Keith and Jenny

Fall 08

2008-10-26T11:03:00.009-04:00

Keith and I took a tour through the mountains of Tennessee and into North Carolina the other weekend. The colors were beautiful! Hope you enjoy the pictures.

The Wedding!

2008-10-16T19:31:00.002-04:00

Here is a link to Levi and Britt's wedding web site! You can look at all the photo's! Andy Lee, a dear friend of the family, did all this for them as a gift!!! Wow! Hope you enjoy...as you can see they are very happy~!! http://www.becomingmrandmrssmith.com/index.html
Levi came up with the name ;~)

This is the day the Lord has made...

2008-10-14T11:42:00.004-04:00

"This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it!" I have heard, read, sang, and prayed these words often in my 43 years. But today, Tuesday October 14, 2008, these words levitated off the page I was reading and really sank in to my mind and heart. I am reading "Everyday Deserves a Chance" by Max Lucado and he breaks this verse down by every word. "THIS is the day" today, not yesterday or tomorrow or next year or ten years down the road...TODAY...is the day...THE day. Today is not inconsequential, not just a stepping stone to another day. Today is the THE day. And the LORD made today to be THE day. My responsibility? To be GLAD and REJOICE in it! Not to wish away even one minute thinking of the past. Not to wish away even one minute contemplating my plight in the future.

"God still...occupies the universe's only throne. Each day emerges from God's drawing room. Including the hard one's."

I am to be GLAD and REJOICE in the gift of TODAY! Let me begin this new habit by listing what I am glad of:

Salvation and living relationship with God my Father!

Love of my husband and children (4 now!)

Home

Provisions

Ability to help others

Ability to boldly enter the throne of God with thanksgiving and praise

My only dream in life was to be a Mommy...as children grow we transition to Mothers...that's mature-Mommy's. And that role is quite different from Mommy. Both are equally rewarding. I have spent alot of time worrying (a.k.a. not trusting God with my future) about what the next 20 years will be like. He told me today to quit worrying about the next twenty years and start being glad for today and rejoice IN it! I can't be IN today if I am worrying, or pondering, or planning, or fretting over, or considering, my tomorrows.

This train of thought brings to mind Casting Crowns song "Slow Fade". I didn't realize that I was missing out on my today's because the change was gradual...a slow fade...to the point where reading this verse was a wake up call. I want to write this quote from the book...

A brand-spanking-new, unsoiled, untouched, uncharted, and unused day! A gifft
of twenty-four unlived, unexplored hours. And if you can stack one good day
on another and another, you will link together a good life. But here's what you
need to keep in mind.

You no longer have yesterday...The monthly calendar reads left to right, not
right to left. you no longer have yesterday.

You do not yet have tomorrow...You can't spend tomorrow's money, celebrate
tomorrow's achievements, or reslove tomorrow's riddles. You have only today.
THIS is the day the Lord has made.

Live in it. You must be present to win. Don't heavy today with yesterday's regrets or acidize it with tomorrow's troubles.

Guilt presses on one side. Dread drags the other. No wonder we weary so. We sabotage our day, wiring it for disaster, lugging along yesterday's troubles, downloading tomorrow's struggles. Remorse over the past, anxiety over the future. We aren't giving the day a chance.
Jesus' design for a good day makes such sense. His grace erases guilt. His oversight removes fear. His direction removes confusion.

Brittany's Bridal Shower

2008-09-13T22:34:00.004-04:00

Today Levi's Aunt Carol, Aunt Bessie, and Aunt Debbie, along with cousin's Penny and Debbie, hosted the most wonderful bridal shower for Brittany! Brittany and Levi were so blessed with gifts for their new home and new life togeter! We met Britt's best friend from home, Summer and her mother Sherry, and friends from Friedman's also came! Jerry, Britt's Mom, was so thankful for the family Britt has here in Rome, and she shared the sweetest prayer of thanks before we ate. It was a very happy afternoon. I am so thankful for the family and friends God has blessed my family with! Thank you Deb, Bessie, Carol, Penny and Debbie!! You guys are the best!!

Day with Grandpa

2008-09-09T21:06:00.003-04:00

I think the name of these beautiful flowers is Gabriel's Trumpet. Grandpa is so proud of how they have grown. His friend, Melvie Knot, shared them with him. They were just little sprigs this spring when he had Dad's "handy-man" plant them.

The picture of the deer was taken one Saturday as he and I drove through Berry. The doe and her fawn had no fear of the sightseers, they just walked up to the shade beside the road and laid down. They had been in a herd of about 30 or 40 deer!

Lacie's new place!!

