NANA NOTES

AUNT KATHERINE'S SUNSHINE BASKET TRADITION

Ed's Aunt Katherine had a tradition of making Sunshine Baskets filled with small gifts that she carried to friends and family to cheer them up.  Pat (Ed's cousin and my sister in heart and love) called to make sure I would be home and up to a visit by her two sisters and her nieces on March 16th.  I told her that there was nothing that would keep me from feeling like a visit from those sweet, funny girls!!  I couldn't wait!! Now on with the story.  That afternoon Pat, Carolyn, Vana, Diana, Zoe, Sallie Kat and LeighBeth all showed up with a huge green basket all decorated with bows and flowers!!  Now the story is that Aunt Katherine says that you're supposed to open one gift a day so the happiness will last a long time. Carolyn said that was a steadfast rule!! Vana said "open them all at one time if you want to. That's what I'd do! Do what ever you want to do." Pat and the girls were kind of "on the fence".  I chose to "one a day" it--except for one Sunday when I thought I needed more!!  There were 22 gifts and 19 days so that's worked out pretty much right.  You can see that there was a tremendous number of wonderful gifts!! I kept a list of what the gifts were so I could remember in the first place and so I could put the in the blog (cause I knew I would do this!!). Here goes:  Jesus Today book, plant stake letter "H", Sweet Panda gift card, white lace scrapbook border, Joshua magnet, Christian Journal, Jeremiah bag, Burts Bees lip balm, cards, Rejoice notepad in a felt bag with flowers, Rose note pad,  Hope tablet, black and white shopping list, Jelly Bean pills, Rhodan and Fields hand treatment, scripture magnets, travel Scentsy, goats milk soap, gummie bunnies (yum), Gail Pittman Hope bowl, and a beautiful picture of Sallie Kat and LeighBeth. The picture was the only one that made me cry, except when they brought in the basket!!  Isn't that a wonderful thing??  I so loved it and will never forget it!!  I'm already thinking of someone I can do one for.  Thank you my sweet sisters in heart for the wonderful visit and time spent together.  You each will get a note for the tremendous gifts!!  I love you!!

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!!

THE SWEETEST GIFT!!!

 

I received a call today saying that someone had baked me something and wanted to bring it to me. When I heard who it was, I said, "I'm not eating it."  You have to know the story and the relationship to appreciate that statement! The person who baked it was Mary Lou Webb!  She doesn't even know where her kitchen is!! And--that was said with pure love!!  Mary Lou and I have always had our "kitchen jokes" and she always offers to "bring something" when needed.  I have never been touched so much to find out that she was concerned about me being sick and wanted to do something for me. That is the ultimate gift--doing something you don't ordinarily do.  She had it in a cute basket with tissue and ribbon.  I promise you, I've never been so deeply touched.  She and Rose sat and visited and we laughed and talked for about an hour. All of a sudden I realized this was a Monday and she had taken the day off.  I had a thought that maybe she's thinking of retirement with a new job in her sights--Mary Lou's Cooking School. Let me be the first to sign up!!  The banana bread is delicious and so appreciated.  In fact, I think I need a snack!!  Thank you, Mary Lou!!  I love the banana bread and I love you.

TIME GOES BY SO FAST!

Here it is almost September and I've only blogged once in August.  That's terrible.  Surely I've done something worthy of posting. The time seems to get by me so fast these days.  Having a new puppy and raising two deer take a lot of my time.

Lulu (aka Morgan) is on the left; Lacy is in the house.  They have grown considerably since this picture was taken. 

Ms Piper has learned to climb the stairs and today she climbed down them--with a little coaxing from Graham and me. She will be 3 months old on the 30th.

We took a few days off to the beach and had a good time doing almost nothing.  We did take the boat out one day; first time in a long time. Had a good time and went to LULU's for appetizers.

Ed was our Captain!!  Deb, Libby and I enjoyed the trip.  Good food and great atmosphere!

I have been doing some things for the Toad House. Really need to get busy but my "idea well" is a little dry.  I have these note pads in there now. They are inexpensive and make a cute happy for someone.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is an apron I finished for Jennifer today. I learned that I don't do ruffles!!  Hope she likes it! The picture was made with my phone . 

Meet the newest member of our family

Little Miss Piper has come to live with us!!  Her grandfather was a champion Scottie from England.  Long story short, Ed found her and the lady who owned the dogs insisted that she meet us and approve of us before letting us get the puppy!!  Quite frankly I think Piper has hit paydirt here!!  She's the lucky one! Before she even got here she had a new "Martha Stewart" bed and toys with a new collar. On the way home she got a new harness and name tags. Who's spoiled???  She will never replace Dooley or Sadie but she will have her own place in our hearts!  And like them both, she has an attitude!! 

This is Ms Diane with Fiona, Piper's mother. Fiona wasn't sure she wanted to let Piper go with Ed.

These two are part of Ms Diane's family of Scotties.  She has 13 grown dogs. I would be guessing if I told you who they were. They looked so sweet as they sat together. 

Ms Piper sleeping in her new bed in the floorboard of the car (where my feet should have been!). She had it made.  * right now she is laid out between me and Ed on the bed sound asleep!!  Lucky girl!

MUMC SHOWER FOR HALEIGH AND RYAN

Meadville UMC Celebration Committee hosted a lovely shower for Haleigh and Ryan on April 3. Look on the blog albums for the 2011 Shower for Haleigh and Ryan and click on it.  You can see all the pictures. Click on them to see them larger. Thank you wonderful church family for loving our children.

