It's Almost Autumn!

 Above, a printable for you!

Ahhhhh ~ I so love Autumn

 I'd remove the swag, but that's me ;)

Grist Mill in the Cove ~

Cades Cove, my favorite spot
Are you getting ready for Autumn?!

Have I mentioned I love Autumn?!

A favorite Autumn post ~ enjoy and have an awesome weekend. Sunday's a'comin' !! By the middle of September we'll be ready to head to the east side of TN!! Then in Winter, back for the sweet snowfall ~ sigh. Life is good.

Click here to read one of my favs for Autumn ~ blessings

Reconnected With an Angel

Through a dear friend going through knee surgery, Johnny and I have reconnected with an angel from ICU at St. Vincent's. Our hearts are overwhelmed for we grew to love and depend on her greatly. She was a source of strength for my family and became my favorite nurse. God works in mysterious ways and we are so appreciative for this gift of reconnection. It was nine years ago April 21. It's easier now but Johnny and I still lay low on that day and pray and give thanks~

Sadly, when Kim knew me I was going through an emergency traumatic issue that only got worse before things began to get better. This is how I'm sure she remembers me ~

or this

A very difficult 77 days, from a terrible mistake an impatient doctor made. BUT the other staff at St. Vincent's are superior to any hospital we've ever had to spend much time in. They became family. God is so good. In fact, He is awesome. Here's a photo a year and half later, when we went with Nelson and his wife, Glenda, to our favorite vacation spot, Gatlingburg TN.

Thank you, Kim for being good not only at your God given gift but for going the extra miles during those long days and longer nights when I only wanted you. What I remember and what actually took place are so vastly different! One day soon, we will get drive up your way, meet and catch up. And thank you, God, for working through dear Wilma ~ even though she had to have surgery. If Kim was her nurse, she had the best ~ thank you, Kim. For so much {heart font}

Below, Thanksgiving 2014

My Favorite Photos This Week

Jenny's family had a nice Thanksgiving break filled with dinners, shopping, laughing, and dreaming of all that comes during this season. This photo was taken at Brandon's parents, but I now have a photo of the tree already up in the Maddox household! Ah, to be a child again. Well, not really. It had its worry free days but I love this stage of life as well. Older, maybe wiser?, and happy. The older I get, the more I treasure photos such as these.

When I saw this one, I actually cried. This is our Leslie. Pregnant with our sixth grandbaby and we are overjoyed. The pathway to welcoming this precious child was a bit more difficult and the answer to many prayers. She and Heath made a fun and relaxing trip to the Smokies over the holidays and I love that this was made, for it's a vision I'll hold for a long time. I'm so looking forward to rocking their little man. Yes, we have another grandson to love and spoil. {heart font}

When Stacey posted this one, I thought, "Gosh, I miss them. It's been awhile since we saw them!" It really hasn't been, but I have the heart of a grandmother that adores her 'babies'. My sweet mother in law love always called hers "babies", no matter how old they were. Now I know her heart and how it feels to be a grandmother. There really aren't words, just as I never understood a mother until I became one. Babies. Be still my heart. 

Stacey and Brett. The proud and loving parents of the two decorating their Christmas tree. All three girls have so much to look forward to in the new year with various dreams coming true. All three families stay busy. Busier than I think we ever were. However, it's easy to see that our children take time to share life with laughter and adventure; fill their homes with love; and make sure the Word of our Lord is taught and nurtured. It is an indescribable feeling to know we will walk through His gates one day and be together through Eternity.

I pray your holiday week brought joy and delight to your heart and home. Now begins the wishing and dreaming of a white Christmas, a baby's birth, and the gift of giving. I'd love to think we might have a white Christmas, but with our azaleas still in full bloom, I doubt it. But one can hope {wink font}. Take care and have a great week!

