squished in the middle

Why do they keep talking about Summer?

2011-08-19T16:56:00.000-07:00

Once school starts as far as I am concerned summer is over! Summer is staying up late watching old monster movies or corny romances. It ain't happening these days. I am teaching seminary again this year and that means the alarm goes off at 5:15. That leads me to the point of this blog. I would include photos but I am anxious to get on with the rest of my evening and don't want to take time to download after I click.
( the photos would be of me in the empty house,though if I am in it, is it empty?)

I just finished doing what any girl without a Friday night date does...washing my hair and shaving my legs. The latter was made more interesting by the dog watching my every move from the outside the bathroom door. Heck yeah! the door is open. I am in the house alone and no one sneaks up on me.

As soon as I finish typing this I am headed for some food, tv, and my sewing machine.(wait was that a car door, who is here????)The door is locked.I can pretend to be gone. It didn't work, it was one of Jed's friend's. He is gone now. Anyway... Where is that bowl of brownie dough and the carton of ice cream?

Randy

2011-06-01T05:21:00.000-07:00

Randy is Eileen's nephew. He came to live with them just about a year ago. His big sister is Andrea who we grew to love when she spent a few months here a couple of years ago.
Randy gave one of the most honest, heartfelt talks I've ever heard tonight at seminary graduation. He had to chose a favorite scripture mastery from this years Doctrine and Covenants course of study. He chose D&C 64:9-11. It talks about forgiveness. His talk brings out the very reason I love teaching seminary;the youth can truly humble us adults if we listen and learn from them.
We will miss Randy (along with the rest of the bunch of course). These are some lessons I have learned from him over the last year. Don't give up. Don't be afraid to tell people how you really feel. Be willing to learn something new. Be your own person. Accept change. I hope he has learned a few lessons also. Someone needs to lead. Sometimes you have to walk away. It is ok to cry. Never trust the neighbor who digs holes in his yard at midnight. Never watch Lifetime movies with Nana.

The perfect gift

2011-05-09T02:56:00.000-07:00

Some people have a knack for finding just the right gift for people they love. I was not blessed with that talent. In fact, I struggle so much with it, I have given up and started giving money along with my best wishes and expression of eternal love. I know how it feels to be the person standing looking on when someone else gives the perfect gift. You smile and say, Oh, how sweet,beautiful,thoughtful,etc. while inside you are screaming,why, why, couldn't I have thought of that? We all know that love is not based on perfect gifts. Love is so much deeper and is only measured in ways that cannot be defined.
Having said this, David and Eileen gave me the perfect gift yesterday. Anyone who sees it will have to agree. Hopefully it will survive the small children, cats, dogs, birds, thiefs, etc. until I can find a nice safe place for it.Here is the website the inspiration came from and here are the photos of my fairy garden.
www.weegarden.com

Jed's Prom

2011-05-01T13:21:00.001-07:00

Jed's junior prom was yesterday. Natascha made him reluctantly go with her. Not that he minds going places with her, just places that entail putting on long pants and combing his hair.
He was counting on my rose garden to provide flowers for a bouquet but when they didn't cooperate he started panicking a little and made a late night trip to Walmart Friday night because that is where everyone gets their girl flowers for prom. Sat morn I saw the measly little bundle of white mums he had picked up and asked if that was it. He informed me he expected me to do something with them.
Thanks to Melissa Nickle, who gave us all such insight into making do with what you have, I created a lovely little nosegay for Natascha. The pics don't do it justice. The zinna's had just burst into bloom and were the right color. The fern had survived the cold winter. I had purple pins Melissa had left behind. Oh, and Jed had picked up a roll of purple ribbon with the carnations.
There was one tiny little purple rosebud we watched all day, hoping to see it burst into full bloom before evening. At the eleventh hour I gave up and cut it anyway and pushed it into the middle of the mums and zinnas. Natascha thought it all was perfect and in the end her opinion is the only one that mattered.

Cinnamon Rolls (It's been awhile)

2011-01-30T16:26:00.000-08:00

It's been awhile since I blogged and made cinnamon rolls. I made some yesterday for Jimmy's birthday. I been doing this for a number of years now, don't even remember when I started. That got me thinking... there are few things I do well but I do make great cinnamon rolls. It isn't a lie I am known in at least six states for the quality of my rolls. Stop by and maybe I will make another pan because yesterday's batch is all gone.

Look for blogs on the reception and Christmas coming soon now that I have the pics downloaded.

More Parade Pics

2010-12-12T16:37:00.000-08:00

Parade 2010

2010-12-12T16:21:00.000-08:00

I can't believe I didn't post at all during November! I guess I was busy enjoying the beautiful weather and picking up pecans.We didn't have a good crop this year, but it took several days to pick up and rake under the trees.
Thanksgiving was wonderful with family and great food. I am always happiest with a house full of company.
Anyway, G-dad and I decided not to do the parade this year but we got vetoed real quick by Sarah, Tabi and most of all Eileen. I was really thinking of her because she has had such a busy last few weeks. She rallied Randy into putting lights on the trailer and Andrea helped decorate the golf cart on the day of the parade. I think Sarah helped too but I stayed out of the way and told them to just tell me where to sit.
I can't believe they pulled it off again. Thirty-one adults, teens, and children in place by the start of the parade. The only hitch was the box of candy that got left at home. G- mom almost got left behind but she kicked it into high gear. I still don't know how Dave managed to manuever the golf cart between the floats in line, to get her from the parking lot to the truck. We thought she and G-dad were going to duke it out deciding where Dallin would ride. Guess who won that fight!

2010-10-24T13:45:00.000-07:00

I got a new computer for my birthday. Well, the other one did up and die at the right time. I have been playing with the scanner options and this involves looking at a lot of pictures.
I found this one of the beloved Mr. Bill. Carol can write a big blog about him. I know she has referenced him. He was a family friend for years. Carol was commenting on how I seem to be the only child with a nickname that stuck (I think Jimmy was called Tiger for awhile.)Anyway, to tie this all together, I think it was Mr. Bill who techically gave me the nickname. He and Dad were the ones who used it most. I haven't heard it much lately. Does that mean after 55 years I have out grown it? Or does this mean I am no longer the favorite child?

2010-10-09T17:52:00.000-07:00

Just a few photos from Sammie's third birthday party this afternoon.

The Shop

2010-10-04T10:47:00.000-07:00

This is our latest addition to the compound. Donald and David spent their summer vacation (starting in April ending in August) building Eileen a shop for the businesses. It is now complete with refrigerator and microwave. It does have a large upstairs area with the kids play toys and plenty of storage for inventory. The teenagers discovered what a cool place it was to hang out in. Eileen discovered they were messier than the children. If you want to get in touch with Eileen these days don't call the home phone she won't be there! She can be found enjoying HER space. The last picture is of course the "Barn" It just looks so pretty this time of year I had to take a photo.

Power Shopping

2010-09-04T17:03:00.000-07:00

Twice a year the commissary at the local military bases has a case lot sale. It has become a very popular event with the family. Ever see seven hundred dollars worth of groceries crammed into the back of a suburban? Today's total was $475.36. One of the reasons I can uaually get someone to go with me on these trips is the promise of a "special treat" of their chosing. Today Randy scored with a huge can of cashews.
I would tell you how much they cost but men in suits would come and haulme away for spilling top secret info.

Cuss words

2010-08-18T09:30:00.000-07:00

It is really funny when a three year old lets loose with a cuss word. It is really funny when a seventy-three year old lets loose with a cuss word. Anyone in between, not so much. Having said that, I love the ideas set forth in this blog http://guidetostuffmormonslike.blogspot.com/2008/12/finding-excuses-to-swear-without-it.html#links. If I knew how to link I would but since I don't just type it in. It will be worth your efforts. I personally have very little experience in this area but all you out there who do, will welcome this validation.

Birthdays

2010-07-25T14:41:00.000-07:00

AS everyone knows, we around here don't need much of an excuse for a party. A couple of weeks ago we decided to have one last get-together before the start of school. The occasion was to celebrate Meghan, Donald and Grandaddy's birthdays. Food was fabulous as always. Chocolate cake and coconut cake!We held it right after church since there was plenty of room and air conditioning.

Grandaddy is modeling one of his new vests made by Betsy Miller. He had mentioned months ago he would like another vest to wear with his suspenders on Sunday. Then he could still look dressy without wearing a tie and jacket. I searched some stores, then went to Goodwill, but couldn't find anything. When I found out Betsy was working part-time at a local fabric store I asked for her help. She graciously offered to sew Dad a vest. I was overwhelmed when I found out she had made him five new vests. They are so stylish!! She made a couple of heavier ones for colder weather even. Dad was so surprised when we gave them to him. Betsy has always claimed to be one of the Cattell sisters and her place in the family is truly secure.

