Crash!

"All things work together for good to those who love the Lord and called according to His purpose." I've repeated that verse to myself several times this morning. Why? Because on my way to work, I was hit by another vehicle. No, I'm not hurt, and I thank God for his protection. My car has a hicky on the right passenger side - knocked off my mirror and dented and scraped that area. The other driver was totally at fault and was cited for improper lane change (he was turning right onto street I was on and ran into me). Also, he didn't have his insurance information with him, so I'm praying that is not going to be a problem. I've reported it to my insurance company and have left it in their hands. There were three passengers in his vehicle, and they were all really nice guys and very apologetic. So, I pray that this will work for my good in whatever way the Lord has in mind. I'm certainly not worried about it - just thankful no one was hurt. On another note, I am THRILLED with the news that grandchild number 6 is going to be a girl! See how blessed we are????!!!!!!! Until next time, I love you Steve, Angela, Meredith, Ethan, Emily, Mitch, Jawan, Andrew, Luke and Stuart. Mom.

Another Change

I decided my blog page looked like a Texaco advertisement with the star, so I've changed it. I was tired of it anyway and needed a new "look." Maybe it will inspire me to blog more often. Can you believe two in one day!?! Later.

Changes!

Life consists of changes, most of which I like. This past weekend, I traveled to Columbus to help Jawan and family move to a new house. I love the house and hope it won't take them long to adjust and make it feel like "home." When I returned home, my boss called me (can you believe that!?!) to tell me of a major change at the office. Since I had been off on Friday, he didn't want me coming in on Monday and be shocked when I learned the news. Four of our attorneys are pulling out and forming their own firm, which will leave only five to carry on as usual. He assured me that the change would not affect me in any way. This is the way he put it: "The good news is that all of your attorneys will be there on Monday; the bad news is that all of your attorneys will be there on Monday." Ha, ha, I love his sense of humor. I told him I believed the good outweighed the bad. We've just gone through a major change in the office anyway and now this - oh well, guess that's what's called progress. When I started to work here 16 years ago, we had 18 attorneys in this office and a branch office in Pensacola with 5 attorneys for a total of 23. About six years ago, four attorneys pulled out and formed their own firm leaving 19 in our firm. Now, the Pensacola office has now broken away from us to become their own entity, which left 14 in our firm. In the interim, for whatever reason five others have moved on to other firms, which left 9. With the departure of the four this week, we are left with 5. Gee, that's kinda sad to see us dwindling down but, who knows, we may hire additional attorneys to take up the slack. I love my job, my boss, the benefits and the working conditions so I plan to be here until they kick me out, I get too old to work, or the Lord takes me home, whichever occurs first. ha. Ok, I know you were just dying to know all of this but I'll not bore you further. I will close by wishing a Happy Valentine's Day to everyone, especially my children (Angela, Jawan and Stuart) and grandchildren (Meredith, Ethan, Emily, Andrew and Luke). I love all of you with all my heart! Mom.

Just Chillin'

B-r-r-r-r- it's cold in south Georgia! I'm not complaining, however. The sun is out, I've been to church this morning, and out to lunch with friends. So, there's nothing to complain about. In addition, I had quite an unexpected surprise yesterday. Stuart and two of his friends dropped in (from Atlanta) and stayed about 15 to 20 minutes with me. They had been to a truck/car show close by and he knew he better not get that close without coming on to my house. Nothing worth writing about has happened in my life since my last blog, but I didn't want my child (No. 2) to have to remind me. ha. I am planning to go to her house this coming Friday to help with their move and yard sale. Then I'll try to get back in time for our church Valentine banquet on Saturday night. It will be a busy weekend, but I'm looking forward to it. Gee, my oldest grandchild, Meredith, has a birthday tomorrow - NO. 16/! Where have the years gone???? She is so sweet, so beautiful, and so talented. But, oh, how I worry about all the things she and Ethan (and all teenagers for that matter) are faced with on a day-t0-day basis. However, I pray for my children and grandchildren by name every morning, so I know God will take care of them for me. I love you so much, Meredith, and want you to have a beautiful, full and happy life and one that honors God. Ok, now that I'm on the verge of getting mushy and teary, I'll stop. Guess I'll go snooze in my recliner for an hour or two before going back to church tonight. Until next time, I love you Steve, Angela, Meredith, Ethan, Emily, Mitch, Jawan, Andrew, Luke and Stuart. Mom.

