Is It Already That Time Of Year?

Well as usual I’m right on top of getting things done….NOT!  As you will see it’s been a while since my last posting on my blog.  I’m going to get better at this I’m sure.

Here is what has been happing with our little family.  Here are the birthdays we had since I last posted; just with immediate family birthdays you can see we’ve been a little busy.  This doesn’t even include friends, siblings, aunts, uncles, and brother & sister-in-laws:

Granddaughter – Victoria turned 13

Son-in-law - Chris

Mother-in-law – Ann

Grandson – Nathaniel turned 8

Husband – Larry

Son – Chris

Daughter-in-law – Misty

Father-in-law – Bill

Daughter – Jamie

Grandson – Ayden turned 1

Mother – Ann

Noticed how nice I was and didn’t tell everyone else ages?  Here are a few photos of our grandkids that had birthdays since my last post. Victoria (Tori), William Nathaniel (namesake), and Ayden Samuel.

Speaking of photos, we were excited to receive new photos from both kids this year.  They took the time and managed to get their families together for a family photo.  If you ever come to my home you will see family photo’s everywhere.  That is the one thing I always ask for is photos the kids and their families.  Here are two wonderful photos of Jamie and her family (top) and Chris and his family (below).

Jamie's family L-R Ashlyn (11), Chris, Ayden (1), Jamie, & Lilly (7)  

Chris's family front to back L-R Nathaniel (8) front & center, Isaiah (10) & Josh (16), Victoria (13) & Misty, Chris & Tony (15)

On another note this year we’ve also had health struggles with various family members, some about the same time, which was a little tiring.  My mother-in-law had surgery; my parents have both had their health issues.  My aunt and cousin both are fighting battles with various cancers, uncle passed away, two other uncles are having major health issues, as are many of my aunts.  Neither Larry nor I can get sick this year, we are too busy praying, and helping those that aren’t doing well.  As my mother said time and time again, the Lord will not put more on you than you can handle.

Moving on to something lighter.  It’s getting closer to Christmas, and so many stores are pushing back their Christmas Decorations, and Christmas specials further and further into summer. I actually walked into a store in August and they already had out decorations.  We will be hosting Christmas this year at our home, so hubby and I will be decorating our home this year a little more than in the past.  Normally two – three trees is the average we put up.  But this year I’ve decided each room will have a tree including the bathrooms.  Larry is just so excited…NOT.  He asked me last night, do you have enough trees to do all that, I informed him I did.  Everything is in the attic, which he gave me a big laugh, so I’ve not brought down everything in the past few years right?  I confirmed he was right, this year it all comes down.  Needless to say most men could careless for all the decorations, but my husband loves the trees when we are finished.  He enjoys setting around just listening to music and admiring the trees.  So this year he can be blessed in each room.  I’ll post progress photos, next week.  We rearrange decorations for at least a week after we get everything out, always tweaking a little more.  Can’t wait to see how everything turns out.

Well since I’m going to post something next week.  This is all folks, until later.

Teresa

Time Flies While Life Happens

Cannot believe it’s been months since I last posted anything on my blog.  Where has the time gone? 

Well for starters we have been extremely busy with family. Then there are our jobs, and daily life experiences (cooking, cleaning, laundry, and yard work).  If you are lucky enough to have friends, and a religious affiliation then you are a very blessed person. My husband and I are blessed with all.

Since the last time I wrote, I’ve now completed my Gray Hair Project.  My entire colored hair has been removed, and now I’m just trying to fine a new style that is suited to my life, and the new color.  In allowing my gray to show, I’ve discovered and embraced the curly hair I’ve been at war with since I was a child. Amazingly it takes no time anymore for me to style my hair. I allow Mother Nature to dry and except for a few tosses of my hair with my hands, that’s it. All is good. 