2008-08-21T22:27:00.003-04:00

Here we are! Summer is over already and Lacie has started at a new school in a new apt! Her dorm has 4 bedrooms and 4 baths so each girl has her own bathroom. We had so much fun choosing the decorations and moving the furniture around. All those hours of HGTV really paid off! We were moving the dresser drawers, raising the bed, moving the desk, arranging the two chairs (one comfy chair and one torture device that rocks). We laughed when she was ironing the curtains (on the bed) and everytime we increased the temp on the iron the lights would dim! She picked bright pink for her main color with splashes of other bright colors. I hope this is the year is her best year yet! I love you Baby Girl!

NO MORE TIFTON!!

2008-07-23T16:25:00.003-04:00

I CAME HOME THIS AFTERNOON TO THE SIGHT OF LEVI'S TRUCK AND A U-HAUL TRAILER!! I LAUGHED AT HOW HE PACKED. HE HAD TO DRIVE THE 55 - 60 ALL THE WAY HOME...HIS TRUCK DIDN'T KNOW WHAT THE DEAL WAS. HE SAID HE COULD LOOK IN HIS REAR-VIEW MIRRORS AND READ "U-HAUL" AS THE TRAILER SWAYED BACK AND FORTH. I WONDER HOW MANY DRIVERS ON I-75 ARE STILL SHAKING IN THEIR SHOES?

THANK GOD FOR BLESSINGS! HE HAS FINISHED HIS COURSES AT ABAC!! TWO MORE CLASSES THIS FALL @ THE LOCAL COLLEGE AND THEN HE WILL GRADUATE!!!

Woodchucks

2008-07-16T20:05:00.005-04:00

How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood? Profound question. A woodchuck would chuck all the wood that a woodchuck could chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood! Profound answer. I loved this rhyme when I was younger. It is running through my mind today as I think back over the last six weeks at work. I feel like a woodchuck! And I am tired!!

It all started with our CEO wanting to initiate a Wellness program for our employees. Then we were asked to allign the program with the company benefits plan, and then we were challenged to perform health screens on over 1500 employees during the month of June!!! Can't be done? Surprisingly, yes it can!

Mind you that each person screened (all 1500+) generated at least 10 pieces of paper. All labs were recieved in duplicate, had to be reviewed for abnormals, matched and transcribed to the individual's questionaire, then scanned individually and profile results were printed. Then the results were sorted, matched back with the printed copy of lab results, placed in envelopes with corresponding form letters explaining the next step, double checked for accuracy, and then sealed and mailed. The duplicate lab results were then filed in the charts. We started June 3rd and the last results were mailed July 11. I really feel like I have "chucked all the wood that a woodchuck could chuck!"

But I do love my job and the people I work with. God has blessed me with this opportunity to learn how to apply the principles of wellness to help others improve their health and avoid chronic diseases. That is our goal, prevention and wellness. And it is all about choices. God gave us free will and choices to make. Most chronic diseases in America are the result of choices, type II diabetes, coronary vascular disease, even high blood pressure most often is the result of modifiable risk factors. Yes, genetics can give us the tendancy, but the choices we make everyday regarding food and activity, are our's to make.

Well, that is what my life has been revolving around lately. On the family front we have Levi and Britt busily nesting!! They have pruned the greenery in their yard, put down new flooring in the laundry room, painted their room and now also the living room. Levi has 5 more school days in Tifton!!! He will be on active duty for two weeks in August here in Rome, and then they will be focusing on the wedding plans.

Lacie is busy this summer with her two favorite activities...working with her Uncle Junior (construction) and babysitting our dear friends the Waldons. She is excited about her new major and nervous about starting at yet another new college. I think she has truly found a major she can stick with. She has started looking for mission trips that require building and is so excited she has to share all the details with me! What an awesome thought that maybe one of my children will be a missionary! There are so many schools, medical clinics and homes for needy families that need to be built!

Cody is on his second mission trip of the year. He has also helped feed the needy here in Rome. It breaks his heart when he tells me how many hundred of sandwiches are given away here in our own home town. Again, how awesome it would be to have a child become a missionary. He hasn't had much idle time this summer with mission trips, soccer camps, and his job at the local hardware store.

Keith and I celebrated our 23rd wedding anniversary! Shania Twain says it best in her song, "You're Still the One". He really is and I am so thankful for the life we share. If you would, please join us in prayer for Andy and Jerrie Bulloch that God will meet their every need abundantly and bless them to overflowing. Thanks!!
Jenny

WE HAVE A WEDDING DATE!!!