Obedience

Ok, I've been ordered twice now by my ever-so-faithful-blogging daughter to update my blog. Guess I better obey. It's been so long since my last one I can hardly remember what's happened in between.

I do know I was sick in December and missed a week of work, took a week of vacation the first part of this month and went to Florida to keep my three oldest grandchildren while Angela and Steve went on a cruise. It was a wonderful week for all of us with no problems (I didn't expect any because they are wonderful children). Angela and Steve thoroughly enjoyed the cruise (who wouldn't being in the company of David Jeremiah, Jerry Vines, Johnny Hunt, Gold City, etc. etc.etc) and came home still wearing their "sea legs." It was rather comical watching them grab hold of furniture to keep from falling. ha.

Since being back at work, we've moved our offices from one building to another, changed the name of the firm (actually just added a couple names), and are trying to find places for all our "stuff." I'm trying to get used to having my desk out in the open with constant traffice back and forth. Guess in time it will feel like home.

My "baby" turns 31 this weekend, so HAPPY BIRTHDAY STU-BUG! I don't know where the years have gone since he entered the world at 4 pounds 5 ounces (now 6'1", approx. 170 lbs). I'm so thankful God has granted good health, good families, and most of all salvation to all my children. I pray for each of them daily that they will stay close to the Lord, be sensitive to his leading, and be protected from all harm (as well as a mound of other requests). God is good and has answered many of my prayers and is still working on a lot of the rest.

Until next time, I love you Steve, Angela, Meredith, Ethan, Emily, Mitch, Jawan, Andrew, Luke and Stuart. Mom.

Sick!!!

Yep, I've been sick for three days with a horrible cold and coughing my head off. Today being Saturday, I had planned to finish my Christmas shopping, grocery shop, etc. However, this cold had other plans for me. I felt awful when I got up this morning, so I decided I would give in to it and just do nothing all day. I've spent most of the day in my recliner drinking orange juice, Diet Coke, Capri Sun and nibbling. Would you believe, I do feel better now! Halleleujah! Still coughing, but feel better physically. Hopefully, by morning, I will feel even better as I don't want to miss church. I did get a few more gifts wrapped this afternoon and washed the dishes. So, the day was not a total waste as far as "doing" something goes. I just knew you would want to know all that. ha. Maybe my next post will be a more positive one. Until then, I love you Steve, Angela, Meredith, Ethan, Emily, Mitch, Jawan, Andrew, Luke and Stuart. Mom.

Birthday #1

I drove to Columbus yesterday to attend my youngest grandchild's birthday party today. Luke won't be 1 until 12/14, but his Mom and Dad decided to party early. He is so precious but in the middle of teething and being weaned so he doesn't sleep well at night. Boy what a combination of problems for a wee one to handle. However, Mom and Dad are coping well, exhibiting lots of patience, and loving him through it all. The party was wonderful, and Luke really "got into" his own little cake. It was all over him in just a few minutes. ha. Andrew helped open little brother's gifts, and one guest even brought a gift for him -- a train set! Nothing Andrew likes more than trains, so I'm sure once Dad got it out of the box and put together he's had a blast playing with it. I don't know if the train was an early/late birthday gift for Andrew or not, but it was so sweet of the guy to think of him too. I got home this afternoon about 6:30, went by Captain D's and got me some dinner, and am watching Florida/Arkansas play football. You probably think I'm crazy for liking football but I just do. Anyway, I need to unpack my suitcase and do a few other things before retiring for the night. Until next time, I love you Steve, Angela, Meredith, Ethan, Emily, Mitch, Jawan, Andrew, Luke and Stuart. Mom.