Tabi and Evan's Wedding

2010-07-12T15:49:00.000-07:00

Just a few random shots I took. I am sure everyone has seen the formal pics on facebook. The food was fabulous, great shrimp and bruschetta with pico de gallo. What a cake! Allyson did a terrific job with it. There was only a handleful of Susan's marvelous meatballs left. My gang had such a great time we ended up taking the party back to the compound for swimming and more eating.

I didn't get a pic of the little ones dancing. Gretchen ran and grabbed her"Nate" when the music started and was dragging him around the dance floor. I think he enjoyed the cake eating part better.

How Corny!

2010-06-27T12:43:00.000-07:00

When someone gives you beautiful corn already picked, you have to "put it up" Dad came over and saw the proceedings. He mentioned some nifty tool some friend had that makes getting the corn off the cob much easier. He ended up going online to locate a source and off we went to what was called "MSI" This tool is wonderful! We had our corn done by time the purchase was made but the Ritchie's volunteered to try it out. Dad was overjoyed to see it lived up to his expectations. The corn-sheller is available by appointment at the compound. It is slightly messy to use so dress for the occasion.

Let's Salsa!

2010-06-18T17:34:00.000-07:00

That is what Eileen said to Ryan the other day. We invited a few other "guest" and had a party. Ended up with over a hundred quarts, pints, half-pints. Kristina Ritchie, Helen and Ryan, Randy, our summer kid(Eileen's nephew), Mallorie(Matt's girlfriend)Jed, and myself all had a great day bonding over tomatoes.

Ordinary Days

2010-06-13T16:26:00.000-07:00

Donald trying to reach the top of our huge sunflowers.

I recently watched a Hallmark movie called "The Magic of Ordinary Days" starring Keri Russell. Her life takes an unexpected turn and she ends up, well I won't tell the ending if you happen to ever see it. I think it was filmed in Idaho for all you westerners.
Anyway, that is what I love about summer in spite of the heat and humidity. I love digging into the dirt to plant seeds or walking along and spying a huge cucumber hanging on the vine. I like the boredom of knowing tomorrow I will get on the mower and go round and round in circles. Summer has a kind of predictability that is not present during the school year. Yet it also has a kind of magic as I watch the gardens grow, as long as I don't forget to water them. There is also the way nights are different. Nothing like dodging the horseflies who love to buzz over the pool right at dusk. Heck we even saw fireflies last week!

Memorial Day get-together

2010-06-01T07:34:00.000-07:00

Happenings at the compound tend to take on a life of their own. I don't mind because we always end up with great food and good times. Jen and James were coming over to pick up Nate for a few days. Glen Ritchie (who will be put up for sainthood soon) was helping with the new office construction. Ryan was cooking out for Vickie. Sarah was in town to see her mom. We all ended up eating, swimming, and yes working. Ryan cooked the buffalo burgers Carol brough from Wyoming, we had hotdogs for the kids. Eileen did shave ice. I missed a picture of the cube cracking and shooting across the garage toward Aunt Susan.

Through the years

2010-05-28T05:10:00.000-07:00

I haven't changed much. Jed is most changed I think. I need to scan from G-dad's books the years he has. I know the first piture is from 2002.

Trying out the new camera

2010-05-26T06:53:00.000-07:00

Catch-up

2010-05-01T16:47:00.000-07:00

I've decided blogging is no fun without pictures. Rumor is Carol is bringing me a new camera when they come for the reunion. I decide I should update even if you have to just visualize whAT I am talking about.
The new office that Dave, I'll have it done in a week, is building is now entering the fourth week of construction. Granted, he and Donald both work full time jobs. He and Donald also don't always agree on how to build something. The best thing so far about the project is the amount of entertainment it provides the g-parents and Dallin who watch from the safety of the porch. I have done my part and relandscaped the place where the front porch of the new office will face. I also try to keep the weeds from taking over the entire compound. Who decided to do this build just when the grass is growing faster than three people can keep up with it? At least Eileen is done with school and can keep everyone fed or mow depending on the mood she and I are in on the days mowing needs done. Matt has been a big help with doing the ditches and some other areas. Work and the mysterious Mallorie keep him pretty busy. She is coming to the reunion but is pretty scared about meeting all of us.
Jed scored again this year at honor's night. He brought home a plaque for superior honor's, another for biology top student, and a trophy for the tenth grade writing winner. Rumor has it his poem is on display in the mall. I have to check it out.
As Mother's Day approaches I must say how proud I am of all my children,(that includes the ones who have married into the family) I think you all seem to have really moved forward these last few months. You all are doing a great job with my wonderful grandchildren. I appreciate the help with your grandparents. I think it is great the way you all have been involved at the schools your children go to. It was a good moment for me last week at Stella's baptism when Aunt Susan commented on all the little kids and noted how many belonged to me. If I don't do anything else with my life maybe I can create a legacy of good people who know family is more important than anything this world can offer.

I Borrowed Jed's camera

2010-04-07T12:50:00.001-07:00

Dallin was worn out from supervising. G-mom is loving the nicer weather. It means she can see the world go by from her front porch again.

The question was asked "are Dave and Eileen planning on living at the compound forever?" The answer is No, only for the next three years or so. The following pictures are all pretty self explanatory if you've read the previous two blogs. Jed with the machete may need some explaining. Some years ago, we transplanted a small cherokee rose bush from the Agrirama. It grew and flourished nicely until G-dad caught it on fire on year while burning some grass along the fence. He thought for sure he had killed it. Oh no. The plant took its revenge and grew and grew into a monster attacking anyone who comes within a few feet of it. The thorns are like pieces of barbed wire. Jed was chosen to hack the creature back to its normal plant persona. We are delighted to say that he won the battle and next year's egg hunt participates will once again be able to hunt free of fear.

got to get a camera!

2010-04-06T13:50:00.000-07:00

Donald took vacation this week because we have the week off from school. The plan was to get the yards in shape and do other odds and ends. Silly us! What were we thinking?
Dave and Eileen picked up a vinyl cutting machine to add to the business they already have. Only problem is they have ooutgrown the space at the g-parents house. Sunday afternoon Dave started drawing up plans for the new office to be constructed behind the existing barn. He and Donald are going to build it this week while we are all on brake. No, the solarium, kitchen, floors, and gardens are not finished BUT they are all usable and watertight so why not start something new. Can I just tell you we are never bored around here nor do we get up in the morning and say I have nothing to do today.

No camera to show it to you now!

2010-03-26T07:53:00.000-07:00

The back wall of the solarium is gone, well over to the fireplace anyway. As they were tearing the wood down Dave uttered those words that make every homeowner shudder. He said, " oh oh, this doesn't look good." Surprise, it was rotten wood holding up the entire ceiling. Ok, maybe just one corner. Anyway it is a total and complete mess in the back of the house now. We can't even remember what is was like to use that area of the house! The animals are so confused when we open the door to let them out and they see they are already out! Who knows what critters are hiding under the sofa pushed over out of the way. maybe I really should quit watching all those movies on the SyFy channel. Maybe Jed will take pics this afternoon and I will post them. No pics because my camera is broken. I think it got dropped and the little guy inside is all messed up. He keeps saying take off the lens cap when there is no lenses cap on! It says that or system error. Anyone know how to fix it.

Cheesy Monster Movies

2010-03-13T15:58:00.000-08:00

Apparently SyFy has been having a marathon of monster movies. Seabeast just went off. I don't know how many people started on the island but only three survived. Spring break shark attack is on next. Earlier the giant shark was attacking the Navy until a giant octupus showed up. They called in the Japanese navy for backup. Later tonight is Dinoshark followed by Dinocroc. These movies have horrible special effects and a three year old could write better dialog. I did tune in briefly to one because Lorenzo Lamas was in it. For those of you who know how impressionable my mind is, please call me now and tell me to turn the channel. I still haven't gotten over "The Spider" watched one afterschool when I was about twelve.

Herding the Chickens

2010-03-04T11:03:00.000-08:00

That is what G-dad called it and I wasn't going to argue with him. He decided to move the girls to a drier place and one a little closer to his house. He summoned the hired help and the fun began. Eileen is very hurt I didn't get the photo of her holding a chicken by one leg. She refused to do it again for some unknown reason. the rooster was the only really umcooperative one in the bunch. Come to think of it, I haven't heard him lately. Hum?Eileen did make a great chicken pot pie last night. Disclaimer: No chickens from the Compound pen were used in the making of dinner. Did I mention how muddy the yard was after all the rain we have been having?