A Fern, A House, A Grin

Notice anything about this porch? Stupid Silly question. I love this porch. You can see lots more of it at Between Naps on the Porch. Love love love this blog. But I digress a bit. However, do yourself a favor and go there. You'll stay. And stay. And stay. Just warning you.

What I wanted to tell you today is about her fern! It's called a Kimberly Queen fern. And it's shed free! How nice is this?! Bostons are pretty, but messy. Love to shed. You can read more about the Kimberly Queen fern when you visit Susan at Between Naps on the Porch. 

I know, I know. I've showcased both of these sites recently. But when I saw the house Julia posted on yesterday I knew I had to. I.Love.This.House. or maybe I'm just in love with the area. The Smoky Mountains. Our favorite vacation spot. We didn't retire there, contrare to our dreams of the past, due to we would be moving further from our daughters and their precious families (which includes grandbabies!) So, we asked, they listened and answered. Hence, we're now coastal. And love it! But the Smoky's have our heart as well. Look at this home! Rustic, romantic, rugged.

I'm not sure if you can rent it but I took it that you could. The photo below is filled with things I love. I stared at it a long time. From the corbels on the island ends to the laser cut molding on the plate rack. I also love the photos on the wall. They look old and I love the way they covered the ceiling in the same wood. It looks like a very loved older home with all the nice new appliances and practical ideas. There's even a cutting garden and two guest houses, BUT I'll let you go to Julia's site, Hooked on Houses, and see for yourself. 

I have to end on a sad smile. I know children grow up. If they live, they grow. It's inevitable. But it's hard on a grandmother's heart. It's hard enough on the mommy, but it's doubly hard on a Nan. This sweet one is the middle child of our baby. He's shy until he gets to know you and he is his Pa's buddy. His mother texted this morning saying he had a loose tooth. Tonight we get this photo.

**Let me stop about the tooth and tell about the haircut prior to the tooth. Sniff, sniff. He has the softest curls and they grow quickly. He agreed to have them shortened today, but thought there was still a bit too much on top, so he asked his mom if the lady would cut it shorter. When she did, naturally it all had to be evened out, which brought it up above his ears. They get in the car and our sweetheart began crying, as in hard sobs. When mom finally got him to talk, he tearfully asked, "Will daddy know me?" Yeah, I had tears listening to my babygirl tell me about her babyboy. It's shorter than they want, but yes, it'll grow back.**

So, the tooth! You can tell by his grin that the hair is forgotten. His first tooth, which surprised me as I felt he had several more years! I don't feel any older, so it always surprises me when they have birthdays {wink font}. Happy First Lost Tooth, Noah! Pa and Nan love you dearly and adore that snaggled smile.

Happy November ~

I love fall and we are in the midst of it. I pray that you and yours will have a time of rest and relaxation during this time of cooler weather and breezes. I am in the process of taking photos of our home in it's present state, as we are beginning to change things and make this sweet abode our home. We love the area and look forward to settling in and making a trip to the Gatlinburg area in the near future ~ ah, Gatlinburg.That's not our present home as our girls wanted to visit a warm place and a closer place {smile font}. We are thankful we listened to them. John and I are very happy to be here and making new friends. Have a great week and may it be filled with love and laughter! Blessings ~

I Want . . .

these lovely ladies and their families back

because that weekend was so delightful for us . . .

and I want this long weekend in Gatlinburg back,

because it was cold, and fun, and relaxing . . .

and I am ready NOT to look like this anymore.

It's no fun being sick, when January was such a happy time.

{Note: go to our daughters page for more photos and pieces of just how much fun that weekend in Gatlinburg was!}

Snow in Gatlinburg!

This was our view going into Gatlinburg. Snow!! Beautiful white snow. In fact, it began snowing on us as we were driving through Townsend and all the way through Wears Valley and Pigeon Forge. It was so pretty! And I was so happy. According to The Weather Channel we were to get snow for three whole days!