2008-06-13T21:12:00.002-04:00

LEVI AND BRITT HAVE SET THE DATE FOR THEIR WEDDING!!!

OCTOBER 11, 2008!!

Yea!!!

Levi & Britt"s First Home!!

2008-05-31T08:34:00.004-04:00

Here is Levi and Britt's first home! Isn't it beautiful? They have already started fixing the lawn, pruning hedges (they have a ways to go with that task), and cleaning the inside. It has a pecan tree, an apple tree, and Aunt Carol came by yesterday and told them that there is also a pear tree in the back yard. They also have magnolias, crepe myrtles, hydrangeas, and a 6 ft tall rose bush! I am not kidding, it is 6ft tall! Levi says the nandinas will have to go! It has a homey feel to it already.

The kitchen will be decorated with a Tuscan theme. Brittany fell in love with Tuscany while she was in Italy this past month. The guest room will be masculine with an outdoors theme. I believe Levi's trophy buck has been assigned to this room. The living room will be rustic, leather furniture and such. The main bathroom will be sunny and have a "beachy" feel to it with light blues and yellows. Like Jeff Foxworthy said, "I've never seen a toilet on the beach, but give a woman a sea shell and it's going in the bathroom!" The master bedroom is a beautiful shade of green, a bit darker than sage. The furniture is black and the colors will be jewel tones.

We are waiting on the USMC to help set the wedding date! Levi should get his orders for his summer training @ June's drill weekend. He will hopefully be going to Ala for training, 6 weeks worth, beginning sometime in August. They want an October wedding.

I love listening to their stories! Levi has the patience of his Grandfather and Great-Grandfather Burrell, (okay, and ME!). While they were at the house yesterday he asked Britt to start packing the former owner's stuff. He said, "Why don't you put some of that stuff in those boxes?" Brittany was like, "Darlin', I can't pack his stuff! That would be rude!!" They were so happy to have been able to cut their own grass and clean their own bathrooms ; ). I am trying to remember when I felt that way. I'll write a post about it when I do...don't hold your breath! Just kidding, I count my blessings everyday for the home GOD has blessed us with.

Well I gotta go...love all of you!!

Graduation 2008!

2008-05-31T08:08:00.004-04:00

Wow! Our baby-girl Ansley has graduated! She has been a part of our life since she was born...she is bubbly, kind-hearted, has her father"s mischieveousness, her mother's sense of humor, and Jesus in heart! I have loved watching her grow up from the little tyke running around the condo in Fla screaming as her Daddy chased all the little guys with a video camera, the burping contests between her and my boys, (Cody has been reprimanded several times over the years for her burps..."But Mom, I didn't do it, Ansley did!"). The first love, the first heartbreak, and the realization of what real love is not. We were together the night she recieved her letter from Shorter telling her she had won a $5,000/yr scholarship!! WOW! And the night before she left for her senior trip I was as nervous for her as if she were my own daughter. She is a beautiful young lady with a beautiful future!

Lacie and Ansley

Levi & Britt Closed on a House!!

2008-05-29T20:20:00.003-04:00

Yes it is official!! Levi and Britt are homeowners!! I couldn't help but take pictures : )
Ken Guice, the loan officer, laughed and said in all his years, this was the first time a closing was captured with a camera! WOW! My little boy is a homeowner :~). God has blessed us beyond measure!!!

Quick Catch-up!

2008-05-26T19:25:00.002-04:00

Levi and Britt are "closing" on Wednesday on their first home!!! We are so proud and excited for them! Levi and I were sitting on the couch Sunday morning and I asked him, "So, what's going to be your first project on your new home?" It felt so weird to ask him that question...our son has his own home! After the closing and it is officially their's, I'll post some pictures.

Lacie goes to meet with her advisor at SPSU on Wednesday to plan her schedule for the Fall! This will be the first of many meetings for them ;~). She is very happy about starting this part of her life, but it's the day's she is with a family-friend helping with the babies that she is her happiest. I know she is going to be the best Mama ever, one day!

Cody has his first job! My last child has his first job!!! He went to work last Thursday and one of the two bosses spoke to him then Cody started helping a customer. The other boss came in and said, "Cody, today's your day off!" Cody responded by saying, "Oh yeh, well I'll finish up with this cusomer and then head home." I thought that showed a really good work ethic, he didn't just leave the customer to someone else, he finished what he had started. He also made a 110/100 on his biology portfolio!! And HE did all the work! I only had to help him edit a few paragraphs and that was only to keep subject matter flowing smoothly.

Well, keep us in your prayers...