After the first two aborted attempts at "herding" and only two cooperative females, we decided to see if we could get the rest into a big rabbit pen and carry them to their new home.

Eileen watching "the clipping of the wings" so they don't fly away. G-dad assures us it it like cutting one's fingernails.

Fun Do

2010-02-24T12:17:00.000-08:00

Eileen went to Sam's the other day and bought home a new fondue set. She picked up on how Jed and I love to do fondue. When she told me she payed around fifteen dollars for it I was astounded. I went on line and the thing normally retails for $145.00!! You bet they went back and got a few more sets. I have three if any one is interested.
I had to show the girls what the fun was all about so one Saturday I melted the chocolate and made some cheese sauce. I had made some bread sticks previously and we opened a jar of spaghetti sauce. Dip it in the cheese, dip it in the sauce and it tasted yummy. They did really good as far as not getting too messy so maybe we will do it again soon. I now have four pots (as well as the three mentioned previously)so we have plenty for everyone to come on over.

Snow in Tifton

2010-02-13T15:30:00.000-08:00

These were all taken before the really big flakes started to fall.

Dave loves Demolition!

2010-01-26T14:42:00.000-08:00

It really is a domino effect around here. The bathroom needs some work, but Dave wants to move it. Before we can move it to where the office is now we need somewhere to put the office. The logical place to store stuff is the solarium, but due to rotted wood and stopped up drainage outside the door, we get water in there most every time it rains. All this with Donald working, Dave and Eileen both working and trying to go to school, me needing a nap because getting up for seminary cuts into my sleep needs. Can't anyone out there connect us with any home improvement shows. We particularly like HGTV's "Holmes on Homes". He is our guys newest hero. He believes if you are going to do a job, do it right the first time. That is why Dave is tearing brick off the outside of the house as well as inside! What changes this room has gone through in the last ten years. The first picture, is the new brick kitchen floor. It is so easy to keep clean and looks great all the time. Dallin has no problem crawling around on it. In case you are wondering, Dave and Eileen have no idea how long they will be here. Only definite thing is until he finishes school in the fall. Hey, I don't plan on going anywhere so I will enjoy,enjoy and enjoy IF we all survive the transformation. I gotta say, the new kitchen is pretty spectacular!

These are all the before pictures.
All the crazy shapped windows will be gone.

This beautiful brick was hidden under sheetrock over where the shelf for hanging wet towels was at.

More Fun at the Porch

2010-01-20T14:38:00.000-08:00

We had a muddy mess in front of the barn steps due to all the rain. Everyone pitched in to help move the mountain of rocks. The store just dumps them, they don't spread them. Of course I didn't get the camera until we were almost done. You gotta love Granddaddy's home made leveler. It was fun when it got stuck a couple of times. That is why G-dad is on the back. Somehow it helps balance things out. I could have called this blog Golf cart use number 137!

Dallin trying to escape to join the fun

Grandmom enjoying all the action from her throne

G-dad hanging on for dear life!

Eileen taking a break from shoveling since the guys found an "easier" way

Jed was wishing someone would let him drive the cart

Everyone had to ride along even though they were going in circles

Broccoli that survived the cold

Miracle Ear

2010-01-14T15:18:00.000-08:00

I actually had to go buy one the other day. And yes, it does wonders. I had an earache a week ago. It lasted one day. Then the other ear hurt briefly. Then they both got better but I had major loss of hearing. So I looked online and it said temporary loss was not uncommon. I had a doctor appt. scheduled anyway. When I went in for the appt. they found wax in one ear, other nothing wrong with it. We all figured the wax removal should clear the problem. Nope. So come to find out from the kids ENT doctor I may have nerve damage and need steriods. Can't find out till next Thursday unless insurance and appt come through earlier. I mean how long is temporary anyway. I don't have any pain. I never had veritgo or drainage, not even too bad pain. It really is quite scary though not being able to hear. Driving is even more of a nightmare. I can't even teach seminary effectively. I guess it is time to practice what I preach and trust in the Lord. I had Donald give me a blessing today. I need everyone to pray for me whatever the outcome. I am trying to keep the sense of humor we have all had about the miracle ear. At least it looks like a bluetooth though I don't even have a cell phone yet.

Wall of Insanity

2010-01-02T16:43:00.000-08:00

(In Doctor office, shaking all over as I recline on the table.)
Doctor,"So, Mrs. Seaman what do you think caused you to have this condition?"
Mrs. Seaman, " It was either the clutter or the sugar, I'm not quite sure."

Several years ago Dave and Eileen gave me my first machine for Christmas. I was working at the time and enjoyed taking candy into the office and delighting my co-workers with a little treat. The collection grew as a new machine came out the following year. Twenty-two machines later this is the result. That doesn't count the other little doodads in the collection. Should they be buried with me or should I let the Smithsonian have them?

Word Follow-up

2010-01-01T09:34:00.000-08:00

I think I did great with my word. Next year will be even better with the addititon of a new, larger refrigerator for the poolhouse. My word was ignore. It is hard but I am slowly getting better at not letting everyone else's issues become mine. I cut way baack on my M&m consumption. I ignored all the after Valentine, Easter and Fourth of July candy sales. I slipped after Halloween but only because I had to buy for my seminary students. I think I was able to ignore the confusion and disorder of the kitchen remodeling project.
The new year will bring many challenges I am sure. Isn't that what life is all about though in the end? Let's not call them challenges, let's think of them as opportunities. That is my word for 2010.

Christmas

2009-12-25T08:06:00.001-08:00

The picture doesn't do justice to the tree though the topper is quite original.

Travis and Lindsea

Meghan (you got to loive bumbo chairs)

Wonder what Dallin was thinking?

Jed's tent so he wouldn't see Santa. He gave up his room in the inn and had to sleep in the solarium.

Tabi and Evan

Gretchen was being very territorial over the trash can. That is the back of Sammie's head.

We as usual had a wild and crazy time!

The Wedding

2009-12-20T14:49:00.000-08:00

Matthew Ruberson married Alexa Millard of Albany Ward yesterday in the Orlando Temple. We all had a great time at the reception last night. The food was fabulous and dance music was provided by jason Goodman. The newlyweds will live in Tifton.

Parade is Over!!

2009-12-06T10:50:00.000-08:00

We actually did it! We ended up being the first in line behind the city officials and a couple of city business floats. The weather was great, not to chilly, although I was wrapped in a blanket. Andrea took all these pics for me. Jen and James looked like the Beverly Hillbillies sitting in their chairs at the back of the truck. If Hayward didn't capture them on film last night, oh well, we tried. Did you know you can view the Fun Channel online? The parade should start airing soon if not already. Mom rode in the front of one of the trucks. She held Dallin, who fell asleep shortly after the parade started. We got permission to drive home with people on the trailer and golfcart and in the back of the truck so we had a mini parade down Old Ocilla Rd. I think we succeeded in making Granddads dream come true. Don't know how he invisioned it but it turned out better than I expected!

Start of the Holidays

2009-11-25T15:59:00.000-08:00

We have the family float entered into the Tifton Christmas parade. The new holiday g-dad tee-shirts have been ordered. Best of all, Eileen with help from Grandaddy, Andrea and Randy, Andrea's brother got cutouts and lights put up.Once again the sled with Santa's list, Rudolf's jail,the little country church and most important of all, the manger scene grace the front lawn. I just hope our new neighbors can stand the lights for the next month.

Anyone have a homemade cookie?

2009-11-16T05:00:00.000-08:00

As we enter week three progress is being made. These pictures were taken last week and don't show the tile on the counter top. At least we can run the dishwasher now. What amazes me is how I still manage to not lose any weight. We can't make homemade bread, cookies, pancakes, etc. without a whole lot of moving stuff around so it just isn't worth it. the first thing I will do in my new kitchen is make a huge pan of gooey cinnamon rolls. Did I mention I might have a problem kneading the dough? My new counter top is about three inches higher than the old one. I could go retro fifties and wear high heels with my apron.

