FAMILY AND FRIENDS

I have to be a proud mother here for a few minutes. Please indulge me. My son, Adam, is a photographer. He has had his own business,Perfection Photography, for about 4 years. Along with his wife, Suzanne, they are building up a great reputation. I am very proud of the work he does...as I am POSITIVE he got his artistic eye from me! :) I can see his work getting better and better and the things he captures in the lens sometimes amaze me. Today, he is the featured photographer on the Pictage website. Pictage, with over 7000 members, is the leading full service photography studio/laboratory for professional photographers. In their blog, they feature various photographers whose work they think deserves recognition. And, they picked MY BOY to feature today. With no bias whatsoever, let me say that I think the Pictage people are extremely wise and insightful! Click here to go to the feature. At the bottom of his article, click on where it says to see more of his work...it will take you to his website and you can really tell more about what he does. Thank-you, and I hope you enjoy seeing his pictures. By the way, he is available to travel...just in case you were to ever...you know...desire the services of an extremely capable photographer!...with a beautiful wife!...and a proud Mom!
**************************************************************************
Today, my sister, Joy, and I had lunch with 2 of our dearest friends, Jan and Jolene. They are sisters and grew up next door to us. Oh, the things we have shared through the years! Jan lives in NC and Jolene lives in TX. They were home to give their dad, who is Uncle Allison to me, a 90th birthday party. It really doesn't seem right to call them friends, because their family and ours are so much more. Their Mom(my Aunt Katherine) and their sister(Brenda) live with Jesus now. It has been years since we have all gotten to sit down and talk. And talk, we did! We managed to sit in Olive Garden from 11:00 til 2:30...and there was never a lull in conversation. We caught up on their families and they on ours. It is ironic have we have gone through some similar things through the years. God has been good to all of us and has blessed us all greatly. When I saw Jolene coming across the walkway toward me, it was as though I was seeing Aunt Katherine again. I never before noticed how much she looked like her mother. After our lunch, they BEGGED me to take them to see our house.:) They approved and made me promise we would have a pajama party next time they come home! And, we will!

Jolene and Jan, you are so dear to me and I treasure the time we get to spend together. I love you both!

Jolene...Jan...Tonja...Joy

Jolene...Joy...Tonja...Jan

Jolene...Jan

A FURNITURE FLUB.....

Don and I have just returned from the new house. It seems that I may have possibly, quite by accident, totally unaware and not meaning to at all, and never would in a million years...ordered a piece of furniture for the kitchen that is too big for the space that has been allotted to contain it. I know...I know..it is hard to believe that I could do that, and it really is not MY fault. REALLY! I checked with the architect before I ordered it and he said it would be just fine. I even gave him a print out of the piece WITH the dimensions. Well, you would think I had ordered a whole roomful of pink plastic furniture with yellow daisies to hear all the uproar. I mean, this is just a little bump in the road...a mere pebble...there is just no reason to make it into a full blown mountain with snow on top! It is a very cool piece and I will use it in my studio where it will receive the proper adoration....no biggie! I do not know why this has to turn into a barrage on my math skills! Yes, I can use a ruler...and yes, I do know that 66 inches is a higher number than 58 inches. And, yes, I can read and write down the numbers correctly! I am a kindergarten teacher remember...and never you mind that we only use numbers up to as many fingers as we have. I hate it happened, BUT, it probably won't be the only thing I mess up. Not that I am planning to, mind you....but sometimes 'things' just happen. "Just gotta roll with it, Baby..."
This is the piece in question...but in distressed black.

I don't mean any disrespect by showing you this sign. I have had it for a while, and somehow...this seems like a good time to share it. I'm just saying...

THERE'S NOT ENOUGH TO GO AROUND

As I told you in the previous post, we spent Memorial Day on a Honda Goldwing. That was because my Mom and Pop agreed to care for Alex. He has been in such pain lately, that I will not leave him for any length of time...unless I have someone specifically agree to look after him. We had a pretty rough night last night. Alex had to take extra meds, which is always a concern to me. Today was Don's follow-up appointment in Birmingham with his Neurosurgeon. I was planning to go with him. I have not been able to see his doctor or talk to him since we found this intruder in his brain...and that is something I really wanted to do. But, when we got up this morning, I just could not feel comfortable leaving. There are times when my gut just says "don't leave." And, through the years, I have learned to trust that feeling. This change of plans, of course, disappointed Don. He had to make the trip by himself. He understood and said I was right to stay, but I just feel so torn in situations like this.