My Baby Girl

2008-05-17T22:19:00.004-04:00

I
L

I am so happy to have my Baby Girl home for the summer! These are a few pictures of her with her life-long friends. She is so happy these days. I love getting to sit and just talk. She is learning so many "capenter" lessons this summer working with her Uncle Junior, some more painful than others : )

Junior has given her much encouragement regarding her new major. He told her that if she could look at a set of blue prints and see what the building is going to look like, then she will be able to do Construction Engineering. She comes home every day with a story of what happened at work and she is so exited and smiling!

But regardless of what her major in college is, or what her career may be, in her heart she really only wants to be a wife and mother. In my opinion that is the highest calling a woman could have. And one day, in God's time, she will realize this dream. Pray with me for her that God will direct her path and give her peace and affirmation of His will for her life. She is so precious to her Daddy and me...and her to her brothers. Hope you enjoy the pictures!

The Future Mrs. Smith

2008-05-14T20:28:00.003-04:00

The Future Mrs. Smith, a.k.a. Britt, is in ITALY!! She called Levi this morning. I can't wait to hear all her stories and see her pictures of the country side and quaint towns. She has been preparing for this trip for a year now. I remember when she just mentioned to us that there was a study abroad class. She didn't seem to interested at the time. I think the idea seemed too big at the moment. But she changed her mind and everything has fallen into place for her. Her Mama and Daddy are so good to her. We miss her smiles and funny stories and the energy she brings into the room everytime she walks in. Please pray for her safety, health and wisdom.

They haven't heard from the bank lately concerning their house. It is the cutest home, just the right size for a young couple. And the yard is welcoming and makes me feel the way I remember feeling when I would come to visit my Grandparent's in "the country". Now that seems like a lifetime ago ;~)

Britt if you get a chance to read this post while you are in ITALY...know that we love you and miss you and are praying for you while you are away!

Wedding Idea...Britt...

2008-05-11T14:08:00.003-04:00

Britt,

We passed by this wedding reception on BTV this Saturday and had to go back and get a picture for you. Isn't it sweet?! I hope you can see the details. I think the wedding cake must have been under the white tent, they had white lights on the wooden fence in the front yard, it was so pretty! Any way I just wanted you to see it for ideas for yours & Levi's. Love you and I am praying for your safety and fun in Italy!

Jenny

Dress Blues

2008-05-10T09:49:00.003-04:00

The age difference between the two patriots in this blog is seventy years. Grandpa is 91, a decorated veteran of WWII and the Korea War. During his 22 years of service, he was stationed from New Guinea to Greenland. He lost count of the times he crossed the equator. He went to the Philippines in the convoy with General MacArthur for the memorable..."I have returned!" moment caught on camera. Grandpa chuckles when he tells the story of how General Mac had to wade ashore saying "I have returned" twice to get the shot on camera the way the camera men wanted it. GP is not much for theatrics. He recounts how on returning to the Philippines, the convoy withstood 18 air-raids from the Japanese that first day, making it necessary for the men on his ship to man their guns for 24 hours straight. He also tells the story of how his ship and one other Coast Guard vessel were going out to sea from the islands and met two battleships coming into the port. The battleships had been hit hard by the Japanense to the point that one ship had mattresses covering holes in its' side, and one was damaged to the point that it was leaning sideways. He and his men said to each other they sure were glad they bad not been out there with those battleships, only to find out that they were acutally being sent out as the replacement ships so repairs could be made. While out there they did have some fly-bys from the Japanese but no action. And he willingly states "God was looking after us."
During this same period while he in the Pacific, his ship was guarding a tanker carrying fuel for the Navy, a Japanese plane dropped a torpedo aimed for the tanker. Grandpa saw the pilot's face, looked into the man's eyes. At that moment Grandpa thought "I'll never get to see my wife and two little boys again." But God intervened with a divinely placed wave to intercept the torpedo and changed its' course. There is never hate or boasting in his stories. He understood the human loss that is brought about by war. In all the years that I have listened to his stories about the war, I have never heard him brag or condemn or justify the deaths. Actually there is quite a solemn tone to his voice and sadness in his eyes.

When Levi announced he was joining the miliatary and wanted to go into the Marines, I had to face my worst fear. But God is still in the miracle business, and he is still guarding the one's He calls "son". I am very proud of my Grandfather and my son for their love of God and country. And seeing them together in their dress-blues really means a lot to me. We took these pictures last weekend at Grandpa's house. Hope you enjoy the pics.

Easter Egg Hunt

2008-03-27T18:33:00.004-04:00

Cody enjoying the hunting!

Cody, NH, & MG take a break while hiding eggs...