Make-Up now that’s another story.  I’ve discovered that when your hair color changes so drastically, so too must your make-up, and clothing colors.  I’m still trying to fine the right eye colors and makeup style.  Mercy, mercy, me, it’s going to be along road on this one.  Most of my basic colors that I love still work, the blues, crisp whites, and blacks.  But I’ve tried some bright new colors lately, lime green (still unsure of this choice), bright orange. By the time I figure out the summer colors, fall will be here, and I’ll have more issues with colors.  I just need to clean out my closet and start over.

All of our grandkids are doing well.  All three of our granddaughters are shining lately. Tori our California girl or I should say Victoria as she now likes to be called in public is turning into a beautiful young women and a great athletic her Volleyball team took 1^st place several months ago. She will also be having a birthday in a few days, August 20th hard to believe she will be 13.  Here is a photo of Victoria on the right with the team trophy. 

Then we have our local beauty Ashlyn who went to cheer camp in Nashville, and her teams won several awards for her first year out we are so proud of her.  Then of course we must mention Lilly for not having a melt down this year for back to school clothes shopping. I’ll just say last year if you were anywhere near Calhoun GA’s Outlets you would have heard the meltdown.  Lilly has grown so much over this past year.  Still doesn’t understand why she can’t do everything her big sister does, nor understands that she’s not always invited to the same functions has her big sister, but she’s getting there. Here is a photo of Ashlyn team, she is in the back holding two ribbons, one of her with one of her teammates, and the finally one of her and Lilly (you could tell Ashlyn had had enough of all the photos by this one, she wanted her mother to stop).

Well that’s all about out grandkids this time around, next time I’m on the blog our grandsons will have something for me to write about I'm sure. Between the youngest at almost 9 months, and the oldest being 16 these boys keep us smiling all the time too.

In June Larry and I went to Atlanta to see a concert that he had been wanting to see for a while.   Roger Waters that was in Pink Floyd doing “The Wall” at Philips Arena.  We had wonderful seats, and were able to go with my bestfriend Mary and her boyfriend Richard. Just a great evening.  The very next day was June 14^th, which was Flag Day, but it was also my dear fathers 80^th birthday.  We were able to take that Thursday off and spend time with him and my mother.  Here is a photo of Dad with his cake.

Two weeks later we kept a friends chocolate lab for a week, lets just say that was a hoot.  Here is our buddy Lucky, she is still a puppy who weights 85 pounds of pure muscle.  Needless to say, Larry was the only one able to keep her inline; she would just look at me then go on doing whatever she wanted.  We took her to the cabin in the mountains that week, she played catch with her tennis balls, swimming in the creek, sleeping in Larry's lap, and watching tv.  What a ruff life!

Well folks that’s about our life in a nutshell these past few months, with the exception of visiting my folks weekly, and Larry every couple of weeks, that’s our life. 

Hope to write again soon.  Maybe will have more photos.  Blogs are so much better with photos, don’t you think?

Teresa

Birthdays, Funerals, & Mothers Day

It's been a few weeks since my last post.  Since that last post our family has had two granddaughters celebrate their birthdays in April, and one grandson will be celebrating his birthday next week.

Lilly Grace turned 7 on April 4th, the same day as her great uncle (Wayne).  Then on April 25 was Ashlyn Taylor's big day, and she is now 11.  Oh how time flies!  Here is a photo of the birthday girls with their mother Jamie.

We've got another grandson celebrating his birthday next week, Tony will be 15 on May 17th. Hard to believe we've got two grandsons driving now, Tony will get his learners and the Josh (his older brother who just turn 16 back on March 28th) will be or has already gotten his drivers licence.  I remember when that was a rite of passage for many young people.....getting that drivers license spelled freedom for so many teens.  Let me now put the State of California on notice, two new driver will be hitting the road Port Hueneme, and Port Mugu Naval Complex better be ready too.  Large SUV driven by either a blond or red haired young man, give them plenty of room......   Here is a photo of Tony, it is his school photo from this year.