Thankfulness Update

I just got home from Wednesday night church and feel great! I've been in a bit of a depressed fog the last couple of days, but it has lifted and I'm again counting my blessings. I could name several reasons but won't go into that at the moment. We are studying about Noah on Wednesday nights for a few weeks and, when you really think about his life, it makes you look at your own with a different mindset. Wow, he was 500 years old when he began building the ark and it took almost 120 years to finish it. Just think of the ridicule and horrible things that were probably said to him by neighbors and friends who had never seen rain; then the years it took to build - would we be willing to invest that kind of time in a project?; then when finished, he had all those animals to care for (hard to imagine the amount of food it took for the year they were on board); plus being cooped up and not able to go anywhere! You see what I mean? I don't have any problems. ha Of course, he was in the middle of God's will, which probably meant he had that perfect peace to enable him to cope with whatever came along. So, I'm thankful for all the people in my life (children, grandchildren, church family, friends, etc.), the "things" God has blessed me with, and the spiritual heritage given to me by my wonderful parents (who are now in heaven). Until next time, I love you Steve, Angela, Meredith, Ethan, Emily, Mitch, Jawan, Andrew, Luke and Stuart. Mom.

Conference

I attended the Women of Faith conference in Orlando, FL this past weekend and was blessed to overflowing. The speakers were some of my very favorites: Patsy Clairmont, Luci Swindoll, Marilyn Meberg, Sheila Walsh, Sandi Patti, Avalon, Thelma Wells, and a couple of others that I can't remember names of right now. In spite of the fact we were seated in the nose bleed section, it didn't hinder the blessings. There were thousands of women there and something for everyone. Not only was the conference wonderful, the ride there and back with Angela and the women from her church was great as well. They were a sweet bunch of ladies and made me feel a part of their group. Sixteen of us on that bus and my hat is off to driver and navigator. ha They did a super job maneuvering in Orlando. Naturally, I enjoyed the two nights I spent with Angela and family (one before and one after the conference). I am so PROUD of my grandchildren!! Until next time, I love you Steve, Angela, Meredith, Ethan, Emily, Mitch, Jawan, Andrew, Luke and Stuart. Mom.

Bits and Pieces

See, I'm doing better! Not quite as long between notes as before. Not a whole lot to report either, but something's better than nothing I guess. For past three or four weeks, I've been coping with tendenitis in my left wrist and thumb. It really hurts when I type and play the piano. Hopefully, as the scripture says, "It came to pass." Soon, please! Three of my friends from church and I went to a ladies' seminar in Pelham this past Saturday and really had a good time. We attended two sessions: one on spiritual health and the other on physical health. Both were packed with wonderful principles and advice. I enjoyed the spiritual health more but need to put both into practice. This weekend, I'm joining Angela and her church ladies for a trip to Orlando to attend the Women of Faith conference and am so excited. I've always wanted to go to that and never have been able to work it out. If any of you have read Jawan's blog, you know that my grandchild #6 is on the way (her third child). Wow! I knew they were planning to have another one or two but it happened a wee bit sooner than I expected. Oh, Lord, please give her patience and wisdom is my prayer. I went down that road once upon a time also, so I know she can do it. Tomorrow is her own birthday and I'm so proud of the wonderful woman she has become. I could write a whole book on my gratitude, appreciation, thankfulness, admiration, love and every other adjective you can think of where my children are concerned, but I'll save that for my quiet time with the Lord. Have a happy, blessed week. Until next time, I love you Steve, Angela, Meredith, Ethan, Emily, Mitch, Jawan, Andrew, Luke and Stuart. Mom.