One of the hardest things throughout our years raising our boys with their difficulties, is feeling like there was never enough of me to go around. One brother got most of the attention and the other brothers sorta of fended for themselves.(I don't mean Don didn't help...he did, but I am talking about the 'mothering' things). At least they all had their turn at being the one to have my attention. And, now, I feel the same way about Don. I am not able to spend the time with him that I would like, because Alex needs someone near. I feel as if I am always asking the qestion,"Who needs me the most?"

There is no neat and tidy answer to this dilemma...it just is what it is. I am not whining...just stating facts. Because all the moments I spend with Alex are so sweet. He is so appreciative and so concerned for my well being. It has been several months now since he has had any break in his pain. It just gets overwhelming at times...and someone needs to be near. I pray for him to just get a good night's sleep.

Don just called with his report from the doctor. All looks the same. The mass has not changed in 6 months...so we Praise God for that! He goes back in a year unless he begins to have some problem.

He also found some teak outside furniture on sale at Restoration Hardware, and he loves to buy things on sale! So we discussed and bought a lanai full of furniture...he in the store connected to me at home by cell phone. Whatever works, huh? Sometimes you just have to be creative to make things happen. Most times there IS a way...if you try hard enough!

So, we have lovely furniture for the lanai and poolside....but nothing for inside the house. That is something else I have learned....do what you can WHEN you can...that may be the only opportunity you have. Matters not if it is out of order...that;s what keeps life interesting!

MEMORIAL DAY RIDE

What a perfect day to celebrate the beauty of God's world...up close and personal! Don and I are ready to ride!

But, not just by ourselves...this is a day to spend with friends who are like family...Tina and Buddy and Pat and Bill. Fabulous breakfast compliments of Pat and Bill...YUM! Let's go!

Oh, the open road! Sun shining, trees blowing in the wind, good music playing in the headphones...this is the life! I've heard that the only folks who really understand why a dog likes to stick his face out of a fast moving car window are motorcycle riders! :)

We passed little country churches...

...rivers just waiting to be fished in...

...sleepy little towns, decked out for the holiday.

But, even on this mode of travel, there must be stops here....


Well, I think I was getting a little bored here! But, hey, it's a cool picture, isn't it? Can you tell I am holding the camera?

The sun is beginning to set and we're close to home now.

Memorial Day...remembering...and making new memories.

***********************************************************************************

REMEMBER

"Greater love has no man than this, that he lays down his life for his friends."
John 15:19
*************************************************************************************
I can recall talking to my grandmother Merritt years ago and getting her to tell us about her family when she was young. She recalled a time when her brother went off to war. Her Mother was very sad while he was gone and always felt uneasy. Once when she was walking down the dirt road to their house, her son came walking up the road to meet her. He told her he loved her, and walked on past. When she turned around to call him back...he had vanished. Granny Merritt said that she was inconsolable...she was certain he had been killed. The next day the "war men" as she called them came to their house to tell them about his death.

I know there are many stories such as this and similar to this that circulate among those who lose loved ones. Is it true? Do they really see their loved ones?
I have no clue. But, I will say this...the Bible states that to be ..."absent from the body is to be present with the Lord..." 2 CR.5:8. So, I believe at the moment of death we are immediately in the presence of God. But, that's what I believe...because I believe the Bible is true. However, does this mean those who are to undergo terrible pain and loss soon are not granted one more sight of the person they love so much? A loving God must grieve along with a mother and father who have lost their sons in battle...or those who have lost husbands and wives. I know God is great and powerful and is in control of all time and space. He can do what ever the situation warrants, if it is His will.

So...true or not? I have come to the conclusion...I'm not sure, but ..."with God, all things are possible." Matt.19:26
***********************************************************************************

Hope your Memorial Day is filled with FOOD, FUN, FAMILY, and FOND REMEMBERENCE!