Cody sank this egg in the rain-water bucket; WM found it and didn't think twice about reaching into the cold water to retrieve it!

NH hiding eggs....

Hiding an egg in an exhaust pipe...
NH searching for the right spot...
Love the look...

You know who was too fast for many pictures...

WF looking in the yellow-bell bush...

2008-03-27T18:07:00.002-04:00

LJ lookin' so pretty and grown-up! Thanks for helping me with my blogging :)

Sticky Fingers Chow-down! It was sooo good...and no, I did not follow my diet plan for this one!Believe it or not, that is Randall with blonde hair!!
Lacie and Jamie are like peas in a pod! We hope Jamie will be staying with us this summer :)
Levi and Britt hamming it up!

Family Fun!

2008-03-26T22:27:00.005-04:00

Easter Break was such a wonderful week! All three kids were home, Brittany was here, and Lacie brought Jamie home with her from college. The house was full...of people, laughter, friends dropping by to watch movies and spend the night! I loved every minute, every shoe in the kitchen, dirty glass in the den, person sleeping on the couch, and disarray of clothing throughout the house! We watched a cousin graduate, a brother play soccer, went to Sticky Fingers BBQ in Chatt TN, our family favorite, re-connected with a favorite Aunt, worshipped together, and ate too much! Here are a few pictures of the week...

Good food, Good times, Good Laughter!

2008-01-21T21:49:00.001-05:00

Thelma's Birthday 2008

2008-01-21T21:35:00.001-05:00

Southern' Fish Fry

2008-01-21T21:14:00.001-05:00

Have you ever been to a good ole fashioned southern fish fry? On January 12 we celebrated my mother-in-law's BD, she's a young 87 yo! The fish is fresh from the family lake. The men take to the outdoors to handle frying the fish, potatoes and hush-puppies. Here they are shootin' the bull and enjoying the mild winter afternoon.

Chad McConnell

2008-01-13T21:34:00.000-05:00

Today my daughter found out that a high school buddy of hers, Chad McConnell, was in a tragic motorcycle accident on Friday, January 11, 2008. He is in ICU at Erlanger Medical Center in Chattanooga TN, and may never walk again. All who know Chad are praying fervently for his full recovery. Chad is a respectable and industrious young man well loved by all. Please join me in praying for him and his parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

While praying for Chad the verses from Psalm 139 : 13-14 came to my mind. Chad, this is my prayer for you.

Father God,
You created Chad's inmost being;
You knit him together in his mother's womb.
I praise you because he is fearfully and
wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
Father God,
"knit" Chad's broken bones,
HEAL his injured nerves,
RESTORE his health as only YOU CAN!!
Father God,
Bless the hands that care for Chad,
Give the nurses a caring heart that they will
be ever attentive to all his needs, that they will
carefully monitor his every vital sign, changes in
ICP, conscientious turning to prevent breakdown.
Be with all the personnel that care for Chad, give
the doctor's insight, knowledge, and a caring heart.
Father God,
Hold his mother and father in the palm of your hand...strengthen
them, carry them, give them the peace the surpasses
human understanding. Guard the hearts of Chad's
siblings, help them to turn TOWARD you in this time
and not away from you. Send angels to minister to them as
they ministered to your Son.
AND Father,
Please hold Chad in your loving arms. Comfort him as only you
can. Give his body the strength needed to fight and recover.
In you Son Jesus' precious and holy name I pray...
AMEN.

Loneliness

2008-01-05T16:34:00.000-05:00

I am sitting at home today alone. Keith is busy with his usual Saturday list of things to do, LC is at drill, LM is at work, CB is off with friends, and B is at work, too. Needless to say loneliness reared its' ugly head! Determined to fight this feeling I went to a new site on the computer, www.Christianity.com, to search for comforting words to relieve the empty feeling. I found two references, one from a sermon that referenced Kathy Ireland's testimony about being lonely when she was far from home. The other reference was from a Senior Ministry Devotional...God's sense of humor...ha ha! But neither passage reached me. I still felt lonely.

Earlier in the week my Daily Bible Verse that comes to my email at work had brought the words from Jeremiah 29:11 and also the 23rd Psalm. Well known passages to me, but still, I was feeling lonely and asking why? Why do I feel this way? Why will I not fear death when I am walking through the valley? I know Jesus loves me and to be honest, the feeling of loneliness then made me also feel guilty. My thoughts sounded something like this...If Jesus loved me enough to leave heaven, become man, die a horrid death for the forgiveness of my sins, so that I could partake in the love and promises of God, why did I feel lonely? Why did I feel depressed? Am I that ungrateful?