October Doins'

It's been a while, so I probably won't remember all that's gone on since my last entry. But the most recent one is that Jawan, Andrew, Luke and I all went to Mississippi for my niece Lora's wedding. Wow, the wedding was beautiful, Lora was beautiful, Scott was handsome, and the food was delicious. She and Scott really did a super job in putting it all together. The Heartmen sang for the reception, which was a real treat. We stayed with Brian and Heidi and had a wonderful time chatting, eating, singing, etc.

Our Fall festival was yesterday at our church and was a huge success. Since a lot of the other churches in the area were also doing festivals, we were really pleased at the turnout. Had about 104 (or was it 140) and everybody had a great time. You should have seen the decorations!! Everybody, including members and attendees, were treated to hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, potato salad, etc. etc. after which we all "crawled" home so tired we could hardly move. At least that was true for me.

I'm in the middle of putting my Womens' Ministry pictures in the scrapbook and need to get that done before bedtime. So, this is probably my shortest entry ever. ha. Will try to do another one in a few days. Until then, I love you Steve (he had a birthday this past week - the big 40!), Angela, Meredith, Ethan, Emily, Mitch, Jawan, Andrew, Luke and Stuart. Mom.

"Fall"n Behind

Yep, I have fallen behind; seems like my procrastination just won't go away. Anyhow, its been a busy week or two (or more) between times that I'll try to remember what's been going on. Jawan and family took a week of vacation, came my way and spent one night (Sunday), went on to Angela's and spent two nights (Monday and Tuesday), went on to Orlando and spent two nights (Wednesday and Thursday), back to Angela's for one night (Friday), and back to my house for two nights (Saturday and Sunday) before going home. In addition, my nephew and wife were at my house the first night (Sunday), so I took Monday off to enjoy all of them. Worked on Tuesday and Wednesday and then took Thursday and Friday off, went to Angela's to play with her family plus Andrew (he stayed there while Jawan and Mitch went on to Orlando), and back home on Friday afternoon. On Saturday, I attended a ladies' meeting at First Baptist titled "God's Marvelous Makeover" that was really good. I could get used to tw0-day work weeks! ha. This week has been work as usual but I've enjoyed it. Angela and family came in town yesterday, stayed with Steve's dad last night, and will be at my house tonight before going home tomorrow. Of course, Steve, Meredith and Ethan will all go to the football game tonight while Angela, Emily and I hang out together at my house. Yard sale shopping is on the agenda for tomorrow morning, saying bye to Angela and family, and then meeting my pastor's wife at the church to clean it for Sunday. Our members take turns cleaning the church each week and, since there are so many signed up to do it, our turn only comes around once every three months. However, I feel it will be a bigger job today because of the construction work (sheetrock dust) that's been going on putting in the four new Sunday School rooms. We'll get it done, though. For next week, my ladies' meeting is set for Tuesday night. Other than that, nothing much exciting coming up. I have started my Christmas shopping; I received my digital camera in the mail that I ordered and am having to learn how to operate it; I am getting acquainted through e-mail with Stuart's lady friend, Jennifer; and all is right with my world at the moment. God is good!! I could go on and on but must stop for now. Until next time, I love you Steve, Angela, Meredith, Ethan, Emily, Mitch, Jawan, Andrew, Luke and Stuart!! Mom.

Yard Sale-ing, Etc.

Two friends and I had a yard sale on Saturday that turned out really good. I didn't have any big items but still did okay. One of my friends had some furniture (one piece of which I bought) and made a lot more than I did. We had lots of fun, strengthened our friendship, and made some "mad" money besides. God was good to us and sent lots of people to shop. I was so tired and grimy at the end of the day but being so tired, I sat down and slept. When I awoke, I was still so tired that I didn't have energy to get a bath. ha. Who cared?! It was a wonderful weekend with great services at church twice yesterday and out to eat with the bunch after church for both lunch and dinner. I love my church family! Just wanted to check in but don't have anything more to report. So, until next time, I love you Steve, Angela, Meredith, Ethan, Emily, Mitch, Jawan, Andrew, Luke and Stuart. Mom.

