Faith, Family and Friends

Yuck, Double Yuck & a Eeeek!

Yuck! Double Yuck!! Is this not a serious nightmare?!

A 97 pound rattler! Supposedly in Alabama.

Alabama!! Right here in my home state!

Now, I have my doubts this is true, in fact,

apparently everyone is laying claim to this nasty thing.

But! I thought they only grew things this big in Texas!

~~~~~~~~~~~~

But we do have sweet, fluffy, and nicer things here ~

like this precious, fluffy goldendoodle!

and we have little titmouses here!

or should that be titmices?

and it just wouldn't be right to include The Hood's favorite,

the largemouth bass, the state's fish!

Ah, you thought I was going to say Alabama football, didn't you.

Nah~

Alabama football is his blood!

And he's counting down the days!

~~~~~~~~~

If you live in Texas and you have a picture of a larger snake,

let me know. I'll visit your page and give thanks it was there.

With you!

Just WHO Needs Soup?!

Recently, Michelle Obama went to serve food

to the homeless at a government funded soup kitchen.

Cost of a bowl of soup at homeless shelter ~ $0.00 dollars

Having Michelle Obama Serve you your soup ~ $0.00 dollars

Snapping a picture of a homeless person

who is receiving government funded meal

while taking a picture of the first lady

using his $500 Black Berry cell phone ~ $$$$ Priceless

Babies & BMW ~

Someone has a new haircut!

and someone else choked up when she saw it~

(I do NOT like it when babies grow up.)

Someone began going once a week to her new school,
so it won't be so new to her in the fall!

and someone else tearfully said, "John,

look how grown up she looks sitting there."

These two love watching TV r.i.g.h.t. in front of the screen.
and someone else told them the only way they could watch it
was seated right next to Nan ~ and only one believed me.
While the oldest giggled at me, and moved to the ottoman,
the littlest scrambled quickly into my arms and stayed there.
Yeah, I lie to get my way~

A friend of ours posted this on his Facebook,
it made me giggle, and I just had to share it.
Far left, Audi ~ "Your move, BMW".
BMW ~ "Checkmate".
I am so in love with my little white car, a 323i,
and loved the fact that BMW threw it back at 'em~
Can't wait to read of, and see, Audi's response!

She Was a Grand Lady ~

Grandma Cook, Miss Ellene, was such a sweetheart ~

Johnny and I attended a Celebration of Life today

for her and listened with others at the memories

she so lovingly left with her family.

We, too, knew of her kindness, her compassion,

and her love for laughter. We were the receipents

of many cards, recipes, and funnies sent simply

to brighten our day. You shall be missed, Miss Ellene,

and you were so loved, by so many.

Today I learned that she put herself in the way of harm

to save her grandson, our beautiful son-in-law;

she received various church bulletins just so she could send

hand written notes to those in need of prayer;

loved loved loved singing, even after

she was no longer able to do so herself;

and her laughter never failed to bring

everyone around her to their knees laughing with her.

What a wonderful tribute.

Our newest grandaughter has been given her nickname, Elle.

Miss Ellene turned 85 years young, one week ago.

As Jenny put it, "Heaven is a little sweeter today."

I Want To Go To New York City!

I always have ~ call it a childhood dream.

Being a stewardess and based in New York City~

One of my favorite blogs is The Pioneer Woman,

and she is in New York City with her husband & daughters.

Saturday, they visited Tavern on the Green.

I want to go there one day.

Can you imagine this treat for the eyes?!

And this is the site from the front!

and yes! I want to take a buggy ride!

Ree describes this as a "wedding cake ceiling",
I think she's nailed it.

I want to see this, too.

(Doesn't Ree take the most beautiful photographs?!)

So, who wants to go with me?!

Just a Gallon of Paint~

Before ~

After ~

I just love how a gallon of paint

can change the look, the feel,

the ambiance of a room~

Now the baskets, artwork, iron decor

just pops against a darker color.

It's also in photographs that you notice

the little things you missed,

like painting above the fridge!