I can't explain why those feelings and thoughts weigh on me, so. But as I opened my Bible and began to look through verses that I have highlighted and made notes about in the margin. GOD allowed me to revisit a verse that ministered to my heart and my sister years ago as we lost our Grandmother. It is Isaiah 43: 1-3. He reminded me that HE called me...and I am HIS! He will protect me no matter what this world throws at me.

Then He showed me verses 4 and 5. What a wonderful thing to be told by the very GOD that created this world...I am precious and honored in His sight, because HE loves me...then He says, "Do not be afraid, for I am with you..."

That is the answer to my "why". Because Jesus love me, God considers me to be precious and honored in His sight! And then the words that are gentle yet stronger than anything on this earth...Do not be afraid, for I am with you.

How wonderful, strong, gentle, and magnificent is our GOD!!!

Yes, my house is empty. Yes, my children are independant. Yes, I am sitting in my house with nothing to do but housework. But God Himself told me that He loves me, and I am precious and honored in His sight! Thank you God!

Engagement Picture

2007-12-30T16:04:00.001-05:00

This picture was taken the night LC proposed. B had no idea that he was going to ask her that night...but everyone else did! Her dorm roommates, her parents, her co-workers, and all the friends at the photo session. Our dear friend AS, is a talented shutter-bug! She has blessed us with pictures of our families throughout the years that tell the stories and show the emotions. I love this picture of LC and B, their love for each other is evident.

No official date has been set, yet. They both have to finish their degrees. I'll be posting as events are scheduled with pictures galore!!

An "Enchanted" Day

2007-12-28T23:11:00.000-05:00

Today was a day to take off from work and enjoy the company of my baby-girl and future daughter-in-law! It was a rainy grey day, but not cold. We slept late (a favorite of college gals), then headed to a nearby town for lunch and some shopping at the outlets. The girls both found a few good deals, they are really good bargain hunters. Then LM and I went to the movies and watched "Enchanted"...it was a cute movie by Disney. It was fun to guess who each character was imitating from other Disney fairy-tales. I think Prince Edward is playing Gaston. I loved the scene when Jezelle fashioned her dress from Robert's window treatments. Overall it was a cute mindless chick-flick. LM and I laughed and had fun together...that was the goal!

Merry Christmas 2007

2007-12-25T22:35:00.000-05:00

Christmas Eve was a wounderful time for our family! We started with a delicious supper at Keith's mother's house. It was a very happy time with an unbelievable amount of food! When we came home we opened our gifts, listened to a little piano, and put our new "toys" together. With the kids growing up and beginning their adult lives, I treasure every day/evening we spend together as a family.

December 22, 2007

2007-12-22T23:10:00.000-05:00

These pictures are of our last family vacation to St. George Island in the summer of 05. The kids have all changed so much since then! I am posting them because I really need a day on the beach! See, in Northwest Georgia Christmas is grey, drizzly, and cold. That's why we put up so many lights!

I'm sitting here in the den with LM, LC, and B. LM is recovering from having her four wisdom teeth extracted yesterday. She slept almost 24 hours straight. I woke her up every four hours, made her drink 4 oz of gatorade and take her pain med. Then she was back to la-la land. She's awake tonight, icing her jaws. The right side is more swollen and painful than the left side. She can't eat solid food for a few more days so she is really looking forward to Christmas Eve...her Grandmother is making vegetable soup and her Aunt C is making candied-yams!

LC has just made an excel spreadsheet to compare the cost of runnign old vs. new equipment. It was so impressive. Now he is showing it to his Dad who is explaining that what looks cut and dry on paper doesn't always pan out in reality. There is always the weather to consider and trucks breaking down, mills cutting off quotas. Logging is a hard business to succeed in. He went hunting this morning, no luck though. Next week will be hard for him with his B going back home. We'll all miss her. Next week she and LC are going to look at a place in her hometown for their wedding. She was sharing with me that the menu for their wedding will include macaroni-n-cheese and her Aunt C's buffalo wings. Her mother laughed and agreed their supper should be whatever they like! And the future mother-in-law agrees 100%! I'm thinking Sticky-Fingers to cater the rehearsal supper...But we have a year and a-half to plan and for a procrastinator like me that is quite a long time :~)

C is at his friend's house tonight. He put in applications today...I am so proud of his desire to work. However, the mgr at Wendy's asked if he could work till 10:30 on a school night...not going to happen. He went Christmas shopping today all by himself. It still feels weird that he doesn't need someone to take him where he wants to go. The other night I found a picture of him on the beach when he was probably 18 months old. He had a halo of blond curls and such a serious look on his face while he was playing in the sand.

