NANA NOTES

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.

SAM'S READING FAIR

 

I got to do something fun today. Sam had his Reading Fair Project and I was part of it. His book was Red Riding Hood and I was the grandmother. Imagine that!!!  He worked hard on his project board and it looked great.  I sat there while he told the judges about the book and answered what they asked him.  He used his "big bad wolf" mask he made while he talked.  He did a great job and called me this afternoon to tell me that he won 1st place in the third grade in the family category (where a family member comes to participate in the project).  He thanked me for coming to the school.  So sweet!!  Congratulations Sam!!

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!!

 

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!
 
 
 

'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!!