We had one daughter with us, a comfortable condo, and a snowy evening. Good food, warm fire, and were waiting for another daughter to come in with her family. Brandon and Jenny's condo was awesome  (seriously, it was decorated beautifully) and they arrived safe and sound. The promise of having three days of snow was ultra exciting. But nooooo ~ thank you very much, Weather Channel. By Friday afternoon, the snowfall had pretty much ceased, and it was simply freezing and breezy. I may never believe them again. Ever. Again. Brandon and Jenny took their babies to Ober Gatlinburg, but that was it. No.more.snow. Just freezing weather. Snow in the mountains but only on the side of the road in town. Shoot, shucks, but wait!! We still found lots to do!! And it was such fun.

Leslie, with those gorgeous eyes, at a local haunt we love to frequent for good home cooked food. The sad thing is these few photos I'm sharing are the only ones I have! My family has made such fun of me over the years pulling out my camera to record each gathering that I hesitate to even take photos anymore. I was a bit sad to realize I had so few photos to remember this vacation. I am in hopes that Jenny took some and will share them on her blog once she gets unpacked. She already has a few from the trip on the way up.

I love being in Gatlinburg with this man. He enjoys the calm and slowness of it as much as I do. When the girls were younger we did the outlet/attractions/eateateat routine. But now? We sleep in, have a late breakfast, wander into the mountains, downtown, or a lane by Little Pigeon River. Then it's a late lunch and back to our condo to sit in front of a warm fire, read a good novel, and get good and sleepy on fresh mountain air. Just doesn't get much better.

The fun really began when this little Miss and her big brothers got to town. They entertained us with their happiness and delight at being "in the mountains!" Yesterday, I told you our plans for the weekend (which means these posts are a bit out of order). While the ladies shopped Tanger Outlet Mall, the guys took in the aquarium. I'm not sure who enjoyed it more, Ian and Noah, or their Pa. In fact, he said he could've traveled through it all one more time, but was outvoted. The girls and I had a nice time wandering in and out of stores and a delicious lunch in front of the fireplace at The Chop Shop. (Crazy name, great food) 

The Titantic museum was fascinating and I would encourage you to go if given the chance. It's well worth the price of the ticket. Sad when you realize it was an accident that could've been avoided. Shocking, when you feel the water temp they were thrust into. So many trapped with no way out. A real learning experience for all of us. Ian, especially, understood much more than I thought he would.

We did not go to the attraction, WonderWorks. Instead everyone, except John and I, decided a nap was in order. We took that time to wander downtown, window shop, and picked up Subway sandwiches and chocolates from Aunt Mahalia. Came back to sit in front of our fire, while the rested ones headed out for dinner and Ripley's Believe It or Not. Ian was still excited with what they saw there this morning at breakfast!

It was cold, cold, cold with no new snow the last five days of the trip. However, it was a truly nice vacation with six people we love dearly. Then it was time to go home. And it rained all.the.way.home. I'm serious. ALL.THE.WAY.HOME! But I still saw snow!!

Gatlinburg + Family =

loads and loads of fun. We went tonight to Dixie Stampede and I'm not sure who enjoyed it more, the three little ones too busy watching the show to eat the food put in front of them, or the adults that were the watching the children who were so enthralled they had no appetite. Yep, the take home bags came around and it was brought back to the condo. Noah claims there was only one "bad part". He didn't like the neon colored Native Americans that danced in pure dark. I thought it was very artistic, but to Noah Bedoah it was just too scary. But he loved loved loved the races and games between the North and the South! He picked up quickly that the North were the 'bwue' guys and the South were the 'wed' ones and would count the winner flags placed on the sides of the arena. Noah sat between John and me and there was pure happiness and delight that we were watching heart memories being made. Jenny has posted a bit more on their trip up at The Maddox Family.  You'll enjoy her bits and pieces and a video of Miss Elle.

