NANA NOTES

MY BEST FRIEND'S (son's) WEDDING

I just sort of skipped over this Saturday post. For some reason the week after the wedding was hectic for everyone.  Ed was out of town and I spent a lot of time with Libby getting ready for the rehearsal dinner and taking some pictures of the rehearsal and wedding.  I've known Libby's children since they were young and Sonny since before he was born. He has been a blessing to Libby. Megan has become a very good friend and I got to help her with the wedding--I was the "researcher" while she was finishing up her Master's Degree. I researched flowers, cakes, candy, invitations, napkins, food--almost everything.  I made her Bridesmaid's gifts and loved doing it.  The wedding was beautiful and very sweet.

Bride and bridesmaids at the rehearsal. (Megan has on a long dress.)

Libby and me before the wedding. Doesn't she look beautiful? I had the pleasure of going with her to pick out her dress. It was my favorite color and she looked great in it!  Beautiful mother of the groom!!

The candy station!!  I loved this and plan to use this idea soon. 

 Their cake was  beautiful and delicious. It had two lemon filled layers (and everyone knows that Libby and I love lemon filling!!), a raspberry filled layer, red velvet, and Italian cream. The purple crystal "B" was gorgeous!

Beautiful bridesmaids!

The handsome groom with his beautiful bride. They made it to their honeymoon destination, had a great time and have returned to the "real" world. Thank you both for letting me be a part of your special day.

Just thought I'd show you the towel wraps. Cute and colorful! 
 


 
 


 
 
 
 

MY GUYS (at least some of them)

I had an early wake up this morning due to the fact that some of the guys were going on a little trip. Josh left to go to a race and Ed and Ryan went to look at cattle.  They all were like excited little boys--couldn't wait to get loaded up and get on the road. They did "pose" for me before they left!

 
 
I gave them my usual "be safe, buckle up, don't drive fast, be careful" speech and let them go. I'm sure they will let me hear from them later.

IF IT'S NOT A CHILD IT'S A PET!!

Sadie jumped off the bed Monday morning (just like she always does) and broke her leg.  We now have a dog with a splint that will be on there for a month and will need total "personal care" until the end of September.  Last night she got away from me and I thought the coyotes had her.  I gave her medicine and I took some too!!  I told Ed I didn't think I could make it until the end of September and he would need to pull night duty!!  What is it with Herring kids and animals???  They're always breaking something! 

ANSWERED PRAYERS!!

We've been seeing the sign on First Baptist Church McComb about Selah coming to do a concert there. Jennifer mentioned about trying to get tickets but we discovered they were long sold out.  She and Jackie put their names on the waiting list--just hoping.  Well, actually we were all praying.  I tried to find someone who could help us but had no luck. Today Jennifer and Jackie both got calls that they each had two tickets. We had no problem getting someone to go!

Ed took this picture of four happy ladies! Tickets in hand, we set out to get good seats!!  Can you say "fourth row" center!!  We all had our kleenex stash and were ready!

Alan, Amy and Todd--need I say more!

The testimonies these guys gave were tremendous! As Pat said, "we're having some CHURCH up in here"!
 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pat and I think we should get Alan and Sarah Davison together to play dual pianos!!

Powerful voices with a powerful message.  I am so thankful that God answered our prayers and sent those tickets our way.  The messages we received from the music and testimonies were more than we could have asked for.  Thank you God for allowing us to enjoy this amazing concert.

MEMORIAL DAY 2010

Ed and I are watching the Memorial Day Celebration on MPB television and I am so emotional. The stories, the songs and the people are so inspiring. I am so thankful that my grandfathers, my uncles, my dad, my father-in-law, my husband and my son served our country and made it home safely. So many didn't.  Thank all of you who fought for our freedom. You are remembered and prayed for and appreciated daily.

 

 

 

 

'TIS FINISHED!!

I got a call from Josh today asking me if I had checked my email. I had but nothing unusual on there.  He said to check it again so I did.  This is what I saw.

After graduating from CoLin and working [for more years than I remember] and joining the Army and surviving four tough years, he decided to go back to school.  As you can see he now has a degree from the University of New Orleans with a major in History.  We're very proud of him.  Two Belhaven graduates and one UNO graduate.  We are blessed indeed!!

BFF's LAST CHEMO! YEA!!

Monday was a celebration day! Libby had her last chemotherapy treatment. Our lives have been consumed for the last two years with trips to the doctor.  We only know how to get there and back!!  We went with each other when we could and were always there to lean on. She's held on like a trooper and made it with a smile on her face.  We look forward to hair-growing, eyelashes and trips to anywhere-as long as it's not a doctor!!  The final injection.