And I did...

I'm running out of creative titles for my blogging, can you tell?!. ha. Maybe I'll have a brainstorm before the next one and it will be more interesting. I've had a busy but enjoyable weekend. On Saturday morning, two friends and I went yard sale shopping, had breakfast at Hardees and afterwards headed out to Tallahassee to the big flea market they have seven days a week. After meandering for about an hour, we went to the Tallahassee Mall, windowshopped, ate lunch, and went to the movie titled "Undecided." It was a Christian movie and was very good. Last night I stayed home and watched the Braves and Georgia Bulldogs play (like last weekend, they were on at the same time so my recall button got another good workout). Both won, so the day was a total success! Today being Sunday, I was in church twice and loved every minute of it. This afternoon, I cleaned out my storage room in preparation for a yard sale of my own this coming weekend. The two friends that were with me on Saturday are also joining in with their "stuff." I'm sure Friday night will be spent with the three of us going through each other's wares to see what we want to confiscate before the sale. I'm so thankful for the blessings God showers upon my life in the form of family, friends, food, home, church, job, and other material things that make life more comfortable. I certainly do not deserve any of them but am so thankful HE loves me in spite of my sinfulness. As I age, I desire more and more to be what HE wants me to be. So, I'll keep trying. Until next time, I love you Steve, Angela, Meredith, Ethan, Emily, Mitch, Jawan, Andrew, Luke and Stuart. Mom.

Labor Day, Etc.

My Labor Day weekend was good despite not having any of my children/grandchildren at my house. On Saturday morning, my friend (Ramona) and I hit the yard sales until about 9:00 a.m. and had breakfast at Hardees as usual. In the afternoon, I went to my great-nephew's 2nd birthday party, watched the Georgia Dogs beat W. Kentucky, and went to the Labor Day Sing at the City Auditorium that night (Gold City, Dove Brothers and Simple Faith). Wow, were they all great!!! Sunday was spent as usual: Church that morning, out to lunch with a group from church, rest in the afternoon, back to church that night, and out to Dairy Queen after church with the group. As most of you were, I was off on Monday and spent the whole day laboring. ha. Vacuumed, mopped, washed dishes, washed clothes, picked up clutter, dug holes and planted two Sago Palms that I bought on Saturday, and topped the day off by watching the Braves shut out the Mets and Florida State beat Miami. (They were on at the same time, but I caught every bat and every play, thanks to the "recall" button on my remote. ha) I talked to both of my girls during the day, and they too were staying home (gas prices almost demand it) and enjoying their families. I didn't talk to Stuart until tonight, but he rounded out the brood and I'm so thankful they all three had a good weekend. So many of my prayers have been and are being answered for all of them. God is good!!! It was work as usual for me today but I enjoy my job and look forward to going. Don't have anything special going on this week or for the weekend, so guess I'll have to conjure up something. So, until next time, I love you Steve, Angela, Meredith, Ethan, Emily, Mitch, Jawan, Andrew, Luke and Stuart. Mom.

