NANA NOTES

TUESDAY NIGHT PAINT CLASS

A group of us went to Paintin' Sisters tonight for a class. Click on the name to see pictures of what we did. This group of girls always has a good time. We missed some of our group and hope they get well soon and can go next time.  I always take goodies and didn't have any tonight. The girls were disappointed. It won't happen again!!  Ms Debbie cranks up the music and the fun begins.  Till next time. . . 

2011 CROP CONNECTION

This past weekend was Crop Connection with the sisters!  We loaded the "Scrapping Sisters" trailer on Thursday afternoon and headed to Jackson for a fun filled weekend to visit with friends and scrapbook.  There's just so much to do at a scrap event! Seeing friends from all over is part of the fun.  We had a large group of 13 "Scrapping Sisters" and it couldn't have been better.  

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=259105&id=576241373&l=03f98d072a

I posted some photos on Facebook and now can't find them on my camera.  You'll have to look at them here.

Two of the BIG winners came from Franklin County.  Vana Hurst won the $100 CC bucks and Judy Holland won a trip to the CC for the summer or next winter crop.  Yea, girls. 
On Saturday one of our sisters came to visit.  She didn't get to scrap with us. We were glad to see her.  Sharon, we're looking forward to you going in the spring. 
 Thanks Nadene, Andrea and Deanna for giving us the best weekend around!!
 

GUYS DON'T DO WHAT???

Ed has had company for the past couple of days and they've been trapping, hunting and talking business.  Every time they come in and it gets quiet I look up and this is what I see.  I don't think they can say that a woman is always on her Blackberry any more!!  This was funny!  So engrossed in their messages!!  A full belly, a warm fire and the Blackberry and iPhone! Who could ask for more!!

PAINTIN' SISTERS PAINTING PARTY

For the second time I've had a post almost complete and the computer cut off. Sam's favorite word is coming to my mind! Last night a group from Meadville went to the "Paintin' Sisters" to paint a canvas. Several of us scrapbook together and others we've known forever.  We laughed, painted, talked, painted and had a wonderful time. Thanks Jennifer, Debbie and Ashton for all your help and encouragement.  Here are a few pictures of our outing.  Thanks Sharon for including me in your group!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We had so much fun and can't wait to go again. This makes me feel like an "artist"!!  And now you know I'm kidding! But it is FUN!

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 TIME IT IS A FLYIN' AND I AM GETTIN' BEHIND! CATCHIN' UP!

Ed and Ben left on their hunting trip (you saw the picture of them when they left) and Libby and I decided to treat a friend to dinner out.  Deb needed some "girl time" so we went to Natchez and ate supper, looked around Walmart and came home.  So much for a night on the town!!

On Wednesday afternoon the Elementary School held a painting class to raise money for the Relay for Life.  Jennifer, Libby and I took the class.  I should have carried my camera but I didn't.  I did however take a picture of the "picture" I painted.  We had a good time and plan to do it again soon.

It wasn't the hardest thing I've ever done, but it wasn't the easiest either. But it sure was fun.  I found out that things don't have to be perfect to be pretty!

Now for the exciting stuff!  Ben and Ed had a wonderful hunting trip.  The first day Ben killed a 14 point mule deer.  The second day he killed a 9 point mule deer.  The third day he killed a havalena. To get Ben to be excited is like melting ice so I'm guessing he had a good time. He said he did!! 

 
This is the 14 point and the guy with him is the guide Randall. Randall has been Ed's guide since he first started going to Longfellow many years ago.  He knows three of our grandsons. I hope he gets to take the other three on hunts as well.

All this and getting the house ready for Christmas, doing a little shopping and starting to bake and make candy for trays to deliver, along with hours and hours of choir practice have filled the days and nights for me.  It's a blessing to be able to sit here and tell you about our little adventures and thank God for them.  Love to you all.
 
 

 
 

ON THEIR WAY!

Ed woke me up at 3:17 this morning--thinking it was3:47!!  I got up and started the bacon and cinnamon toast with fresh pineapple.  The guys got up and dressed and were ready to eat in minutes. They ate and were out the door in no time. They let me grab a quick snap before they left.  And poor Sadie--she really wanted to go with Papa.