Speaking of Pecans

2009-11-11T16:02:00.000-08:00

Eileen and I both had the same dream the other night. We dreamed we were digging pecans out of the grass with our toes every time we closed our eyes. This is what happens when you spend all day looking down for the brown nuts in the brown leaf piles.
I have developed a new technique this year to accommodate my advancing years. I call it the "rake and scoot" method. I rake all the leaves/pecans into long rows. Then I sit on my bottom at the beginning of the row and with one hand rake through the leaves while picking out pecans with the other. When I finish the area in front of me I scoot on down the row until I reach the end. I have developed the twirl method for moving my bucket. I simply turn it up on the bottom rim and roll until it advances to where I want it to be. There are a couple of downfalls to my methods. First,is the occasional antpile I happen into. Then there are the bugs whose homes have been disturbed by my raking. There is also the unknown hard objects found while digging through the piles. The biggest problem this year has been Roxie, the compound dog of the moment. She takes my sitting on the ground as an open invitation to come nuzzle my face and sit in my lap. While she is not a very large dog, these actions make it impossible to sort out pecans. If I push her head away she takes that as a sign I want to play a little rougher. Thankfully, she is easily distracted if you throw a stick for her to fetch. She chases and picks up the stick like a pro but has not mastered the art of returning to the thrower. I try to keep sticks with me as I scoot along and hope she will find distraction as she runs happily away from me!

Here we go again!

2009-11-05T08:51:00.000-08:00

Eileen asked the question the other day, "Why can't we have a simple remodling project"? The kitchen floor needed to be replaced so they tore up the old one. Lo and behold there was rotted, dampness that meant cabinets had to come out. So we have flu stricken kids and adults in a house where we are washing dishes in the bathroom sink. This was also the week David started his substitute teaching career. Throw in Jed on crutches for six weeks (thank heavens no surgery) and life truly becomes a comedy. Oh, did I mention I need to get a new battery for my camera. Anybody going to Walmart? They don't sell batteries at Lowe's or the hardware store. The ones benefitting from all the madness are the squirrels. They are glad we don't have time to pick up the pecans covering the ground.

Fall Friday

2009-10-24T16:25:00.000-07:00

Jen, James and the girls were in town
They were waiting for the fish to be relaeased from the bag
See the goldfish? The cat does
Yeah the pump is working!
Dave gave these to G-dad. Did you ever think to see such a sight?
Perfect end to an insane week. Went to the temple in Orlando.Went to the storehouse in Jacksonville, saw old friends, visited Brenda and Jim. Came home. happy Birthday! thanks Eileen for the alfredo pasta and ice cream cake. Dentist appointments and doctor appointments. The latter for Jed who broke a bone in his ankle doing flips before wrestling practice. Picked up pecans. Cleaned poolhouse. Now lets see if I can post pictures with captions.

Planting flowers

2009-10-17T11:41:00.000-07:00

I took a month off to recover from surgery. Exercise is a wonderful thing when you are able to do it. I have been digging holes and hauling rocks from one place to another. The great thing about the water feature we put in at the Barn is where everything came from. The old pump came from the Brookfield house. It used to stand right outside the back porch which also happens to be where Donald proposed to me. The big rocks came from Dave and Eileen's house in North GA. The smaller rocks are ones we hauled back from our Missouri vacation a few years ago. Great memories of that trip. The white mums came from Aunt Alice's and Ally planted them around that tree. Who knew they would spread out to be so pretty. Some of the other mums are from the Wall last year and were donated by Susan. Somewhere in the mix also are remnants of mums from Corey and Nikki's reception. I love it that the G-parents can sit on the porch surrounded by all the reminders of family. We were going to put fish in the little pond but don't know how they would fare with the dog, four cats and assorted wild creatures that show up on occasion.

More Family Photos

2009-09-07T12:26:00.000-07:00

I've got to give Vickie credit for these pictures. Thanks for sending them to me so I could share on my blog!!

The Blessing

2009-09-06T15:36:00.001-07:00

Today was Meghan's blessing and as usual was followed by a family feast. We went for a scaled down lunch and limited the menu to a variety of salads.

The Basket

2009-08-28T11:39:00.000-07:00

Ask any of the children what I am referring to and they will know right away. When Carol and Joe moved, a basket got left behind. Once it arrived at my house it became the perfect place to put the snacks for school lunches,treats after nap, or to kill the munchies till dinner. The babies don't know what it is called but they sure can point and make a sound that clearly indicates what they are wanting. It still has Carol's name on the bottom and she can have it back anytime she comes and gets it. Till then, thanks Aunt Carol!!

Tifton Conference

2009-08-23T13:21:00.000-07:00

The last blog is a series of photos from the weekend. I haven't figured out how to caption pics yet so good luck figuring out the people. If I repeated a photo sorry, I lost count of what I was on. Nothing captures the majesty of the day anyway.

Tifton Stake Conference

2009-08-23T13:07:00.000-07:00

Yes, you read it right. Pres. Fussell from Douglas, counselors Fields and Sorenson.
Gary Flanders Stake Clerk, Pres. Worthington Exec. Secretary. I don't know the head count but seats were full and at least 100 were counted standing in hallways. Parking was all up and down the road for several blocks. Police gave permission for one lane to be blocked and cars were parked sidewise along that lane. Lots of reorganization to be done. We had family dinner here following. The las6t picture is at the FRONT of the building faceing 24th street, where there are no parking spaces.

Then and Now

2009-08-22T13:54:00.000-07:00

I taught seminary three years ago. Since that time Matthew Ruberson has gone on a mission. Ben Anderson left a week or so ago. Allison is married. The others are all following their life path. I can hardly wait to see where this bunch goes. I will have to update as the year goes along because since this pic was taken I already have gained one new student. I guess I should get their permission before I start talking about them to the world.

keeping up with the latest styles

2009-08-12T11:31:00.000-07:00

Grandad had been having trouble with his legs and needed easy access to rub the muscle relaxer on them. That is if there was any left in the tube after Gretchen decided to use it for face cream last week. Anyway, He had me order him some shorts to wear. They fit fine but of course he couldn't wear his old white dress shirts with them so he sought out a suitable top. Eileen and Dave had these left from a youth conference in Atlanta and we all thought it was the perfect shirt.

Joanie and Bruce Visit

2009-08-09T13:49:00.000-07:00

Sorry no pictures, for which I am truly sorry. We got word they would be arriving on the worst possible day of the year. I had an early morning appointment, the kids all started school, and I started the seminary year also. Dad had a late afternoon appt.
We expected the guests to arrive a little after noon but when Dad and I left at 3:30 no one had arrived. When Dad and I returned THREE HOURS LATER they had not been here very long. I had a screaming headache and was absolutely starving to death.
Eileen and Andrea were my lifesavers that day and they didn't even know the people!!
When Mom got a phone call saying the gang was almost here, she called Eileen to come over to help her entertain until we got home. Eileen had already prepared a taco salad spread to feed everyone.
Christie and her four children came also. Helen and her three were here.Susan entrtained us through dinner with tales from her first day with students back. Shortly after dinner started was when we wondered what was causing Matthew to run through the house pushing everyone out of the way. Then Amelia came sobbing in the other door. Turns out Sammie was in the road and Gretchen wasn't far from it. With all the commotion we adults had lost track for a few minutes of who was in charge. Why the babies left the safety of the swing set area we will never know.
Grandmom and Grandad had come over to eat with us and After dinner all the adults including them, ended up going out to sit by the pool to watch all the children swim. We all slurped shave ice thanks to Dave. Dave and Christie hit it off, she is in the medical field, and talked the whole time like they had known each other forever. Jimmy and Catie showed up in time for shave ice. We finally managed to drag all the kids out of the pool about 9:30. When Bruce threatened to leave one behind, Conner said ok, I am happy here.
The visit was way to short and way to chaotic to really visit. At least we know Christie's family will still be at Eglin for another year and we may all be able to get together again. The most fun part of the evening was Joanie trying to remember who it was that went out to the wedding and Mom trying to remember if she had ever been to Utah. Happy to say with a little prompting both events were made clear.

Change,change, change

2009-08-02T11:02:00.001-07:00

Just a typical day at the Seaman main house.

All Eileen wanted was to get Dallin out of their bedroom before school starts. So the girls were going to move to the front room. Eileen figured since all the furniture was out, now would be a good time to rip out the old. old carpet and put the new floors down. So Dave made yet another trip to Costco to pick up flooring. Work progressed fine until rotted wood was discovered and the subfloor all the way through to the outside had to be replaced. The question of who gets the front room still remains undecided. Can you notice the differences between the two pictures?

Weekend at the Compound

2009-07-25T18:01:00.000-07:00

New baby, no pic yet, new dog, no pics yet. We have been helping out with Nathan and as you can see he isn't too happy unless Jed says "I'll show you the snake" Dave and Eileen had HUGE weekend selling towels( don't know if sales were huge yet) hence Papa doing baby duty. Thanks Aunt Susan for taking the girls this afternoon so I could mop the floor. Ask G-dad about the chicken and the cat! Sorry about the double photo but it doesn't hurt to look twice. Nathan is at the back door now yelling "JED,JED" Maybe I better quit blogging.