Week-ending

I know the weekend is not over, but I've had a really goodone so far. We had a memorial service at church this morning for Ralph Bowling and had a really great turnout. It was good to have Dottie back with us for a few days. She is going back home with her children to Ohio tomorrow for a couple of weeks to get all the paperwork finished regarding the funeral home, etc. We ladies prepared lunch for everybody and, as usual, I ate too much. Came home feeling really lazy and had to take a nap. ha. This afternoon, my friend (Ramona) and I went to see "The World Trade Center." It was good, but I was a bit disappointed. The documentary I watched on TV the other night was much better and was real. The movie focused on two families and just didn't do much for me. Oh yes, it did bring a tear or two but just didn't "grab" me like I thought it would. But, I'm glad I saw it. Afterwards, Ramona and I went to Taco Bell and just drank Cokes and sat and talked for about another hour. On my way home, I went by Publix and got some munchies and am now listening to the football game between Tampa Bay and Jacksonville Jaguars while I play on the computer. As I've said before, I love Sundays and am looking forward to being back in God's house with my Christian family. A group of us always go out for lunch after church and then tomorrow night after church everybody is eating together again in the fellowship hall. Wow, we love to eat!! ha. Ok, I bet I've shocked some of you by updating my blog so soon, so I'll hush so you can recuperate. But before I go, just wanted to say that my sweet sister called me this week and we had such a good telephone visit. It made my day and put joy in my heart. We're working on a plan to get together soon somehow. So, until next time, I love you Steve, Angela, Meredith, Ethan, Emily, Mitch, Jawan, Andrew, Luke and Stuart. Mom.

Thankful

Yes, I am thankful for a safe trip to and from Ohio this week. Eleven of my church family drove in two vehicles to Ross, Ohio (just above Cincinnati) for the funeral of Ralph Bowling, one of our dear, dear members. That was a long way to go for a funeral, but when Ralph lived there, he was not a Christian and had no affiliation with any church. Therefore, Dottie (his wife) asked if our pastor would conduct his service. It was a wonderful trip full of (1) fun with each other on the way up and back, (2) fear with the fast driving (80-95 mph) and near accident of our own, (3) tiredness, (4) sadness in saying goodbye to Ralph's earthly body even though we know he is in heaven with Jesus; and (5) memories made that will be with us forever. Our church is having a memorial service for Ralph this next Saturday.

I just returned home tonight from dinner at Captain Frank's (fish restaurant - Yuk!) with about 30 of our church members. Of course, I don't like fish and had chicken instead. The food was nothing special but being with each other was great fun. We have such a loving church family and do a lot of things together. One of our members picked up my tab, so that made it extra special.

This morning, my friend Ramona and I went yard sale shopping, had breakfast at Hardees and hit two or three other stores before calling it quits and returning home. That seems to be a regular Saturday morning routine now that Emily is not here to spend Friday nights with me. I miss her greatly but am adjusting. I'm building my movie library so that when she does come visit we can watch something different. ha.

That's about it for now. I have to go watch the Braves finish their game against Florida and hopefully win. They have it 4 to 2 in bottom of seventh but Florida has one on base and another up at bat. So..... Anyway, until next time, I love you Steve, Angela, Meredith, Ethan, Emily, Mitch, Jawan, Andrew, Luke and Stuart! Mom.

This 'n That

This is Saturday, and I've done my usual - yard sale shopped with a friend, had breakfast at Hardees afterwards, visited a couple from our church, made a run to Walmart (what's a Saturday without going to Walmart?!), and washed three loads of clothes. Sounds fun, huh? ha. The only sad part of the day was the call telling me that the husband of the couple we visited this morning passed away after lunch. He had cancer and has struggled for the last five years. Just in the past three weeks he began to miss church and finally lapsed into a coma this past week. Of course, we are all delighted for him that he is now in the presence of Jesus but sad that we won't have him among us anymore. It will be especially sad tomorrow at church when I sit at the piano as he won't be beside me playing the bass guitar. I have counted my blessings more than once today and am so thankful for God's goodness to me this far. It has been so hot outside that I have gotten a little lazy. I need to be putting out some plants around my patio and front of the house; I need to wash windows; I need to clean blinds; I need to clean carpets; I need to get my nails done; etc., etc., etc. But what did I do besides what I've already told you? Nothing! Watched a lot of HGTV (I LOVE that channel), nibbled, and played games on the computer. Oh well, maybe another day. I know this is just run-on chatter but felt I should update my blog before one of my children reminds me. ha. Until next time, I love you Steve, Angela, Meredith, Ethan, Emily, Mitch, Jawan, Andrew, Luke and Stuart! Mom.