As much as the month has been a blessing, it has also brought tears.  My uncle Jackie passed a couple weeks ago, Larry's aunt and the mother of our sister-in-law Judy passed last week.  So we went to Dalton, GA for my uncles funeral two weeks ago, and this past weekend we went to Dothan, AL for Judy's mothers.  It's been nice spending time with family, but it's so sad to see so many that we've know thru out the years leave us to go home to be with the Lord and the rest of their families.  That is one thing I know that I will see them all again someday.

Well "Mothers Day" is fast approaching, we planning on visiting both our mothers on Saturday.  We again will be traveling a little, my folks live in Chatsworth GA, and Larry's live in Red Bank, TN.  So it's do able visit both in the same day.

Since we've been keeping the road hot with the funerals. Larry and I need some time just to do nothing, get some well deserved rest.  Maybe even take in a movie.  Have you ever wished for 48 hours of peace?  Oh well, they say life is short, so I guess we will be glad to just get an hour here or there.

Hope everyone is doing great, until I write again.

Peace to ALL

Weather and What My Grandparents Would Have Said

This is such odd weather for the month of April in Tennessee this year.  Our temperatures started out extremely high for the month, to the point that we broke records.  Now to everyone surprise this week there was snow forecasted for the Smokey Mountains, and our highs have been only in the low 60's.  Mostly this month our highs have been in the 80's. The reason this is so odd is that we have already had Blackberry Winter.

In discussing the weather, family, and friends all have been discussing the latest cold snap.  Our grandparents taught us in the south not to plant our tomato plants before Blackberry Winter. Every gardener knows there are vagaries of weather following the first warm days in early spring, but not all people know their names, or that they have names, and why. 

Old-timers in the Appalachians know there are several named "winters" following winter, and Blackberry Winter is perhaps the best known. There is also Dogwood Winter, Locust Winter, Whippoorwill Winter, Redbud Winter, and even Linsey-Woolsey Britches Winter.

Long before there were visuals on TV showing long-range weather patterns of the jet stream and ocean currents, local folks had sure signs for when to plant and when to wait.  In the eastern United States, especially the Appalachians, most of that seasonal lore was named, and is still used by the old-timers today. 

 Dogwood Winter occurs about the time the dogwoods bloom, usually between mid-April and mid-May, varying from year to year (this year that happened in early March).  In some areas, Blackberry Winter and Dogwood Winter occur at the same time (which happened late March early April for us), while those living two or three states away may experience two distinct, separate cold snaps.  The old-timers knew it usually happens when the dogwoods are in bloom. With the possibility of frost happening during Dogwood Winter, they also knew to wait until after the dogwood bloomed to plant tender vegetables and annuals. Native Americans watched for the dogwood blooms as the sign to begin planting corn and other crops.

Blackberry Winter old-timers also knew that blackberries need a cold snap to set buds on the blackberry canes, so as sure as night follows day, there will be a cold snap when the blackberries bloom, called Blackberry Winter.  In some areas, a late cold snap occurs with the blooming of the locust trees usually before the dogwoods bloom or the redbuds. So you have Locust Winter, and Redbud Winter happening after the first flush of warm spring days and before Dogwood Winter and Blackberry Winter.

Locust Winter generally isn’t as long or cold as Blackberry Winter. 

Linsey-Woolsey Britches Winter, a term not used so much anymore.  Linsey-Woolsey Britches Winter was once a popular term, back when winter clothing was homespun of linen/wool, and winters were harsher. It was the last time in spring that you’d need "long johns" before trading them for short sleeves, and it usually came about the time of Blackberry Winter. 

The last gasp of cold weather is Whippoorwill Winter.  It is actually a herald of warmer days coming to stay for the summer. The whippoorwill migrates from wintering in Mexico to their summer range farther north in late May to early June. Whippoorwill Winter not as cold as the other “winters” but still a bit of cold snap lest we forget

Since I'm into old sayings, here are a few more:

Red Sky in the Morning, Sailors Take Warning.
Red Sky at Night, Sailors Delight.