Reply to Jennifer's latest "Game"

2009-07-20T15:29:00.000-07:00

What a strange creature I sound like based on these topics. Here goes:
1. Homemade yeast products - I like to bake homemade bread. Brenda in Jax gave me a starter once that made the most fabulous bread ever. Once a week I would whip up a batch and use the loaves for french toast with homemade strawberry freezer jam or chewey, melted grill cheese sandwiches. I became semi-famous for this bread.
2. Way back at the beginning of her career Brittany Spears had a good song to dance to. I dance to it by getting down on my back on the floor and spinning around in a circle. I don't know if I was recreating the video or if this was my own move. It is that memory lapsing once again.
3. Fred Flintstone feet - if you saw my photo I posted after the hail storm in April I don't need to say anything else. Sorry Jed, At least you don't have to worry toe nail polish will accentuate the figure flaw.
4. Moles and chin hair. Who doesn't have this problem according to Rachel Ray who did a show on the chin hair removal techniques. I personally still perfer to pluck. And really, what would entertain the small children during church if they could not stare at me and try to remove the skin growths on my face?
5. I don't laugh very easily. Don't know why, just am that way. James is very funny. Dave can be funny. Except for the gorilla imitation, Donald, not so much. (Someone should blog about that). I don't like slapstick or potty humor. I just have to be in the mood to laugh and my life has way to much serious stuff in it.

Summer Vacation

2009-07-16T17:28:00.000-07:00

For those who don't know, Jed went to Boy Scout camp and then left almost the next day for a leadership training camp in Huntsville, Al. It was held at the famous "Space Camp" facilities but he wasn't part of that program. If I give out info on how he got to go to this fab place, they put my in a rocket and send me off. I still haven't figured out how to caption pictures but these are some Jed took.Maybe Jed will let us know what is going on in the photos. The great part was staying at the Marriott on the grounds of the Space Museum when Donald and I went to pick him up. Got the room for half price (military discount), just Donald and I, best hotel shower ever, great view, I could go on... We did make it in time to pick up Jed who was more than ready to be in his own bed again.

Bumbo Baby

2009-06-29T09:55:00.000-07:00

It is less than three weeks now until Helen's baby pushes Dallin from the spotlight. He is the sweetest baby as evidenced by this picture. Bumbo's are the best invention for babies in a long time though I am sure I could find lots of cool things if I went shopping in those type stores more often. Everyone loves our little guy, Madison Spikes held him all during sacrament on Sunday and he is almost as big as she is. (Well, not quite, I do exaggerate a little)Her grandpa thinks she came all the way back from Missouri to see him but we all know she just wanted to see the baby again.

Random Picture

2009-06-25T15:56:00.000-07:00

Walked outside and saw this in the pool. So many things I could say..

Kiddie Corral

2009-06-21T14:14:00.000-07:00

When Helen and Ryan started this years garden, the need arose for somewhere to put the little ones while the tilling was going on. At first we were going to drag the playhouse over under the trees right by the garden fence. After a couple of weeks Granddaddy decided that would not do because of the sap dripping off the pine tree. He then began construction on his latest brainstorm. I should explain it doubles as a place to let the bunnies hop around in on occasion. The water bottle is for them, not the two legged creatures. The signs were rescued from Carol's house after she left for Wyoming. We couldn't bear to let that part of her life be lost.

It is coming

2009-06-19T19:00:00.000-07:00

I will update with photos soon. I have to get pics of the new kiddie corral to post. It has been exceedingly busy around here, Monday was consumed with blueberries, Tuesday more blueberries. Wednesday primary and Youth parties at compound. Thursday more blueberries and enrichment. Today has been fairly quiet with the young Seaman bunch in Atlanta. I have cleaned carpet trying to remove the mysterious odor that has plagued the front room for a couple of weeks now. Jed is actually out with friends at the movie and I am waiting for him to a) call me to come pick him up or b) him to show up back home. Hey, he just called so more later.

End of School Honors

2009-05-28T13:23:00.000-07:00

First off I managed not to cry for once. End of school year celebrations always get to me. Maybe after all this time I am becoming matter-of-fact about them. We are talking about Jed and though he is my last he has never made me worry about last minute passing panic. (Dave, senior year, Matt freshman year)
We weren't sure if he would get any honors except honor roll because he never said anything. He ended up recieving the science award and second place in the GA Young Writers competition. His poem was entitled "The Sacred Tree" IF anyone has read it please let me know because I haven't had the privilege. He was told by one of the teachers who saw the results that he is currently rated in a tie for number two in class standing. No pressure on the boy but it would be great if he kept that up for the next three years. Now he just needs to expand and get some extracurricular stuff on that college application. Can he do it all and still attend early morning seminary with his eyes open? I don't know if I can stand the suspense for the next few years.

Countdown

2009-05-11T05:03:00.000-07:00

I allegedly told my children they could miss Christmas, Easter, Mother's Day but they had to be home for the Family Reunion. Today begins the countdown to the festivities coming up this weekend.
The yards are in pretty good shape, the pool is crystal clear and lights are hung at the volleyball net. For those who haven't heard, I think there is going to be an early afternoon softball game at a field in town.
I haven't decided what I am making yetfor Sunday dinner. Oriental salad and sweet and sour meatballs are on the list.
Oh and for those who have not heard, the clan rules the ward again with the calling of Eileen as the YW president and Vickie as the Primary Pres. Ryan is still hanging in as Elders Quorum Pres. I personally changed out eight rolls of toliet paper at the Women's meeting on Saturday. We all serve however we can.

Don't you think it is time to grow up?

2009-04-13T10:36:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the annual Easter egg hunt. It used to be just for the little children but a couple of years ago I decided to do a hunt for the big kids. It came about because of my saying "Christmas is year round". I like to spread the spending out over twelve months. We all know the seasons are not about presents but who doesn't love getting them.
So we loaded all the babies into the back of the truck to keep them from being trampled in the stampede, lined all the big kids up, and after a telling of the rules let them loose. Next year if you are in town around 4:00 in the pm on Easter, stop by for a good laugh. Jed was the big winner and it is pretty obvious from the photo why. I know everyone thinks I told him where to look for the prize egg, but I didn't. Jennifer almost stepped on top of it at one point.It was buried halfway in the dirt under a bush, but was clearly visible if you were standing in the right spot. Oh, did I mention money was involved? One dollar per egg, ten smackaroos for the prize egg. I think Jed is going to use some of his winnings to go see the new Hannah Montana movie. I am sorry I cut Dave and Cory out of the picture.

weather part two-Hail

2009-04-05T15:41:00.001-07:00

It was insane!!

It's Raining, It's Flooding

2009-04-02T13:52:00.000-07:00

So it doesn't look very deep here but it is. It is also very cold. The road down from the house was closed earlier we suppose; they were only letting traffic go one lane at a time. Joy of joys school is canceled tomorrow. That means I can stay up and watch the series end of ER.

Here is My Excuse

2009-03-18T11:12:00.000-07:00

I notice a definite slowdown in the blogging world. Those of us on Facebook know that is one reason;it is just quicker to post one liners. It is another example of this hurry-up world we live in. My other excuse is trying to find a time when the computer is available. Do you realize we have five adults in this house plus two part-timers using this computer? It makes it difficult to find a moment to compose thoughts and add pictures. My last excuse is the beautiful weather we have been having. Those of you who have been to the compound know the lure of the chairs in the gathering spot on a beautiful spring day. Once you sit down, you don't want to move for hours. When you finally do get back in the house, all the things that were put off while you were sitting outside are waiting to be done. Making things even harder are the wonderfully confortable chairs we got from Eileen's sister!

Down in the dumps

2009-03-07T15:39:00.000-08:00

I don't know why I am feeling low today. Actually, that is a lie but I won't bore everyone with the reasons why. I had a great week and the weather was so perfect today. Everyone has low days. The important thing is how we handle them. For anyone interested, when I am having one, just leave me alone. I will work through my issues. If I am not myself for several days in a row, there might be cause for alarm. I will usually let you know when I want help. I want everyone to remember this for future reference because with the world in the state it is in, everyone is likely to have more bad days than in the past.