TOAD HOUSE GRAND OPENING/OPEN HOUSE

April 1 is not just April Fools Day! It's the Grand Opening of the Toad House! There have really been some changes going on around there lately. I went in today and lots of new booths have opened and the place is looking good!  We're fortunate to have a "neat" place like the Toad House to share our hobbies and our "stuff"!  As you come in the door Belle's Bliss greets you with this beautiful display.  Sweet Chondabelle can do everything!!  She bakes cakes and does this beautiful work!! The list is way longer and we love her.    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The burp pads are two of the new ones I've added to my booth. I love the "little birdie"! 
Every girl needs a Towel Wrap!  This cute one has a smiley face sun appliqued on it with ribbons.  They can be appliqued with initials or monogrammed. The pink one has a daisy with ribbons. I've used so many ribbons I need to visit the Ribbon Jar.

What's the old saying, "be there or be square". I'm just saying~~be there or miss Nana's homemade million dollar chocolate chip cookies!!

And Rhonda doesn't pay me a thing for all this free advertising!! :)

 

 

MY NEW ADVENTURE!

It started out as a joke but the more I talked about it the more I began to get excited.  There's a vender's market and resale shop here called the "Toad House" and when I went there the first time I knew I could do it. I started out talking about getting a small space and when I began to make things, Ed encouraged me to get the whole space.  Then I had him out looking for "old" things to use as display items!!  I've been sewing and beading and have woodworking to be done.  I've got so many ideas that I can't get it all done.  Libby has even gotten involved.  She's made some beautiful knitted scarves.  My beaded crosses and Ed's honey are selling well. I can't wait to try some of the other items I have in my head.  Here are some pictures of "Straight from the Heart" at the Toad House.               

These are "Everything" Bags. Can't wait till one sells. I have an Ole Miss one ready to sew up.  They make good book bags for college students or diaper bags.

Being "retired" is fun.  I get to play a lot--doing things I love to do!!

 

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! 
 

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!!

 

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.

LONG TIME NO POST!

  
Father's Day was rather quiet this year. The kids were gone and I gave Ed a gift on Saturday. They trickled in over the weekend with their gifts and he had a good weekend.  He's reading his card (or rather listening to it).  It played the theme from Indiana Jones--saying he was a real adventerous guy--even doing his own stunts!! He knows what I mean--like getting the tractor stuck, running over trees, etc.  Can't help but love a guy who loves his equipment!!  Hope all guys had a Happy Father's Day!

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. 

 

THE FOUNTAIN FROM HEAVEN!!

The fountain from @#$% is now distributed to several parts of the garden being used as "yard art" and the wonderful new fountain is in place and running. The new flower bed is finished with the exception of the breaker for the lights on the fountain.  I absolutely love it. Nothing soothes me like the sound of running water and this is certainly peaceful. It's so much fun to watch the birds dip into the water.  The fountain is now an "integrated" part of the garden instead of a stand alone object. Thanks to Ed for letting me have this done.  The fountain is now surrounded by a rock garden with roses, gardenias, gold mound spirea and day lilies. 

There's a blue stone path way from one sidewalk to the other and I hung baskets with "blue daze". There are hydrangeas under the crape myrtle trees.  I have a little meditation bench that I'm going to put at the center of the walk by the fountain.    I'm excited to watch this project grow. Now to the watering. I'll have to watch the sprinkler system to make sure it's doing its job!! 

 
 

LOVED MAKING THESE!!

I loved making the tea towels almost as much as I enjoyed reading the 29 comments. I've never had so many!!  Here are the towels and Betty, yours should have been delivered this afternoon to the flower shop and Shara, yours is in the mail. The rest of you--you never know when a surprise might show up at your door!

 

EASTER "GIVE AWAY"

 
I made these for some friends for their birthdays this week. They are tea towels with their initials appliqued on them. Have I mentioned how much I love my new embroidery machine??? :)  Make a comment on this post and you will be entered to win an appliqued tea towel with your initial and your name if you like.  I'll close the entries on April 1.  Good luck and I hope to get lots of entries.

I'M GETTING BETTER AND LOVING IT!

I took on the attitude that I would not be defeated trying to learn my new embroidery machine.  Well, I almost caved but I pulled it out! I've even downloaded some patterns from the web and loaded them to the thumb drive onto the machine. Oh, yes, I'm excited!  Ryan is excited that I can now do the CB logo on his shirts.  He has a thing about those shirts!  Take a look at what I did today.  One is a gift for a friend (who hopefully won't read the blog!!). I totally ignored her birthday but hopefully this will make up for it! 

 This is the Cotton Branch logo.  I put it on a hoodie for Sam. 

I have more projects lined up and lots to do before next weekend.  Can't wait to show you!!

RIDGE POINT CHRISTMAS 2009

I've spent the last four hours downloading and labeling the pictures from the "Pirate Christmas" at Ridge Point today.  The pictures will have to speak for themselves because I am exhausted!!  We had a great day and enjoyed every minute of being with family and eating and playing games with gifts.  There was lots of laughter and hugging.  If you don't have family, you miss out on a lot. Thank you Lord for giving us such a big extended family!!  Check out the Ridge Point Christmas 2009 photo album on the left sidebar!!  You can also [maybe] see it on my Facebook page.

"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!

THANKSGIVING SURPRISE

Our home was filled with family for Thanksgiving. We had lots of good food and fellowship.  When we were done and the guys were gone hunting, Becky came out with this beautiful plant--that had no blooms.  This is what welcomed me home today.  Isn't it beautiful?!  Thanks Becky and Hillary for the gorgeous Thanksgiving cactus!  I've never seen a yellow one.