B came in tonight and was very excited to share with us that she has met her sales goal for the month! She is a talented saleswoman. We love to hear her stories of the people who come in the store. She has such and optimistic view on life! She can see the possibilities that lie ahead for her and LC both.

Happy 91st Birthday Great Grondpa

2007-12-16T20:12:00.000-05:00

Mom and Dad came and enjoyed the party with us!!

Happy 91st Birthday Great Grondpa

2007-12-16T20:07:00.001-05:00

Here is Grandpa and 10 of his Great-grandchildren + the newest addition...LC's fiance! After we sang TL helped blow out the candles...

Happy 91st Birthday Great Grondpa

2007-12-16T19:51:00.000-05:00

91~7

We are so blessed to have Grandpa ~ His has been described recently as the Greatest Generation and I agree 100%. This man was orphaned in his early teens, was unable to continue school because he didn't have 35 cents to buy his english book. He lost his parents and two siblings to TB, made a caree of the Coast Guard, came to know a man named Jesus, and has lived a godly life since.

He loves to remember stories of his times on the ocean. He made Chief Boatsman Mate at the age of 23, unheard of in his day. He and his wife raised two beautiful boys, they were blessed with five grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren.

He has always shown me un-conditional love...I am so blessed to be his grand-daughter.

Happy 91st Birthday Great Grondpa

2007-12-16T19:44:00.001-05:00

Bet you wish you had some bar-b-q...

Happy 91st Birthday Great Grondpa

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The two Princess'...

Happy 91st Birthday Great Grondpa

2007-12-16T19:30:00.001-05:00

A little help from great-grandson WM

Toys for Tots

2007-12-16T19:20:00.001-05:00

This is a pic of LC and B the night of the Marine Corp Ball. I love seing him in his blues! His drill this weekend was to help with the Toys for Tots here in town.

C just can't be serious :~)

2007-12-16T19:11:00.001-05:00

Really C, just smile...or is this Walter?

I'm going to be a MOTHER-IN-LAW!!

2007-12-16T19:04:00.000-05:00

It"s official!! Britt and Levi are engaged!!

Little brother and his sister

2007-12-16T18:56:00.000-05:00

The Kidz are back in TOWN!!

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LM sittin' pretty...she is trying to decided between engineering and teaching for her major this coming semester ;~) Two of her friends from college will be here tonight to spend the week with us!

December 8, 2007

2007-12-08T13:21:00.000-05:00

Still no pictures...
My youngest son passed his driving test today! Keith had taken him to the barricks to practice parallel parking a couple times this week. They decided to use C's truck (minus the tail-gate) since it was small. C was very nervous, the jittery nervousness that makes you stop and think "how do I spell my name?" Then, in filling out the forms he had to answer if he wanted to be an organ donor...big question for 16 yo. He looked at me and asked "what does that mean?" I answered, "If you were to die, after you go to heaven, would you want a sick person to recieve one of your kidneys?" He didn't hesitate to check the yes box. His giving and compassionate heart is just one reason I love him so. The nest becomes more empty...

LM called me yesterday and shared a conversation she had with a new friend who has pulled away from her faith. It was such a blessing to hear the witness to Jesus and our Father she shared with her friend. Truths like God is a loving and jealous God who doesn't want us to be hurt, but does give us free will. And sometimes the choices we make with our free will cause us pain, or someone else's choice will cause us pain. But God wants the best for us, never does he just let us be hurt. Pray for her friends and for her safety. She is sure to come under attack for reaching out like this. I have to remind myself "Greater is He who is in (Lacie), than he who is in the world". Of course later that night she called home and the jerk she works with, and for whom she has some unreasonable attraction to, treated her like dirt...cursing her, then sweet talking her to do him a favor. Greater is He who is in Lacie...Greater is He who is in Lacie... Pray for her strength, faith, and guidance.

LC called me Thursday to share the news of great grades in classes he thought he would do poorly in. He has really turned over a new leaf this year, no pun intended! His grades reflect his dedication to his degree, the future he is planning, and the young lady he loves, Britt. People ask me how I feel about her and I quickly tell them that she loves my son more than the air she breathes; what more can a mother hope for in her son's life? He will be working the Toys-for-Tot's campaign with his unit next weekend here in town. I love to see him in his dress blues! I finally framed his picture from basic training the other day. It just so happens I found a frame the right size (11x14) up-stairs in a closet. As I was cleaning the glass and about to place the picture in, I noticed the picture I was replacing was one made of LC when he was barely old enough to sit alone. He is holding a baseball and wearing a little baseball hat...of course I cried...