Raising a New Porch

2009-02-21T17:14:00.000-08:00

After a couple of incidents involving G-mom and a wheelchair we decided it was time to build a new porch on the Barn. A week ago Monday most of the men in the family gathered together to don toolbelts and "get it done!" They got a great start and I am happy to say that though it is not finished the grandparents are not trapped in the house and G-mom's knee has recovered enough for her to go down the steps. To cut them a little slack, the weather was lousy a couple of days this week and Donald did have a doctor appt and Dave did go on the temple trip today. The only requesst G-dad had was for a screened in porch. When finished it will be not only that but will have a swing and chairs for late evening porch sitting.

Fathers and Daughters

2009-02-17T14:28:00.000-08:00

Since no one else has told about it here goes.. One of the social events of the season in Tifton is the Daddy/Daughter Valentine Dance. This year I suggested that Dave take his girls and James drive over with his. I knew Jimmy and Catie had gone in the past. They all thought it was a great idea.

So last Thursday they all got gussied up and went off for an evening of fun. I wish you all could have seen the dance line as it passed by the camera Hayward's daughter Durran was holding. She was filming for the Fun Channel broadcast. We were not happy with her efforts as she managed to cut off all the father's heads and give the viewer whiplash with her movements. A fun time was had by all though no one came home with any door prizes, only candy and balloons. (The two Jed is holding were the Cinderella's of the night, they have to wait till they get a little older. Also DAVE spent all day driving around Tifton to buy dresses and shoes for his girls. Anyone need a personal shopper? He is looking for employment.)

Five Happy Things

2009-02-09T06:09:00.000-08:00

Clean sheets, house, and body at the end of a long week.
Cutting roses in my garden.
Watching a movie by myself on Friday nights (it is usually something only a few people would like)
Filling my shopping cart with sale items
Making Jed laugh or at least smile as I drop him off to school in the mornings.

More Jed

2009-02-04T15:22:00.000-08:00

What can I say, he is so photogenic. This is what he looks like after a long day that started out with seminary. We know he isn't using the blankie for warmth since it is not covering any exposed body parts, so we must conclude he needed a lovey after a long hard day.

I Love Seminary!

2009-01-27T06:21:00.001-08:00

Jed as the Apostle Paul

Pound Cakes

2009-01-24T07:58:00.001-08:00

Thanks to G-dad's chickens we have a lot of eggs on hand. I decided to make some pound cake using Great-grandmom Mcghee's recipe. I've made this cake many times. When we lived in Valdosta, GA way back in the 70's, the Bishop of the ward called me to the stand one Sunday. He gave me five dollars and told me to take my talents and multiply them. He also picked a young man for this challenge. I don't remember what the young man did, I just remember I did lots better than him. I bought ingredients with my money and cooked and sold pound cakes. I don't remember how much I made or what I charged, I just remember being glad when it was all over! Wish I had my double oven back then. I can whip them out quickly these days. Pound cake anyone? In case you are interested in the recipe, it is in the reunion cookbook which I am in the process of editing a second printing.

Smashed

2009-01-14T03:11:00.000-08:00

I think if I didn't have the gospel in my life I would be prone to drink. TV makes it look so darn inviting. On days when I feel a little smashed in the middle, I could get a little smashed. Not that I have reached that point yet because we all know the Lord never gives us more than we can bear. I have a cold, Jen would probably welcome a visit to assist with care during her down time from puenomia, and grandmom starts radiation every day for five weeks or so. This doesn't even begin to take in to account the never ending reaarranging going on around here. I know you are all saying "admit it Mom you love life like this." Jed had to write an essay on what is normal. We all had a good time with that one!! i know all will be well as long as I get the afternoon power nap.

My word

2009-01-05T15:24:00.000-08:00

ignore- pay no attention to, refuse to consider, disregard deliberately. I shall endeavor to ignore things, people, places, words, etc. that cause me to have high blood pressure. I will try to ignore foods that aren't good for me (good luck on this), I shall ignore Satan trying to fill me with discouragement or ungodly temptation. I shall ignore the phone ringing into a much needed nap. ( I might ask everyone to ignore this post if I come up with a better word.) It is hard to find and pick just one word!

One Word

2009-01-04T14:00:00.000-08:00

Jen asked everyone to pick one word to identify their plans for the new year. I decided to explore the dictionary. I opened it randomly and put my finger on a word, Kick. Next word was dictatorship. Tried one more time and the word was kickoff. So what does this mean? Heck if I know! Let's try again. Ok, this isn't working. Word was entrain, meaning to drag along after oneself. Last time, I am stopping now and giving more thought. Word was lie.

He was bored

2008-12-31T13:02:00.000-08:00

Jed refuses to update his blog so Helen and I thought we would share what we found while looking at on-line photos today.

The Girls

2008-12-29T14:44:00.000-08:00

No not all my adorable granddaughters. I am refering to G-dad's latest blogs. Who thought we would have a chicken farm in our backyard? I always thought G-dad thought they were smelly disgusting animals but you should see the house he keeps remodeling for his "girls" I must say there is one rooster out there also who is trained to begin crowing whenever he sees the hand that feeds him, anywhere in the yard. I tried to get a picture of rooster and the cat but wasn't successful yet. The cat follows Dad to the pen now as well as down to the road to pick up the paper. I would not be a bit surprised to see G-dad walking around the yard soon followed by a whole trail of critters? It will be ok as long as no one falls in the cement pond!

Not only are Dave and Eileen responsible for the chicken invasion but they gave the G-parents a digital picture frame for Christmas. Now everyone who visits can see what we presently look like instead of older pics. So keep posting photos on your blogs and we or Susan, the family techno person will transfer them to the frame.

Christmas Presents

2008-12-28T12:32:00.000-08:00

As you can see, Jed finally gave me a lesson on camera usage. I had to try and see if I could take a picture of my new tricycle. Dave took some great ones on his camera but didn't download them yet. For some reason his pictures will bear the label "Think Wizard of Oz". Just because there is an old lady riding a bike with a dog in the basket... Anyway, I love my bike!!! I started kidding around with G-dad several months ago about how fuel efficent one would be for trips to CVS. I also am always looking for inovative ways to exercise while combining other tasks. Can you just take my word for it that Gretchen and Sammie love riding in the basket? (see Dave's forthcoming photos) The real fun part though concerns Jed. He told me one day I could never do anything to embarass him. That was what he thought until....he heard me talking about the bike. He made some comment and I told him wouldn't it be fun to pick him up from school one day and let him ride in the basket. Helen used to love it when I would do that with her in kindergarten. Of course the basket was on the front of the bike and she was only five. Jed now lives in fear of the day I ride my blue bike to the back of Northeast campus. I have to figure out what kind of bell, horn, or other accessories to get. I need to figure out what to wear. Possibly outfit from Agrirama days complete with straw hat. Oh, the possibilities!! Never put out a dare to a fifty-three year old woman looking for ways to prove just how crazy she really is.

I shouldn't Make Jokes!

2008-12-28T12:12:00.000-08:00

Why is it in these pictures there are two men working and one man standing looking on? At least I know they all had a hand in the project because it is a different guy. The project is still not finished but, hey, the holidays came along, and school graduations, and trips to Idaho. The new kitchen as is came in handy over the holidays. We had several people in there at the same time and both ovens going. Traffic flow was great while fixing plates as we feasted Christmas Eve.

Jedisms

2008-12-17T06:00:00.000-08:00

If I had written them all down I would probably have a best seller. I suppose all of us think our kids say the greatest things. Jed has never stopped. Just last night he came out with a zinger, if I can remember the wording.
It started with me asking about a grade on a paper he had agonized over. He told me he got 106 on it. It was supposed to have taken all semester to do but he couldn't find everything he needed until last minute. It had to do with government and he got the six extra points for recreating the presidential seal as a part. He told me he is truly awesome because he could pull the project off last minute and do so well. I berated him about maybe he needs to cultivate a little humility. He put me in place by telling me he knows he has special gifts from God and that is why he drags himself out of bed in the mornings to attend seminary. It is one of the ways he shows gratitude, at least I think that is what he meant. Sometimes he is too awesome for me to understand.