THAT'S A BEAUTIFUL THING #19

PUT THERE TO STAY

One of the goals I have in working with children, is to teach them songs that they can call upon later in life. Now, you may think they will not remember, and they won't remember all of them, but, I have had several former students who are in high school or college now that can still sing to me the solos they did when they were in one of my programs, or that we did frequently in class.

Can you remember songs you learned when you were a child or a preschooler? There are several that I remember well. And I can recall almost every word. I am going to list some of them here. While this may not be terribly interesting to you, I do it here as a way to archive these in case, you know, I begin to forget, or start to lose my mind, or go suddenly stupid, as I have been accused of recently.

***WHO CAN MAKE A FLOWER?***
O who can make a 'flower?'
I'm sure I can't can you?
O, who can make a flower?
No one but God, it's true! (May substitute other things God made)

***SUNBEAM***
Jesus wants me for a sunbeam
To shine for Him each day.
In every way try to please Him
At home, at school. at play.

A sunbeam, a sunbeam
Jesus wants me for a sunbeam.
A sunbeam, a sunbeam
I'll be a sunbeam for Him.

***HE OWNS THE CATTLE***
He owns the cattle on a thousand hills
The rocks in every mine.
He owns the rivers and the rocks and rills,
The stars and sun that shine.
Wonderful riches more than tongue can tell,
He is my Father so they're mine as well.
He owns the cattle on a thousand hills,
I know that He will care for me.

***LET THE SUNSHINE IN***
My mommy told me something
A little girl should know.
And it's all about the devil
And I learned to hate him so.
She says he causes trouble
When you let him in your room
And he'll never, ever leave you
If your heart is filled with gloom.
So let the sunshine in,
Face it with a grin.
Smilers never lose
And frowners never win.
So let the sunshine in
Face it with a grin.
Open up your heart and
Let the sun shine in.

***FAITH, HOPE, CHARITY***
Have faith, hope and charity
That's the way the Lord would surely be.
How do I know?
The Bible tells me so.
Do good to your enemies
That's the way the Lord would surely be.
How do I know?
The Bible tells me so.
Don't worry about tomorrow
Just be real good today.
The Lord is right beside you
And he'll guide you all the way.
So have faith, hope, and charity
That's the way the Lord would surely be.
How do I know?
The Bible tells me so.

***QUE SERA, SERA***
When I was just a little girl
I asked my mother what would I be?
Will I be handsome, will I be rich?
Here's what she said to me:
Que sera, sera
What ever will be...will be.
The future's not ours to see
Oue sera, sera.

As I have tried to remember ...these are the ones that come easily to my mind. I think they are probably some others, but these must have been my favorites...along with*** JESUS LOVES ME*** and*** JESUS LOVES THE LITTLE CHILDREN***, of course.

Now there is one I must include that I learned when I was in the Youth Choir at our church, probably in the 8th or 9th grade. This was an anthem, and I am not sure why all these words stay with me, but they are beautiful and I hope I never forget them!

***LO, I AM WITH YOU ALWAY***
Christ is with me all the way
If I walk with Him each day.
Willing is He to share my load
While I dwell in this abode.
When I'm troubled, tempted, tried,
Then my care to him, I confide.
And I hear His sweet voice say,
"Lo, I am with you alway,
Lo, I am with you alway."

Christ is all the love I need
And his voice my heart will heed.
None just like Him ever be
He no stranger is to me.
But a trusted friend and true.
My help in all I say and do.
Leading me in ways He trod
Christ the man, and Christ the God.

I know as soon as I post this, some other song will come to mind, if so, I'll add it later. What about you? What are some of the earliest songs that you remember singing?

TO DO LIST.....FRIDAY

Yep, I think this is just about right!

THIS WAS SUPPOSED TO BE THE 'REST' DAY !!!

It is Wednesday evening and I have just sat down to rest. I know...I said I was going to sleep all day, BUT...I should have known better!
My program went very well last night. The children sang their best...well, most of them, anyway. A few had to act out, as usual, but overall, I was very pleased. It is strange how from year to year there is a different 'feel' to the class as a whole...actually 4 classes. This class has always been a little reserved. And some years, it seems as if they all are high energy. But, whatever, they are all precious. It is a privilege indeed to be able to help guide their steps. Our program this year was called "Follow the Shepherd". It is one of my favorites. I wrote 3 of the songs and 3 poems for it, and the rest I compiled. After the program, our director, Bonnie, presented me with this beautiful painting! How appropriate...it will look perfect in my new house! And look at that frame! Thanks so much, Bonnie! You, and my new painting, are fabulous!