 Tiffany is a wonderful chemotherapy nurse. She told us she never wanted to see us in that room again!  We both agreed--at least not as patients!!

A WONDERFUL MOTHER'S DAY

I don't ask for "things"-I love a call that's just a call or a hug for no reason. My family really surprised me this Mother's Day. One day recently I told Ed that I wanted my flowers now, not when they go in an urn on my headstone. :) He must have taken that to heart because he sent me the most beautiful red rose arrangement.  He sent lots of flowers when I was going through treatment but these really surprised me!   
Ed called me outside this morning when he went to get the paper. This is what we saw.  Cagney and Josh had painted the driveway with sidewalk chalk and it was beautiful!! I loved it. I wish it would stay forever!

 

 

 

They gave me this beautiful door mat to replace the Christmas one. I guess they thought it had been there long enough and that I needed a new one! :) Isn't this one pretty?    Jennifer had given me some Bulldog flipflops earlier that were an early Mother's Day gift. On Friday she gave me a pink ribbon plant stake for the flower bed.
  


This morning Jody's family minus Bryden and Hayden (who I missed very much!!) were at church and they gave me something I almost bought the other day at the Toad House.  A cool little bench that I put on the side porch that will have a plant shortly!  Now if this wasn't enough--Ed took me fishing this afternoon. It was a beautiful day and I loved it because--- 

It might not be as big as Sam's but it was a good one for me!

Thank you Lord, for my family that loves me. Thank you for letting me be a Mom. Please watch over my family and keep them safe. Amen. 

 

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.

ASHLEY AND CASEY'S WEDDING

 
The weather outside was frightful but that didn't stop people from coming out to Ashley Hancock and Casey Hammack's beautiful wedding today at the Meadville United Methodist Church.  I didn't ask permission so I guess I'll ask forgiveness tomorrow for posting these pictures!!  The rain didn't make a mess of anyone involved.  All the ladies were gorgeous and the men were handsome. 

 

Casey waiting on his bride.  Does Terry look nervous??

 
Beautiful bridesmaids in their lovely fern green dresses with red roses.

Handsome guys: preachers-David Cox, Brad Moak- and the groomsmen, groom and father of the groom. 

Lighting the unity candle. I only wish we could have seen their faces as the music played. We could tell they were happy.

What happened to my "kissing" picture?  It's gone on my camera!!  He "dipped" her and it was so precious!

 Mom and Bill look relieved that it's over. Doesn't Ruthie look beautiful? Loved your dress, Ruthie!!  

Betty Jean and Terry look very happy. Betty Jean's purple dress was awesome and Terry looks more relaxed now that the wedding is over!!  

And the winner is--you guessed it--Mr. Bill and Ms Inez!!  He said he was so proud of his granddaughter. He said she was so beautiful and he did a great job of walking her down the isle.  Ms Inez, you have a wonderful, sweet husband and you look gorgeous!

Can't forget the wedding cakes--

 Casey's was chocolate with a horseshoe on top and Ashley's was a white cake with white icing. It had two horses and riders on the top. I grabbed a piece as I left and wish I had a big chunk right now. It was delicious! That's a hint, Ruthie!!  I loved the portrait of Ashley that was on the easel by the cake too! 

The church was running over with guests; the food was delicious and everyone was happy.  Rain or not--it was a beautiful day!  Congratulations to you both!!
 
 
 
 

 

"CHRISTMAS CHAOS AT THE NURSING HOME"

The MUMC Jolly Elders did their annual Christmas play tonight. "Christmas Chaos at the Nursing Home" was written by the Jolly Elders and portrayed what they thought they would be like many years from now.  The "Front Door Sitters" were Quent, Doc, Beverly and Madelene.  They were so friendly and it took me a few minutes to realize what they were doing. 

If you've visited the nursing home you know what I'm talking about.  Joddie did a great job of playing the Activities Director [who shall remain nameless to protect the innocent!].  
One of the activities was to decorate the tree.  The "residents" brought out Easter, Halloween, Mardi Gras, St. Patrick's Day and Christmas decorations to put on the tree.  Madelene kept looking for "Leroy" who was going to marry her. Doc kept insisting he was a doctor and "had to make rounds".  Ed Y. was flipping light switches and wondering why the lights kept going on and off.  Margaret lost her false teeth and insisted on singing. Beverly insisted that everyone (including the audience) take pills to get their "yearly cleanout" that her mother always gave her and her siblings.  Nancy was the Administrator and gave a lovely talk. Joddie read a book about what God wants for Christmas.   
 
 

Madelene's flower holder was of particular interest!!  She was ready for her wedding!