A Thought for the Season

2008-12-07T11:11:00.000-08:00

I read this and thought it was so beautiful I had to share it:

Elder Marvin J. Ashton beautifully observed: “Perhaps the greatest charity comes when we are kind to each other, when we don’t judge or categorize someone else, when we simply give each other the benefit of the doubt or remain quiet. Charity is accepting someone’s differences, weaknesses, and shortcomings; having patience with someone who has let us down; or resisting the impulse to become offended when someone doesn’t handle something the way we might have hoped. Charity is refusing to take advantage of another’s weakness and being willing to forgive someone who has hurt us. Charity is expecting the best of each other.” 14

It's beginning to look like Christmas

2008-12-03T04:46:00.000-08:00

Inside the house anyway. We got out the decorations on Sunday and got the tree on Monday. Eileen and Donald have picked another fab pine or whatever. We may even leave it up till Valentines because it is out of the way in the solarium and there is very little heat out there so it should not dry out very quickly. Somehow a squirrel made a nest in a box of our decorations. The only thing destroyed was a M&M shirt I had been given last year. I put it in the box so I would remember I had it. The critter must have been hungry for chocolate to go with the nuts we found in the container. The container had no holes chewed in it so it is a mystery how entry was gained. Look for pics of the tree on Eileen's website.

How can we say goodbye?

2008-11-23T10:32:00.000-08:00

That is the title of the song the Tift County Chorus sings at the end of every school year. I think it is very appropriate as we watch Carol and Joe drive off towards the mountains, littering the way with discarded possessions but taking all the memories with them.

In my childhood Carol was the one who got us in trouble.

I know it was she who convinced Jimmy to be a monkey and swing from branch to branch till he lay there dangling and gasping for air. I had to share in the spanking that followed. She was the queen of the bedroom we three shared. She arranged it and assigned spots. That is why I can sleep on the floor with only a thin blanket to throw over my shivering body. In our teen years she designed and sewed our wardrobe. We had swatches to indicate our choice for the day since we all wore the same size. Guess who got first choice? She introduced me to the wild side of life when I visited her in Jacksonville after graduating high school. I don't think I was quite ready for bar hopping.

When I became a mother, she sent clothes for Jennifer and flew me and Jen down so I could show off my baby to everyone. She was with me when Helen was born and still bears the mark in her palms to prove it. She has kept my children at various times when I was dealing with family crisis elsewhere. I would still be stuck in PA if she hadn't come up and driven the car back down for us. I think everyone knows from her blog the things she has done concerning Timothy.

Ours has not been a perfect relationship. We have had our moments. I certainly don't want to diminish Susan in any way either. To me the definition of family is to know the faults and overlook them and to love in spite of. I hope we will always be "of one heart."

A Cross Between Jen and Carol

2008-11-17T06:55:00.000-08:00

Jen has been talking about books and Carol has been getting rid of a lot of them. G-dad is cleaning out to make room for some from CArol so I have those which I will pass along to Susan or Helen. Get all that? The ones from G-dad are cookbooks. That got me thinking about how that is one thing I share with G-mom. I love "reading " cookbooks. That is about the only thing I read these days besides stuff for seminary. I know it drives my familly crazy but I am always looking for something new and different to cook. I often hear "what is wrong with the way you used to do it?" At least I am sociable when I am cooking. I have become very selective about my cookbook collection. I love the little regional books put out by schools. In the ones Dad gave me were a collection published by Relief Society sisters way back in the sixties. I also have one from the boy scout troop in PA that Dave and Donald belonged to, a school in Alaska from Donald's aunt, and one from the American Legion post in Waycross. My cookbooks are a type of family history if one takes time to look and listen to the stories behind them. Maybe one of the great granddaughters will carry on this family tradition.

Timber!

2008-11-11T03:10:00.000-08:00

There is a tree by the G-parents house that has been getting way to big for its space. We decided yesterday was sthe day for it to begin to come down. Dave climbed up a ladder onto the roof with a chainsaw and began the process of trimming branches. Yes, Eileen and Dave have insurance. Eileen needs to blog about that family joke. Donald climbed up on the overhang to assist Dave. The rest of us stood around cheering them on and praying, and praying, etc. G-dad told us how when he was sixteen he could cut a tree to go precisely where he wanted it to go. Luckily the only mess up has been the disconnecting of the bat-phone line in the gathering area.

Video Link

2008-11-02T12:14:00.000-08:00

http://www.sgasports.net/new/images/stories/shine/movingwall.wmv

If you follow this link you can view a terrific video made by a local gentleman. I hope Susan doesn't mind me listing this, I just wanted to make sure everyone sees it. It is of the Moving Wall and has a great closeup of the Grandparents.

Has It been That Long?

2008-10-26T18:03:00.000-07:00

Life gets away from me fast these days. I had a great birthday. Lots of chocolate I didn't need but loved anyway. Donald and Dave haven't quite finished the new butcher block counter tops and cabinets from Ikea but at least I can use the new five burner range top now. Pecans are falling like crazy which is one reason I haven't posted in a bit. Every spare momoent is spent picking the dang nuts up before the squirrels or even worse the dogs do. What is it about pecans that gives dogs that awful stomach problem. Poor Tebow let loose right before Jed said prayer the other night and Jed could barely think straight since he was in the direct line of fire.
On a different note, a big shout out to Susan for the greaat job on the wall. Just the act of getting all the flags in place was a feat in its self. I know she had a lot of help but just getting it all going took a lot of gumption. The perfect end to a week of good times was the children's sacrament program today. Stella and Amelia did great speaking their parts. Stella memorized a huge scripture. I was impressed! You can really tell how the kids in the ward have grown when you watch them do their parts.

Don't Criticize Mom!!

2008-10-14T16:01:00.000-07:00

David has issue with my cooking more than one meal in a day and cooking before noon. I have gotten into the habit of cooking on Monday because Donald has to reheat all his meals anyway with him working nights. Donald doesn't complain, he knows it beats a candy bar from the vending machine at work. Once Monday is gone, my days are very unpredicable. Today for example; I got Home from seminary, did a little housework, took G-dad by the bank and then on to the doctor. By time we got home it was time to go to the Wall for lunch. Luckily Dave volunteered to take them, maybe he figured he would get a hot fresh meal there. Anyway, I threw together a dinner for Donald because I decided to not cook everything yesterday. Then I had to run to the family history center where I spent the next two hours bringing people home and picking people up. Most of my days are that way. So to Dave, I say, learn to enjoy old cold meals or cook it yourself!

A Serious Blog

2008-10-06T08:35:00.001-07:00

Those of you who may have listened to the Sunday morning conference broadcast may have noticed the choir sang Timothy's song also known as "I Feel My Savior's Love." If you missed it, it is archived at the church website. The new media player has all the music as well as talks from conference. Christina Ruberson played it on her flute graveside for the burial. With the recent death of Uncle Lorin and now, Joe, Granddad's cousin, and the fact that we are studying the last week of Christ's life in seminary, I was touched when the song was sung. If you have not listened to the words lately go to www.lds.org and hear it again.

How lucky am I?

2008-10-04T16:26:00.000-07:00

I finally have an oven that meets my needs again. Actually I have two ovens! Dave and Donald finished installing it yesterday. I have cooked cookies in the bottom and an angel food cake in the top so I am open for business. I know it will be heaven. When something like this happens I wonder how I managed for the last ten years. I have fed a lot of people in this house! I think it is because we woman make do. We take what we are given and make it work. Or maybe I just don't demand enough from life. All I know is I have to start making a list of what to do with all the free time I will have now that I can do a whole days cooking in one hour. By the way, if anyone needs to "borrow" it come on over.

Snakes, skunks, and other critters

2008-09-28T14:23:00.000-07:00

We have lived at this place for ten years now. In that entire time we have seen very few unwelcome predators. Since Dave and Eileen moved here we have had invasion of ants, two snakes, a chicken eating hawk, and lately....I have been smelling skunks. Can I tell you how this makes me feel knowing that each night usually after dark, I have to make the walk out to the poolhouse in the semi-darkness!! I am putting aside my supply of milk and tomato juice JUST IN CASE! I believe if you are prepared, you shall not fear. I wonder how Shelly feels about cats with white stripes down their back. She is not to fond of the ordinary kind.

Who Lives Here Now?

2008-09-16T12:33:00.000-07:00

When I was growing up, we had people living with us occasionally who were not family members. Some of them, like Joan Allen became family, others we would rather forget. Carol can elaborate on that, her memory is lots better than mine. Our home now has always been open to others. My kids can say whether their lives were affected or not, but I feel nuturing souls is one of my life's callings. This all came to mind when I realized only a year ago we were a household of teenagers with Andrea, Jed, Tabi and Matthew. Now we are a household of little children. (Don't take that too personally Dave) That got me to thinking about all the people who have come and gone through Donald and mine homes.