This is my friend, Debbie, who is my pianist and dear friend! She is a mighty prayer warrior and we seem to see most things the same way...the world is full of 'crazies' and they all need to come to us for advice! She is a pastor's wife, and she would NEVER say that, but I will! Forgive me, Deb. :)

This is my new friend, Andi, who has been an aide for me the past few months. She is a breath of fresh air and a boost to my spirit. She has helped me tremendously, as well as shared 2 of her 3 little boys with me! I am blessed by her so often.

So, since I was so wiped out yesterday and last night, I did not finish cleaning out my room. Nor, did I get my things to my car that I needed to bring home. SOOOOO, I had to go in this morning and get that completed. Ian and Adam came by to load it up for me, and finally, I was through.

I managed to get into the car to head home, and our friend, Ron, called to say the new cars were in and my lease was up. I needed to come in today and look. So, Don picked me up and off we went to the Honda dealership. I have been driving a Pilot for several years, but the new ones are larger and it costs so blamed much to put the 'go juice' in them, that Don really wanted me to go with something smaller. So, I drove a CRV and then an Accord. I picked the CRV because I am just not ready to give up my SUV and having that extra space. So, tomorrow, I will go and pick up my new car. I had several colors to choose from, but settled on a new, funky green. Haven't seen any others this color. I'll show you a pic tomorrow. Now I have to go and clean out all the stuff in the inner recesses of the Pilot. YUCK!

OK...while we were there...Don got a call we needed to go check on something at the house...so, off we went to see about that. Here is a picture of the outside chimney...so you can see the mortar wash. I think it is going to be very pretty, especially when accented with another tone a little darker.


THEN...can you believe there is another THEN?...Ian met us at the new house and was starving! Moving is such hard work. and he has been unloading this truck for 2 days.
He is all moved in, except for stocking his kitchen. But, he and his roommate are leaving on their road trip to NYC Sunday, and all his cash is in lock-down mode. So, off we went for a late lunch. How very handy to live in the same town as Mom and Dad...!

NOW, I am home and sitting on the bed...filling you all in on my day. I will make no predictions on tomorrow...because I would most likely be wrong. But, soon...very soon...I am going to have that 'day of rest!'

WHIRLWIND DAYS

Whew! It's nice to catch my breath! We had a busy week-end in Birmingham with Ian, and his graduation. I drove his car to Dothan and Don left to go to a meeting in Callaway Gardens. Today, was my next to last day of school, and we had program practice. Kinda had a snafu with practice times, so it threw us all off. The kids were tired, and did not practice as well as I would have liked. Then when school was over, Don called me to go to the new house and we ended up staying there for a couple of hours. We are trying to get the mortar wash right on the brick. I don't want it too heavy where it looks like stucco, but I don't want it so light that it looks like painted brick. Trying to explain this to a group of men who do not speak English is not easy! I need my sister-friend Shirley...she has taught Spanish for about forever. Then the man came to talk about the sound system and security system and computer and TV stuff. Why does this have to be so complicated? I would like to just go to Wal-mart and get me a boom box and be done with it! LOL! At least I would know how to work that! Then we had some flooring issues, and some other things to work out. Don and I grabbed a bite to eat and Ian just called and said he's on the way home with a U-Haul full of his furniture...and it has to be turned back in tomorrow. Tomorrow is my last day of school and my big program is tomorrow night. Then on Wednesday, I think I'll sleep all day!

THAT'S A BEAUTIFUL THING #18

This is Ian and his roommate for the past 6 years, Houston. He is from Dothan also, but the boys did not really know each other during high school When Ian heard Houston was going to Samford, he called him and asked him to meet him for lunch. They then made plans to room together. At Samford, you have to live on campus unless you are married or your family lives in Birmingham. Somehow, Ian managed to get them assigned to the same room, and their great friendship began. They pledged the same fraternity, Sigma Nu, and managed to stay roommates for all but 1 semester. They moved out after graduation, and into an apt. They then started another 2 years of grad school.