(Or that I forgot to make sure the paint tray

was thrown away and the ingredients

for the apple tart weren't out on the counter.)

You know, those little everyday things

you overlook on an everyday~

Now the old window has a new look

against a darker color~

The laundry looks richer, and there's finally

finished decor above those cabinets!

And I am loving having this set

on pedestals! I don't have to bend over

to get the wash in and out! Awesome.

From there, I moved to the wall behind the TV.

Got the shelf and mirror hung, items added,

and I'm really liking it. Really, liking it.

Again, it's the photographs where you notice

things like that throw should be arranged a bit

and the mirror appears streaked, and

there needs to be a large plant to the left of the TV.

I didn't realize how difficult it is to get a decent photo

of a mirror that's hung fairly high. Hmmmm~

The next day it was on to the guest room,

where the same paint brought coziness and warmth

to an already nice room. Just needed that little bit

of definition. Yeah, I know, I need shams or

something on those pillows. Haven't decided yet

if I want shams or a cover. Any ideas?

Got the valances hung, and I'm happy.

Real happy. I like the curtains even better.

Looking at these snapshots I can see where

I'd like to have some wall words~

just need to decide what and where.

When I decide, I'll let you know

and post some shots to share with you.

Isn't it amazing what a gallon of paint

can do to a room? to a home? to your weekend?!

UPDATE: I don't know if you ever go over to the side and visit the blogs I have designated as *NEW* but there is one that I visited today and am loving what she did to her mirror! And I am going to do it to mine!! As of this update, I have already notified Paige and she is getting my 'H' ready! I am having it done in the 'etched' look and you can bet I'll share a snapshot of it when it's here and on the mirror. WhooHoo!! See? You really need to check out NEW blogs (wink,wink). By the way, you can click on the picture to read the post that inspired me!

I Love ~

I was saying morning prayers

& this snapshot came to mind.

I just love this smile,

it is so Ian Todd~

then I got to thinking

about other loves in my life.

I have always, always loved her eyes,

and I love the spunk & laughter in him.

It's no news to you that I love these curls~

and these as well.

For someone with straight hair,

I longed for curls.

Now I have daughters and babies

with headfuls of soft curls~

I love this Princess ~

and the one yet to be born.

And I thank God daily for these men,

these strong Christian men

that love our daughters,

adore our grandbabies,
and walk the walk.

I am humbled by these blessings~

Where In the World?

Where in the world would you live if you had

the chance, the money, the opportunity

and no obligations other than going

where you wanted to go, and doing

what you wanted to do, and being

just yourself for no less than four weeks?

I'm curious~where would you be?

Me?

My foreign wanderlust dreams include

living and loving in an apartment overlooking

the Grand Canal in Venice~

windows open to the sounds and smells

of native Italians, as they go about

their everyday business.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Stateside would find me in Bar Harbor, Maine~

early fall, when it's cool, frosty mornings

cuddling in a local cottage, soaking up

the sights, history, and local lore.

So?!

Where would you go?

Leave me a comment and tell me two places,

you can see yourself living, laughing, and loving

for no less than four glorious weeks?!

Include one foreign location and one stateside!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

It's easy to leave a comment!

even if you don't have a Google account.

Where do your dreams take you?

Did You See Any Animals?

For those of you that are new here, I was given a beautiful and unforgettable glimpse of Paradise when an outpatient procedure went horribly wrong April 21, 2006. Mere words will never do it justice, although I still strive to do so. Recovery was the hardest thing I have ever done, and it has just been the last 6-8 months that I can truly say "yeah, I DO know how far I've come". There are parts I do not remember, may never remember. There are parts I wish I could forget and never remember again. But being given that glimpse, just to be told "It's not your time, Nancy. You have to go back", has been something I still speak of with my counselor.

Today I saw Rick Norton, the father of Skylar. He still grieves and I honestly cannot imagine how difficult this road is that he and his family must travel. To look at him, you see pain and heartache etched upon his face. Within his eyes is trauma that only the King understands, for He too lost His child to death. Yet there is an assurance that I saw today, the assurance that he is moving forward. Forward to that time of being reunited with his daughter.