Vacation!

I've had this week off to play with my children and all five grandchildren. Jawan, Andrew and Luke came down this past Sunday and on Monday we drove to Angela's. On Tuesday, we spent most of the day at Blue Springs Park; Wednesday was spent at the pool of a church member and to church that night; Thursday I stayed at Angela's with Ethan, Emily, Andrew and Luke while Steve, Angela, Jawan and Meredith went to Itchetuckne (?) to tube down the river; and we (Jawan, Andrew, Luke and I) came back to my house Thursday afternoon late. Last night after getting home, we went to Walmart for a few things, and I came home with a new computer (Compaq with a 19" flat screen monitor - sweet!!). The keyboard is almost like a laptop, so I'm having a bit of a problem getting used to the touch and spacing of the keys. Thanks to my nephew, John, for getting it hooked up for me. We bumped into him at Walmart, and he volunteered to come by and put it together. He's a computer nut, so I knew he would do it right - and he did! This morning, my new bedroom furniture was delivered and I have a mess now with all the things I had to move out of the room. Where in the world will I put it all?!?!?!? Anyway, Jawan and her babies left about an hour ago and I'm here alone having to readjust. ha. I love "home" but after a week with family, it is kinda lonely when it's over. Oh well, by tomorrow and Sunday, I'll be back in my "rut." The only thing that would have made this week better would have been having Stuart there with us. However, once children are grown and out on their own, it's hard to do exactly as we want and have obligations. But, Sweetheart, I missed not having you with us to make the circle complete! Hopefully, next time. Tomorrow, there are 33 yard sales in the paper, so I plan to hit a few of them. ha. Then, as always, I'll be at my post (the piano) at church on Sunday and giving thanks to God for all of his blessings. Monday, it will be back to work at a job I love and look forward to going to every day. Yeah, I'm weird that way, but it's the truth. So, until next time, I love you Steve, Angela, Meredith, Ethan, Emily, Mitch, Jawan, Andrew, Luke and Stuart. Mom.

Celebrating!!

Wow, I hope your July 4th was a good as mine. Now that I'm the "Grandma" of the family, I stay home and everyone comes to me. ha. Seems only yesterday I was taking my brood to Mississippi to their grandparents for special days. The tables have turned! But I loved having my two daughters, two sons-in-law, and three of my five grandchildren (two were at camp), as well as a neice from Mississippi and her finance all at my house for the holidays. Although we didn't do anything really exciting, just being together, grilling hamburgers and hot dogs, making a freezer of homemade ice cream, watching the fireworks, shopping, eating and eating and eating all made for a wonderful time together. I think one of my favorite things during that time was when we all went outside on 7/3 at night, sat on the tailgate of the pickup, and had our own celebration on my driveway with fireworks we purchased at Walmart. They were beautiful, small and made no noise - perfect for the little ones to watch and not have to worry about any big booms. My girls and families left late Tuesday but I had the whole week off from work as Lora and Scott were staying until Friday. On Wednesday morning, I drove them all over town (which didn't take long - ha) and showed then every place we've lived, the schools all my children attended, my church, ballparks, the Big Oak, etc. Then we came home and ate lunch and headed to Boston (Georgia, not Massachusetts) to a cute little gift shop I had heard about. We had supper at Pizza Hut and then went to church. On Thursday, I brought them to Tallahassee, showed then where I worked, and then to Governor's Square Mall where we ate at Ruby Tuesdays and afterwards did some shopping. I cooked supper for them that night and then they left for Mississippi on Friday morning. It was a great week! Thanks to all for the memories you left with me. The only way the week would have been better is if Stuart had been able to be home with us. His job didn't permit but we talked to him a couple of times during the visit. Maybe next time. This has turned out longer than intended so I'll hush for now. Until next time, I love you Steve, Angela, Meredith, Ethan, Emily, Mitch, Jawan, Andrew, Luke and Stuart. Mom.