Ian is seven and is absorbing so much of this trip. Today while the ladies went to Tanger Outlet Mall, John and Brandon took the boys to the Ripley's Aquarium. I'm not sure who had the most fun, Pa or the little ones. I asked him what he thought their best part was and he said it was a toss up between walking underneath the sharks or touching a stingray. I love watching children. They are fascinating little creatures. I told Johnny last night that I felt so much more 'at home' and comfortable with children than I do most adults. They don't judge, they love to snuggle, they are honest and they forgive so easily. They can't lie with a straight face and they love having your attention. Ian has just been a sponge with so much to look at, to experience, to taste, and smell. He found "crunchy snow, Nan!" last night {smile font} The snow had been cleared to the side of the parking lot and frozen, so yes, it was crunchy snow.

Tomorrow we separate until the dinner meal and I'm thinking Pa will take us to The Old Mill. It's another favorite of ours and he thinks the boys would love the rugged look of it. The food is always delicious and they give you so much of it!! I think the Maddox's are going to Ober Gatlinburg, so maybe someone will get to ski down a slope! or get a black bear souvenir! We'll hear about at dinner, I'm hoping! To tell you the truth, I'm not sure who is having the most fun, them or us. Leslie is in the condo with us. The Maddox's are upstairs and we've had such fun being close and having our quiet spaces to retreat to. Thank you, John, for making this all possible. It's a dream come true to be with two of our daughters, three of our babies and Brandon in such a beautiful place. It snowed Thursday night, flurries Friday, and is to be snowing Monday and Tuesday. Here's crossing my fingers again!!

Monday's plans sound like such fun and I'll save those until tomorrow.  Wish all of you were here! January is not a busy time in the 'burg nor Pigeon Forge which makes condo and hotel prices dirt cheap!! I would encourage you to look at Mountain Vista Luxury Rentals. They are new and we are very impressed. We plan to make this our official home away from home now! The Maddox's had 509 and John and I have promised ourselves we want to find two couples to come back up here either in February or March for a long weekend. Ours, 407, was nice and very comfy, but 509 was a beautifully decorated home and a great layout. $209 a night. That's all. Who wants to go?! We are to all head home Tuesday at some point and I want to stop in B'ham at The Summit and trade Johnny for Jenny. I'd like to have both girls in Charming Charlies with me to do just a bit more damage before going back into reality.

Here's a hint for our Monday morning excursion, lunch at the Apple Barn, then another fun interactive upside place to visit. Until then, thanks for stopping by. I'm doing this mostly for our family but maybe it's helped give you some ideas of making the trip to the Smoky's and what you may enjoy when you get here!! Here's hoping we see lots more of this before we leave!!!  Good night, sweet family and friends ~

Off to the Smoky's!

While we are off to the Smoky's for a nice, long vacation here are a few places to find some beautiful items, some neat crafts, and one precious outfit for Valentine's (modeled by no other than our grandbaby!).  First, I'll take you to a former student of mine and a talented designer. They are expecting their first child, a boy, and she is sharing the design board for his nursery! Go to Charm Home for a look at Cristi and Billy's nursery ideas!

At My Pink Life you'll get some ideas how to dress up everyday wear. I love her blog and encourage you to browse through the older posts!

This is one of my favorite home decor blogs. Velvet and Linen design and build homes I could sooo easily move into and feel cozy and elegant all at the same time!

Our daughter, Jenny, has a site that you'll find on their family site, The Maddox Family.  You'll find cute outfits and burp cloths and bip sets. Now to mention some funny happenings at their home. When you have three, there's always something going on!

And for those of you that are crafty and looking for an idea for Valentine's Day. Look no further. You'll find it at Jones Design Company and she has lots of other photos for your enjoyment!  So, have a great weekend filled with love and laughter! We're hoping to have a weekend of love, laughter, AND snow!!!

Lots & Lots of Pictures!

 Rather than try and put these in order and have to battle with the new way Blogger has of moving photos around, you're just going to have to view them the way they loaded.  I'm tired and I want an apple with peanut butter. Right now. So, without much further ado and description, here are the pics from our recent trip to Gatlinburg and yes, there was snow in the mountains!!! Not in town, not yet {grin font}.