Katherine Jones had been an "Inflatable Santa" last year.  She heard they were putting on a play and thought she was supposed to be Santa! [Joddie said, "Katherine, that was ten years ago!"]

Quent was building a bicycle and going to "ride to Alasker" to see Sarah Palin.  He tried to ride out the front door which is a no no!!

 

Joddie explaining to Margaret that she had to give Betty back her teeth!!

 

The top of the Jolly Elders Chaotic Tree!

The entire Jolly Elder group.  During Nancy's talk Ms Inez picked up Baby Jesus out of the basket.  Beverly walked over to her and put the baby back in the basket.  Seems like I saw Stephenie Sullivan do that once.  We're all destined for the same scene!!  I love it!  Merry CHRISTmas Jolly Elders; thanks for sharing your time and talents with us!!  And thank you Joddie for all that you do!

COTTON BRANCH IS A WINTER WONDERLAND---AGAIN!

"They" said it was coming but should we believe it?  We watched the weather all day long.  At dark, the call came.  "It's snowing outside!"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The flakes were big as quarters and were falling fast!  It looks like we got about three inches on the deck.

What a beautiful gift this was!  I walked outside several times expecting to hear Christmas Carols being sung by the angels.

   Christmas came early and I'm sure the children will have a cold, wet, fun morning in the snow. 

Thank you Lord for this beautiful covering for our little world on Highway 98.

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!!

 

 

HERE COMES THE BRIDE~~

The rehearsal was yesterday and today was a gorgeous day for a wedding.  The air was crisp and cool and the sun was shining.  As the day progressed things around here became more beautiful and more "hectic". People appeared out of nowhere with food, flowers, and more food! :) A huge cake was put together in the kitchen and decorated.  The atmosphere was one of love and family.  Two big families were about to become one huge one!  Angela Moak-daughter of our friend Wanda Moak and sister of Brad Moak became the bride of Glen "Boo" Mire today at 2:00 pm out by the pool.  The ceremony was beautiful.  Gorgeous music, flowers and people.  Here are a few of the pictures that I took.  I can only imagine what the "real" photographer captured.  She was a fun person as was the wedding coordinator!

 Wanda, Angela, Boo, and Mr. Doug

Aren't they all very nice looking?

 

Angela's family-her two brothers and her grandmother along with part of the children. Tim's son Mason was taken to the hospital yesterday and his wife was with him. We pray he is getting better.

 
  

Braedon [and I hope I spelled that correctly] Moak. Have you ever seen a sweeter face?  She needs to meet Sam Cowart!!!

 

The beautiful brides cake! It was enough to feed an army!

 

 

 

The grooms table--do you think he likes LSU???  There were FIVE kinds of cheesecake on this table!!  I didn't eat a bite! Now I wish I had some.

They did the "Sand Blending" instead of the Unity Candle. LSU colors and I loved it!!  The story Brad read about the sand was very sweet.

 

Sweet couple who looks very happy.   

 

Angela's grandmother is a beautiful, fun lady. She's welcome at our home anytime--especially if she brings fudge!!  :)

I was in charge of the truck keys but I couldn't keep Wanda away from the back of the truck!!

(Just kidding, she was just holding the cans up for the picture!)

 

And out they come and off they go--or so we thought!  In the middle of cleaning up we looked up and there they were.  All comfortable and happy!  Best wishes to you both.

 

Thanks to all of you for letting Ed and me share in this wonderful day.

I'll add an album to the blog of more pictures--just click on "Angela's Wedding" on the sidebar.

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!

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!

MESSAGE FROM STEPHANIE SLAUGHTER--VOTE, VOTE, VOTE!!!

"Hello everyone!! Just a friendly reminder that this is the LAST week of voting for the gameroom giveaway! Voting ends Next Friday the 16. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE remember to vote everyday....We are getting so close! Also, many of you are concerned that we are not in the number 1 spot.  Remember that the TOP 3 hospitals will win the gameroom so we are still in the game!!! Once again thank you for your support of the children and families of Batson!!"

http://xbox.childrensmiraclenetwork.org

Remember you can vote 10 times at once--every day!!

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!!

A "HIGH ROAD" GIVE AWAY!!

 I'm finally getting the CD on the blog!!  Twitter me or comment on the blog to win this wonderful second High Road "Turn Your Radio On" CD!! I think you'll love it as much as I do!  This is the back picture--the front one is a real sunny pose and doesn't photograph well for me.  I'm already wanting a third!! You're gonna' love these girls [and guys!]  Anna Grace and Sarah have done it again! And as an added bonus you get Lee Holland and Blake Stratton!!  It doesn't get any better--or maybe it will!  You have until next week!

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