I hope the next picture has a huge buck in it to go with his brothers'!  Good luck Ben!! 

THANKSGIVING BLESSINGS INDEED!

The weather might not have been holiday weather but it didn't stop the Herring clan from getting together and having a wonderful day. My camera sat on the counter all day.  I got up early thanks to Ed and Sadie and put the turkey on to cook. I somehow managed to get everything else done on Wednesday so I crawled back in the bed and watched a Christmas movie and was served breakfast in bed when Ed came in from hunting. (Did I mention blessings??) Things started to pick up around 10:30 and I finished up just as everyone showed up. This Thanksgiving was as uneventful as any we've ever had.  The most unusual thing was Shirlee pulling Sam's tooth. It was hanging by a thread and she somehow got it and he didn't even know it. After it was over, he said, "I'm glad that's out. It was kind of agrivatin'." He got paid big time. 
Now all he wants for Christmas are his "two front teeth"!   Ed got up early on Wednesday and found the deer that he had killed the afternoon before. He somehow had missed it when he and the boys were looking for it.  Sadie tried to tell them but- - -  It was a nice deer and weighed over 200 pounds. Too bad he couldn't save it.  

While the guys and girls hunted this afternoon, Shirlee and I did our "Black Friday" shopping at Walmart. There was no one there.  We looked around a little bit and got a few items and came home just in time to welcome the hunters home and feed them.

Ben killed a coyote that spooked his deer and Graham killed the deer that Sam had wounded a few days ago. He let Sam claim the kill since he had already hit it. (Brothers can be nice sometimes.)

It's nice to go to bed with a comfortable, loved feeling knowing that you've had a wonderful day with family and awesome food. We are blessed beyond belief to have the things we have. When we said our blessing today we truly meant it.

Now let's get those ornaments on that tree!! 
 
 

 

WHAT?? TEN DAYS AND NO POSTS!!

I've been told that time moves faster the older you get. I believe it. The only time I sit down seems to be for choir practice or to sleep and honestly I can't remember what I'm doing the rest of the time. Got the church bazaar down and went to the scrapbook weekend. The next week was spent doing dr.visits--checked out ok for those of you out of town!!  Been doing some online Christmas shopping and have done some work at the school for the fourth grade so that they can have some raised beds to garden.  I'll spend this week getting ready for Thanksgiving--not expecting a big crowd but will enjoy those who come.  Sam's autographed picture of Drew Brees
that I scrapbooked and framed for him. Sorry it's so small; I made the picture with my phone. 

Have decided that I might want to open a booth at the local craft store, The Toad House. I've had so much fun making bazaar things that I might enjoy doing it for a while.  Ed says I should have it up and going now to get "those Christmas sales" but I don't want to be rushed.  If it's meant to be, it will happen. I love my new embroidery machine and I've developed a new relationship with my sewing machine and serger.  I see painting in my future.  I'm leaving some of the old hobbies behind and picking up new ones. Could this be an after midlife crisis??  :) 

These are the towel wraps I've been making.

I came away from Handworks with all kinds of ideas.

Deer season opened this weekend and I'll have plenty of time for crafting. Have a happy Thanksgiving and I'll post the turkey!!

 

WHAT MY GUYS ARE DOING!

While I have been working on the MUMC bazaar "stuff" two of my guys have been in North Dakota pheasant hunting. They left home with 80 something degree weather only to be greeted by 28 degrees and three feet of snow!!  How awesome is that???

Each time I've heard from them they've reported reaching the limit for the day and having a wonderful time. Jody's the "real" hunter of the family but I believe Ed is having a great time as well.  They had pheasant the other night for dinner but Ed wasn't terribly impressed with it.  I think they are bringing some home so we'll cook some and see how we like it.  Here are some pictures they sent me.   

   

I have a couple of just Ed and Jody but for some reason I can't get them to save in my file. Maybe I can work on that and you can see them soon.

Looks like they had a pretty good time and made lots of memories!! 
 