A red sky in the morning indicates that storms and rain can be expected within 24 hours, whereas, a red sky at night indicates clear skies for the next 24 hours.

When the Dew is in the Grass, Rain will Never Come to Pass.
When Grass is Dry at Morning Light, Look for Rain Before the Night.   

Dew forming overnight indicates fair weather, whereas no dew forming indicates rain.

A summer fog for fair, a winter fog for rain....

Ground fog is summer indicates fair weather, whereas ground fog in winter forecast rain.

Clear nights - cold days.

This is especially true in winter, early spring, late fall, and especially after a rain.

When forests murmur and mountains roar, close your windows and shut the doors.

When sound travels long distances, expect rain soon.

All of my flowers including shrubs have bloomed, and turned their new green for the year.  Springtime is such a lovely new bright green.  Even my large oaks had their leaves before April 1st.  Odd indeed.

Spring is here.....well at my house anyway.  Here is a photo of some of my Azaleas, they are just lovely this time of year.

We've got 2 more grandchildren having Birthdays in April.  Our youngest granddaughter Lilly Grace will be 7 this Wednesday, and her older sister Ashlyn will 11 at the end of the month.  Both Larry's and my brothers named Wayne have birthdays in April.  Let's see Birthdays, Easter, and Taxes, yeah going to be busy April.

Hope everyone survived April Fools Day, we have three friends who all were April Fool surprises for their parents.  Phyllis, Mike, and Danny are friends whom all share April 1st as their birthday.  Such a neat day to have a birthday.  How about you, know anyone that was born on Leap Year, or April Fools?

Birthdays and More

Over the last two weeks we have had two grandsons get a year older.  Isaiah is now 10 and his older brother Josh is 16 today. Not only do we have these boys getting older, but two of our granddaughters are going to be older in April.  Busy time in our house with grandkids birthdays especially since we now have 8 total.  They range in ages 4 months to 16 years, we are blessed indeed.

Now concerning our church family, we have decided to give our home church a few more weeks to see if it improves and they might stops the drama.  If not we will continue on our journey to fine another place.  Spoke openly about my concerns to the pastor when he called to invite us back.

Here is a photo of today's birthday boy.  Remember he's 16 were lucky to get any photo of him.

Changes

Are there any good reasons to change churches? I believe there are. A life-change may bring about a need to change. For instance, if you get married, and your spouse had gone to a different church than you. I would think you would both want to worship in the same church, so one—or both—are going to need to make a switch.  Likewise, if you go through a divorce, I doubt you will want to stay in the same church as your ex. Awkward.

I suppose if there is a huge doctrinal shift in your church or in your denomination that you just cannot abide, you may feel the need to make a change. But even there I would be very cautious.  Just what church is going to have perfect doctrine, at least your version of “perfect”?

Is it important to stay in the same church for a long period of time? Or is church-swapping a right all Americans have? Now that I mention it, is this a unique problem for American churches, or do people in other countries change their church allegiance as frequently as Americans do?

Perhaps I am just old-fashioned. Perhaps I am hopelessly out-of-date. I do realize that at times God is going to come on some and lead people to another church.  God can and does lead some to do things we might question.  But I think these are the exceptions. (And if God is in the leading, it is an exception you must follow.)   For the most part,  I think we imperfect people need to select an imperfect church and stay there.

My husband and I have been blessed to be a part of our church since the beginning.  We started out in a office building of a Trustee for two weeks, moved to a mall within 3 weeks, and built a new building within 3 years.  Currently our church is at year 6 and have had our share of issues as with any church.

So it is with heavy hearts that my husband and I have made a decision to change churches. This wasn't anything we take lightly, we even resisted the Lords gentle push.  After several weeks on bended knees and prayers.  Larry and I realized it is time that we change churches.

I'm so excited to see what church the Lord has in store for us in the future, a new journey begins.