It has been a blessing that these 2 boys have hit it off so well. Houston is quiet...Ian is not. But, they tend to balance each other out. They have the same kind of families and were both brought up going to church and learning important family values and morals. They have looked after each other thru sicknesses these 6 years, and have studied together, played together, partied together, and cleaned house together....but not too much of that last one.

And, so, it has been a BEAUTIFUL THING to watch their friendship grow into a strong and lasting relationship. His Mom and I were talking yesterday and we said that we both felt they would be friends for life. We both agreed that we had been blessed tremendously that they had had each other for 6 years...God worked it out and gave them both a Christian friend to lean on. They are going their separate ways this week. Ian is moving back to Dothan to begin learning more of our family business, which will one day be his. Houston is going to work with a firm in Birmingham. But, they are managing to have 1 last fling. Next week, they are taking a road trip up thru NC, Washington, DC., Boston, New York and Maine...or as long as their money holds out! But, then...they both have to face the real world! And the contribution they make will be significant! May God bless them both as they begin their careers. May they always put Him first.

And, they are both so handsome...that's a BEAUTIFUL THING, too!

IT'S OFFICIAL !!!

Donald and I with Ian today at Graduation. Do we look proud, or what?

SCHOOL IS FINISHED......FINALS ARE OVER

This is my youngest,Ian, who will graduate on Friday with his MBA in Business from The Brock School of Business at Samford University. He has worked hard...played hard...and has met his goal. I am so proud!

THE PITIFUL TALE OF A PARTICULARLY PATHETIC PURSE

I tell you today a sad, sad story of how one woman slid down the slippery slope of pitiful purse use. I'm betting she has a sister in your town.

She bought a purse back in 1995 for $6.99 and 50% off, and she is using it still! And she's going to use that bag every day of the year...maybe for the rest of her life. In the sweltering heat of summer, the cool fall weather, the snows of winter, and the sunny springtime....she will be clutching this purse. She just ignores the fact that the bottom and one side are no longer the original light tan...they are covered now with car floor dirt, restaurant floor grime, and a little restroom floor yuck! The other side is covered by a large red stain that happened when she tried to open the little ketchup packet at Dairy Queen. Of course, that helps to cover the large cola stain that was left when the baby sneezed with a mouthful of Diet Coke. And even though at one time the shoulder strap was attached with two bright, shiny almost gold rings, a diaper pin works just as well to replace that one that broke. And, to her credit, it does match the other almost gold ring now that it has taken on a dull, gray patina. But, to her credit, she has tried to dress it up a bit with her collection of key rings....including the green rubber frog whose tongue lashes out whenever you squeeze it, and the one that is shaped like granny panties and says 'put on your big girl panties and deal with it'...along with the replica of the juke box that plays 'Stand By Your Man'...and my personal favorite...the one designed like a giant nickel, which, when opened, contains 4 lip glosses including Bad Baby Brown, Pink Punk Princess , Rockin' Rosy Red, and Luscious Lady Lavender. The key chains all jingle and shake as she walks and occasionally, passersby are serenaded by a little Tammy Wynette...but, hey, the kids can always locate her if they get separated. Now, she's way too busy to take the extra time necessary to change purses, and so it goes with her to work, to church, to her niece's wedding and to great Aunt Sally's funeral. Unfortunately, this bag may soon be cited for being a health hazard. She keeps an extra diaper for the baby in there, and just exchanges the good for the bad. There are enough p-nut m&m's, squashed milk duds, and assorted Mentos to provide a nice little snack for the kids. It's too bad that the plant Little Johnny potted for Mother's Day dumped over in it on the way home from school...the candy may taste a little gritty now. And all that soil is going to get under her fingernails when she goes diving for the cell phone. Oh, and that smell? No one has ventured to look, but I'm thinking it may have something to do with that Easter Egg they never found.

If this description matches anyone you know...it is up to you to do the right thing.
Quick! When she's not looking...grab it...take it home...and burn it! Or it may be safer if you just called the Hazardous Materials Disposal Team!
***********************************************************************************
DISCLAIMER: It is possible that this almost true story may contain a few exaggerations...but, most facts are presented just as they were seen by a highly reliable witness...who knows a thing or two about purses...and lots of other stuff.