There was Tom Silvia in Virginia shortly after we got married. He adored Jennifer. He later married a first cousin. Last we heard he was living in Valdosta. Pat Davis, Donald's used to be BFF until he got his feelings hurt and cut off contact with us, was living with us when I got pregnant with Helen. Aunt Susan and family lived with us a couple of times. That was always an adventure, especially when she would sneak around the corner of the waterbed and rear up her head hoping to scare the daylights out of me. Then there was Mel, who loved David. She suffered a mental breakdown because of stuff guys in the squadron put her through and other issues in her life, but boy was she fun! Remember Cindy? She didn't get along with her Dad after her mom passed away. There were a couple of women fleeing abusive husbands who spent a couple of days with us. Uncle Jimmy lived with us for a few months before I had David. Since we have been in Tifton we have had Kevin who stayed with us when his parents moved to Texas his senior year. He fell asleep at the wheel of the suburban driving home from Valdosta one night.
He introduced Matthew to the joys of having tv video games in the home. Tom Stayed with us briefly before he and Aunt Susan got married. Ryan stayed here a lot while he and Helen were dating. Matthew had a couple of friends who thought they lived here. All this has been preparing me for my career if Dad goes to the big guest house in the sky before me. I figure I can run a boarding house. I hear they are making a come back in these desperate financial times. I think I am qualified as long as I get a good accountant. ( That would be you, Rich) I can cook, I just happen to be a big softie as evidenced by this blog.

Hidden Talents

2008-09-04T16:50:00.000-07:00

I was in the kitchen today and a fly flew by. I reached out and smashed it violently between my two hands. Helen remarked what a wonderful talent that is. I've got to admit I do get a lot of flies with my bare hands. We started talking about hidden talents of the weird nature. I would like to hear from all you bloggers out there. Who has the most unusual hidden talent?

Happy Anniversary

2008-08-30T10:32:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow will be mine and Donald's thirty-second wedding anniversary. I was twenty years old when we got married and Donald had just turned twenty-one in July. When you have been together more years than you have been apart is when you realize how two can be one eternally.

We passed that landmark a few years ago. But if you think we are bored with each other, think again. We may be boring and not much fun and old stick in the mud's, but be assured we love each other in a deep old fashioned way. We can ignore each others embarrassing little "things" that happen when least expected. We take pleasure in small things and are happy just being in the same room with each other.

One of the things we have done through the years was brought to mind by Carol's video mentioned in her last blog. I have always longed to be a dancer gliding across the floor in my partner's arms. It always looks so romantic; being held close and gazing into one another's eye's. One of our first dates was to a dance at ABAC. I was thrilled to find out Donald could dance. My former boyfriend always looked like a chicken with his head cut off, when he danced. Slow dancing consisted of rocking side to side with our arms wrapped around one another. Now Donald thinks he can't dance but considering I try to lead half the time, I think we do quite well. It has been one of the ways we have shown our children how their parents still find each other attractive after all these years. We hold each other close and sway and spin around, throwing in an occasional kiss for effect. The reaction we rarely fail to get is as they say "priceless." Lots of "ugh's and get a room comments" I have lost a lot of memories in the last few years due to a couple of near emotional breakdowns. Donald has been very supportive of me doing what I have to do to take care of myself. He will be glad to know that the memories of the early years of our courtship and marriage are still clear and wonderful to me. The secret to our years together is that he has always made me feel like the most beautiful woman in the entire world. He says I married him just to get out of Brookfield but in truth I married him because who could resist a guy who changed himself so much and looked so great when he walked up the steps of the house in Brookfield in his Navy whites. (think Richard Gere in Officer and Gentleman) I knew he knew the meaning of the word commitment when he gave up having his family at our wedding just so we could be married in the temple in Washington D.C. for time and all eternity.

Just Because

2008-08-27T16:42:00.000-07:00

Just because I am sitting here in the family history center waiting on Dad i will go ahead and comment on Carol's blog. I eat ice cream just because I like it and don't care what happens to my body as a result. The biggest thing I do is take a nap in the afternoon just because it makes me a better person for the rest of the day. My most daring thing today was to eat the free chicken sandwich Eileen brought back from MacDonald's instead of saving it for Donald just because I was hungry.

my Boring Life

2008-08-27T16:12:00.000-07:00

I personally find it very exciting teaching seminary. I love getting up in the wee hours of the morning. So much gets done before noon even arrives. The down side is I don't watch tv or socialize in the evenings anymore. Evening begins about 6:00. If I blog about my students, they might get upset. It is like a doctor, patient relationship you know. I have been having big times with the chickens. Maybe I will take some pictures tomorrow. I don't think I have anywhere to go or any obligations after I get home from seminary. Anyway, Dave and Eileen brought their chickens down from Atlanta and Monica Brown brought some more over bringing the total to about twenty. For a girl who didn't grow up around animals, I feel very close to my roots in the pen. I go out and gather the eggs in my little basket and bring them in annoucing to everyone the count for the day. The "girls" (not to be confused with Carol's girls) have been very upset by the weather. We were getting nine or so eggs a day and are down to three. I have been forced to climb over the fence onto the neighbors property to see if any have been laid in the tall grass there. I am sure I presented quite the sight hitting the ground in front of me with a long stick and singing to scare away any snakes or other critters that might be hiding!

RE: Celebrity Sightings and other odds and ends

2008-08-14T11:24:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all who have responded. I have enjoyed all the stories of which I am sure there are many more. Those of us who live in Tifton area are going to get together with Carol for a blogging class. She keeps finding little things to make the blogs more fun. Rich has offered a photo class also. I realized as I was taking a break from ironing the other day to pull the fresh baked bread from the oven, that it might be time to take a step or two forward in time. I am typing a blog though so don't make to much fun of me.

Aliens in the House

2008-08-11T09:09:00.000-07:00

No, I am not talking about any family members! I was sitting in the living room at 6:00 this morning waiting for Jed to wake up and get ready for seminary. Suddenly I heard an awful sound, truly undescribable except like something from a sci-fi movie. I really wanted to turn it off before it woke all the sleeping bodies but I didn't know where the sound was coming from. Gretchen started crying and Jed's alarm started beeping. Turns out it was Stella's alarm clock, a present from one of her uncles. It turns on at the appointed time and if not turned off within a specific amount of time it rolls off the table and all over the room forcing one to chase it down to stop the noise! Who invented this thing? It says "wide eye" on it and I guarantee that is what you will be when it goes off!!

Back to School

2008-08-06T13:28:00.000-07:00

The dreaded day is almost here! I start Seminary in the morning. For someone who has been sleeping in until 7:30, 5:30 is going to come real early. I am putting out the word now. I will promise dreadful punishment to anyone who calls before 10:00 on Saturday morning since that is the only day Donald and I both can lay in bed late. I sometimes try to wait up till he gets home at 2:30 am on SAturday mornings. I love teaching Seminary. It is the greatest calling because you have to study the scriptures every day and because you can't teach without the Spirit, your life has got to be in constant " trying to be like Jesus" mode.
I didn't accomplish a lot this summer aside from completely rearranging the house and poolhouse, making salsa, preparing to teach seminary (which included many hours of on-line training), and doing a little family history with the help of Jen, James, and Jed.
The highlight of my summer was the relaxing time I spent with Donald. In spite of everything we were able to spend a good bit of quality time relaxing, swimming, in the moonlight, ............

Celebrity sightings

2008-07-27T13:47:00.000-07:00

We all know I have sung on national tv with Richard Simmons. Well, while watching the fabulous online Pioneer Day Tribute featuring the Osmonds, the subject came up of meeting famous people. I couldn't quite remember all the details about your date with one of them, Carol, so how about a blog from everyone on famous people we have crossed paths with. Donald has a picture of Cher he snapped in the days before paparazzi. She was at the same hotel he was at for a convention while in high school. Of course anyone who has seen Sarah's blog lately knows who she has been seen with!

They're Here!!

2008-07-22T18:31:00.000-07:00

Dave and Eileen are almost all moved in. Eileen and the girls will be staying more than less, especially with school rapidly approaching. For those who have not stopped by, once again we are a marvel to behold. We have four adults, one teenager, three children, two dogs, one cat, one rat, eleven chickens, one duck. Almost sounds like the entire food chain doesn't it? We have two refrigerators, four sofas, three tv's, one pool table, one computer (Dave does have a laptop). So far no fights, I think they call this the honeymoon period. The biggest laugh has been when Eileen walked in on Donald a few minutes after he entered the bathroom. We have been closing the door since the babies can crawl and walk all over now. I have been locking the door since Nathan learned to turn the knob. I could say we have four children since Donald rode the motorcycle down from Atlanta. Speaking of, Happy Birthday (tomorrow) you wild thing!!