I praise God for the blessings in my life...my husband, LC, LM, and CB...my friends the Selman's and Stallings, and my sister, brother, parents, grandparents, cousins, neices and nephews. I praise Him for the safety and security of my home, for meeting and exceeding all of our basic needs and then heaping on other blessings!

December 4, 2007

2007-12-04T20:04:00.000-05:00

Okay, so it's been awhile since my last post...I get writer's block everytime I pull up my blog. But here goes!

L & L settled in to college life and have adjusted very well! This is the oldest ones third time out of the nest, freshman year in college, 5 months in Uncle Sam's company for Marine basic and SOI, now to finish that degree! He is doing really good academically and hopes to graduate next December!! YAY!! He is really enjoying this year, the subject matter is interesting and he can see ways to apply this new found knowledge in his future business. It is so nice to listen to he and his Dad discuss the future!

Our beautiful princess...this is her first time out of the nest! She has adjusted so well! She is becoming independant and confident and still remembering her roots!! She has witnessed of her faith and Jesus' love to new friends, has a job and is working hard, and keeping her grades up!! I miss her terribly, pray for her often, and cry more than I care to admit when I think of her. She still has to choose her major, but changing majors is what the first two years of college are for. Her passion is children, her desire is to be a stay-at-home mom; I pray God will reveal His plan for her and she will be waiting and listening for Him.

My baby-boy is 16 now!! He takes his driving test this weekend and already has the path he will take to get home planned out...all to show off his new license! We had to set boundaries for where he could go once he is driving on his own. It covers school, church, and a few friends in-between. Oh, and the dump!! He is doing so well in school this year! And at home he is such a blessing. He is so willing to help his Dad and I with chores around the house. He works hard and is dedicated to his Youth Group. I spent 5 years chasing a career and missed out on alot in his young life. I pray God will heal the hurt of those years in his heart and continue to draw us together!! God is so merciful and forgiving!

Well, next time maybe I'll have pictures...I've lost my card and the charger is at college with the eldest chilrens.

Merry Christmas...

Going to college!

2007-08-20T13:54:00.000-04:00

And the winner is...I bet you already guessed!

August 19, 2007

2007-08-20T13:48:00.000-04:00

Watermelon eating contest between Britt and Levi...

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Sunday afternoon watermelon on their back patio.

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2007-08-20T13:27:00.000-04:00

Going to college

2007-08-20T13:15:00.000-04:00

August 12, 2007

2007-08-12T13:00:00.000-04:00

Okay...now that I am finally logged on! My stars! This is my second time to post on our blog...and I couldn't figure out how to log in, which blog to log into, or what my password was. "Of all the things I've lost in life, I miss my MIND the most!" Honestly, it took me 30 minutes to get logged-in. Everything is written down now and hopefully I won't lose the note card it's writtenon...yeah-right.

Yesterday Keith and I made another trip to south Georgia and back. It's kind-of funny how it happened. Keith wanted to take some of the kids things to the apartment before next weekend so I called the landlord and told him Keith would be coming into town on Saturday and would need to pick up the keys. But, then I talked Keith into staying home this weekend and we forgot to tell the landlord we would not be needing the keys. Well, lunch time Saturday Keith gets a voicemail from the landlord ..."the apartment is unlocked and the keys are in the oven". Well, what to do? Keith couldn't get in-touch with the man...so we loaded up the two beds and headed out...and back the same day. We rolled back into our driveway at 2am, uhg!

We drove through rain the last 40 miles of the trip down there but the bedding didn't get wet...God is so good!

Well, we are having friends over today for a "good-bye" party for the two older kids, so I better go get busy.

August 3, 2007

2007-08-03T18:55:00.000-04:00

This is my very first blog! I'm so excited! My inspiration came from my cousin Renee who has a beautiful blog about her family. I thought, why not? So here we are.

This month our youngest starts 10th grade, and the older two start college in a town 4 hours away. Can anyone explain how something can cause you to feel such pride and at the same time break your heart? My children are becoming wonderful adults, that was the plan right? We prayed for it and worked towards that goal...responsible productive Christian adults. So why do I sit and cry and wish I could hold them one more time? And does this hurt ever end?

Sorry to be so depressing...I didn't mean to be.

When I was a little girl I only wanted to be a wife and mother when I grew up. I shared that with my daughter one night and she said "well you've done that." And so I have. So now what's next? I know my role as wife and mother never ends, don't get me wrong. I hope to always be present and involved in my children's lives. But there is an emptyness or lonliness that I'm not sure how to handle.

So I'll praise Jesus for the beautiful life He has blessed me with and for His faithfulness.