THAT'S A BEAUTIFUL THING #17

THE SECRET OF HAPPINESS...........

This reminds me of a song I sometimes use with the kids at school. The title escapes me now, but some of the words are..."If you wanna be great in God's Kingdom...you've got to be a servant of all...". Wise words.

IN HONOR OF MOM....PART 7

ANNOUNCING...
This title says it all...

Sis, Mom, and Me

Mom and Me


"I LOVE YOU, MOM"

You are the best,
I'd want no other.
You're the only one
I'd want for a Mother.
You understood
The likes of me.
And ssid,"It's fine
To just be me."
You showed me love,
You made me strong,
You kissed my hurts
And punished my wrongs.
Through you I learned
How love should be
I'm more than blessed-
You're Mom to me.
I pray my boys
Will someday say
They feel about me
This very same way.
Then I will know
I've done all right;
Cause Mom, you're perfect
In my sight.

IN HONOR OF MOM.....PART 6

Here are the 3 boys who call me "Mom"...

******************************************************************************
OOPS! Here's a better picture.....

******************************************************************************
Seriously, I am proud to be your Mom!
******************************************************************************
"All your sons will be taught by the Lord; and great will be their peace."
Isaiah 54:13

SAMFORD INCIDENT....UPDATE

Just received notice that the security officer who filed the report about the gunman on campus this morning....was lying. He was extensively questioned by the police and finally admitted to the hoax. He is in police custody. Well....can you even imagine why someone would do that? Think of all the people that were involved and scared and inconvenienced.

However, as the president of SU said, it was confirmation that their emergency system worked. Everything was carried out in accordance with the plans and procedures which were in place. He stated that his biggest relief was that everyone was safe. To which I say, "AMEN", and just never mind about the new crop of gray hair that I sprouted today!

And, Ian....it won't hurt for you to just remember all those words of wisdom you heard from your Mom this morning! :)

A MOM'S HEART STOPS

I have been very busy with programs this week and today was the third one.(The biggie is still to come) Today we had our K-4 musical...72 4 year olds on 1 stage...and they did great!
After the program, my sweet boss, Bonnie, sat down and told me some heart stopping news that she had heard on the way out the door. She, wisely, didn't tell me about it until after the program. A single gunman pulled a gun on a security guard at Samford University this morning. No shots were fired, and the gunman ran away. The campus went into lockdown and the campus police as well as Birmingham police scoured the campus, but no sign of him anywhere. I immediately went to call Ian...no answer. I tried several more times and finally I got a return call. A very sleepy voice said,"What do you need, Mom?" He was asleep through the whole thing and didn't even know about it. He lives off campus...but close. His roommate was at home. So, all is well. But, what a feeling that is. Remembering the horror on other campuses just sends shivers all over me. The campus is secure and Ian is there now in the library studying for exams next week. He will graduate on Friday with his MBA. I always ask God to cover my children with His goodness and grace and protection. And He does. I thank Him for His protection of all the Samford students and faculty today. Of course, I had to do the Mom thing and remind him to be careful and not walk around by himself after dark and to watch out for strange characters, and to not talk to strangers and to lock his doors in the car,,,you know all the stuff we are taught to say in MOM SCHOOL. He just laughed and sweetly said, "Don't worry, Mom...I'm fine." And he is...thank God.

IN HONOR OF MOM....PART 5

Don't ever forget these words of wisdom...


******************************************************************************
You must NEVER make her look like this...

********************************************************************************
Remember...she can always do this...

IN HONOR OF MOM.....PART 4

DO YOU REALLY KNOW WHO SHE IS?........

IN HONOR OF MOM.....PART 3

There are all kinds of moms in this world. Moms who put up with a lot, who endlessly teach life's lessons, and are there to catch us when we fall...and with just a kiss or a nudge can make it better.





But we all like to get those pictures, don't we?

IN HONOR OF MOM......PART 2

She has to do a lot of this...every day...of every month...of every year..of forever.
********************************************************************************

This is how she really feels.
*********************************************************************************

Whatever you do, don't let this happen!