He asked me, what I thought, an odd question today. One that I contemplated during the ride home with Johnny. Rick asked, "Did you see any animals?" I told him what I did see, and yet he repeated, "But did you see any animals?" And I had to tell him that no, I don't recall seeing any animals.

You see, Skylar loved animals, and he wondered if there were animals in Paradise. He wanted her to be surrounded by what she loved, not only by those she loved and loved her. I saw no animals, Rick, but I did see ~

tall, shade giving trees and the most beautiful flowers, and shrubs, and the greenest of grasses. It seemed to go on and on forever. These are all living things, so I believe that yes, it is possible that there are animals in Paradise. They are created by the King, just as He created and placed the flowers, the trees, the grass, all within the Garden that defies mortal words. He created them for our pleasure, and I remember well the happiness Skylar's pets brought to her world here.

Just as I know there was a heavenly being beside me, just as I knew I was separated from Earth and my beloved Johnny, I know I saw Paradise. What I was given was a brief glimpse where His children go to await Judgement. It was more beautiful, more peaceful, more everything than I have ever read of within the Scriptures. I know He loves us, He comforts us, He provides for us and I know that when I return everyone I love and everything that brings joy and delight and appreciation for my King will be there.

So yes Rick, I prefer the vision of Skylar playing and frolicking in that Garden of the King with loved ones that have gone on before us and animals. My father loved flowers and I promise you the most magnificent arrangement he was watering was nothing like he had here on Earth. Why shouldn't there be animals in Paradise? He created them for our enjoyment ~ why should that end here?

I am no theologian, so please, if you are reading this and disagree, that's fine. We can agree to disagree. But I know what I saw, what I felt, what was there ~ and that's all that really matters to me. My heavenly Father has created a most unbelievable place for His own, and I refuse to limit Him to what may or may not be there.

Because I could not stop for Death

~ He kindly stopped for me ~

Emily Dickinson

* * * * * *

Johnny's uncle Pete was buried this afternoon. In an old country cemetery, amidst many family members long laid to rest. He lived a good and righteous life, and there was soft chuckles as someone recalled a memory, smiles when one commented on his caring nature and his love for family. He loved, and was loved.

The following is the eulogy, delivered by family friend and minister Michael Brock. You did a beautiful job, Michael. Thank you~

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"As I was searching for words to say, I was reminded of what a good man Walter Bailey was. But that wasn't the first thing I thought of when I thought of him. the first thing I thought of was how humble he was. I wish I could be as humble and as kind as this man. I never knew him to be harsh or unkind to anyone but was always pleasant and he was that way every time I saw him. I am reminded of what the inspired writer James states in James 4:5-10. Walter Bailey was a humble man.

Walter Bailey loved his family and his family loved him. Not just his wife and children, but his nieces and nephews also loved Uncle Pete, along with many others. Walter Bailey was a loving man and I know he will be greatly missed.

I also believe Walter to be a righteous man. I know when he lived in our area he attended services of the church and as already stated, his life reflected the characteristics of a Christian. Walter Bailey was a righteous man and I thank God for that.

But you know, I can't help each and every time I attend a service such as this, but to think of what the writer of Hebrews states in Hebrews 9:27, 'as it is appointed men once to die, but after this the judgement' and these appointments we all will make.

Through the grace of God, the chapter does not end with verse 27. Listen to verse 28: 'So Christ was once offered to bear the sins for many: and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.'

Listen to the inspired words of the apostle Paul as he describes our sinful nature but also the hope that we have in Christ, {Romans 7:14 - 8:1 and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18}

My prayer would be to all of us in attendance here today, that we would examine ourselves and realize that we are sinful and that one day we will come to this time in our lives when opportunities are no more. That those who have not, would obey the Lord's plan of salvation so you would have that same hope the Apostle Paul had, that Walter had. "For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me in that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

As we drove through the country cemetery on our way out, John spoke of seeing headstones of his grandparents, great and great great grandparents. There is a beauty that rests within these grassy areas, and comfort knowing He cares, He weeps, He loves.