhere!! That's what makes up opening day of dove season.  This year was no exception. Hurricane Isaac threatened to ruin it all but even he left in time for the guys to have a nice hunt.  While they hunted, the girls fixed up a big breakfast (french toast casserole, 6#s of bacon, 3 dozen eggs, orange coffee cake, lots of fresh fruit and Haleigh's cinnamon rolls.  It was gone in a flash when the guys came in.

The prep and cooking crew!  Of course, the girls had everything ready for them to assemble.  We're good like that!!  
These cooked up to be delicious! They went great with Bill's Beans, Garlic Green Beans, Jambalaya, Mac and Cheese and Hot Rolls. Desserts--I won't even go there!!  Opening day of dove season!! One of our favorite days of the year!

NEW SCHOOL YEAR 2012/2013

The summer passed way to quickly. I know I didn't get to do all I wanted to do. Things got in the way.  We woke up one day and it was time for school to start! Way too soon for all of us!  The Cowarts spent the first part of the summer playing baseball.  They got in several beach trips and did some rodeos. Graham will be a sophomore, Ben in the eighth grade and Sam is the only one left at the elementary.

The "Smitherrings" spent their time in the road (as usual) ! Beach, fishing, various trips and probably some ball playing.  I can't believe that Emily will be a senior, Abbey a junior and Shelby in the eighth grade. Bryden is in the seventh and Hayden is in the sixth.  I think I have that right. They are growing up right in front of us!!  I didn't get a picture of Bryden and Hayden on their first day but Jody had a good picture of them fishing with him which is something they both love to do.   Left to right:  Emily, Shelby, Abbey

Hayden and Bryden

Jennifer worked on her room from her computer all summer.  She would post things for me to see and they were wonderful.  I volunteered to make a bulletin board (you know I love that crafty stuff!). 

It seems I started a tradition and didn't really realize it.  For several years I sent her a plant for her room.  One year I forgot-maybe the year I was sick.  Anyway, later in the year she mentioned that she didn't get a plant. I don't think I've forgotten since.  My prayer for all of them is that they will have a wonderful school year; that they will learn as much as possible; be safe in their travels to and from school and be happy.

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!!

SPRING BREAK WEEK 2011

This has been an interesting week.  The boys have been power washing and painting the fence around the pasture and house. They've worked very hard and the fence is looking great. I didn't get pictures but take my word for it. They've done a wonderful job. I got to go with Haleigh to get her dress fitted. I did take pictures but I can't show you. I want to live to go to the wedding!!  :) I went trapping with Ed on Thursday morning and we got three coons.  He says I'm his good luck charm.  Nothing would do but Linda take our picture.    We have had company (very long time friends!) from TN here since Thursday.  They've been turkey hunting and we've been visiting every spare minute.  We've shared some good meals and had a wonderful time. 
Sam and Vivian have three grown boys so they were comfortable with our boys hanging out all week.  Having a table full of boys all week long at lunch was fun!  The conversation was always lively.

Graham and Sam showed up Saturday afternoon wanting to show me something "big"!  I had a feeling that it was a camera moment. I took the camera out and this is what we saw. 
Graham will be taking drivers ed this summer and here's his ride!  I hear that Sam was driving it around the farm this afternoon with Shelly!!  Haven't heard what Jennifer thinks about it yet!!  I just started a new prayer chain!!

Finished off the day with a nice dinner in Brookhaven and am looking forward to a good breakfast and church tomorrow. We're blessed beyond measure--and have you seen that moon?? 
 

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! 
 

 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 

THE MOST FUN IN A LONG TIME!!

Saturday we cooked hamburgers for all the family for lunch. After that Jody and Ed put something in one of the ponds to take the oxygen out of the water so the fish would come to the top of the water. He's wanting to restock the pond and we decided we'd have a huge fish fry (if we got any fish!). Shelly decided to put the pontoon boat in the 3 acre pond !! and Jody had a small flat bottom boat.  We had about eight dip nets, eight children, eight adults and three dogs!!  You have never seen or heard as much laughing, hollering and people having fun as we had.  The small fish started coming up first.  Then the bass (some seven and eight pounders). I caught a cat fish that weighed at least 10 pounds. It was absolutely the fattest thing I had ever seen and certainly the biggest fish I have ever caught (or netted!!).  The boys began to compete and they would see fish and try to get to them first. Bryden and Zach actually dove off the boat to get a fish!!  Naturally all the boys ended up in the pond (which thankfully wasn't over their heads due to the drought) and we didn't see any of those "creepy crawlers".  Everybody pitched in and we had an awesome supper.  Jody cooked and it was truly wonderful.  The whole day was fantastic.  There's nothing better than spending time with your family having fun.  We just don't get to do enough of it. Hopefully that will change now that the boys are getting bigger.  Here are some pictures of the day starting with lunch and ending with dinner.