We traveled with my brother and his wife.  Nelson and his wife, and John rode motorcycles each day we were there and loved it. {I do NOT ride motorcycles. I do NOT have any inclination to do so. And NO I will not entertain the idea, so save it.} This is a shot of Nelson after one of their rides when he was still in his leather. I think he could have stayed by that creek, a creek, any creek all day long and just watched it.

We drove through an area that we've not seen before (and we've been going to G'burg for over 27 years!) but there was a misting of snow and this solitary cabin. No name, no landmark sign, just this old cabin. John slowed down so I could stare at it, get a picture of it, and realize that I am very, very thankful that we don't have to live that way. I just don't think those were ever "the good old days".

Guess what? We stopped at the creeks. Alot!

But I love them, too, and would love living near one.

Just to hear the water.

Then we hit snow! And if we look goofy in these, it's because as we went into the snow for us to get our photos taken first, John slipped and fell down. Face forward. I almost wet my pants. C'mon, women, you know what I'm talking about, especially if you're 55 and have had several Diet Dr. Peppers! Nelson took a couple of pics of us (that were too goofy and deleted quickly), and then we switched places. That's when Nelson slipped! And he fell hard. It was funnier than when John slipped. Lots funnier. Ladies, you have no idea how hard I was holding those thighs together. I can't remember laughing so hard. Cars were driving by, slowing down, honking, waving, shouting out their windows.

And no bathroom in sight.

 The pictures I call 'the golden ones' were taken not far from town.

Hence, no snow. The weather was so crisp. So beautiful.

It was one of the best vacations I think we've ever had.

So ultra relaxing. So much laughing. Such natural beauty.

BEFORE he slipped and fell {laughing out loud font!}

Yes, that's the one I will not ride.

But he's okay with that, so we're both happy.

 Nelson's bike ~ did you know you have to wear lots and lots of leather when you ride a motorcycle? And I've been seeing bikers on TV and they wear jeans and wife-beater shirts. Sheez. Not my men. They are dressed to the eye teeth in leather. All in the name of safety. I believe it and endorse it {wink font}.

 Have I mentioned that I love this man?

Probably, but just in case, let me tell you

I am so in love with this man.

And no my hands are not fisted. I'm holding his belt loops.

 Look!!!! and it only got deeper the higher we went!

 Now they are getting silly.

 and sillier. But I adore them both.

And love that they are best friends.

 The ones with this background were taken at the cabin.

Oh, the cabin! I have got to write a post on the cabin.

I'll do that tomorrow.

Still haven't had my apple and peanut butter 

 I always think of the Neil Diamond song 'Solitary Man' when I see this photo. I'm telling you, we could have

driven off and yelled out the windows "goodbye" at the top of our voices, and he would have waved back toward at us absentmindedly. He loves the creeks. John loves the mountains. They compliment each other rather well. That and the fact that one is a rabid Auburn fan, and the other is just as rabid for the Tide.

 If I weren't 1) in such a hurry to get that apple, and 2) hated fooling with Blogger since they changed the way they allow you to add photos and move them around, I'd have put the ones together with the way we'd dressed for the day. Forget it, though, it's just not worth it. {smiling!}

 I don't like helmet hair. She solved it with wearing a baseball cap. I don't like those either. To each his own. While they rode the miles, I went shopping and/or camped out on the back deck that had a large swing that I loaded up with blankets and pillows AND a gas log fireplace. YES, on the deck. It was heavenly.

I can't wait to go back. John, if you read this, you know you have some extra time around Christmas this year. And I promise not to pack so much. Or drink so many cokes when there are no bathrooms around. I'll even drive. As long as it's interstate. And you know Aunt Mahalia's Candy Store said they needed business. Truly, y'all, tourism is DOWN in Gatlinburg. The economy is hitting everywhere. I say we help them out!