 

HERRING GAS BIKE RACING TEAM PARTY 2010

Saturday was the annual HGC Racing Bike Team party. It's something they look forward to each year after racing season. They are like family to us and we enjoy having them. It's been fun to see them grow as a family with the addition of children and some with empty nest!  Ed did a great job of cooking chickens on the grill and the appetizers were devoured by everyone!  The guys and girls rode the Rangers all over the farm like kids enjoying the beautiful weather. We are truly blessed to have the opportunity to have these talented riders as our friends. Here are some pictures from the afternoon.

 

 

 

 

Last year we cooked a whole pig. They said nothing this year with heads or tails. Ed had trapped two coons and a possum that morning and told them that was the appetizers. No need to share what they said!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Don't you just love those boots?

  

  

  

 

 

 

 











 

 

 Other than the appetizers, the Ranger riding, the visiting and the fun in general--dessert is their favorite thing.  After months of watching what they eat, it's all or nothing at the party. Thanks guys for a fun day! We look forward to next year. 

 

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! 
 


 
 


 
 
 
 

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!! 
 

 
 
 
 
 

 

CHURCH KIDS SWIMMING PARTY

This weekend we had a Lay Witness Weekend at the church.  On Saturday the kids came out with the Youth Leaders to swim.  They brought pizza and drinks and enjoyed about three hours of fun together.  I made them snow cones and that really surprised them.  The young couple that were leading them were from Arkansas and were very sweet.  Hopefully they will come back sometime soon.  Here are a few shots from the day.

It never fails to surprise me how God works when people from all over come together. Things just seem to work out right, don't they??
 
 

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.
 
 
 

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.

FUN AT THE BEACH!!

 This is what greeted us as we crossed the bridge on Monday afternoon.  It's anchored at the GS airport.  Don't know what it's doing here. A fun sight to see though.

Didn't make it to the beach today but it was a beautiful day! Looking forward to going tomorrow.

Vin and Cathleen are here visiting and we enjoyed a wonderful dinner at the Gulf Shores Steamer at San Roc. Tiffany will flip when she sees this!!  We loved it!  A freezer of Nadene's Homemade Lemon Ice Cream was waiting on us when we got back to the condo. We had a great day in heaven!! 



  
 
  

 

CROP CONNECTION JULY 2010

The first ever Summer Crop Connection was held this weekend. Four of us from here and two from Hattiesburg got to attend.  There was lots of talking, scrapping, shopping, laughing, a little eating--very little sleeping, talking and did I say shopping!!  We had a wonderful time. The three ladies that put on the event are masters of hospitality and graciousness!  Here are a few pictures.

Pat giving Vana some tips on her pages.  We entered them in the double page layout contest.

Robbie and Tammy shopping the "sale" table.  Robbie has Franklin County connections.

My friends Lenore and  Gina from Foley, AL. Gina has an awesome scrapbook store called GiGi's.

My scrapbook hero, Anna Bess.

The three lovely ladies who organize this event: Andrea, mom Nadene and Deanna.

Our scrapping group: Susan, me, Vana, Debbie, Pat, and Tammy.  We missed Libby, Sharon and Beth.  AND we're looking forward to a September event in Mandeville with a new scrapper!!  Be getting ready girls!!

 
 
 
 
 

GIRLS BEACH TRIP

 
The girls left for the beach on Wednesday. Josh was kind enough to take our picture. A couple of them couldn't go and we're missing them but we're having a great time. Fun, sun, food, more fun, a little shopping and lots more sun. And did I mention food!!

Some teacher friends from Natchez were there having fun in the pool. They were practicing their synchronized skills!
   Deb and Libby relaxing in the pool!  Of course, there had to be "retail therapy"! Deb brought beautiful things for the new baby that's coming soon.   Today we spent some quality time at the beach.  We saw very little yucky oil but there were lots of people working to keep it clean.  This is one of the oil booms stretched out on the water.  One of the cranes out behind the condo used to lift the loads of oil that are collected.  The people are working 24/7 to keep the beaches clean.  So far we haven't noticed any less people here.