  
 
  
 

 

 

 

    
 
 

 
 







 

All the pictures of me and my fish were made on Jody's phone and were small for the blog. I did catch a few bass that were nice but it was just tremendously fun to watch the kids have such a good time.  Supper was awesome Jody, Jennifer and Dona.  Thanks for a wonderful day!!









 

 

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!! 
 

 
 
 
 
 

 

Grandparent Involvement with Sam at School

Jennifer reminded me that this was Parent/Grandparent Involvement Week at the Elementary School. I was on my way to Natchez when I found out so on my back I grabbed a quick lunch and took off to the elementary to do crafts with Sam.  Meme showed up so he had his two grandmothers with him to make a "dog" with paper plates and cutouts.  He colored all the parts and taped them together.

 

He did a great job of coloring and he and Meme cut the tape and we all fixed the pieces to the plates.  I believe the name of the book they have been reading is "Hank".  We enjoyed being there and loved talking to the other children.

 

Our "Hank" looked pretty good and we hung it on the line outside the door. Gotta love making crafts with a sweet little boy!
 
 
 

ANNUAL DOVE HUNT 2010

The Saturday before Labor Day is always the opening of dove season. This year the crowd is slim--well, not really, but the kill was awesome.  Over 500 birds!!  Wonder how many cases of shells that took?? I had all the fixings ready and all they had to do was put the shish kabobs together.  Breakfast was on the table when they came in.

This was the "killer crowd" that cleaned and readied the birds.  The guys in process of putting the shish kabobs together. We had quite a kitchen crew.  The girls went to town to The Toad House and supported the local economy while they did their work.

This guy was the "hunt master"!  I'm sure he did a great job putting people on good spots and having the area policed after the hunt!  Now we're just waiting for the cooking and eating!! 
 

 Can you believe this grill?  Almost 100 "dove kabobs"!!  The cooking crew did an awesome job!

It was actually cool under the trees while the doves cooked. Vivian and I put the finishing touches on the rest of the meal while the afternoon hunters finished up and the others gathered in.  The Lord blessed us with a beautiful day and a house full of friends and family to share the day.
 
 
 

I HAVE AT LEAST ONE FAN!!

This afternoon after lunch Sam and I went to get haircuts. As we were getting out of the car I snapped this picture. 
We both had let our hair get too long and "Aunt Sharon" even washed his hair after she cut it.  That was his first time to have it washed at the beauty shop and he liked it.  He told Ben "don't mess with the do"!  It's hard to believe he's seven and will be going into the 2nd grade.  To me he's still the little "red circle hair boy"!! I love you, Sam.

As I was coming in from the pool, Josh drove up. I was thinking he was staying in New Orleans tonight since he had two meetings there--one today and one tomorrow.  I asked him what he was doing here and he replied, "I live here." I said, "yes, but aren't you supposed to be in New Orleans tomorrow?"  He threw his hands up and laughed. He said, "it's ok, Mama, I don't have to be there until 9:00 in the morning. I can handle it."  After we came back from feeding the fish (and Josh scrounged around for his supper!) he came in to see if his Dad would be up in the morning to help with his tie.  Ed decided to hold class in how to tie a tie!  That's when Josh said, "get your camera, you haven't blogged in a month!"  How could I miss an opportunity to catch this!!? 

First pull the fat side. . .

Then loop around and pull through . . .

 

 

Then push the knot and pull the short piece . . .  Josh rarely wears a coat and tie. Tomorrow is his big interview and he needs to look nice.  Plus every guy needs to know how to tie a tie. As far as that goes, I guess women should know too!  After watching this class I think I could do it but I don't know how it would look.  Papa said he would be available in the morning to check him out!  Good luck, Josh!